Chapter 352: A Display of Power, The Qingyang Grand Ceremony
Half an hour later.
The previously quiet and secluded side courtyard was now surrounded by a large crowd. The servants of the mansion, having heard the news, had all come to watch curiously.
Meanwhile, the younger generation, supported by maids, were gradually leaving, including the arrogant young girl…
But judging by her frightened expression, she had clearly been quite “shocked.” Even as she glanced back at Lin Tianlu, her gaze was incredibly complex.
But what shocked the mansion’s residents the most was—
That their usually dignified and imposing masters were all disheveled and covered in sweat, as if they had been thoroughly beaten.
“Is that Lin Tianlu truly so powerful?”
“Absolutely! I saw Fifth Master being punched out of the courtyard with my own eyes!”
“Look at Sixth Master and Seventh Master, they’re soaking wet, they just crawled out of the pond.”
“Could it be that Madam Ziyu and the others didn’t show mercy last night, but were truly… no match for him?”
…
Such whispers spread, and those who had witnessed the scene were stunned, they hadn’t expected this seemingly poor and insignificant scholar to possess such terrifying power, even their masters, skilled in martial arts, had been thoroughly defeated, a completely one-sided battle.
“Hu—”
Lin Tianlu smoothed his sleeves and looked around.
Seeing that the “challengers” were all incapacitated, he sighed softly and cupped his hands: “My respects, elders.”
“…”
Several middle-aged men struggled to get up from the ground, but there was no anger or resentment on their faces as they cupped their hands in return: “Likewise.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Master Lin, it has helped us improve our cultivation.”
“We misjudged you. You spoke with such gentle conviction, yet we resorted to violence, we are truly ashamed.”
They spoke in deep voices, their expressions filled with shame and complexity.
As sons of the Prince, they had diligently practiced martial arts in their youth, confident in their skills, and had gradually neglected their training after starting their families and businesses.
But they hadn’t expected to receive such guidance from a junior, gaining many insights in less than half an hour, even their long-stagnant cultivation showing signs of improvement.
And after the spar, they realized that although Lin Tianlu seemed to have beaten them black and blue, he had actually controlled his strength perfectly, pushing but not injuring.
Although they looked disheveled, they weren’t truly injured, his every move showing mercy and restraint.
“You’re too kind, elders.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and bowed: “My actions were also a bit reckless and presumptuous, I hope you can forgive me, elders.”
“You’re too humble…”
“Eh… Ah!”
Hua Shuya suddenly stumbled into the courtyard, glancing back at Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi in the pavilion with a wry smile. The two women were clearly the ones who had gently pushed her out.
Instantly, many eyes turned towards her.
Hua Shuya blushed slightly, but her heart calmed down, and she walked towards Lin Tianlu, whispering: “Master, you’ve been sparring with my uncles for so long, you should come back and rest now, there’s no need to… take them so seriously.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “Thank you for your concern, Shuya. But if I want to marry you properly, I have to make your family happy.”
Hua Shuya lowered her eyes slightly, her heart filled with shyness, warmth, and sweet happiness.
But the young woman suppressed her shyness, composed herself, and took his hand, saying directly: “There’s no need for you to worry so much, Master, I don’t care what my family thinks, as long as I can be with you. Besides, they—”
Glancing sideways, she glared at her uncles: “Why are you making things difficult for Master?!”
The men chuckled awkwardly: “Shuya, we just wanted to test his strength for you, not really…”
“Grandfather has already agreed, you’re just deliberately making things difficult for him!”
Hua Shuya rarely showed such anger, and she didn’t hold back, scolding them directly: “Now that you’ve tested his strength, uncles, you should go and help Grandfather prepare for the Qingyang Grand Ceremony. There’s no need for you to worry about me, now if you’ll excuse us.”
Although her tone wasn’t harsh or angry, her displeasure was evident.
They could only smile wryly, unable to retort.
If they had met normally, they could have still spoken to him with the authority of elders. But they had just received guidance from this nephew and gained quite a bit from it. If they were to say anything more now…
If word of this spread, it would be a disgrace to the mansion, making them seem like ungrateful wretches.
“Sigh! Forget it, it’s a matter between the younger generation, there’s no point in us interfering too much. If Third Brother were still alive, he would surely scold us.”
“Nephew Lin.”
The middle-aged man in the lead stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said with a wry smile: “Shuya has no parents to look after her in the mansion. If the Prince agrees, we naturally have no objections. But this marriage still needs to be discussed carefully.”
Lin Tianlu said seriously: “Please rest assured, I will make proper arrangements.”
“Nephew… please be more careful.”
Leaving behind a sigh, they turned and left without lingering. Glancing coldly at the servants gathered at the gate, they quickly dispersed with pale faces.
In an instant, the courtyard became quiet again.
“…Master.”
Hua Shuya’s soft voice broke the silence.
Lin Tianlu looked back at the young woman beside him with a smile: “Are you feeling better now, Shuya?”
“I’m mostly recovered.”
Hua Shuya bit her lip slightly, looked up, and sighed softly: “Master, I actually don’t care about my status in the mansion, there’s no need for you to worry about their opinions. As long as you’re willing to ask for my hand… I-I’m even willing to go to Changling alone and marry you.”
Hearing these words, Lin Tianlu chuckled and flicked her forehead:
“You seem quite different from when we last parted, Shuya, have you suddenly lost all attachment to your family?”
“It’s not that I don’t care about my family, it’s just…”
Hua Shuya murmured softly: “People grow up eventually, I can’t stay in this mansion forever, nor can I be bound by family ties eternally.”
Lin Tianlu’s smile faded, and he gently rubbed the young woman’s head: “It seems that marriage proposal made you quite unhappy, Shuya.”
“…”
Hua Shuya didn’t deny it, only lowering her head and remaining silent.
Perhaps, from the day she heard that she was going to be “given” to the sixteenth prince, her attachment to the mansion had weakened considerably.
The familiar faces she used to see every day, although not hateful or repulsive, now seemed… distant and cold. Even though she tried her best to hide it, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction and disappointment.
She had traveled to Mount Taiyi seeking a cure and longevity for Second Uncle’s internal injuries, hoping to alleviate his suffering.
But now, Second Uncle didn’t even object to that marriage proposal.
If she hadn’t had the presence of mind to challenge the sixteenth prince to a duel and decisively defeat him, humiliating him and dampening his enthusiasm, she might have already been forced into that engagement.
“Family ties are hard to break, they are still your elders, after all.” Lin Tianlu smiled gently: “But if you’re still unhappy, I won’t try to persuade you. I’ll talk to the old Prince and make sure you can marry me and leave the mansion to live in Changling County.
If you miss your family in the future, I’ll naturally accompany you back for a visit, how about that?”
Hua Shuya smiled serenely and murmured: “You’re always so considerate, Master. I just don’t want you to be entangled with my uncles, they’re all old and cunning, full of schemes.”
“I know.”
Lin Tianlu shrugged: “These princes control both official and merchant circles, and they also have connections with the military. After decades of experience, they’re naturally not ordinary people. But after we’re married, we’ll leave this place, and their schemes and plots won’t be able to reach us, there’s no need to worry too much.”
Hua Shuya blushed slightly, a warm and sweet smile gradually appearing on her face: “It seems… I was being overly cautious.”
“This smile is more natural and lovely on you, girl.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and pinched her cheek gently: “A sad and cold expression doesn’t suit you, it makes people worry.”
“Now that I’ve seen you, Master, I’m no longer sad or lonely.” Hua Shuya chuckled softly, her eyes flickering, a gentle and elegant aura about her, like a loving wife.
But as if realizing something, a strange expression suddenly appeared on her face: “Master, I just learned that you seem to have… a special connection with Aunt Tan…?”
Lin Tianlu was slightly stunned, then he chuckled: “It was a coincidence, Mother Tan’s ancestors and my ancestors had a deep connection. We met by chance in Wuxing City, and after some conversation, we established a godmother-godson relationship.”
“Godmother, godson?” Hua Shuya was taken aback.
Lin Tianlu explained softly: “I saw that Mother Tan was living a difficult and lonely life, so I agreed. After all, she’s your aunt, Shuya, an elder nonetheless.”
“But… but didn’t Aunt Tan want to…”
The young woman’s face was still flushed, and she whispered shyly: “Fall in love with you at first sight, Master, and be together forever?”
“Cough, cough, cough!”
Lin Tianlu coughed awkwardly, his lips twitching: “Who… who told you that?”
“I-It was Miss Youluo… She told me in the room.” Hua Shuya lowered her eyes shyly and chuckled awkwardly: “She even said… that you came here to take both me and Aunt Tan away from the mansion and marry us both.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu facepalmed and sighed.
What nonsense was she spouting again?
“Hu~”
A seductive chuckle echoed softly.
Youluo, dressed seductively and alluringly, suddenly emerged from behind the young woman, a playful and ambiguous look on her face: “I was just joking, little girl, did you really believe it?”
“No!”
Hua Shuya quickly shook her head, but her face turned even redder.
Lin Tianlu smiled wryly: “Youluo, don’t say such misleading things.”
“I was just joking, there’s no need to take it seriously.”
Youluo narrowed her eyes, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Although in her opinion, that Mother Tan, having practiced martial arts for many years, did have a good foundation and a natural beauty. Even though she was older, she was still quite charming and seductive, possessing a mature allure that young girls lacked.
If she could truly… savor this beautiful flower, experience her charm, it would be an incredibly intoxicating and blissful experience.
“Alright~”
Youluo put aside those enchanting thoughts and smiled, extending her right hand: “Give me that black jade bracelet from last night, Master Lin. It’s quite valuable.”
Bracelet?
Lin Tianlu was stunned.
But then he twitched the corner of his mouth awkwardly, taking the bracelet out of his embrace: “I’m sorry, I accidentally broke it.”
“—Eh?”
Youluo’s face showed a rare look of astonishment as she stared blankly at the black jade bracelet in his hand… It was covered in fine cracks, as if it would shatter into pieces with the slightest touch.
“H-How did it break?”
“I saw it flying towards Miss Shanghan and tried to stop it. But I didn’t expect it to…”
Seeing Lin Tianlu’s embarrassed expression, Youluo took the bracelet, a wry smile on her face.
“I truly don’t know what kind of monster you are, even a Fate Star cursed tool was destroyed by you like this.”
Lin Tianlu frowned, puzzled: “Fate Star cursed tool?”
“A mysterious artifact similar to your jade pendant, with an extraordinary origin.” Youluo put away the bracelet and said, slightly annoyed: “It’s not completely broken, I can still repair it.”
She rolled her eyes playfully and then suddenly chuckled: “There’s no need to feel so guilty, compared to you, this artifact is nothing special. I’ll just give it to Shuya as a dowry after I fix it~”
“Ugh!”
Hua Shuya blushed, turning her head away silently.
But she unconsciously reached out and gently held Lin Tianlu’s hand, feeling the familiar warmth and intimacy, a faint smile appearing on her face as she lowered her head.
…
Inside the pavilion.
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, resting their chins on their hands, watched the three people chatting and laughing in the courtyard, smiling faintly, their eyes filled with a sense of relief.
Lan’er poured them warm tea, observing the two madams’ expressions, her heart filled with surprise and curiosity.
Seeing their husband being so intimate and affectionate with Sixth Miss, why did they look so content?
Unable to contain her curiosity, Lan’er whispered: “Madam Mao, are you… very close with Sixth Miss?”
“Hmm?”
Mao Ruoyu put down her teacup, blinked her beautiful eyes, and then smiled gently, as if understanding her thoughts: “I do like Shuya very much, we had a very pleasant time together in Changling, and now that she and my husband have clarified their relationship, I’m quite happy.
She couldn’t help but chuckle softly: “Our family will be even more lively in the future.”
Cheng Yishi glanced sideways and snorted softly: “Your thoughts are quite strange, a normal woman would be jealous and angry.”
“You don’t seem angry at all.”
“Hmph~ What’s the difference between you and me?”
Seeing their relaxed tone, Lan’er was even more surprised.
These two Madams had such broad minds and open hearts.
Although she was just a servant, having followed Madam Tan for more than ten years, she had seen the infighting and power struggles between the wives and concubines of wealthy officials and even within the imperial harem, no less fierce than battles on the battlefield.
Such a harmonious and close relationship was truly unheard of.
However—
Lan’er silently glanced at Lin Tianlu in the courtyard.
Although the two Madams were kind and gentle, this Young Master also possessed extraordinary refinement and talent, and as Sixth Miss had said, his martial arts skills were extraordinary. It was natural for women to be captivated by him.
To be able to live a peaceful and tranquil life with him, perhaps one could truly let go of worldly desires and pursuits, seeking only warmth, peace, and happiness, growing old together.
“Perhaps Her Highness…”
She clenched her hands tightly, a glimmer of hope in her heart.
“Two Madams.”
Shanghan clasped her hands nervously and suddenly whispered: “Since the Qingyang Grand Ceremony is about to begin, I’ll be heading back to Jianggai County first.”
“Hmm?” Mao Ruoyu was slightly stunned: “Are you leaving now, Miss Shanghan?”
“This ceremony seems to be very grand and important, it’s not appropriate for me to participate. After all, I’m not a noble…”
Shanghan shrugged her shoulders and chuckled awkwardly: “And my senior brothers from the academy left yesterday, if I stay here too long, my grandfather might worry.”
“There’s no need to worry, I’ll accompany you~”
Everyone looked towards the voice and saw that Youluo had appeared beside Shanghan at some point, wrapping her arm around the petite young girl: “You won’t have a seat at the main banquet, little girl, you might as well come with me, it makes no difference.”
“E-Eh?”
Shanghan shrank her shoulders slightly and whispered timidly: “This… Big Sister, you…”
“Neither of us are ‘Madams,’ little girl, so naturally, we should sit separately.”
Youluo smiled and caressed her smooth cheek: “You seem quite talented, I’ll chat with you about Yin techniques later, it will help pass the time.”
“I can prepare another table for the two of you, in a good location without any disturbances.” Lan’er said respectfully, lowering her head: “You can enjoy the banquet first, Miss Shanghan, and then I’ll prepare a carriage and guards to escort you back to Jianggai County.”
Lin Tianlu, holding Hua Shuya’s hand, walked back to the pavilion and chuckled: “Then we’ll have to trouble you, Miss Lan’er.”
“It’s my duty to serve our guests.”
Lan’er clasped her hands before her and murmured: “Young Master, Madams, please go and freshen up now. The ceremony will be starting soon.”
…
The grandeur of the Qingyang Grand Ceremony was truly impressive.
As the sun rose higher, the streets and alleys of Qingcheng were filled with people from all over, the scene almost like the capital, businesses booming, the atmosphere lively and bustling.
And in the center of Qingcheng stood the largest and most magnificent pavilion in the city, already decorated with various ornaments, stone lions and tigers flanking the entrance, gongs and drums echoing, even outside the pavilion, hundreds of tables were set up to receive the guests and experts from afar.
Lin Tianlu had only briefly glimpsed it last night, but now, seeing it in person, he was still awestruck by its scale.
Looking down from the open-air pavilion, the crowd stretched as far as the eye could see, even many local residents had gathered to watch the festivities. The stone lions in front of the pavilion were several zhang tall, lanterns and red decorations adorning the entrance, a grand and majestic sight.
“I’ve never seen such a lively scene in my life.”
Mao Ruoyu casually brushed her hair and leaned against the railing, looking at the red platforms at the four corners of the pavilion square, her ample bosom pressing against the fabric of her dress, almost spilling out.
She looked closely for a moment and murmured: “Is that where Prince Zhengyang will appear later?”
“Indeed.” Cheng Yishi also looked over, her gaze narrowing slightly: “I can see some armed guards above, I wonder what the old Prince is planning.”
They still remembered the rumors they had heard before entering Qingcheng, some even suggesting that the Zhengyang Prince was planning a rebellion.
But now, with the mansion guards stationed openly outside, as if deliberately showing off their presence, was this— “The old Prince has his own plans, there’s no need for you to worry.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu and the others looked back and saw Mother Tan, supported by Hua Shuya and Lan’er, entering the pavilion.
Her elegant and beautiful gauze dress swayed gracefully with her every step, her figure alluring and dignified. And Hua Shuya beside her was also exquisitely beautiful, like a cold and ethereal fairy who had descended to the mortal world.
They looked almost like sisters.
Lin Tianlu asked in surprise: “Mother Tan, when did you return?”
“I arrived at the mansion about a stick of incense ago.”
Mother Tan parted her lips slightly and said with a serious expression: “I just went to talk to a few of the elders about Shuya, she can sit with us at the banquet today, there’s no need for her to be with the other members of the mansion.”
Hua Shuya smiled faintly: “Thanks to your help, Aunt Tan.”
Mother Tan waved her hand casually: “Come and sit down, don’t just stand there.”
“Eh?” Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes: “Are we sitting here in the pavilion?”
“The scenery here is quite nice, open and refreshing, with a good view of the ceremony.” Mother Tan gracefully sat down, smoothing her skirt: “The food and drinks will be served shortly.”
Lin Tianlu asked curiously: “Mother Tan, is this… appropriate?”
“The mansion wouldn’t refuse my request. It’s just a few extra seats, no trouble at all.” Mother Tan placed her hands on her lap and said softly: “As for those other two young ladies, I’ve arranged for them to sit in a private room next door, no one will disturb them. You can go and visit them later if you want.”
Lin Tianlu was slightly surprised.
To be able to casually make such arrangements even for the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion’s grand ceremony… Mother Tan’s position in the mansion seemed to have changed drastically.
But remembering Mother Tan’s tragic past, he didn’t pry. And Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi also seemed to have guessed something, simply nodding in agreement.
Mother Tan glanced at them and said casually: “There’s no need to guess, it’s just that my status in the palace has improved, and the old Prince also feels guilty towards me, so he naturally listens to me, that’s all.”
Hua Shuya added softly: “Aunt Tan has basically regained her status as a princess these past few years, she’s quite favored by the current emperor and has even been given the title of ‘Princess Anqing’.”
“I see.”
Lin Tianlu suddenly understood.
“Alright, let’s not talk about my affairs.”
Mother Tan smiled faintly and looked at Lin Tianlu: “Tianlu, I heard from Lan’er about what you did at the mansion earlier.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “I’ve embarrassed you, Mother Tan, and perhaps caused some trouble…”
“What trouble?”
Mother Tan chuckled softly: “Leaving aside the younger generation in the mansion, those sons of the Hua family, although they’ve left the mansion and started their own families and businesses, they grew up watching the old Prince on the battlefield, they’re all stubborn martial fanatics at heart.
Although they might not say it out loud, they’re all grateful for your guidance, perhaps they’re even trying to cultivate and practice during the banquet now.”
Her eyes were filled with a gentle and appreciative look:
“Your adaptability and resourcefulness are truly remarkable, Tianlu. Your actions have subtly earned you respect and popularity within the mansion, more effective than a thousand words.”
“You flatter me, Mother Tan.”
“And your handling of Madam Ziyu last night is also commendable.” Mother Tan continued: “She has great ambitions and hidden motives, it’s a good thing to teach her a lesson.”
Cheng Yishi frowned slightly: “What are Madam Ziyu’s motives?”
“Just some information I gathered secretly.”
Mother Tan’s smile faded slightly, and she said in a low voice: “She has connections with other factions outside the mansion. The recent incident in the mansion might be her doing, we have to be careful. But she definitely didn’t expect you, Tianlu, with your extraordinary abilities, to appear and deal her a blow.”
After a moment of silence, she looked at the others who were deep in thought and smiled gently: “Forget it, today is a joyous occasion, there’s no need to dwell on these troublesome matters, let’s talk about your and Shuya’s marriage, Tianlu.”
“Eh?”
This sudden change of topic made Hua Shuya, who had been sitting quietly, freeze, a blush appearing on her cheeks, the coldness in her demeanor vanishing instantly.
“Aunt Tan, why are you suddenly…”
“Tianlu has already been married to Ruoyu and Yishi for months, do you really want to be left behind?” Mother Tan took the young woman’s hand and smiled faintly: “You two are already in love, there’s no need to hesitate. I’ll choose an auspicious date for your wedding, so those people in the mansion will stop gossiping.
And after the wedding, you can return to Changling with Tianlu and settle down there. You can always come back and visit during the holidays.”
“W-Wait a moment.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly: “Mother Tan, Shuya is still the Prince’s granddaughter, isn’t this a bit too hasty?”
“We’ll keep everything simple.”
Mother Tan brushed her hair and looked back at him with a gentle smile: “But if you prefer a grand and lavish ceremony, I can also arrange it.”
“No need!” Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya quickly raised their hands and said simultaneously.
“It seems I understand your thoughts.”
Mother Tan chuckled and nodded: “With me presiding over the wedding, the others in the mansion won’t say much. After a simple ceremony, you two can consummate your marriage.”
“Mmm!”
Hua Shuya was speechless with shyness.
Th-This was too fast, how did they suddenly get to the topic of consummation…
Lin Tianlu also chuckled awkwardly.
He hadn’t expected Mother Tan to be so straightforward and decisive.
