Does this mean that people with this kind of personality only become good after they get married?
Tan Lang knew perfectly well why Lu Mingxiu had come.
Official business was just an excuse. Earlier, in the Emperor's study, they had already discussed how to deal with the remnants of Prince Rui.
Tan Lang just wanted to see how long Lu Mingxiu could hold out before he could finally speak his mind.
The servant in the study had already brought out the second pot of tea. Lu Mingxiu had drunk a lot of tea, and Tan Lang was getting anxious for him, but he still hadn't gotten to the point.
If he drank any more, Tan Lang felt he couldn't take it anymore.
“A few days ago, it was our fault for not protecting the women in the manor properly, which frightened them.” Lu Mingxiu gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and then asked casually, “I wonder how that injured girl is?”
This abrupt turn of events, the questioning that was clearly ambiguous yet forced a serious tone, left Tan Lang utterly astonished.
Fortunately, he still spent a lot of time with Chu Tianze after returning to Beijing!
"You mean Miss An Jiu?" Tan Lang decided not to make things difficult for him anymore. If things continued like this, Lu Mingxiu would probably have to go back with a belly full of tea again today. "She is not seriously injured. She is currently being cared for at home by Yunniang to recover."
Was she kept at home to recuperate because she was unable to move around? Why did Tan Lang say she was fine?
Lu Mingxiu grew anxious.
"I brought some medicinal herbs. It was my mistake that caused her injury." Lu Mingxiu didn't bother to hide it and hurriedly said, "Please pass them on to me, sir."
Since Tan Lang had the intention of bringing them together, how could he let him go back like that?
“That’s easy.” Tan Lang readily accepted the offer and had someone take the medicinal herbs Qin Feng had brought—a whole large bundle. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow upon seeing it; the quantity was ample. Even if ten people were injured, this much wouldn’t be needed.
He gave the servant a few instructions, telling him to deliver the medicinal herbs to Princess Yunyang.
Lu Mingxiu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
I may not have achieved all my goals today, but at least I found out about her situation and delivered the medicinal herbs.
Just as he was about to take his leave, he suddenly heard a servant deliver a message saying that someone was requesting an audience with Minister Tan.
Although they were all important officials in the court, their responsibilities differed. To avoid suspicion, Lu Mingxiu seized the opportunity to leave.
"Mingxiu, wait a moment, I have something to tell you when I'm done with my work." After saying that, Tan Lang said to the servant, "Take the Marquis to the small garden for a stroll, it's quiet there."
Lu Mingxiu didn't think much of it, so he cupped his hands in greeting and followed the servant out.
He didn't see it, but after he left, Minister Tan revealed a meaningful smile.
Minister Tan pushed the books off his desk and went back to his wife to claim credit.
******
Lu Mingxiu strolled leisurely in the small garden of Minister Tan's house.
This small garden, located near the guest room courtyard, is not grand or luxurious, but it is quite unique and exquisite.
Not knowing what Minister Tan wanted to see him about, Lu Mingxiu walked up to the covered walkway while thinking about it. He stopped under a rose trellis, gazing at the blooming roses, lost in thought.
"Sister, if I can memorize it all by tomorrow, can I have an extra handful of pine nut candy?" Just as Lu Mingxiu was about to leave, he suddenly heard a little girl's voice coming from not far away. The innocent and charming voice made Lu Mingxiu look up. "Just a tiny handful, okay?"
A large Shoushan stone blocked his view, preventing him from seeing who was in front of him. However, since it was a woman, he instinctively wanted to move away. Just as he was about to leave, another voice rang out, and he could no longer move his feet.
"You little glutton, still thinking about eating candy? What if you ruin your teeth?" The girl's gentle voice was more intoxicating than the spring breeze in April. She smiled indulgently and said, "Then you can't eat any more candy."
The speaker was none other than An Jiuniang.
Lu Mingxiu rationally knew he should avoid the women, especially in private, and should be mindful of the girls' reputations. Ideally, he should leave now. But just hearing her voice through the Shoushan stone made him very happy.
Therefore, he did not move for a moment.
The little girl was still playfully teasing An Ran, who always responded gently and patiently. Laughter and cheerful voices came from behind the Shoushan stone, and Lu Mingxiu's expression relaxed.
In this way, he was able to "see" An Jiu at Princess Yunyang's house, so his trip was not in vain.
She was able to come out into the garden, and her voice sounded the same as usual, which finally put Lu Mingxiu's mind at ease.
"Sister, look at those flowers over there!" Jia Niang pointed to the rose trellis in the distance and excitedly pulled An Ran over, saying, "They're so beautiful!"
The two suddenly circled around the Shoushan stone, and Lu Mingxiu was unable to dodge in time. He stood awkwardly on the covered walkway, his eyes meeting An Ran's.
An Ran was the first to react.
Lu Mingxiu looked very unfamiliar today, and she was in a daze for a moment before she recognized him.
The moon-white robe with its dark pattern and jade-colored belt made An Ran, who was used to seeing Lu Mingxiu always dressed in black or dark blue clothes, feel as if ice and snow were melting away.
His previous coldness and sharpness disappeared, replaced by a gentle and refined temperament.
She wondered if it was just her imagination, but even though he had only changed his clothes, Lu Mingxiu seemed completely different.
Lost in her own thoughts, she soon took Jia Niang's hand and gracefully stepped forward to greet Lu Mingxiu.
"Greetings, Lord Marquis. Lord Marquis, this is Lady Wu's niece, Wu Jianiang." She then said to Jianiang beside her, "Jianiang, come and greet Lord Lu."
Today, An Ran wore a pink silk gauze robe with wide sleeves, paired with a pear-white silk skirt. Her hair was styled high, simply adorned with a few red-gold and pearl hairpins. Her slight smile made all the blooming flowers in the courtyard pale in comparison.
Standing next to her was Jia Niang, who wore a light green dress and had her hair styled in two buns with a pearl chain on each side. She looked lovely and adorable.
Jia Niang glanced at Lu Mingxiu and recognized her as the one who had saved her sister. She then happily came over to greet Lu Mingxiu, saying, "Greetings, Lord Lu."
Lu Mingxiu cleared his throat, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Ninth Miss and Miss Wu."