Lanting

Kapitel 139

"If living like that will make her happy, why should I bother her? Even if we can never recognize each other in this lifetime, as long as she is happy, what's wrong with that?"

Are you really happy?

"Yes, madam, I am very happy."

Are you really happy?

"Yes, madam, I am very happy."

How did you do that?

"If you want it, madam, if you want it, you can do it. A person's life is as short and fragile as morning dew. In this short life, one must taste all the joys and sorrows of the world. Madam, in your previous life you have already tasted pain, sorrow, betrayal, abandonment, shame, anger, hatred, and despair. Since you have already tasted them, do not linger any longer. In your next life, please taste happiness, joy, laughter, and delight. If you cannot taste the flavor of happiness and die like this, wouldn't you feel very regretful?"

Madam Lu was deeply moved.

"Aren't you in pain?"

"I am in great pain."

Are you angry?

"I am extremely angry."

Do you hate?

"I wish I could kill everyone."

Are you in despair?

“I’ve attempted suicide three times, because of hunger, because of cold, because of loneliness, and because of hatred.” Kiyomi Tsuki smiled and said, “I’ve experienced them all.”

Mrs. Lu suddenly asked with a hint of amusement, "Do you treat life like a dish to be eaten?"

Xu Yun stared at Madam Lu with wide eyes in disbelief.

"Why not, Madam? You can do it if you want. I once apprenticed under Master Shen of Shendao Manor and learned a skill from him. But please don't misunderstand, I didn't learn how to kill with a knife, but how to cook with a knife. I'll cook for you sometime. The Manor Lord almost ate his tongue after eating my cooking."

Kiyomi Tsuki smiled, a smile that radiated a beauty more exquisite than the most precious gemstones—a smile that encapsulated sorrow and pain, joy and happiness.

Madam Cai nodded with a beaming smile. Even a tough guy like Xu Lan smiled. Outside the painted hall, Lu Qingcheng was overjoyed. Everyone else was beaming, except for Qingfeng, who was lost in deep thought.

Xu Yun never dreamed that this would happen. She glared at Qing Jianyue with jealousy and envy, "Madam, how could you believe Qing Jianyue's lies? Life is such an unfathomable and unpredictable thing, yet he compared it to eating vegetables. This is just too ridiculous."

The smile on Madam Lu's face vanished without a trace, as if swept away by a gust of wind.

A complex and intricate light shone in Xu Lan's eyes.

Kiyotsuki looked at Xu Yun with considerable surprise. When she received the intense hostility and hatred in Xu Yun's eyes, Kiyotsuki wondered: What's going on? Is this Xu Yun? Why does she seem like a different person?

Madam Cai asked anxiously, "Fengxian?"

“Madam, you mustn’t fall for Qing Jianyue’s tricks,” Xu Yun quickly interjected. “Given his cunning, what kind of sweet talk wouldn’t he use? Who can guarantee that he doesn’t want to stay and plan for revenge someday?”

Madam Lu remained silent.

The people inside and outside the painting hall felt as if a fire had been ignited in their hearts in an instant.

Chapter 52, Things of Happiness

“Although your words may sound absurd, I must say I admire you,” Madam Lu said in a deep voice. “I can rescind my order to expel you.”

Madam Cai smiled and nodded in agreement. Xu Yun, however, paled, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief. Outside the hall, Lu Qingcheng and the others were all beaming with joy.

Madam Lu's face was stern as ice. "I withdrew my order to expel you entirely for the sake of the bigger picture. As for your disrespect towards me, I have not forgiven you yet. Therefore, you must watch your words and actions. If you behave in any disrespectful manners or do anything to tarnish Qingcheng's reputation, I will absolutely not tolerate it."

Xu Lan silently observed Qing Jianyue. Qing Jianyue was very calm, her eyes gentle and peaceful, showing neither the elation of being left behind nor the fear of being threatened. This made Xu Lan admire her even more.

"Let Qingcheng in," Madam Lu instructed.

Soon, Lu Qingcheng strode in and kowtowed to her mother to pay her respects. Then, at her mother's prompting, she sat down on the seat in front of the bed.

Madam Lu said, "I rescind the order to expel Kiyoshi Tsuki."

Lu Qingcheng was overjoyed. "Thank you, Mother."

"Don't be too happy yet," Madam Lu snorted. "Don't think that just because I've withdrawn the order to expel you, I can do as I please."

Upon hearing this, Lu Qingcheng cautiously remained silent.

Madam Lu continued, "From today onwards, everyone in this fortress shall address me as the Old Madam. My son has grown up, and his marriage must be arranged as soon as possible; we cannot delay any longer."

As soon as she said this, everyone in the room stared at her.

Lu Qingcheng exclaimed in disbelief, "Mother, you?"

Xu Yun stared intently at Lu Qingcheng, her breathing quickening with excitement.

“You’ve grown up and are now in charge of the household. I, your mother, can’t interfere anymore. Go and get married.” Madam Lu said, “You can make your own decision and choose the girl you like as your wife.”

Lu Qingcheng couldn't contain her joy. "Mother, thank you so much, Mother, thank you so much."

"However, Kiyomi Tsuki's words and actions must be completely like those of a well-bred lady. If he cannot meet this standard, no matter how much you like him, I will not allow you to marry him."

Madam Lu glanced at Qing Jianyue. Qing Jianyue's mouth gaped open in surprise, opening and closing like a goldfish in a fishbowl, but she couldn't utter a single word. Madam Lu sneered inwardly.

"Yes, Mother, Jianyue will definitely do it. He will do it." Lu Qingcheng's face beamed with a smile as radiant as a spring flower.