The Concubine's Daughter Travels Through Time and Space and Takes the Road of Confrontation

Someone approached the Lu family, asking how they could ignore the future emperor's father-in-law. However, the father ignored them and continued to live his life behind closed doors. Meanwhile, rumors began to spread throughout Kyoto about Lu Rong's engagement to Lu Song, the son of the late Imperial College's chief academic officer, Lord Lu. Old Master Lu had retired, leaving only Lu Song and Lu Rong, brother and sister, in the capital. Lu Song, whose wife had recently died, was acting in an ambiguous manner and using vague words. Finally, Lu Rong let the cat out of the bag during a social interaction, and the next day, two maids were sent from Changchun Palace to the Lu Tong government office.

Although her mother hadn't explicitly stated it, Lu Yun could fully imagine how embarrassing her sister's situation must have been. All sorts of rumors were circulating, including, but not limited to, the claim that the eldest daughter of the Lu family had been tainted by thieves when she disappeared months earlier.

Finally, Emperor Wende, who was considered gentle and kind by everyone, took action and issued three edicts in succession.

First, the first-class title of Marquis Cheng'en was demoted to the third-class, and all the collateral descendants of the clan were sent back to their hometowns. Those impeached were taken to the Dali Temple to await trial according to the law;

Second, Li Yuanyuan's position as Xiangpin was directly abolished, and she was returned home intact and given another marriage;

Third, Lu Tongzheng was promoted to the position of Prince's Tutor and rewarded with a large sum of gold and silver.

By this time, all external affairs had subsided, and the Empress Dowager in Changchun Palace within the palace began a hunger strike, claiming illness. Emperor Wende, with unwavering filial piety, personally ordered that no one be disturbed while she recuperated. He visited Changchun Palace three times a day to pay his respects, wishing he could live there every day.

He even had to go back to take care of his sick mother in the middle of a court meeting. After several such incidents, the ministers, led by the Earl of Dingyuan, could no longer bear it and began to impeach the Marquis of Cheng'en for his improper words and deeds and the reckless behavior of his clan members.

After several times of this, the Empress Dowager finally recovered from her illness.

Lu Yun sighed, life in Kyoto is indeed so colorful.

Lu Ling was curious, "What did Second Aunt say that made my sister so happy?"

Lu Yun roughly told it once, and Lu Ling frowned after listening, "This is just the beginning. When Sister Rong enters the palace, Changchun Palace will naturally be superior to her. There is still a long way to go." That person is much more confused than the late Empress Dowager. When confused people do stupid things, they never care, and it is others who suffer.

Under the envelope was a gift list.

Lu Yun opened it and took a few glances. Then, remembering what her senior brother had said before, she advised, "Cousin, although Nanyue is not as prosperous as Kyoto, it is like spring all year round. I think you should stay in Nanyue."

"I had no intention of returning when I left Kyoto." Lu Ling picked up the list and put it in the box. "Qingyu said the same thing. He said that the Zhao family in Dingyuan Marquis's Mansion in Kyoto would be enough. My mother-in-law and concubine are behind, and the items on this gift list are expected to arrive in half a month."

Knowing that the Chunlin Waterside Pavilion was almost ready, Lu Yun got up and rushed over with her eldest cousin. At this time, Zhou Boli and Zhao Qingyu had just come out of Sansi Hall and learned that the princess had already rushed over.

Zhou Boli leaned sideways, his brows relaxed. "Master Zhao, I'll leave the finances to you."

Zhao Qingyu took a step back and bowed, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I will definitely live up to your high expectations."

Three days before the Lunar New Year, someone noticed someone had moved into the former palace. A brand new red lacquer plaque bore the large Chinese character "Zhao." As everyone waited and watched, the palace's steward, Zhou, personally led a group of people carrying two large boxes of gifts to the door.

A young man dressed in Central Plains clothes walked out of the gate. He had a face as handsome as a jade and a figure as slender as a bamboo. He led the housekeeper Zhou in with a smile and gentle conversation. The housekeeper Zhou politely called him "Sir Zhao".

Everyone heard the news and came to the Zhao residence with gifts. For a time, the Zhao residence was crowded with people and bustling with activity.

Mrs. Gui sneered and called the maid, "Go to the eldest young master's room and ask the eldest young mistress to come over."

A light-colored figure appeared in the hall. The eldest young lady of the Luo family lowered her head and knelt down, "Greetings, mother."

Mrs. Gui didn't ask her to get up. She just let her half-squat and finish her cup of tea. Then she said in a calm voice, "Get up. It's been a while since you entered our Luo family. The New Year is approaching, and I have to pay gifts everywhere. I'm busy at the moment. I have an important matter that I would like to ask you to do." She chuckled and said, "Speaking of which, this matter has some connection with you."

Grandma Luo lowered her brows and said, "Mother, please speak."

Mrs. Gui glanced at her and ordered the prepared gifts to be carried to the main room. "A new family has moved into the city. The head of the family, Mr. Zhao, has already become a senior official in the finance department at a young age. He now lives in the former Gong family house. You should take these gifts and go there to congratulate Mr. Zhao on his new home."

Grandma Luo's fingertips, hidden under her sleeves, gradually turned white. "Yes, mother." She stood up and left her seat. A light, mocking voice came from behind her. "It's better to not have your mother's family anymore. I don't have to go to the ceremony."

When Lu Ling heard the housekeeper come to report that someone from the Luo family had arrived, she was discussing with Lu Yun what flowers to plant in the garden.

"Sister, I'll be back soon."

When Lu Yun heard someone from the Luo family coming, she immediately followed them and said, "Big sister, I'll go with you to take a look. Maybe I know this person."

When they arrived at the small reception hall, Lu Yun stopped. "Big sister, you go first. I'll wait for you outside."

Lu Ling didn't say anything, nodded and walked into the small hall.

Grandma Luo sat quietly in the guest seat, head bowed, lost in thought. Seeing the visitor, she slowly straightened up, her eyes sweeping across the elegant face before her, and knelt to greet him.

Lu Ling smiled gently. "My last name is Lu. I'm new here and unfamiliar with the place. Please forgive me if I'm being inconsiderate."

Grandma Luo lowered her eyes and said, "Mrs. Lu, you are too polite. My surname is Gong Gui and my given name is Jin Jin. If you don't mind, you can call me Jin Jin."

Lu Ling looked away without leaving any trace, led her back to her seat, and handed her a piece of invitation. "My family is planning to hold a small banquet after the New Year. We welcome the ladies of your family to visit our humble home."

Grandma Luo put the invitation into her sleeve, stared at Lu Ling and stood up straight, her voice still soft, "Mrs. Lu, the princess of the palace also has the surname Lu, what a fate. I will definitely come to your small banquet in a few days."

Lu Ling stood up and asked Xiang Xing to see Grandma Luo off.

This is not the place to talk, so Lu Yun followed Lu Ling back to the backyard. The former Gong Jinjin was arrogant and domineering, but now she has completely changed. She is low-key and cautious, and speaks in a soft voice.

But Lu Yun felt a little worried for no reason.

Zhou Boli had indeed not touched the Gong family, but had simply expelled them from Nanyue. He claimed they were being sent back to their homeland, but in reality, they were exiled to the northeastern border of the Qin Dynasty, effectively exiling them to Ningguta. For the Gong family, accustomed to the Nanyue climate and a life of luxury, living now felt more tormented than dying.

Plus, every winter the Tartars in the north would invade our borders...

"The Gong family is the original owner of this house, and Madam Luo is the second daughter of the Gong family's first wife." Lu Yun chose to speak frankly. "Big sister, please have less contact with her in the future."

Lu Ling: "I think Grandma Luo and my mother-in-law must have a bad relationship."

Lu Yun lowered her voice and said, "Mrs. Gui and the late eldest wife of the Jiao family were sisters. They were a bit snobbish. Young Master Luo and Nanfeng were very respectful to each other."

Lu Ling nodded, "I understand." There must be a reason why the snobbish Mrs. Gui was willing to marry the daughter of a criminal official.