Chapter 43: She and the Heir of Count Yongwu

Standing on the second floor of the teahouse nearby, she could only see the profile of Zhu Yunxiao's face.

Even if it was just a profile, even if she couldn't see his full face, Yang Luo recognized him the very instant he stepped out of the restaurant.

After all, they were newlyweds who had been separated for less than two months.

However, she had never seen his face contorted with pain like this, as he had just been struck on the leg by one of A-Sheng's clubs.

Yang Luo couldn't help but smile.

In her previous life, Zhu Yunxiao was a famous, elegant gentleman in the capital—well-born, handsome, of good character, and skilled in both literature and martial arts. He was the most perfect husband in the hearts of all women.

Unfortunately, Zhu Yunxiao had been betrothed since he was a young boy. Later, even when his father-in-law died in battle and left only two daughters, causing the family's prestige to decline, he never abandoned them.

The noble ladies of the capital could only give up hope.

As for Yang Luo, she hadn't even dared to let her heart wander.

Even though she had been struck by his brilliance the very first time she saw him.

That was in a temple, during one of her rare outings to offer incense for her mother.

She had wanted to speak with her mother privately, so she had avoided her eldest aunt and the others to sneak into the main hall, where she saw a young gentleman kneeling before the Buddha statue.

The sunlight fell upon him, illuminating his upright posture and handsome features; a lingering sadness around his brow made his entire presence seem gentle.

The young gentleman prayed for his wife's speedy recovery, then bowed devoutly, remaining in that position for a long time.

She was momentarily mesmerized, until the gentleman sensed her presence and turned his head, his gaze colliding with hers.

Yang Luo pressed her hand against her chest; it felt as if her heart had stopped beating at that moment, and she turned and ran away in a panic.

Later, while resting, she heard that the Heir of the Marquis of Yongwu was paying his respects to her eldest aunt. Yang Hui ran out excitedly to watch, but Yang Luo did not go. She didn't dare, and she also had a small, selfish motive.

At that time, it seemed she felt that if she didn't go to look, that young gentleman would only exist within her own vision.

A seventeen-year-old girl with a budding heart was truly foolishly ridiculous.

Yang Luo gave a self-deprecating smile. Later, his devout prayers failed to save his wife's life, and Zhu Yunxiao became a widower.

The hearts of the noble ladies in the capital revived once more.

Although the Marquis of Yongwu had failed in his campaign against bandits at that time, Zhu Yunxiao remained a prime choice for marriage, even if it were as a second husband.

Even then, she still did not dare to dream of him.

Although she was on the Yang family genealogy and was called "Miss Yang," she knew that the high-ranking families in the capital did not view her as a noble lady, let alone a suitable match for marriage.

Unexpectedly, the House of Yongwu came to her door with a marriage proposal.

They said Zhu Yunxiao had taken a liking to her.

She remembered clearly the matchmaker relaying Zhu Yunxiao's words: that she was "of gentle and kind temperament, making her a perfect match."

She had been in a daze, wondering when Zhu Yunxiao had seen such kindness in her. Was it that time at the temple? But his wife hadn't died then, and she hadn't dared to ask, let alone mention it.

She did not refuse the marriage.

How could she refuse? She was mad with joy.

Thinking of this, Yang Luo raised her hand and slapped herself; the pain caused her own face to contort slightly.

How stupid.

Why hadn't she wondered why such a windfall had fallen into her lap?

Was she a peerless beauty or the wealthiest woman in the world?

This was clearly a calculated scheme.

Mo Zheng pushed the door open at that moment and saw Yang Luo slapping herself.

"Is My Lady feeling guilty? You needn't do this," he said. "Even if it was a divination of something that didn't actually happen, you were frightened during the process. If you take a little revenge, Heaven won't blame you."

Yang Luo was amused again as she looked at this young guard.

He had put on those gentleman's clothes again; no one would recognize him as the beggar with the bamboo pole from the street just moments ago.

He was skilled at playing the beggar, skilled at fighting, and could do so without being detected.

He was also skilled at traveling, skilled at making connections, and skilled at understanding every place he arrived in.

Yang Luo smiled, looking at the young guard. "Heaven didn't just refrain from blaming me; it even gave me such a great asset."

...

...

Walking into Qingshi坊, Zhu Yunxiao reined in his horse and looked toward a certain residence ahead.

The estate was grand and appeared imposing, but because the gates were tightly closed with no one entering or exiting, it seemed somewhat dim.

Zhu Yunxiao's gaze fell upon the two characters hanging above the gate: *Li Wei* (Establish Might).

These two characters had been written by the Emperor's own hand.

Years ago, when Dengshan was attacking the capital at a critical juncture, the Governor of Zhuozhou suddenly declared himself the Prince of Yan and conspired with the Xiongnu, threatening the rear defense.

Jiang Feng led his troops into Zhuozhou, personally beheading the Governor and pursuing the Xiongnu soldiers. However, he was severely wounded while repelling the Xiongnu. Although he was titled the Great General of Li Wei, he could no longer lead troops. A few years after Dengshan entered the capital to establish his empire, the old wound relapsed, and he passed away.

The current General's Manor was inhabited by Jiang Feng's wife, his two daughters, and the family of Jiang Feng's paternal cousin.

As Zhu Yunxiao's thoughts drifted, his attendant had already gone up to knock. The door opened a small crack first, and someone inside peered out. Upon seeing Zhu Yunxiao dismounting, they hurriedly opened it wide.

"Oh, the son-in-law has arrived—" The gatekeeper greeted him with fawning enthusiasm, then shouted inside, "Go tell the Master—"

"Which Master?" Zhu Yunxiao interrupted, his expression cold.

The gatekeeper averted his eyes in fear. "This... this lowly one misspoke. The Second Master..."

Zhu Yunxiao interrupted again. "Go inform the Madam that I have come to see Miss Jiang."

Before the gatekeeper could duck his head to go report, a maidservant had already rushed out from within.

"The Heir has arrived." She gave the gatekeeper a sharp glare, then said to Zhu Yunxiao with joy, "Madam knew you would be coming today and had us waiting early."

Zhu Yunxiao's expression softened as he nodded and stepped over the threshold. However, as he lifted his foot, his body stiffened slightly, and his brow furrowed.

The maid asked nervously, "Is something wrong, My Lord?" She then explained in a low voice, "Please do not be angry, My Lord. He is a distant relative of the clan; he is just a gatekeeper and knows nothing. Madam has already prepared to replace him..."

*Managing a household requires skill, not just the ability to replace people,* Zhu Yunxiao thought with a frown, but he smoothed his expression and said, "It is nothing, I merely stumbled." Having said that, he signaled for the maid to lead the way.

Passing through the front courtyard, they reached the Jiang family's main hall. At a glance, one could see a slender woman sitting and embroidering, a young girl reading a book, and under the eaves, an eight or nine-year-old girl practicing with a short sword.

Before the maid could speak, the girl spotted Zhu Yunxiao and, overjoyed, rushed toward him brandishing her short sword.

"Brother-in-law—!"

The voice drew the attention of everyone in the room. A smile appeared on the woman's face, while the young girl frowned with a hint of shyness.

"Jiang Meng!" she scolded. "Do not be impolite. What are you shouting for?"

Jiang Meng had already reached Zhu Yunxiao's side. Hearing this, she grabbed his sleeve with a look of grievance and shook it. "Brother-in-law, Sister won't let me call you that."

Zhu Yunxiao said, "Then do not call me that in front of her. Call me that in private."

With that, he looked toward the hall.

Standing beside him, Jiang Meng giggled; inside the hall, Jiang Rui also smiled, her eyes filled with playful reproach.

Watching this scene, Madam Jiang also revealed a gratified smile.