Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C7 – Good News

“Good News… Good News… Quick…” A horse rushed into the main road of Youuxi Town, shouting along the way.

Zuo Shaoqing found himself on the second floor of the Hui Yuan Tower when he was startled by the sound of commotion. This abrupt noise drew the attention of everyone on the second floor, including the storyteller performing on stage.

Zuo Shaoqing struggled to recall the significant event that had unfolded earlier in the day. He extended a courteous gesture towards the middle-aged man beside him and inquired, “Sir, may I ask what’s the cause for such jubilation? Why is everyone so elated?”

Before the middle-aged man could respond, an outspoken bearded man seated nearby interjected with a hearty chuckle, “Ah, my dear bookworm, have you been so engrossed in your books that you’ve missed out on such momentous news? How could you remain oblivious to such a major happening?”

Another voice chimed in, “Indeed, you do seem like quite the bookworm, oblivious to the world outside your pages. Have you heard about the conflict between our Great Yang and Beidi?”

At the mention of “Beidi,” Zuo Shaoqing’s memory was suddenly jolted. Yes, this was the year marked by the audacious actions of Tianfeng and Zhaoyuan, as well as the year when the once-troublesome Di Kingdom to the north had been decisively defeated.

It was also during this same year that the previous emperor had passed away, ushering in a fresh round of power struggles for the throne. Zuo Shaoqing was aware that the most recent heir to ascend the throne was none other than Zhan Yuanfeng, recently bestowed the title of Crown Prince.

This throne battle had been fiercely contested, resulting in numerous casualties. After Zhan Yuanfeng’s coronation, only two surviving princes remained: the perpetually inebriated fourth prince and the youthful seventh prince.

Zhan Yuanfeng faced significant challenges on his path to victory. Ultimately, he could only secure the throne thanks to the crucial support of Lu Zheng, who returned triumphant from the border.

Zuo Shaoqing appeared somewhat distracted as he listened to the admiration directed at the Duke of Lu from those around him.

“Young Eunuch Lu undeniably possesses the qualities of a legendary war deity. It might be more advantageous to release him rather than have him become a husband.”

“Indeed, the lineage of the Duke of Lu has a long history of serving as military leaders, safeguarding our Great Yang for centuries. It’s unquestionably a blessing for both Great Yang and its people.”

“I’ve heard that the young master ventured onto the battlefield at the tender age of 11 and took command of three armies by the age of 13. In just a few short years, he has completely subdued Beidi, rendering them powerless.”

“In reality, these circumstances were thrust upon him. When my husband was gravely injured and fell from his horse, he was left paralyzed. As his son, he had no option but to step into his father’s shoes and take up the fight. The Great Ancestor had once decreed that military authority in Great Yang should remain within the Imperial Family and Duke Zhen Manor.”

“I’ve heard that over half of the officials in the imperial court are wary of the Duke of Guo’s residence. They’ve even manipulated His Majesty with their cunning ways. They are nothing more than ignorant fools who only know how to manipulate the system.”

“He may have sinister intentions!”

“Certainly! If they possess the courage, they can test their mettle on the battlefield!”

“Oh, do you intend to deploy a cadre of intellectuals who are well-versed in literature and have never handled a sword in their lives? I doubt they could even lift a blade,” chuckled one of the onlookers.

Laughter erupted, and the crowd directed scornful glances at Zuo Shaoqing.

Zuo Shaoqing wore a wry smile as he contemplated his Youuxi Town, situated in the southeast, untouched by the ravages of war.

The mere thought that the man revered as the God of War would become his brother-in-law in a year made Zuo Shaoqing’s temples throb.

During the previous emperor’s reign, nobody dared to intercede on behalf of the Zuo family. However, once the old emperor passed away, the new emperor, influenced by Lu Zheng, tacitly endorsed the actions of the Zuo family. To him, the Zuo family, though minor, posed no significant threat.

Inside the Zuo family, it was widely assumed that Lu Zheng would advocate for Zuo family disciples to secure government positions in light of the impending marriage. However, in reality, he remained reticent and took no action, never acknowledging his familial ties to the Zuo family in public.

So, what was the reason behind Lu Zheng’s marriage to the Zuo family’s estate?

Some individuals claimed that her spouse had reached a favorable verbal agreement with Tutor Zuo, while others believed that Tutor Zuo had rendered assistance to the Duke’s Mansion. Additionally, there were those who speculated that Master Duke had taken an interest in Miss Zuo due to her striking appearance.

Even the entire Zuo Family subscribed to this notion, yet Zuo Shaoqing was acutely aware that this narrative fell far from reality.

This information had been relayed to him by Jiang Che. Her husband had previously been a student of Tutor Zuo, and Tutor Zuo had indeed contemplated the idea of marrying into the Duke’s family. Nonetheless, regardless of the opulence of the Zuo’s Mansion, it paled in comparison to the prestige of the Duke’s family, prompting Tutor Zuo to abandon such aspirations.

Curious about Lu Zheng’s motives for marrying into the Zuo Family, Zuo Shaoqing had inquired further, given Jiang Che’s inebriated state at the time. To his surprise, Jiang Che’s response was: “Do you believe I’m the sole virtuous man in this royal court? I have three wives and four concubines, with numerous offspring to my name. Master Lu, far surpassing me in virtue, has wedded a woman from a less prominent background and refrained from entering her chambers for several years. It’s quite comical; the Zuo Family perceives him as a good husband, but little do they know that Master Lu’s heart longs for Minister Yuan…”

Nevertheless, it wasn’t as though Zuo’s Mansion hadn’t benefited at all. Without this family’s support, the Zuo Family would never have dared to set foot in the capital. “Even if Zuo Shaoyan were to offer me ten more men, I wouldn’t risk opening that back door for him. But the rewards of this endeavor are simply irresistible. Trading a mere seventh-grade official position for someone as attractive as Qingqing, it’s an offer too good to pass up…”

He couldn’t help but feel that he wasn’t the sole one who had been forsaken. Unfortunately, he later discovered that although Zuo Shuhui hadn’t won over Master Lu’s favor, she was, in fact, a prominent State Duke’s wife of the highest caliber. Her beauty knew no bounds, and she was certainly not someone who would pine away in solitude.

In any case, Lu Zheng rarely stayed at home in such a vast mansion, and he never ventured into her quarters. She should have been able to lead a healthier and more peaceful life.

Zuo Shaoqing didn’t know within a few days after his death, Lu Zheng had given up Zuo Shuhui for being a “adulterer”. Not long after, Miss Zuo, who had nowhere to go, committed suicide by poisoning.

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