Exclusively for the Marchioness – CH 048

Chapter 48

She poured cup after cup of Zhuyeqing wine, taking a small sip and slowly savoring it. The fragrance of bamboo leaves mingled with the aroma of the wine, spreading throughout her mouth before she swallowed, leaving a warm trail down her throat.

After just a few cups, the wine pot was empty.

The palace servants, seeing that Marchioness Lu appeared quiet and scholarly, yet sat quietly at the table, silently finishing the entire pot of wine, hesitated whether to offer her another.

But Du Lingjing sensed that others in the banquet hall had also noticed her drinking alone. That would not be good. She rose and walked towards the covered walkway under the trees at the back of the banquet hall.

A century-old pine tree stood in the flowerbed outside the corridor, its verdant branches still vibrant even in the depths of winter.

The place was secluded, sparsely populated. Du Lingjing walked over, heard the wind rustling through the ancient pine, and sat down, enjoying the breeze with the tree.

The smell of wine was carried by the wind through the corridor.

Someone was peeking through the latticed window behind the wall.

It was Lady Yang, Yang Jinyu.

The old woman watching Du Lingjing glanced at her several times.

“Why has she not gone to make a scene with the Marquis? Everyone else has drunk a pot of wine and is already drunk, either crying or laughing. Why is this Marchioness Lu so quiet? Just sitting here enjoying the breeze. Even that old pine tree next to her makes more noise than she does.”

“A little more wind and she will sober up.”

Yang Jinyu could not understand it either. She herself had not fully prepared her words and could not even fully believe them, yet Marchioness Lu believed them, but she only expected this Marchioness Lu to start a fight with the Marquis, only to see Marchioness Lu remain quiet and silent, calmly enjoying the courtyard scenery.

The mistress and servant looked at each other, neither understanding what the Marchioness Lu was thinking.

The wind under the latticed window was quite strong, and Lady Yang’s head began to ache. Angrily, she flung her sleeve and left.

As she left, the maidservant hurriedly followed.

Qiu-Lin brought over a cloak and whispered to Du Lingjing, “That eldest daughter of the Yang family has been secretly watching Madam for a long time.”

Du Lingjing noticed.

“I know she’s watching me, and I know what she meant by saying that to me. She simply wants me to start a fight with the Marquis. The bigger the fight, the more embarrassed the Marquis will be, and that will suit her wishes,” she said, shaking her head helplessly with a laugh. “But the Marquis has gone to great lengths to win over the Flicking Faction, meticulously planning every step. Would he give up just because someone makes a fuss?”

He could not possibly be unaware of the principle that a small act of impatience could ruin a great plan, given his profound and composed nature.

“Lady Yang is oversimplifying things.”

She smiled again, and Qiu-Lin saw that her smile was like a snowflake falling from the sky, somewhat cold, barely visible at the corner of her mouth, quickly melting away.

“Besides, we’ve been married for several months, and the Marquis has treated me extremely well. Whatever his intentions, we should not hinder his important plans. So, Lady Yang is destined not to see me cause trouble.”

She spoke lightly, but Qiu-Lin looked at her, smelling the strong scent of alcohol on her, and could not help but ask.

“But why is Madam drinking so much?”

She saw her mistress pause slightly, then her eyes lit up with a sparkling joy.

“It’s Zhuyeqing.” Du Lingjing smiled, saying she had not drunk Zhuyeqing in a long time. “Back in Qingzhou, Third Young Master would always bury a jar of Zhuyeqing in the bamboo forest. We’d dig it out by peeling back layers of bamboo leaves, and even the jar would be infused with the fragrance of bamboo.”

But each time he dug it out, Third Young Master would only pour her a small cup.

She was dissatisfied and asked him to pour her a whole pot to try, but he just shook his head and refused.

“I know Quan Quan has a good capacity for alcohol, but one should not drink too much. A cup is pleasant, but a whole pot will only add to one’s worries.” He would not let her drink more, and every time he saw her wine cup was empty, he would take it from her hand.

She deliberately would not let go, looking into his eyes, seeing if he would soften his stance.

Third Young Master could not resist her gaze, so he would pour her another half cup and then take the cup away beforehand.

“Drink again next time.”

Next time…why did he not pour her any more wine?

A gust of wind blew down a cluster of pine needles from the ancient pine tree, landing on Du Lingjing’s shoulder and gently pricking her.

“I did not expect the palace servants to bring out Zhuyeqing,” Du Lingjing said to Qiu-Lin. “I could not control myself and drank too much.”

Qiu-Lin thought that might not be the reason and tossed the fallen pine needles off her shoulder.

“Madam, do not stand in the wind here; it will give you a headache.”

Du Lingjing said she was fine. Her eyes, which had been lowered, looked up at the sky, where the stars were hidden behind pine needles.

“I just…miss Third Young Master a little. I wonder what he’s doing up there. Is he drinking Zhuyeqing too?”

Qiu-Lin saw her smile and wondered if she was a little drunk.

Du Lingjing felt she was not drunk; she was just thinking about many things from the past.

Thinking about her father’s mourning period ending and his preparation to return to the capital to resume his post, she felt a pang of reluctance. Even though she did not want to return to the capital and wanted to stay in Qingzhou at the Mian Tower and with Third Young Master, she hesitated to stay by her father’s side to care for him.

Upon hearing this, Third Young Master told her not to hesitate, “If you do not go, I will stay with you in Qingzhou. If you go to the capital, I will also rent a small house there; it will be good to see more people.”

He spoke very simply, but she knew he, like herself, did not particularly like the capital. That city was too vast and complex, the people’s thoughts too intricate, and true feelings were hard to fathom amidst the comings and goings, let alone genuine intentions.

It was indeed true. Even brothers as close as Shao Boju and Hu Tinglan, who had shared life and death, gradually drifted apart after entering the capital and the officialdom. Not to mention the powerful officials and nobles immersed in it, who did not have multiple faces? Unpredictable and fickle.

But neither her father nor Third Young Master could have imagined that one day she too would be trapped in the capital.

She wanted to return to Qingzhou.

But how could she escape?

The stars swirled, and Du Lingjing, having lost her appetite for conversation, called to Qiu-Lin, “You may go now. I will sit a little longer and then return to the hall.”

Qiu-Lin, seeing her expression as if blown away by the night wind, said, “Then Madam, please return early. And do not drink any more wine when you get back.”

“I know.”

Qiu-Lin left, turning back several times.

The banquet hall was filled with people toasting each other and lights flickering. But the night wind only blew through the corridor, reaching this section where she sat alone.

Du Lingjing sat for a little longer, not yet intending to return to the hall, when footsteps approached. She turned to see that it was the Old Madam of the Dou family, accompanied by her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law, passing by.

She looked over, and they saw her too.

The entire court knew that the Dou family and Marquis Lu were at odds. Du Lingjing, upon encountering the women of the other family, instinctively avoided eye contact. Du Lingjing turned away, pretending not to see them, and continued to enjoy the breeze under the eaves.

However, as the women of the Dou family, supporting the Old Madam, passed by, the Old Madam paused. With only a step between them, the Old Madam suddenly spoke to her.

“Child, you’ve drunk wine; do not let the wind blow on you.”

She waved to her as she spoke.

The moment her words fell, a silence fell over the eaves and the surrounding area. The women of the Dou family were extremely embarrassed, assuming the Old Madam had not recognized her and thought this Marchioness Lu was a junior member of their family. The Old Madam, without losing her composure, smiled apologetically at Du Lingjing.

Du Lingjing did not feel anything amiss. Seeing the frail old matriarch constantly looking at her, she thought, “I should go back inside and warm up.”

For some reason, she felt as if she were seeing the old grandmothers from the Qingzhou clan who often sunbathed in front of the ancestral hall.

They would ask her, “Jing-niang, going to Mian Tower again? You cannot finish reading all that, rest your eyes…”

Du Lingjing felt a burning pang of sadness.

Perhaps the old matriarch of the Dou family had truly mistaken her for a junior member of the family, but this was probably one of the few genuine feelings in this vast capital.

She readily agreed and stood up. “Thank you for reminding me.”

Amidst the awkward and flustered expressions of the Dou family women, the old matriarch smiled kindly at her. Du Lingjing also smiled slightly.

She returned to the hall, and the people outside gradually returned as well.

After a while, the Emperor and the Noble Consort returned to their seats at the head of the table. The Empress, of course, did not return. The Emperor and his ministers exchanged auspicious words for the coming year. The Noble Consort, on behalf of the Empress, also offered a few words of encouragement to the officials and their wives.

The singing and dancing gradually ceased, and the palace banquet came to an end.

Du Lingjing followed the others outside. The night breeze at Taiye Lake was even stronger than during the day. When Du Lingjing reached the vicinity of the plum grove, she saw Chong-An running towards her from afar.

He stepped forward and bowed, explaining that the Marquis was being entangled by a group of dukes, marquises, earls, and their sons, and that he had two more gatherings to attend at a restaurant outside the palace, making it impossible for him to return home tonight.

Du Lingjing understood, “I can go back on my own.”

But Chong-An quickly said, “Madam, please do not worry. The Marquis said he will be here soon to speak with you for a few minutes before attending the gatherings.”

He wanted to speak with her before going to the gatherings? Du Lingjing could only wait for him deep within the plum grove.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, he arrived.

The moonlight bathed him. He had just changed into a yellow-brown brocade robe embroidered with daylilies and yellow flowers. Now, walking confidently under the moonlight, his radiance seemed to draw the stars and moon upon him. He came from the bridge over the broken, flowing water. The area was mostly populated by women, and as soon as he stepped onto the arched bridge, all their eyes were on him.

Everyone seemed captivated by his imposing figure. The bridge lights cast his shadow, highlighting his handsome, deep-set features, and beneath his straight nose, a gentle, slightly intoxicated smile played on his lips. He descended from the top of the arched bridge, his long legs in black boots swaying from his narrow waist, each step seemingly treading on the heart.

Du Lingjing noticed several young ladies and girls, their faces flushed with shyness, avoiding his gaze. Du Lingjing smiled and also averted her gaze.

But he quickly wove through the crowd, heading straight for the plum grove. He strode up to her.

“What can I do for you, Lord Marquis?” she asked.

But as soon as she spoke, the man smelled the strong scent of alcohol on her.

“Why did you drink so much?”

He sniffed it again. “Zhuyeqing?”

Du Lingjing noticed his previously gentle expression change; his gaze met hers. Du Lingjing turned her head away slightly.

“It was brought by the palace servants,” she had to explain.

But he pursed his lips and remained silent, his gaze sweeping down. The crowd quickly dispersed, and in a short while, only the two of them remained in the plum grove. The plum grove was quiet, as if shutting out the sounds of the outside world. For a moment, only the moonlight quietly flowed across the budding plum blossoms on the branches.

“Is there something you need, Lord Marquis?”

Seeing his silence, she could only ask again.

Both of them reeked of alcohol, the smell swirling between them. Their breathing was heavier than usual, and Du Lingjing, seeing him remain silent, felt her breathing become inexplicably heavier. He could have just told her what he wanted.

But he did not say a word. Instead, he suddenly raised his hand, placed his hand behind her ear, and gently stroked her cheek with the calloused tip of his thumb.

She was completely enveloped in the scent of Zhuyeqing; her face was flushed from the alcohol, and even her hair and lips were filled with the fragrance of bamboo.

The man remained silent. Du Lingjing did not know what he meant, but he suddenly lowered his head and kissed her lips.

His breath was domineering, heavy, and irresistible, carrying the scent of alcohol. The moment it touched her lips, it suppressed the bamboo leaf fragrance emanating from her.

But he was not satisfied. The hand behind her ear pulled her closer to him, forcing her to tilt her head back and accept the pressure of his lips.

Du Lingjing involuntarily raised her hand and pressed it against his chest.

She wanted to push him away and break free from his embrace. Just as she made that intention, he pulled her close, drawing her into his embrace, and even bit her lip.

Du Lingjing was no match for him and could only submit to his actions.

The bamboo scent on her body had almost completely dissipated, leaving only his breath enveloping her from head to toe.

He then loosened his grip slightly, saying in a low, husky voice,

“Do not drink Zhuyeqing anymore.”

Du Lingjing did not want to talk to him and turned to leave.

The man gripped her wrist tightly, refusing to let go, “Quan Quan…”

Although his grip was strong, his voice softened helplessly.

“I have not told you anything yet.”

“What does Your Lordship want to say?” Her voice lowered slightly, avoiding his eyes.

The man sighed inwardly, saying it was nothing, and gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

“I cannot accompany you home tonight. It’s quite a journey from here, out of the palace gates to the carriage, and I am afraid the night air will be chilly.”

He took off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders.

“Wear this home.”

Du Lingjing could not help but glance at him. He was still thinking about this…

She said it was not necessary. “My Lord has two more gatherings to attend tonight; it’s better if you wear it.” Her voice finally softened again, and Lu Shenru stopped her from taking it off.

“As long as my wife wears it, how could I be cold?” He chuckled softly.

Du Lingjing listened to this completely illogical statement and could not help but look at him silently again.

He then called Qiu-Lin to go back and made her some hangover soup and instructed her, “Go to sleep early; I am afraid I will not be back until tomorrow morning.”

Du Lingjing looked at him a few more times. She thought to herself, “He’s always been so considerate.”

Perhaps he married her because of the Flicking Faction, but maybe he thought she was a good wife and was therefore considerate of her. Even so, for him to go to such lengths meant he was no ordinary person. Especially since he took the initiative to suggest that she go with him to pay respects to Third Young Master.

Clearly, he cared, yet he actually went with her. How many people in this world could do that? If a person could endure what ordinary people could not endure and do what ordinary people could not do, what could they not accomplish?

After giving his instructions, he was urged to leave. Du Lingjing looked back at his retreating figure.

He was indeed very capable, and he had sacrificed a great deal. She hoped all his wishes came true and that he would not fail.

…

The next day was New Year’s Eve.

He did indeed return early in the morning, but he stayed in the outer courtyard and seemed to have only slept for an hour before someone came to ask him something.

By evening, he had finished his work and returned to the main courtyard. The smell of alcohol on him had almost completely dissipated, and he had regained his usual demeanor, showing no signs of fatigue. He simply asked for two more cups of strong tea.

Du Lingjing thought to herself, “He did not sleep all night and has to stay up all night tonight, yet he can keep going with just strong tea. That’s really something…”

She could not say anything, but she heard him say with great regret.

“To be honest, my wife, I had some fireworks and firecrackers prepared, but yesterday I heard some news,” he lowered his voice, “that the Emperor caught a cold a few days ago and has not fully recovered. He’s been so sickly lately that he cannot stand any noise, and many people in the palace have been punished.”

He said, “In that case, we should not set off so many fireworks. It’s just that this is the first time you’ve spent the New Year with me at the Marquis’s Mansion this year, it’s a pity…”

He sighed and shook his head.

Du Lingjing did not care about the fireworks and firecrackers, and could not help but ask him, “How is the Emperor’s illness? Could it be…?”

If the Emperor died before the Empress, the Consort would not become Empress, and Prince Hui, as her child, would not rightfully inherit the throne.

As soon as she asked this, she saw the man’s expression darken, but he raised his hand and said…

“Not necessarily. We can wait until spring arrives and the weather warms up.” But then he brought up something else. “Perhaps it’s because His Majesty fell ill at the end of the year, and he’s made some pronouncements. Whether it’s Shao Boju and the Shao family, or those two wretches from the Earl of Rongchang’s mansion, His Majesty will probably be lenient with them.”

Du Lingjing raised an eyebrow.

The way that Lady Yang frantically sought intercession was less effective than the Emperor’s sudden mercy due to his illness.

But this Marquis suddenly asked, “Why did you drink so much that day? Did Yang Jinyu say something to you?”

He was quite perceptive.

Du Lingjing recalled that before the palace banquet, he had warned her not to listen to Lady Yang. Could he have guessed something and did not want her to ask more about the imperial decree for the marriage?

After all, at that time, he only said that the marriage was entirely His Majesty’s will, and he was unaware of it and powerless to change it.

Du Lingjing told him, “The Duke Heir’s wife asked me to plead on her behalf with the Marquis. She also wanted to give me a box of pearls.”

The man laughed upon hearing this. “Does my wife, the Marchioness Lu, need a box of pearls?”

As he spoke, he was about to order someone to bring the pearls from the storeroom.

“I remember there were three or five boxes, sent by officials from Guangdong and Guangxi. They’ve been sitting in the storeroom gathering dust. I am bringing them to you to make jewelry.”

The box of pearls that Lady Yang had prepared that day was quite valuable, and he actually had three or five more boxes in his storeroom.

This Marquis was truly generous. If those noble ladies who wanted to marry him were in her current position, would they not be overjoyed?

Thinking of this, she smiled but told him not to bring them.

The man asked her, “What are you laughing at, My Lady?”

“I am laughing at how extravagant the Marquis is. But I only have one body. The jewelry he gave me is more than I can use, let alone the three or five boxes of pearls.”

The night was still long. She smiled with her eyes lowered, but the man carried her to the small couch.

Firecrackers were going off everywhere in the capital, but he placed her on the brocade quilt and pressed down on her.

Du Lingjing gasped.

It was just getting dark, and the whole city was keeping vigil for the New Year.

Here, on the small couch…

But with the slightest movement, he removed her clothes. He kissed her collarbone and shoulder.

She did not want to and tried to push him away, but he knew her body all too well. In just a few breaths, she was soaked in sweat. She panicked and tried to push him away again, but it was futile.

He was a valiant and skilled general, a mighty and powerful warrior, proficient in all eighteen martial arts. He knew the enemy’s weaknesses best, targeting them relentlessly torment their army.

She did not want to be controlled by him, but was powerless to resist. He simply aimed at the weakest point in her army, and her entire camp crumbled instantly.

The torrential rain finally poured down.

He chuckled softly in her ear. “Quan Quan, do you think we will welcome our first child tonight?”

A child… Du Lingjing shuddered as she regained her senses.

He wanted the supporters behind her, and he wanted her to truly be his Lady, bearing him children and continuing his lineage. Whether it was wife or offspring, every step was meticulously planned and strategized well in advance. He calculated every step carefully, proceeding with extreme caution.

She truly admired him; she admired and respected him, and believed that with his character and abilities, he would surely achieve whatever he desired.

The Prince of Hui would ascend to the throne, and he, too, would become the regent, second only to the Emperor.

The Flicking Faction would be at his beck and call, and the world would be under his control.

However, she did not particularly like the capital, nor did she like life there. When that time came, when everything was settled, and he no longer needed her, could he let her go? Let her return to her Qingzhou and Mian Tower.