Lu Nianfu repeatedly emphasized she was only going back for a visit, but Gu Yanchen insisted on accompanying her. Unable to refuse him, Lu Nianfu obediently boarded the official boat. Sitting in the luxurious cabin, she feigned discomfort while accepting the favor. "You're using official business for personal gain. Your subordinates might impeach you. Be careful not to be dismissed."
Gu Yanchen pouted. "If I can't even manage these few little rabbits, how can I lead soldiers?"
"Look at you, acting so arrogant."
"Don't worry, I still need to support my wife. I certainly won't lose this position easily."
Lu Nianfu: "......They say a government official who doesn't act for the people is no better than going home to grow sweet potatoes. Is it really appropriate for you to openly say you're an official just to support your wife?"
Gu Yanchen retorted righteously, "Those who act for the people are parental officials. I am a military officer."
"Would you dare say that to the Emperor?"
"Oh, the Emperor is busy with state affairs every day. When would he have time to see a minor official like me? Besides, heaven is high and the emperor is far away. Isn't my life as the boss of this garrison good enough? Why would I go see him when everything is fine?"
"You're not planning to return to the capital?"
Lu Nianfu worried excessively. If she returned to the capital, wouldn't she have to see her father, the Emperor?
Unfortunately, Gu Yanchen couldn't grasp her meaning at all. He looked at her suspiciously. "My lady, are you regretting it and want to reconcile with the Pingning Earl's estate again? It's fine if you do. It's nothing for you to visit your maternal family. Just remember the way back home."
What was he even talking about?
Lu Nianfu couldn't keep up with his train of thought and was speechless for a long time. "You're overthinking it. I absolutely do not mean that."
The official boat sailed smoothly with the wind and soon reached the pier in Xiangshui County. After disembarking and changing to a carriage, the group quickly arrived at the Lu Mansion. Xiao Wuzi had left with Gu Yanchen, so the Lu Mansion had a new gatekeeper. The new gatekeeper was extremely respectful to Lu Nianfu. He usually greeted her with a smile, but today his expression was tinged with helplessness. "Young lady, master, please wait a moment. I will go in and announce your arrival."
Qingya immediately became angry. "Announce to whom? I wasn't aware our young lady needed permission to return home!"
The gatekeeper said cautiously, "Miss Qingya, please don't make things difficult for this servant. My deed of sale is still in the steward's hands."
"So it's Steward Lu. You may go and announce us." Lu Nianfu waved her hand, not wanting to bother with him. The gatekeeper, as if granted a pardon, scurried away. Qingya was indignant and, hands on her hips, said, "Young lady, you are too kind. Look at these people, they've forgotten their own master. It would be better to sell them off quickly."
Lu Nianfu glanced at her indifferently. "I'm not here to cause trouble today. If you can't control your temper, don't follow me inside later."
Qingya could only reluctantly promise to keep quiet.
Alas, the young lady was good in every way, but sometimes too circuitous. Madam was so arrogant, first trying to harm the young lady, then seizing her power. Now that she had been deceived due to her poor judgment, and the young lady was actually going to help her.
If it were her, she would have wished for Madam Li to suffer the consequences.
To think she was so arrogant, so unable to tolerate others.
Lu Nianfu didn't want to help Madam Li either, but who could blame her for having such a good son? She would do it for Lu Fei's sake. However, this was only this once. If Madam Li still didn't behave after this, she would truly wash her hands of the matter. At worst, she would leave Lu Fei some property when he grew up.
Soon, Li Chuanhu and Lu Song came out.
Lu Song respectfully greeted Lu Nianfu and Gu Yanchen. Li Chuanhu, however, was extremely surly and said sarcastically, "Oh, isn't this the Qianhu's wife? What? Not enough that you harmed my grand-nephew, you want to seize the family fortune while my sister is critically ill?"
With a "clang," Gu Yanchen threw out the saber at his waist. The saber plunged into the bluestone ground, and instantly, countless spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the bluestone, radiating from the saber.
The tassel on the saber hilt trembled slightly, and Li Chuanhu's body trembled along with it.
Gu Yanchen looked at Lu Song. "What do you think? Do I look like someone who lives off his wife? Do I need to instigate my wife to return to her maternal home to seize property?"