Chapter 12: Made to Follow the Rules on the Very Night of the Wedding?

Lin Wanqing stood before the grand gates of the General’s Mansion, watching the procession gradually disappear into the distance. A trace of worry lingered in her heart.

In her previous life, it was after this departure that Lu Jinxiao’s face was disfigured.

Although she bore no particular feelings for Lu Jinxiao, he was a good man—and an excellent general. Thanks to the Lu family and to him, the Great Liang had enjoyed peace for so many years.

She hoped for his safe return.

Many guests witnessing the scene couldn’t help but shake their heads with sighs. “Alas, he hasn’t even had time to change out of his wedding clothes before heading to the battlefield…”

Hearing this, Lady Lu burst into tears, her sobs breaking the still air.

Once she started crying, Lu Jinrong followed suit, then the three children, and finally the servants of the General’s Mansion.

Some guests, not so closely connected to the Lu family, watched the display and couldn’t suppress amused smiles.

Lin Wanqing bent down to support Lady Lu, her gaze icy as it swept across the faces of those guests. “Is this truly so amusing?”

“If Lu Jinxiao were your father, son, brother, or younger brother, could you still laugh like that?”

The smiles froze awkwardly on their faces, and they sheepishly lowered their heads.

But Lin Wanqing was not about to let the matter drop so easily.

“The Lu family has served in the military for generations. To ensure the peace and safety of the people of Great Liang, the ancestral hall is filled with the memorial tablets of Lu men who have served without regret. They endure all because behind them stand countless citizens of Great Liang. Among those countless people are all of you present here.”

“A Lu man considers dying honorably in battle a source of pride, and Lu women have never uttered a word of complaint. My mother-in-law’s worry for her son’s safety is only natural. I fail to see how this could be something to laugh at.”

An elderly man with white hair rose and said, “The General’s wife speaks truly. A mother worries when her son travels far, especially when he marches into battle. Were it my own unworthy son summoned today, I fear I would grieve just as Lady Lu does.”

Lin Wanqing was taken aback. This speaker was none other than the great scholar she had once earnestly pleaded with on behalf of Su Jincheng in her past life!

Su Jincheng’s talent was mediocre at best, and in her previous life, Lin Wanqing had gone to great lengths to secure even a meeting with this scholar. She had knelt in the snow for an entire day to finally move him to offer some guidance.

The scholar’s mastery was profound, and after receiving his instruction, Su Jincheng’s progress was remarkable.

Yet, because of that episode, Lin Wanqing had suffered bodily harm that made bearing children difficult.

She shook her head gently, dismissing those past troubles, then bowed respectfully to the scholar. “Thank you, Master Han, for your understanding.”

The scholar Han looked surprised. “You know me, madam?”

Lin Wanqing smiled and nodded. “Your reputation precedes you, sir. How could a humble woman like me not recognize you?”

Master Han waved his hand with a smile. “Those are but empty honors. It’s getting late—I must take my leave. Lady Lu, do not worry too much. General Lu is brave and skilled; it is but the southern border of Yue. There is no cause for alarm.”

Lady Lu sobbed in reply, “It is not your son who departs, so of course you speak lightly.”

Lin Wanqing’s lips twitched inwardly. Thankfully, Master Han was not close by; otherwise, this remark might have offended him.

After Master Han took his leave, the other guests also began to depart one after another.

Lin Wanqing personally saw them off.

She was thorough in her duties. Though only eighteen, her bearing was entirely convincing, prompting many guests to say, “The Lu household finally has a lady capable of handling matters. This new General’s wife is no ordinary person.”

By the time all the guests had left, half an hour had passed.

After a day of busyness, Lin Wanqing felt as if her very bones were about to crumble.

Ban Xia and Zi Su understood her best. Seeing her stiffened posture, they quickly came forward, one on each side, loudly supporting her toward the bridal chamber.

The courtyard was adorned with red silk and lanterns, festive and joyous, yet at this moment, it felt desolate.

Ban Xia couldn’t help but sob softly.

Lin Wanqing smiled and asked, “Why are you crying?”

Through her tears, Ban Xia replied, “What else? The young lady was married today, yet her husband was summoned by the Emperor to the frontier. Those black-hearted people are surely mocking her even now.”

Lin Wanqing laughed. “Why care what they say? Life is ours to live. As long as we find joy, that is all that matters.”

“Instead of worrying about their mockery, you should worry about me! I’m nearly exhausted. If you cry again, I’ll have you carry me back.”

“Carry you back, huh?” Ban Xia snorted. “I have plenty of strength.”

“Is that so?” Lin Wanqing jumped onto Ban Xia’s back without hesitation.

Ban Xia staggered a few steps under her weight, but Zi Su caught her in time, preventing them both from falling.

Lin Wanqing laughed. “Look at you—such little endurance! I thought you were more capable.”

Because of the commotion, Ban Xia forgot her tears and instead frowned in defiance, planting her feet firmly. “I was caught off guard before. If you try that again, I promise to carry you back to your room in one breath.”

Zi Su said helplessly, “Enough, please. This is the General’s Mansion, not our Wind Listening Pavilion.”

They had only just arrived and had yet to fully understand the mansion’s atmosphere; it was best to proceed cautiously.

Lin Wanqing smiled. “No need to be so careful. This General’s Mansion is not a den of dragons and tigers. Just be yourselves; I will take care of everything.”

The three of them recalled Lu Jinxiao’s words before his departure and felt somewhat reassured.

Laughing and chatting, they returned to the bridal chamber courtyard. Upon entering, they saw Lady Lu sitting with a dark expression in the main room’s chair.

Ban Xia and Zi Su quickly composed themselves.

Lin Wanqing stepped forward respectfully. “Daughter-in-law pays respects to Mother-in-law.”

Lady Lu did not bid her to rise, leaving her half-squatting in place.

Lin Wanqing raised an eyebrow. Was this a show of authority? Such impatience seemed excessive.

Still, Lady Lu’s tactics were hardly impressive.

Lin Wanqing held her half-squat posture without moving or changing expression.

Ban Xia and Zi Su were growing increasingly anxious.

Why was Lady Lu acting like this? Wasn’t she supposed to be gentle? Clearly, there was a needle hidden in that softness!

Some servants of the Lu household nearby exchanged looks of schadenfreude at Lin Wanqing’s predicament.

Lin Wanqing noticed them all and thought to herself that Lady Lu must have been instigated. Otherwise, she would never have been so foolish as to set rules on the very night of her son’s wedding.

After about the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, seeing no sign that Lady Lu intended to summon her, Lin Wanqing grew tired of politeness and stood up.

Before Lady Lu could speak, one of her attendants could not help but interject, “How dare you stand before the old lady has spoken!”

Lin Wanqing sneered inwardly, now she knew who had stirred the pot.

“Zi Su, give her a slap.”

“Yes, madam!”

Zi Su obeyed at once, moving swiftly beside the maid. Before the maid could react, Zi Su swung her arm and struck several resounding slaps across her face.