Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 179 - 166: A Thorough Beating

Chapter 179: Chapter 166: A Thorough Beating

Xun Yu gazed intently at Lu Yuan, seeing Lu Yuan’s sincere expression, his face softened. "It’s good that you think this way. Everything Father does is for the Great Zhou. In his heart, you are his most cherished adopted son. He would never allow harm to come to you."

Lu Yuan nodded with a smile. "Foster Father has treated me with a kindness as weighty as a mountain. Ayuan will surely remain loyal to him and devote my life in service to him."

Xun Yu patted his shoulder. "Your loyalty, I will convey it to Father. By the way, Ayuan, what exactly happened that night? Why did the Supreme Emperor let you leave the mountain so easily? My father and I originally planned to plead on your behalf at court, offering military merits in exchange for your safety."

Lu Yuan had once stayed at the Prime Minister’s Mansion; this was no secret.

He had served as an Attendant Student to Xun Yu, and although the two eventually went their separate ways, Xun Yu had never given up on persuading him to return to the right path.

Thus, using military achievements to ensure his safety would not arouse suspicion among outsiders. On the contrary, they might even praise Xun Yu as "a true gentleman, loyal and righteous."

"This matter, if I were to explain it, could be considered an accident."

Lu Yuan recounted in detail the incident of the old matriarch visiting him on the mountain. He embellished nothing, nor did he conceal anything.

He had gone to the temple, and Steward Cen, as someone he trusted, knowing his whereabouts was not surprising.

As for Meng Qianqian, as his wife, it was entirely reasonable for her to come looking for him after he had been away the entire night.

The old matriarch, advanced in age and suffering from confusion, mistook herself for the old Madam Meng. The wedding guests had all witnessed it; with two children missing, her search was an understandable action.

Xun Yu, upon hearing this, was greatly shocked. "She just took all of you down the mountain like that?"

Lu Yuan made a sound of assent. "The Supreme Emperor holds the old matriarch in high regard and did not make things difficult for her."

"This is simply..."

Xun Yu still found it hard to believe.

Lu Yuan said, "The Supreme Emperor loves the people as his own children. Let alone the widow of Lu the old General, who has made contributions to the dragon throne, he would not trouble even an ordinary family’s elderly matron."

The matter was as simple as that. No matter how surprising Xun Yu found it, he could only temporarily accept it.

He looked at Lu Yuan, whose expression seemed somewhat weary, and asked, "The old matriarch, with her confusion, didn’t cause you any trouble, did she?"

Lu Yuan corrected him, "The old matriarch is not confused, merely forgetful."

"Isn’t that the same thing?" Xun Yu pondered for a moment and said, "But speaking of which, is the old matriarch of the Lu Family going to stay at your residence indefinitely?"

Lu Yuan sighed. "Qianqian was deeply loved by the old matriarch during her five years in the Lu Family. Now that Qianqian is showing filial piety toward her, it is only right."

Xun Yu frowned. "That seems too unfair to you. Don’t the Lu Family members care? They’re just leaving their old matriarch at your residence?"

Lu Yuan revealed a hesitant expression. "This..."

As the two spoke, sounds of commotion arose outside.

Lu Yuan instructed Steward Cen, "Go and see what’s going on."

"Understood."

Steward Cen responded and hurried away. Moments later, he returned to the flower hall with a panicked expression. "Bad news, Grand Commander. People from the Lu Family have arrived and are causing a scene, demanding to take the old matriarch back. The old matriarch refuses to leave and is arguing with them."

Lu Yuan then asked, "Where is the Madam?"

With evident concern, Steward Cen said, "The Madam is worried about the old matriarch being upset, so she went there as well. Given Madam’s relationship with the Lu Family, if even a single hair is harmed, they’re likely to hold the Governor Mansion accountable!"

Xun Yu stood up. "Let’s go have a look. I’d like to see who dares to make trouble at the Governor Mansion."

Lu Yuan sighed. "Third Brother, there’s no need. I can handle it myself. I don’t want you to get implicated."

Xun Yu patted his shoulder again. "What nonsense are you saying? You and I are brothers. If someone gives you trouble, as your elder brother, how could I stand by and do nothing? Don’t worry. I know my limits."

"Ah—Third Brother—"

Lu Yuan tried to intervene, but Xun Yu walked off without turning back.

Those who came from the Lu Family today were the Lu Mother, the Second Madam, and Nanny Wu, who served by the old matriarch’s side.

During the time the old matriarch was away from the Lu Family, the Lu Mother and Second Madam had been enjoying themselves extravagantly. Not only could they split the benefits provided to the old matriarch by the Household Affairs Office, but they also didn’t have to worry about the old matriarch suddenly acting out and punishing them.

If not for the reminder from the Lu Mother that today was the day the Household Affairs Office delivered the old matriarch’s stipend, the two would still be indulging in carefree days.

The pair quickly thought to bring the old matriarch back to collect the stipend, then return her to the Governor Mansion to let this young lady nurse her!

"Grandmother, you’ve stayed outside long enough. It’s time to go home."

The Second Madam spoke softly, attempting to persuade.

The old matriarch stood akimbo, glaring at her. "Where did this ugly old hag come from? Do I know you?"

The Second Madam exploded in anger. "Grandmother!"

Nanny Wu approached with a box of pastries: "Old Matriarch, I bought your favorite sweet cakes—"

The old matriarch recoiled in fright, waving her arms and running away. "Ah! Monster! Monster!"