Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 187 - 173: Establishing Authority

Chapter 187: Chapter 173: Establishing Authority

After moving into the same courtyard as Lu Yuan, Meng Qianqian gradually grew familiar with his daily routines. For instance, he woke up early every day, read for half an hour before attending morning court, and spent an hour on the rear mountain every night, always returning drenched in sweat.

She had stumbled upon him a few times. Cen the Steward, worried she might misunderstand, explained to her that the Grand Commander was practicing swordplay—ten years without interruption, rain or shine.

Outsiders only saw his lofty status, unaware that behind his authority stood years of tireless effort.

As she lay in bed, Meng Qianqian thought again of Lu Yuan’s offhand recounting of his childhood.

It was the first time he had voluntarily spoken about his past.

Cen the Steward had once told her that Lu Yuan was separated from his mother in his youth and adopted by the Prime Minister. She’d thought the separation brief and pitied his tough days in the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Yet now it seemed, before entering the mansion, he had already endured much upheaval and hardship.

Meng Qianqian suddenly realized how little she actually knew about him.

Even as she lay there, she softly murmured, "Lu Yuan, just what kind of past do you have?"

-

After Lu Yuan stopped attending court, he moved his sword practice to the morning.

Covered in sweat after training, a bath and change of clothes were naturally in order.

Just as he finished dressing, he heard Meng Qianqian calling "Baby" outside his door.

The embarrassing memory from the day before suddenly flashed through his mind. His breath hitched—was this girl addicted to calling him that?

He yanked open the door. "Meng Xiaojiu!"

Meng Qianqian, standing in the corridor with Bao Shu in her arms, turned to look at him.

Bao Shu, clutching a half-finished milk bottle, blew a little milk bubble. Pop!

Lu Yuan glanced at the little rascal, feeling a wave of awkwardness.

Meng Qianqian tilted her head and asked, "Grand Commander, what’s the matter?"

"I..." Lu Yuan opened his mouth.

Meng Qianqian’s gaze landed on his belt. "Do you need Little Nine’s help?"

She patted Bao Shu’s head and said, "Play with Baby later, Qing Shuang."

Qing Shuang stepped forward and took Bao Shu from Meng Qianqian’s arms.

Meng Qianqian approached Lu Yuan. "Grand Commander, give it to me."

Expressionless, Lu Yuan handed her the belt.

Meng Qianqian led him inside, stood in front of him, and slowly leaned closer. Her hands circled behind his back, securing the belt around his lean waist without an ounce of excess fat.

From a distance, it looked as though she had nestled delicately in his arms, softly embracing him.

Meng Qianqian’s movements were fluid and natural. After all, she had plenty of practice dressing Bao Shu.

"All done, Grand Commander."

Lu Yuan gave a cold "Hmm."

Meng Qianqian curved her lips into a smile. "I’ll go wake Tan’er."

Tan’er loved to sleep in and wasn’t easily roused by others.

As she left, Bao Shu tottered over to Lu Yuan, babbling furiously at him.

Lu Yuan furrowed his brows and asked Qing Shuang, "What’s she saying?"

Qing Shuang replied, "She’s saying, ’You’re a grown man and still need someone to dress you. Aren’t you ashamed? If you can’t be a proper dad, don’t be one. I’ll do it for you.’"

Lu Yuan clenched his fist. "You little rascal!"

Elsewhere, the Old Madam had risen and was bickering with Zhao Si.

Zhao Si and Xi Que had been sent by the Household Affairs Office to serve the Old Madam. After she moved into the Governor Mansion, the two followed suit.

It’s worth noting that the Governor Mansion once had another servant named Zhao Si, who was executed by Shangguan Ling in public for leaking Lu Yuan’s whereabouts. When word spread that Zhao Si was now in the mansion, the servants nearly believed the dead had returned to haunt them.

Thankfully, it was merely a coincidence of names. Crisis averted.

"I won’t ride in your carriage!"

"Old Ancestor, please assign me some work!"

Since arriving at the Governor Mansion, Zhao Si hadn’t found a single use for himself.

The Old Madam was well attended, and the courtyard chores were handled by others. He was bored out of his mind!

The Old Madam huffed, "I’m riding in Qianqian’s carriage!"

Zhao Si clasped his hands in a pleading gesture. "I’m begging you. I’m begging you."

Xi Que covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.

"Great-Grandmother." Meng Qianqian stepped inside.

The Old Madam threw herself onto the bed. "Oh no, Zhao Si refuses to let me ride in his carriage!"

Shocked, Zhao Si trembled all over. "That’s... How can you twist the truth like that?!"

Meng Qianqian couldn’t help but smile, suppressing her mirth as her lips quirked upwards. Shaking her head helplessly, she said, "In that case, Great-Grandmother, you’ll just have to squeeze into the carriage with me and my husband."

Zhao Si extended a hand. "Miss!"

The Old Madam gave a mischievous grin. "Hehehe~"

Meng Qianqian ended up riding with Lu Yuan and the Old Madam in one carriage. Bao Shu wanted to join them but was promptly grabbed by Tan’er.

Tan’er beamed. "Treasure Piggy, you’re sitting with Sister N!"

Bao Shu adamantly stuck out her tiny hand in refusal!

Tan’er chuckled. "Rejection denied."

At the mansion gates, Cen the Steward meticulously inspected the carriage to ensure everything was in order. Standing by the carriage window, he softly instructed Meng Qianqian, "Madam, this is the Grand Commander’s first time attending a wedding banquet. If there are any lapses in etiquette, please assist him."

Meng Qianqian was puzzled. "Given his past status, surely he must have received many wedding invites?"

Cen the Steward replied, "Indeed, he has, and there were plenty of requests for him to officiate. But the Grand Commander dislikes officiating weddings."

Meng Qianqian asked, "Then what does he like?"

Cen the Steward smiled. "Funerals."

Meng Qianqian: "..."

Yu Zichuan and Qing Shuang also tagged along.

Their agenda? To watch the drama unfold.

Rather than riding in a carriage, the two chose to ride on horseback, giving them a better view for their entertainment.

And so, the party set off for the Lu Family residence.

Meng Qianqian anticipated that this outing might not be peaceful. But she didn’t expect to run into an acquaintance before the feast even began.

Two carriages approached from opposite directions, both trying to turn east onto Celebration Street. Neither was willing to yield.

From the opposing carriage came a voice filled with imposing authority. "Who is it?"

The driver answered, "Replying to the Cabinet Minister... it seems to be the Governor Mansion’s carriage."

No sooner had he spoken than Lu Yuan drew back the curtain, gazing toward the other carriage with a faint smirk. "What a coincidence. Long time no see. Cabinet Minister Yang, I trust you’ve been well?"

Cabinet Minister Yang and Lu Yuan had known each other for years, and they easily recognized one another’s voices.

In the past, Cabinet Minister Yang would have stepped aside for Lu Yuan. But now, he didn’t even lift the curtain, responding coolly, "So it’s the Grand Commander. I just came from court and am rushing to handle important matters. I’ll be taking the lead."

His words clearly implied: You, Lu Yuan, don’t even have the gall to attend court these days. Surely you don’t expect me to give way?

"Proceed," he ordered his driver.

Lu Yuan’s lips curled into a smile. "Did I say you could go first?"

Cabinet Minister Yang countered coldly, "Are you planning to fight me in the streets?"

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "You’re overthinking it, Cabinet Minister Yang. You’re a loyal servant of three dynasties, a pillar of the nation. How could I dare lay a finger on you?"

Cabinet Minister Yang scoffed in disdain.

But before his scoff could settle, Lu Yuan ordered, "Take off the wheels."

Cabinet Minister Yang slapped the table in fury, lifting the curtain with a roar. "I’d like to see who dares!"

Yu Zichuan replied, "Finished."

In his hand was one wheel, with another at his feet.

Dismantling a carriage was far easier than dismantling a house.

Crash!

The carriage collapsed, sending Cabinet Minister Yang tumbling to the ground with a thud. "LU YUAN!!!"