ays climbing trees to collect bird eggs and fishing for small fish, were now all sitting straight on chairs, hands clasped behind their backs, nodding their heads as they followed Old Li's reading. It...Similarly, Wǎner and Jiāyīn were also reluctant to part with ibèi and Wénwén.

Especially Wan'er, Jia Yin could enter the palace, and several young ladies like the third princess and Bao Zhu could laugh and stroll around the streets. Only she was busy with housework every day, afraid of making mistakes, working diligently and conscientiously.

Occasionally, when I have some free time, and my grandmother and aunt are not around, there isn't even anyone to talk to.

It's Abe who came, she has a companion now.

Aibai is straightforward and curious about everything in the world. She’s like a little sister to Wan'er, giggling together, sharing snacks, making every day lively and cheerful.

Now that Abe has left, Jiaxi and Jia'an will also leave. In a few days, Jairong and Li Ge'er will also go to their posts...

Just thinking about how much emptier the mansion would be, Wan'er couldn't help but sigh.

But all good things must come to an end. No one can stop parting ways.

Thankfully, the separation is because we each have better lives to pursue.

Compared to the Li family's bustle, the city was also extremely lively.

This time, the court was probably preparing to recover the north of the Yangtze River. Almost all of the newly appointed officials were assigned positions, and most of them were practical roles. The intention was to let them gain experience through practice.

The newly appointed scholars had remained in Xindu, all waiting for this good news.

Now that the dust has settled, naturally everyone is rejoicing and celebrating with endless feasts.

The townsfolk were also abuzz with discussion, joining in the celebration with a few words of joy.

Mr. Qu, who lives in the yard next to my house, became the county magistrate. He was so happy that he bought meat and held a banquet yesterday. I also had a cup of wedding wine with him.

“Haha, me too! But the official who was sent was my great uncle's wife's nephew from her mother's side. I went to deliver a gift and had a good time as a guest of honor.

"

"Back then, when his family ran out of money to buy writing supplies for him, I helped by giving two ounces of silver. Now, he's riding on my coattails! "

"This time going out to do official business, my son was also called upon to be a small manager. In the future, life will certainly be worry-free."

"What a great opportunity! How lucky you are!"

"I wish my family had relatives as good as yours!"

"Those who went out to take office this time have become popular and influential, but those who remained in Xindu are just decorations with no real power."

"Well, there's nothing to be done about that. The noble lords of Xin Du are too numerous, where could a newcomer possibly rise to prominence"

Well, not exactly. The Inspector had only attained the rank of fifth-rank official.

"Fifth Rank is indeed quite high, but he's just a scholar. There's not much use to him! Besides, if it weren't for the Emperor hoping to marry the princess to the Lu family, I doubt even a top-ranking scholar would be able to reach this rank."

“That's true! I heard that Young Master Lu isn't actually very talented. He was only chosen as a Jinshi (top scholar) because the Emperor favored him. Sometimes, you know, good looks can be an advantage. Otherwise, he probably would have been forgotten long ago.”

"It's not necessarily like that. We can't just talk nonsense without knowing if he truly is learned and accomplished. But since the Emperor chose Lord Lu as his son-in-law, it must be because Lord Lu has some extraordinary qualities."

"What makes you special Haha, there definitely has to be something special about you, otherwise how could you be the princess's favorite!" The speaker winked and smirked, his words clearly carrying a suggestive undertone.

The onlookers burst into laughter as well. Being men, they were naturally all interested in this kind of topic.

After the joke was over, everyone dispersed.

Whoever spread the word about this “extraordinary ability” must have done so with gusto, because the next day, everyone who saw Lu Zong bowed and offered congratulations before inevitably glancing down at his feet.

Lu Zong wasn't a fool, he immediately realized something was wrong.

Then, the maidservant went for a spin around, and when she returned, her eyes were red with anger.

Lu Zong was locked in his study, not coming out for a day and a night.

The servants and stewards of the Lu family were terrified. They were deeply worried about their master's safety, so they had no choice but to go find reinforcements.

The Li family was very busy, and the servant didn't bother with anything else; he rushed straight to the Jia family.

Jia Xu also heard the rumors, and was so enraged that he smashed his beloved inkstone.

At this moment, having received a distress call, he immediately took a jug of strong liquor and several good dishes to the Lu family's home.

The study doors were flung open by the servants, and Jia Xu shooed everyone away before entering.

Lu Cong sat at the table with disheveled hair, his eyes bloodshot and his cheeks sunken.

Jia Xu cried out of heartbreak, the once spirited and dashing young master was now reduced to this.

"Brother Lu, you once said that you're from a family of warriors, you can't be brought down by such small matters! If you're angry, let's go out and beat someone up, why torture yourself like this!"

Lu Zong didn't respond, he opened the wine bottle and chugged it down.

Jia Xu quickly grabbed the wine jar, and he wanted to say something more, but Lu Cong was already sobbing, “I refuse to accept it! I have studied diligently for ten years. My skills are enough to get me on the Gold List, but because I was favored, they directly appointed me as Tanhua Lang.”

"Everyone said I embroidered my way onto the list, only becoming a son-in-law because of my exceptional talent. "

"Can all my ambitions only be used to please women Of course, if I were fond of her, it would be fine. But I clearly like..."

"Brother Lu!" Jia Xu quickly covered Lu Zong's mouth, looked around cautiously, and urgently lowered his voice to comfort him, "Brother Lu, you absolutely cannot say this kind of thing again! Be careful, it could bring trouble for yourself and your family!"

Lu Zong shook off his hand, completely losing his rationality.

"Must I spend my whole life as a turtle hiding in its shell Must I be called a useless pretty vase for the rest of my days Must I live in this cold, lonely world forever"

"But why can't you give me my beloved girl! As long as she is with me, I will accept it!"

Why is it the Third Princess, what kind of ridiculous son-in-law! I don't care! Why does everyone get to go out and tend to the people while I'm left here, a puppet, enduring this torture for my whole life!

"I refuse to accept it! I refuse to accept it!"

Jia Xu hugged Lu Cong, letting him cry his heart out and refusing to let go.

He couldn't help but redden his eyes, he and Lu Cong were friends for many years, how could he not know what Lu Cong was thinking.

But a person living in the world cannot only live for themselves.

Especially those from influential families, since childhood they have carried the weight of their family's honor and disgrace on their shoulders. At any time, they prioritize their family above all else, personal preferences are insignificant...

"Lu brother, cry. Cry it out. Afterward, life goes on as usual. The Third Princess... is also a good girl. You two will surely live in harmony for the rest of your lives.

"Don't underestimate the work of an editor, a well-edited text will be remembered throughout history. Besides, I've stayed in the new capital too, and I can still keep you company for a drink."

Lu Cong no longer spoke, only tears flowed like a river.

No one saw the hatred in his eyes, a black fog that was even thicker than the night around him...

In Li's courtyard at Suijin Beach, Jiayin came out of the bath and held a book, carefully flipping through it.

Shuilin took a cotton cloth and wiped the master's hair, Shuicun brought in calming tea and seeing this quickly took the cloth.

Shui Ling was careless, her hands and feet lacked finesse.

The master's hair was jet black and straight, like polished silk, gleaming under the light.

It would be a pity if a few strands were pulled out by the water spirit.

Jiayin didn't even raise her head, and asked, "Have you checked the box again Is there any problem"

"No, Princess. Everything is indeed ready. Tomorrow, just bring it aboard the ship," Shui Yun replied.

Shui Ling took a bite of a pastry and couldn't help but chime in, "After the Fourth Young Master and his people leave, the house will be quiet again."

Jia Yin sighed, closed the book with her hand, but suddenly cried out.

Today's update is here!'s invitation to go shopping, she was delighted and immediately agreed."Well, when Old Hei and his crew set off again, the fleet will also head south. Linlang and Coral are both pregnant, so I've chos...