Chapter 104: Even a Fierce Tiger Needs Wings

The autumn wind was like a mischievous child, constantly sweeping Tang Xiaoqi into a pile of fallen leaves in the courtyard, only to blow them scattered again with a whooshing sound. Frustrated, she threw down the broom and sat on the steps, tears of grievance streaming down her face.

Shortly after the old master returned from the Wang family, it became known to all that although Lu Liao Liao would not marry into the Wang family, taking Wang’s ninth daughter, Liuli, as his lawful wife was a settled matter, final and unchangeable.

With no elder female relatives at home, Aunt Xilin was invited over. The engagement rites—presenting betrothal gifts, naming the union, seeking auspicious dates, and exchanging money—kept the Lu family busy and bewildered. Even Tang Xiaoqi’s personal maid, Ping’er, was summoned to help.

The wind lifted the withered leaves, drifting desolate and alone. Tang Xiaoqi felt like those fallen leaves—neglected and abandoned—and her sobs grew even more heartbroken.

Warm arms gently embraced her. The familiar scent filled the emptiness in Tang Xiaoqi’s heart instantly. She turned to look at the worn face of Lu Liao Liao and wiped away her tears.

“Did Grandfather finally allow you out?” he asked.

He reached out to wipe her face, his expression full of guilt, yet he couldn’t find the words to speak, only nodding silently.

“Liao Liao, you’re about to marry that rich Wang family girl as your main wife. Will you still love and cherish me like this afterward?” Tang Xiaoqi looked at Lu Liao Liao pitifully, like a treasured child being taken away.

“What foolish talk is that? Of course, your husband will love and cherish you for life.” Lu Liao Liao tightened his hold on Tang Xiaoqi’s arms, as if to emphasize his words.

“But what if Wang Liuli bullies me because she’s the main wife?” Tears welled in Tang Xiaoqi’s eyes as she continued to stare at him.

“She wouldn’t dare! Your husband will definitely stand by your side,” Lu Liao Liao said with resolute certainty.

Tears finally fell like beads from Tang Xiaoqi’s eyes as she buried her head deeply in Lu Liao Liao’s embrace.

Nestled together, they gazed absentmindedly at the swirling leaves throughout the courtyard. The bustling engagement ceremonies seemed to have nothing to do with them.

As dusk fell, Lu Manman in the study, though somewhat weary, remained spirited and lively.

“A prime minister, superior to thousands, personally matchmaking for you. The Jade Truth Temple’s princess elder also sent someone to the Wang family to mediate. This is an immense honor for our Lu family. Prime Minister Li is unavailable, but tomorrow you must go to the Jade Truth Temple to offer your thanks and greetings.”

“Grandson understands,” Lu Liao Liao replied obediently, lacking his usual brashness.

“You foolish boy, since you and the Wang family girl have feelings for each other, you should have simply won first place in the matchmaking contest and settled things quietly. Why cause such a commotion, tormenting your old grandfather until he’s worn out before you’re satisfied?”

Lu Manman glared at his grandson with some resentment but inside felt immense pride and satisfaction.

Staring in shock at the elder, Lu Liao Liao’s mind raced wildly. What feelings with Lu Jiu? Where did such nonsense come from? That woman, who swore never to marry and left him to suffer, had vanished since their last parting. Where had Grandfather heard the rumor that they were already involved?

“Sigh! Xiaoqi, you must comfort her well. She is carrying Lu family’s flesh and blood and must not suffer any harm.” Lu Manman sighed, then, losing interest, waved his hand and dismissed Lu Liao Liao.

Before the hall surrounded by green bamboo stood the graceful Princess Jade Truth, holding a delicate snowflake soft sword. Her figure was light and elegant, like a celestial being radiating brilliance. After a series of sword dances, her forehead was covered in sweat. She wiped it with a pure white silk scarf before casually tossing it to a female Taoist attendant standing nearby.

Lu Liao Liao lowered his head, avoiding direct eye contact, but inwardly he murmured in admiration. The Princess Jade Truth of the great Tang dynasty, nearly sixty years old, yet her figure and skin remained so well preserved, looking no older than a beautiful woman in her thirties. No wonder the master and Wang Wei had been jealous rivals for a lifetime.

Princess Jade Truth, unaware of Lu Liao Liao’s wandering thoughts, beckoned him casually and led him into the main hall.

“Lu Liao Liao, Lu Liao Liao, you’ve brought shame to your master,” she said coolly, sipping the warm tea on the table. Her words threw Lu Liao Liao into a panic, and with a thud, he knelt on the floor.

“Get up! You are a proud disciple of the Ghost Valley, a student of the Poetic Immortal. Since when have your knees become so soft, falling to the ground at the slightest provocation?”

Her expression turned cold as her piercing gaze swept over him.

Lu Liao Liao rose, bowing his head in silence.

“Do you know where you’ve embarrassed your master?” The princess sat back leisurely behind the table, asking calmly.

“I shouldn’t have stolen his poetry to win first place in the poetry contest,” Lu Liao Liao said, blushing and bowing even lower.

Princess Jade Truth shook her head proudly.

“It seems you still don’t understand where your shame lies.

In the past, your Ghost Valley school was unmatched, boasting genius disciples who shocked the world. What is Confucianism compared to that? When their second sage insults your school as a product of a chaotic era, what’s wrong with you firing back? Without pride and arrogance, you don’t deserve to be a Ghost Valley disciple.

Winning first place in the poetry contest with your master’s poem—what’s wrong with that? Isn’t all your skill derived from your master? Why shouldn’t you use it? If you have the ability, let them find a master as proud and outstanding as yours.

Your master’s “Liang Garden Chant” once made the granddaughter of the former prime minister Zong Chuke willingly embrace him, creating a legendary story of a wealthy marriage. And you, with a single phrase, ‘Let her marry me,’ nearly got caught by that cunning Wang Yuanbao, forcing you to marry into the Wang family. That’s where your shame lies!”

“I will remember your teaching, Mistress,” Lu Liao Liao said, feeling a kinship with the princess’s unique perspective.

“That Wang family’s ninth daughter, Liuli, is quite a fine person. Not only very beautiful, but sensible, understanding, capable and efficient in handling matters—a fitting match for you.

A few days ago, she specially sent some bottles of aromatic essence to pay respects to me, her future elder. After trying it, I found it quite effective. I even sent two bottles to the noble consort in the palace, who praised it highly.”

Princess Jade Truth stopped here, gazing playfully at the tea before her, silent.

Lu Liao Liao inwardly seethed. She had stolen his floral essence formula, renamed it, and sent it to the Jade Truth Temple as a gift. Lu Jiu, Lu Jiu, your scheming is truly meticulous and flawless.

“I understand. I will ensure she delivers the aromatic essence to you on time and that it won’t appear on the market,” Lu Liao Liao said promptly.

He was no fool; he knew the princess intended to use the aromatic essence to curry favor in the palace and quickly made his position clear.

Princess Jade Truth nodded in approval and turned to look at Lu Liao Liao.

“If you liked that Liuli girl, why didn’t you tell me earlier? Why make such a fuss? Even the daughter of General Ge Shu came quietly to become a Taoist nun. A merchant’s daughter is no different.”

Caught off guard, Lu Liao Liao was flustered. Who in the world liked that sly, scheming Lu Jiu? But it seemed impossible to change the fate that she was to become his lawful wife.

“I’ve already chosen the date—October sixteenth. The day is ruled by the Moon Break. No great events should be done, but marriage is auspicious. Very lucky,” the princess said, slightly tired, waving him away.

Later that night at the Immortal Tower, Lu Liao Liao finally exploded.

“Hahaha! Me, Lu Liao Liao, like that Lu Jiu? By the heavens, no! If that cunning witch hadn’t sworn never to marry, would I have bothered to enter that ridiculous matchmaking contest? Now that she’s disappeared, how much injustice have I suffered, with nowhere to vent!”

“Hehe,” Gu Xihua smiled charmingly. “Now you don’t need to marry into the Wang family. After you marry her, you can deal with her slowly. Why shout here?”

Lu Liao Liao stared oddly at Gu Xihua for a long moment. “Xihua, what’s wrong with you? Your fiancé is about to take a new bride, yet you can still smile?”

“Sigh,” Gu Xihua sighed, gazing wistfully out the window. “No woman would be happy to see her fiancé taken by another. But I support your marriage to Lu Jiu. First, us women see things more clearly than men. Although she often treats you coldly, she truly likes you in her heart.

Second, Lu Jiu not only comes from an extremely wealthy family but is also intelligent and capable. Marrying her will truly help you, unlike me and Tang Xiaoqi, who only hold you back.”

“Tch!” Lu Liao Liao showed displeasure. “Do I need her help?”

Gu Xihua moved close, stroking his chest. “I may not have much skill, but I know that inside you lies a fierce tiger. You’re destined for greatness. How could you not need help?”

Holding Gu Xihua close, Lu Liao Liao remained silent for a long while.

“I’ve heard many rumors these days from the Wang family. They say if you marry into their family, you’ll inherit all their wealth, but you firmly refused.

More strangely, this marriage was just the last test from the richest man Wang Yuanbao for you. You passed it and finally won the beauty.”

Gu Xihua squirmed restlessly in his arms, grinning as she shared the gossip, causing Lu Liao Liao to smile wryly.

“Lu Liao Liao, apparently your fiancée-to-be has quite the talent for turning circumstances around. She’s easily shifted your reputation in the scholarly world.”

Gu Xihua teased him, but secretly she admired the formidable Lu Jiu greatly.