Nine out of ten gamblers lose; I've run into a jerk!

Chapter 139 Background

The winter chill was biting. Lu Zhen sat in his study, looking out the latticed window at the withered branches in the courtyard. Perhaps it was because he was getting old and nearing the end of his life that he, like many scholars, became sentimental about the scenery.

His life was full of battles and turbulent waves, and he would have no regrets even if he died now. However, those he offended at the height of his power may suffer the consequences on his descendants after his death.

After all, military power doesn't come from nowhere; it's all flesh cut off from prominent families. He could already foresee the situation Xun'er would face, surrounded by wolves. Without support, let alone continuing the Lu family's glory, it was uncertain whether she could even grow up safely.

In order to hide his illness, he took strong medicine to forcefully stimulate his vitality. Now he doesn't even have a year left. Apart from entrusting his family to his trusted confidants, he can hardly make any more thorough arrangements. However, Shen Qingxi's arrival has shown him another way.

Lu Zhen's thoughts drifted away, recalling the scene from yesterday...

……

"My lord, Lady Shen requests an audience."

Lu Zhen was taken aback and rushed to the reception room. Logically, his wife should have greeted him, but firstly, Madam Yang was bedridden with grief, and secondly, Shen Qingxi was no ordinary woman and needed to be treated with utmost respect.

Upon entering the lobby, one sees a young woman with a curtain over her head.

"This humble girl greets Your Excellency."

"No need for formalities. The Lu and Shen families have been friends for generations. Just call me Uncle."

Shen Qing readily agreed, "Uncle Lu, I'm sorry to bother you."

Lu Zhen nodded. "Have a seat."

Looking at Shen Qing's impeccable manners and elegant demeanor, no one would associate her with the feat of slaying a general and seizing a flag amidst a vast army if they didn't know her background.

Unaware that her disguise had been exposed, Shen Qing continued to recount her experiences at Boya Pavilion with the poise of a noblewoman.

The smile on Lu Zhen's lips gradually faded, and his expression became solemn. The news had leaked faster than he had imagined. It seemed that the Eastern Palace was not a monolithic entity, but this was no longer something he should be concerned about.

"Uncle, you must have already made arrangements. Now that things have changed, you may need to make other plans. I will not bother you any longer."

Shen Qing stood up and bowed. He had only come to give a warning out of friendship for having been on the battlefield together. The message had been delivered and it was time to leave. Lu Zhen's time was very precious now and should not be wasted on useless formalities. He should be sensible and leave quickly so as not to delay Lu Zhen's business.

"Shen Sanlang."

Shen Qing paused almost imperceptibly as she was about to step over the threshold, then landed casually and continued walking out with an air of nonchalance.

"Wait a moment!"

Shen Qing stopped and sighed resignedly. It seemed that Lu Zhen wasn't bluffing him. Since he had already been exposed, there was no need to pretend anymore.

Shen Qing took a deep breath, calmly turned around, and lifted the curtain to reveal her face.

"Your Excellency has truly discerning eyes. May I ask where I have revealed my weakness?" He clearly used bel canto techniques to conceal his original voice. Could it be because of his physique?

Seemingly noticing Shen Qing's confusion, Lu Zhen explained, "Third Miss Shen's performance was flawless, but unfortunately, I already saw through your identity back in Yu City."

Shen Qing was slightly taken aback. Had his identity been exposed so early?

"Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

Lu Zhen smiled slightly, "The Third Madam Shen of Xuandu is seriously ill and stays at home, yet a young man of similar age has appeared by Shen Shaoqing's side. It's too much of a coincidence, and most importantly..."

Lu Zhen placed his hand on his wrist. "Pulse."

Shen Qing suddenly realized something and broke out in a cold sweat. He drew inferences from one instance to another. It turned out that he was full of flaws. Even Lu Zhen, a mere martial artist, could guess it. If anyone else wanted to, they could find out too!

Shen Yunxi's concerns were not unfounded.

Shen Qing's expression also became serious, and his eyes narrowed slightly. Lu Zhen must have something to ask for after revealing this matter, so he had to be careful and attentive.

"The young master Lu died young, and my father is deeply saddened. If there is anything that can help, Shen will do her best."

Shen Qing thought to herself, "I've done my best, but don't go too far."

“There is indeed something I need Shen San Niangzi’s help with,” Lu Zhen seized the opportunity to climb the social ladder, “Shen San Niangzi is chivalrous and loyal, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and understands the bigger picture and the greater good…”

"My lord, please speak plainly." Shen Qing quickly stopped Lu Zhen from showering him with compliments.

Lu Zhen was also slightly embarrassed, but now was not the time to worry about saving face, so he sighed heavily.

“I know that the Shen family will take care of the Lu family after I leave, but people leave and things cool down. They can only take care of the family for a while, not forever. They must stand on their own. However, Xun’er is still young and needs time to grow up.”

"Third Sister..." Lu Zhen hesitated for a moment, then finally mustered his courage and said, "I wish to entrust Xun'er and the Lu family to you!"

I understand, entrusting an orphan to someone, it's an old trope... Shen Qing is looking at things from a modern perspective, but something seems off about what he's saying. This is feudal society, he should be saying this to Shen Shi or Shen Che!

When Shen Qing finally realized what these words meant for an unmarried young lady, she was dumbfounded and stammered, "My lord... what are your plans?"

Lu Zhen breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Shen Qing had understood his meaning and hadn't gotten angry and stormed off.

"This is what I think..."

…………

Lu Zhen recalled how Shen Qingxi's eyes widened as she listened to his idea, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy. He had indeed been asking too much of her, and it was understandable that Shen Shi wouldn't agree.

"My lord, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat has come to visit."

Lu Zhen jumped up in surprise, "Quickly, invite them in!"