CHAPTER 936: CHAPTER 936: SILLY SON LIAN WANZHEN

Those scoundrels were sent by Zhenbao Square’s mortal enemies. They followed Yin Luoyang all the way, intending to ruin a big deal Zhenbao Square recently received. After stealing the jade material, they saw how beautiful Yin Luoyang was and harbored evil intentions. Fortunately, they were thwarted by Lian Wanzhen and the others.

Yin Luoyang personally witnessed Lian Wanzhen beat those scoundrels senseless, like a joke. Instantly, Lian Wanzhen’s image became heroic in her heart. Moreover, Lian Wanzhen was indeed tall, strong, and handsome, which secretly won her heart.

With their help, after sending the scoundrels to the government, Yin Luoyang thanked Lian Wanzhen and Su Ran. She said that today’s mess was embarrassing, and she would come personally to thank them with gifts when everything was in order.

Lian Wanzhen waved it off, saying there was no need and just wanted to leave immediately. Yet, Su Ran saw through some intentions, noticing Yin Luoyang’s composed manner and demeanor, gaining more favor for her. But then he saw his foolish son was as unperceptive as a stubborn stone, and he could only sigh inwardly.

Su Ran exchanged a few polite words with Yin Luoyang, and upon learning she was the young mistress of Zhenbao Pavilion, he had a new-found affection for her. He left his address with Yin Luoyang and joked for her to relay a message to the master of Zhenbao Pavilion.

On the third day, bright and early, the master of Zhenbao Pavilion, who had hurried back from the suburbs of the Capital, went with Yin Luoyang to the residence of the Lian Family. Upon seeing Su Ran, the two of them embraced and cried, as they were old acquaintances.

After reminiscing for a while, suddenly, the master noticed Yin Luoyang’s gaze, unintentionally or not, following Lian Wanzhen. When Lian Wanzhen looked back, Yin Luoyang lowered her head, her ears turning red.

She found Lian Wanzhen to be outstandingly attractive, and her heart started to flutter. She exchanged knowing glances with Su Ran, and their eye contact spoke volumes, so the two of them went behind closed doors to conspire.

Once the doors were opened again, Lian Wanzhen was about to have one more fiancée who had yet to enter the door, only he himself was unaware of this fact.

After returning, the master privately asked Yin Luoyang what she thought of Lian Wanzhen. Yin Luoyang blushed, and seeing this, the master suggested that she had taken a liking to Lian Wanzhen and was contemplating taking him as a son-in-law, asking if Yin Luoyang would be willing.

Yin Luoyang’s face turned beet red, only saying, "In matters of marriage, we listen to the words of our parents." Then she ran off, and so the master was fully certain of Yin Luoyang’s feelings and had a mental note.

Meanwhile, on Su Ran’s side, he casually asked Lian Wanzhen what he thought of Yin Luoyang. Lian Wanzhen said she was quite weak and couldn’t beat anyone, so it would be best for her to find someone for protection when going out in the future.

Su Ran was caught between laughter and tears. He changed his approach, asking if Lian Wanzhen would be willing to protect Yin Luoyang in the future. At first, Lian Wanzhen found it challenging, saying the family was busy lately, he had many responsibilities, and he feared he wouldn’t have much time for visiting Zhenbao Pavilion.

Seeing how clueless his son was, Su Ran could only lay it all out plainly and asked if he would be willing to marry Yin Luoyang. Lian Wanzhen paused in surprise, thought seriously for a moment, then suddenly turned red, and finally hesitantly said he would be willing.

Thus, both sides had communicated with the younger generation, and soon the two sides set the marriage between the two.

Days slowly passed by in the busy bustle of the Lian Family. During that time, Su Ran had someone calculate an auspicious day, and before the year-end, they erected a new tombstone for the Marquis of Zhenyuan and his wife. Once the mansion was renovated, they formally placed the tablet in the ancestral hall.

In January, the Duke of Zheng, severely ill, couldn’t survive the winter and passed away. Before his death, he left a will for his descendants, instructing the Duchess to remain at home forever and prohibit her from attending his funeral; otherwise, he wouldn’t rest in peace.

When the Duchess heard this news, she fainted at the family temple. When she awoke, she cursed the Duke day and night. After cursing for about ten days, she suddenly suffered a stroke, but luckily, timely rescue saved her, though from then on, her mouth was crooked, and she was paralyzed in bed.

Upon hearing of the Duke’s passing, Su Ran was startled for a long time, and Lian Changhe stayed by her side, worried she would feel upset. When it came time for the Duke’s funeral, Su Ran ultimately did not attend, feeling that the past grievances between the two families had been thoroughly resolved, and from then on, the two families would have no further ties.

Though the Lian Family was secretly preparing for the wedding necessities, they kept a low profile in the Capital, living quietly and slowly fading from others’ notice.

This January, the Harem was very quiet and cold. The usual grand New Year’s Eve banquet was canceled, and the few remaining concubines arranged private gatherings themselves, creating another kind of unique lively atmosphere.

In the Canglan Court, Lian Hua finally had a New Year’s Eve as she wished with Nanny Qi, which made her feel a lot better. Comparatively, the New Year atmosphere in Canglan Court was quite lively, with the servants trying hard to suppress their joy, but the upward curves of their mouths betrayed their feelings.

There was no entertainment to watch, so Lian Hua turned her energies to increasing her knowledge — by reading novels.

In her occasional idle thoughts, she suddenly asked, "Hey, would Xiao Qing become as fat as that chubby eunuch if they practiced martial arts together?"

The Emperor really wasn’t sure, but Hu Miaomiao’s body fat was indeed due to practicing a special art.

Lian Hua, upon hearing this, panicked. She didn’t want Xiao Qing to be fat like a ball, so she urged the Emperor to prevent Hu Miaomiao from teaching such fattening arts.

The Emperor quickly reassured her, straightforwardly sending someone to convey the message to Hu Miaomiao. Hu Miaomiao replied, stating that what he intended to teach Xiao Qing was not his own skill, as he noticed Xiao Qing had extraordinary strength and intended to teach the art of one strength overcoming ten techniques.

Feeling assured, Lian Hua lay on her side, propping her foot on the Emperor, and continued reading her novel, while the Emperor resignedly massaged her leg to make her more comfortable.

Soon, the mourning period for the Imperial Noble Consort ended, and both the common folk and the palace gradually regained their liveliness.

As winter departed and spring arrived, Lian Hua’s belly grew larger and her body heavier, making it impossible to sleep on her back at night without feeling suffocated. She could only sleep on her side. The Emperor was extremely anxious, changing the pulse of peace check from every few days to daily, summoning the Imperial Physician every day for inquiries.

The Emperor still wasn’t reassured, discussing matters such as midwifery and preparations for childbirth with Nanny Qi multiple times, aiming for thoroughness in every detail, even more tense and anxious than Lian Hua herself.

His nervousness extended to the former court, where he became unusually temperamental, causing the entire court to be on edge. The court officials all shrank back in caution, even speaking less idle chatter than usual, resulting in unprecedented efficiency in court proceedings.

There was one official who was clueless, immediately submitting a proposal to open up the Harem after the mourning period for the Imperial Noble Consort ended. The Emperor, upon seeing the proposal, sneered repeatedly. If someone tried to irritate him at such a time, they could not blame him for being merciless.

The next day, returned with the proposal was evidence of the official’s improper conduct in taking prostitutes as concubines, along with a dismissal decree. Such activities of taking prostitutes as concubines were usually overlooked by the Emperor unless it was a particularly egregious offense, with a blind eye being turned on occasion.

But this time, the official indeed kicked an iron plate, and the Emperor showed no leniency.

The rest of the court officials, seeing this, were forced to temporarily put aside their plans. Now, the most important matter was to wait for the first Imperial Heir to be born, everything else had to be set aside, and the proposal to open the Harem again was best postponed until after the Imperial Heir was safely born.

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Ah, young masters, it’s reaching the end!

Xiao Xue’s ending is arranged. With her proud character, the author thought it most fitting for her to seek her end passionately.

Xiao Xu is a character the author particularly likes, being brave to love and hate, straightforward and candid. The author hopes for a good outcome for her, perhaps it’s time to bring out General Shen, who has been missing for more than ten years?

The fate between Lian Musu and Lian Wanzhen hasn’t been written in detail; they are about to start their journey as a renowned minister and general. The author thought in ancient times, they are already of age, shouldn’t they have a spouse before embarking on their careers?

Lian Bao raises a peach blossom gaze, slowly typing a question mark: "?"

The author pretends not to see, lifting a leg to run! Lian Bao is handsome but still young, give it some time, we’ll see, we’ll see.

Oh right, young masters, as we are nearing the end, the daily updates this month might not be so timely, apologies for that. Rest assured, young masters, this situation will continue until it’s completely finished, and a new book begins, hehehe~

Love you all, my dearest young masters. This Virgo’s "Foolish Concubines" has gone through over a year; the author feels deeply touched. With your company, I persisted, thank you to each one of you!

—— With respect from Autumn Wind Chilly Shake · July 25th