Chapter 3, Counterattack

Bailu was taken aback by this surge of energy, her face flushed slightly, and layers of ripples suddenly appeared in her eyes.

Tsk tsk, look, look, this is a person as radiant as a celestial pearl, with such talent and ability, especially this appearance, oh my, truly a fairy that has stepped out of a painting

At this moment, at this time, in this situation, in this scene, he no longer wishes to speak of the events of that year

It is truly frustrating

His face, like that of a toad with warts? Where does this come from?

Lu Zhen stood with his hands clasped, quietly gazing at the white Qiong.

However, Bailu is still a young lady in the attic

Is that so

Several fierce women were holding thick jujube wood clubs, waiting for Madam Hu's command. Once she gave the order, they would rush in and drag Lu Zhen out to give him a good beating

She made a summary in a very rough manner, forcefully striking the armrest of the chair

I am not afraid of being laughed at by Master Lu; over the past few years, I have also read a few books.

In the circle of literati, the more money your work can exchange for, the more it proves your genuine talent and extraordinary abilities

Lu Zhen sneered coldly in his heart

Lu Zhan smiled and nodded, indicating his strong agreement with her thoughts

Bai Qiong crossed her legs and played with the lid of the tea cup

You are indeed unworthy of being Frost's match

Bai Qiong coughed heavily, interrupting Lady Hu's exclamations.

attending the Imperial Academy

Madam Hu's gaze shifted towards Bai Qiong

Bailu sighed softly: "Compared to Young Master Lu, Weishuang is merely three months younger; according to the customs of the Dayin people, Weishuang is already considered an old maid."

After all, it is something agreed upon by the two elders; if the contract is breached, I will be the one at a disadvantage

Have you heard of the "Caiwei Review" held once in the first quarter in Gaogong?

The deep and somewhat greedy gaze of Bai Lu lingered on Lu Chen's face, looking again and again

The term 'young lady' for someone who is not yet sixteen years old is noteworthy and deserves attention

Upon crossing the year, he will turn sixteen. For the first time in sixteen years, Lu Zhen straightened his back in front of 'outsiders'.

In the Bai family, I, Bai Qiong, have nine brothers and sisters, and over twenty children and nephews, but I only have one daughter named Weishuang

Lu Zhen winked at Madam Hu

Lu Zhen, as a child, has lived for nearly ten years in the vast Lu family like a transparent person

This statement, hehe

Young Master Lu, once the year has passed, you will be sixteen years old

Lu Zhen's grandfather passed away on the battlefield

Madam Hu's eyes widened in astonishment, her face reflecting a sudden realization, and then, filled with immense excitement, she forcefully slapped the armrest.

This group of fierce women is also notorious in the Tian'en Marquisate

On the very first day of entering the academy, one is likely to be inundated with a torrent of criticism from countless teachers and classmates

If your possessions can exchange for a girl to willingly pay for you, accompany you in bed, or even willingly support you financially

He glanced sideways at Lu Xianzhi and said slowly and deliberately: "Lu Xianzhi, to speak frankly, the marriage agreement between the two old gentlemen back then was merely a momentary impulse and was not thoroughly considered or carefully deliberated."

Lu Zhen's father is unreliable, having abandoned the young Lu Zhen and left home, with no trace of him for many years

She is the cherished treasure of the Bai family, a priceless gem

Lu Zhen had his hands tucked into his sleeves, and a pair of eyes as cold as springs quietly fixed on Bai Lu: "White dew is white as frost, the reeds are lush and green, 'white dew is frost,' hey, what a lovely name. For the sake of this name, you say, I will listen!"

Tsk!

In summary, you are not worthy of them

This marriage contract is unfair to Wei Shuang

How many times has Frost imagined what her future husband would look like

She is sensitive about money

As for Miss Bai, the painting she created by hand is worth a fortune in Gaogong

He smiled dryly and said, "It does make sense. If it were over a decade ago, if either of our families had a daughter, this marriage agreement would have been established. However, your family has only your father, while my family has nine brothers!"

Look at you, despite your age, you have achieved nothing. Every month, you still rely on the meager allowance from the family academy of the Duke of Lai, receiving a small amount of money and a bag of rice to get by. Have you earned a single copper coin on your own in all these years

I hope that all women in the world can recognize my thoughts; it is only natural to wish for one's husband to become successful.

Such matters are best not to be associated with her. Madam Hu's words were somewhat offensive, and if Bai Qiong were to be a bit more sensitive, he would have to speculate whether Madam Hu intended to mock or provoke the Bai family in person.

Lu Zhan smiled at Madam Hu and said: "Aunt, the engagement must be called off, and I understand this deeply. I am not worthy of Miss Wei Shuang. Our engagement is like a beautiful flower placed in cow dung, truly tarnishing her."

The engagement between the two gentlemen was merely a momentary impulse

Lu Zhenxiao then straightened his back

Wow, you are a literary master of your generation, undoubtedly a leader in the literary world and a charismatic figure

Lu Zhen chuckled lightly: "But I am not diligent, am I? In the study of our clan, I have learned in such a haphazard manner that for four consecutive years, my end-of-year evaluations in clan studies have all been poor, completely devoid of any hope"

In the cultural and educational circles of Chang'an, the most renowned eighteen great sages evaluate the most outstanding young individuals in the city each quarter

Bailu was closest to Lu Zhan, completely captivated by Lu Zhan's suddenly soaring looks, and thus failed to notice the other things hidden beneath this astonishing beauty

In conclusion, you simply do not deserve him! Madam Hu truly has not received an education; she cannot find better words to praise Bai Lu, nor can she find better words to belittle Lu Zhen.

According to the Great Yin Law, males who have reached the age of 16 and females who have reached the age of 13 are to be married

In the city of Gaogong, how many young masters from noble families and talented scholars regard Miss Bai as a deity to be worshipped

You should wash your face and take a look at your own warty skin!

Inexplicably, both Madam Hu and Bai Qiong felt a sudden jolt in their hearts, and the inexplicable anxiety caused them to instinctively twist their bodies.

Gently shaking his head, a hint of bitterness appeared on the white face.

Bai Qiong was also slightly taken aback

At that time, the old master of the Bai family, Bai Changkong, came from humble beginnings. When he was studying abroad and nearly fell victim to a robbery that could have cost him his life, he certainly would not have thought this way

However, the aura he exuded from deep within seemed as if he were standing atop a towering building, high enough to pluck the stars from the sky, looking down from a position of superiority upon the white dew and all those present.

Have you not thought it through or considered it carefully

Thus, very well, the marriage certificate left by the two old gentlemen has now become a "moment of impulse"

Ah, what a wonderful future!

Lu Zhen let out a deep sigh, gazing up at the sky and admiring the magnificent coffered ceiling decoration of the reception hall

With her hands clasped behind her back, she walked back and forth in the reception hall, exuding the demeanor of a man of great stature.

Madam Hu exclaimed in surprise, and when she mentioned the question of "how much is a painting worth," her eyes turned slightly red, and her breathing became noticeably heavier

At this moment, Lu Zhen's vitality and spirit were clearly not right

For Shuang, she does not seek a partner from a prestigious family, nor does she desire a life of luxury and wealth. However, Shuang is also a proud individual and hopes that her future husband can at least give her a glimpse of hope

Lu Zhen's grandfather utilized the family's influence, writing a letter of recommendation for Bai Changkong in the name of the Lu family of Jingyang, and provided financial support for his imperial examination, enabling him to ascend smoothly. At that time, he certainly would not have thought this way

Madam Hu's expression darkened again

This statement is truly remarkable

One hundred taels of silver cannot even buy five mu of decent farmland outside the city of Gaogong

Madam Hu's illustrious reputation in the Tian'en Marquisate was established in this manner

Bailu came to her senses, reining in the moisture in her eyes, and gracefully bowed to Lu Zhen, saying: "Young Master Lu, please allow me to speak on behalf of Shuang."

Bailu gazed deeply at Lu Zhen, especially at the faintly curled lip that bore a cold smile and the rosy, lustrous lips.

If this word gets out, it will turn into a situation where Lu Chen is deemed unworthy, causing delays for a good young lady

However, this matter can be done but cannot be spoken of

Lu Zhen's grandfather saved Bai Chang Kong, and when he spent money to hire a doctor to save his life, he certainly did not think this way

The official position left by Lu Zhen's grandfather was temporarily assumed by the elder members of the Lu clan.

Wow, so much money!

This is a disrespect and lack of reverence towards the two elders, it is indeed unfilial

However, an additional fee is required

Lu Zhen, whether you succeed or not, hurry up and say something. I don't have time to entertain a little monkey like you.

Outside the reception hall, there was some commotion. Seven or eight robust and well-fed women, each standing over eight feet tall, had gathered at the entrance.

Bailu sighed softly and shook her head

Madam Hu's words ignited a hidden anger in Lu Zhen's heart

Madam Hu beside her took a large sip of tea and heavily set down the teacup

A surge of inexplicable vitality soared into the sky

The painting of Bailu is highly sought after in a certain circle, with individuals offering substantial sums for it

A gentleman values his word as worth a thousand gold pieces

Bai Qiong said calmly: "I will certainly not let you suffer any loss. My Bai family will compensate you with one hundred taels of silver, and additionally provide you with a letter of recommendation to study at the Imperial Academy, ensuring you a bright future. How does that sound?"

Bailu Station stands still, offering a reserved smile to Lu Zhen.

The marriage contract established by the two elders, a mere one hundred taels of silver, cannot possibly be dismissed so lightly

It is truly a pity. If, back in the day, my ancestors had a daughter, or if the Bai family had a daughter, this marriage contract would likely have been fulfilled by now. Lu Zhen let out a deep sigh.

To personally sign the letter of withdrawal from engagement, to personally acknowledge one's own "lack of talent and knowledge" and "lack of virtue and morality", in the Great Yin, what future is there to speak of?

In the past seven to eight years, at least thirty to fifty members of the Lu clan have suffered broken arms and legs, as well as damaged backs due to assaults by them

Instead, upon hearing the lines 'The reeds are lush and green, and the white dew is like frost,' her eyes inexplicably brightened

In addition to the previous infamy of Lu Zhen in the study of clan culture

A strong masculine aura emanated from Lu Chen, causing the temperature in the entire reception room to seem to rise several degrees

one hundred taels of silver

You, an unfortunate and destitute seed, are in the presence of Miss Bai, who is now a prominent figure on the Feng List of Gaokjing, excelling in various fields such as music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and prose, each showcasing exceptional talent.

As for Wei Shuang, she is aware of the gentleman's promise, which is as valuable as gold. Since her grandfather has already betrothed Wei Shuang to Master Lu, she must accept her fate. For all these years, Wei Shuang has been looking forward to the day when Master Lu can proudly come to take her home as his bride

Lu Zhen's face twitched

Before leaving home, Lu Zhan's father left a letter that carefully detailed the matter of Lu Zhan's engagement

Increase the payment, it is essential to increase the payment

Yes. Lu Chen's forehead veins relaxed, he straightened his back, and his tone was no longer as intense and angry as before; instead, it carried a strong sense of laziness and indifference, reminiscent of a well-fed 'rabbit cat'.

Bai Changkong actively befriended Lu Zhan's grandfather, and during the rituals of drinking blood wine and swearing brotherhood, he certainly would not have thought this way

Bailu smiled gently, revealing a few bright, shiny white teeth

I have also heard of your infamous reputation in the Lu clan studies; in such a large field, no one has brought more shame than you

Like a sword emerging from its sheath, the cold light splashing from the blade pierces the eyes and stings the heart

After the White Dew, Lady Hu let out a heavy cold snort

After the first heartfelt confession during the White Dew, the tone suddenly shifted.

Lu Zhen lowered his head and looked at Madam Hu with a cheerful smile

However

Exchanging talent and knowledge for money is not disgraceful; on the contrary, it is quite elegant

The esteemed commentator of the Rational Sect remarked that if Miss Bai were a man, she would be worthy of being a 'pillar of the nation' and a 'virtuous minister of governance'

To this end, Frost patiently awaits, hoping that the young master will achieve success in his studies and gain renown in the region

Therefore, the engagement must be annulled; anyone who disagrees is a coward, and I will confront them!

The current state of the Lu family can be described as one of utter destitution.

Lu Zhen's facial muscles twitched

A gentleman's promise is worth a thousand gold pieces; a single promise is indeed worth a thousand gold pieces

This feeling is akin to a mountain peak suddenly rising beneath the pristine white snow

Bai Qiong coughed heavily.

The young lady has ranked among the top for two consecutive years in the Caiwei evaluation