The 2nd Session of the Diao Nu

However, upon hearing this, Liu Er's face turned crimson with embarrassment, yet the look of panic on her face did not dissipate.

Ah, it seems my son has recovered. Lu Changqing revealed a hint of peculiarity on his face and said, If your mother were to see your appearance today, she could also smile in the netherworld.

Hmph! Lu Chun and his son have rendered numerous services to the Lu family, yet today you actually injured him. Hmph, I wonder how you will explain this to grandfather. " Lu Zhao Bing retorted sarcastically, "Hmph, all this for a maid, how bold. Let’s go!" Saying this, he had someone assist Lu Chun, and without looking back, they exited the back garden. Those Lu family disciples surrounding him, upon seeing this, dared not linger and quickly followed suit, vanishing swiftly into the garden.

"Who dares to bully my elder brother?" A furious roar echoed, as if a thunderclap had sounded beside Lu Zhao's ear. Then, a sturdy young man appeared, wielding a long spear, exuding an aura of murderous intent.

Lu Zhaozi, sitting in the chair, furrowed his brows. He looked over and saw a group of people approaching from the back garden, led by several young men in fine garments, each handsome and poised. However, in Lu Zhaozi's eyes, they were merely a group of frivolous and reckless young masters. Standing in the middle was none other than Lu Zhao Bing, Lu Zhaozi's second brother, born of Lu Changqing's second wife.

Hmph, big brother seems to be in a good mood. I have heard that there has been quite a stir over at the second house recently, and among your first house, there are indeed those who wish for big brother to face difficulties. At this moment, big brother has struck Lu Chun, and I fear there may be many who take the opportunity to cause trouble. Do not be deceived by Lu Zhaoying's reckless nature; he may only know how to wield a knife and gun, but he is not a fool. He is well aware of the affairs within the grand residence, but he simply does not wish to get involved. It is only when it concerns his own brother that he would speak in such a manner.

"Young Master!" Liu Er's eyes revealed a hint of excitement, but more so, there was concern. Lu Chun was the only son of Lu Ming, the chief steward of the Lu family. Lu Ming had served the old master, Lu Sicheng, for many years, and even Lu Changqing, the father of Lu Zhaozi, would not dare to offend him lightly. Lu Chun, being his only son, had been struck by Lu Zhaozi today, and it was uncertain what kind of trouble this would provoke. The more Liu Er thought about it, the more fearful she became.

"Liu'er, why haven't you heard? You wretched servant! Are you seeking death?" The voice of the man echoed again. At this moment, Lu Zhao Ci realized that the speaker was a middle-aged man with a sharp nose and a long face, resembling a large monkey. He was Lu Chun, the son of the chief steward of the Lu residence. Although he was a servant, he held a higher status than Liu'er, who was also a servant. Of course, if Liu'er had a powerful backing, Lu Chun would not dare to offend her. However, Liu'er's previous supporter had no standing in the Lu residence, which meant that Liu'er was often bullied among the servants.

"Hmm, this is indeed very good!" Lu Changqing nodded, but suddenly his expression changed: "My son has caused a great disaster today. That Lu Chun is the only son of Lu Ming; how could you have hit him? Now Lu Chun has gone to the old master to complain, and the old master has summoned your father to take you to the Jinbiaotang for questioning. What shall we do?" Jinbiaotang is the core building of the Lu family, generally inhabited by the clan leader. Similar places include the Youyantang of the Lu family from Fanyang, the Zhujing Hall and Anyuan Hall of the Zheng family from Henan, and so on. These halls are typically the pride of noble families, and it is not something that ordinary families can possess. The Shandong noble families have been passed down for a thousand years, and only a few have such honor. Being questioned in Jinbiaotang today indicates the old master of the Lu family attaches great importance to this matter, no wonder the kind-hearted Lu Changqing is extremely anxious.

"Third brother, what is the matter?" Lu Zhao-ci said with a faint smile

Father (Uncle, Granduncle) Lu Zhao-ci stepped forward to greet him, respectfully calling out "Father"

In response to Third Master, they were all driven away by the eldest son. Liu'er quickly recounted what had just happened, leaving not a single detail omitted

"Is this the person you brought?" Lu Zhao Ci cast a cold glance at Lu Zhao Bing, his deep gaze filled with mockery, causing Lu Zhao Bing's face to flush red. Surrounding him were the younger members of the Lu family from Hedong. As the second son of the main branch, and given that Lu Zhao Ci had previously been considered a fool, he was treated like the eldest son despite being a second son. Countless people in the Hedong Lu family sought to curry favor with him. Recently, he had heard that Lu Zhao Ci had been frightened by lightning and had fallen into a coma, which delighted him, as he thought that from then on, he could rise to the position of the legitimate eldest son and eventually take over the Hedong Lu family. However, unexpectedly, this morning he heard that Lu Zhao Ci had awakened and was no different from an ordinary person, as if he had never been a fool at all. He was astonished and came to take a look. Although he was displeased by Lu Chun's display, he did not stop it. What he did not expect was that the former fool, upon awakening today, exhibited such overwhelming strength, and in his gaze towards him, there was actually a hint of mockery and ridicule, which filled him with hidden rage, wishing he could tear the person before him to shreds.

Good! Today, as the legitimate eldest son, I will not allow you to suffer even the slightest grievance." Lu Changqing turned to glance at Lu Zhaozi, a hint of satisfaction appearing on his face

"Hehe, Father, do not panic. A servant is merely a servant, and a slave is just a slave. Our Lu family has a legacy of literature and is a prestigious family; how could we allow such lowly individuals to disrupt our customs" Lu Zhao said with a cold laugh

"Elder brother, elder brother, are you alright!" Lu Zhaoying glanced around but saw not a single person. His eyes wide open like a leopard's, his face was filled with disbelief.

"Oh, isn't this the eldest son?" Lu Chun said in surprise. It was as if he had just seen Lu Zhao Ci, his expression peculiar. Although he referred to him as the eldest son, there was not a trace of respect or fear in his demeanor.

"Rest assured, no matter what, I am still the legitimate son of the main branch," Lu Zhaozi said, feeling a warmth in his heart as he comforted.

"Ah! Just come with me!" Lu Changqing glanced at his son and sighed, "At worst, I will be punished by the old master on behalf of my father. After all, I am the legitimate eldest son; he wouldn't want to embarrass me." As he spoke, he shook his head and let out a long sigh, his emaciated figure surprisingly showing a hint of age.

"Why is no one around?" Lu Zhaoying exclaimed curiously

"Uncle, it was just a servant I struck," Lu Zhaoying said with dissatisfaction. However, his voice gradually became softer, as he knew in his heart that this servant was not an ordinary one

Hmph, this cunning servant, my younger brother has long wanted to settle accounts with him, but... Lu Zhaoying showed a hint of difficulty on his face, looking at Lu Zhaoci with some concern

Lu Zhao-ci is unclear about this matter. Although Lu Zhao-ying harbors a deep-seated hatred for evil, the one in charge of the Lu family courtyard is Lu Si-cheng. Lu Ming has followed him loyally for decades, a rare display of fidelity. Perhaps in the heart of the elder Lu, Lu Ming is even more trustworthy than his own son. Now, this grandson, Lu Zhao-ci, who is not held in high regard, has struck Lu Chun. If this escalates, it is likely that in the end, it will be Lu Zhao-ci who suffers the consequences.

"Servant, servant!" Liu Er's face was pale as she anxiously looked at Lu Zhao Ci beside her, unsure of what to do.

The child will go to the mother's grave tomorrow to offer incense and inform her. Lu Zhaozi quickly said

"A little person has met a young master! Hehe!" Lu Chun approached with a grin, but suddenly sneered, "Do you really think you are some young master? In Hedong, the young master of the Lu family is right in front of you, you fool! Let me tell you, the young master has taken a liking to Liu'er now, so be smart and let Liu'er come with us!" As he spoke, he raised his right hand and swung it towards Lu Zhao Ci.

Lu Zhao's expression suddenly changed, and he kicked out with his right foot. With a cry of agony, Lu Chun was instantly sent flying a distance of about ten feet, clutching his stomach and screaming in pain, while his mouth spewed forth a torrent of foul and abusive language.

Go to the Golden Standard Hall

Father, the child has grown up now. Lu Zhaozi suddenly said. At this moment, he finally integrated into this era

"Who are you?" Lu Zhaozi asked淡淡ly, his calm face revealing no trace of emotion, leaving one to wonder what thoughts were occupying his mind.

"Come quickly! Capture this fool and see how I will teach him a lesson!" Lu Chun shouted, pointing his right hand at Lu Zhao Ci, his voice sharp and exceedingly piercing.

"Dalang, Dalang!" A voice filled with urgency reached the ears of the three. Lu Zhaozi recognized it as the voice of his father, Lu Changqing. Sure enough, a thin figure turned in from the garden entrance, his face showing an extraordinary panic; who else could it be but Lu Changqing.

Lu Zhao sighed inwardly. Lu Changqing treated him quite well; it is indeed rare for a father to show such affection towards a son, especially considering that this son was once rather foolish. Unfortunately, within the grand estate, this kindness appeared so out of place, seeming rather weak. Otherwise, his position as the legitimate eldest son would not have been challenged by others. In his view, the primary reason why Lu Changqing's position as the heir of the family was contested by others was due to his character, which led the clan leader, Lu Sicheng, to tacitly approve of Lu Changzong's actions to usurp the position. Otherwise, his position as the legitimate eldest son would not have been challenged by others. In his view, the primary reason why Lu Changqing's position as the heir of the family was contested by others was due to his character, which led the clan leader, Lu Sicheng, to tacitly approve of Lu Changzong's actions to usurp the position.

"Do not worry, you have taken care of me for many years; how could I let him succeed?" A hint of tenderness flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. Since the beginning of her memories, this little girl has been the one to care for her, and the two have relied on each other in the small attic of the back garden.

Lu Zhao Ci's expression shifted slightly, revealing a hint of a smile. The newcomer appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old; he was a member of the Lu clan, specifically Lu Zhao Ci's cousin, Lu Zhao Ying, the son of Lu Chang Ding, Lu Zhao Ci's third uncle. Naturally inclined towards martial pursuits, he was quite an anomaly in the Confucian-oriented Lu family. As a result, he was not favored by the elder of the Lu family. Perhaps due to his chivalrous nature, he took special care of the previously foolish Lu Zhao Ci, always stepping in to reclaim dignity whenever Lu Zhao Ci was bullied by others.

"Liu'er, why haven't you welcomed the Second Young Master yet!" Suddenly, a sharp and shrill voice came through, sounding as if a duck's neck had been pinched, the voice was exceedingly unpleasant