Chapter 1409 - 1404: Reverence

As she spoke, Lu Yuanqing’s mother turned to Lu Yuanqing, her eyes filled with relief as she straightened her son’s clothes, a smile spreading across her face, "Moreover, His Majesty is currently relying on our Lu family. Even considering your grandfather’s influence, he certainly wouldn’t trouble our family..."

"Mother, please don’t say that again in the future." Lu Yuanqing’s expression suddenly turned solemn.

Realizing her slip of the tongue, Lu Yuanqing’s mother smiled awkwardly and said, "I’m just saying it among our own family, talking to you. I wouldn’t say a word to outsiders!"

"Mother must remember that disasters arise from careless words. The honor of the Lu family today is entirely because of our loyalty to His Majesty, who finds us useful! In this vast world... talent is abundant, and His Majesty values the Lu family. The entire Lu family should be grateful. Why has Mother developed such arrogant thoughts? I can’t agree with that!" Lu Yuanqing spoke heavily.

His mother was straightforward and wore her heart on her sleeve. If she harbored such arrogant thoughts and expressed them outside, saying something inappropriate, it would truly lead the Lu family to eternal ruin.

"You stubborn child..." Lu Yuanqing’s mother pinched her son’s arm, "I’m just making an offhand comment, and you rebuke me like this! Yuanpeng is like this, and so are you! Why is mentioning the emperor like poking a sore spot for both of you! Don’t you understand the hierarchies!"

"Mother..." Lu Yuanqing knelt on one knee before his mother, holding her hand, "The honor our Lu family enjoys today is granted by His Majesty. If Mother’s remarks about us being indispensable to His Majesty were misinterpreted by others as His Majesty having no choice but to rely on us, the current honor he bestowed could easily be taken back and given to others. This is the power of royal authority! Mother must always remember to harbor a respectful heart towards His Majesty!"

Lu Yuanqing’s mother broke out in a cold sweat from Lu Yuanqing’s words and instinctively tightened her grip on her son’s hand, "Alright, alright! Mother understands. During this period, with everyone flattering and currying favor, I’ve become a bit carried away. After all, neither your father nor I are exceptional, yet we gave birth to such an outstanding child like you, so others’ flattery is inevitable..."

"As long as Mother understands, others’ flattery might not be beneficial to the Lu family. When encountering flattering people in the future, Mother must be extremely cautious! In a family like ours... every word and action might reach the emperor and must be handled with utmost care to ensure the family’s peace and prosperity for generations."

"Alright! Mother will remember! Rest assured!" Lu Yuanqing’s mother vowed solemnly, "From now on, Mother will maintain a reverent heart towards His Majesty!"

For Lu Yuanqing, the third lady of the Lu family treated him differently than Lu Yuanpeng, who was often mischievous and undisciplined, whereas Lu Yuanqing was always the backbone of their household. Therefore, whatever Lu Yuanqing said was usually heeded by both parents.

"It’s good that Mother remembers. Grandfather asked me to return to freshen up and change clothes, so please trouble Mother to prepare the water. I’ll first go check on Yuanpeng." Lu Yuanqing said to his mother.

"Alright, alright!" Lu Yuanqing’s mother smiled again. As a mother, seeing her two sons having such a good relationship made her extremely happy. She patted her son’s hand in contentment, "Go on! As the elder brother, you’re even better than your father! Your father only knows how to scold Yuanpeng without caring about his injuries!"

"Then I’ll take my leave!" Lu Yuanqing still maintained his gentle smile.

·

Lu Yuanpeng, knowing that his elder brother was coming back, felt both happy and a little scared. He lay timidly on the bed, constantly sending people to inquire about his brother’s arrival, wondering about his brother’s mood.

Soon, Lu Yuanpeng’s attendant returned, smiling as he reported to Lu Yuanpeng, "He’s back, he’s back! Young Master Yuanqing is back, smiling warmly at everyone he meets. He seems to be in a good mood and is already heading towards our courtyard!"

Upon hearing that his elder brother was smiling warmly and in a good mood, Lu Yuanpeng’s wounds instantly tightened, his face turned pale, and he hurriedly said, "Quick! Close the courtyard door! Just... just... just say I’m seriously injured! On the verge of dying! That I’ve taken medicine and fallen asleep! Quick, go!"

"Huh?"

Seeing his attendant staring wide-eyed and not moving, Lu Yuanpeng, in desperation, grabbed the pillow from under him and threw it at his dawdling attendant.

Others might not know his brother, but Lu Yuanpeng knew him well. Usually, his brother was a cold and elegant gentleman, but if he suddenly smiled at everyone, it meant he was bottling up a bellyful of anger, ready to twist his ear!

"Oh, oh, oh... This servant will go at once!" The attendant scrambled up, nearly colliding with Lu Yuanqing’s chest as he turned.

"Seriously injured and nearly dying?" Wind-blown and dusty, Lu Yuanqing’s smile deepened as he calmly rolled up his sleeves, "Coincidentally, while I was in Hancheng, I learned some medical skills from a renowned physician. Let me examine your pulse!"

"Brother! Brother... Esteemed elder brother!"

Hearing about his brother’s warm smile, Lu Yuanpeng, who claimed to be gravely injured, nearly jumped off the bed in fright. He hastily propped himself up against the wall, clutching the quilt, and awkwardly smiled at Lu Yuanqing.

"Brother... Brother!"

Lu Yuanqing responded, then turned to the attendant still kneeling at the door, "Stand guard at the door, and don’t let anyone near!"

Having said that, Lu Yuanqing raised his hand to close the door.

It’s over... It’s all over! Despair filled Lu Yuanpeng’s heart, fearing that today would mark the anniversary of his ears’ demise and perhaps by next year, the grass over his grave would be a man’s height. Regardless... there’s no escape today.

Lu Yuanpeng immediately covered both his ears, "Brother, I’m wrong! I truly realize my mistake! I’ll never dare again! Please... be gentle!"

"I thought you would have matured after training in the Bai family army for a few years, but you are still so... foolish?"

"Brother... let’s talk it over peacefully, you are a gentleman, and a gentleman uses words not hands! Ah, ah, ah... Esteemed elder brother!"

Meanwhile, the attendant stationed at the courtyard gate could hear his young master’s screams and pleas for mercy. Secretly, he couldn’t help but feel a little sympathetic towards his young master. The way Master Yuanqing had glanced back at him, telling him to stand guard at the door, with those deep, dark eyes, was terrifying.

Thinking back now, the attendant felt a chill running down his spine.

He stood at the doorway, bowing to the sky, hoping some deity might pass by and protect their young master.