Did Miss become a nun today?

Chapter 46 Ulterior Motives

Xie Yun Chu was also very curious about Madam Lu, and asked her aunt about it as soon as she returned home.

"You ran into Mrs. Lu?"

"Yes, we talked for a while." Xie Yun Chu took the soup from the maid.

What do you think?

"He looks kind and gentle; he seems like a very easy person to talk to."

Upon hearing this, Cen Jingyan paused slightly in the hand holding the teacup, but then resumed her normal posture.

"Then you've misjudged her. Madam Lu was a prominent figure in the capital back then."

Xie Yun Chu became interested. "Auntie, tell me about it."

Cen Jingyan took a sip of soup before saying, "That Madam Lu is not from the capital. She was chosen by the Lu family as their daughter-in-law in their ancestral home. Originally, she was to marry the eldest son of the Lu family."

"It's a pity that before the bride could even enter the family, the eldest son of the Lu family died. Originally, this was an ominous sign, and the Lu family would never marry another woman into the family. But Madam Lu used some means to marry her fiancé's younger brother."

"Grand Tutor Lu was in the capital for many years, and Madam Lu waited in the clan's territory for ten years. By the time she came to the capital with him, her child had already grown up."

Given their humble origins, most people had to settle for second best: either marry someone of equal social standing, or become a concubine to someone of high status and power.

Especially for those who were engaged to someone else, it was difficult to find a good match after their fiancé passed away. But this Mrs. Lu, despite losing her fiancé, ended up marrying someone even better.

Lu Heng was the top scholar in the imperial examination back then, and he climbed all the way up from a minor official position to his current position as Grand Tutor. He was a very famous figure.

For so many years, Grand Tutor Lu has had no concubines, only her by his side, which is truly unique.

Who wouldn't envy her? Even Cen Jingyan admired Madam Lu.

However, it would be unbelievable to say that she was kind and gentle.

To gain a foothold in the Lu family, one must possess both skill and cunning.

"What did she ask you?"

"They asked me where I was from, and then asked a few more questions about my aunt, but that was all."

Cen Jingyan lowered her eyes, her fingertips tracing the edge of the teacup, and remained silent for a moment.

"Was there anything special about the way she looked at you?"

Xie Yun Chu thought for a moment: "I can't quite put my finger on it, but I always feel like... she's looking at me, or like she's looking at someone else through me. We've clearly never met before, but it's like she knows me."

Cen Jingyan's fingers tightened slightly, then relaxed again. "You look like your mother."

Xie Yun Chu understood. "Is Aunt worried that Madam Lu has ulterior motives?"

"The Lu family has always had high standards, and that Grand Tutor Lu is especially aloof, rarely associating with our Marquis's residence. Why would his wife suddenly speak to you?"

Xie Yun Chu was also puzzled. If it weren't for Pei Chang Ning last time, she wouldn't have recognized the Lu family.

"Your mother was the daughter of a disgraced official. Back then, many families dared not get involved with her. That Madam Lu probably knows your mother."

Xie Yun Chu thought for a moment. In her memory, her mother had never mentioned this Mrs. Lu to her, but she often talked about her aunt.

This suggests that the relationship isn't particularly good, and it's unclear whether they are enemies or friends.

Cen Jingyan sighed, "Back then, your mother was an unattainable figure in the hearts of the young masters in the capital. Unfortunately, your maternal grandfather was punished by His Majesty and banished from the capital. He was not allowed to enter the capital without being summoned. If your identity were to be known... I don't know whether it would be a blessing or a curse."

She held Xie Yun Chu's hand, "That's why your aunt has rarely taken you out to social events these past few years, and never mentions your mother's identity to anyone, only saying that you're from my hometown of Jiangzhou." Her voice trembled slightly, "But what if someone investigates further..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but Xie Yun Chu already understood.

If someone were to investigate her background and discover her mother's identity, then her true identity would also be revealed.

"Aunt, don't be afraid." Xie Yun Chu calmed down instead, and held Cen Jing Yan's hand tighter. "That Madam Lu only asked a few questions casually. She may not have meant any harm. Besides, my mother's matter happened so many years ago. It's not a capital offense. Even if they find out, nothing will happen."

She wanted to say that, just in case, she should leave the capital as soon as possible, but after hesitating for a long time, she didn't dare to speak.

My aunt is too stubborn; she won't give in until she's at her wit's end.

Cen Jingyan was still worried. "But your mother was protected in the capital back then. She was no ordinary person to have such power. She was pregnant with you at the time. If she hadn't been desperate, why would she have left the capital?"

"Your mother was probably driven to desperation, which is why she left quietly."

Xie Yun Chu hesitated for a moment, but still told the truth, "Aunt, I have something to tell you, but you must not be in a hurry."

"Why are you so serious?"

She leaned closer and whispered a few words in her aunt's ear. Cen Jingyan was stunned. "Really?"

"Yes, my mother is still alive, but she doesn't go back to Beijing or come to see me. I didn't know why at first, but now I think she's probably afraid of implicating my maternal grandfather's family."

To be honest, her mother never talked to her about her maternal grandfather's family. She only said that they were doing well and that she didn't need to worry about them, and she never took her to see them.

She still doesn't know where her maternal grandfather's family is.

Cen Jingyan was still in shock when she suddenly grabbed Yun Chu's hand. "Yun Chu, you really aren't lying to me?"

"Aunt, what I said is true. I've been searching ever since I grew up. I had some leads a few days ago, but I haven't found the person yet."

Cen Jingyan was stunned for a while, then suddenly laughed, "Good, good, it's good that you're alive, it's good that you're alive."

Cen Jingyan took a few deep breaths, barely managing to calm herself down. She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, then suddenly tensed up again: "Who else knows about this?"

"Only you," Xie Yun Chu said in a low voice. "I didn't tell anyone else."

"That's good, that's good." Cen Jingyan nodded repeatedly. "You can't tell anyone about this. Your aunt will help you."

A few days passed like this. When she went to see Sui'er, Old Man Chen was out delivering vegetables, Chen Yan was working at the incense shop and would read in a corner when no one was around, and Sui'er was playing alone in the backyard.

When Chen Yan saw her come in, he put down his book and came to greet her. She waved her hand and said, "You go about your business, don't worry about me."

Sui'er has been eating well these days, she's grown taller and even gained weight. Now her little face is chubby and soft to the touch, she's extremely pretty.

She got some children's clothes for her to change into, then came out and twirled around. "Sister Xie, does it look good?"

"nice."

"I want to show it to my brother."

With that, he ran off happily.

"Brother, look, this is from Sister Xie. Sister Xie is the best to me."

Chen Yan led her to thank Xie Yun Chu, saying, "You've gone to so much trouble for me, Miss." He then asked his sister, "Did you thank Miss Xie?"

Sui'er ran over obediently, "Thank you, sister."

"As long as Sui'er is happy."

After playing with the child for a while, Xie Yunchu finally rested, holding a cup of tea, and looked out the window.

"What are you looking at, Miss?" Lan Yue asked.

"I'm looking outside to see if there's anyone willing to marry me."

"Clang"