The Marquis's line has ended? The pregnant maid is pregnant again!

Lu Jihan's words were fierce and sharp, but his hands still held her tightly in his arms, showing no sign of wanting to throw her away.

Who is Shen Qinghe? She saw through his gritted teeth and hidden arrogance at a glance.

Undeterred by any counter-argument, Shen Qinghe said, "Then, Master... please punish this servant properly?"

In short, Shen Qinghe's situation changed completely.

The bronze mirror, as tall as a person, once again reflected the intertwined figures of the two, their clothes scattered all over the ground.

The belt lay forlornly on the clothes, now ignored by everyone.

-

Early the next morning.

The bronze mirror reflected the scene of Shen Qinghe tying a belt around Lu Jihan's waist.

Just then, Qing'er brought in some water. "Master, Miss, Aunt Hongxing has arrived with her entourage."

Shen Qinghe glanced sideways at Qing'er, noticing the confusion in her eyes, then looked at Lu Jihan's expression, and said gently, "Then Madam must have something to discuss with Master. Quickly, invite her in!"

"Yes." Qing'er said and went to fetch someone.

Soon, Hongxing arrived with two maids.

Hongxing greeted Lu Jihan with a friendly smile, saying, "Young Marquis, it's Miss Qinghe. Last night, Guard Linfeng went to deliver a message, and only then did Madam learn that Miss Qinghe had been wronged at the Autumn Equinox banquet a couple of days ago. She specially instructed me to bring Miss Qinghe some ointment early this morning."

As Hongxing spoke, she raised her hand, and the maid beside her immediately brought over the items: "Madam said that women's skin is delicate and they love beauty the most, so it is absolutely forbidden to leave any scars or marks. It's all because she didn't manage her subordinates properly, which allowed Zhou Mama to become more and more arrogant. So Madam ordered someone to find the best ointment overnight, saying it has miraculous effects and will definitely not leave any marks. As for the other items, Madam said that she noticed Qinghe was mostly too plain, so they are all some girl's hairpins and jewelry. Please accept them, Miss."

"Madam's intentions are so profound, how can this servant... this servant be worthy of such kindness?" Shen Qinghe vaguely felt that this matter was not so simple and wanted to refuse.

"Since Madam sent it, it proves you can handle it. Accept it; you are indeed dressed a bit plainly."

Lu Jihan suddenly spoke up, remembering how understanding and righteous Madam Qin was, and said with satisfaction, "Madam has always been dignified, composed, reasonable, and generous. The Autumn Begins Banquet must have been her oversight. Don't be afraid of her; she is the most forgiving."

Upon hearing Lu Jihan's words, Hongxing was overjoyed, for the lady's plan had indeed been very effective.

If the lady heard the young marquis praising her like this, especially in front of Shen Qinghe, she would surely be happy for several days.

Since Lu Jihan had spoken, Shen Qinghe had no choice but to accept his reply: "Yes."

"Then this servant will go back and report to Madam." Hongxing put down the things and left with her entourage without lingering.

Lu Jihan stepped out of the room, feeling refreshed, and Lin Feng was about to lead the way.

To everyone's surprise, he heard his young master ask, "How was your day, my lord?"

"Huh?" Lin Feng didn't react, nor did he notice Lu Jihan's deliberate straightening of his back. His attention was drawn elsewhere. "Master, your lips seem a bit too obvious."

Lu Jihan: ?

Lin Feng tried to explain, "Your lip should... should have been bitten by Qinghe. It's quite red and very obvious."

Lu Jihan: ...Playing the lute to a cow.

"Enough, why should I ask you? Go to court." Lu Jihan's expression returned to its usual coldness, his cheeks were taut, and three long swords were hanging from his newly changed green bamboo and plum blossom belt, making him look like the living Yama he was always.

In the imperial court, when discussing political affairs, the ministers expressed their opinions in various ways, which often led to debates and arguments.

When the court session ended, the officials were still discussing the matter, each holding their own opinion.

"General Lu seems to have suddenly become enlightened today. He is usually a man of few words in court, but today he actually argued with those old and pedantic civil officials, Lord Zhang, to a standstill. This is truly unprecedented."

"Who says otherwise? General Lu's aura is in no way inferior to that of the former Marquis Lu. He can make those old pedants blush with embarrassment with just a few words. He is truly a role model for us all."

Lu Jihan, the subject of much discussion among officials, walked tall and straight through the crowd of people, dressed in both civil and military attire, holding a white jade tablet in his hand.

Suddenly, he was called to a halt, and the officials behind him stopped talking abruptly.

The Crown Prince strode up to Lu Jihan's side. "Jihan," he said, "you're acting very strangely today."

"What's unusual?" Lu Jihan raised his head and straightened his back without making a sound.

The crown prince looked her up and down. "Her lips seem... a little different. Could it be... that she's finally found a soulmate?"

Lu Jihan pursed his lips slightly, the curve of his lips noticeably flattening: "No, it doesn't count. How can matters of the court be related to that kind of..."

He had barely uttered two words when, for some reason, Shen Qinghe's twisted logic flashed into his mind, and his words involuntarily changed as they reached his lips:

"How can this be confused with matters of men and women? Today, Lord Zhang and others' words were far too extreme, and I will naturally speak out if I must."

"That's true."

The two had walked quite a distance when Lu Jihan, as if unwilling to give up, stopped and turned to look at him: "Is there really nothing different about me today?"

Crown Prince: "...I really don't see any difference."

Lu Jihan: "..."

Outside the palace gates, Yun Chen was on guard.

After finally waiting for his young master to emerge, Yun Chen hurriedly stepped forward: "Master, the Old Madam wants you to go back for breakfast!"

"Okay, I understand."

Lu Jihan's expression remained unchanged. His gaze fell on Yun Chen, and he casually asked, "Is there anything different about you today, Master?"

Yun Chen stared wide-eyed at Lu Jihan, scrutinizing him from head to toe, as if he'd discovered something delightful: "Your new belt is truly beautiful. Green bamboo and red plum blossoms—it perfectly suits your style!"

Lu Jihan immediately straightened his back and raised his head, raising an eyebrow in slight surprise, the corners of his lips involuntarily turning up slightly: "It's just average."

"Although I don't know much about needlework, I can tell that this embroidery skill is extraordinary, far superior to the embroiderers we hire from outside." Yun Chen said, scratching his head, somewhat bewildered.

"Why is everyone wearing new belts today?"

"All?" Lu Jihan frowned slightly.

"Yes, Lin Feng just changed his belt too, and he deliberately showed it off in front of his subordinates," Yun Chen explained, then suddenly noticed the pattern on Lu Jihan's belt and remembered something:

"By the way, Lin Feng's belt looks exactly the same as yours, Master. The pattern is bamboo and plum blossoms. Did you and Lin Feng make it together? It's like you made a pact without even telling me so I could get a new one too!"

Yun Chen was still muttering to himself, completely unaware that Lu Jihan's face had turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

it is good.

very good.

She is quite popular.

Why thank him? That young woman didn't make it specifically for him at all!

Others have it too!

As expected, she's a silver-tongued, smooth-talking little woman!