Zhang Hu observed Xiao Zheng's calm and composed demeanor, surmising that she must already have a plan in mind. He breathed a sigh of relief, then glanced at the book on the table and smiled meaningfully.
"You’ve got it under control, then! I’m exhausted from the journey—I’ll take my leave now!"
Xiao Zheng, slightly embarrassed, called out to stop him.
"Wait! There’s... something I wanted to ask you."
Zhang Hu turned back with an amused grin.
"Speak, General."
"Well... Lu Chao’s parents have arrived in the capital. Lady Lu even sent me an invitation. What do people usually give as gifts when meeting elders for the first time?"
Hearing this, Zhang Hu stroked his chin, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. Lu Chao was moving fast, wasn’t he?
After a brief pause, he replied, "Most young ladies would handcraft something like a pouch, a sachet, or a forehead band—something that shows effort and is delicate enough to please."
The moment the words left his mouth, Zhang Hu’s mind conjured an image of Xiao Zheng clad in armor, wielding a spear with commanding presence on the battlefield. The stark contrast with her sitting demurely, needle in hand, was too much. He couldn’t help but shake his head inwardly and quickly amended, "Though, if you’d prefer something more formal, jewelry or hairpins would also be a fine choice."
Xiao Zheng frowned. The silver awarded by the emperor had nearly run dry, leaving her purse embarrassingly light. She spread her hands helplessly.
Zhang Hu, seeing her dilemma and recalling recent military affairs, suddenly understood. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"General, no wonder the soldiers returning home with injuries said their rewards were unusually generous! Did you really empty your own coffers for them?!"
Xiao Zheng gave a small nod, her expression unapologetic. "I’m alone here in the capital. My meals and lodging are all taken care of in the barracks—I have little need for extravagance. But for them, returning home with disabilities, life will be hard. That silver means far more to them than it ever could to me."
Zhang Hu scowled. Being an official came with unavoidable expenses—social obligations alone cost a fortune! This was exactly why she needed someone to manage her household!
"Enough of that. I already have a plan to earn more. It’s just not the right time yet."
Xiao Zheng waved him off and continued, "Right now, the pressing matter is this gift."
Zhang Hu’s eyes gleamed with an idea.
"What about medicinal herbs or tonics?"
Xiao Zheng smacked her forehead. Among the emperor’s previous gifts were two wild ginseng roots—one for the Grand Princess and one for Lady Lu. Perfect!
When Xiao Zheng and Zhang Hu galloped back to the general’s residence, they were met with several large chests conspicuously placed in the main hall. Xi’er hurried over, curtsied, and explained, "General, these chests were delivered yesterday by Young Master Lu’s men. You weren’t home at the time, so we didn’t dare open them without your permission."
"I see." Xiao Zheng nodded, her gaze settling on the chests. She stepped forward and opened the first one.
Inside lay four or five sets of robes, the fabric exquisite, the embroidery refined. Zhang Hu let out a drawn-out whistle at the sight.
A faint smile tugged at Xiao Zheng’s lips, warmth flickering in her eyes. She reached for the second chest, slightly smaller than the first. When the lid lifted, an array of dazzling jewelry greeted her, each piece more intricate than the last.
Next came the third chest. Inside rested a statue of the Buddha, its expression serene and compassionate, carved with such mastery that every line flowed with grace, radiating an aura of profound tranquility that inspired reverence.
Beside the statue lay a letter, its envelope bearing the same elegantly flowing script as always.
The next day, Lu Chao and Xingyao waited eagerly by the estate gates.
Xingyao stood on tiptoe, peering through the crack in the door, her big eyes darting about as she chattered, "Third Brother! Is Third Sister-in-law here yet? Why can’t I see her?"
At first, Xingyao had been sulky upon hearing Lu Chao was to marry, her lips puckered in displeasure. But after learning of Xiao Zheng’s legendary exploits—infiltrating enemy camps alone and defeating overwhelming odds—she’d become an ardent admirer, never failing to address her as "Third Sister-in-law."
"She’s here! A carriage is coming!"
Xingyao immediately straightened, schooling her expression into something solemn—or at least, her best attempt at it.
Inside the carriage, Xiao Zheng clenched her fists, nerves tightening her chest.
"General, remember not to leap out as usual. Step down slowly, gracefully. Let me assist you," Xi’er whispered, but before she could finish, Xiao Zheng had already swung her long legs over and landed firmly on the ground.
Xingyao’s eyes sparkled. Third Sister-in-law was so dashing!!
Xiao Zheng’s dress was unlike the popular styles of the day—its seemingly simple cut hid clever details, blending elegance with a touch of martial flair. Tall and long-limbed, she wore the understated gown with effortless grace, her hair tied back simply to reveal a smooth forehead. Her cool, composed demeanor carried a unique charm that made Lu Chao’s pulse quicken.
"Sister A’Zheng, hello!"
Xingyao, cheeks flushed, stepped forward with a curtsy.
"You must be Xingyao. What a lovely girl! For our first meeting, I heard from your brother that you adore rabbits. Do you like this?"
Xiao Zheng patted the girl’s head before handing her an ornate box.
"Wow! I love it! Thank you, Sister A’Zheng!"
Xingyao was utterly enchanted by the tortoiseshell hairpin, her adoration for her future sister-in-law soaring.
After exchanging greetings, Xingyao skipped ahead to lead the way, while Lu Chao and Xiao Zheng followed at a leisurely pace.
"Thank you," Xiao Zheng said softly.
Lu Chao waved it off. "As long as you’re pleased. It’s only natural. My mother is kind-hearted—there’s no need to worry."
Xiao Zheng nodded. True to Lu Chao’s words, Lady Lu was exceedingly gracious, praising her generously and presenting her with a gift. It was as if the rumors circulating outside had never reached her ears. She spoke warmly of Shuo Zhou’s customs and, when mentioning the coming-of-age ceremony, reassured Xiao Zheng in gentle tones that the Lu family would handle everything. The meeting went smoother than Xiao Zheng had ever imagined.
Even after leaving the Lu residence, she still felt somewhat dazed.
Back at the Lu household, Lord Lu turned to his wife.
"Well, my lady? What did you think of this Xiao Zheng?"
"She’s a fine girl—dignified, courteous, and knows her manners."
"Did you bring up the matter of her retiring after marriage? A woman shouldn’t be out in the world like this."
"My lord, she’s an imperial official, a first-rank general personally appointed by His Majesty. Unless you plan to ask the emperor to rescind his decree?"
Lord Lu deflated at that. Even the civil officials in the capital hadn’t managed to curb her—he wasn’t about to try!
A daughter-in-law with a higher rank than his own? If they attended court together, he’d have to bow to her! The very thought was preposterous!
"Let’s not dwell on this now, my lord. You have court at dawn—best rest early. We’ll discuss it another time."
As luck would have it, no sooner had she sent someone to deliver a letter to the General's residence than a palace envoy arrived with an edict, summoning Lord Lu to court the next day to deliver his report.
The Emperor's intentions couldn't have been clearer. Lord Lu's upcoming promotion was, in all likelihood, both a compensation to the Lu family and an acknowledgment of his achievements in Yuxi.
Though he knew this audience was practically guaranteed to go well, Lord Lu was so nervous he barely slept a wink. In a daze, he entered the palace—and just as bewildered, he emerged clutching an imperial decree.
"Father! Are you alright?"
Lu Chao and Lu Yuanyi helped Lord Lu into the carriage, whispering their concern.
Lord Lu shook his head. He had rehearsed hundreds of times in his mind the night before—how to describe Yuxi's transformation to His Majesty, how to convey the people's efforts and hopes to the Son of Heaven. Just recalling the farewell gifts from the locals had moved him to tears, and he’d even imagined the Emperor being deeply touched.
Yet, to his surprise, the Emperor seemed impatient, merely asking offhandedly, "Are you satisfied with this marriage arrangement, Minister?"
Lord Lu could only force a smile and reply, "Most satisfied," before kneeling in gratitude for the imperial favor. Half-listening to the palace attendant announce it was time for purification rites, he stumbled out, clutching the decree in confusion.
"Father? What does the decree say?"
Lord Lu wearily handed it over.
"Director of Agriculture? Sixth-rank?!"
