A few days later.
Lu Zheng had just finished lunch with Liu Qingyan at Renxin Hall and was leisurely returning home, planning to take a nap under the persimmon tree in the backyard. As he turned into Tongyi Lane, he spotted a carriage parked at his doorstep.
“What’s this?” Lu Zheng blinked, then suddenly felt the carriage looked familiar.
“Young Master Lu is back!” a voice called, interrupting his thoughts. A man dressed in sturdy attire stepped out from the doorway.
“You?” Lu Zheng said, surprised. This was one of the guards from the Du family, whom he had rescued from the painted world on his way from Baiyun Temple to the Jinhua Sect.
“Indeed, it’s me!” The man quickly bowed, smiling broadly. “Hearing of your return, my lord set out from Yizhou Prefecture to thank you in person. Please forgive any presumption!”
“No, no! Thank you, thank you!” Lu Zheng waved his hand, following the man into his home. “But how did you know I was back?”
Lu Zheng wasn’t surprised that Du Yuru could find his address, as he had given it to them. What puzzled him was how they had arrived so quickly. He had told them he’d be back in about ten days, so they should have come later. Yet, just three days after his return, they were already at his door. From the guard’s words, it seemed they had learned of his return on the first day.
The man blinked, scratched the back of his head, and gave an awkward chuckle, avoiding the question.
Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow. If they had someone watching nearby, surely it wouldn’t be something they couldn’t admit?
“Young Master Lu!” As he entered, Du Yuru and his wife stepped forward, with Du Yueyao behind them and Uncle Li accompanying them, all coming to greet him.
“Mr. Du! Madam Du! Miss Du!” Lu Zheng returned their bows, then led them to the front hall.
“When did Mr. Du arrive?” Lu Zheng asked, taking the host’s seat. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Not long, we just arrived,” Du Yuru replied, smiling as he lifted his teacup. “I didn’t expect Young Master Lu’s residence to be so elegant. It’s truly eye-opening.”
“Just trying to live comfortably. It’s nothing grand, just a humble abode,” Lu Zheng said modestly.
After visiting Zhuozheng Garden, Lu Zheng had taken to tidying his home. Though it lacked bridges and streams, he had planted various trees and arranged pavilions and stone paths. The scroll painting in the front hall was hand-drawn by Lu Zheng, and the incense burners, potted plants, and vases were exquisite imitation antiques from the modern world. The tea set for guests was top-tier modern purple clay craftsmanship, each item refined and costly. If not for the Du family’s own distinguished status, they might have felt intimidated and retreated.
Du Yuru chuckled. “Young Master Lu is too modest. These furnishings are so refined and luxurious, even some noble households can’t compare.”
Lu Zheng laughed it off, then instructed Uncle Li to prepare fruits and snacks, and to arrange some for the guards and servants resting in the side room. Uncle Li nodded and hurried off.
“You’re too kind…” Du Yuru began, but before he could finish, Uncle Li and Aunt Liu brought out prepared snacks: pastries from Daoxiang Village, sliced apples, and peeled oranges.
“Hiss!” Du Yuru gasped. It was early spring; where did these fresh fruits come from? Even if stored over winter, they wouldn’t be this fresh and tender.
“Please, enjoy!” Lu Zheng gestured.
“Young Master Lu, truly a remarkable person. This is eye-opening!” Du Yuru sighed.
Pausing, he bowed. “That day we met by chance, the situation was urgent, and I didn’t mention that I’m the new prefect of Yizhou Prefecture. On my way to take office, you saved us. I’m deeply grateful.”
“Yizhou Prefect?” Lu Zheng was genuinely surprised, returning the bow. “You’re too kind, Lord Prefect. Helping those in need is only right. You’ve already thanked me; any more is too much.”
The highest-ranking civil official he’d met was likely the magistrate of Tonglin County, though the anomaly suppression envoys were also high-ranking, but they operated outside the civil system. Coming from the modern world, Lu Zheng was well-informed and young, naturally lacking awe for most officials, especially in the Great Jing Dynasty. As a cultivator, his speech was respectful, but his expression remained unchanged.
This composed, neither servile nor overbearing demeanor made Du Yuru regard him even more highly.
“Young Master Lu isn’t in official circles, so just call me Mister,” Du Yuru said with a smile, then asked with a hint of anticipation, “With your dedication to cultivation, do you have any interest in taking the exams or entering officialdom?”
“No interest,” Lu Zheng shook his head firmly.
Du Yuru exchanged a glance with his wife, who nodded. Unfazed, he said, “Fair enough. Officialdom is full of affairs that might hinder cultivation. With your profound skills, you don’t need an official title.”
Lu Zheng smiled, not responding.
He now understood why saving the Du family had earned him luck light. As a prefect of a prefecture, Du Yuru naturally carried abundant luck light.
In the Great Jing Dynasty, the military, anomaly suppression teams, and city god temples were martial branches ensuring stability, while the civil system managed the populace, forming the dynasty’s foundation. Though civil officials didn’t cultivate, their status was not low. With outstanding merits, they could enter the city god temple after death to enjoy incense offerings and live another century. In this immortal-hero world, those with inheritance or high cultivation enjoyed certain privileges.
“Does Young Master Lu live alone?” Madam Du asked, eating a piece of apple handed to her by her daughter.
Lu Zheng nodded. “Just me.”
Du Yueyao’s eyes brightened, her lips curving slightly.
Madam Du smiled. “You seem of marriageable age. I thought you might already be wed.”
Lu Zheng blinked, wondering if Madam Du was channeling a modern matchmaker, about to suggest a match. He smiled and replied, “I already have a fiancée.”
“What?” Madam Du was taken aback.
“What?” Du Yueyao’s face paled instantly.
“Hm?” Lu Zheng noticed something amiss. Du Yueyao had been reserved, hiding her feelings well, so he hadn’t noticed anything before. But now, her heart skipped, and her expression changed dramatically, alerting him.
No way, no way! Has this young lady taken a fancy to me? Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow, inwardly scoffing. Though Du Yueyao was refined, gentle, and clearly a cultured lady from a prominent family, they had only met once, and her presence was so subtle that Lu Zheng had barely noticed her, let alone formed any impression or feelings.
Who would’ve thought I’d encounter the legendary love at first sight?
