The General Brought Another Woman Home Again - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The noble ladies and young misses in the capital loved nothing more than to hold banquets when they had nothing to do.

One moment it was flower appreciation, the next moment it was grass appreciation.

Today’s theme was insect appreciation.

Second Miss Xu of the Minister of Revenue’s family, surrounded by a garden full of fluttering butterflies, recited a poem in a soft, slow voice. I was so bored I could barely stay awake and let out a yawn.

When Second Miss Xu finished, the crowd offered unemotional cheers:

“Bravo! Bravo! Encore!”

Second Miss Xu looked extremely pleased with herself as her gaze swept over the crowd. Suddenly, she fixed her eyes on me, my mouth still wide open in a yawn.

“Is this Madam Lu?

“I heard that Commandant Lu has returned to the capital, and brought with him a pregnant woman?”

I jolted awake, putting on my professional smile:

“Yes, that’s me, my dear. Is there something you need, my dear?”

Second Miss Xu covered her mouth and laughed:

“I originally thought Commandant Lu had a fairly handsome face, came from a reputable scholarly family, but now it seems he’s a philanderer and hardly a suitable match.”

Oh heavens, she actually said thirty-six words to me in one breath.

I was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.

You see, these capital noble ladies have always looked down on merchants reeking of money, and they also despise the declining Lu Family. The only reason they sent me an invitation was because the Lu Family had once been prosperous and ranked among the Five Surnames and Seven Prestigious Clans.

Before I married Lu Ting, I had rubbed my hands in anticipation, determined to make a name for myself-

Break into the circles of power, occupy the high-end market, and become an imperial merchant in one fell swoop.

After a year of effort, I was still stuck on the first step.

I’d been kissing cold asses for a whole year. Today, a warm face actually approached me. I was so moved that tears welled up in my eyes. I enthusiastically grasped Second Miss Xu’s hand:

“Yes, indeed. Second Miss, you have such great taste.

“Your taste is also quite unique.”

Second Miss Xu tried to pull her hand back but couldn’t. Her face stiffened.

Madam Vice Minister of Rites chuckled behind her hand:

“Which man isn’t lecherous? It’s just that Madam Lu lacks the ability to keep hers in check.

“I never would have imagined that such a lovely person as Madam Lu would lose out to a country bumpkin from the frontier. Truly, what a disgrace.”

I was overcome with bashfulness:

“Oh, am I lovely? Thank you for the compliment, my dear.”

As our lively conversation drew many noble ladies’ gazes, even the Grand Princess looked over.

I suddenly became the center of attention. My heart itching, a sudden idea struck me and I said:

“As the madam said, at the frontier, exposed to wind and sun, most women have dark, chapped skin.

“Then why is it that this country bumpkin alone stood out and captured Lu Ting’s favor?”

Few women don’t love beauty, and the noble ladies couldn’t help but prick up their ears.

I gave a mysterious smile:

“The Jin Family Trading Caravan, trekking over mountains and rivers, discovered a miraculous plant in the faraway Western Regions: aloe vera.

“It moisturizes and hydrates, beautifies and fades spots. Even if you were hung from the city gate and sunned for three days and nights, your skin would remain supple, bright, and smooth.

“Authentic aloe vera gel, look for the Jin Family Rouge Shop. Purchase now and enjoy a 20% discount.”