She was so considerate and respectful of his family.
She must be serious about him!
His heart settled. He took out a small mirror from his sleeve and examined himself from head to toe, checking if anything was amiss.
He had to show her his most perfect side.
Old Master Lu discovered Lu Li looking in a mirror in broad daylight. He extended his iron fist and tapped Lu Li's head, "Pay attention to your image, boy. What a sissy you look like with a mirror!"
Lu Rong also looked at his younger brother, who was behaving unusually.
Could it be that he had feelings for the Grand Preceptor?
Lu Li's expression immediately became awkward. His father spoke without considering the occasion, scolding his son in front of everyone.
However, he obediently put away the small mirror.
Qiao Ci had finished getting ready early. As soon as the guests were ushered into the living room, she walked out.
Those who had never seen Qiao Ci's true face were astonished when they saw the girl before them with large eyes, double eyelids, thick eyelashes, a delicate nose, lips as red as if they had been painted, and fair skin.
With such looks, calling her a celestial consort wouldn't be an exaggeration.
No wonder she was favored by heaven and possessed such immense abilities; she was truly incredibly beautiful.
"Grand Preceptor," Left Minister bowed respectfully to Qiao Ci. His son, who was stunned, was forcefully pulled by Left Minister to bow as well.
Old Master Lu, knowing that the Grand Preceptor, like the Emperor, received worship from all people, offered her a military salute.
Qiao Ci gestured for them to sit.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Left Minister stepped forward, pointing to his son, and said to Qiao Ci, "Grand Preceptor, this is my youngest son. He has admired you for a long time and has come to pay his respects."
Left Minister was dazed. This was not a Grand Preceptor, but a little fairy!
Seeing his son standing there blankly, Left Minister nudged him. Only then did his son react and began speaking to Qiao Ci, expressing his gratitude for the timely rain.
Lu Li felt a pang of annoyance seeing the adoration in his eyes as he looked at Qiao Ci. He really hated seeing him look at Qiao Ci like that.
So, after the son finished speaking, Lu Li also stepped forward and introduced his father and brother to Qiao Ci.
"Grand Preceptor, this is my father, and this is my elder brother. They are also here to thank you," the young man said with a smile, appearing very endearing.
Old Master Lu: ...
He never imagined he would be introduced like this.
After their polite greetings, Qiao Ci invited them to stay for a meal at her residence.
Left Minister was overjoyed and immediately pulled his son to line up for the meal.
Qiao Ci had intended to discuss her matters with Lu Li with Old Master Lu. Seeing this, her expression became unusually bewildered. How did these two get in?
Little Spoon recounted what had happened at the gate of the mansion to her, and she finally understood. Seeing that Left Minister was almost ready to bring his own bowls and chopsticks to eat, she couldn't bear to turn them away.
After they had eaten their fill, Left Minister and his younger son left the Grand Preceptor's mansion. As soon as they stepped out, Left Minister's demeanor changed from his cautiousness within the mansion. He held his head high and his chest puffed out, feeling exhilarated.
Now he had something to brag about!
He had eaten with the Grand Preceptor. Even the Emperor hadn't dined with her, right? Hahaha~
"Father, the Grand Preceptor is so beautiful," his younger son whispered to his father.
Left Minister quickly covered his "dog son's" mouth!
He reprimanded, "You brat, that's the Grand Preceptor. We can't have such thoughts. I'll find you a good girl to marry as soon as we get back!"
The three members of the Lu family emerged about half an hour later. Old Master Lu looked somber, Lu Rong had a complex expression, while Lu Li was as if he had bathed in the spring breeze.
The next day, the Emperor issued an imperial decree to the Lu family.
Lu Li of the Lu family was bestowed as the husband to Grand Preceptor Qiao Ci. The wedding date was to be set, causing a sensation throughout the capital.
Shen Si heard the news and maintained a dark and indifferent expression all day.
Qiao Ci, she, how dare she get married!
Lou Qing's expression was the opposite. It was good that Qiao Ci was getting married; she and Shen Si would never reconcile. Recently, she had been preparing to open a medical clinic, attempting to build her own career.
Coupled with Qiao Ci's impending marriage, it was simply double happiness.
Upon learning that Qiao Ci was to remarry, her siblings felt a hidden discomfort.
While Lou Qing was not home, the siblings found Shen Si.
Shen Wu acted as if nothing had happened, saying without any reservations, "Daddy, the Grand Preceptor is going to marry another man. Will she no longer be our stepmother?"
Shen Si looked at her, "Didn't you always dislike her? Why do you want her to continue being your stepmother?"
Shen Wu smiled playfully, "That's different. Before, she wasn't powerful and was as stupid as a pig. Now that she's powerful, if she were my stepmother, who would dare bully me~"
Shen Er also looked at Shen Si, "That's right, Daddy. She used to like you quite a bit. Can you divorce Aunt Qing and remarry the Grand Preceptor as our stepmother?"
Shen Si smiled wryly and shook his head. These children were truly audacious. Wasn't it their entire family that chose Lou Qing and disliked Qiao Ci back then?
Regretting it?
Would Qiao Ci still be willing to come back?
Clearly not.
Given the Emperor's favor towards her and her prestige, if she was unwilling, no one would force her. Therefore, it must be that she fancied Lu Li, and the Emperor granted their wish by issuing the decree.
Recalling her standing on the altar to pray for rain, her swaying yet solemn and sacred posture, and her breathtaking beauty, Shen Si felt a touch of regret deep in his heart.
Lou Qing returned at this moment. As soon as she entered, she excitedly told Shen Si, "Husband, I have good news for you."
"Hmm?" Shen Si looked at her, puzzled. Qiao Ci was getting married, and the Emperor hadn't reinstated his position. What good news could there be?
Since marrying Shen Si, Lou Qing had become more and more like a young woman in her demeanor. She shyly glared at him, "You're going to be a father. I'm pregnant with your child."
She hadn't been sure at first, so she had gone to see a doctor, and it turned out she really was pregnant.
Shen Si's expression stiffened upon hearing this. There wasn't much surprise on his face, and the siblings looked even more indescribable.
They had just wanted their father to chase after the Grand Preceptor stepmother again, and Lou Qing was pregnant. This was too coincidental.
"What's wrong?" Lou Qing also noticed something amiss, and her face immediately fell. "You're all unhappy, aren't you?"
Shen Si concealed his embarrassment and said sternly, "You're overthinking it. Since you're pregnant, you should rest well during this period."
Although Lou Qing felt uncomfortable, she didn't dwell on it. She had already seen through the cold-blooded selfishness of this family.
Therefore, even though she was pregnant, she would continue to open her medical clinic. With money in the future, she would have a voice in this family.
Shen Sisi looked at Lou Qing's belly, her eyes deep. She touched her face, which would bear permanent scars, and her expression was full of resentment.
One day, Lou Qing was preparing to go out to the medical clinic. Shen Sisi and Shen Wu were playing football with some brothers. Seeing this, they exchanged glances—