HCB Chapter 488 Lü Bo's Reply
Chapter 488 Lü Bo's Reply
He had clearly arranged everything for her. Although Liu Ji was still lying unconscious in the back room, Uncle Lü had never misjudged people. When he first met Liu Ji, the man, though dressed in rags, possessed an aura of power and authority, and his speech exuded an air of dominance over the world—the very presence of a true emperor! He immediately decided to betroth Lü Zhi to Liu Ji, waiting only for him to succeed in his endeavors, after which Lü Zhi would undoubtedly become his queen.
What a wonderful arrangement! But this girl just won't appreciate it. A year ago, she used the excuse of going to clear her head to secretly run away to Xianyang and never returned. She didn't even set foot back in Pei County for the New Year, let alone get married. Now, she's stirring up trouble in Xianyang and even interfering with the imperial examinations. What does she take his arrangements for? What does she take her home in Pei County for?
"Master, please calm down!" The butler's heart tightened when he saw the master's gloomy face. He quickly stepped forward and carefully handed him a cup of the heat-relieving soup prepared by the kitchen.
Lu Bo slowly took the bowl, but his gaze did not fall on the soup in the bowl; instead, he stared straight at the soup in the cup.
His thoughts drifted back to Lü Zhi's childhood. Back then, Lü Zhi was just an innocent little girl, with her hair styled in cute double buns and wearing a light green dress, like a tender seedling in spring. She always liked to quietly stay by Lü Bo's side, reading together in the study.
Lu Bo still remembers that Lü Zhi was exceptionally well-behaved back then, able to sit for an entire afternoon, completely immersed in the world of books. She was intelligent and quick-witted; whether it was recognizing characters or doing arithmetic, she could learn quickly and remember everything she read, and she could apply what she learned to other situations. Lu Bo often sighed to his wife, "Our Zhi'er is truly a rough gem, it's just a pity she was born a girl!"
At that time, he was proud, boasting to everyone he met about his daughter's intelligence. But as Lü Zhi grew older, this intelligence became a source of worry for him. She was unwilling to learn needlework or household management, and always preferred to follow the clan's teacher, asking questions about governing the country and ensuring its stability.
She refused to accept the wealthy young men introduced by the matchmaker, saying they were "ignorant and foolish, just tending a few acres of barren land." It wasn't until he met Liu Ji, a man who, though down on his luck, had a shrewd glint in his eyes, that he realized this might be the best match for Lü Zhi—a man with the aura of a dragon could tame his wild daughter.
But despite all his calculations, he never expected Lü Zhi to run away, and even less did he expect that after she ran away, she would live a completely different life in Xianyang.
"Women participating in the imperial examinations..." Lü Bo picked up the letter again, his gaze falling on the four words "By special order of the King," and a weight seemed to press on his heart. The King of Qin, that decisive and ruthless monarch, could command Lü Zhi to participate in the imperial examinations with such a "special order."
Thinking about it this way, Lü Zhi's influence in Xianyang was probably deeper than he imagined. But so what? Could even the deepest influence compare to a stable home? Could it compare to a man one could entrust one's life to?
He recalled the unconscious figure in the back courtyard room. Liu Ji had been lying there for almost a year. The people in the manor had long advised him to give up, suggesting that Liu Ji be sent back to the Liu family to save space. But he refused. He always felt that Liu Ji wouldn't die so easily; that dragon-like aura couldn't be suppressed so easily. If Liu Ji woke up, with his abilities, he would eventually make a name for himself. Then, Lü Zhi could marry him and become a peaceful queen—wouldn't that be better than being exposed in Xianyang?
"Sigh..." Uncle Lü sighed deeply, his voice full of exhaustion. He folded the letter, put it in his pocket, and got up to walk to the window. The pomegranate tree outside the window was in full bloom, its fiery red flowers adorning the branches like clusters of burning fire, reminding him of Lü Zhi climbing the tree to pick pomegranates when she was a child. Back then, she laughed freely, her skirt covered in mud, but her eyes shone like stars.
"This girl..." he murmured to himself, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
Suppressing his inner turmoil, Lü Bo turned and walked to his desk. The brush, ink, and inkstone were readily available. He picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, but hesitated to write. Should he persuade her to return? How? Should he tell her that Liu Ji was still waiting for her? Should he say that a woman must eventually marry? Knowing Lü Zhi's temperament, she would likely only reply with a rebuttal, accusing him of being old-fashioned.
But he was a father. His daughter was getting on in years; she couldn't stay away forever. No matter how prosperous Xianyang was, it wasn't home. He remembered the argument they'd had before Lü Zhi left home. He'd said she was "ungrateful," and she'd said he was "shortsighted," and they'd parted on bad terms. Looking back now, perhaps his words had been harsh, but his feelings had always been genuine.
The brush tip hovered over the rice paper for a moment before finally falling. Lu Bo's calligraphy was steady and profound, carrying the earnestness of an elder:
"My dear daughter, seeing this letter is like seeing you in person."
Knowing that you have gained the favor of the King of Qin in Xianyang and participated in the imperial examination, I am both surprised and comforted. My son is intelligent and has been different from ordinary people since childhood. Your achievements today are a testament to your abilities, and I am proud of you.
However, fame and fortune are fleeting, and a woman must eventually find a home. You are not young anymore; in an ordinary family, you would already be surrounded by children. Although Pei is a small place, there is a peaceful life to live.
The people in the back room are still waiting. I've observed that his complexion has improved recently, and the doctor says his awakening is not far off. Think about it, Liu Ji is handsome, and you have no aversion to him; how could you have forgotten him now?
Xianyang is fraught with storms, unlike the peaceful Pei County. If you wish to return, your father will still prepare your dowry. Once Liu Ji awakens, we will arrange your marriage. Husband and wife, united in heart, will conquer the world together—wouldn't that be wonderful?
My dear father, I do not ask you to bring glory to our family, I only wish you peace and well-being. I urge you to reconsider.
After writing the last word, Lü Bo put down his pen, looked at the handwriting on the paper, and sighed again. He knew that this letter might not be able to persuade Lü Zhi, but he had to try. After all, she was his daughter, his own flesh and blood.
Before they knew it, it was noon. Sunlight streamed through the window onto the desk, raising the temperature in the room. Uncle Lü slowly folded the letter and placed it in the envelope.
He summoned a servant boy and whispered, "Send this letter to Xianyang as quickly as possible, and make sure it reaches the young lady." The servant boy readily agreed, took the letter, and left as fast as he could.
Lu Bo stood before his desk, gazing silently at the pomegranate tree outside the window. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, like a beautiful painting. However, his thoughts had already drifted far away, to his daughter in Xianyang.
He didn't know if Lü Zhi would return, nor when Liu Ji would wake up. But he always held onto a hope, like the roots of a pomegranate tree, deeply embedded in the soil of Pei County, unwavering and steadfast.
He hoped that one day the pomegranate tree would grow lush and bear abundant fruit, and that his daughter would return to his side.