LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 29 - The Child in the Princess's Womb is Yours?
Luo Jinxuan suddenly felt a bit dazed.
Could the Dao Ancestor title really carry so much weight?
Could it truly be worth the respect of the Luo family’s ancestors?
She knew that Lu Ping had gained the title of Dao Ancestor during his travels, but hadn’t he mentioned that it was merely a strategy to win the hearts of the people?
Or could it be that this old ancestor of the Luo family had been isolated from the world for so long that he didn’t know how deceitful people could be, and thus was easily swayed by Lu Ping?
The Luo family head, Luo Zhiyan, was clearly much more level-headed than Luo Ziqing and Luo Hongshan. Despite being dragged out by his ear by Luo Ziqing, he had already regained the composure befitting the head of a noble family.
With his hands clasped behind his back, he circled Lu Ping, scrutinizing him closely.
Lu Ping immediately felt uneasy.
He could sense an invisible pressure emanating from Luo Zhiyan, a pressure that made him feel like he could be crushed at any moment.
Could Luo Zhiyan have seen through him?
Although Lu Ping had embarked on the path of cultivation, he hadn’t had much time to truly practice. For the past few years, he had been preoccupied with paving the way for Luo Jinxuan’s political career.
Strictly speaking, he couldn’t yet be considered a true seeker of the Dao, at most a mere charlatan.
He was just fortunate enough to know a lot of famous sayings, thanks to his identity as a transmigrator.
But could it be possible that Luo Zhiyan also recognized the origins of those sayings?
Luo Zhiyan circled Lu Ping a few times, finally stopping in front of him. “The greatest sound is scarcely heard; what comes next?”
Lu Ping let out a sigh of relief.
Luo Zhiyan’s question indicated that he didn’t doubt the value of the title Dao Ancestor. He just wanted to confirm if the person before him was truly the one who had earned that title.
This made things much simpler.
‘It’s just a test of memory, right?’
“The greatest sound is scarcely heard; the greatest form has no shape.”
Luo Zhiyan’s expression softened considerably. He continued testing, “Know the male, but keep to the female—what comes next?”
“Know the male, but keep to the female, be the valley of the world…”
Lu Ping inexplicably grew more confident and, with a posture of supreme authority, recited, “This is the true meaning behind the Knowledge and Self-Discipline of my Dao, but Luo Family Head, you’ve only glimpsed a small part of the truth. Since you doubt my identity, I may as well say a few more lines to clear any doubts.”
“Know the male, but keep to the female, be the valley of the world. Being the valley of the world, eternal virtue will not depart, and one will return to the state of an infant. Know the white, but keep to the black, be the model of the world. Being the model of the world, eternal virtue will not deviate, and one will return to the state of the infinite. Know the honor, but keep to the humble, be the valley of the world. Being the valley of the world, eternal virtue will be sufficient, and one will return to the state of simplicity. When simplicity is scattered, it becomes vessels. The sage uses them, and they become leaders. Therefore, the great system is not divided…”
Luo Zhiyan was still in a state of shock, while behind him, Luo Ziqing was already so overwhelmed with excitement that he didn’t know what to do with himself. Hearing such profound Daoist sayings for the first time, he felt Lu Ping was speaking too quickly and regretted having no pen in hand.
In his panic, he grabbed Luo Hongshan, bit his finger, and began scribbling on Luo Hongshan’s snow-white robe.
Seeing this, Lu Ping couldn’t help but feel a sense of smugness. “Want to hear more?”
Luo Zhiyan, as if under some spell, nodded.
But Lu Ping turned his head away. “You doubt me, yet still want to hear my teachings? I fear your limited aptitude will make it all for naught!”
Luo Ziqing immediately rushed forward, apologizing profusely. “To dare question Dao Ancestor was truly blasphemous. Please forgive me, Dao Ancestor.”
“I’m not angry, but my effort in speaking shouldn’t go unrewarded, should it?”
Lu Ping had figured out how to handle the Luo family.
If you’re too humble, they don’t take you seriously.
But if you put on enough of a front, they become fearful and respectful.
Typical behavior of those who bully the weak and fear the strong!
Luo Ziqing quickly responded, “Dao Ancestor, please just say the word. As long as it’s within the Luo family’s power, we will do it without hesitation.”
Lu Ping glanced at Luo Jinxuan. “The medicine the Han Marquis asked for earlier…”
Luo Ziqing promptly kicked Luo Zhiyan. “The medicine?”
Luo Zhiyan fumbled in his robe for a small bottle but before he could open it, Luo Ziqing snatched it from him and respectfully handed it to Lu Ping.
“This is the Luo family’s secret Longevity Pill, capable of curing all diseases. Please, Dao Ancestor, accept it.”
Lu Ping gestured for Luo Jinxuan to take the bottle and then patted Luo Ziqing on the shoulder. With a touch of false sincerity, he said, “Now that we have obtained the medicine, we won’t intrude any longer. Daoist Luo, be sure to stay in touch.”
Luo Ziqing was beside himself with excitement.
Lu Ping said to stay in touch!
That means there will be more opportunities in the future to hear his teachings!
Perhaps this could be his chance to take a step further in his cultivation, maybe even rivaling the legendary Peng Zu and live for several centuries!
Lu Ping was only lowering himself like this because of Luo Jinxuan, wasn’t he?
Luo Ziqing immediately gave orders to Luo Zhiyan.
Go to the capital, present valuable treasures, and actively establish connections with the royal family!
…
Luo Yingci noticed that Lu Ping’s back seemed to be damp.
“Are you feeling hot?”
Lu Ping was puzzled. “No.”
“Then why is your clothing wet?”
Lu Ping glanced back at her but didn’t respond.
This girl really had no tact in conversation!
Luo Jinxuan stared at Lu Ping’s back, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Finally, she mustered the courage to ask, “During your travels, what exactly happened?”
Since it was Luo Jinxuan asking, it was different.
Lu Ping answered truthfully, “I taught the people, spread the Dao, and gathered three thousand disciples.”
“Does my father know about this?”
“Of course he does. Otherwise, why would the Emperor trust me and appoint me as Grand Preceptor?”
Lu Ping decided to lay all his cards on the table. “Not only that, but I was concerned that after our marriage, the court might slip from our control, so I selected some of the most capable disciples and placed them in key positions within the court.”
Cough.
Luo Jinxuan suddenly coughed.
“Why are you…”
Lu Ping realized that the horse had suddenly stopped moving. When he looked back, he saw Luo Yingci staring at him with a murderous look.
He was doomed—he had been so focused on being open with his wife that he forgot Luo Yingci was still with them!
Luo Yingci coldly asked, “What did you mean by what you just said?”
Lu Ping immediately realized he shouldn’t have mentioned placing disciples in the court. He quickly explained, “Since I’m favored by the Emperor and entrusted with such responsibilities, it’s only right that I do my utmost to select capable people for the court. Chu Marquis, you can’t say that I have any ulterior motives.”
Luo Yingci shook her head. “I wasn’t asking about that. I was asking about you saying you’re going to marry my sister?”
“That’s correct…”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Lu Ping regretted it.
After all, besides Emperor Zheng, no one else knew about his and Luo Jinxuan’s plans.
Sure enough, Luo Yingci didn’t disappoint with her next, pointed question. “So the child in my sister’s womb is yours?”
‘Damn, how did this straightforward brain suddenly get so sharp?’
‘How did she zero in on such a key point?’
“Chu Marquis, you’re overthinking it. Didn’t Madam Li just confirm that the Han Marquis is still chaste?”
Luo Yingci pressed on, “So, according to you, the child in my sister’s womb has nothing to do with you?”
Lu Ping puffed out his chest and answered firmly, “Nothing.”
“So, knowing that the child isn’t yours, you still intend to marry my sister?”
What kind of question is that?