Qi Zhenzhen's mouth was slightly agape, a look of surprise on her face. She hadn't expected Luo Wanqing to be so open-minded about this matter.
"Don't be so surprised, I'm telling the truth. When Lu Heng and I first met, he was in trouble. I was a young girl from the countryside, studying medicine with my master. He was injured, and Granny Han carried him out of the mountains for me to treat. He was in a very bad situation back then, so he stayed in the countryside for a while. Later, I accidentally discovered that people of unknown identity were looking for him. Even later, my maternal uncle went out on business and was cheated, nearly losing his life. The people who set the trap were ruthless and even found my mother, causing chaos in the Luo family. I was in a terrible state, and he stepped in to deal with those people." Luo Wanqing recalled the past. "He said it was to repay my kindness in saving his life."
Qi Zhenzhen listened intently, and Luo Wanqing continued, "Granny Han thought he was a good person and was determined to matchmake us. At that time, I hadn't realized what was so good about him, except that he was good-looking. He wasn't any less handsome than Gu Sinian, and far better than the eligible young men in the countryside. As I watched him..."
Luo Wanqing gave Qi Zhenzhen a knowing look. "You understand."
"So you got married?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Luo Wanqing shook her head. "Was it really that simple? Life was a bit difficult back then, and I was busy improving our living conditions. All sorts of trivial matters, one after another, every day. When I first arrived, because my father was absent, my mother and my siblings and I had a rather hard life. All my thoughts were focused on them. Besides, I was only thirteen years old, just a little girl. How could I get married?"
Qi Zhenzhen listened quietly as Luo Wanqing spoke. The story was convoluted and extraordinary, like listening to a storybook.
"So, there was no spark between you two back then, Lu Heng left without a word, and later, after you and the owner of Baicaotang expanded your business to the capital, you met your father who had lost his memory?" Qi Zhenzhen blinked. "Your experiences are enough to write a storybook!"
Luo Wanqing pursed her lips. "As they say, life is like a play, and a play is like life."
The pot of tea was finished, and Luo Wanqing had finished her story.
Qi Zhenzhen now understood the matter between her and Lu Heng. Lu Heng, who had left without a word back then, had returned to the Nanchang Kingdom and later went to Dafeng as an envoy in his capacity as the Crown Prince of Nanchang Kingdom. His purpose was to seek a princess of Dafeng to be his Crown Princess, thereby strengthening the alliance between the two countries. At that time, Luo Wanqing was the legitimate daughter of a Great General. Although her status was not as noble as a princess, it was still considerable. Lu Heng frankly stated that he was smitten with Luo Wanqing at first sight and would marry no one else.
The Nanchang Kingdom was full of sincerity, with generous betrothal gifts, and they promised Luo Wanqing complete freedom after marriage.
Moreover, Lu Heng's qualifications were outstanding. Setting aside his identity and status, his looks alone could easily outshine all the young gentlemen in the capital. She had a slight flutter in her heart, and eventually, the matter naturally came to pass.
"Back then, the young lord and Qian Yuanbao hadn't grown up yet. If they were around Lu Heng's age, you might not have chosen Lu Heng," Qi Zhenzhen summarized.
Luo Wanqing gave her a playful glare. "Don't make me sound so superficial. Am I someone who only looks at faces? I clearly valued his talent!"
No, you are.
"Alright, I've told you all this to guide you. Although it's very likely that my guidance won't be useful, I still have to say it. After all, in a sense, we are the closest people to each other." Luo Wanqing patted Qi Zhenzhen's shoulder.