Not Your Typical Villianess

Duke Wu's residence

The wedding banquet went on till late in the dark, most of the guests present were from the younger generation and kept pushing drinks in Lu Yingjie's hands. Lu Yaozhu and Lu Yong intercepted a few cups of wine before they got to Lu Yingjie.

Lu Yingjie was well aware of his alcohol tolerance, when it was almost at the Limit, he bowed out. To keep the rowdy you drunks away, Lu Yingjie pretended to be drunk. His face was already flushed from all the drinking, Lu Yingjie stood "Brothers, It's getting late. I should go check on your sister in law," he said, his voice slurred.

The male guests cheered loudly, raising their cups of wine and praising Zhu Fengyin's beauty. A few of the more rowdy bunch stood to escort Lu Yingjie to the bridal chamber but Lu Yingjie immediately discouraged them.

When he finally had them convinced, Lu Yingjie leaned on Lu Yaozhu's shoulders. He sent the guests off, he made sure to slur his words as he waved at the guests as he left the banquet hall. Lu Yingjie and Lu Yaozhu put on the show until they were a short distance away.

Lu Yingjie separated from Lu Yaozhu when he was sure that they weren't being followed. They walked silently, Lu Yingjie didn't like talking much and neither did Lu Yaozhu. They had both said all that needed to be said the night before.

.*********

Last night, The Duke's Manor

Lu Yaozhu rode into the manor late in the night, the manor was quiet when he arrived. He was exhausted after the strenuous journey from the garrison training centre outside the capital. Tomorrow was his elder brother's wedding, no matter how busy he was, he has no intention of missing the ceremony.

Lu Yaozhu yawned as he walked to his rooms, he was passing through the main courtyard when he saw the light at his brother's study still on. Lu Yaozhu paused, he looked towards the study and shook his head.

Over the year, Lu Yingjie has become quite the workaholic it seemed. By this time, shouldn't he be getting some sleep? It was his big day tomorrow surely he could take a break today of all days. Lu Yaozhu called Yu Tao closer and whispered into his ears.

Yu Tao ran off as soon as he was done talking and came back with two four short jars of wine. He passed it to his master and returned to the servants quarters. Lu Yaozhu testes the size of the wine in her hands before walking into his brother's study.

The room was empty apart from his brother and his servant Xiaojun. Xiaojun rushed to welcome Lu Yaozhu as soon as he walked in.

"Young Master Yaozhu, His grace is going through some reports. please come in", said Xiaojun cordially.

Lu Yingjie looked up from the report and smiled. When Lu Yaozhu wasn't back till late in the night, he had assumed that he wouldn't be present for the wedding and yet here he was. "Yaozhu, why didn't anyone inform me that you were back", Lu Yingjie stood from his seat and walked around this table.

"Don't take that to heart, they may not be aware I was back. I just came in a few minutes ago, I saw your light still on by this time, so I came in to say hello. Aren't you getting married tomorrow, how come you are still awake?", Lu Yaozhu stood by the wall.

Lu Yingjie chuckled, "I was working on a few reports, it would be busy tomorrow. I wanted to get everything settled today".

Lu Yaozhu moved forward "well it's now late, you should take a break. I don't think you can make it today, it's been a while Yingjie. Let's have some drinks" He raised the jars of wine.

Lu Yingjie initially planned on turning him down but after some thoughts, he nodded "okay " he said and dismissed Xiaojun. Xiaojun took an excuse and left leaving the two brothers to their own devices.

Lu Yaozhu walked forward smiling softly, he passed Lu Yingjie a jar of wine and sat by the window. Lu Yingjie uncorked the jar of wine, took a swing and sat next to Lu Yaozhu.

A few minutes later he said, "Didn't expect you to be back after it got later".

"it's your wedding day, how can I miss an important day like that. Plus It won't do to get on the Emperor's bad side, he will have eyes on us tomorrow. We have to but on a united front", replied Lu Yaozhu smiling bitterly.

"You were right about Zhu Fengyin, I asked around and she has been acting out of character for the past few months. I don't know where she stands so far, it is necessary to keep an eye on her".

"Mother has already made a few moves behind the scenes, luckily the emperor hasn't noticed any of her moves but it's only a matter of time." Lu Yaozhu said.

Lu Yingjie replied, "Don't worry about mother, I already spoke to her. She promised to take a step back, however, how are we going to handle Minister Zhu and the sixth Prince?"

"our spices reported that Minister Zhu is trying to arrange a match between Count Ling's heir and Zhu Fenfang. if that works out he will have Prince Ye on his side"

"Prince Ye has been neutral so far in the power struggles, It isn't in our advantage to get him involved", Lu Yingjie said thoughtfully. "We can reveal minister Ling's illegal dealing with Chu state, that would permanently destroy whatever minister Zhu has planned".

Lu Yaozhu's Lips curved up when he heard that, "That would make a little dent on the sixth Prince's reputation, I am surprised you are finally making this move after all we have been seating on this for months".

"I was waiting for the right time to use this piece. Since I Will be visiting my in-laws three days from now, let's hold off on the plans until after that is done".

"Okay, you can take that as a wedding present from me."

"seriously Yaozhu, are you trying to get out of giving me an actual wedding present"

"no! no! no! I already have a wedding present wrapped up for you. You can take this as a bonus gift" Lu Yaozhu said grinning.

"if you say so but my wedding present better be costly"

"oh don't worry it is!"

********

fast forward to the next day.

Lu Yaozhu escorted Lu Yingjie to the nuptial chamber. He stood by as Lu Yingjie straighten out his clothes and went into the room. A few seconds later the door opened slightly a maid stepped out.