Chapter 011

Chapter 011

Hearing that her aunt had invited the Chu family over, Jiang Yuyuan was primping in front of the mirror.

The sixteen-year-old girl's eyes shone like water, her skin as fair as snow, naturally beautiful without the need for makeup, yet she chose to adorn herself heavily.

Qingfrost couldn't help but wonder, "Aren't you a bit too elaborately dressed?"

There were two benefits to being so dressed up: one was to please her aunt, showing that she had made an effort, and the second was to displease the Chu family.

Chu Ge, being a scholar and a man of letters, likely favored natural beauty and would probably not appreciate her heavy makeup, giving her a perfect excuse.

"Chu Ge is the only son of the Chu family. If I marry him, I'll be the future matriarch. I can't appear too youthful."

Qingfrost realized, "So that's the reason. I wondered why you changed your usual style. You've thought this through thoroughly. It's commendable how the Princess is trying to probe the Crown Princess and earnestly facilitate this match."

In fact, it would be interesting to have Chu Yin call her 'sister-in-law' if it happened.

Unfortunately, her heart was set only on Lu Jingzhao.

As expected, Princess Baocheng soon sent someone to invite them.

After Emperor Jianxing bestowed the title of Marquis Xuan Ning on Jiang Xian, he also granted him an estate, the former residence of Prince Zhou, featuring a cool house built over flowing water, surrounded by flowers and trees – an excellent spot for summer, hence the banquet was set up there.

Since Princess Baocheng used her eldest son's name, Jiang Lin had to show up and welcome Chu Ge.

The two engaged in a conversation about playing chess.

Meanwhile, Princess Baocheng chatted casually with Lady Chu.

"I just visited A'Yin recently. If there's anything you want to know, feel free to ask me."

When her daughter was in Qingzhou, meeting was easy, but after entering the Eastern Palace, it required the consent of Emperor Jianxing and Empress Jiang. She didn’t want to trouble her daughter unnecessarily, only communicating in crucial moments.

Lady Chu replied, "Thank you. I just want to know how A'Yin is doing health-wise."

"Her health isn't very good."

Having to consult the imperial physician even for her period, Princess Baocheng said, "She's a bit frail, but don't worry. With so many physicians in the palace, what ailment can't be cured? I've also reminded Jingzhao to take extra care of A'Yin."

Her daughter and the Crown Prince had been apart before, and she often worried about its impact on their relationship. Now, hearing of Princess Baocheng's care, she wondered about its sincerity.

Lady Chu replied with a smile, "Having the son-in-law’s care is indeed a fortune for A'Yin."

"After this summer, A'Yin might be healthier. Around Mid-Autumn Festival, I'll speak to the Emperor and invite your family to the palace for the celebration. Then you can reunite with A'Yin."

"That would be a great favor."

"It's nothing, I often visit the palace anyway. It's just a small effort."

Every word she spoke was a display of her status and her care for the Chu family, hinting at the benefits of an alliance. But Lady Chu thought, even so, she couldn't just let her son marry Jiang Yuyuan carelessly. It wasn’t a mere exchange; the conditions and mutual affection were important.

At that moment, Jiang Yuyuan appeared, curtsying gracefully to everyone present, "Greetings to my aunt, Lady Chu, cousin... Mr. Chu."

Seeing her face heavily made up, as radiant as a peony, Princess Baocheng was delighted and said, "Yuyuan, you're just in time. Lin'er and Mr. Chu are discussing chess. You're quite skilled in it, why not play a game with Mr. Chu?"

Lady Chu's brow furrowed upon hearing this.

It was inappropriate for men and women, who were not closely related, to interact so intimately on a first meeting. Princess Baocheng's suggestion seemed excessive, but as guests in the Marquis Xuan Ning's residence, it wasn't proper to contradict the host. Besides, Jiang Yuyuan's reputation as a young lady was at stake, and such a matter was unlikely to spread.

Chu Ge tactfully declined, "Your Highness, I fear that might be inappropriate. Perhaps I could play with Mr. Jiang, and Miss Jiang can observe and share her insights afterward?"

This was meant to be an opportunity for mutual understanding and building rapport, but his refusal irked Princess Baocheng, who, with a stern face, ordered her maids to set up the chessboard.

Jiang Yuyuan stole a glance at Chu Ge.

He resembled Chu Yin, except for his eyes and nose. While Chu Yin had apricot eyes, his were slightly longer; his nose was more prominent, making him quite handsome. However, he still fell short compared to Lu Jingzhao and lacked that inherent confidence and demeanor of nobility.

Jiang Yuyuan softly said, "A true gentleman watches chess without speaking; I shall not disturb my cousin and Mr. Chu."

Her tone carried a hint of disappointment.

Princess Baocheng felt pity upon hearing this.

After the Chu family left, Jiang Yuyuan said with her head down, "Aunt, I told you I'm not a match for Mr. Chu. You saw earlier, he didn't even want to play chess with me. Please don't worry about me in the future. My family background... those prestigious families won't look favorably upon it anyway..."

That game of chess lasted a long time, and Jiang Yuyuan could only sit aside, indeed feeling neglected.

Princess Baocheng sensed her discomfort, comforting her, "What about your family? Living here, you are part of the Marquis Xuan Ning's household. No one dares to look down on you."

"But it's not just Mr. Chu; Lady Chu didn’t initiate any conversation with me either. It was only after I greeted her that she spared me a glance."

That mother and son duo really don't appreciate what they have, thinking they can pick and choose from the ladies of the capital just because they have a Crown Princess in the family.

But she wasn’t without a plan!

Princess Baocheng patted Jiang Yuyuan's shoulder, "Do you like Mr. Chu? Tell me honestly, don't worry about whether it will work out or not," she could request the Emperor to arrange the marriage, "Just speak your heart."

Jiang Yuyuan shook her head, "If he doesn't like me, I won't force my feelings either. A melon forced off its vine isn’t sweet. Even if I marry into the Chu family, it may not lead to happy days. Besides, I don't want to cause any rift between you and the Crown Princess because of this."

Was she afraid of Chu Yin? Everything she did was for her nephew's sake.

But the girl was right. A forced marriage, while seemingly joyous, would breed resentment in the Chu family, who wouldn’t treat Jiang Yuyuan kindly. Princess Baocheng reassured, "Don't be discouraged. I will find you a suitor even better than Chu Ge."

"Aunt, there's really no need. I want to devote a few more years to serving you and my uncle..."

"It's not like you're marrying far away. What’s the issue?"

Unable to persuade her, Jiang Yuyuan frustratedly tugged at her handkerchief.

Meanwhile, the next day, Chu Yin first sent a servant home to inquire about the situation, then went to pay respects to Empress Jiang.

Empress Jiang, having leisure time, was engaged in painting.

Her figure was slender, dressed in a moon-white wide-sleeved summer robe, her bare hands holding a brush, exuding an almost ethereal aura.

"A'Yin, have you felt any improvement in your health since practicing these days?"

"Yes, I'm not as breathless now."

"That seems quite effective; you must keep it up," Empress Jiang smiled, "At my age, I can’t practice such techniques. Fortunately, I don't need to toil, or else I really couldn't withstand it."

Chu Yin probed, "Are you planning to leave the matter of my youngest brother's marriage to Consort Shu?"

"Jingrui doesn't wish to marry yet; we will discuss it later."

What?

Chu Yin blurted out, "Didn’t you promise Consort Hui?"

"Yes, but Jingrui is unwilling. How can we force him? He’s not even twenty yet, so there's no rush."

"Isn't it a matter of parental command and matchmaker's word? Why are you so indulgent with Jingrui?" Chu Yin asked, surprised, choosing her words carefully, "I didn't expect you to be so fond of my youngest brother, but it seems he doesn’t visit the Kunning Palace much."

"He used to be by my side when he was young. Later, he didn’t want to disturb my rest," Empress Jiang said, reluctant to elaborate, "A'Yin, come see what you think of this color?"

Chu Yin walked over to assist her with mixing paints.

Leaving the Kunning Palace, she felt increasingly puzzled by this matter.

For a concubine-born son, was it necessary for the Empress Dowager to be so considerate? Shouldn’t he be sent out of the palace sooner?

Or, did they indeed share a deep bond?

Was it the same with Lu Jingzhao?

No wonder Jingrui managed to stay in the capital so smoothly in her previous life. It wasn’t just Lu Jingzhao's influence, but also the support of the Empress Dowager. How had she not noticed this before?

By the time she reached the Eastern Palace, the servant had returned, informing her of Lady Chu and Chu Ge's visit to the Marquis Xuan Ning's residence yesterday and their decision not to pursue a marriage alliance.

It seemed there were no major complications, except for the matter of playing chess...

Her brother's refusal of Princess Baocheng's suggestion might have caused some displeasure.

With both matters weighing on her mind, Chu Yin inevitably had to discuss them with Lu Jingzhao that evening.

"Your Highness, remember I mentioned the matter of my youngest brother’s marriage?"

"Hmm," Lu Jingzhao, who had just finished washing, replied, "What about it?"

"He simply refuses," Chu Yin looked into his eyes, "and then mother just let it be. Don’t you find that strange?"

"Not strange."

“……”

How could it not be strange? But Chu Yin couldn’t discern his emotions, continuing to probe, "What if he still refuses to marry at twenty? They can’t just let him have his way forever, right? Aren't such matters usually decided by the elders?"

"Indeed, but what concern is it of yours?" he asked.

No impatience, just a very serious question.

He couldn't fathom why Chu Yin was so interested in her youngest brother's marital affairs.

Chu Yin couldn't reveal the truth, so she played with her hair falling on her chest to conceal her feelings, "I was just curious. After all, no child can defy their parents. But the youngest brother just refuses, as if he's been spoiled by mother."

"The matter of the youngest brother is for our father and mother to worry about. You needn’t be curious." He leaned down, his hand resting on her waist.

Since her period had ended, his frequency in their intimate relations had unexpectedly increased, from once every three to five days to now every two days, even more often than in her previous life. Yet, the manner remained the same – direct, lacking tenderness.

He seldom kissed her.

Even his kisses were perfunctory, barely touching and hard to feel any affection from.

Seeing him skillfully removing her undergarment, Chu Yin said, "Wait a moment."

He paused, looking at her, his eyes questioning "Wait for what?"

Her face began to heat up.

Even in the dim light, the flush on her face was visible. Lu Jingzhao thought, she's so eager for a child, why is she suddenly shy now? After all her efforts to seduce him, wasn't this her aim?

But he wasn’t in a hurry and waited for her to speak.

Chu Yin pressed her lips together, then finally said, "Kiss me first."

“……”

The room fell silent, like a windless summer day, everything motionless.

The two of them seemed frozen, like statues.

After a while, Chu Yin said softly, "It’s not like we haven’t kissed before, why think so long about it?"

Indeed.

It was the first time he had heard such a ludicrous request, even bolder than her earlier "rub it for me."

Why couldn't he take a moment to think about it?

It appeared he was unwilling...

Was she being too eager? But who could blame her when he was always like this? Sometimes it really frustrated her.

She felt the urge to peel away his mask, to reveal his true self.

But would such an approach end up backfiring?

Chu Yin suddenly felt a bit lost, lowering her eyelids and saying, "If you really don't want to..."

Before she could finish, Lu Jingzhao lifted her chin and leaned down to kiss her.