“Chapter 017”

"Chapter 017"

"After checking Jiang Yuyuan’s pulse for a while, Master Ma found nothing abnormal."

"However, symptoms of heatstroke often don’t manifest in the pulse, so this wasn't unusual."

"Master Ma quickly prescribed a remedy."

"Princess Baocheng asked, 'Will the medicine work immediately? Yuyuan is very uncomfortable.'"

"'Usually, it takes a day or two to recover,' Master Ma replied, glancing at Jiang Yuyuan, 'Just avoid the heat and rest.'"

"Regretting her decision to bring her, as the ride in the palanquin was unbearably hot from the palace gates to Qianqing Palace, Princess Baocheng sighed, 'I'm to blame for this. You should have spoken up earlier if you were feeling unwell. No wonder your voice sounded off earlier. How did you endure it for so long?'"

"She thought Jiang Yuyuan was being too considerate."

"Jiang Yuyuan hastily replied, 'Auntie, don't worry, I'm feeling a bit better now. We can head back.'"

"'Go back? No, you should stay in the palace. I'll speak with my sister-in-law and arrange for your stay here, so you can see Master Ma if you feel unwell again.'"

"'Wouldn't that be too much of an imposition on the Empress? I've already troubled cousin, I really feel bad about it,' Jiang Yuyuan said, glancing at Lu Jingzhuo. She hoped part of his reason for staying was concern for her, even if just a little."

"Just a little would be enough for someone like him."

"His nature was such that even a sliver of concern would suffice."

"Princess Baocheng reassured her, 'You didn’t do it on purpose. Why worry about being a bother? Stop talking nonsense.' As she spoke, she suddenly heard the eunuchs outside greeting the crown princess, and her expression darkened, thinking about the earlier incident at Qianqing Palace."

"Her brother not blaming the Chu family irked her, and she had no desire to see Chu Yin."

"Ironically, she didn't go to the Eastern Palace, but coming to Chunhui Pavilion still didn’t help her avoid Chu Yin."

"Chu Yin entered the room and saw Jiang Yuyuan and Princess Baocheng seated, with Master Ma standing head bowed, and Lu Jingzhuo facing the window, his figure as immovable as a stone statue."

"She approached Princess Baocheng and performed the younger generation's courtesy, apologizing, 'I just learned of your presence in the palace, auntie. I'm sorry for not receiving you earlier.'"

"The gesture was thorough, but Princess Baocheng knew Chu Yin was just going through the motions. The Chu family didn’t regard the Marquis of Xuanning's house highly, otherwise, Chu Ge would have agreed to a match. She responded indifferently, 'I came to see my brother and Jingzhuo. I didn’t intend for you to know. If not for Yuyuan feeling unwell, I would have already left.'"

"'Oh? Is Miss Jiang unwell?' Chu Yin asked Master Ma, 'What seems to be the problem?'"

"'Your Highness, Miss Jiang is suffering from heatstroke,' he replied."

"This ailment is common in sweltering weather, but Jiang Yuyuan's case is unbelievable to Chu Yin."

Glancing at the seemingly powerless girl almost lying on the desk, she said, "Fortunately, it's not another illness. Heatstroke is relatively easy to treat. With the doctor's expertise, she'll surely recover soon."

"Yuyuan is not frail and will recover quickly. But you, my 'sick beauty', should not have braved the heat to visit Chunhui Pavilion. I'd feel terrible if something happened to you," Princess Baocheng said to Lu Jingzhe with a tender smile. "Jingzhe, I'll take Yuyuan to meet my sister-in-law. You and A'Yin should return to the Eastern Palace. Don't delay your meal."

The term 'sick beauty' sounded like a joke, yet also a taunt. Chu Yin thought, Princess Baocheng must be somewhat displeased with her over the marriage arrangement, but restrained herself because of Lu Jingzhe.

However, this didn’t explain why Jiang Yuyuan happened to suffer from heatstroke today.

Unable to find a reason and filled with doubt, Chu Yin urged, "Your Highness, let's go too. It's past noon."

Since they were traveling the same way, the couple naturally shared a carriage.

After sitting down, Chu Yin naturally leaned against Lu Jingzhe, her hand resting on his arm.

The warmth and scent enveloped her.

Lu Jingzhe glanced at her: "Do you also wish to suffer from heatstroke?"

"In this weather, why cling so closely? It's unseemly."

But Chu Yin didn't want to keep her distance, smiling slyly, "Without being under the sun, how could I get heatstroke? Besides, if I really do, Your Highness will take care of me. I'm not worried."

“……”

Where had she learned these tactics? Or had she always known them?

Lu Jingzhe was silent for a moment, resisting the urge to push her away, focusing on important matters: "The Emperor plans to take you, Xiu'er, and Zhen'er to Wen Shu Temple in Yan Mountain for a summer retreat, for half a month."

Chu Yin was startled, doubting her ears: "What? How is that possible?"

"My aunt personally mentioned it. It's true."

Chu Yin's lips parted slightly, speechless for a while.

What was happening?

First Jiang Yuyuan feigned illness, then this sudden summer retreat. All different from her previous life.

Was it because of her changes? Due to her actions? Was it Zhou's family, her brother, or Yi Jian?

"Did aunt say why the Emperor wishes to retreat to the cooler climate?"

"It must have been her persuasion."

“……”

So, it was related to Princess Baocheng. Could it be because of her failed marriage alliance with the Chu family that sparked this idea? Chu Yin massaged her forehead; this change was indeed instigated by her.

"Can your health withstand a trip to Yan Mountain?" Lu Jingzhe suddenly asked.

"Yes," Chu Yin replied without hesitation, "Of course, I can."

Even though she didn't really want to go.

Not because a summer retreat was undesirable—in this weather, going to Wen Shu Temple would indeed be enjoyable. Moreover, the children were already three years old and easier to manage. Her main reluctance was being apart from Lu Jingzhe.

But the Emperor was the ruler.

A significant reason Lu Jingzhe's position was so secure was that the Emperor had no thoughts of replacing his heir.

Now that the Emperor had the leisure and desire to visit Yan Mountain for pleasure, how could she oppose? Causing his displeasure might lead to unpredictable consequences, which she couldn't foresee.

"I've never been to Yan Mountain; it'll be a great opportunity to broaden my horizons. It's a pity that Your Highness can't come."

In this moment, she was the perfectly accommodating Crown Princess, considering the bigger picture.

Lu Jingzhe said, "If you don't want to go, there's no need to force yourself. I can discuss it with the Emperor."

"Why would it be a burden? Wen Shu Temple is a place reserved for Emperors through the ages; such an opportunity is rare... It's not far from the capital, just a day's journey. It would be foolish not to go!"

"Seeing her insistence, Lu Jingzhuo added, 'I will ask Father to bring Vice President Liu with him when we go.'"

"He actually remembered such a thing."

"Chu Yin felt a sweetness in her heart and became unsteady, leaning her head against his shoulder, 'Thank you, Your Highness. I'll surely miss you when I'm at Yanshan.'"

“……”

"Do you think you'll miss me?" she asked softly, tugging at his sleeve.

"Back in Qingzhou, when she was pregnant and sent him off to the capital, her face didn't hold such an expression of longing, nor did she have these coquettish gestures."

"After more than two years apart, why had she changed so much?"

"Lu Jingzhuo responded indifferently, 'No.'"

"Chu Yin paused, then huffed, playfully punching him, 'Always saying the opposite of what you feel.'"

“……”

"But that was his honest answer. Where was the pretense?"

"With her constantly flirting with him for no reason, her absence would only bring him peace."

"Yet, it seemed pointless to explain this."

"As he pondered, Chu Yin suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist, 'I already start to miss Your Highness.'"

“……”

"This was really too much."