Chapter 018

Chapter 018

After meeting Princess Baocheng and her niece, Empress Jiang learned of Jiang Yuyuan's heatstroke and ordered her maids to take her to the side hall for rest.

Princess Baocheng said, "I'm sorry to trouble my sister-in-law. If Yuyuan hadn't been so unwell with a headache, I wouldn't have resorted to this."

"It's no trouble, just a few days. Why the formality?"

Her brother, ruling in Qingzhou, didn't share many details with Princess Baocheng about his wife. But his prompt elevation of his main wife to Empress and his eldest son to Crown Prince upon ascending the throne showed his recognition of her, ensuring Princess Baocheng's respectful attitude towards Empress Jiang.

"You're frail, and I usually dare not disturb you. It's not mere courtesy," Princess Baocheng sighed. "I wish I could help more, but all I can do is pray for you whenever I offer incense."

"Thank you for your concern. I've been feeling better lately."

"Really?" Princess Baocheng's eyes lit up. "Then you might join us at Wen Shu Temple for the summer retreat? I just convinced my brother to go, and he'll probably discuss it with you soon. It would be wonderful if you could come along."

Empress Jiang, not wishing to be with her husband, waved her hands quickly, "No, no, I can't travel to the mountains."

Princess Baocheng showed a look of regret: "Then we'll wait until you've recovered."

The Emperor's summer retreat was a major event. While officials handled the travel arrangements, the Emperor himself had to organize his family's plans, leading to another banquet in Kunning Palace.

Empress Jiang had heard in advance, but she was surprised that her husband planned to take their grandchildren away, voicing her concern: "Xiu'er and Zhen'er are only three years old. Aren't you rushing this decision without considering their adaptability?"

"They're three, not one. What's the issue? Besides, the Imperial Physician will accompany us," Emperor Jianxing turned to Chu Yin, "and A'Yin is coming too. With their mother there, what could go wrong?"

"It's easy for you to say, never having cared for children yourself. It's not like having a physician and a mother guarantees their safety."

"Isn't it the same in the palace? Can you ensure absolute safety? How many princes and princesses have died through the ages?"

“……”

Anxious to prevent an argument, Chu Yin quickly interceded, "Mother, I understand your concern. But traveling to Yan Mountain is not a strenuous journey, and the children won't suffer from the change in environment. Xiu'er and Zhen'er will be fine. It's a good opportunity for them to enjoy nature and broaden their horizons."

Emperor Jianxing was pleased: "Look at A'Yin, so sensible. Indeed, traveling thousands of miles teaches more than reading thousands of books."

Empress Jiang, aware of Chu Yin's tendency to prioritize the greater good, sighed inwardly, then stared at her husband: "If you insist on this, I can't stop you. But if anything happens to Xiu'er or Zhen'er, I'll fight you tooth and nail!"

That was her only tactic—threatening drastic action.

But wasn't she risking her own life in the process? Could she really hurt him? Nevertheless, Emperor Jianxing took her seriously and ordered the Chief of the Imperial Medical Bureau, along with Zhang, the head judge, and two other imperial physicians, to accompany them with ample medical supplies.

At this point, Lu Jingzhe said, "Father, please also bring Physician Liu. He's more familiar with A'Yin's health."

Emperor Jianxing was surprised and turned to Chu Yin: "Are you unwell?"

"No, I was just a bit frail before. I've been practicing certain exercises and have improved significantly. Going to the summer retreat won't be an issue..." she joked, "Father, I won't have to climb the mountain myself, will I?"

Emperor Jianxing chuckled at her jest: "Of course not, but even if you tried, Yan Mountain's peaks reach the clouds; you couldn't climb it."

Tang Feiyan had been quiet all evening, not provoking Chu Yin. Seeing her determined to go to Yan Mountain, Tang secretly sneered. After all, Chu Yin's position as the Crown Princess was granted by her father-in-law, and she was quite adept at currying his favor, like when she recommended that official last time.

It was also luck. Her husband mentioned that the official turned out to be an expert in locust control and was appointed a fifth-grade official.

Chu Yin even received a reward for that.

So, Tang had no choice but to avoid direct confrontation.

Stepping back for broader skies, she would look for opportunities in the future.

Tang Feiyan then offered kindly, "Sister-in-law, it gets very cold at Wen Shu Temple at night. Be sure to take extra clothes to avoid catching a cold."

Chu Yin wasn't surprised.

Tang Feiyan was skilled at playing dumb, simultaneously engaging in irritating actions while superficially seeking friendship. Ignoring her would only make Chu Yin seem petty.

Fortunately, in her past life, Tang's schemes weren't malicious, and she didn't stay in the capital. Chu Yin bore no grudge and smiled lightly: "Thank you for the reminder, sister-in-law. I'll keep that in mind."

Seeing his wife behaving so prudently, Lu Jingchen felt quite relieved. He patted Tang Feiyan's back and said to Lu Jingzhe, "We're off to enjoy our summer retreat, while big brother has to manage state affairs. It's truly hard work for him."

"Alleviating Father Emperor's concerns is my duty, though I worry about not doing well enough."

His elder brother, though seemingly aloof, was meticulous and careful in his actions, leaving no room for criticism. Lu Jingchen laughed, "Big brother is too modest. Father Emperor wouldn't dare leave the capital if he didn't trust you. You're the only one who can give him peace of mind... Oh, I heard there's a pastry shop at the foot of Yan Mountain whose peach crisps are even tastier than those from the Imperial Kitchen. I'll be sure to bring some back for you, Mother, and third brother to try."

At the banquet, only the third brother seemed pitiable, like a shadow. Lu Jingchen thought it good to mention him, a reminder of this favor.

Lu Jingrui indeed smiled, "That's thoughtful of you, second brother. I'll look forward to tasting those peach crisps."

After the banquet, Emperor Jianxing was naturally the first to leave, followed by Lu Jingchen and his wife, who had to return to the Prince Jin's residence.

When Lu Jingrui was about to leave, he bid farewell to Lu Jingzhe and his wife, thanking Chu Yin for the book: "Thank you, sister-in-law. The 'Plum Blossom Numerology' you gave is excellent. I hardly need to ask big brother for advice now."

Lu Jingzhe was puzzled, not understanding his meaning.

Chu Yin took the initiative to explain: "Third brother is studying the 'I Ching', right? I remembered we had that book in the library, so I gave it to him."

In the past, she would have discussed such a decision with him first, like suggesting, "Third brother is struggling with the 'I Ching'; maybe we should find a reference book for him," but now she acted on her own initiative.

It was a bit strange.

But Chu Yin had been acting unusually quite often recently, so Lu Jingzhe didn't think much of it.

Lu Xiu and Lu Zhen then ran over, wanting Lu Jingzhe to hold them.

Lu Jingrui crouched down to play with his nephew: "Xiu'er, let third uncle see you again. It'll be half a month before we meet next."

A surge of anger rose in Chu Yin's heart.

But if she objected now, it might arouse Lu Jingrui's suspicion, making him cautious and hindering her ability to expose him later. She had to endure it.

For now, Lu Jingrui wouldn't harm her son.

Lu Xiu, of course, was oblivious, enjoying his third uncle's playful pinches on his face.

Seeing this, Chu Yin suddenly said, "Xiu'er, ask third uncle for a hug."

"Third uncle hug," Lu Xiu immediately reached out his little arms.

Lu Jingrui lifted him up with his left hand.

It seems he's always mindful of his right hand being disabled…

Why didn't she ever inquire about it in her previous life? Even if she had, knowing the truth wouldn't have led her to suspicion, maybe she would have just felt pity for Lu Jingrui. Chu Yin shook her head, realizing such thoughts couldn't change the outcome.

Empress Jiang still looked worried and thought for a moment before repeatedly instructing Chu Yin, "A'Yin, you must take good care of yourself, Xiu'er, and Zhen'er. If there's any discomfort, consult the imperial physician immediately, even if it means returning to the capital early..."

"Yes, I'll keep Mother's words in my heart."

"And, you're taking Xiao Dou and Qi Niang, right? Bring a few more eunuchs and maids so you're not understaffed and overwhelmed. Alas, it's a pity Jingzhe can't come, or I wouldn't worry so much."

"His Highness is the heir, he must stay in the capital no matter what. Don't worry unnecessarily, I know what to do."

She had spent two years alone in Qingzhou, and the children were well-cared for. Empress Jiang smiled, "I'm overthinking it. You surely have everything planned. Go back to Jingzhe soon. You'll be separated for half a month, you must have a lot to talk about."

“……”

She had things to say, but Lu Jingzhe might not.

He was always saying the opposite of what he felt, not even willing to admit he missed her.

But they still had two days before parting. Perhaps he'd reveal his feelings at the last moment?

This thought brought a glimmer of hope to Chu Yin.

Smiling, she returned to Lu Jingzhe's side: "Your Highness, Mother is urging us to go back. Let's leave."

Lu Jingzhe bent down to pick up the two nearly sleeping children.

"They've gotten heavier, haven't they?"

"Yes, they've grown taller than last month," Lu Jingzhe observed their round little faces, "They grow up so fast."

"By the time we return from Yan Mountain, Your Highness might find them quite changed."

"They can change that much in just fifteen days?"

"Of course, fifteen days is a long time. Counting from one to fifteen takes quite a while." She looked up at him, her cheeks bathed in the soft moonlight, pale as jade, her eyes deep and shimmering like autumn waters meeting the stars.

Her radiant beauty momentarily dazzled him, and he unexpectedly smiled.

It was like a rare blooming of snow lotuses atop a mountain peak, a sight witnessed once in two lifetimes.

Her lips slightly parted, and she gripped his arm with slender fingers: "Your Highness, you just smiled!"

Was that something so extraordinary? He replied, "Who doesn't smile?"

You do!

Chu Yin shook his arm playfully, "Then smile for me again."

"…Let's get going."

Chu Yin's earlier comment about counting to fifteen being a long time was somewhat cute; he couldn't help but smile then, but he couldn't bring himself to smile again.

Seeing him stride towards the carriage, Chu Yin had no choice but to follow.

The two children were now sound asleep, and Lu Jingzhe placed them on the left side.

"They don't know yet that they'll soon be parting with Your Highness."

"It's only for fifteen days."

"Fifteen days is a long time," Chu Yin emphasized, "they might cry for their father."

Lu Jingzhe responded, "They'll get used to it."

She had mentioned so many times how long half a month was; couldn't he really hear it? Hoping he'd show some reluctance too, Chu Yin bit her lip, "Maybe I'll cry for Your Highness as well."

“……”

She really could say anything.

Was this behavior fitting for a Crown Princess?

Lu Jingzhe thought to reprimand her, but turning to see her cherry lips bitten red, temptingly luscious as if beckoning him, he suddenly felt a stir of agitation.

Unaware of his turmoil, Chu Yin continued, voicing her grievance, "You know how much I don't want to be apart from you..."

His tall figure suddenly leaned forward.

Her body was pressed against the carriage wall by him.

The sound of the impact, "thud", was jarringly loud in the quiet night.

She felt a slight pain in her back.

He had never been like this before.

The man before her had dark, stormy eyes, like a wind-stirred lake, and his kiss was intense and forceful.

It was like a warning, his voice deep and serious: "Don't talk like that again."