Chapter 023

Chapter 023

When Jiang Yuyuan returned to the Marquis of Xuan Ning’s residence, she happened to encounter Jiang Xian.

Seeing her returning only now, Jiang Xian frowned, “You’ve been sick for so many days just from heatstroke? Are the palace physicians that ineffective?”

Compared to Princess Baocheng, Jiang Xian was more stringent with her.

“It's not the physicians’ fault; I was careless. I won’t disturb Uncle,” Jiang Yuyuan replied, bowing slightly before heading to her room.

“Stop there,” Jiang Xian ordered, “Come with me.”

Noticing his serious expression, Jiang Yuyuan’s heart skipped a beat as she slowly followed.

Jiang Xian walked into the residence's cool room and closed the door.

“Sit.”

Jiang Yuyuan carefully took a seat.

Jiang Xian scrutinized his niece, “Why do you keep making excuses not to marry? Who in the capital would dare look down on you? For your aunt’s sake, they wouldn’t dare.”

“But the Chu family…”

“The Chu family is different!” Jiang Xian raised his voice, “Which family can compare to the Crown Princess’s maternal family? Besides, they rely on more than just the Crown Princess. Why must you always bring up the Chu family? Yuyuan, stop troubling your aunt. Next time she chooses someone, just marry him.”

Ever since Princess Baocheng's brother ascended the throne, Jiang Xian's status in the family had plummeted, constantly appeasing his wife.

Jiang Yuyuan understood that her uncle had no choice.

His situation was much like hers, both catering to Princess Baocheng, unable to live as they wished.

Perhaps…

A thought emerged, and Jiang Yuyuan quietly said, “Uncle, marrying someone ordinary is as good as not marrying at all. Life would be meaningless, just like my parents’, who might pass away any day, leaving no ripple behind. Who would care? Unlike the Crown Princess, or the Empress – their deaths would be mourned by the entire nation, and their names recorded in history, living a life that mattered.”

Jiang Xian was stunned.

He had never expected such ambition from his niece.

“But how could you become a Crown Princess or Empress? I meant no family would look down on you, but the royal family is different.” No emperor or empress would ever take an orphan girl as their daughter-in-law, especially since the position of Crown Princess was already filled.

Sensing his wavering, Jiang Yuyuan knelt before him, “Uncle, I could start as a Liangdi first... as long as you help me…” Liangdi is a title for a concubine of the Crown Prince, ranking just below the Crown Princess.

So she had harbored such thoughts all along, refusing to marry.

She was harsh on herself.

“But what good would it do for you to be a Liangdi? And what benefit would I get?” Jiang Xian objected, “Your aunt would never agree!”

Last time, he had merely suggested sending two performers, and Princess Baocheng had refused, let alone allowing Jiang Yuyuan to become a Liangdi.

“Uncle, with my background, sometimes I have to sacrifice first to possibly get what I want. And when that day comes, I will never forget your kindness,” Jiang Yuyuan crawled forward, grabbing Jiang Xian’s sleeve, “We can keep it from aunt, ensuring she doesn’t find out I volunteered.”

If not voluntarily, then how? Jiang Xian found it challenging.

“Even if you become a Liangdi, what then? Aren’t you afraid of being one for life?”

If she had feared that from the beginning, what could she possibly achieve? She was betting everything, not realizing she would lose, but she was young and had time.

Like Emperor Jianxing, who was just a prince before, but after waiting over twenty years, he became the emperor. Sometimes, people just lack that bit of luck.

“Uncle, no matter what, I assure you I will not implicate you. If anything happens, I will take responsibility!”

Jiang Xian stroked his chin, deep in thought.

If Jiang Yuyuan really became the Crown Princess, and later the Empress, their blood relation would be advantageous for him. If she remained a Liangdi, any suffering would be hers alone, posing no harm to him.

And if the plan failed and she couldn’t become a Liangdi, she could always marry someone else.

"Alright, I can help you."

………………

The nights at Wenshu Monastery were remarkably cool. Chu Yin didn’t even sweat in her room without the need for an ice mirror, sleeping soundly.

However, with many birds on the mountain, she woke early, took the opportunity to watch the sunrise, admire the spring water, and then enjoyed a delicious vegetarian breakfast with the children before paying respects to Emperor Jianxing.

Learning from previous experiences, Emperor Jianxing didn’t dare to leave his grandchildren alone with him, letting Chu Yin sit nearby. This way, she could handle the children’s questions, saving him the effort.

Soon, Princess Baocheng also came to pay respects to her brother, presenting him with an ice jade.

“This jade is my favorite. I was reluctant to give it to you, brother. But seeing you work tirelessly, I couldn’t bear it. Please take it, wear it when you return to the capital, it will make you feel more comfortable.”

The palm-sized jade was nearly transparent and cool to the touch. Emperor Jianxing played with it and said, “A gentleman doesn’t deprive others of their cherished possessions. Keep it for yourself; as an elder brother, I can’t take what my sister loves.”

“No, I insist on giving it to you. You must not refuse!” Princess Baocheng stood up and left like a little sister throwing a tantrum at her brother.

Emperor Jianxing laughed heartily.

Prince Jingchen and his wife arrived late.

“Why is Father so happy?” Prince Jingchen asked curiously after paying respects.

“Your aunt has given me another treasure, why wouldn’t I be happy?” Emperor Jianxing’s gaze fell on his son’s neck, “What happened here? Did a poisonous insect bite you?” Noticing a large red mark, he added, “Do you need a physician to look at it?”

Prince Jingchen quickly shook his head, “No, no need. It’s just... I bumped into something, I wasn’t careful.”

Bumping into something and hurting the neck? Emperor Jianxing motioned to a chessboard to the left, “Sit down, let’s see if your chess skills have improved.”

Delighted to play chess with his father, Prince Jingchen’s face lit up with joy.

The two children were right beside them, and seeing Prince Jingchen arrange the chess pieces, their little hands reached out immediately.

Prince Zhen asked, “Second Uncle, what is this?”

“Chess,” Prince Zhen replied. “Mother has it too.”

“Oh,” Prince Zhen giggled, grabbing a handful of pieces, “they're cold.”

Prince Jingchen tried to pry his little hand away, “Zhen, be good. Let Grandfather and Second Uncle play. Don’t disturb them.”

Chu Yin quickly came over to pick up the children.

Emperor Jianxing said, “Let them stay, just let them watch. Learning chess should start from a young age.”

Chu Yin: “……”

The chess table was much lower than ordinary desks, making it difficult for the children to resist grabbing the pieces. She called over Xiao Dou and Qi Nian to watch one child each.

But Prince Zhen protested, shouting, “I want the chess, I want to play chess.”

In the Eastern Palace, just a trick from Xiao Dou would usually suffice to appease her son, but that wouldn’t work in the Emperor’s chamber. Chu Yin instructed Xiao Dou to take him out, and she followed behind.

Passing by a desk near the window, she glanced at it and paused.

On the desk lay a book, “Xiang Tai Jiu Jing San.”

Likely something Emperor Jianxing brought to pass the time.

It was a rare edition, later destroyed in a great fire.

Not just this set, but half of the palace’s library was lost in that fire.

But the cause was not complex; it was merely a case of theft.

There was an eunuch named Gong Huai who, taking advantage of his position, stole treasures from the storeroom. As his thefts remained undetected for a long time, he became increasingly bold. Eventually, fearing discovery, he planned to cover up his crimes by setting a fire. The fire, fanned by strong winds, spread from the storeroom to the nearby library.

Emperor Jianxing was furiously enraged by this incident, ordering the execution of a dozen eunuchs involved. Yet, such drastic actions couldn't recover the precious lost books, and the restoration of the storeroom and library also incurred significant expenses, leading to heavy losses.

Now that she had been reborn, Chu Yin resolved to prevent this disaster.

However, managing the storeroom was the eunuchs’ responsibility, and she found no immediate way to intervene.

Fortunately, there was still time; the incident was to happen in October, and it was only the end of June.

Contemplating this, she left the room.

Outside, Xiao Dou distracted the young master with his juggling and imitations of birds, dogs, and cows, making Prince Zhen laugh and forget all about the chess pieces.

Seeing this, Chu Yin returned to her room.

Upon entering, she immediately noticed Tang Feiyan’s unusual behavior - she was unusually quiet and seemed preoccupied.

Recalling yesterday's events, and noticing her slightly swollen eyelids, Chu Yin wondered if Tang Feiyan and Prince Jingchen had argued. Could Tang Feiyan have caused the injury on Prince Jingchen's neck?

That seemed absurd…

Probably, she was overthinking.

Suddenly, she heard Emperor Jianxing’s voice inviting her to play: “Ah Yin, since you are also proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, why don't you try playing with me?”

Prince Jingchen coughed lightly, “Father, are you giving up on playing with me so quickly? I just lost one game.”

“Losing that fast, do you think I’m a fool?” Emperor Jianxing tapped his son’s head, “I told you to let me win, and you don’t play along!”

Prince Jingchen responded with a smile, “I won’t dare to do so in the next game.”

“No chance now, go sit aside!” Emperor Jianxing even playfully kicked him lightly.

This was typical of their father-son relationship, appearing more like an ordinary father and son. However, Emperor Jianxing’s demeanor was quite different when with Prince Jingzhe, always more formal and less relaxed. That was why Chu Yin used to be apprehensive of Prince Jingchen, urging her husband to go to the capital.

"Tang Feiyan saw Lu Jingchen approaching and shot him a covert glare."

"Lu Jingchen ignored her, simply stretching his neck."

"In truth, just as Chu Yin had guessed, the injury was indeed caused by Tang Feiyan. She wanted to be intimate with Lu Jingchen in the temple, thinking it might help her conceive quickly due to the sacred atmosphere, different from the Prince Jin's Mansion."

"Unexpectedly, Lu Jingchen refused, citing impropriety, mentioning even the Emperor hadn't brought his consorts for the summer retreat. They accidentally hurt each other in the tussle."

"The couple had argued over this, and now were not speaking to each other."

"Seeing the seriousness of his injury, Tang Feiyan felt a bit guilty and hesitated before asking, 'Does it still hurt?'"

"What a question!"

"That slap had nearly broken his neck."

"It was the first time he realized the strength Tang Feiyan could muster when angry. She usually restrained herself, but luckily, even her full strength wasn't a match for his. Otherwise, she might have overpowered him in bed."

"'Don't keep hoping for that. I won't agree,' he said in a low voice, 'You're being obsessive!'"

"'I just want... you know what,' Tang Feiyan mumbled under her breath."

"Lu Jingchen massaged his forehead, 'We'll talk about it when we get back.'"

"Seeing his steadfast refusal, Tang Feiyan, frustrated, turned away to watch Gong Gong playing chess with Chu Yin."

"Chu Yin had learned chess from her elder brother and, after a decade of refinement, could hold her own for a while even against Emperor Jianxing. Adding to the fact she had no intention of yielding, the Emperor found the games particularly enjoyable, playing three rounds."

"Of course, Chu Yin lost all of them."

"'Your Majesty's chess skills are profound; I humbly admit defeat,' she said."

"Emperor Jianxing laughed and called his second son, 'It’s your turn now, let’s see if you give any leeway!'"

"Father and son shared a moment of lighthearted laughter."

"Time flew by."

"Before she knew it, Chu Yin had been away from the capital for ten days."

"Lu Jingzhuo sat in Qianqing Palace, halfway through reviewing a stack of memorials."

"The ink in the inkstone was almost depleted."

"Dongling picked up the purple clay inkstone to add water to it."

"'Your Highness, you should look at two more memorials before heading to Kunning Palace,' Dongling advised. Empress Jiang had sent someone to invite the Crown Prince to dine together."

"Lu Jingzhuo grunted in acknowledgement."

"Being in charge for the first time, he was exceedingly cautious and meticulous, spending a lot of time on just two memorials. Of course, minor mistakes wouldn't incur his father’s wrath; the Emperor would even offer guidance on how to correct them. However, major errors were absolutely not permissible."

"He couldn't allow himself any leniency either."

"Rubbing his shoulders, he stood up: 'Let’s go.'"

"The season was nearing the Start of Autumn. Last night’s heavy rain had brought a cooler day, but the midday sun still made the carriage interior stiflingly hot."

"Lu Jingzhuo leaned against the carriage wall and closed his eyes."

"Listening to the 'clip-clop' of horse hooves on the cobblestone road and feeling waves of warmth, he suddenly thought of Chu Yin."

"If she were here in the carriage, she’d probably be clinging to him again, occasionally calling him 'Your Highness' in a soft voice, tugging at his sleeve."

"It couldn’t be denied that these ten days had been remarkably peaceful."

"Tranquil days and nights, almost like when she was still in Qingzhou."

"But she was due to return soon."

"Entering Kunning Palace, he saw the dining table laden with various dishes."

"'Mother, have you invited some guests over?'"

"'What guests? These are all for nourishing you!' Empress Jiang pulled him to sit, 'Even your father doesn’t spend as much time on memorials as you. You didn't return until midnight yesterday. How can you sustain this? Here, drink this tonic soup first.'"

"A bowl filled with golden soup, its medicinal aroma quite strong."

"'If I finish this, I won’t have room for anything else,' Lu Jingzhuo pushed the bowl away."

"'That’s true. Then have some softshell turtle instead.' Empress Jiang placed a piece on his plate, her voice filled with concern, 'You mustn’t overwork yourself. It’s alright if you don’t finish all the memorials; there are officials to assist you. Your father isn’t that diligent either, otherwise where would he find the time...'" Her voice trailed off, implying his time spent with the consorts.

"'It’s my first time standing in for Father, so I’m naturally a bit inexperienced and thus spending more time. Don’t worry about me, mother. I’m young; staying up late once in a while won’t exhaust me.'"

"Even so, you must take care of your health," Empress Jiang added more eel shreds to his plate, "Fortunately, in five days your father will return to the capital, and you can rest." She smiled, "And I'll get to see Ayin, Xuer, and Zhenr. I wonder if they've gained weight or grown taller... Ah, they could only eat vegetarian food in the temple, I hope they haven’t lost weight."

"Just fifteen days. How much could they have changed in terms of weight or height? Mother worries too much."

Lu Jingzhuo said, "Mother, since there are only five days left, you needn’t worry about me. Don’t wait for me for meals tomorrow."

He spoke tactfully, but essentially, he was asking her not to interrupt his work.

Knowing her son’s temperament all too well, Empress Jiang sighed, "Alright, but make sure to eat enough of these dishes."

"…Yes."

As the day of their return to the capital drew near, Lu Jingchen was preoccupied with the thought of peach crisps and went down the mountain early to buy some. Chu Yin, meanwhile, was painting inside.

Recently, she had painted the millennium-old ginkgo tree in Wenshu Monastery, followed by the copper bell, and today she was painting the spiritual spring.

The maids were busy packing up their clothes.

"Prince Consort must be missing you a lot," Rindong said with a smile.

Chu Yin's hand paused, nearly causing her brush to drip and ruin the nearly finished painting.

As an observer, Rindong could see that after many days of Chu Yin’s coquettish behavior, it was clear how Lu Jingzhuo treated her.

"How could he possibly be missing me?"

"He hasn’t fallen for me yet. He just sees me as his wife, not someone he cherishes. Of course, it was the same in my previous life."

Chu Yin continued her painting.

Just then, the abbot sent a young novice monk with ten pounds of Wenshu tea leaves.

The novice monk, who often delivered tea, must have noticed her fondness for it and promptly informed the abbot.

Look, even the people in this temple are crafty.

She had wanted the tea leaves anyway, planning to buy some. Smiling, she asked Dong to reward the young monk with fifty silver taels, considering it a purchase.

"I’ll have my mother-in-law try some," thought Chu Yin. She planned to also send some to her mother and brother; they would surely like it.

The next day, the group set off on their return journey to the capital.

As they approached the city gates, the sun was just rising, casting a golden, feather-like glow in the clouds, resembling rouge on a lady's cheeks, vivid and beautiful.

Chu Yin's heart began to pound.

She felt inexplicably nervous.

Lu Xue and Lu Zhen asked, "Can we see Daddy soon?"

"First, we go to the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, and then we'll see Daddy... Remember to tell him how much you've missed him." Since it was inconvenient for her with the children, her father-in-law had instructed her to enter the palace directly with her carriage.

"Alright, I want to tell Daddy about the spring."

"And the Bodhisattva."

"And the fish in the water."

Chu Yin listened with a smile, her mind filled with visions of what it would be like to see Lu Jingzhuo soon.

She wondered what his expression would be like.

Probably with no expression at all.

Guessing so, yet still eager to see him.

The civil and military officials gathered to welcome the Emperor back to the capital, with Lu Jingzhuo standing at the forefront.

Through the carriage window, Chu Yin noticed his attire was exactly the same as when she left.

His expression too, impassive, especially any sign of anticipation.

He truly didn't miss her at all.

Not surprising.

Chu Yin's fingers fidgeted inside her sleeve, itching to pinch him, but she was now the dignified Crown Princess and couldn't act impulsively.

The carriage passed by Lu Jingzhuo.

Upon arriving at the Kunning Palace, Chu Yin disembarked with her two children and entered the hall.

Empress Jiang greeted them with a beaming smile, "Ah Yin, you're finally back. Let me have a look..." she clicked her tongue twice, "Wenshu Monastery is indeed a nurturing place. You've become even more beautiful in just half a month, and so have Xue and Zhen!"

“Empress Dowager,” both children called out in unison, rushing towards her.

Empress Jiang squatted down, caressing their little faces, examining them closely.

“Not a bit thinner, it seems the vegetarian meals were quite palatable. Ah Yin, please take a seat. Even a day's journey can be tiring.”

Chu Yin nodded and sat down.

A palace maid came forward to serve tea.

This reminded Chu Yin of the Wenshu tea leaves, "The Abbot gifted me some unique tea, I’ll have some sent to you later."

“This tea is exclusive to Wenshu Monastery, right? I should definitely try it... Speaking of tea, I just learned Jiang Miss is quite skilled at brewing. The young girl has nimble hands, though it's a pity she took so much medicine for the heatstroke.”

“Really? How many days did she stay?” Chu Yin asked, a bit curious.

“Six days.”

That meant she left four days after Chu Yin departed from the capital.

Chu Yin wondered what Jiang Yuyuan had been up to.

Footsteps sounded at the door. It was her father-in-law arriving with her three sons and Tang Feiyan. Princess Baocheng must have gone directly back to the Xuan Ning Mansion.

Chu Yin’s gaze swept over and met Lu Jingzhuo's.

She smiled faintly and said softly, “Your Highness.”

The woman in a cherry-colored robe embroidered with golden peonies, her brows like spring mountains and eyes like autumn waters, was breathtakingly beautiful, yet her demeanor was subdued. Her smile was restrained, like a gentle breeze, calm and not fierce.

In that moment, Lu Jingzhuo felt as if he was seeing the Chu Yin he once knew.

The Chu Yin who had just returned to the capital from Qingzhou.

After a brief pause, he asked, “How was Wenshu Monastery?”

“A perfect retreat from the summer heat, beyond reproach,” Chu Yin beckoned the children over, “Weren’t you just longing for Daddy?”

The two little ones immediately ran to him, stretching out their arms to be held, chanting, “Missed Daddy so much.”

Lu Jingzhuo effortlessly scooped them into his arms.

The children had grown slightly plumper in half a month. Chu Yin wanted to ask if he noticed any changes, but swallowed her words and simply watched with a smile.

Lu Jingchen offered some peach cakes, “Big brother, you really missed out by not going to Wenshu Monastery. Next time Father Emperor goes to escape the heat, I’ll insist he takes you. It’s truly a paradise on earth, utterly unforgettable.”

“Maybe next time. I doubt Father Emperor will go next year.”

“True, such a trip is too cumbersome,” Lu Jingchen gestured towards the peach cakes, “Big brother, you must try these, I bought them myself,” looking at Chu Yin, “Sister-in-law surely knows.”

"Yes," Chu Yin could indeed vouch for that.

Lu Jingzhuo said, “Alright, I will try them.”

Lu Jingchen then went to offer peach cakes to Lu Jingrui.

Empress Jiang had already instructed the royal kitchen to prepare an early meal last night, and now she ordered the maids to serve it quickly.

Everyone gathered around the table, chatting and laughing.

Chu Yin hadn’t been close to Lu Jingzhuo for a long time, and now, sitting next to him, she found herself near yet not speaking to him.

Lu Jingzhuo was aware of this, assuming she was just being formal due to the presence of others.

If it were in the Eastern Palace or in the carriage, just the two of them, she would surely act differently.

After the meal, Empress Jiang, considering their travel fatigue, commanded them to rest immediately. Emperor Jianxing had no objections; he himself was also keen on getting some sleep.

As usual, Lu Jingzhuo left the hall carrying both children.

Lu Zhen, with a better memory than Lu Xue, began telling their father about the springs, mountains, birds in the temple, loquat trees, and the several monkeys they saw.

Lu Xue, feeling left out, also tried to squeeze in a few words.

“Wasn’t it hot in the temple?” Lu Jingzhuo asked.

“Not hot at all,” Lu Zhen shook his head, “Mom took us to play in the water, it was so cool.”

“Yeah, the water was so big, like falling from the sky,” Lu Xue gestured with his hands.

A waterfall, perhaps? Lu Jingzhuo glanced at Chu Yin, who was walking beside him but not holding onto his arm.

He felt a bit puzzled.

Chu Yin, sensing his gaze, wondered if she was being too silent.

Even in their past life, they used to talk about everyday matters, so Chu Yin said, “I painted several pictures at Wenshu Monastery. I'll show them to you later, Your Highness. They include the spiritual spring and the ginkgo trees in the temple.”

“Good.”

Since Chu Yin and he didn’t spend much time together, he had rarely seen her painting and was somewhat curious.

The four of them took the carriage straight to the Eastern Palace.

It was early autumn, and the carriage was no longer stiflingly hot. The wind through the window brought a faint jasmine fragrance.

Very subtle, even lighter than the scent she wore.

Yet, it was only the fragrance that lingered around him; Chu Yin maintained her distance, showing no signs of moving closer.

Could it be that, after half a month apart, she had become somewhat estranged from him?

Lu Jingzhuo couldn’t help but think of her saying, “Half a month is a long time, it takes a while to count.”

On reflection, it still seemed nonsensical. Although he found it cute at the time, half a month was just that – not really long.

“Daddy, have the pomegranates started to grow?” asked Lu Zhen.

“...I don’t know, you can go and see later.” He hadn’t really paid attention.

He rarely strolled around the courtyard.

“How about my wooden horse, is it okay?” Lu Xue asked.

“……”

For a moment, only the children’s voices filled the carriage.

Upon arriving at the Eastern Palace, Xiao Dou and Qi Niang came to take the young masters.

Chu Yin instructed, “Give them a bath, then put them to sleep for a while.”

"Yes."

She herself wanted a wash and turned to ask Lu Jingzhuo, "Your Highness, will you visit Chunhui Pavilion today?"

"No."

"Then, Your Highness plans to read in the study? I won’t disturb you."

"..." Didn’t she just say she wanted to show him some paintings? What about the ginkgoes, the spiritual spring? Lu Jingzhuo gave Chu Yin a scrutinizing look, suspecting that she was tired from the journey and not quite herself, "Go rest."

"Mm." Chu Yin nodded slightly and headed towards the inner chamber.

The palace maids had already packed up the luggage.

"Take a can of Wenshu tea to Mother," Chu Yin instructed Lianqiao.

Lianqiao immediately headed to the Kun Ning Palace.

Dongji helped Chu Yin prepare the bath.

Chu Yin soaked in the tub for a long time before coming out and then lay down on the Huanghuali moon-gate bed.

Although Wenshu Temple was cool, the bed wasn’t as comfortable as her own.

Even the scent...

She sniffed and suddenly realized it was full of Lu Jingzhuo's cold, clear fragrance.

Right, he had occupied this bed alone for half a month.

She wondered if he ever had nights of lonely insomnia?

Probably not.

Otherwise, when he saw her just now, there should have been some warmth in his eyes, right? But it was still the same.

It seems that coquetry has no attraction for him.

All her efforts for that month were in vain. Not only embarrassing but useless, the only gain was perhaps the time he kissed her during the day, but she wondered if it was because of the heat, making him lightheaded…

Lost in thought, Chu Yin gradually fell asleep.

She slept until noon.

Upon asking the time, she hurriedly sat up.

"Why didn't you wake me?"

Lianqiao replied, "I was about to, but His Highness said to let you sleep longer... It's His Highness's consideration for you, how could I dare wake you?"

Chu Yin paused, "He came?"

"Yes, His Highness was here half an hour ago. Seeing you asleep, he left. He just finished his meal and was summoned by the Emperor."

The Emperor must have summoned him because he's well-rested, to inquire about court affairs during this period, or perhaps about official memorials...

With Lu Jingzhuo’s capability, there should be no errors in reviewing memorials. Chu Yin pondered for a while, remembering that no major events occurred in the seventh month of the third year of Jianxing, so it was likely just a routine inquiry.

She sat in front of the dressing table, instructing Lianqiao to style her hair into a flying fairy bun.

Lianqiao suggested, “It’s already noon, why don’t you eat first? The hairstyle can wait.”

“Yes, or you’ll be hungry,” Dongji added.

What would she look like with her hair down? She is now the dignified, elegant Crown Princess.

“Enough talk, hurry up with the hair. Dongji, you pick the jewelry.”

Dongji: “…”

Previously, when the Crown Princess had her periods, she didn’t wear makeup or do her hair, even eating in bed. Dongji had reminded her about this, but the Crown Princess paid no heed. Why the sudden concern for appearances now?

Truly baffling.

After half an hour of dressing up, complete with eyebrows drawn and face powdered, Chu Yin went to dine.

Lu Jingzhuo didn't return to the Eastern Palace in the afternoon.

Chu Yin spent the time playing in the courtyard with the two children.

First, they checked on the fat, hungry koi in the porcelain tank, which swam up for food at the sight of people, and then visited the pomegranate tree.

The pomegranate flowers had turned into fruits, still unripe and green.

“Can't eat them yet, we have to wait another month.”

“Ah, why does it take so long!” Lu Zhen sighed, “I’ve been waiting for them.”

Chu Yin smiled, “Are you just lacking a pomegranate to eat?”

“It's different when you're waiting for something.”

Different when waiting, huh?

Perhaps it is.

But with anticipation comes the risk of disappointment, Chu Yin asked, “What if they're sour?”

“I'll eat them even if they're sour,” Lu Zhen tilted her head, “just a bite.”

Little clever one, Chu Yin bent down and kissed her on the face, “So adorable!”

“What about me?” Lu Zhu wasn't pleased and leaned in with his face.

Chu Yin kissed him as well.

The two children giggled.

Looking at their rosy cheeks, Chu Yin suddenly remembered her own lifespan and hurried inside to change into workout clothes and practice the Eight Pieces of Brocade exercises.

She hadn’t practiced at Wenshu Temple – first, because it seemed inappropriate in the temple, and secondly, she had her menstrual period in between.

But now that she was back in the palace, she couldn't afford to lapse.

Since her rebirth, the most critical thing was to prolong her life; everything else, including being the Crown Princess or the Empress, was secondary. After all, once a person dies, everything becomes meaningless.

She worked out until she was drenched in sweat, breathing heavily.

Dongji commented, “You’ll need another bath.”

“...” Indeed, she should have exercised first. But what could be done? Another bath it was.

When Lu Jingzhuo returned, Chu Yin was still in the bath.

He was puzzled, “Why another bath?”

Earlier, he had seen Chu Yin sleeping, apparently after having bathed and changed into clean clothes.

A palace maid explained, “The Crown Princess was practicing the Eight Pieces of Brocade and the Five Animal Frolics.”

“……”

That was quite diligent.

Lu Jingzhuo could guess why Chu Yin was so committed.

She had always wanted another child, which meant keeping her body in peak condition – beneficial for both conception and childbirth.

He agreed with this approach.

But to start exercising so soon after returning from Yanshan, wasn’t that a bit too hasty?

As he was pondering this, Chu Yin emerged from the side room.

Her cheeks were slightly moist, and her eyes and brows were clear and bright, reminiscent of a charmingly fresh lotus flower after rain.

Lu Jingzhuo's gaze lingered on her for a moment before asking, “You started practicing exercises without even taking a day to rest?”

“I didn’t practice at Wenshu Temple and have already delayed enough. I can’t afford to be lazy anymore.”

“……”

In this regard, she was indeed impatient.

He never quite understood why she was so.

Chu Yin also had something to ask him, “What did Father say to you just now? You were talking for quite a while.”

“Nothing much, the Emperor just wanted to discuss a corruption case and some matters about grain transport and shipping.”

As she had guessed, Chu Yin felt relieved.

After her rebirth, besides her own lifespan, the second most important thing was Lu Jingzhuo's position as the Crown Prince, and his future as Emperor. Losing that would make their entire family vulnerable.

“What will Your Highness do later?” She walked towards the dressing table.

Having practiced exercises earlier, her hair was all disheveled and needed to be combed again.

“It’s getting late; I won’t go to the study,” Lu Jingzhuo sat down at the desk, casually picking up a book.

Chu Yin glanced at him without saying a word.

Lianqiao combed her hair.

The room was quiet for a while, with only the sound of turning pages.

After Chu Yin finished doing her hair and touched up her makeup, she instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Nearly all the dishes served were his favorites, a thoughtful gesture, yet her behavior was unusual. She didn't come to him with playful affection, didn’t share her longing, nor spoke of the events at Wenshu Temple.

Only the two children talked to him about these things.

But Lu Jingzhuo didn’t ask either.

Because Chu Yin hadn’t done anything wrong.

After dinner, he went to the study, while Chu Yin lay on the couch reading.

Dongji, noticing their unusual quietness today, couldn’t help saying, “Crown Princess, why don’t you talk more with His Highness? You weren’t like this before.”

“How was I before?” Chu Yin replied indifferently, “Think back further.”

“……”

If referring to the Crown Princess who had just arrived in the capital from Qingzhou, then indeed, there wasn’t much difference now.

Dongji murmured softly, “Later on, it was also good, although sometimes a bit…” Uncharacteristic of a Crown Princess, more like a young girl, speaking sweetly and coquettishly, bewildering yet endearing, like when she persuaded the Crown Prince to feed her iced yogurt.

Seeing her hesitating, Chu Yin interrupted, “That’s enough, go about your work.”

Dongji dared not persuade further.

At the hour of Xu, Lu Jingzhuo returned to the bedroom punctually after washing up in the side room.

Chu Yin had just gotten into bed.

Seeing him sitting to take off his shoes, she grew a bit nervous.

This was their most intimate time, and she feared she couldn’t maintain her composure, haunted by many embarrassing memories on this bed, like throwing herself into his arms, asking for kisses, and more…

She pondered what to say to cover up.

Unexpectedly, Lu Jingzhuo, instead of moving further inside, leaned over and wrapped his arms around her waist, then pulled her forcefully beneath him.

His cold scent enveloped her like a net.

As he neared, her lips were swiftly kissed.

After being apart for half a month, as a normal man, it's natural to have desires. His directness didn't surprise Chu Yin; she just wondered where to place her hands. Previously, she liked wrapping them around his neck or waist.

And what about her lips and tongue? Should she respond to him?

His kisses were tantalizing, perfectly balanced between gentle and intense, frankly, the best he had ever given. She felt a tickling in her heart.

Yet responding too eagerly might seem out of character for her.

Thus, Chu Yin remained still, letting him take the lead.

Suddenly, Lu Jingzhuo stopped and opened his eyes.

His eyes were bright, like a star-studded lake in the night, radiating a captivating brilliance.

Their eyes met. If she couldn't hold steady now, her efforts would be wasted.

Chu Yin steadied her breath and calmly asked, “Your Highness, why do you look at your concubine so? Is there something amiss with me?”

Lu Jingzhuo: “…”

Not only did she not act coquettishly, but the feeling of the kiss was also off, and suddenly she referred to herself as 'your concubine'...

What exactly did she experience at Wenshu Temple?