Chapter 025

Chapter 025

This was so unexpected that he didn't respond immediately.

Glancing at her calm face, Chu Yin couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

But she was confident her approach was correct.

Chu Yin had always been one to handle things herself, never troubling Lu Jingzhuo. But after her rebirth, thinking he had feelings for her, she clung to him, wanting to experience the warmth of marital affection.

Only to realize she had made a mistake, resulting in several embarrassing situations.

Recently, Chu Yin had been trying hard to salvage her image.

Of course, regarding the horseback riding, she was not entirely unbothered by his refusal. That's why she deliberately mentioned learning from a female official. If Lu Jingzhuo didn’t care, he wouldn’t notice the hidden resentment in her words. But if he cared even a little, surely he would show some kind of reaction, right?

Like offering advice or pointing out things she should be careful about.

She waited for his response.

After a moment, Lu Jingzhuo finally spoke, “Which female official?”

“Chen Mama recommended Yu Sizhang, the daughter of a military officer.”

“Hmm, then you should try learning from her.”

“……”

That’s it?

Wouldn’t he offer some tips on horseback riding? Wouldn’t he inquire if she had chosen a horse?

Chu Yin almost wanted to hit him.

She suddenly wondered how she had managed her relationship with Lu Jingzhuo in her previous life.

Had he always been like this?

It seemed like it was...

And yet, it wasn't.

Perhaps she was too eager to see him change.

But it's hard to change one's nature, and his temperament meant he wouldn’t change quickly.

Stay calm, stay calm.

She maintained a smile, eating with graceful poise.

After dinner, the two children came to their father.

“Xiao Dou, show Dad,” Lu Zhu said proudly, thinking his father would enjoy the performance.

He believed his father would like it.

Xiao Dou coughed lightly, “Please forgive me, Your Highness, I only know some crude tricks, I’m afraid they might offend your ears.”

“It’s fine, go ahead.”

Xiao Dou then imitated the sounds of a cow, “Moo moo,” a dog, “Woof woof,” a magpie, a chicken, a sheep, and also the sounds of a table falling, and the wind blowing – quite convincingly.

It was evident that the little servant had put great effort into this. Lu Jingzhuo signaled Dong Ling, who then gave Xiao Dou two gold seeds as a reward.

Xiao Dou quickly knelt to express his gratitude.

Lu Zhu shook his father’s knee, “Isn’t it fun, Dad? You didn’t even laugh.”

“Not laughing doesn’t mean it's not fun. It was quite interesting,” Lu Jingzhuo ruffled his son's hair, then turned to his daughter, “Do you remember much of the story of Yu the Great controlling the floods that Mother told you?”

Chu Yin: “...”

Fortunately, she had actually read the story; otherwise, she would have been caught out!

Lu Zhu said, “The water was scary, running everywhere, damaging houses and fields.”

Lu Zhen added, “Yu the Great was a good man. He drove away the bad water and saved many people.”

Putting it together, that's the gist of it. Lu Jingzhuo praised them, “You did understand some of it. Quite smart.”

Lu Zhen then remembered something, “Daddy, I ate the pomegranate from the tree.”

Was it the one brought by Chu Yin? Lu Jingzhuo asked, “Was it good?”

Lu Zhen shook her head vigorously, “It tasted awful.”

Lu Zhu also chimed in, “It was really bad, really bad!”

Lu Jingzhuo: “...”

Chu Yin: “...”

Why did the child suddenly bring up the pomegranate?

This gave Chu Yin a headache, but she maintained a calm façade, pretending not to hear.

Unexpectedly, Lu Jingzhuo asked the children, “Did your mother eat it?”

“She did.”

“……”

Her mischievous intent instantly exposed, Chu Yin couldn’t explain, only continuing to feign ignorance.

Lu Jingzhuo's gaze fell on Chu Yin's slightly reddened cheeks, lingering for quite some time.

After sending the children away, he headed to the study.

Only then did Chu Yin stretch out her hand to rub her face.

This was troublesome; who knew what he would think of her now.

She had actually wanted him to try the pomegranate as well, since all three of them had tasted it. It was about sharing both the sweet and the bitter, “in joy and in sorrow.”

But never mind.

After all the embarrassing things she had done before, one more wouldn’t make much difference.

Seeing the painting on the desk still unmounted, she instructed Lianqiao to take it to the Imperial Wardrobe the next day, emphasizing the use of plain silk and avoiding extravagance.

Her paintings were rich in color, so simpler mounting would be better.

As she had to visit Kun Ning Palace early the next morning and it was getting late, she went to wash up and prepare for bed.

Traditionally, wives were expected to defer to their husbands, but one thing Lu Jingzhuo did well was he never demanded her to rise early with him, nor wait up for him at night. Thus, in her previous life, they truly treated each other with mutual respect.

Chu Yin soon fell asleep, unaware that Lu Jingzhuo did not return until the hour of Xu that night.

Without being held up by work, he was never this late.

When Lu Jingzhuo walked back into the palace, passing by the desk, he noticed the pomegranate still there.

Picking it up, he smelled a faint, indescribable scent.

Sour, yet somewhat fragrant.

Almost impulsively, he took a seed and put it in his mouth.

The unfamiliar taste immediately filled his mouth, causing him to frown slightly and spit the seed into a handkerchief.

Indeed, it was unpleasant to taste.

…………………………

Chu Yin went to Kun Ning Palace early in the morning.

As arranged, Empress Jiang had already summoned Chen Qing Sheng.

“There really is a jade carving of Yu the Great controlling the floods,” she said in surprise to Chu Yin, “How did you come to know of it?”

Of course, she hadn’t known initially; it was only after a fire in her previous life that she heard about the jade carving valued by her father-in-law, which she then used as a pretext.

“I don’t quite remember,” Chu Yin replied, knowing her mother-in-law wouldn’t probe further. Turning to Chen Qing Sheng, she said, “I’d like to take the children to see it… You have the key, right?”

Chen Qing Sheng bowed his head and answered, “The Crown Princess wishes to see it, and I should not obstruct, but I also dare not decide on my own. I’m afraid I must ask the Emperor.”

So cautious all of a sudden?

What was he doing in her previous life, letting a subordinate set fire to the storeroom!

Chu Yin slightly raised her eyebrows but didn’t press him, “It’s proper to seek permission from Father first. You come with me to Qianqing Palace.”

“Yes.”

Hearing that the Crown Princess was coming, He Zhong hurried to the entrance.

Seeing Chen Qing Sheng following Chu Yin, he was puzzled. Approaching, he bowed and asked, “Crown Princess, do you wish to see the Emperor?”

“Yes, but there’s no rush. I don’t want to disturb Father. You can inform me when it's a suitable time,” Chu Yin waited outside for the news.

He Zhong would not disturb Emperor Jianxing during his reading of memorials unless it was urgent. However, noticing the Emperor’s recent favor towards the Crown Princess for recommending Yi Jian, He Zhong chose the moment when the Emperor was having tea to mention it.

Emperor Jianxing was startled, “What? A jade carving of Yu the Great controlling the floods?”

“Yes, the Crown Princess wishes to take the young princes to see it, saying it will help them remember the story.”

Understanding the situation, Emperor Jianxing began to smile.

The Crown Princess is quite dedicated to teaching the children.

It's just a jade carving, after all. What harm is there in seeing it? The Emperor approved it immediately.

With the imperial decree in hand, Chu Yin promptly instructed Lianqiao to bring the children from the Eastern Palace to the storeroom, while she and Chen Qing Sheng went ahead.

For such a minor matter, there was no need to rush it all in one day. Chen Qing Sheng, wiping the sweat from his forehead, thought the Crown Princess was indeed impetuous, not even taking a moment to rest.

The storeroom was located in the southeast corner of the palace, guarded by eight imperial soldiers.

Upon arrival, Chu Yin glanced at the soldiers.

Clearly, they were responsible for the storeroom fire; likely bribed by Gong Huai, they had grown lax, allowing him to remove treasures. However, during the fire, they sacrificed their lives trying to save the treasures and books, so they were not entirely blameworthy.

Chu Yin ordered Chen Qing Sheng to open the door.

The Yu the Great jade carving was in the first room, secured with three locks, seemingly impenetrable, but unfortunately, internal betrayal was a different story.

With a creak, the treasures inside suddenly shone brilliantly, almost blinding.

Chu Yin sighed inwardly as her gaze swept over the items; most of these treasures had been lost in the fire in her previous life.

Each of these items was incredibly valuable!

“Crown Princess, look, this is the jade carving of Yu the Great controlling the floods.”

About five feet tall and two feet wide, the hard, greenish-white jade depicted towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, ancient trees, and pine forests. On the cliffs, Yu the Great, with his many followers, was carved in lifelike detail, engaged in water control efforts.

“Indeed a priceless treasure,” Chu Yin lowered her head, examining it closely and exclaiming in awe.

At that moment, Lianqiao arrived with the two children.

“Zhu, Zhen, come here,” Chu Yin pointed to the figure wearing a straw hat at the forefront, “This is Yu the Great. Come closer... Ah, there’s also a deer. If the water isn’t controlled, the little deer would also lose its life.”

The two children leaned in to look.

“What’s this, Mother?”

“This is Lei Gong, a deity from the heavens, helping Yu the Great split mountains with thunder and fire.”

“Oh, Lei Gong is a good person.”

As Chu Yin explained to the children, she looked around and suddenly asked Chen Qing Sheng, “Do you clean and maintain this large storeroom all by yourself?”

“To reply to the Crown Princess, I can’t manage all this alone. There are two assistants.”

Gong Huai must have been one of them.

Chu Yin instructed two palace maids to watch the children, making sure they didn't damage anything, while she surveyed the storeroom.

Since Gong Huai had stolen treasures multiple times, he surely wouldn’t have taken conspicuous items, like the Yu the Great jade carving, the gold and jade-incrusted incense burner, or the Langyao red-glazed straight-neck vases.

Whatever he stole must have been small and easily concealed in his sleeves.

Chu Yin asked Chen Qing Sheng, “How many treasures are in this storeroom?”

“Seventy-three.”

“Do you check them daily?”

Chen Qing Sheng hesitated, unable to answer immediately.

Indeed, his negligence had allowed for the exploitation, Chu Yin remarked coolly, “Surely you don’t always leave it to your assistants, do you?”

Chen Qing Sheng’s heart pounded like a drum.

The Crown Princess was supposed to just look at the jade carving. Why these questions? Unprepared, his back broke out in cold sweat, “To reply to the Crown Princess, I wouldn’t dare. Not even if I had ten times the courage!”

Without exposing him, Chu Yin walked to a chest, observed it for a moment, and said, “Unlock it, I want to see what treasure it holds.” Gong Huai had set fire in this storeroom, indicating most thefts occurred here. Chests, serving as covers, were likely to be targeted.

Chen Qing Sheng, puzzled but obedient, began to tremble as he reached for the key.

Inside the chest were rare cat's eye gemstones, in shades of yellow, green, purple, and each one irresistibly beautiful.

Chu Yin counted them; there were sixteen.

“An even number,” she looked at Chen Qing Sheng.

Chen Qing Sheng’s mouth fell open, his eyes nearly bulging out.

He hadn’t expected there to be one missing!

What happened?

He remembered checking last month...

No, he hadn't opened the chest.

With so many treasures in four storerooms, he usually only checked the larger items. He rarely thought to open and inspect items in chests like these, considering only he had the key. Who else could take them?

Wrong, his key had been out of his possession.

Seeing him sweat profusely, Chu Yin asked, “What’s wrong? Is there something amiss with these cat's eye gemstones?”

The theft of the gemstones meant he, as the caretaker, would also face punishment. Chen Qing Sheng thought to conceal it, but meeting the Crown Princess's clear, scrutinizing eyes, he felt utterly exposed and knelt abruptly, “Crown Princess, one of the cat's eye gemstones has been stolen, but it wasn’t me. Please believe me. I was used by someone... It must be Gong Huai, Your Highness, please believe me!”

Of course, she believed him.

“Now, take the imperial guards and arrest him. Search his residence as well.”

“Yes, yes, right away!” Chen Qing Sheng scrambled up and ran outside.

Gong Huai, guilty and nervous, was peeking around, trying to see why the Crown Princess was there. Suddenly, Chen Qing Sheng appeared with the imperial guards, and Gong Huai instinctively bolted. But as a mere servant, he couldn’t outrun the guards and was quickly caught.

Chen Qing Sheng kicked him in the back, “You used me to steal from the storeroom, you wretched thief, you're asking for death!”

Gong Huai, kicked so hard he vomited blood, cried out, “I didn’t, I wouldn’t dare, it wasn’t me…”

“Search his quarters!”

Gong Huai’s face turned ashen.

The imperial guards later found a cat's eye gemstone, two jade crabapple cups, a string of Buddhist beads, and a jade fish with relief carvings.

Naturally, the matter quickly reached Emperor Jianxing's ears.

Emperor Jianxing couldn’t believe such a bold servant existed in his palace. He immediately ordered a thorough investigation of Gong Huai. After Gong Huai confessed everything, he was executed by beating, and Chen Qing Sheng, along with the imperial guards and servants responsible for the storeroom, faced their respective punishments.

The newly appointed caretaker, learning from their predecessors' mistakes, was exceedingly careful in guarding the treasures, ensuring not a single error.

The Crown Princess had made another significant contribution. Emperor Jianxing, unsure what to reward her with this time, simply invited Chu Yin to Qianqing Palace.

“Ah Yin, you truly have a keen eye,” he said with a smile, looking at his daughter-in-law, “Just a casual visit to the storeroom, and you uncovered a spy for us. Remarkable!”

“It was just luck, and I’m not accustomed to seeing so many treasures. I was dazzled…” Chu Yin lowered her head, “For making the servant open the chest without permission, I ask Father to punish me.”

“How could we catch the thief without opening the chest? Punish you? I called you here to reward you.” Emperor Jianxing tapped the table, “Since you’re fond of the treasures in the storeroom, go pick one for yourself, anything you like.”

To be honest, Chu Yin was indeed tempted for a moment.

The cat's eye gemstones in the chest were very beautiful.

But she desired something else.

“Father, I have a humble request… I’d like to ask for a different reward.”

“Oh? What reward do you desire?”

“I haven’t seen my mother and brother for a long time and miss them dearly. I boldly request Father to allow me a meeting with them in the palace.” No treasure could compare to the value of family ties.

After her death, aside from her husband and children, only her family would truly long remember her.

Emperor Jianxing wasn’t surprised by her request.

The Crown Princess's dedication to her children shows she is a person who values relationships.

“I approve. Invite them to the palace tomorrow. And tell Jingzhuo to skip his lessons… make sure your mother-in-law is well entertained.”

“……”

How could Lu Jingzhuo entertain properly with his temperament? Her mother and brother would be more comfortable without him, but the Emperor’s orders were clear. Chu Yin had no choice but to comply, “Thank you, Father, for your consideration.”

It was getting late when she returned from Kun Ning Palace. Taking advantage of the remaining daylight, Chu Yin quickly sent a servant to her family’s home with the message.

Of course, she also needed to inform Lu Jingzhuo in advance.

As the Crown Prince, Lu Jingzhuo was already aware of the major incident in the palace. He had been surprised once at Chunhui Pavilion, so his reaction in the Eastern Palace was more subdued, “When will you invite your mother-in-law and Hua Jin over?” Hua Jin being Chu Ge’s courtesy name.

“In the morning, so they can have lunch in the palace.”

“Okay.”

Seeing his brief response, Chu Yin felt somewhat dissatisfied and couldn’t help asking, “Your Highness, aren’t you curious why Father rewarded me?”

“I know the reason,” Lu Jingzhuo looked at her.

His wife was certainly no simple character.

Not to mention her changeable nature, the incident with Yi Jian last time had already raised his suspicions. Now, a single visit to the storeroom resulted in catching a thief. Describing it as merely “good luck” seemed far from convincing.

“You didn’t know there was a thief in the storeroom beforehand?” he fixed his gaze on her.

“……”

Why would he guess that?

Chu Yin was slightly panicked, but maintained a calm exterior, “It was my first visit to the storeroom, how could I possibly know? Your Highness, you’re overthinking.”

Overthinking?

Given her recent behavior and actions, it would be strange if he didn’t think too much!

For instance, the inexplicable insistence on him eating an unripe pomegranate last time. Such an act didn't seem fitting for a dignified Crown Princess.

She now seemed like a puzzle.

Perhaps he shouldn’t try to guess her motives. Keeping things simple and straightforward as before wasn’t bad.

Lu Jingzhuo moved towards the Eight Immortals table, “Let’s have dinner.”

Receiving the message, Madam Chu was overjoyed.

Since moving to the capital, they hadn’t seen their daughter and were concerned about her health and relationship with the Crown Prince. So, they got up early the next day and took a carriage to the palace.

Chu Yin sent Lianqiao and Dongji to receive them.

“Remember to greet your grandmother and uncle properly when you meet them,” she instructed the children.

Lu Zhen shook her head, “I don’t remember them.”

“No matter, you’ll remember once you’re older.”

Being young, their memory wasn’t as strong as adults’, but even seeing them once a year would be enough to not forget.

While speaking, Lu Jingzhuo came out from his study.

Standing under the eaves, he asked her, “Is your mother-in-law about to arrive?”

“Yes, thank you for coming to welcome them personally,” Chu Yin replied politely, pleased inside. Lu Jingzhuo’s attitude was quite acceptable.

The two stood side by side at the entrance.

Madam Chu and Chu Ge soon came into view.

For the Chu family, their separation from Chu Yin wasn’t very long, but for Chu Yin, it felt like a lifetime had passed.

Seeing the two familiar figures, she felt a twinge in her nose and hurried over, calling out, “Mother, brother!”

Her voice was exceedingly sweet and tender, filled with emotion.

Lu Jingzhuo’s gaze flickered.

So, she could still be coquettish…