Chapter 032

Chapter 032

But how could she stop him?

Chu Yin really didn't want to reveal the true reason to Lu Jingzhuo.

Pretending to sleep was no longer an option.

She had instinctively opened her eyes at the sound of his footsteps, accidentally meeting his gaze directly.

With no alternative, Chu Yin sat up to greet him, "Have you finished reading the books you wanted to tonight, Your Highness?"

Of course, he hadn't finished; he had just been sitting in his study, constantly distracted by thoughts of Chu Yin, unable to concentrate.

This was unprecedented for him; he suspected it was because of the ointment in his sleeve.

He had anticipated Chu Yin would be sore all over, but when he returned, she showed no signs of fatigue.

Was he wrong?

He didn’t believe it.

He had learned horse riding from a young age and knew the demands well. He also knew Chu Yin's physical limits. If she were truly in such good health, he wouldn’t have needed to be so cautious every time they were intimate!

Clearly, Chu Yin was pretending.

He returned to the main hall.

By the hour of you, Chu Yin was already resting.

The evidence was irrefutable.

Lu Jingzhuo sat down beside the bed, "Why are you sleeping so early?"

Caught off guard.

Chu Yin was momentarily stunned, then covered her mouth with her hand to yawn, "I don’t know, I suddenly felt sleepy... Perhaps it was from being out in the sun too long at the racecourse today."

Was being sunburned a better reason than horse riding?

Lu Jingzhuo really didn't understand why she was enduring it.

Last time during her menstrual period, she frankly told him it was painful. Horse riding practice couldn’t be easier than that.

"Isn’t it because you’re sore?"

"No," Chu Yin stubbornly denied, "Yu Sizhang taught me well, how could it hurt? I just got too much sun, and it's quite hot even in August, maybe I got a bit of heatstroke."

Lu Jingzhuo almost laughed out of frustration.

What was she even saying? Why was she insisting on pretending it didn’t hurt? And absurdly praising Yu Sizhang...

He suddenly pulled her into his embrace.

Chu Yin’s back pressed against his broad chest, her eyes widened in panic, thinking he might really want to be intimate.

What should she do?

What excuse could she find?

Claiming a lack of mood or not wanting to move?

But she had cooperated without complaint even during the hottest days of summer; would he believe her if she suddenly said she wasn’t in the mood? And as for not wanting to move, it was mostly him moving anyway, so that hardly involved her.

Lost in her thoughts, Lu Jingzhuo was purposeful, his palm reaching between her legs, his thumb pressing lightly at the root of her thigh.

Chu Yin cried out, "Ah!"

The sound echoed through the bedroom.

After the cry, there was a moment of silence.

Chu Yin’s cheeks gradually turned red.

It was over; she had given herself away.

There was no way to cover up her lie now.

But why did Lu Jingzhuo do that? Chu Yin was confused. He didn’t teach her horse riding, so why did he care if she was in pain? Could it be... she wondered, maybe he really did have some affection for her, which is why he was so attentive?

She turned her head to look at Lu Jingzhuo.

The man had a calm expression, asking, "Are you going to continue pretending?"

“……”

His demeanor didn’t seem like that of someone who liked her, but more like he was simply seeking the truth.

Chu Yin’s lie had been exposed, and she admitted in a low voice, "It does hurt a bit. It’s my first time after all, isn't that normal?"

It was indeed normal. What wasn’t normal was her denial.

Lu Jingzhuo took out the ointment from his sleeve, "Applying this should bring some relief."

Chu Yin stared at the ointment in disbelief.

"You intended to give me this ointment?"

So, he needed to confirm her condition first.

Lu Jingzhuo didn’t see anything special in it, "It's common to prepare such medicine when learning horse riding."

His expression remained unchanged, but Chu Yin felt overjoyed.

He had shown no interest in her horse riding or asked anything about it before, but he was concerned about her discomfort and prepared ointment for her.

Whether it was love or not, he certainly cared about her.

Chu Yin really wanted to leap forward and kiss him.

But she restrained herself, simply smiling and saying, "Thank you, Your Highness."

There was no need for thanks between spouses, Lu Jingzhuo replied, "Try it."

Chu Yin hummed in agreement, lowering her head to open the porcelain lid of the ointment jar.

The ointment had a somewhat strong scent, but its color was quite appealing, resembling jade cream. She took a bit and slowly rubbed it onto her forearm.

The cooling sensation was indeed very comforting.

Her motions were as delicate as if she were applying rouge to her face, which was completely incorrect for this purpose.

Lu Jingzhuo advised, "You need to use a bit more force."

"How do I do that?" Chu Yin wasn't sure.

Born a pampered lady and riding a horse for the first time, she was unfamiliar with such tasks.

Teaching her seemed less effective than doing it himself.

He leaned forward, his palm covering her forearm, applying much more pressure than she had.

After just a couple of rubs, Chu Yin began to whimper, "It hurts..." She tried to pull her arm away while speaking.

"The ointment needs to be massaged in to be absorbed," Lu Jingzhuo said, watching her trembling eyelashes. "I’ll be gentler, bear with it. You’ll feel better by tomorrow," he said, pulling her arm back.

Chu Yin asked, "Won't it heal on its own if I just lie down?"

"With your constitution, that would take at least five or six days," Lu Jingzhuo slightly raised his eyebrows, "Yu Sizhang probably doesn’t understand your condition."

“……”

"Next time, just do one round on the horse."

Chu Yin commented, seemingly reasonable, yet if he understood her so well, why didn't he teach her in the first place? "It was my own doing, not telling Yu Sizhang and trying to act tough in front of her. She is actually quite good."

Lu Jingzhuo's eyes flickered but he didn't respond.

After a moment, he said, "Undress."

Only then did Chu Yin remember the most painful areas were her inner thighs and buttocks.

Her entire face turned red.

So embarrassing!

Yet, if she refused, would she ever have another chance to have the Crown Prince do this for her?

Besides, they were husband and wife and had been intimate many times; there was no need to be shy about it. Convincing herself, Chu Yin slowly removed her clothing.

The light from the lamp on the bedside table cast a glow on her skin, making it appear smooth and fair.

Lu Jingzhuo had seen her like this before and initially had no thoughts, but as his hand touched her delicate skin, separated only by a thin layer of ointment, it was both slippery and soft. Coupled with her occasional moans, it gradually became a torment.

The man's eyes darkened, veins on the back of his hand becoming visible, his breathing slightly erratic.

But Chu Yin didn't notice.

She couldn't describe what she was feeling.

It was a mix of embarrassment, comfort, and pain, a tumult of sensations.

With her eyes closed, she moaned, unaware of the multitude of thoughts flashing through her husband's mind beside her.

It seemed to last a long time, her skin growing hotter. She couldn’t help but ask, "How much longer, Your Highness?"

Lu Jingzhuo's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice slightly hoarse, "Almost done."

This was the first time in his life he truly understood what it meant to create trouble for oneself.

Yet, he couldn't be intimate with Chu Yin right now.

He had to forcefully suppress his rising desires like a tide.

When half of the ointment in the porcelain box was used, he withdrew his hand.

His palm felt like burning coal, and his forehead was damp.

Chu Yin, thoroughly exhausted from the massage, weakly reached for the brocade quilt to cover herself, "Thank you for your efforts, Your Highness... But will I really be better by tomorrow?"

"Hmm," he uttered only a word before getting off the bed and leaving.

The cool night breeze dried the sweat on his face, but it couldn’t cool the heat in his heart.

He stood for a moment, then returned to the study to look through agricultural books.

His attendants, thinking the Crown Prince had retired to rest, were surprised to see him reappear.

The night-shift maids were even more baffled.

They had heard Chu Yin’s voice from inside the room and were ready to prepare water for bathing, but the Crown Prince left the room fully dressed, and instead of resting, went to the study, leaving them utterly confused.

Chu Yin slept soundly through the night.

Waking up in the morning, she found her body feeling much more comfortable.

The ointment was truly effective; no wonder Lu Jingzhuo had brought it to her.

Recalling his actions from the previous day, Chu Yin couldn't help but smile broadly.

Two maids came to assist her in dressing.

She pondered how to reciprocate a kind gesture.

That’s right, the painting she had framed earlier could be hung in the study.

He had complimented these paintings before.

After breakfast, Chu Yin had Xiao Dou hang the "Lingquan Tu" (Spring Spirit Painting) on the east wall of the study.

Before leaving, she noticed an empty plum vase and in the afternoon, she filled it with flowers, placing it on the rosewood flower stand near the west window.

In the evening, when Lu Jingzhuo entered the study, he immediately noticed the changes.

In the painting, the hibiscus flowers blooming beside the spring, with their stamens dusted in gold, shimmered like broken stars in the night.

In the vase, silver osmanthus, jasmine, and purple chrysanthemums released a rich fragrance.

Chu Yin was still recuperating and couldn’t be intimate, so it surely wasn’t for seduction, but rather a token of thanks for the ointment.

His lips curved slightly in appreciation.

Meanwhile, Princess Baocheng had received a relic, and she invited Lu Jingchen and his wife to dine at the Sanyuan Pavilion that day.

With her husband and eldest son at the government office, she brought her second son Jiang Min and Jiang Yuyan.

"The chefs at Sanyuan Pavilion are from Minzhou. Though the imperial chefs are excellent, none specialize in Minzhou cuisine, so it’s a chance to try something different."

Lu Jingchen looked around the opulent private room, "You are too kind, Aunt."

Princess Baocheng smiled, ordering the waiter to serve tea, "Jingchen, you've helped me a lot, a meal is nothing. Don’t be formal with me," she turned to instruct the waiter, "Bring your best wine."

The waiter nodded and bowed, "Yes, yes, Your Highness, right away."

The dishes were served one after another.

Jiang Min, being young and quiet, was focused on eating, while Jiang Yuyan, not yet betrothed and indifferent to Lu Jingchen and his wife, seldom spoke. The remaining three were engaged in lively conversation.

Midway, Lu Jingchen excused himself to visit the restroom.

Upon returning, he was accompanied by a young gentleman.

"Aunt, this is Mr. Shi Yu, whom I met last year over a painting. Coincidentally, he was also at Sanyuan Pavilion and wanted to pay his respects upon hearing you were here."

The young man had a handsome, jade-like face with alluring, peach blossom eyes. Princess Baocheng quickly understood Lu Jingchen’s intentions: to play matchmaker for Jiang Yuyan, following their discussion about her marital prospects during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

"What is your name and family?" Princess Baocheng inquired.

The gentleman bowed, "Your Highness, I am Shi Yu. My father serves in the Ministry of Personnel. Your Highness might have heard of the Shi family from Huazhou."

Oh, a family of some repute, though somewhat declined in recent years. Princess Baocheng, giving face to Lu Jingchen, smiled, "Please, have a seat." She ordered a servant to fetch an extra set of utensils and a wine cup for him.

Shi Yu was delighted but did not sit immediately, instead turning his attention to Jiang Min and Jiang Yuyan.

Lu Jingchen quickly introduced, "Shi Yu, this is my second cousin Jiang Min, and this is my cousin, Miss Jiang."

Shi Yu, graceful and courteous, bowed, "Pleased to meet you, Master Jiang and Miss Jiang."

Not only was he good-looking, but his voice was also pleasing. Princess Baocheng asked, "Have you participated in the imperial examinations?"

"I passed the provincial examination last year and will attend the metropolitan exams next spring."

Impressed by his status as a successful examinee, Princess Baocheng instructed the servant, "Pour some wine for Mr. Shi."

Clearly showing some interest, Tang Feiyan said to Jiang Yuyan, "Mr. Shi enjoys playing the guqin and is quite skilled. Yuyan, you excel in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, so you share common interests with Mr. Shi."

But Jiang Yuyan was extremely annoyed with the couple.

Despite her clear disinterest in marriage, they had arranged a meeting with a gentleman to please their aunt.

This Shi Yu, could he compare to Lu Jingzhuo?

Jiang Yuyan lowered her eyelids, "I'm least skilled at playing the guqin. I'm barely passable at other arts."

With a demure demeanor, it was unclear if Jiang Yuyan was being sincere or not. Tang Feiyan chuckled, "You can always learn from Mr. Shi, isn't that just perfect?"

Shi Yu quickly interjected, "Miss Jiang seems to be modest and refined. I wouldn’t dare to instruct her; just having a conversation with her is a great honor for me."

Jiang Yuyan blushed and remained silent.

Princess Baocheng wouldn’t force her niece, but she noted that Shi Yu, with his looks and talents, was no less than the Chu family. The only difference was his slightly lesser family background, but even the Chu family had struggled until the emergence of the Crown Princess.

"Mr. Shi, since you mentioned your skill in playing the guqin, can you play 'Guangling Melody'?"

"I can, but unfortunately, there’s no guqin here, otherwise I would be honored to perform for Your Highness."

The two conversed amiably.

On the ride home, Tang Feiyan, holding Lu Jingchen’s arm, remarked, "Mr. Shi really knows how to charm people, but it seems he charmed Your Aunt instead. I don’t think Jiang Yuyan was swayed at all."

"Could she be just shy?"

"Doesn't seem like shyness…" Tang Feiyan mused, "Could it be that she has really high standards? She should remember her own status, merely residing in the Marquis of Xuanning’s house, yet she acts as if she's the aunt's own daughter!"

She didn’t believe Jiang Yuyan’s refusal to marry was out of filial piety.

"Let's wait and see. As long as Aunt approves of Shi Yu and allows them to meet more, there might be a chance."

Princess Baocheng indeed had a good impression of Shi Yu and even advised Jiang Yuyan along the way.

Frustrated, Jiang Yuyan confided in her uncle when he returned that evening.

"Uncle, do you have any solution?"

The gentleman Lu Jingchen introduced was quite capable, and she worried about offending her aunt if she continued to refuse him.

Jiang Xian glanced at her, "Patience is key; even a concubine position isn’t easily secured."

"The Prince and Princess of Jin are just making things complicated, I’m really afraid of offending my aunt."

Jiang Xian pondered, "If you’re really worried, you might have to try something during the Double Ninth Festival."

"The Double Ninth Festival?"

"Yes, if I can persuade Shanhui to convince His Majesty to go mountain climbing during the Double Ninth Festival... His Majesty will surely bring the Crown Prince, the Prince of Jin, and others. We should find an opportunity then," Jiang Xian looked at Jiang Yuyan intently, "But it's a risk. Are you sure you won't regret it?"

"No regrets. It’s all or nothing; I have to try."

Jiang Xian nodded, "Alright, then you should also try to persuade her."

"Okay."

………………

Once Chu Yin fully recovered, she resumed her horseback riding lessons.

This time, she didn’t hide her reasons from Yu Sizhang, admitting, "I'm learning to ride because my health isn’t the best. I've practiced martial arts before, and still do, but it's not enough. I acted hastily before."

No wonder Chu Yin seemed to be pushing herself that day. Yu Sizhang asked with concern, "Are you feeling any discomfort now?"

"I've used some medicine, and I’m fine now."

Admiring the Crown Princess’s determination, Yu Sizhang expressed, "With your perseverance, you'll surely succeed. Just proceed gradually."

"Okay, let’s start."

Knowing Chu Yin’s condition better, Yu Sizhang became more attentive and considerate in her teaching, resulting in Chu Yin not feeling sore after the lesson.

She was pleased.

When she saw Lu Jingzhuo, she eagerly shared, "I didn’t feel any pain this time."

That was good news, and Lu Jingzhuo nodded in response.

"I can ride alone now, just not too fast. I’ve heard that Red Dawn can travel a thousand li in a day; I wonder what it feels like to gallop at full speed." She sounded wistful.

He didn’t respond, but the image of Chu Yin in her riding outfit came to his mind.

He had never seen her ride a horse.

The next day, Lu Jingzhuo instructed the lecturers to finish by the afternoon, as he planned to practice riding.

There was nothing unusual about this.

His master had always done the same, only pausing during the intense summer heat.

Dong Ling promptly went to arrange the horse riding session.

This time, Chu Yin wore a cloud water blue riding outfit embroidered with bamboo patterns.

Unlike the vibrant orange of last time, this outfit was subtly elegant, resembling a delicate orchid in a valley, sharply contrasting with her steed Red Dawn.

Lu Jingzhe gazed at her for a moment before riding over.

The attendants in the field, noticing the Crown Prince, all knelt to pay their respects.

Initially unaware, Chu Yin only realized Lu Jingzhe's presence when Yu Sizhang also bowed, and she dismounted.

Offering a slight bow, she asked, "Your Highness is also here to practice?"

"Yes," his gaze lingered on her hair.

Her hairstyle was simply done in a single coil, devoid of any ornaments, accentuating her delicate features.

Perhaps from riding, her cheeks and lips were flush with color.

As he observed Chu Yin, she was admiring his mount, Zhaoyebai.

"Your steed complements you perfectly, Your Highness. Both are incomparably exquisite," she complimented. Lu Jingzhe, in his silver-white riding attire with a jade crown and matching boots, looked as pristine and aloof as snow on a cliff's edge, harmonizing beautifully with the snowy Zhaoyebai.

If she had a brush in hand, she would have loved to capture this scene.

Amused by her rare sweet talk and smiling, Lu Jingzhe almost felt like she was about to lean in playfully.

But then Chu Yin promptly said, "I won't disturb Your Highness’s practice," and turned to Yu Sizhang, "Please continue teaching me."

The two walked away side by side.

Lu Jingzhe: "..."

It's fine if she doesn't act coy; after all, she had changed that habit.

But he had thought that upon seeing him, Chu Yin would at least ask for some advice. To his surprise, she didn’t inquire at all.

So, why had she previously insisted on him teaching her?