Chapter 033

Chapter 033

The Crown Prince felt an unfamiliar emotion stirring within.

It was a mix of disappointment, irritation, or perhaps regret.

He couldn’t quite pinpoint it.

But it was only that Chu Yin hadn’t asked him for guidance.

Was it really such a big deal?

He shouldn’t be reacting like this.

Lu Jingzhe spurred his horse, and Zhaoyebai bolted forward like an arrow.

Passing like a gust of wind, Chu Yin felt a chill by her ear. Looking up, she saw his figure already several yards away.

His magnificent riding posture was stunning; no wonder his mother and Lu Jingrui always spoke of his equestrian skills.

She had never witnessed it in her previous life.

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?

“……”

Chapter 033

The Crown Prince felt an unfamiliar emotion stirring within.

It was a mix of disappointment, irritation, or perhaps regret.

He couldn’t quite pinpoint it.

But it was only that Chu Yin hadn’t asked him for guidance.

Was it really such a big deal?

He shouldn’t be reacting like this.

Lu Jingzhe spurred his horse, and Zhaoyebai bolted forward like an arrow.

Passing like a gust of wind, Chu Yin felt a chill by her ear. Looking up, she saw his figure already several yards away.

His magnificent riding posture was stunning; no wonder his mother and Lu Jingrui always spoke of his equestrian skills.

She had never witnessed it in her previous life.

But at the start, she subconsciously looked for Lu Jingzhao, only to find he had already left the horse track.

Had he practiced for only a short while?

Chu Yin was surprised, wondering if something had happened.

It was the shortest practice session Lu Jingzhao had ever had.

Dong Ling followed the Crown Prince, asking, "Are you done practicing already?" Usually, he would ride six or seven laps, not only that, but also have the eunuchs set up targets for archery. Yet today, he had barely completed one lap before heading back.

Lu Jingzhao ignored him and walked straight to the carriage.

The coachman was dozing off.

He had just dropped the Crown Prince at the race track and thought he had time for a brief nap, not expecting to return so soon.

The coachman hurriedly drove towards the Eastern Palace.

It seemed Lu Jingzhao's distraction began at Chunhui Pavilion, when he thought of Chu Yin.

It wasn't the act of sending ointment that was wrong, but the timing.

He shouldn’t have thought of Chu Yin when he needed to focus, not in his study, pondering whether she was in pain, and he shouldn't have come to ride today. His horse riding was for practice, not to see her.

He was overstepping the bounds of a husband.

He couldn’t lose his sense of proportion.

Lu Jingzhao took a deep breath, clearing his mind of all distractions.

By the time he reached his study, his mind was as calm as still water.

Half an hour had passed, unbeknownst to him.

Chu Yin rode the carriage back, her forehead damp.

Lu Zhen and Lu Zhen, who had just woken from their nap, rushed to their mother upon seeing her.

"Hasn’t Mom learned to ride a horse yet?" Lu Zhen asked, "I want to ride a big horse too, when will Mom learn?"

"It won't be so soon, it'll take some time," Chu Yin replied, her eyes twinkling, "Next time, shall we ask Daddy to take you riding?"

"Really?" Lu Zuan excitedly clutched at his mother's skirt, "When?"

"We'll have to ask Daddy about that," Chu Yin, noticing Dong Ling at the door of the study, led the children by their hands towards him.

"Greetings to the Crown Princess," Dong Ling bowed.

Surprised that Lu Jingzhao had left the horse track so quickly, and not to Chunhui Pavilion but to his study, Chu Yin asked, "Your Highness, you're really here? I thought you had some urgent matter."

The silhouette of the woman at the doorway was graceful and slender like a willow branch.

Lu Jingzhao looked up slightly, "Did you learn well?"

He didn't answer her question.

Not wanting to press, Chu Yin nudged the children, "Well, I didn't dare to ride for too long, had to take it step by step... Zuan, tell Daddy what you were just asking about."

Lu Zuan climbed onto his father's lap, followed by Lu Zhen, who wasn’t interested in riding.

Lu Jingzhao lifted both children, "What is it?"

Lu Zuan said loudly, "I want Daddy to take me horse riding!"

"Didn't we say to wait until you're taller?"

Unsure of what to do, Lu Zuan looked towards his mother.

Chu Yin explained, "Zuan means riding the same horse with you. He’s too young to learn horse riding now, but surely there’s no harm in just riding a real horse? With your riding skills, you can surely keep Zuan safe. Besides, just riding slowly should be fine."

"That’s easy enough," Lu Jingzhao said, "I’ll take you when I have time."

"Yay!" Lu Zuan waved his little hand excitedly, "I'll wait for Daddy!"

"Hmm."

Chu Yin glanced at the books on the desk, "Your Highness is actually reading agricultural books, truly preparing in advance."

"It's good to have some understanding, to not be completely clueless."

Chu Yin agreed, "Then I should also take a look. Do you have any extra agricultural books, Your Highness?"

He had gathered several books previously and now flipped through them, handing Chu Yin a copy of "Qi Min Yao Shu."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Chu Yin took the book, "I'll read it tonight. I'm going to bathe now; it's so hot..." She paused, "Aren't you going to bathe, Your Highness?" He hadn't changed out of his riding and archery clothes yet. Hadn't he sweated?

At first, it sounded like she was inviting him to bathe together, but the absurdity of the thought quickly passed.

Chu Yin had just finished riding and must be tired, unlikely to be trying anything suggestive at this moment.

He lowered his eyelids, "I'll go later."

"Alright." Chu Yin excused herself.

Left with the two chattering children on his lap, Lu Jingzhao couldn’t focus on reading and ended up telling them the story of "Xu Jin Bu Chou" he had heard as a child.

This led to a barrage of questions from the siblings.

Lu Jingzhao answered a few but eventually couldn't take it anymore and instructed Xiao Dou and Qi Niang to take them away.

The room was suddenly quiet.

In a few more years, when they could read by themselves, things should get easier.

But that's not right.

In a few more years, he and Chu Yin would surely have another child, likely around three or four years old.

Lu Jingzhao wasn’t sure whether to feel overwhelmed or delighted.

……………………

The Double Ninth Festival was just over ten days away.

Jiang Xian had been attentively caring for his wife, satisfying her, and now began to think about how to persuade her.

"Shanhui, the Emperor recently found an expert in locust control, promoted directly from a principal to a fifth-rank official. Did you know?"

Princess Baocheng, not very familiar with official affairs, responded, "Is that so? Who is it?"

"His name is Yi Jian, currently serving as a Langzhong in the Ministry of Revenue," Jiang Xian clicked his tongue twice, "The Emperor is truly desperate for talent, and so dedicated to the people. Thus, I think the Emperor should visit Tushan Mountain this year for the festival. Emperor Longyuan of the previous dynasty climbed it on Double Ninth Festival, and for three consecutive years after, there were no disasters."

Princess Baocheng's interest was piqued.

If her brother indeed had this intention, suggesting it herself would surely please him, wouldn’t it?

Her brother would think they had a special connection!

"But brother just visited Wenshu Monastery, and now going to Tushan Mountain..."

"The Emperor's visit to Wenshu Monastery was for summer relaxation and distraction. Climbing Tushan on Double Ninth Festival is different. It's not just for averting disaster but also for the officials to celebrate together. Why not?" Jiang Xian held Princess Baocheng's hand, "Shanhui, you should also think about Lin'er and Min'er. It's inconvenient to take them to the palace, but for the mountain climb, Lin'er can surely join as an official, and Min'er can get closer to his uncle."

The children hadn't seen their uncle for a while. Princess Baocheng playfully poked her husband's chest, "You're so thoughtful. I'll enter the palace in a couple of days... Oh, and there's Master Shi, a friend of Jingchen. He's quite nice, but unfortunately, Yuyuan doesn’t like him. It troubles me. If brother goes to Tushan, I'll take her along. Maybe she'll fancy one of the young officials there."

Jiang Xian embraced Princess Baocheng, sighing, "Yuyuan is lucky to have you as an aunt. Not even a mother would necessarily have your patience."

He spoke sincerely, though it was unfortunate his niece set her sights so high, aiming for the Crown Princess's position.

To put it bluntly, that was being ungrateful.

Yet, he admitted, some people seek thrills in dangerous situations. What can be done about those who can’t settle for a peaceful life?

As her uncle, he had to push her a bit, after all, she wasn't his daughter. Even if she failed, there would be no harm done.

Speaking of Master Shi, after another meeting with Jiang Yuyuan, he knew he couldn't marry her.

"It's not that I haven't tried, Second Prince. I've seen much in life, but I genuinely don't have confidence with Miss Jiang," Shi Yu raised his cup, drinking three in self-punishment, "I fear I might disappoint you."

Lu Jingchen frowned, "Giving up after just two meetings?"

He had chosen Shi Yu carefully, hoping he would marry Jiang Yuyuan, facilitating future plans.

"Try again, don't lose heart."

Setting down his cup, Shi Yu said, "Second Prince, I’ve always been clear about matters of the heart. After meeting Miss Jiang twice, I suspect she has someone else in mind... I'm not speculating without reason. Firstly, based on years of experience, and secondly, I've inquired about the gentlemen she’s met, and I believe I'm not wrong."

"If there's any future opportunity to serve the Second Prince, I will spare no effort," Shi Yu promised.

Lu Jingchen had chosen him for this task due to his capabilities in this area, but knowing Shi Yu had already foreseen the outcome, it wouldn’t be right to force him.

In matters of courting a woman, besides legitimate methods, only disreputable tactics remain.

After all, Jiang Yuyuan is Princess Baocheng's niece, and he dared not act recklessly.

If Princess Baocheng found out and complained to their father, he would be losing on all fronts.

After sending Shi Yu away, Lu Jingchen shared the news with Tang Feiyan.

Tang Feiyan slapped her hand, exclaiming, "I asked her during the moon-worshipping if she had someone in mind, and she denied it. Turns out she was lying!"

"Why wouldn’t she tell her aunt if she has someone in mind?" Lu Jingchen was baffled.

"Isn’t it obvious?" Tang Feiyan pinched her husband's arm, "You really are slow when it comes to these matters of men and women... She didn't say because she couldn’t say. Probably her person of interest is out of her league, or maybe he's already married."

“……”

Lu Jingchen was even more perplexed.

Out of her league, married? What situation was this?

Tang Feiyan suddenly gasped, "Oh my, how could I not have thought of this before!"

"What?"

"Big brother," Tang Feiyan grabbed Lu Jingchen's arm excitedly, "An unattainable young gentleman, I didn’t think of it initially, but adding 'already married' to the mix, it’s clear as day – it's big brother!"

Lu Jingchen: "……"

After a moment, he asked, "Why couldn't it be me?"

Was Jiang Yuyuan really in a position to aspire to him?

Tang Feiyan chuckled, "My husband, no offense, but as the Prince of Jin, Jiang Yuyuan would indeed be reaching high. However, whenever we meet her, she never shows interest in you."

This reason, Lu Jingchen accepted.

"Thinking about it, she does indeed seem to enjoy talking with big brother. But back then, we all considered her a little sister," he shook his head, "How could big brother possibly take her as a concubine?"

Previously, Tang Feiyan wouldn’t have agreed, but having seen Lu Jingzhao's attitude towards Chu Yin, she felt it was impossible.

What a pity!

Jiang Yuyuan was not wise. If she had this intention, she should have acted before Chu Yin entered the capital. Then she could have watched Chu Yin become a laughingstock.

"What should we do now?" Tang Feiyan was uncertain, "Should we tell Aunt?"

"Why play the villain without proof?" Lu Jingchen pondered for a moment, a flicker of insight in his eyes, "It's still a guess, might not be as we think. Let's wait and see how it unfolds."

……………………

While reading agricultural books, Lu Jingzhao put himself in the shoes of the farmers, contemplating their future concerns.

He immediately went to the Qianqing Palace.

Surprisingly, Emperor Jianxing was not there. The eunuch said, "Prince, please wait... oh, I don’t know how long. Maybe you should return? When the Emperor arrives, I will inform him."

If it were an official matter, the eunuch wouldn't conceal it.

Presumably, the Emperor had taken a break to visit one of the consorts.

Lu Jingzhao stepped out of the palace, gazing at the vast blue sky, truly puzzled by his father's fervent interest in romantic affairs.

It hadn’t changed in twenty years.

He got into his carriage, preparing to leave.

At that moment, Emperor Jianxing returned.

Seeing his eldest son getting out of the carriage, Emperor Jianxing released his grip on his waist, "What urgent matter brings you here?"

"The locust plague prevention."

"Oh?" Emperor Jianxing turned and walked into the main hall, "Explain in detail."

"I learned that Minister Yi has suggested farmers plant sesame and peas to replace wheat and other crops damaged by locusts. This is a viable approach, but we must alleviate the farmers' concerns. For instance, are sesame and peas marketable and easy to cultivate? If not, and they fail to sell or can’t be exchanged for grain, wouldn't that be as bad as losing crops to locusts? They might prefer to risk growing wheat... Of course, we could force them, but that may lead to unrest and delay the implementation."

Surprised, Emperor Jianxing stared at his son for a moment, then smiled, "You've thought this through in just a few days. Indeed, it's a problem. What solution do you propose?"

"Offering incentives to the farmers, like tax reductions for planting sesame and peas, or compensation if the crops fail. If successful, they could trade for rice brought from the south. This way, they might willingly continue next year."

Emperor Jianxing pondered, "That’s feasible. Initially, encouragement should be the primary approach," he smiled again, "Jingzhao, you’ve made a significant contribution this time."

"It was Ah Yin who reminded me."

"Is that so?" Emperor Jianxing stroked his beard, "Ah Yin truly is a wise and supportive partner for you!"

This daughter-in-law was indeed beyond his expectations.

However, his son mentioning her now, willing to share the credit with her, was quite unusual.

Emperor Jianxing said, "I'll summon the Minister of Revenue right away. Don’t leave; we’ll draft the decree together. You’ll announce it when ready."

"Yes."

Chu Yin, worried about Lu Jingzhao who had not returned from the Qianqing Palace, stayed awake despite her menstrual period, waiting for him.

It was not until the Hai hour that Lu Jingzhao returned.

She put down the agricultural book in her hand and sat up straight, saying, "Your Highness."

Knowing what she was concerned about, Lu Jingzhao said, "I went to seek an audience with the Emperor regarding the locust plague."

He shared the imperial decree his father had just drafted.

Chu Yin, familiar with Lu Jingzhao and Yi Jian's methods of dealing with locust plagues from her past life, was not surprised.

Lu Jingzhao had handled it the same way in the past, only now it was his father issuing the decree.

"This will certainly be much more effective," she thought of the agricultural books Lu Jingzhao had been reading. "It might seem like just a suggestion to the Emperor, but I know very well how diligently you work, Your Highness."

Whether as the Crown Prince or as the Emperor, it was not easy for him because he was so responsible.

Lu Jingzhao felt a warmth in his heart, his gaze softening as he said, "You must be tired from learning horse riding. It's late; you should sleep now."

"I didn’t go for training today."

"Why not?"

"I... am not feeling quite well."

Lu Jingzhao paused, his gaze sweeping over her somewhat pale face, and then he realized.

She was on her period.

"Hmm?"

"Doesn’t that mean she hasn’t conceived yet?"

He furrowed his brows in concern.

Chu Yin noticed his expression and wondered to herself if he was disappointed.

It made sense.

He had been frequenting her bed these past two months, hoping for a child, and her lack of pregnancy must have been disappointing for him.

But what could she do?

In her previous life, she had been unable to conceive during this period.

For over two years, there had been no pregnancy.

If he really wanted a child that badly, what then?

Could he possibly...

No, that was impossible.

Lost in her chaotic thoughts, Chu Yin gradually drifted into sleep.

In her dream, she couldn't conceive. Either she wasn't pregnant or lost the baby repeatedly. As a result, Lu Jingzhao grew increasingly disappointed and eventually took Jiang Yuyuan as a concubine. Jiang Yuyuan quickly bore Lu Jingzhao twin sons.

Overjoyed, Lu Jingzhao demoted her from her position as Empress.

Chu Yin felt a mix of anger, heartache, and frustration in her dream, leading her to cry.

Lu Jingzhao was awakened by her crying.

He saw his wife sobbing next to him, tears at the corners of her eyes.

He turned towards her and called her name.

Chu Yin opened her eyes, saw Lu Jingzhao, and without thinking, struck him, exclaiming, "You bastard!"

Lu Jingzhao: "..."