Chapter 037

Chapter 037

He slightly furrowed his brows, signaling Yu Sizhang to rise.

Chu Yin smiled lightly, "Yu Sizhang, I haven’t practiced these past few days; I hope I haven’t become rusty."

Yu Sizhang replied, "Not at all, Crown Princess. You’ve mastered the essentials. Even a ten-day break wouldn’t matter."

Chu Yin was about to start practicing, but due to the children, she turned to Lu Jingzhao, urging, "Your Highness, quickly take Zuan and Zhen to ride."

Dong Ling hurriedly brought over Zhaoye Bai.

Lu Zuan and Lu Zhen’s eyes widened, "Such a big, white horse!"

Lu Zuan grew a bit fearful, "Daddy, are you sure I won’t fall?" His small hand clutched at his father’s robe.

"You won’t," Lu Jingzhao assured, lifting him onto the saddle.

Oh, Daddy is taller than the horse, so it should be fine, but Lu Zuan still called out, "Daddy, come quickly."

Lu Jingzhao spoke first to his daughter, "I’ll take you in a bit."

"Okay," Lu Zhen nodded.

With their father sitting behind, Lu Zuan’s courage grew, and he exclaimed, "Go, horse, go fast!"

Lu Jingzhao gently flicked the reins.

In tune with its master's intentions, Zhaoye Bai started trotting at a leisurely pace.

The child was thrilled, waving his hands, "It’s moving, it’s moving! Daddy, the wooden horse doesn’t move, but this one does! It’s so fun!"

Infected by his son's joy, Lu Jingzhao's lips curved up slightly, holding his son’s waist tightly with one hand.

Chu Yin watched from a distance, feeling immensely gratified.

Compared to her previous life, the father and son were much closer now. With such a bond, even if something happened to her in the future…

No, she was certain she wouldn’t pass away early!

After a lap, Lu Zuan was still not satisfied and asked his father to go around again, then it was Lu Zhen’s turn.

Before mounting the horse with Lu Zhen, Lu Jingzhao glanced at Chu Yin.

She hadn’t gone to practice.

Probably worried about the children, right?

More composed than her brother, Lu Zhen was calm. She showed no interest in the horse’s movement, feeling secure with her father behind her, she touched its mane and asked him what horses usually eat, whether they eat rice or fruit.

Lu Jingzhao patiently answered.

After fulfilling the children's wishes, Chu Yin instructed Xiao Dou and Qi Niang to take them back to the Eastern Palace.

"I’m off to practice now, what about Your Highness?"

Her eyes smiled, but she showed no intention of asking him to stay.

Lu Jingzhao casually remarked, "I'll run a few more laps."

"Alright."

They each went about their training without disturbing the other.

Catching a glimpse of her departing figure, Lu Jingzhao instructed Dong Ling, "Set up the target."

The target, made of grass ropes, was marked at its center with vermillion paint and positioned ten zhang away.

Lu Jingzhao donned a Hetian jade archer's thumb ring, took the bullhorn bow and iron-feathered arrow, and as he galloped, he aimed, then abruptly released his finger, halting the horse, watching the arrow strike precisely at the target's center.

The servants cheered.

Lu Jingzhao's heart stirred slightly, yet he refrained from looking in Chu Yin's direction.

Hadn’t he learned enough from the last time? His focus now was solely on archery practice, unrelated to Chu Yin.

He spurred his horse forward, preparing for another shot.

The second arrow hit the target's center again, its force even knocking down the entire target.

Chu Yin's lips parted in awe.

No wonder he said holding both children was like drawing a bow.

Not to mention the difficulty of pulling the bowstring, she couldn’t even lift the heavy black bow.

After admiring for a while, Chu Yin resumed her practice.

After hitting all eight targets, Lu Jingzhao decided it was time to leave.

He quietly instructed Dong Ling and then walked towards the carriage.

Dong Ling hurried to Chu Yin, "His Highness is heading back to the Eastern Palace. Do you wish to continue practicing, Crown Princess, or will you accompany His Highness?"

Chu Yin looked around the riding ground, no longer seeing Lu Jingzhao.

“His Highness is already in the carriage.”

“……”

Instead of asking directly, sending a servant to inquire, Chu Yin said, “Then please ask His Highness to wait a moment, I’ll be done riding this half circuit soon.”

“Yes.”

Dong Ling wiped off his sweat before going back to inform Lu Jingzhuo.

He remained silent, not instructing the coachman to leave.

Chu Yin asked Yu Sizhang, “When will you leave the palace next year?”

“I entered the palace in February, so I should leave in February too.”

Just a few months left. Chu Yin was quite pleased with her conduct during this time, confident that Yu Sizhang wouldn’t dislike her.

Becoming in-laws in the future, she would gain another friend.

“I really hope we can meet again after you leave the palace.”

Yu Sizhang, usually composed, felt quite moved by these words.

Despite her esteemed position as the Crown Princess, Chu Yin was confined to the imperial palace. In contrast, Yu Sizhang, a humble palace maid, would be free to leave after her five-year service, already considered an old maid at her age and under no pressure to marry, relishing her independence.

“If the Crown Princess ever wishes to see me, I will return to the capital as soon as possible.”

“You plan to leave the capital?” Chu Yin was surprised.

“Yes, I wish to explore the mountains and rivers of Dayue.”

It seemed likely she might meet the Duke of Song on her travels.

Chu Yin smiled, “That's wonderful. Since I can't travel far, I'll look forward to hearing about it from you.”

As they conversed and joked, they finished the half circuit of riding.

Chu Yin wiped the sweat from her face and got into the carriage.

The man inside was resting with his eyes closed.

“I apologize for making Your Highness wait,” she leaned naturally against his broad shoulder, “Your practice time is always shorter than mine.”

“……”

Lu Jingzhuo didn’t respond to her comment and instructed the coachman to start moving.

Having been married for two lifetimes, Chu Yin could easily sense even the slightest changes in him. She picked up his right hand, “Your Highness, you’re wearing a ring.”

He had forgotten to take it off…

He usually didn’t wear it: “It’s for archery.”

“May I have a look?”

“Yes.”

Chu Yin then carefully removed the ring.

It was made of fine mutton-fat jade, smooth and warm, carved with a returning pattern. It wasn’t new, showing tiny, barely visible scratches.

She had never seen him wear it before. After examining it for a while, she slipped it onto her own thumb.

It was loose.

Their thumb sizes were quite different.

She couldn’t help but smile.

This action was somewhat cute, and Lu Jingzhuo’s mouth curled slightly in response, but recalling her reaction at the racetrack earlier, his smile faded.

He really couldn’t fathom Chu Yin.

He always thought she would act one way or another, but she consistently surprised him.

But even if he did understand her completely, what difference would it make? With their statuses as the Crown Prince and Princess, whether they were compatible or not, they were destined to spend a lifetime together, unless Chu Yin committed a grave error.

But given how much she valued her position, that was extremely unlikely.

He watched her idly playing with his ring.

After that day, mornings brought a thin mist, a chill always present. The flowers and trees in the courtyard began to wither, except for the chrysanthemums blooming fervently in bright yellow.

The Double Ninth Festival had arrived.

Compared to the previous trip to Wenshu Monastery, Emperor Jianxing this time opted for a less extravagant procession. Aside from the imperial guards and the Jinyiwei leading the way, there were no large flags or music bands. Accompanied only by the three princes and Princess Baocheng's family, they went to Rabbit Hill along with the civil and military officials.

After watching the group leave the palace, Chu Yin planned to take her children to the Kunning Palace.

Tang Feiyan, who had come with Lu Jingchen, hurried to follow when she saw Chu Yin leaving.

“Sister-in-law, how will we celebrate the festival?”

“I’ve discussed with the Empress Dowager; we’ll have a banquet at Yinghua Tower.”

Yinghua Tower, the tallest structure in the palace with seven floors, although not as high as Rabbit Hill, was comparable to a small hillside.

“That counts as climbing high, wonderful!” Tang Feiyan laughed, “Better than going to Rabbit Hill, climbing is exhausting.”

Chu Yin hummed in agreement, not wishing to elaborate.

Seeing her aloof demeanor, Tang Feiyan’s old habit of speaking her mind resurfaced.

“Did you see Miss Jiang? Ah, Aunt really spoils her, letting her do as she pleases, even dressing as a man… Who else has such audacity when choosing a husband? She’s out of her depth, like a small fish jumping in a washbasin, not knowing her own limits!”

Why was Tang Feiyan suddenly speaking ill of Jiang Yuyuan?

Chu Yin was puzzled, her expression revealing little, “Why concern yourself with her? She’s Aunt's niece, Aunt will handle it.”

It seemed she was completely unaware.

Although Lu Jingzhuo liked her, today Jiang Yuyuan went to Rabbit Hill too. Who knows what she might do? Tang Feiyan jokingly said, “I won’t lie to you, sister-in-law, I thought about playing matchmaker. But Jiang Yuyuan is so picky, looking down on everyone. I figured, only someone of my brother's status could match her!”

“……”

Tang Feiyan had actually figured it out?

How did she come to that conclusion?

Chu Yin, holding her children, got into the carriage, “Really? She’s welcome to try. Throughout history, which Crown Prince hasn’t had concubines?” She had seen Jiang Yuyuan’s attire and had guessed already.

Was this the confidence of being the beloved of the Crown Prince?

Tang Feiyan was taken aback.

Overwhelmed by Chu Yin’s demeanor, she awkwardly said, “I didn’t mean she wants to be a concubine… Sister-in-law, may I ride with you?” Once given permission, she got in, “I just meant she has high standards, using my brother as an example.”

Chu Yin acknowledged this, then gave Tang Feiyan a sharp look, “It's also possible she might fancy your second brother, who is also quite a catch.”

Tang Feiyan: “…”

Impossible!

Jiang Yuyuan's interest in Lu Jingchen had not gone unnoticed by her.

However...

Could it be that failing to seduce Lu Jingzhao, she turned her attention to Lu Jingchen? After all, having invested so much effort, she couldn't just give up, could she?

Tang Feiyan suddenly felt uneasy.

At this moment, Lu Jingchen was instructing his attendant, Xin Shi, to closely monitor every move of Jiang Yuyuan.

Having learned from Shi Yu that Jiang Yuyuan had someone in her heart and was not keen on choosing a husband, she should not have come to Rabbit Hill.

If she did come, it must be for Lu Jingzhao.

Lu Jingchen knew his brother, who he had grown up with since childhood, all too well.

He would definitely not take a concubine.

He even abhorred the idea of taking concubines, so Jiang Yuyuan could not possibly sway his brother, unless...

If it really happened, Jiang Yuyuan, having lost her reputation, would be unable to marry anyone else and could only become his brother's concubine. But his brother would never agree to it. What would Princess Baocheng think then? She would surely hold a grudge against his brother.

Then, winning over Princess Baocheng would be a piece of cake for him.

Seeing Xin Shi leave quietly, Lu Jingrui's eyebrows twitched, and he glanced at Lu Jingzhao beside him.

It seemed that there would be no shortage of drama today.

In a low voice, Jiang Xian said to Princess Baocheng, "Lin'er, Min'er rarely see the Crown Prince. You should let them get closer... His Majesty highly values the Crown Prince. He even appointed him as regent recently, and was very satisfied upon his return."

Doesn't she know?

But this great nephew of hers was too aloof and not easily approachable.

"Later, when we climb the mountain, let Lin'er and Min'er invite the Crown Prince and others for a barbecue. I've brought all the equipment. Using pine branches from Rabbit Hill for the barbecue is exceptional. Pair it with some chrysanthemum wine, and it's a true delight."

This even made Princess Baocheng crave it a bit. She thought it was a feasible plan.

Jiang Yuyuan, standing beside Princess Baocheng, felt her heart skip a beat upon hearing these words, her gaze once again settling on Lu Jingzhao ahead.

Though not a warrior, his childhood training in riding and archery had sculpted him with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, a tall stature, and long limbs. Even just his silhouette was pleasing to the eye.

Of course, his status was even more desirable.

The crown prince of Dayue, the future emperor, wielding the power of life and death, he was like a god in this world.

Jiang Yuyuan intentionally lagged behind, casting a seductive glance at an official in the distance.

This official was a pawn in her game.

Greedy and bold, he had a history of troubling many women and causing harm, protected by his prominent family and the collusion of officials, his misdeeds covered up until now. Her uncle had a clever plan to use him, ensuring that any imperial investigation would only uncover his past wrongdoings.

Having set her trap, Jiang Yuyuan then rode to catch up with Jiang Lin and Jiang Min.

When everyone reached the foot of the mountain, they stopped, led by Emperor Jianxing, with the three princes and Princess Baocheng's family accompanying him, followed by the officials.

"Lin'er, are you adapting well to the Governor's Office?" Emperor Jianxing inquired of his nephew.

Jiang Lin, a fifth-grade official, bowed and replied, "I am slow-witted and still adjusting. I fear it might take another three to five years."

His humility pleased Emperor Jianxing, who nodded approvingly: "Learn more from Governor Ma."

Seizing the opportunity, Princess Baocheng said: "Lin'er's riding and archery skills are quite ordinary. I think he should first seek instruction from Jingzhao... Lin'er, Min'er, you should personally barbecue for Jingzhao later and seek his guidance."

"Barbecue?"

"Yes, I brought the equipment especially. Brother, would you like to try some?"

Emperor Jianxing, feeling his teeth weren't up to the task, stroked his beard: "Let the youngsters gather and enjoy. I shall not interfere." He advised Lu Jingzhao, "Remember to teach your cousins."

Rabbit Hill, compared to Yan Mountain, was not very tall, but its winding stone steps seemed endless.

Everyone was tired upon reaching the summit.

However, the view from the top, with layers of green mountains and drifting white clouds, was refreshingly uplifting.

Emperor Jianxing waved his hand, commanding the officials to compose poetry fitting the scene.

Seizing the opportunity to gain the Emperor's favor, the officials eagerly presented poems they had painstakingly prepared in advance.

The summit of Rabbit Hill instantly transformed into a poetry gathering.

Most poems were flattering odes to the Emperor and rather uninteresting. Jiang Lin and Jiang Min thus invited the three princes to a pavilion below for grilled fish.

The attendants had already gathered pine branches and lit a fire.

Lu Jingchen said he would join later, joking, "You are seeking shooting lessons from my elder brother; what need is there for me? My modest skills would only hinder you..." He then suggested to Lu Jingrui, "Younger brother, you’d be even less skilled. Better to stay here and drink tea with me."

Lu Jingrui replied, "I don't mind going to listen."

Lu Jingzhao, reluctant to move but mindful of his father’s explicit instructions, followed his brothers to the pavilion.

Jiang Xian noticed some fallen leaves on Lu Jingzhao's clothes and moved forward to brush them off attentively.

Barely touching the robe, Jiang Xian met Lu Jingzhao's cool gaze, quickly withdrawing his hand, "Apologies, as your uncle, I may have overstepped. I regard you as family," turning to Dong Ling, "You do it, you..."

Before he could finish, Jiang Yuyuan rushed over from somewhere, calling out, "Uncle!" and tugging at Jiang Xian's sleeve, seemingly about to say something.

Close to Jiang Xian and Lu Jingzhao, Jiang Yuyuan turned, and a powdery substance floated from her sleeve, carried by the wind towards Lu Jingzhao.

It was almost invisible, like dust.

Lu Jingzhao, already disliking Jiang Yuyuan for her previous flattery, immediately stepped away.

"Yuyuan, why are you so reckless?" Jiang Xian scolded.

Jiang Yuyuan quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Uncle," then whispered to Jiang Xian, "An official suddenly spoke to me and threw something on me," pointing towards someone in the distance, "I didn’t dare tell Aunt for fear of causing a scene."

Those nearby overheard, and Jiang Xian, alarmed, asked, "Are you hurt anywhere?"

"No."

"That's good. Stay with Lin'er and Min'er; I'll go see what happened."

Jiang Lin, concerned, asked a few questions, then led the way to the pavilion with Jiang Min, guiding Lu Jingzhao and the others.

The pine branches were burning vigorously, emitting a thin, pleasant fragrance with their white smoke.

Lu Jingrui, surprised, remarked, "What did they put in there? It smells wonderful."

Jiang Lin laughed, "You might not know, third cousin, but this is the unique red oil pine of Rabbit Hill. Meat grilled with it has a strong, delicious flavor. You'll understand once you try it with our cousin."

"Really?" Lu Jingrui, ever curious, asked, "What kind of meat is this?"

"Deer meat."

"And this one?"

Lu Jingzhao alone remained silent.

Although they were supposed to be learning from him, both Jiang Lin and Jiang Min hesitated to speak up.

The scent of the pine grew more intense, infiltrating the air. Lu Jingzhao suddenly felt a heat coursing through his body, similar to what he felt when seeing Chu Yin act coquettishly, stirring up desires.

What was happening?

Had he been poisoned?

Just then, Jiang Yuyuan chose to sit beside him, "Cousin, I've been wanting to apologize for the incident at the palace last time..."

The fragrance from the woman and her enticingly flushed cheeks intensified his discomfort.

Lu Jingzhao abruptly stood up.

"Big brother?" Lu Jingrui inquired, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, you guys go ahead and eat." Lu Jingzhao headed straight towards the mountaintop.

"If big brother isn’t eating, I won't either." Lu Jingrui followed him.

The autumn breeze was cool, but it did nothing to alleviate his growing heat.

His mind was filled with images of Chu Yin.

Images of her in intimate moments.

Vulnerable, alluring, gasping, crying softly...

He must have been poisoned.

An aphrodisiac?

Who administered it? And when?

Was it the smoke?

No, it definitely wasn't the smoke; the others weren't affected like he was.

As he pondered, Jiang Yuyuan chased after him from behind, "Cousin, wait for me..."

Dong Ling blocked her path.

Lu Jingzhao cast a cold glance at her, noticing her unusually flushed face.

She had just been sitting next to him and now followed him here; it couldn't be a coincidence.

"Cousin, why did you leave?" Jiang Yuyuan was visibly anxious, pushing past Dong Ling with all her might, "Cousin, aren’t you going to eat the barbecue?"

But Dong Ling, despite being a eunuch, was remarkably strong and stood immovable.

Lu Jingrui, finding the situation amusing, stepped forward, "Cousin, didn't our uncle ask you to stay with your other cousins? Why are you looking for our elder brother? Whether he eats the barbecue or not isn’t your concern, is it?"

Jiang Yuyuan was so infuriated she almost felt like spitting blood.

Was Lu Jingrui like a shadow, always sticking close to Lu Jingzhao?

And… how was Lu Jingzhao able to remain lucid?

Wasn't the drug supposed to be potent?

Wasn't it said that anyone affected by the drug would lose control at the sight of a woman?

Why hadn't he...

Could it be that he hadn't inhaled much of the powder earlier?

Had he avoided it?

She had planned that once the drug took effect, even a mere embrace would suffice to secure her a place in the Eastern Palace.

Jiang Yuyuan’s fingers slowly clenched into a fist, realizing her plan had utterly failed.

She was pondering her next move when she overheard Lu Jingzhao ordering Dong Ling, "Capture her, gag her, and take her to the pavilion."

Shocked, Jiang Yuyuan exclaimed, "Cousin, what have I done wrong?"

Dong Ling quickly stuffed a handkerchief into her mouth and pulled her arms behind her, effectively restraining her.

Unable to move, Jiang Yuyuan’s eyes widened in horror.

The poetry gathering at the summit was still ongoing.

Princess Baocheng, seeing Lu Jingzhao, asked in surprise, "Finished with the barbecue so soon?"

Sitting down calmly, Lu Jingzhao explained to Princess Baocheng, "Jiang Yuyuan either drugged herself or something else happened. She was acting crazed... For her reputation, I instructed Dong Ling to capture her. Auntie, if you don't want to be implicated by her actions, it would be wise to plan accordingly."

Princess Baocheng was shocked: "What did you say?"

"Auntie might want to see for herself; she's at the pavilion."

Jiang Xian, hearing this, was dumbfounded.

He had acquired the drug, the same one Jiang Yuyuan and her accomplice frequently used – an aphrodisiac powder. When he brushed the leaves off Lu Jingzhao, it was to give Jiang Yuyuan the chance to act, while the pine branches were laced with a soul-ensnaring fragrance to enhance the drug's potency.

Together, they were meant to be overwhelmingly powerful.

Yet, how was the Crown Prince seemingly unaffected?

Was he even human?

Jiang Xian was utterly terrified.

Only Lu Jingzhao knew that his mind was filled with thoughts of Chu Yin.

But he also clearly understood that these were merely intense desires.

Desire can be resisted. He never believed that an aphrodisiac could completely rob a person of their reason, unless that person already lacked much sense, or simply went along with the flow.

He picked up his tea and slowly took a sip.

He just hoped that by the time he returned to the palace, the drug's effects would have mostly worn off; otherwise, seeing Chu Yin might just tempt him to go with the flow.