Chapter 041

Chapter 041

Lu Jingchen, who had been watching Jiang Yuyuan closely, had some understanding of the internal affairs but pretended ignorance.

“Sister-in-law, I'm not entirely sure either. I only heard from cousin Jiang that recently Miss Jiang made a mistake that angered Aunt, leading Uncle to send her away to Sichuan.”

“……”

What was this new development?

Sichuan seemed to be Jiang Yuyuan’s hometown.

Had Jiang Yuyuan really left the capital?

Could it be that she made a mistake at Tu’er Mountain, leading to her being sent away?

No wonder I didn’t see her that day, and no wonder Princess Baocheng looked so upset. Chu Yin’s gaze shifted across Lu Jingzhao’s face, picking up on the clues.

If it were just a casual conversation with Lu Jingzhao like before, Jiang Yuyuan wouldn’t have given herself away. This time, she must have used some tactic that infuriated Princess Baocheng, leading to such a drastic outcome.

Chu Yin was obviously pleased with this turn of events.

In her previous life, Jiang Yuyuan had been a constant presence until her death, and Chu Yin had worried about Jiang Yuyuan leveraging her relationship with Princess Baocheng to gain power in the future.

“But Jiang Yuyuan’s mistake is her own. How does that relate to Aunt and Uncle’s divorce?”

Lu Jingchen speculated, “Perhaps Aunt blames Uncle for not disciplining Miss Jiang properly, venting her anger on him. Big brother, won’t you try persuading them? Aunt might listen to you... I’m thinking of Aunt’s wellbeing. As a woman, even a princess, divorce would invite gossip.”

Lu Jingzhao wasn’t easily fooled.

If Lu Jingchen, who was usually in Aunt’s good graces, was turned away, what could he possibly do?

“I’ve said I won’t intervene.”

Chu Yin also felt persuasion unnecessary: “With Aunt’s status, if she divorces, wouldn’t many men vie for her hand? Second brother, you needn’t worry about Aunt. If she does divorce, our new uncle will likely be an improvement over the current one.”

With an adoring brother like Emperor Jianxing, who would dare gossip about Princess Baocheng?

As long as she didn’t act foolishly, Lu Jingchen’s life wouldn’t be as comfortable as hers.

Lu Jingchen: “......”

After conversing for a while, they each boarded their carriages.

Lu Jingzhao sat on the left side, his expression indifferent and showing no inclination to speak.

Unless there was something important, he was always like this, speaking only if she initiated the conversation.

Chu Yin, resting her chin on her hand, gazed out the window.

She needed to organize her thoughts.

Jiang Yuyuan made a mistake at Tu’er Mountain, was discovered by Princess Baocheng, and Jiang Xian promptly sent her to Sichuan. Then Princess Baocheng wanted a divorce from Jiang Xian. That day, Lu Jingzhao returned, acting unusually, not only kissing her in the carriage but also carrying her to the desk in broad daylight...

Chu Yin, having lived two lifetimes, suddenly understood everything.

She covered her lips.

So his fervor that day was because...

She looked at Lu Jingzhao.

Staring for a long time, she drew his sidelong glance, “Is something the matter?”

She shook her head, feeling a bit amused.

He wouldn’t tell her, probably thinking it would harm his dignity?

Yet he hadn’t fallen for the trap and had held back until returning to the palace – truly remarkable. Chu Yin suddenly leaned in and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

Lu Jingzhao: “……”

This was the first time Chu Yin had initiated a kiss with him.

Although it was just a touch on the cheek, it was bold enough.

Lu Jingzhao felt his cheek warm up and sat up even straighter, “You should know we are headed to Nanyang County.”

Nanyang County, the closest to the capital, was only a half-hour journey away. Chu Yin replied, “I know.”

Was she still trying to entice him?

In the carriage on the official road, where officials could greet them at any moment, Lu Jingzhao suppressed the desires she stirred within him and reminded her, “I’ve agreed to cooperate with you, but not all the time.”

“……”

Her kiss was meant as a reward, not a call for his cooperation, right?

Chu Yin hadn’t expected him to show delight, but she also didn’t want to hear him talk about the “moderation” rule.

Really now!

Why didn’t he understand “moderation” that day?

She should really find some medicine for him!

Chu Yin, while inwardly grumbling, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the lip rouge from his face, “I understand, it was my fault... such a mistake won’t happen again, Your Highness can rest assured.” After speaking, she turned to gaze out the window, leaving him with a view of her dignified back.

“……”

It wasn’t necessary to be so serious about it.

He simply felt that she had chosen an inappropriate moment and wouldn't have hesitated to respond otherwise.

But he didn’t feel the need to clarify this.

Both were well aware of their roles and responsibilities. Chu Yin certainly understood what was or wasn’t appropriate.

………………

The magistrate of Nanyang County, upon learning that the Crown Prince, Crown Princess, and Prince Jin had left the capital, hurriedly led other officials to meet them en route.

Han, the deputy magistrate, quietly complained about Yi Jian: “That Magistrate Yi is truly reckless. Despite your several attempts to persuade him to join us, he wouldn’t listen. Just because he’s been promoted, he no longer regards the Crown Prince? All day long, he orders us around. You, as the magistrate for years, haven’t endured such treatment, right? He almost had us working in the fields. The Crown Prince should see his true colors!”

Magistrate Lu scolded him with a glare: “Let's assess the situation first. Yi Jian indeed enjoys the Emperor’s favor; otherwise, how could he rise from a clerk to a magistrate? The Emperor even executed a few officials for him. What do you know, blabbering like this?”

“I’m just speaking up for you,” Han retorted.

“Enough, consider first whether the accommodations for the Crown Prince, Crown Princess, and Prince Jin are adequate. Their comfort is paramount.”

“The place you’ve prepared over many days, how could it have flaws? It's neither extravagant nor shabby, just perfect. The Crown Prince will surely be pleased.”

Magistrate Lu stroked his beard, “I hope so... Ah, the arrival of the Crown Prince has kept all the magistrates of several counties restless. This month will be particularly tough.” He had lost five pounds just from stress.

“Fortune and misfortune go hand in hand. If you win the Crown Prince's favor, your life henceforth will be worry-free.”

"Indeed, fortune and misfortune are separated by a thin line."

Magistrate Lu stood upright, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

Soon, amidst rising dust, the figures of the imperial guards appeared, each valiant and equipped with long swords at their waists.

Magistrate Lu, along with other officials, hurried forward to kneel in greeting.

"We humbly welcome the Crown Prince's grand arrival!"

Anticipating such an official welcome, Lu Jingze raised an eyebrow but remained in the carriage, instructing Dong Ling, "Have them announce their names."

Magistrate Lu promptly shouted his name, followed by the other officials in turn.

Lu Jingze listened and noted the absence of Yi Jian.

Chu Yin, guessing his thoughts, smiled slightly, "Magistrate Yi is indeed straightforward, not even coming to personally greet Your Highness."

Whether it's simplicity or something else, Lu Jingze didn’t comment, merely ordering the procession to continue moving.

Naturally, Magistrate Lu and the others hastened to follow.

"My lord, will the Crown Prince remember our names as a merit?" Deputy Magistrate Han inquired.

"Hard to say, who knows what the Crown Prince is thinking." A person not easily fooled, the Crown Prince proved his acumen by efficiently handling several matters during his regency while the Emperor visited Wenshu Monastery. Magistrate Lu's intent was simply to show respect, not expecting any special recognition.

After another quarter hour's journey, they reached the Nanyang County government office.

The yamen runners and constables knelt in a line at the entrance.

Lu Jingze instructed them to rise.

The county magistrate of Lu caught up from behind, wiping his sweat, “I have the honor to meet the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, and Prince Jin... Allow me to lead the way.”

Lu Jingzhuo first sent a guard to invite Yi Jian before entering.

Chu Yin, having only seen the government office in Qingzhou, took a longer look at the county yamen, seeing it for the first time.

Despite being a small office, it was quite impressive. The red doors and blue beams suggested it had been refurbished in recent years, with no signs of peeling paint.

Along the way, everything was spotless, not even a single fallen leaf in sight.

As the group reached the inner hall, the County Magistrate of Lu said, “It's getting late, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Crown Princess, and Prince Jin must be hungry. Please order anything you’d like,” pausing for a moment, “Of course, the county office doesn’t have imperial chefs, so it might be a bit simple.”

“There’s no rush,” Lu Jingzhuo, seated at the head, asked, “I heard about Langzhong Yi’s locust control plan. What was the reaction from the farmers? Were there any objections?”

His urgency to understand the situation showed his attitude towards this matter. The County Magistrate hurriedly responded, “Your Highness, there were opposing farmers. They weren’t accustomed to planting crops like sesame and feared hunger. They didn’t consider that locust plagues lead to hunger regardless. But, my lord, I’ve sent officers to persuade them. It’s all settled now. You can issue the order without worry.”

His words subtly highlighted his own efforts. Lu Jingzhuo nodded subtly, “Have them gather at the fields tomorrow at the hour of Si. If it gets too crowded, send one representative per family.”

“Understood, Your Highness.”

Yi Jian was brought to the location by the imperial guards.

With a slender physique and slightly dark complexion, his eyes shone brightly, and Chu Yin immediately recognized him.

As a spirit in Qianqing Palace, she had seen Yi Jian several times in her previous life.

This time, she had brought him to the capital earlier, feeling a sense of achievement, her lips curling into a smile.

Lu Jingzhuo, observing this, felt the resurgence of a suspicion he’d harbored, furrowing his brows.

Yi Jian knelt to greet them, “My apologies for the delay, Your Highness. Please forgive my tardiness.”

Lu Jingzhuo's gaze fell on his boots, covered in mud.

“You’ve been to the fields?”

“Yes, I must ensure the sesame and peas grow well next year. I dare not slacken even for a day.”

In that moment, Lu Jingzhuo began to understand his father’s perspective. This man was indeed devoted to agriculture, in a sense, an eccentric, but it was only such a person who could genuinely manage locust control effectively.

“Please stand up,” Lu Jingzhuo signaled Dong Ling to bring a chair for him.

Yi Jian, however, declined to sit: “I’m covered in mud and fear dirtying the magistrate’s chair.”

The County Magistrate: “…”

He resented Yi Jian’s lack of understanding of officialdom, but had never openly contradicted him, given his higher rank. Now with Yi Jian’s remark, was he trying to ruin him? No wonder Yi Jian had struggled to advance.

His immediate superior must be exasperated with him.

Lu Jingzhuo didn’t insist: “Stand if you prefer. Tell me, how confident are you about these crops yielding a good harvest next year?”

“About seventy percent, though it also depends on the weather. If there’s a drought, there’s not much that can be done.”

Chu Yin smiled upon hearing this, “In case of a drought, it’s tough for any crop to thrive, so that shouldn’t be a concern.”

Sitting to the right of the Crown Prince, her skin as white as snow and strikingly beautiful, she must be the Crown Princess.

Yi Jian’s only previous impression of her was a name mentioned by Emperor Jianxing.

He later recalled that conversation and suspected she had recommended him.

But how could that be, having never met her?

“If we don’t consider a drought, then there’s an eighty percent chance.”

“Eighty percent is very high. With your assurance, the farmers will feel more secure,” Chu Yin encouraged, “Mr. Yi, proceed with confidence. The decree His Highness issues tomorrow will be a great support to you.”

“Yes, I will bear that in mind.”

Initially, when Chu Yin recommended Yi Jian, Lu Jingchen was also curious how she determined his usefulness just from others’ words, yet it turned out to be accurate. He glanced back and forth between Chu Yin and Yi Jian, careful not to interrupt, given Lu Jingzhuo’s presence.

Lu Jingzhuo asked Yi Jian a few more questions before concluding.

The County Magistrate of Lu brought up the topic of food again.

“Just prepare something simple,” said Lu Jingzhuo, not having any particular dish in mind.

This “something simple” was always the hardest. The County Magistrate broke into a sweat, but Chu Yin suggested, “How about braised duck, a piece of orchid fish, pine nut tofu, stir-fried bamboo shoots, and dried tofu with vegetables?” These were easy to prepare and tasty dishes.

Noting his favorites among them, Lu Jingchen smiled, “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

After dinner, the three returned to the bedrooms the County Magistrate had prepared for them earlier.

Just by looking at the bedding, Chu Yin could tell the comfort level, commenting, “The County Magistrate has put in quite an effort.”

Many officials in the court were of such character, focusing their efforts elsewhere. Compared to them, Lu Jingzhuo preferred officials like Yi Jian, but they were exceedingly rare. Without exceptional talent, such people seldom came to prominence.

If not for Chu Yin and Yi Jian…

Lu Jingzhuo recalled the way Chu Yin had looked at Yi Jian, frowning slightly.

But to suggest there was something between them was impossible.

Lu Jingzhuo took off his outer robe and hung it on a rack, “Aren’t you going to wash up?”

Chu Yin, having sat in the carriage for a while, was tired and now leaned against the headboard.

“I will in a bit.”

He approached her, “You’re not feeling unwell, are you?”

“No, just sitting for a moment.”

Her eyes slightly closed, her face as delicate as a white peony, her lips not too bright, perhaps having wiped off her lipstick, leaving only a fresh pink. Suddenly, he leaned down to kiss her.

Normally, she enjoyed his kisses.

Whether it was his soft lips, his improving kissing skills, or even the taste of his mouth, she liked it all.

But Chu Yin still remembered what happened in the carriage today.

She turned her head away, “Your Highness, we are not in the palace now. This is the backyard of the county office. Please be mindful of propriety.”

Lu Jingzhuo: “…”