“Chapter 044”

"Chapter 044"

"Who could have done it?"

"The magistrate of Lu County?"

"Did he have the audacity? And if he truly drugged her, what would be his motive? She hadn’t noticed any arrangement of beauties by the magistrate in the county office."

"But Lu Jingzhuo's behavior was very similar to that day."

"Chu Yin reached out to touch his face, trying to feel if his forehead or cheeks were hot."

"Lu Jingzhuo, deeply engrossed in the kiss, did not want to be interrupted and firmly held her hands."

"His fingers were long and strong, controlling both her wrists, binding her as if with ropes, leaving her unable to move."

"A panic surged in Chu Yin's heart, thinking he might want to do something more in the carriage..."

"Even though Chu Yin longed for his passion, this kind of intensity was overwhelming for her."

"Especially on a public street!"

"In desperation, Chu Yin bit Lu Jingzhuo. Taking advantage of his pain and loosened grip, she urgently reminded, 'Your Highness, are you feeling unwell? Regain your senses; I will ask the coachman to return to the county office immediately!'"

“……”

"What was she saying?"

"Lu Jingzhuo, touching his lips, questioned, 'Who is not in their right mind?'"

"The man before her looked stern, his eyes harboring slight annoyance, showing no signs of being drugged."

"Chu Yin was taken aback."

"Had she guessed wrong?"

"But if not drugged, why was he behaving like this?"

"She shifted backward, scrutinizing him, 'Are you really alright, Your Highness?'"

"'What could possibly be wrong with me?' he glanced at the blood on his fingertip, 'If there is, it’s because of you.'"

“……”

"She hadn’t bitten that hard, how did she manage to draw blood? Chu Yin took out a handkerchief and gently pressed it to his lips, 'I didn’t mean to, Your Highness...'"

"Was it all just a misunderstanding?"

"Chu Yin coughed to mask her embarrassment, 'I thought Your Highness was...'" She didn’t want to bring up the possibility of being drugged, so she changed her words, "'You are usually so reserved, but your actions just now were out of character, so I thought you were unwell.'"

"It was rare for him to kiss her in the carriage, but not unprecedented. Did she really think something was wrong with him?"

"Besides, wasn’t this what she wanted?"

"Lu Jingzhuo said, 'I thought you liked it.'"

“……”

"She did like his kisses, but not like this in the carriage."

"'Where did Your Highness get that idea? I...'"

"'Were you angry?' he interrupted."

"Chu Yin’s heart skipped a beat."

"Could this stoic man really tell she was angry?"

"Was her irritation these past few days too obvious?"

"Chu Yin picked up the handkerchief, seeing his lips had stopped bleeding, and as she folded it, she slowly said, 'So, you did this because I was angry?'"

"'Yes, are you satisfied now?' he watched her fingers, 'You even bit me, that should be satisfying enough, right?'"

“……”

"'I said it wasn’t intentional.' Chu Yin felt a hint of joy in her heart."

"His actions today were an attempt to make up for not responding when she kissed his cheek that day."

"It showed he cared about her."

"But he had misunderstood her; she had only meant to reward him that day, not expecting him to reciprocate."

"To explain would mean bringing up the drugging incident…"

"As she was thinking, the carriage stopped in front of Yunyang Tower."

"Dong Ling handed them the veiled hats."

"Even in Nanyang County, a small place under the emperor's reign, the bustling activity was evident."

"Chu Yin's eyes immediately caught sight of a vendor selling chive pastry boxes passing by and whispered to Lu Jingzhuo, 'I wonder how these compare to those in Qingzhou. When I was home, I'd always send a maid to buy them when I heard the vendor’s calls.'"

"'You don’t usually eat them.'"

"He had noticed?"

"Chu Yin smiled, 'In the palace, they’re either too finely made, losing the flavor, or the chive taste is... I used to eat them as a child, but my mother forbade it as I grew older.'"

"'Do you want to try them now?'"

"'No, just looking is enough. What if it upsets my stomach and hinders your work?' Outside food isn’t always clean, and I usually eat very delicately. The unknown source must be avoided, not to mention the aftertaste of chives in the carriage. The thought itself is dreadful."

"Lu Jingzhuo, observing her caution, glanced at her but remained silent."

"Further ahead, the scene grew livelier, with a diverse array of goods for sale. Chu Yin leisurely observed each stall, while Lu Jingzhuo, uninterested, spent more time watching the passersby and vendors."

"'How much for this shuttlecock?' Chu Yin inquired."

"Lu Jingzhuo only then noticed she had picked out a colorful shuttlecock."

"'Ten coins.'"

"Lu Zhen enjoyed watching the palace maids play shuttlecock. Chu Yin planned to buy one as a gift for her daughter and, if appropriate, one for Lu Zhuo too."

"Chu Yin then reached for her purse tied at her waist."

"Lu Jingzhuo subconsciously glanced at his own waist."

"He didn’t carry a purse..."

"This was normal for him; he never carried money on his person, delegating any necessary tipping or rewards to Dong Ling."

"Lu Jingzhuo could only watch as Chu Yin paid with copper coins."

"Starting from Baiyun Tower and walking eastward until nightfall, they returned to the county office by carriage."

"Lu Jingchen was waiting for them, hungry, but he couldn’t complain."

"'Why didn’t big brother and sister-in-law take me along?' This was a complaint he could voice. Lu Jingchen looked aggrieved, 'I asked big brother earlier, and he kept it secret. It turns out there was a plan all along.'"

"What plan?"

"It was merely a coincidence that Chu Yin wanted to go out."

"Lu Jingzhuo indifferently replied, 'Next time, you don’t need to wait.'"

"Next time..."

"Lu Jingchen noticed the wound on his brother's lips, thinking that the couple must have enjoyed themselves immensely on their outing, even ending up with a broken lip. No wonder they reconciled, and big brother was even ready for another outing."

"At this moment, he missed Tang Feiyan."

"Though not perfect, her vivacity and cheerfulness were endearing. If she were here, he wouldn’t feel so lonely."

"Lu Jingchen sighed, 'I really envy big brother for having sister-in-law’s company.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo: '…'"

"Chu Yin suggested, 'If second brother misses second sister-in-law, you could also buy her some gifts. She would surely be happy to receive them.'"

"Unable to join them, Tang Feiyan must be harboring some resentment. He hoped a gift would appease her and prevent future troubles, benefiting both parties."

"'Thank you for the reminder, sister-in-law. I’ll remember that.'"

"After dinner, the three returned to their respective rooms."

"The next day, Lu Jingzhuo noticed the absence of the magistrate of Lu County."

"Han Xiancheng came to arrange breakfast in his place."

"'The magistrate has fallen ill; please excuse his absence, Your Highness.'"

"'What illness?' He remembered the magistrate was fine yesterday."

"It must be an illness born of fright."

"Not just the magistrate; even the magistrate of neighboring Anfeng County had sent people to inquire several times, clearly very anxious. He had informed him of the silver received, advising him to prepare well for the Crown Prince’s visit."

"'It seems to be a cold. I heard he can’t even get up or speak properly.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo: '…'"

"He didn’t suspect the magistrate was feigning illness, but rather suspected guilt. He planned to have someone investigate."

"Early in the morning, the farmers were already sowing in the fields."

"Lu Jingzhuo and his party surveyed the fields before setting off to Anfeng County."

"Yi Jian naturally accompanied them."

"Anfeng County was about an hour’s journey from Nanyang County."

"Chu Yin, looking out the window, asked Lu Jingzhuo, 'Do you think an official will come to greet us this time?'"

"'Hard to say.' It depended on the disposition of Magistrate Zhang."

"Lu Jingzhuo surmised there was a good chance he would come. How many officials were like Yi Jian?"

"Unexpectedly, he guessed wrong."

"Magistrate Zhang did not come to greet them but waited at the entrance of the county office."

"Upon receiving the news, Magistrate Zhang, hearing of the magistrate of Lu County's illness, was thrown into panic. If such a capable official could fall ill, he feared he wouldn't fare any better, and promptly gathered his subordinates to devise a strategy."

"Their conclusion was that the magistrate of Lu County had tried too hard to please the Crown Prince, possibly irking him with overzealousness, leading to difficulties. Thus, Magistrate Zhang decided to adopt the approach of the upright and straightforward officials."

"Not only did he not go to greet them, but he also made the accommodations quite spartan, similar to how ordinary guests were treated."

"Actually, this suited Lu Jingzhuo’s taste."

"Unfortunately, Magistrate Zhang was timid and unconvincing in his act. Questioned by Lu Jingzhuo, his facade quickly crumbled. Chu Yin watched amusedly; Magistrate Zhang’s attempt at mimicry fell far short of his goal, unlike the magistrate of Lu County."

"At least the beds prepared by the magistrate of Lu County were comfortable."

"Lu Jingzhuo, of course, saw through the act but remained silent."

"As evening approached, Magistrate Zhang said, 'Please forgive me, Your Highness. I'm afraid we can only offer modest meals.'"

"Was this man trying to fish for compliments? Lu Jingchen almost laughed out loud."

"These magistrates were quite entertaining, each more dramatic than the last."

"Chu Yin said, 'Even with simple meals, there must be fish, right? Anfeng County is not short of water... How about a pan-fried carp and plain fish soup? The rest can be ordinary.' These were common fish dishes, hardly luxurious."

"Magistrate Zhang nodded and withdrew."

"Only then did Lu Jingchen let out his laughter, 'Big brother, which magistrate do you prefer?'"

"Both left much to be desired."

"Lu Jingzhuo replied, 'After this visit, we’ll split up. You’ll go to Hai and Min Counties, while Ah Yin and I will head to Wanying and Lu Counties.'"

"'I’m afraid I might not handle it well alone,' Lu Jingchen was quite shocked."

"Was his elder brother really giving him this opportunity to prove himself?"

"He found it hard to believe."

"Yet, Lu Jingzhuo was not one to belittle others."

"'You've learned along the way. Handling this matter shouldn't be a problem for you,' Lu Jingzhuo clarified his intentions, 'Visiting each county one by one, I fear it might delay the sowing. It’s better to resolve it quickly. Plus, having visited two counties, the news has already spread. The farmers should have no doubts, so just supervise the sowing.'"

"His words made sense, and Lu Jingchen responded, 'Yes, I will handle it well.'"

"He couldn't help but admire his brother’s capabilities."

"This move not only showcased generosity and fraternal respect but also ensured he wouldn’t outshine his brother’s accomplishments. It was more efficient, and their father would surely be pleased upon their return. How could he not seize such an opportunity?"

"In fact, he felt compelled to seize it."

"Otherwise, their father would think him timid and unambitious, failing to seize the chance offered by his elder brother."

"Lu Jingchen sighed inwardly."

"He had to take this chance; it was better than doing nothing, and surely there was no harm in it."

"Meanwhile, Emperor Jianxing was listening to Princess Baocheng's grievances."

"'I’ve seen enough now. Those who speak sweet nothings, be they men or women, are not to be trusted,' her heart ached thinking of her uncle and niece, both skilled at charming people with mere words, 'Those who flatter you to your face are sure to stab you in the back. Brother, no matter what, I must divorce him!'"

"Emperor Jianxing waved his hand dismissively, 'Alright, alright, it’s not a big deal. I will issue the decree right away.'"

"He immediately sent He Zhong to the Marquis of Xuan Ning's residence."

"Seeing his wife completely unmoved by past affections and quickly involving Emperor Jianxing, Jiang Xian stopped playing the victim and immediately admitted his wrongdoing to Princess Baocheng, agreeing to the divorce."

"Their two sons, recalling their mother's words, gained a deeper understanding of their father."

"He really didn’t dare seek death..."

"Knowing his sister's utter disdain for Jiang Xian, Emperor Jianxing promptly granted her a princess’s residence, so she wouldn’t have to continue living in the Marquis of Xuan Ning’s house."

"As the sister of the reigning emperor, Princess Baocheng's divorce would certainly cause a stir. Thus, she proactively spread the word about their marital discord to avoid speculation."

"For the sake of their sons, they still needed to maintain a semblance of dignity."

"Meanwhile, in Anfeng County, Chu Yin, unaware of these events, had just finished washing up and was getting her hair combed by Lian Qiao."

"Ren Dong, while making the bed, sighed, 'This Magistrate Zhang is too bold. Not having a mosquito net is one thing, but how can the bed be so hard? Isn’t he afraid of offending His Highness? You’re the Princess Consort, but even ordinary inns wouldn’t be this bad.'"

"'It's just for a few nights, no harm,' Chu Yin thought, knowing Lu Jingzhuo wouldn’t blame anyone over the bed's condition, 'If it's really uncomfortable, just add another quilt.'"

"'That’s all we can do.'"

"Lian Qiao remained silent, busy retrieving osmanthus oil."

"The Princess Consort’s hair was long and black like satin, surely due to her meticulous care."

"She applied the osmanthus oil on her palms before gently rubbing it into the hair."

"Through the opposite window, Chu Yin could see Lu Jingzhuo standing under the moonlight, talking to Dong Ling."

"The autumn-winter night fog draped over his shoulders, adding a hazy softness to his figure."

"Chu Yin wondered, 'What is he instructing so late at night?'"

"Dong Ling, however, seemed very surprised after listening."

"It was odd that the Crown Prince needed ten strings of copper coins!"

"But considering his task of dealing with insects, it seemed somewhat reasonable."

"Dong Ling hurried off."

"Lu Jingzhuo soon returned to the bedroom as well."

"The bed was indeed hard, a stark contrast to the one prepared by the magistrate of Lu County. Chu Yin could endure it, but just as she was about to cover herself with the blanket, she spotted something indistinct crawling on the wall."

"Chu Yin almost screamed out loud."

"This is terrible."

"Why were there so many insects in this place?"

"She wanted to complain, but swallowed her words before speaking."

"The common people's hardships were far greater, and she had barely experienced a fraction of them. How could she complain?"

"Chu Yin lay down, slightly pulling the blanket over her face."

"Lu Jingzhuo glanced at her, 'Is it that cold?'"

"'No, it’s nothing. Please, Your Highness, go to sleep.'"

"Even without talking about propriety, the hardness of the bed hardly inspired any amorous thoughts."

"Lu Jingzhuo blew out the candle."

"The bed, lacking a mosquito net, felt insecure. Chu Yin kept thinking about the insect, fearing it might crawl onto the bed. She didn’t want to disturb Lu Jingzhuo, so she just quietly turned over, hoping to fall asleep quickly."

"Nevertheless, Lu Jingzhuo noticed her restlessness and suddenly asked, 'What’s wrong?'"

"Chu Yin muffledly responded, 'Nothing.'"

"'Why haven’t you fallen asleep yet?'"

"'…' Chu Yin didn’t want to say."

"For some reason, he was reminded of the night before she visited Wenshu Monastery, hesitating to speak while sitting beside him."

"Only after he asked did she request an embrace."

"After a moment of silence, Lu Jingzhuo reached out to pull her closer, 'Tell me, why aren’t you sleeping?'"

"His rare gentleness broke through her facade. Chu Yin, leaning against his warm chest, confessed softly, 'There’s a rather large insect on the wall...' her voice was low, 'I’ve been afraid of insects since I was young. I must seem foolish to you.'"

"Remembering her vigorously shaking her sleeve, he reassured, 'It’s alright, I’ll check in a moment.'"

"'Thank you, Your Highness.' Skilled in archery and hunting, he surely wouldn’t fear an insect."

"Unknown to her, in the darkness, the Crown Prince’s lips curled into a smile."