“Chapter 045”

"Chapter 045"

"After embracing for a while, Lu Jingzhuo sat up."

"Without calling any attendants, he lit the candle himself with a fire striker."

"Chu Yin wrapped the blanket tightly around her, peeking out to search."

"The insect’s silhouette appeared again, near the top of the window frame."

"'Your Highness, there!' she pointed."

"Lu Jingzhuo, holding the candle up, saw it was a house centipede."

"Larger than a caterpillar, though spineless, its black color and multitude of legs made it quite frightening."

"Chu Yin’s hair stood on end, 'Isn’t that a centipede? They are poisonous. Be careful, Your Highness,' she paused, 'Maybe we should call Dong Ling to deal with it? Centipedes are one of the five poisonous creatures. What if you get hurt?'"

"As the Crown Prince, he couldn’t risk himself carelessly."

"Unexpectedly, Lu Jingzhuo promptly refused, 'No need.'"

"He added, 'It’s a house centipede.'"

"'You can tell the difference?' Chu Yin was surprised, 'It looks so similar to a centipede.'"

"'I've seen them in the forest before. They’re harmless,' he explained, recalling his youthful hunting expeditions."

"Chu Yin then felt relieved."

"But as soon as the candlelight hit it, the centipede quickly scurried into a dark corner."

"With its many legs, it moved rapidly."

"Lu Jingzhuo put down the candle and looked for something to use as a weapon."

"Spotting Chu Yin's purse on the table, he took out a copper coin."

"Chu Yin remembered how he skillfully knocked down pomegranate blossoms with pebbles."

"His aim was always precise."

"Now, this skill was to be used for hunting insects."

"A smile appeared in Chu Yin’s eyes as she watched her husband, focused and determined."

"Careful not to startle his prey, he didn’t raise the candle again, silently surveying the room,"

"Inspecting every inch."

"Above the beams, the candle’s light couldn’t reach, straining his eyes."

"As he rubbed his eyes, a thought suddenly struck him."

"He was absurd!"

"The Crown Prince, engaged in hunting insects late at night!"

"He could have simply asked Dong Ling to set up a mosquito net. Was all this effort really necessary?"

"He surely wasn’t so eager to hunt insects, was he? Although Chu Yin's reliance on him was quite pleasing..."

"Despite his thoughts, after rubbing his eyes, he didn’t give up."

"At that moment, the house centipede crawled onto a beam."

"The copper coin flicked swiftly from his fingertips."

"With a 'puff,' the insect turned into a blot of juice."

"Chu Yin, at a distance, couldn’t see clearly."

"'Did you get it?'"

"'Killed it,' he moved the candle elsewhere, then searched the room again, 'There shouldn’t be any other insects,' sitting beside the bed, he asked Chu Yin, 'Can you sleep now?'"

"'Yes, thank you, Your Highness,' her eyes curved like crescent moons, 'Using your archery skills on such a task is really 'using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.''"

"Of course."

"If it weren’t for her, he would never do such a thing."

"His gaze fell on Chu Yin’s smiling face, and he couldn’t resist gently stroking it."

"The tenderness of her skin under his fingertips evoked a softness in his heart."

"He had indeed been treating Chu Yin differently lately, perhaps due to her constant coquettish behavior..."

"He had to admit, Chu Yin was quite adorable in those moments."

"His gaze deep and a bit hazy, Chu Yin, not knowing what he was thinking, was about to ask when they heard faint footsteps approaching, stopping at the door."

"Lu Jingzhuo came to his senses and blew out the candle."

"It must be a maid or servant, noticing the light and wondering if something was wrong."

"Chu Yin whispered, 'Your Highness, let's sleep. We have to meet the farmers tomorrow.'"

"He hummed in agreement."

"They were close but not embracing each other."

"As they were settling into their separate sides of the bed, he said, 'In case an insect comes through the door gap…'"

"Upon hearing this, Chu Yin instinctively snuggled into his embrace."

"His chest vibrated slightly as he hugged her close."

"The next day, Lu Jingzhuo got up quietly, as usual, trying not to wake her."

"Magistrate Zhang himself didn’t appear but sent his secretary instead."

"Thinking of Chu Yin's request for fish the previous day, Lu Jingzhuo suggested fish slice porridge."

"A bowl of fresh and delicious fish porridge was perfect for a slightly cool autumn morning."

"Chu Yin was pleased, savoring it with small bites."

"Lu Jingchen was naturally present."

"Glancing across, he noticed his elder brother sitting upright as a pine, graceful in every move, truly embodying the demeanor of a Crown Prince. The only mar was the dark scab on his lip, quite conspicuous."

"His brother was not perfect, but always composed and at ease, never seeming flustered."

"Halfway through his porridge, Lu Jingchen suddenly asked, 'Big brother, I forgot to ask yesterday, what happened to your lip?'"

"Lu Jingzhuo showed no reaction, but Chu Yin choked and coughed."

"Indeed, it was a kiss-induced injury…"

"Lu Jingchen looked at Chu Yin, thinking that his usually serious brother was unexpectedly passionate in private. Unfortunately, that was not a flaw he could use against him."

"Meeting his gaze, Chu Yin feared he might ask her, leading her to ponder how to respond."

"Telling the truth wasn’t an option, but lying..."

"Lu Jingzhuo was no child; she couldn’t say he hit his lip while riding in a carriage, could she?"

"That would be rather undignified."

"'Such a minor wound doesn’t warrant concern,' Lu Jingzhuo spoke up, 'Better to focus on preparing for Hai and Min Counties.'"

"Lu Jingchen: '…'"

"He recalled feeling flustered when his father asked about a neck injury inflicted by his wife at Wenshu Monastery. Unlike his brother, who didn’t even blush at the mention of a lip wound, as if nothing had happened."

"Truly admirable."

"Seeing Lu Jingchen drop the matter, Chu Yin breathed a sigh of relief."

"But realizing Lu Jingchen noticed Lu Jingzhuo’s injury, she worried officials might too. Annoyed with herself for biting him, she wondered how such a misunderstanding occurred."

"Frowning slightly, she found even the fish porridge less appealing."

"After breakfast, she pulled Lu Jingzhuo into their bedroom, 'I have a darker shade of lip rouge. Shall I cover it for you?'"

"Lu Jingzhuo: '…'"

"It seemed his brother’s comment had affected her."

"But wouldn’t applying lip rouge be even more peculiar?"

"'Let’s not make it more obvious. I have a family; what does it matter if others guess? Besides, officials only care about their careers, and farmers about their next harvest. Do you really think they care about my injury?'"

"Chu Yin realized the truth of his words, 'I was overthinking it.'"

"'Whether you were or not, it doesn’t matter,' Lu Jingzhuo looked at her lips, 'What’s important is that you don’t bite me again.'"

“……”

"Such a misunderstanding shouldn’t happen again, Chu Yin agreed, 'Alright.'"

"Time was moving on, and Magistrate Zhang along with other officials were already waiting outside."

"The couple stepped out of the bedroom and headed towards the fields."

"Armed with the experience from Nanyang County, Lu Jingzhuo quickly allayed the farmers' concerns. However, having heard about Yi Jian, the farmers tested him with various questions for half an hour."

"Yi Jian’s voice was nearly hoarse from responding."

"Seeing him unflappable, the farmers were impressed and praised his expertise."

"On the way back, Lu Jingzhuo instructed Yi Jian, 'Tomorrow, accompany Jingchen to the other two counties. With you there, it will be easier.'"

Yi Jian understood, “I see, but in my absence, how will Your Highness and the Crown Princess deal with the farmers?”

"'It won’t be difficult. Your eloquent answers today will surely spread far and wide. Once they trust you, everything else will become much easier.' Lu Jingzhuo was confident. 'Once the richest counties like Nanyang and Anfeng are convinced, the others will follow suit.'"

"Still wary of any unforeseen issues, Yi Jian suggested, 'I’ve recorded years of my experience in a ledger, which I always carry. If Your Highness doesn’t mind, I can bring it to you. If the farmers have doubts, you can use it to answer for me.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo nodded, appreciating his thoroughness, 'You’ve thought of everything.'"

"As princes, Lu Jingzhuo and Lu Jingchen were actively easing Emperor Jianxing’s concerns outside the palace, while another prince could only stay idle within the palace walls."

"Consort Hui sighed softly, biting off the thread in her hand."

"The newly finished arm guard was thick, warm, and exquisitely crafted, adorned with rolling cloud patterns, embellished with floral and bird motifs, and edged with golden threads."

"'The Third Prince should like it,' the palace maid Ginkgo asked, 'Shall I send it now?'"

"But Consort Hui wasn’t so optimistic."

"After her son's birth, Emperor Jianxing disliked him, criticizing his thinness and shrill cry as uncomfortable. Without support and fearing the Emperor's blame, she would hide her son whenever he visited. As the boy grew, the Emperor’s disdain persisted, driving her and her son apart. Eventually, her son spent more time with Empress Jiang."

"It was she who had pushed her son away."

"And she who had caused his hand to be crippled."

"If only she had shown more care, he wouldn’t have sought Empress Jiang’s favor and wouldn’t have fallen into that trap."

"Tears welled up in Consort Hui’s eyes."

"Ginkgo tried to comfort her, 'Don’t be sad. I believe the Third Prince still has affection for you. Didn’t he stay for a while during his last visit? If he truly hated you, he wouldn’t have stayed at all.'"

"'Really?' Consort Hui’s expression held a touch of naivety."

"Naturally beautiful, even at her age, Ginkgo said, 'We’ll see once I deliver this arm guard.'"

"'Alright,' Consort Hui cautioned, 'Be discreet... and later inform His Majesty. He might not be pleased.'"

"While in Prince Cheng's residence, she could have her son by her side. But once Prince Cheng became the Emperor, their interactions were limited to secrecy, with rare meetings."

"'I understand,' Ginkgo hurried off."

"Arriving at Hongyi Hall, she handed the arm guard to the attendant, 'Make sure to convey the Empress Consort's sentiments to the Third Prince.'"

"The attendant hesitated whether to accept it and went to inform Lu Jingrui."

"Upon hearing his mother had sent an arm guard, Lu Jingrui couldn’t help but smile softly."

"How interesting."

"After years of indifference, she suddenly changed this year, showing concern for his personal affairs and sending gifts. Was it because she grew older and yearned for motherly affection?"

"Regrettably, belated care held no value for him!"

"Upon reflection, he found he didn’t want this arm guard, even feeling a sense of aversion, yet he still planned to accept it."

"His father showed no affection towards him, but his feelings for Consort Hui were different, tinged with remnants of past affection."

"Unable to predict the future, he saw no need to rush in setting boundaries."

"Perhaps one day, Consort Hui might prove helpful to him."

"Lu Jingrui didn’t mind exploiting his own birth mother for his ends."

"Knowing her son accepted the gift, Consort Hui was greatly relieved. It’s never too late to mend, she thought. With more kindness and effort, perhaps she could bridge the emotional gap with her son."

"Taking out needle and thread, she decided to make another pair of shoes."

"Bright light poured in through the windows and doors, illuminating every corner of the room."

"Recalling yesterday’s insect, Chu Yin, still unnerved, asked Ren Dong and Lian Qiao to check around."

"Although Lu Jingzhuo said the centipede was harmless, what if a poisonous one appeared tonight?"

"The thought made Chu Yin shiver."

"She couldn’t keep relying on Lu Jingzhuo to deal with it."

"No, that wouldn’t do."

"A mosquito net was necessary."

"Chu Yin instructed Ren Dong, 'Go buy a mosquito net. There are insects here at night.'"

"Ren Dong’s eyes widened, 'Princess Consort, you’re too accommodating! Shouldn’t the county office provide the mosquito net? Why should you spend your own money? I’ll go talk to Magistrate Zhang right now; this is unacceptable!'"

"'Come back,' Chu Yin called her back."

"If Magistrate Zhang wanted to play the upright and incorruptible official, let him continue in that role."

"As the Crown Princess, Chu Yin didn’t want to give anyone a reason to accuse her of being imperious or demanding that the county magistrate provide a mosquito net."

"Chu Yin said, 'How much could a mosquito net cost that I can’t afford it? Do you want people to think I’m miserly? Go quickly!'"

"With no other choice, Ren Dong reluctantly took some silver and left."

"Compared to those in the palace, the mosquito nets in the county town were indeed crude, heavier, with inferior embroidery, and less vibrant colors, but they would suffice to keep out insects."

"Ren Dong quickly returned with the purchase."

"She called Lian Qiao to help set up the net."

"When Lu Jingzhuo appeared at the doorway, they were still busy setting it up, one hooking up the net and the other hanging sachets."

"It must have been Chu Yin’s directive..."

"She moved quickly."

"Noticing him, Chu Yin smiled, 'You worked hard yesterday. With this net, I won’t trouble you tonight and can sleep peacefully.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo raised an eyebrow slightly, 'You didn’t sleep well last night?'"

"He had held her all night."

"'A mosquito net always adds a sense of security. Even if insects crawl in, they won’t reach me.'"

“……”

"He regretted suddenly teasing her last night; he shouldn’t have said anything."

"He had underestimated her fear of insects."

"Tonight she certainly wouldn’t be like last night. Lu Jingzhuo’s fingers touched the copper coin in his sleeve, feeling an inexplicable emotion."

"Just then, Lu Jingchen arrived."

"He bowed to them, 'Anfeng County is the second-largest county. The Hai County I’m visiting tomorrow is much smaller, and I’m afraid I won’t find suitable gifts. Sister-in-law, you suggested bringing gifts for Feiyan; do you have any recommendations? The local items surely can’t compare to those in the capital.'"

"She had only bought a shuttlecock the other day."

For just ten coins, there was a beautifully feathered ornament, perhaps from a unique bird found in Nanyang County.

Chu Yin pondered, “Just thinking about it, I can’t come up with a solution. I haven’t been to Anfeng County Town either…”

“Does sister-in-law want to go there now?”

Lu Jingzhuo: “…”

He intended to suggest this himself, but Lu Jingchen beat him to it, proposing that Chu Yin visit the town.

Chu Yin, who had planned to explore a county town during her visit, was open to the idea, “That could work.”

“If sister-in-law goes, then my brother will surely follow,” Lu Jingchen glanced at Lu Jingzhuo with a slight smile, “Brother, you don’t mind if I join, do you?”

Lu Jingzhuo: “…”