Chapter 047

Chapter 047

She hadn’t planned to bite.

The wound on his lip was healing slowly; even without kissing, it inevitably touched soups and sauces at meals, taking days to fully recover. Besides, they were almost home. It would be embarrassing if his parents or in-laws noticed upon arrival.

Chu Yin said, “I wouldn’t bite Your Highness again.”

But her reaction was somewhat similar to that day.

He glanced at her hand, “You’re holding very tightly. Do you feel something is amiss with me again?”

“...Do you think this action is normal?” she gazed at his lips, now vividly colored, “I previously mentioned that Your Highness is self-disciplined and strict with yourself. That’s why I find this surprising.”

People change in unnoticed moments, and by the time one realizes it, they’ve already adapted to, and even started liking, the change.

Lu Jingzhuo said, “In the future, you don’t have to find it strange. Just get used to it.”

“……”

Half a month ago, a mere kiss on the cheek had him preaching about propriety, and now, he expected her to get used to his advances without changing his expression.

Chu Yin was so surprised she didn’t know what to say.

He leaned down to kiss her again.

This kiss was slightly more intense than before. She felt the lipstick on her lips being completely removed by him, and when it started to sting a bit, his kisses suddenly trailed to her earlobe and down her neck.

Igniting a trail of fire, his hand around her waist gripped tighter, moving upwards.

His hands grasped her soft curves, turning Chu Yin's initial stiffness into a helpless surrender, her breath nearly turning into a gasp.

Last time was a misunderstanding, thinking he wanted to be intimate in the carriage, but this time it felt real...

After days away, staying in various county offices, not to mention the uncomfortable bed in Anfeng County with its bugs, and then being caught up in various matters in other counties, his restraint over half a month was perhaps understandable.

Chu Yin could understand, but not accept it.

Upon entering the palace, they were to first greet his parents. Where would they find time to freshen up?

Just as she was about to protest, she felt a painful bite on her neck, followed by her husband ceasing all actions.

The fragrance in the carriage was intense and mixed.

Chu Yin opened the window.

The cool breeze of late autumn blew in, chilling both of them who were lightly perspiring.

Noticing his wife shivering on his lap, Lu Jingzhuo closed the window.

“Be careful not to catch a cold,” his voice was hoarse.

Chu Yin said, “I was worried you weren’t thinking clearly.”

He had been close to losing control. While it wasn’t surprising - his desire for Chu Yin was always strong, especially after abstaining for a while - Lu Jingzhuo lifted her off his lap, “If I really wasn’t thinking clearly, opening the window wouldn’t have helped.”

“Is that so?” Chu Yin glanced over his composed face, genuinely asking, “Then what should I do?”

“Cooperate with me.”

“……”

She wasn’t sure whether he was joking or serious.

………………………

Emperor Jianxing, knowing precisely how his sons had been conducting their tasks, had already ordered the preparation of a celebration banquet for their return today, inviting Princess Baocheng and her daughter-in-law Tang Feiyan to the palace to liven things up.

Not having seen her husband for many days, Tang Feiyan dressed exceptionally attractively, in a pink dress with floral patterns, delicate like the peaches and plums of spring.

Empress Dowager Jiang teased her with a smile, “Missing Jingchen, are you?”

Tang Feiyan’s cheeks reddened, not denying it.

Lu Xuan and Lu Zhen, knowing their parents were on their way home, were very excited, asking their grandmother, “How much longer? Why haven’t they arrived?” The children had been staying with Empress Dowager Jiang in Kun Ning Palace and had grown quite close to her.

The innocent and romantic nature of the children, even in their occasional fuss, brought joy to everyone, making Empress Dowager Jiang feel years younger.

“Soon, very soon. Just be patient a little longer,” she replied, adjusting a pearl flower on her granddaughter’s head, then turned to Lu Jingrui, “Why don’t you play with Xuan for a while? He can hardly sit still.”

Lu Jingrui agreed.

Princess Baocheng also arrived at Kun Ning Palace at this time.

“Auntie,” Tang Feiyan’s eyes brightened, and she greeted her enthusiastically, “You’ve been glowing ever since moving to the Princess Mansion, looking more and more beautiful!”

Unexpectedly, Princess Baocheng responded indifferently and walked past her.

Tang Feiyan stood there, at a loss.

Her niece and nephew-in-law used to flatter her, and Princess Baocheng enjoyed it initially. But after the Jiang Xian incident, her perspective changed, and she now found such flattery repulsive.

Princess Baocheng greeted Empress Dowager Jiang, “Sister-in-law, you look in good spirits.”

"Thanks to Xue and Zhen," Empress Jiang looked her over, "How have you been lately? Are you getting used to living alone in the Princess's Mansion?"

Empress Jiang was quite surprised by her divorce from Jiang Xian, but admired Princess Baocheng's decisiveness.

She knew all too well the torment of a loveless marriage.

"I'm quite comfortable," Princess Baocheng's smile was bright, "It’s thanks to my brother’s blessing. Otherwise, how could I afford such a residence?" The Princess's Mansion bestowed by her brother was the Yan King's Mansion from the Renzong era, even more spacious and exquisite than the Xuan Ning Marquis's mansion.

As they conversed, a maid reported that the Crown Prince's carriage had entered the palace.

The brothers went to Qianqing Palace with Chu Yin first.

Lu Jingzhuo reported to his father about the sowing situation in the six counties. Although Emperor Jianxing already knew in advance, he still listened with great care. When Lu Jingzhuo mentioned the other two counties, he called Lu Jingchen to present.

Emperor Jianxing’s smile deepened a bit.

Despite keeping his second son in the capital instead of letting him govern a province, he didn't want to see discord between brothers. Seeing Lu Jingzhuo's magnanimity, the eldest son certainly did not disappoint him, and the second son was also capable of bearing great responsibilities. Emperor Jianxing was very pleased and immediately rewarded both sons generously.

"Let's go, I shall host a celebration for you!" Emperor Jianxing waved his hand and stood up, heading towards the hall door.

He paused midway, glancing at his daughter-in-law Chu Yin, who had remained silent: "Ah Yin, you did well too, but I won’t reward you this time."

Chu Yin bowed: "It’s an honor for your daughter-in-law to receive your praise, Father Emperor."

Emperor Jianxing smiled and strode out.

The other three followed closely behind.

Tang Feiyan, being the junior, waited with Lu Jingrui outside the main gate. Seeing the group, she hurried over, saluted Emperor Jianxing and the couple Lu Jingzhuo, then threw herself into her husband’s arms.

Lu Jingchen coughed lightly but didn't pull away, murmuring, "That’s no way to behave."

He was pleased his wife missed him so much, but admonished her lightly due to the presence of others.

Tang Feiyan didn’t let go, still clinging tightly to his waist.

A short separation indeed makes a marriage feel new.

Chu Yin glanced at Lu Jingzhuo.

Unfortunately, he didn't like her. When she returned from Wenshu Monastery, she tried to appear dignified, but he was even more indifferent, showing no signs of missing her, unlike his younger brother and sister-in-law.

Feeling her gaze, Lu Jingzhuo looked back at her.

But Chu Yin turned her head away.

Tang Feiyan complained, “When you’re not here, people always bully me.”

“Who?”

“My mother, and…” Tang Feiyan whispered, “and my aunt. Just now, I did nothing wrong, and she gave me the cold shoulder. I can’t figure out when I ever offended her!”

Lu Jingchen frowned, “Are you sure you did nothing?”

“I did nothing, don’t you believe me?” Tang Feiyan became irritated, “I stay at home every day, where could I go? It’s my aunt who divorced and moved into the Princess’s Mansion.”

Her voice was loud enough to carry forward.

Surprised, Chu Yin said to Lu Jingzhuo, “Your Highness, did you hear that? My aunt actually got a divorce.”

“Hmm, not surprising.”

“True,” Chu Yin mused. With her powerful father behind her, Princess Baocheng’s divorce was not a big deal, but it happened quicker than expected.

“Big brother, sister-in-law, you were gone for just a few days, and Father Emperor ordered my aunt and uncle to divorce. If my uncle hadn’t delayed with the divorce letter, it would have been even quicker,” Lu Jingrui, joining their conversation, informed them, then glanced at Lu Jingzhuo, “Big brother, you’ve lost weight, but that’s normal. You managed to settle the affairs in just half a month, you probably didn’t rest at all, did you?”

“Mainly because I didn’t want to affect the sowing, so I resolved it quickly.”

“Only big brother has the capability to do so, no wonder Father Emperor sent you to supervise.”

It was actually him and his younger brother who were sent, leaving only Lu Jingrui behind.

Lu Jingzhuo patted his shoulder in consolation.

As they entered the house, the two children, seeing their parents, rushed over, extending their arms for hugs.

Lu Jingzhuo and Chu Yin each picked up a child and went to pay their respects to Empress Jiang and Princess Baocheng.

“Xue, Zhen, have you been troubling your grandmother?” Chu Yin asked.

“Not at all, they’re so well-behaved. What trouble could they cause?”

Hearing his wife’s words, Emperor Jianxing recalled the hour he spent with the two children in the jade carriage, realizing that boys and girls are different. As adorable as children are, they can be quite a handful.

“Will mother stay home now that she’s back?” Lu Zhen asked.

“Yes, I won’t be going out for a while,” Chu Yin lowered her head and kissed her cheek, “I’ve brought gifts for you, I’ll show you when we get home.”

“Yay!”

Lu Xue, however, asked his father about riding the big horse, something he was particularly fixated on.

Lu Jingzhuo promised to take him riding the day after tomorrow, then suddenly asked Chu Yin, “Can you see any changes?”

Chu Yin: “…”

She really couldn’t see any.

Could half a month be really that short?

She stubbornly said, “You’ve grown a bit taller, just a little,” making a gesture with her thumb and index finger.

There was a certain adorable stubbornness to it.

Lu Jingzhuo’s lips curled up, but he didn’t call her out.

Empress Jiang ordered the maids to set the table for the meal.

Lu Jingchen spoke to Princess Baocheng with a smile, “Aunt, I just heard about your situation. How have you been lately? If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Princess Baocheng responded indifferently, “If I need help, I’ll ask your elder brother. Jingchen, just focus on your own matters.”

Compared to before, the attitude was strikingly different.

Tang Feiyan tugged at his sleeve from behind, "See? I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Lu Jingchen pondered, "Yes, you didn't lie to me."

But why? Everything was fine before.

No, it wasn't. Before his aunt's divorce, he had been turned away at the Marquis of Xuan Ning's residence. Maybe she started disliking them from that point.

Lu Jingchen furrowed his brows deeply.

"Could it be…" Tang Feiyan glanced towards Lu Jingzhuo and his wife.

She suspected that the couple had played some tricks.

"Impossible," Lu Jingchen whispered, "My achievement this time is thanks to my elder brother," although Lu Jingzhuo had his own motives, the credit was genuinely given to him. Chu Yin, even less likely to stir up trouble, "My sister-in-law even reminded me to bring a gift for you, and she personally selected it," he beckoned for Xin Shi to bring over the jade carving to show his wife, "Take a look, do you like it?"

Tang Feiyan’s eyes widened in surprise, "Really?"

Could Chu Yin really do such a thing?

"Why would I lie to you? You can ask anyone."

Tang Feiyan stopped talking, just staring at the jadeite carving.

The fish was chubby and adorable, with a ruyi lock on its back, indeed very much to her liking.

"Alright, I believe you."

"So don’t oppose my sister-in-law anymore, understand?"

Previously advised by her mother and seeing her husband’s serious demeanor, Tang Feiyan nodded obediently.

When all the dishes were served, Emperor Jianxing led the way to the table.

With delicious food filling the air, everyone engaged in lively conversation.

After the meal, Princess Baocheng said to Lu Jingzhuo, “Next time, I’ll talk to my brother and have you take Ah Yin out of the palace. I’ve moved to a new home and should invite you both over.” It was her nephew who had reminded her last time, and she had yet to thank him.

Lu Jingzhuo was pleasantly surprised, “Thank you, auntie.”

Meanwhile, Chu Yin inquired about Lu Jingrui's injury, “Third brother, how did the treatment from the head of the horse institute go?”

“……”

His sister-in-law’s immediate concern upon her return was indeed overwhelming.

Lu Jingrui said, “The head of the Horse Institute suggested trying acupuncture, though its effectiveness might be limited.”

“Even a one-thousandth chance is worth trying,” Chu Yin earnestly advised, “Third brother, you’re still young. You shouldn’t give up so easily. Seeing you like this is truly heartbreaking.”

Heartbreaking?

Lu Jingrui glanced at the gentle-faced Chu Yin, unable to decipher her thoughts, and diplomatically responded, “Sister-in-law, I've gotten used to using my left hand. There's no need to insist on using the right.”

He actually preferred his right hand to remain “useless,” to appear more vulnerable in front of Lu Jingzhuo and his mother-in-law.

Chu Yin inwardly scoffed, maintaining a gentle tone, “Third brother, can you explain why? I really don’t understand... I, myself, am weak and had difficulty even practicing basic exercises, but I didn’t give up. Then, I learned horse riding. To be honest, I couldn’t endure it for long, yet I still persisted. You’re only seventeen; why resign yourself to being a ‘disabled person’?”

No one had ever spoken to him like this before.

When he was injured, Empress Dowager Jiang did consult many physicians, but after the treatments, he pretended not to recover, and she eventually let it be, treating him more kindly. Lu Jingzhuo did the same, and neither encouraged him to try further.

On reflection, they had treated him as a “disabled person,” only planning to take extra care of him in the future.

But his sister-in-law didn’t.

She encouraged him, wanting him to be a whole person.

Lu Jingrui felt a mix of emotions.

After a moment, he said, “Sister-in-law is absolutely right. I will ask the head of the Horse Institute to come for acupuncture tomorrow.”

Chu Yin was very gratified, “I'm glad you're open to the idea.”

Not knowing what the two were discussing, Lu Jingzhuo glanced over curiously but quickly resumed his conversation with his father about the magistrates of the counties.

Such phenomena were not uncommon, and Emperor Jianxing pondered, “Although the imperial examination has its flaws, there’s no better alternative for selecting talent. We can only strengthen the review and evaluation process.”

Indeed, no one is perfect, and the same goes for systems; sometimes, they can’t be too demanding, Lu Jingzhuo understood.

By the time they returned to the Eastern Palace, it was already the hour of Xu.

Usually, the two children would be asleep by now, but today, excited to reunite with their parents, they clung to them and refused to leave.

Chu Yin then brought out the gifts for them to see.

“This shuttlecock is for you, Zhen, and this clay figurine. Isn’t it cute?” The figurine was purchased in a later county, where the artisan had skillfully crafted several lively and interesting little girls.

Lu Zhen nodded enthusiastically, “They’re all beautiful!”

Chu Yin also gave Lu Xuan his gifts, which included clay figurines of several horses.

The two children immediately started playing with them.

Since the shuttlecock was a gift from their mother, Lu Zhen didn’t let the palace maids play but tried it herself. Each time she failed to keep it aloft for more than a couple of kicks, she pouted in frustration, “It’s so hard, so hard!”

Chu Yin comforted her, “You’re still young. You’ll be able to do it in a couple of years.”

“Can Mother play?” she asked curiously, tilting her head. She had only seen the palace maids play and wondered if her mother could.

“Of course,” Chu Yin replied. Which girl hadn’t played with a shuttlecock in her youth?

Chu Yin bent down to lift the hem of her skirt, holding it with her left hand to reveal her apricot-colored silk pants underneath.

With her right hand, Chu Yin tossed the shuttlecock, then accurately caught it with her embroidered shoe on her right foot, giving it a little push to send it back into the air.

“Wow,” Lu Zhen exclaimed, “Mother is amazing!”

Encouraged by her daughter's praise, Chu Yin became even more spirited, kicking the shuttlecock like delicate autumn chrysanthemum petals fluttering in the air.

Her gold tasseled lantern earrings swayed continuously by her ears.

Lu Jingzhuo, while keeping his son company, admired her. His gaze swept over her slightly undone hair, the upturned corners of her mouth, her agile legs, and finally rested on a particularly full and quivering part of her body.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he handed his son to Xiao Dou, “It’s getting late; take him to rest.”

Lu Xuan protested, “I’m not sleepy, Father!”

Ignoring him, Lu Jingzhuo walked over, caught the shuttlecock mid-air, and placed it on the table, “It’s the hour of Xu.”

Chu Yin: “…”

She had just managed twenty-eight consecutive kicks and was only two away from thirty!

Why couldn’t they wait a little longer?

Did they really have to go to bed precisely at the hour of Xu?