Chapter 048

Chapter 048

Chu Yin cast him a reproachful glance, then coaxed the children to sleep, “Zhen, I’ll play more tomorrow, okay?” She also tugged at the hand of her son in Xiao Dou’s arms, “Your father and I just got back, and we’re a bit tired. We’ll play more after resting.”

The children didn’t really want to leave, but seeing their father’s stern expression, they dared not linger and nodded their heads.

Xiao Dou and Qi Niang quickly carried them away.

Only then did Chu Yin speak to Lu Jingzhuo, “Zhen and Xuan haven’t seen us for a long time. It wouldn’t have mattered if they stayed up a bit late tonight. You should have been more flexible, Your Highness. Zhen was having so much fun.”

Lu Jingzhuo said, “You can kick it for Zhen again tomorrow.”

“I might not be able to kick it as well tomorrow. I was just two kicks away from thirty,” Chu Yin lamented.

Though her tone held a complaint, Lu Jingzhuo was captivated by the mention of "thirty."

He hadn’t expected her to count while kicking, and he couldn’t help but curve his lips into a smile.

He had smiled in her presence only three times, each stunningly beautiful, leaving Chu Yin momentarily mesmerized, “Why are you smiling, Your Highness?” Her words didn’t seem amiss.

Perhaps because she was adorable.

Lately, he often found her endearing, something he wouldn’t have in the past.

Without explaining, Lu Jingzhuo simply suggested, “You learned to ride; kicking a shuttlecock can’t be that hard. Just practice a bit more tomorrow.”

That made sense, but it wasn’t her main point. Hesitating, Chu Yin decided to be frank, “I was hoping Your Highness wouldn’t be too rigid about the hour of Xu. It would have been nice if I could have kicked a bit longer just now.”

The hour of Xu was just an excuse; Lu Jingzhuo knew what he wanted, “Next time, I’ll let you finish.”

“Not just with kicking the shuttlecock, but also if we’re doing something else...”

“Alright,” he said, leaning in to kiss her.

Her unspoken words were forced back, but Chu Yin sensed he understood and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Her clothing loosened under his fingertips, the intention clear.

Feeling increasingly cool on her body, Chu Yin suddenly remembered the incident in the carriage.

He actually wanted her to get used to it…

It was astonishing.

He had indeed changed a lot in this aspect. Chu Yin gently reminded, “Your Highness, we haven’t cleaned up yet.”

Usually, at this hour, if they were intimate, it would certainly be after a bath and in bed.

He paused in his actions, slightly lowering his head to look at her.

She was clad only in a pomegranate red tube top, the vivid color accentuating her creamy white skin. Below the tube top, the fullness was evident but not overly pronounced, perfectly balanced.

His eyes darkened but did not respond to the mention of cleaning up, instead, bending down to lift her onto the nearest desk.

The last time it was a writing desk with an inkstone that wet her skirt, something Chu Yin remembered clearly.

That time, he had been drugged; now, he was fully conscious, yet still as impulsive. Chu Yin softly asked, “Your Highness… why here?”

He didn’t answer, instead taking her knees in his hands and parting them.

His forceful action caused her face to redden slightly.

Their eyes met, and he said, “It doesn’t matter where.”

The key was his desire for her, right here and now.

There was no time to ponder over anything else.

Chu Yin quickly understood the meaning behind his words.

After holding back for too long, his need for release was urgent, the pent-up desires of half a month weighing heavily, nearly overwhelming her.

For the first time, she asked him to be gentle, crying out in pain. When she saw him slow down, a fire seemed to burn in his usually calm eyes.

After the storm had passed, she closed her eyes, not wanting to move at all.

Her lush black hair spread out on the desk like satin, framing her exquisitely beautiful face reminiscent of a blooming peony.

He observed her collapsed form, lost in thought.

Undeniably, he had altered some of his habits.

Habits he once thought he would never change.

Those unseemly and inappropriate behaviors, after trying them out, he found himself easily accepting them.

It appeared that there was an aspect of his nature, deeply unfamiliar to himself, that emerged in connection with Chu Yin.

His fingers traced her cheek, gently caressing.

Chu Yin became a bit more alert, whispering, “I’m cold…”

The table beneath her was cold, and without any cover on her body, it indeed felt chilly.

Lu Jingzhuo draped his outer garment over her and instructed a palace maid, “Make sure the water is warmer.”

Inside, Dongling had already taken the initiative to prepare everything, reporting, “Your Highness, everything is ready.”

Lu Jingzhuo carried Chu Yin to the adjoining room.

The water in the bathtub was warm, and upon contact, Chu Yin's body shivered delicately, emitting a faint moan.

Seeing her relax, he turned and left the room.

Dongling, with a towel in hand, helped Chu Yin wipe down, exchanging glances with Lianqiao several times.

It was the first time they had seen so many kiss marks on the Crown Princess.

It seemed this trip had deepened the bond between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

Exhausted, Chu Yin only realized the marks on her body while dressing in her mid-garment after the bath.

Images of the man burying his face in her chest flashed in her mind, suddenly remembering him biting her neck in the carriage.

This time it was biting...

Her cheeks warmed at the thought, realizing how unrestrained he could become after holding back for so long.

The next day.

Eager to practice shuttlecock kicking, Chu Yin got up early, dressed in exercise clothes, and practiced in the courtyard before her daughter woke up.

Perhaps due to her consistent martial arts practice, she surprisingly managed to kick the shuttlecock thirty times successfully.

The palace maids cheered enthusiastically.

Dongling even commented that she kicked better than him.

Knowing they were just flattering her, Chu Yin still felt elated. Her body had become much stronger compared to her previous life, and the effects of her physical training were evident. She even took the opportunity to practice her martial arts.

When her children came to greet her, she showed off her shuttlecock kicking skills, managing to kick it fifty times in a row, earning their admiration.

Lu Zhen was full of praise, asking her mother to teach her.

Chu Yin played with her for a while.

At that moment, a palace maid delivered a letter.

Taking a break, Chu Yin sat on a lounge chair under the eaves to read it.

The letter was from her mother, stating that her father had replied favorably to the marriage proposal, and the matchmaker had been sent to the Dou family. Both families had agreed on the auspicious date of April 6th for the following year.

With no further complications and everything smoothly arranged, Chu Yin was completely relieved and began pondering what wedding gift to send.

This was a significant event for her maternal family, and she shared the news with Lu Jingzhuo at lunch.

When her father visited the Wenshu Monastery, Lu Jingzhuo had acted as regent and had a good understanding of the officials, expressing admiration for Dou Zuoshaoqing's integrity and impartiality, a rare 'iron-faced' official.

Chu Yin was not surprised.

The officials she had chosen were indeed capable men destined to be valued by Lu Jingzhuo in the future.

"With Your Highness’s approval, I feel even more reassured."

Reminding him as he was about to return to the Chunhui Pavilion, "Your Highness, don’t forget your promise to Zhen from yesterday."

She was referring to the arrangement for him to take their son horseback riding.

Lu Jingzhuo nodded, then paused at the door and said, “Join us tomorrow.”

Chu Yin responded, “I was planning to practice my riding skills anyway.”

“Missing one day of practice won’t matter, right?”

His back was turned to her, obscuring his expression, but his tone was unmistakable. Chu Yin hesitated for a moment before replying, “Understood, I’ll join you tomorrow.”

Lu Jingzhuo then continued on his way.

Speaking of riding, Chu Yin hadn't practiced for over half a month. In the afternoon, she planned to bring some snacks and the travelogue she bought as a gift for Yu Sizhang, but after flipping through a few pages in the carriage, she changed her mind.

The travelogue opened with a vivid description of the cloud seas at Yue Mountain, which she initially thought was perfect for Yu Sizhang. However, she suddenly worried that reading about Yue Mountain might inspire Yu Sizhang to visit there.

If in her previous life Yu Sizhang met the Duke of Song during his travels, she feared this life's events might lead him to miss that opportunity.

She decided to leave the travelogue in the carriage.

Reuniting after more than half a month, both Chu Yin and Yu Sizhang were delighted, sharing amusing stories from the inspection journey.

The Imperial Horse Supervisor's eunuch brought over the horse Chixia, which cheerfully wagged its tail.

Chu Yin mounted Chixia and, feeling no unfamiliarity, rode adeptly around the enclosure twice.

"Yu Sizhang, where do you plan to travel first after leaving the palace?" she inquired.

Yu Sizhang had his plans set: “Yunzhou. My grandfather once served there, and I have always been intrigued by the place.”

Hearing this, Chu Yin realized she had been overly cautious; Yu Sizhang had already made his plans.

Nonetheless, to be absolutely cautious, she decided to err on the side of prudence. She truly feared disrupting Yu Sizhang's future marriage prospects with her daughter.

Meanwhile, after returning from the palace the previous day, Princess Baocheng didn’t rest for long. Early in the morning, she ordered the musicians to play and sing while she lounged on a couch, sipping wine and enjoying the performance, epitomizing leisure and comfort.

Jinrui, among the musicians, had the finest voice, clear and melodious like a warbling oriole.

After the performance, Princess Baocheng generously rewarded her.

After expressing her gratitude, Jinrui went behind her mistress to massage her shoulders.

"You really must take care of your health and not indulge so whimsically," Jinrui gently advised. "Now that you're on your own, unlike before when the Marquis took care of everything for you..."

Princess Baocheng remained silent.

Seeing her mistress didn’t object, Jinrui grew bolder and brought over tea, suggesting, “Princess, perhaps it’s best to drink less alcohol at this hour.”

Princess Baocheng suddenly erupted, smashing the teacup to the ground: “What did he offer you?”

Jinrui was startled and quickly knelt down.

“I am guilty, Princess. I should not have spoken for the Marquis. Please, punish me as you see fit!”

Those musicians had been accustomed to her ways and thus were brought along to the Princess's residence, but Baocheng had forgotten that they were originally presented by Jiang Xian to please her. Jiang even considered offering Jinrui and Wan Cha to her brother.

Princess Baocheng scoffed coldly, “He still hasn’t given up.”

Divorce was not uncommon in the capital, but finding a suitable husband afterward was challenging. Jiang Xian had secretly contacted her, asking her to persuade the Princess. Jinrui, having suffered much under her previous master, owed Jiang Xian for her improved circumstances.

She kowtowed, “I was blinded and manipulated by the Marquis, deserving of death for my betrayal!”

Debts of gratitude were due, but it was time to end them.

Princess Baocheng, well aware of Jiang Xian's character and knowing Jinrui’s predicament, said indifferently, “I’ll overlook it this time, but there must not be a next time, or you’ll receive twenty lashes.”

Twenty lashes were severe enough to cripple, if not kill.

“Thank you for your great mercy, Princess. I will remember this lesson,” Jinrui bowed her head thrice in gratitude.

Princess Baocheng bit into a fragrant pear, “Tell me, how exactly did he instruct you? Let's hear it.”

Jinrui spoke softly, "The Marquis said you’re accustomed to being served and now all alone, you would soon feel lonely and suggested that I should frequently mention him..."

Princess Baocheng burst into laughter.

Times had changed. Was she now so deprived of attendants that she'd feel lonely? Did Jiang Xian really think of himself as indispensable? The idea that she needed him, of all people, was ludicrous!

“Everyone leave,” Princess Baocheng waved dismissively.

The musicians bowed and exited.

The music ceased, leaving only the sound of the gusting wind outside.

Winter was approaching.

Watching leaves flutter down like butterflies, Princess Baocheng sighed.

Since moving here, she had been comfortable, but had she ever truly been uncomfortable in the last three to four years? Even though her sons had seen their father's true nature, they were occupied with their own affairs and couldn’t always be by her side, leaving her feeling occasionally lonely.

But her life was still long ahead.

Perhaps it was time to find a companion, but it certainly wouldn't be Jiang Xian...

The wind continued to blow, showing no signs of stopping.

Chu Yin, observing the dispersing clouds, suggested, “Shall we postpone to tomorrow?”

“No need, it’s not raining,” commanded Prince Jingzhe, instructing a maid, “Bring two hats.”

He didn’t want to change the schedule, just sought a solution. Chu Yin inquired, “Does Your Highness fear wasting half a day tomorrow?”

Prince Jingzhe looked down at his wife, “It’s not a waste.”

His perspective on this was indeed commendable.

Chu Yin playfully asked, "Oh? What's that called?"

Lu Jingzhao, however, did not respond.

An attendant from the Imperial Stables had already brought over Baiye, the night-white horse, to the racetrack.

Seeing the horse, Lu Zhen was extremely excited, tugging at his father's robe: "Father!"

Lu Jingzhao then took him horseback riding.

Chu Yin and her daughter stood by, watching.

Lu Zhen tilted her head and asked, "Hasn’t mother learned it yet?"

"I have learned it, but I don’t ride as well as your father, and I wouldn’t dare take you both. What if we fell?" Chu Yin pondered, "Perhaps next April or May would be more suitable."

"Next year?" the child exclaimed.

"It's going to be cold soon, and we won't be able to ride."

"Oh, the horses get cold too."

Chu Yin smiled and playfully ruffled her daughter’s hair through her fluffy hat: "The horses get cold, and so do we."

Lu Jingzhao completed the promised five laps with his son.

The child's cheeks turned rosy from the wind.

Chu Yin asked, "Does the wind hurt?"

"Not at all, it's so much fun!" the child exclaimed.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Chu Yin smiled subtly, thinking that her son would surely excel in riding and archery in this life.

Next, Lu Jingzhao took Lu Zhen for a ride.

The little girl, not particularly interested in riding, clung to her father and asked for a story instead, content with just one lap around.

Feeling the wind growing stronger, Chu Yin instructed Qi Niang to pick up Lu Zhen, preparing to return.

Unexpectedly, Lu Jingzhao did not dismount from the horse.

Chu Yin approached and asked, "Your Highness, do you plan to practice your riding and archery alone for a while longer?"

He did not answer but instead bent down and wrapped one arm around her waist.

Taken aback, Chu Yin momentarily failed to react.

In that brief moment, with a gentle pull, he lifted her onto the horseback.

Lu Zhen exclaimed, “Mother and Father are riding together!”

Chu Yin’s heart raced with excitement.

She had certainly longed for a shared ride, but despite her previous playful requests and coaxing, he had always refused. Now, without any prompting from her, he had spontaneously decided to ride together...

His demeanor had completely changed. Did he genuinely prefer her more dignified side?

Chu Yin maintained her composure, saying, “Your Highness, is this appropriate?”

Her words reminded Lu Jingzhao of a previous occasion when she had cautioned him to “be mindful of propriety.”

But that time, she was upset and had spoken out of spite.

This time, it was merely out of modesty.

However, he saw nothing wrong with it.

"We are a family," he thought. After riding with the children, it was only natural to take a turn with his wife. Lu Jingzhao grasped the reins, ready to start, and reminded her, “Hold onto me.”

Chu Yin: “…”