Chapter 053

Chapter 053

He strode quickly to where Tang Feiyan stood.

"The lamb is almost ready, go sit over there and don’t disturb big brother and sister-in-law."

Tang Feiyan’s eyes brightened and then dimmed.

She had thought he came to console her, but it turned out he was just worried she might do something wrong again.

"I'm not disturbing sister-in-law. I'm planning to teach her archery next year," she said, chin lifted.

Was this the reason for big brother's displeasure?

Worried about sister-in-law getting hurt? Lu Jingchen hurriedly said, "With your skills, you're hardly qualified to teach sister-in-law. Even shooting the sheep today was just luck," he said apologetically to Chu Yin, "Feiyan lacks self-awareness, please don’t take offense, sister-in-law."

Tang Feiyan's eyes widened in disbelief, "What do you mean 'lacks self-awareness'? Sister-in-law praised me, ask her if you don’t believe it."

Glancing at his brother sitting upright and silent, Lu Jingchen said, "Sister-in-law is kind and gentle. No matter how good or bad your archery is, she would protect your feelings. Why make things difficult for her?"

Chu Yin: "..."

She certainly wouldn’t have praised if Tang Feiyan hadn’t hit the sheep.

Feeling constantly belittled by her husband, Tang Feiyan, trembling with anger, said, "Fine, fine, fine, you really think that..."

Before she could say anything unpleasant, Lu Jingchen interrupted, taking her arm, "I’ll cut some lamb for you later," then excused themselves to Lu Jingzhuo and his wife, "Please forgive Feiyan’s thoughtless actions earlier."

Distracted by the promise of "cutting lamb," by the time she reacted, her husband was leading her away.

Tang Feiyan regained her senses, "I won’t go, I don’t want another lecture."

Arguing here would likely draw attention from their father and aunt. Getting Tang Feiyan to go back to Chu Yin was also not an option. Lu Jingchen took a deep breath, whispering, "Why do you think Father specifically mentioned not awarding big brother the golden bow today?"

Tang Feiyan was stopped by his question.

In this moment of confusion, her husband led her to a chair.

The aroma of the roasted lamb grew stronger, carried by the wind to everyone's nostrils.

Without the golden bow but still striving for first place shows Father’s high expectations. Today, Lu Jingzhuo didn’t disappoint him, outperforming even the experienced warriors. "Able to govern in peace, and fight in turmoil," his position as Crown Prince is even more secure.

Thus, their own chances are lower. Tang Feiyan sighed softly, "But sister-in-law really did praise me. Without your interference, maybe I could have taught her."

"Big brother doesn’t want you teaching, can’t you see that?"

"…Is that really the case?"

"What else do you think my intervention was for?"

Tang Feiyan was left speechless.

Glancing at the roasted lamb, Lu Jingchen stood up, "You sit here, I’ll go slice some lamb and bring you a portion."

"You won’t let the servants do it?"

"No need, I’m familiar with this."

From his words, Tang Feiyan could guess the role he usually played during hunting, and her anger dissipated instantly.

Lu Jingchen picked up a carving knife.

The juiciest and most tender parts were naturally reserved for his father and aunt, followed by his elder brother and sister-in-law, with Tang Feiyan coming after.

In terms of thoughtfulness, it was always the younger son who showed it most. Emperor Jianxing thought, always taking meticulous care of him. Unfortunately, the younger son lacked the qualities needed for a Crown Prince, certainly not comparable to the elder.

He could only try to make his son’s life as comfortable as possible.

This method of roasting lamb was somewhat rustic, perhaps not fully flavored due to the short preparation time. Yet, after fatigue, in the wilderness, seeing the golden-browned surface of the lamb, one couldn’t help but feel an appetite. Chu Yin was about to reach for it but paused.

Turning to look at Lu Jingzhuo, she asked, "Is this one shot by Your Highness?"

She had just seen Lu Jingchen cutting the lamb from the center.

The man, still pondering over the archery issue, his eyes flickering with a hint of amusement, said, "Do you want to eat what I caught myself?"

"Yes," she didn't hide her preference, "Is this one it?"

"Yes."

Chu Yin, seeing his certainty, questioned, "How can Your Highness be so sure?"

"The wound." He always aimed for the neck, ensuring a quick kill.

While other warriors might also have aimed for the neck, Chu Yin initially wondered but then realized the servants, savvy as they were, would surely roast the lamb shot by the Crown Prince for the Emperor.

Chu Yin smiled and reached for some lamb.

But instead of placing it on her plate, she put it on Lu Jingzhuo’s.

"Thank you for your efforts," she said.

Lu Jingzhuo didn’t eat it but, mimicking her, also picked a piece of lamb and placed it on her plate.

Princess Baocheng, observing their every move, commented to Emperor Jianxing, "Jingzhuo and Ah Yin are so affectionate. I think they'll give you another grandchild soon."

Chewing on his lamb, Emperor Jianxing remarked, "They already have both a son and a daughter. I’m now more hopeful for Jingchen..." he said, glancing at his younger son and daughter-in-law.

To his surprise, he saw the couple being excessively affectionate, feeding each other.

Princess Baocheng frowned, "If they’re like this and still not expecting, perhaps they should consult a physician."

Her tone seemingly disapproving, Emperor Jianxing glanced at her oddly, "They’ve been married less than a year. It’s too early to consult a physician. Let’s wait and see."

Aware of her brother’s fondness and affection for his younger son, Princess Baocheng refrained from saying more. However, the affection displayed by both couples stirred feelings of contemplation in her.

She realized she had never experienced mutual love.

Jiang Xian, chosen by her father, was not her choice. She endured the marriage for years, and after her brother ascended the throne, Jiang Xian became more attentive. For the sake of their children, she decided to continue the marriage.

Yet, she never felt the thrill of being in love.

She wondered what it felt like to fall for a man.

In her youth, she had only fantasized...

At fifteen, she heard her maids discussing the newly crowned top scholar, described as having a jade-like face and rosy lips, exuding grace and nobility. She found herself yearning, yet confined to the palace, she had no chance to meet him.

Noticing his sister lost in thought, Emperor Jianxing called out, "Shan Hui, what are you thinking about? The lamb's getting cold."

Princess Baocheng brought her gaze back from the horizon, asking, "Brother, do you think I should remarry?"

“……”

Emperor Jianxing had never considered this question.

"Brother, I'm only thirty-seven, not old yet, am I?"

"Of course not," Emperor Jianxing pondered briefly, feeling his sister shouldn't spend the rest of her life alone, "At thirty-seven, you're in the prime of your life. Shan Hui, if there’s a man you fancy, I will arrange the marriage for you."

Princess Baocheng chuckled and pinched her brother’s arm, "Arrange a marriage, as if I’m a young girl again."

"In my eyes, you always are," Emperor Jianxing earnestly replied, "Choose carefully, this time I'll make the decision for you."

Hearing this, Princess Baocheng felt a twinge in her nose.

She never had the freedom to choose before; her father's decision was final, and she dared not object.

Now, with her brother's affection, Princess Baocheng felt truly blessed.

Yet...

She wasn't old, but at thirty-seven, she wasn't young either.

Sighing, Princess Baocheng said, "Having you decide for me is great, but suddenly I don't know what to do... Marrying someone my age means they’re likely already with a family, and I don't want to break up someone else's home. Marrying a younger man, I fear they might have ulterior motives. I don't want to invite trouble," she mused, resting her chin in her hand, "Even if you want to arrange a marriage, I might not find a suitable candidate."

"Take your time to find the right one, no need to rush. Haste doesn’t bring success."

Princess Baocheng playfully retorted, "I’m not in a rush!"

Emperor Jianxing laughed, "What’s wrong with being eager? Desires are natural. When I want to choose a concubine, I do it openly. You choosing a husband is the same. Just remember, whatever decision you make, I will support you."

"Thank you, brother," Princess Baocheng felt reassured.

As dusk approached, Emperor Jianxing, mindful of the memorials he hadn't finished reviewing, decided to head back to the capital after the meal.

With age, he no longer rode horses for such journeys, preferring the carriage instead.

Princess Baocheng did the same.

Halfway through, Lu Jingzhuo joined Chu Yin in her carriage.

Chu Yin, thinking he was tired, suggested, "Your Highness, why not rest a bit? I’ll wake you when we reach the city gates."

"No need." He pulled her onto his lap.

The wind in Nanyuan was strong, tousling her hair. He gathered the strands beside her cheek in his hand, playing with them.

This was his first time making such a gesture; Chu Yin watched him with interest.

He suddenly asked, "Tired?"

"Not too bad."

His hand moved downwards, "Does it hurt here?"

She tensed, recalling the spot he pressed after her first horse ride, "A little bit... don’t press." It would be sore if pressed.

"I should have brought the ointment."

"Even if you had, we couldn’t use it here."

"No one can see us."

"..." He was becoming increasingly uninhibited.

Unconsciously, Chu Yin pressed her legs together.

He smirked, lifting her chin to kiss her.

After a moment of intimacy, he moved to leave but was held back by Chu Yin.

"Did you find out anything about what I asked you to investigate regarding Aunt?" Chu Yin inquired.

Lu Jingzhuo replied, "Let's discuss it when we return to the palace."

Seeing his expression, it seemed like no small matter. Chu Yin realized her intuition was right; there was indeed something suspicious about her aunt's death.

She released her hold, "Alright."

Apart from the civil and military officials, the empress and consorts in the palace also received their share of the hunt; the Kunning Palace got a sheep, a deer, and two rabbits.

Empress Jiang, mindful that Lu Jingrui hadn’t joined the hunt, invited him, Lu Jingzhuo and his family, and the two children to dine with her in the evening.

Chu Yin, having eaten plenty of roasted lamb earlier, wasn't very hungry and focused on feeding the children.

In the past, family dinners were crowded, and to avoid disturbing the elders, Lu Zhen and Lu Zhen didn’t sit at the table, with maids attending to them. This was the first time Lu Jingrui saw his sister-in-law feeding the children.

She was gentle and attentive, speaking softly, her clear apricot eyes filled with love.

With such a disposition, it was no wonder she cared for him, a son born out of wedlock.

His elder brother didn’t have such patience.

Lu Jingrui wondered if, after she finished feeding the children, she would ask about his acupuncture treatment.

Should he say there was progress or not?

He hesitated.

His right hand had regained about seventy to eighty percent functionality, enough to ride a horse without issues. However, having concealed it for years, he couldn’t reveal it now, yet his sister-in-law was so concerned… Perhaps he should pretend it had only recovered twenty to thirty percent?

That way, he could manage some writing.

But wouldn’t that seem too quick? The horse doctor had only started treating him recently.

As he pondered how to respond to Chu Yin, she was preoccupied with Mrs. Yao's matter, thus forgetting to ask Lu Jingrui.

She remembered it only when it was time to leave.

Watching Chu Yin board the carriage, Lu Jingrui felt an inexplicable sense of melancholy.

Not wanting to remind her, he simply smiled and watched as his elder brother's family departed.

"Your Highness, can you tell me now?" Chu Yin asked as they arrived at the Eastern Palace.

Lu Jingzhuo revealed, "Aunt's husband accepted bribes and was discovered by my father-in-law. He's under investigation."

It was related to her father!

Chu Yin hadn't expected this at all.

Why hadn’t her father mentioned it in her previous life? No, no one had ever mentioned it to her. Perhaps it wasn’t significantly related to her father? Her mind raced, "Did Aunt come to the capital to seek the Emperor's and Empress’s help, hoping they would spare her husband? If so, the Emperor would definitely send someone to Jiangning and Guangde, right?" The decision must have been made by her father. She frowned slightly, remembering vaguely that Aunt's husband had died on his way to Jingzhou due to illness.

Could it have been a demotion instead of a transfer?

She felt she was onto something but couldn’t quite make sense of it all.

"Your Highness, can you keep an eye on this matter for me? I’m worried about my father..." She hesitated, unsure how to express her concern.

"Alright," Lu Jingzhuo agreed.

He had intended to kiss her, but seeing her preoccupied, he refrained and simply applied some ointment on her.

Chu Yin couldn’t sleep that night.

Tossing and turning, she recalled events from her previous life.

Mrs. Yao's husband was caught accepting bribes by her father, later demoted and died en route to his new post.

Three years later, Mrs. Yao came to the capital and died in the palace.

Princess Baocheng had said the couple was like “birds sharing wings in the sky and branches intertwined on the ground.” Mrs. Yao must have been unable to bear her husband’s death, but why did she choose to take her life three years later?

Lu Jingzhuo noticed her unease and pulled her into his arms, "There surely can't be any bugs here."

"Of course not, it's just that I..." Chu Yin couldn't reveal the truth to him, "I disturbed Your Highness's sleep. I'll be more careful."

"You won't tell me the reason?" He gently stroked her flowing hair.

Chu Yin remained silent for a moment before saying, "Perhaps it's because the lamb was caught by Your Highness. I accidentally ate too much and now it's not sitting well."

“……”

He was unsure whether to be amused or to chide her silliness.

"If you're still feeling unwell in the morning, we'll call the imperial physician. Remember to eat in moderation next time."

She was startled, looking up to ask, "There will be a next time?"

In her previous life, he never went hunting again.

With the Emperor falling ill, he had to oversee the state affairs, and after ascending the throne, he had no time to spare.

Yet, he wondered, "Why wouldn't there be a next time?"

"...I was worried there might not be."

"Don’t worry, next year at this time, Father should take us out hunting again."

Chu Yin couldn’t disclose the truth to him.

By this time next year, the Emperor would have fallen ill.

Right now, it was imperceptible, even the court physicians regularly examining the Emperor couldn’t detect it. Ultimately, the length of a person's life is decided by fate, and sometimes the end comes suddenly and unexpectedly.

Contemplating this, Chu Yin became fearful.

Her health had improved significantly, growing stronger, but could she really escape the impending disaster?

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pressed herself closer to him.

There was a profound sense of reliance.

His heart softened like water, he lowered his head slightly, his nose brushing against her hair, "Would you like to try shooting a sheep or a rabbit yourself next time?"

Chu Yin's eyes widened slightly, wondering if he was hinting at teaching her archery.

Could it be true?

Seeing her silent, he gently pinched her buttock.

Chu Yin shifted uncomfortably, "I don't have much strength, I'm afraid I might not be able to learn."

Lu Jingzhuo said, "It's not difficult. If you can learn to ride a horse, you can learn archery too."

Now more convinced he intended to teach her, Chu Yin felt inwardly pleased but feigned reluctance, "You must be teasing me, Your Highness. The bow is heavy, and the bowstring would hurt my hands. I should... think about it."

“……”

Hadn’t she almost learned from her sister-in-law before? Why was she hesitating now when he offered?

Lu Jingzhuo responded, "Hmm, as you wish."

He ended the topic abruptly.

Surprisingly, he didn’t pursue the matter further.

She had been so persistent about learning back then, not like this at all.

In the darkness, Chu Yin pouted; she actually wanted him to coax her more.