Chapter 056

Chapter 056

Hearing about the injury to the right shoulder, she immediately thought of Duke Song.

She didn’t expect it to really be him.

"How could Princess Baocheng be interested in Duke Song?"

"That doesn't seem right!"

Chu Yin instinctively clutched Lu Jingzhuo's robe, her eyebrows knitted in concern.

Both Lu Jingzhuo and Lu Jingchen showed puzzled expressions, with the latter asking, "Sister-in-law, do you know Duke Song?"

Chu Yin snapped back to reality, "…I've heard of him. I just think that Duke Song, without an official post, isn’t a suitable match for our aunt. Don't you both think so?" She looked at the two brothers.

However, they didn’t agree.

"Duke Song simply chooses not to hold an office, which doesn’t mean he lacks ability."

"He's of noble status and handsome; perfectly suitable for Princess Baocheng."

Lu Jingchen added, "Auntie might even ask the emperor to grant the marriage."

“……”

Chu Yin’s grip tightened.

Lu Jingzhuo glanced at her, puzzled by her anxiety.

"Why should they be concerned about whom their aunt marries?"

At the entrance, Lu Jingrui arrived to greet them.

Lu Jingzhuo set down the two children.

"For the festival, the siblings wore festive official red jackets with brocade. The brother's jacket was embroidered with a lion playing with an embroidered ball, while the sister's featured a pattern of a hundred butterflies. Their hair was tied with red ribbons into adorable little buns."

"Upon seeing Lu Jingrui, they both smiled and called out 'Third Uncle.'"

"Lu Jingrui took out two paper flowers from his sleeve and handed them to the siblings."

"Lu Zhen was delighted and quickly expressed her thanks."

"Lu Xu looked at them and asked, 'Are these made of paper? Can Third Uncle make horses and lions too?'"

"'Yes.'"

"'Really?' Lu Xu’s eyes widened in amazement, 'Then next time, please make one for me, Third Uncle.'"

"'Of course,' Lu Jingrui agreed."

"Chu Yin watched this, her smile masking her surprise."

"In her past life, Lu Jingrui also made such small trinkets to please the children, but not this early."

"After the Emperor passed away, Lu Jingzhuo ascended the throne without needing to observe mourning rituals, unlike Lu Jingrui. Only after his period of mourning did he start making paper crafts for the children. By that time, her son had grown very attached to his wet nurse, Mrs. Zhou. However, due to Lu Jingrui's deliberate efforts to get close, he had a good relationship with this 'Third Uncle,' which later led to his unguardedness and the loss of the throne."

"Why is this life different? Chu Yin was puzzled."

"New Year’s, unlike other festivals, saw the Emperor arriving earlier than usual. Seeing his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren all present, he chuckled heartily, then picked up his grandchildren and placed them on his lap."

"'Getting heavier, yet not growing fast enough,' he pinched the children’s cheeks, 'Eat more, grow taller, and next time, Grandfather will take you hunting.'"

"Lu Xu, having heard of 'hunting,' exclaimed excitedly, 'Yes, yes, with big horses to ride!'"

"Lu Zhen was less enthusiastic, not understanding her brother’s fascination with horse riding."

"It would be nice to visit the temple again," she said.

Emperor Jianxing looked at his granddaughter, reminded of his sister when she was young, "I can't promise another temple visit, but when Zhen grows up, I will surely find her the best husband in the world."

Lu Zhen, not quite understanding the term 'husband,' asked, "What's that?"

The Emperor chuckled twice, "You will understand in time."

Chu Yin, aware of her father-in-law's future plans, couldn't help but sigh, while also worrying about her daughter's future marriage.

Her daughter's future husband was to be Fu Yue, the son of Duke Song.

She had deliberately maintained a good relationship with Yu Sizhang, being careful to protect her daughter's marital prospects. She didn't expect Princess Baocheng to suddenly show interest in Duke Song, leaving her momentarily at a loss.

Difficult as it may be, she had to find a way to prevent it.

If Princess Baocheng married Duke Song, it would complicate her daughter's relationship with Fu Yue. Whether they could marry in the future was uncertain, not to mention Yu Sizhang's situation, which she couldn't ignore.

After playing with the children, Emperor Jianxing set them down and turned to Lu Jingchen, "Have the imperial physician visit your house regularly."

Understanding the implication, Lu Jingchen bowed, "Thank you on behalf of Feiyan, Father."

It was then that the sound of firecrackers began.

The children were startled; Lu Zhen quickly ran to her father.

Lu Jingzhuo bent down to pick up his daughter.

It sounded like dozens of firecrackers going off simultaneously, thunderously loud. Not only the children were frightened; Chu Yin also found it overwhelming and reached out to cover her son's ears.

Lu Xu shook his head, "No need, I'm not scared."

Chu Yin was surprised, "You're not afraid of such loud noises?"

"A little, but Lu Xu had insisted on watching the firecrackers earlier, how could he back down now? Standing tall, he declared, 'I'm not scared!'"

"Chu Yin frowned, surprised at the self-esteem of a child not yet four years old."

"Suddenly, a hand reached out, pulling her close."

"Realizing it was her husband, Chu Yin remarked, 'Did Your Highness see? Xu didn't let me cover his ears, just stood there bravely.' Unlike our daughter, who covered her own ears."

"Let him be."

"But I'm worried it might hurt his ears."

"It won't, we're far enough. He looks like he can handle it."

"Chu Yin, less composed, still watched her son closely."

"Lu Jingzhuo then instructed their son, 'Cover your ears well.'"

"Upon his father's command, Lu Xu immediately complied."

"Chu Yin couldn't help but pout."

"She was close enough to the children, but they respected Lu Jingzhuo more, perhaps because of his rarely smiling face, which held a strong deterrent power."

"Seeing her pout, Lu Jingzhuo reached out to gently pinch her delicate nose."

"Empress Jiang watched her son and daughter-in-law's affectionate interaction with great contentment."

"She had no more expectations for herself, but her son's blissful marriage was a consolation to her."

"Emperor Jianxing, smiling, turned to his second son, 'Later, go check on Consort Shu.'"

"Consort Shu had done well raising their child. Except for not being exceptionally talented, the prince suited his preferences well. Now with Consort Shu expecting again, it was fitting for father and son to meet on New Year's Eve."

"Lu Jingchen promptly expressed his gratitude for the imperial favor."

"After the firecrackers ceased, Lu Zhen eagerly peeked out, anticipating the fireworks."

"Lu Jingchen mentioned to his father, 'Zhen is scared of firecrackers, but she’s really looking forward to the fireworks.'"

"Is that so?" Emperor Jianxing glanced at his granddaughter and immediately ordered He Zhong to have the eunuchs set off more fireworks."

"Lu Zhen was thrilled and asked her father to carry her outside to watch."

"Chu Yin, holding her son’s hand, followed them."

"Soon, everyone except Empress Jiang and Emperor Jianxing joined them under the eaves."

"The sky blossomed like a springtime imperial garden, filled with flowers of every color vying for beauty, resplendent and vibrant."

"In Chu Yin’s memory, she watched fireworks from a palace window, without Lu Zhen in Lu Jingzhuo's arms, and he wasn’t as close to her, nor did he rest a hand on her waist, ready to embrace her at any moment."

"In this instant, she felt a deep contentment and quietly leaned her head against his shoulder."

"As the multicolored fireworks soared into the sky again, he softly laughed amidst the dazzling colors."

"Next was the reunion dinner."

"Except for Lu Jingchen, who had to leave early, everyone else stayed to celebrate the New Year."

"The hall was adorned with various fruits and pastries."

"Empress Jiang was with her grandchildren, while Emperor Jianxing spoke with Lu Jingzhuo and his brother, Lu Jingchen."

"Chu Yin, noticing Lu Jingrui nearby, initiated a conversation about the paper folding."

"I didn't know our third brother was so skilled with his hands, especially at paper folding."

"Perhaps a bit tipsy, her cheeks flushed like early spring peach blossoms. Lu Jingrui glanced at her and said, 'Paper folding isn’t hard, it’s nothing about being skilled… Sister-in-law, you haven’t drunk too much, have you?'"

"'No, I just blush easily,' Chu Yin’s gaze fell on his right hand, 'Have the treatments from the Horse Ministry's chief physician been effective lately? Is that why you can fold paper?'"

"Finally remembering this detail, Lu Jingrui’s tone lightened, 'Treatment or not, it doesn’t affect paper folding. It doesn’t require much effort. But these past few days, I do feel it has been somewhat effective.'"

"Chu Yin paused, taken aback."

"She had thought Lu Jingrui would insist his arm was beyond recovery, to keep his mother and Lu Jingzhuo feeling guilty. But now..."

"Had she heard wrong?"

"She pressed further, 'Really? It’s actually working?'"

"Shocked, she leaned toward him."

"To Lu Jingrui, she seemed extremely delighted."

"'Yes, if the treatment continues, I'll eventually be able to write again.'"

“……”

"No, why wasn’t he hiding it anymore?"

"Chu Yin touched her forehead in confusion."

"'Sister-in-law? Are you feeling dizzy?' Lu Jingrui turned to pour her a cup of tea, 'Would you like some sobering tea?'"

"Unable to grasp the situation, Chu Yin pretended to feel suddenly dizzy: 'It’s nothing, I should be fine after some rest.'"

"Lu Jingrui then left her be."

"The young man opposite her sat quietly, his fair and handsome face showing concern. Chu Yin peeked through her fingers, more puzzled than ever, unable to fathom what Lu Jingrui was thinking."

"She had planned to torment him if he continued his pretense."

"Chu Yin closed her eyes."

"The two sat in silence for a moment."

"Eventually, Lu Jingchen came to say goodbye before leaving."

"Remembering the matter of Duke Song, Chu Yin walked with him, inquiring about his wife as a natural segue: 'How is your wife doing now...'"

"Lu Jingchen smiled, 'She finds everything pleasing these days, has a good appetite, doesn’t fuss over food, and has gained over ten pounds.'"

"Chu Yin was taken aback again."

"She recalled that Tang Feiyan didn’t have a particularly good appetite during her pregnancy and didn’t gain much weight. Even after giving birth, her figure didn’t change much."

"Still, control is necessary. Gaining too much weight isn’t good for her or the baby. When I was pregnant with twins, I didn’t overeat, and the children were very healthy." Everything had been fine with her and her children, but now everything had changed because of her. Chu Yin suddenly became worried; she didn’t want to be responsible for any harm."

"From her expression and tone, Lu Jingchen could feel her genuine concern. 'My sister-in-law is truly kind-hearted,' he thought."

"He nodded, 'Alright, I’ll remind her to be mindful.'"

"'And consult the imperial physician more frequently.'"

"Lu Jingchen nodded again."

"'By the way, second brother, how did you find out about aunt’s interest in Duke Song? Could it be a misunderstanding?'"

"Lu Jingchen explained, 'Sister-in-law, it’s definitely not a misunderstanding. A friend of mine witnessed it. On that day, our aunt visited a household that had also invited Duke Song. She looked at him several times and even initiated a conversation… Knowing her temperament and status, she would never casually speak to a man.'"

"Chu Yin agreed, 'What was Duke Song’s reaction?'"

"'Quite indifferent. He spoke only a few words with our aunt before excusing himself and leaving. That’s why I guess our aunt might ask father to arrange the marriage.'"

"Chu Yin breathed a sigh of relief."

"At least Duke Song didn’t seem smitten with our aunt."

"After finishing their conversation and returning, she saw Lu Jingzhuo standing at the door."

"His expression was indifferent, 'What were you and second brother talking about?'"

"'About second brother’s wife’s condition.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo wondered, 'Did it need to take so long?' Today, she not only spoke at length with the second brother but also had a long conversation with the third brother."

"She wasn’t usually so talkative."

"'Come inside. Xu and Zhen are looking for you.'"

"'They’ll probably fall asleep soon.' They're too young to stay up late."

"'Mother has already instructed the maids to prepare the bedding.'"

"‘Her Majesty is always so thoughtful,’ Chu Yin said with a pursed smile, ‘Soon it'll just be you and me, and third brother staying up late.’"

"The children are too young to stay up, and our parents are too old to keep up."

"Lu Jingzhuo held her hand, ‘If you feel tired, you can rest with Xu and Zhen.’"

"‘No need, I’ll stay up until the end.’ The past was the same, but both of us were very quiet. He didn't speak, and I hardly spoke, making the night seem exceptionally long and suffocating."

"As expected, after the children fell asleep on the couch, Empress Jiang and Emperor Jianxing, worn out, retired to their rooms."

"With the elders gone, Lu Jingrui tactfully didn’t disturb us, sitting far away and dozing off. I no longer had to maintain decorum and, feeling a bit sleepy, leaned on Lu Jingzhuo’s shoulder and whispered about Princess Baocheng’s matter, ‘If aunt really asks the emperor for an arranged marriage, do you think he will agree?’"

"‘He won’t.’"

"‘Really? Why do you think so?’"

"Instead of answering, Lu Jingzhuo asked, ‘Why are you so concerned about our aunt’s marriage?’"

"‘As her juniors, shouldn’t we care?’ Chu Yin remained calm, ‘After her previous unfortunate marriage and divorce, I think she should be more cautious this time and not make another mistake.’"

"‘Marrying Duke Song wouldn’t be a mistake.’"

"‘How can it not be? He could be an official but chooses not to, showing no ambition.’ Chu Yin spoke against her true feelings."

"‘He has already established significant military achievements; what more ambition does he need? Besides, everyone has their own aspirations; being content without an official title is not a bad thing.’"

"It seemed Lu Jingzhuo fully supported Princess Baocheng marrying Duke Song. Chu Yin furrowed her brows, not pondering further, and added, ‘In fact, after her recent divorce, there’s no need to rush into another marriage. Being free and independent like Huaining Princess from the Zhou dynasty...’"

"Huaining Princess, also a divorcee, relied on her brother’s favor to live a carefree and joyful life with twenty handpicked attendants in her residence."

"But what's wrong with getting married?"

"Does Chu Yin really think that not marrying and living alone is better? Does she truly believe that staying single and having attendants is more enjoyable?"

"Lu Jingzhuo's gaze toward her shifted."