Chapter 074

Chapter 074

She reciprocated, matching his passion, ensuring it was not in vain.

The faint sound of footsteps outside went unnoticed, as both were lost in each other.

Just as things reached a crescendo, he suddenly took out a sachet from his sleeve and handed it to Chu Yin.

It had a complex aroma.

"What's this?" she asked, puzzled. It wasn’t the Dragon Boat Festival; why would he give her a sachet?

"It's a charm for contraception, recommended by Judge Liu. He said wearing it regularly should suffice."

Chu Yin was astonished.

The royal family always valued the idea of 'many children, many blessings.' Was he actually suggesting she avoid pregnancy?

"Does Your Majesty truly not wish for more children?" In her previous life, he never said he wanted more, but he never said he didn't either.

"Three children are enough," he gently brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "do not forget to wear it."

Looking into his calm eyes, she suddenly recalled his behavior during her labor.

Was it because he was worried about her health?

Truth be told, Chu Yin was quite fond of children. Realizing Lu Jingzhao's considerate intentions, she clutched the sachet tightly, overwhelmed with sweetness, and couldn't help asking, "Does Your Majesty... really like me that much?"

She had never dared to ask this question, fearing her own misconceptions.

But given Lu Jingzhao's status, wouldn't such actions imply affection?

She suddenly yearned for an answer.

The man, clearly not expecting this question, paused before responding with a soft "Hmm."

Chu Yin frowned in dissatisfaction, pouting, "That's not really an answer, is it?"

"Why just one word? Shouldn't you say 'Yes, I really like it'?"

"He's just brushing me off!"

In his eyes was a longing for sweet nothings. Lu Jingzhuo slightly curled his lips, bowed his head to kiss her, pressing his body close, expressing everything through his actions.

The next morning, he declared to the world, appointing his eldest son, Lu Xu, as the heir apparent, and the only princess, Lu Zhen, was bestowed the title "Yongning".

The Kun Ning Palace was filled with joy.

Chu Yin lay sprawled on the couch, limp as a ragdoll.

"Last night, Lu Jingzhuo nearly exhausted me to death. He was so inventive; one moment he had me on the desk, then bending over, then against the wall... We never even made it to the bed... Oh, that's right, we just moved to Kun Ning Palace, and the bed wasn't even set up yet."

The more she thought about it, the more she felt that him giving her the calligraphy of Liu Xu wasn't with good intentions.

"Was that his way of compensating me in advance?"

"Compared to my previous life, he seemed more sincere. He didn’t just take and demand because he gave me a piece of calligraphy. And what did his 'Hmm' really mean? Did he even fully hear my question?"

Chu Yin was highly skeptical.

"At that time, his mind was probably full of this and that... He wasn't listening at all."

Chu Yin pounded the pillow in anger.

Suddenly feeling a soreness in her waist, she lay down and said, "Rendong, please give me a massage."

"The day after the coronation, the master had just entered Kun Ning Palace when the Emperor demanded her for a long time, causing all the items moved from the Eastern Palace to be left outside. They were only arranged properly after the Emperor left."

Rendong sat beside Chu Yin, her hands skilled and gentle.

At that moment, Lu Xu ran to his mother and asked, "Mother, am I the Crown Prince now? Xiao Dou called me 'Your Highness'."

"Yes, from now on, you are the heir to the Great Yue throne, which means the Crown Prince..."

"But what does being the Crown Prince mean?"

"The Crown Prince is the heir to the throne," she explained, doubting her son would understand, "Next month, you will attend classes at Chunhui Pavilion, where the instructors will explain it to you. You won’t need to bother me with these questions anymore."

"Oh," Lu Xu nodded and leaned in to look at his mother's face, "Mother, are you sick? Why are you lying down?"

"...I'm just tired from moving yesterday and need to rest. You should go outside."

Lu Xu didn’t harbor any doubts.

A while later, Madame Luo brought Lu Yu to show Chu Yin.

The child was quiet, and Chu Yin lay beside him on the couch for the whole afternoon.

The coronation was a significant event, and naturally, the Prince of Jin's residence was aware.

Tang Feiyan repeatedly marveled at Chu Yin's good fortune while worrying about her and her husband's future.

"Our mourning period ends next year. I wonder how Lu Jingzhuo will arrange things for us?"

Wanting to share a casual conversation with her husband to ease her mind, she was informed that he was again in the study.

Tang Feiyan pinched her son's chubby cheeks, "Your father is obsessed, always shut in his study, neglecting us. Come, let's go find him. Cry a little when we get there, so he'll pay attention to you."

The beauty of spring in March was enchanting, with apricot blossoms playfully swaying on the branches.

Xin Shi, spotting the Princess through the slanted tree branches, hurried to inform Lu Jingchen.

Lu Jingchen put down his book and looked up.

"Husband, what are you always reading these days?" Tang Feiyan called from the doorway, "You probably don't even remember what Shao Wenchang looks like anymore!"

"Our son, at five months old, is lively and spirited, often making amusing noises that make everyone laugh," Lu Jingchen said. "I just saw him yesterday, how could I not know what he looks like?"

"That's what you call seeing? More like a brief glance," Tang Feiyan retorted as she placed their son in his arms, then turned to the book on the desk in shock. "You're reading military strategies? Are you planning to go to war?"

"Not necessarily for war, but I should be fluent in military tactics if my elder brother ever inquires, right?" Lu Jingchen gestured to the pile of books beside him. "I need to be knowledgeable in both astronomy and geography to win my brother’s favor..." He wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist. "Bear with me for a little longer. There’s just over a year left. I need to study hard, and Shao Wen needs more of your attention."

On a closer look, a faint stubble was visible on his chin, and his face looked somewhat haggard.

Tang Feiyan’s eyes welled up, leaning on him, "Alright," she said to their son, "Smile for daddy, he’s working hard too."

As if understanding, Lu Shaowen giggled, his little hands waving joyfully.

Encouraged by his son, Lu Jingchen gently pushed his wife away. "Alright, you two should go. I need to continue reading... and later practice archery on horseback."

"Pleasing my father is different from pleasing my elder brother. Sycophancy might work with father, but not with my brother."

"The officials recently promoted by my brother are not smooth talkers or skilled dancers; they're all competent and efficient. So, I too must showcase my capabilities to impress him."

Understanding her husband's position, Tang Feiyan kissed his cheek tenderly and left with their son.

As night deepened, Chu Yin lay in bed, preparing to sleep.

Lu Jingzhuo hadn't returned for dinner in the evening and likely wouldn't be back until late. She didn’t have to worry about being exhausted by him tonight, but on the other hand, she was anxious about his upcoming northern inspection tour.

"When will it actually happen?"

"In May, or June?"

She wondered if he would inform her.

"Surely he wouldn't wait until the last day to tell me he's leaving the palace? He must have many arrangements to make beforehand, like appointing someone as regent... If I'm not mistaken, it should be the Crown Prince's tutor, Tao Shangshu."

Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard footsteps.

Instinctively, Chu Yin closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

The man sat by the bed silently, seemingly observing her. Then he lay down next to her, making a slight noise, and soon everything returned to silence.

"Did he fall asleep so quickly?"

Chu Yin quietly opened her eyes.

Her gaze fell on the figure beside her, motionless.

After a while, she gently moved closer to look at him.

Like her, he had a head of black hair, long and dense eyelashes, a straight nose, fair skin, and his lips... somewhat thin, seemingly unfeeling, but were actually quite soft to the touch.

As she observed, she realized she had never before taken the time to scrutinize his face so carefully, inch by inch.

Tempted, she felt an itch to touch him.

Her slender finger almost reached his nose but stopped, not wanting to wake him.

"He came back early and fell asleep so quickly. It seems he too gets tired."

"But who asked him to be so indulgent yesterday?"

Chu Yin hummed softly and lay back down.

In a drowsy state, the man’s hand reached out, wrapping around her waist, followed by the warmth of his broad chest against her back.

She turned her head and saw that he was still asleep.

"Perhaps it’s become a habit..."

She smiled softly.

"The March scenery is lovely, perfect for a family spring outing."

Jiang Lin, worried his mother was still grieving over his uncle, persuaded her to go out and relax on their day off, along with his brother.

The filial son's request was honored; Princess Baocheng dressed up and set out in the carriage.

"First, we'll go boating, then admire the apricot blossoms. If mother wants grilled fish, my brother and I will go catch some..." Jiang Lin spoke through the carriage window to his mother.

"All that is not necessary; being together with you both is enough," Princess Baocheng said tenderly. "Lin'er, speaking of which, it’s time for you to marry. Do you have someone in mind? Tell your mother about her."

"Actually, I haven't."

"These past years have been tumultuous, with father and mother separating, then mother considering remarriage, followed by uncle's sudden demise. I was caught off guard by all these events and had no mind for thoughts of any girl."

"I'm not in a rush, my bigger concern is about you."

Mentioned by her son about the matter of remarrying, Princess Baocheng’s face grew warm, and she retreated into the carriage, murmuring, "…Let nature take its course."

The image of Shi Yu crossed her mind.

None of the men she met afterward could compare to his striking appearance.

"However, his intentions were dishonorable, daring to flirt with a princess like me…"

The carriage stopped beside the Jade River.

Hearing of Princess Baocheng's arrival, the nearby ladies and young women hurried over to greet her.

She responded politely and, supported by her eldest son, stepped into the moored houseboat by the river.

Inside the boat, musicians played the zither and sang.

She chatted idly with her two sons, resting her chin in her hand while gazing out over the river.

Unknowingly, the houseboat had traveled a few miles.

When they reached the apricot blossom forest, the boat slowed down.

There, Princess Baocheng spotted a familiar figure sitting by the water, not alone but accompanied by a lady. He played the zither, and the lady watched.

"They must be a couple in love," she thought, feeling a twinge of anger. "So, Shi Yu had someone special all along."

"How audacious of him to flirt with me while involved with someone else! Absolutely shameless!"

Just as she was about to look away, she saw Shi Yu stop playing, stand up, bow to the lady, and exchange a few words. The woman suddenly covered her face and quickly walked away.

Princess Baocheng frowned, puzzled by the scene.

After the boat neared the shore, she stepped off with Jiang Lin and Jiang Min.

Their eyes met, and Shi Yu approached with a slight smile, offering a courteous bow.

Not wanting her son to know about their past, Princess Baocheng didn’t show any signs of recognition.

Jiang Lin, being a colleague of Shi Yu in the court, exchanged a few courtesies, then helped his mother to move ahead to admire the flowers.

Behind them, the sound of a zither playing the tune "Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix" began.

Jiang Lin stiffened.

"Does Shi Yu also have intentions towards my mother?"

"That seems unlikely; I remember Shi Yu was seeking to marry his cousin at that time…"

"It must be a coincidence."

"Shi Yu's skill in zither is renowned throughout the capital. It's common to see him playing in various places, so this might not have any hidden meaning."

Jiang Lin stole a glance at his mother.

Princess Baocheng's face remained calm.

"It must be a misunderstanding."

However, Princess Baocheng was certain that the song was meant for her ears.

Even at a distance, the melody of the zither continued unabated.

"Persistent, as if trying to use it to keep a hold on her."

Princess Baocheng's heart suddenly felt a bit unsettled.

Not wanting her son to know about their past, Princess Baocheng didn’t show any signs of recognition.

………………

Jiang Lin, being a colleague of Shi Yu in the court, exchanged a few courtesies, then helped his mother to move ahead to admire the flowers.

Behind them, the sound of a zither playing the tune "Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix" began.

Jiang Lin stiffened.

"Does Shi Yu also have intentions towards my mother?"

"That seems unlikely; I remember Shi Yu was seeking to marry his cousin at that time…"

"It must be a coincidence."

"Shi Yu's skill in zither is renowned throughout the capital. It's common to see him playing in various places, so this might not have any hidden meaning."

Jiang Lin stole a glance at his mother.

Princess Baocheng's face remained calm.

"It must be a misunderstanding."

However, Princess Baocheng was certain that the song was meant for her ears.

Even at a distance, the melody of the zither continued unabated.

"Persistent, as if trying to use it to keep a hold on her."

Princess Baocheng's heart suddenly felt a bit unsettled.

"It means understanding many principles and mastering various skills, like horse riding, archery, farming, water management. If you learn from the instructors, you'll be just like your father someday."

Lu Zhu seemed to understand a bit but was still apprehensive, "My fingers are so sore, I can barely hold a pen, and he makes me write so many characters."

Tears began to well up in the boy's eyes again.

In her previous life, she had been tougher, merely urging her son to heed the instructor's words and insisting he persevere at all costs. But having experienced the pain of separation and loss, her heart had softened.

"I'll massage it for you, don't cry. Tutor Tao may be strict, but he is also old. As the Crown Prince, you should show him some understanding... I'll think of a way to discuss this with your father and remind Tutor Tao."

Touched by his mother's tenderness, Lu Zhu couldn't help but wrap his small arms around her arm: "Can you come with me tomorrow, Mother?"

His voice was timid, his eyes hopeful.

Chu Yin patted his head: "Of course, Mother will accompany you."

Lu Zhen peeked in from outside, initially wanting to tease his brother, but seeing him so pitifully weeping, shook his head like a little adult and sighed before turning away.

Chu Yin went to bed early since her son had to attend lessons at dawn.

When Lu Jingzhao returned and saw her sleeping soundly, he assumed she was tired from managing the inner palace and didn’t wake her.

To his surprise, Chu Yin got up as early as he did the next day.

Seeing her busy dressing, Lu Jingzhao asked curiously, “What are you doing?”

"I'm accompanying Zhu’er to his class."

“……”

Noticing his slight frown, Chu Yin explained, "Zhu’er was frightened by Tutor Tao and doesn't dare to go to Chunhui Pavilion... I meant to discuss this with you, but you didn't return for dinner last night. Maybe you could remind the instructors to proceed gradually? Zhu’er is only five, there’s no need to rush."

"What’s wrong with being five? I started studying at that age too."

"But you were in Qingzhou then, and you didn’t have a tutor like Tao."

Even he dared to admonish Tutor Tao.

"A strict teacher produces brilliant students," Lu Jingzhao said indifferently, "He must adapt or else he's not fit to be the heir."

“……”

What kind of statement was that?

Dissatisfied, Chu Yin retorted, "He's your son, don’t you feel for him? You haven’t seen how he cries... Fine, if you won’t speak, I will when I see Tutor Tao. He’s just a five-year-old child, a bit of leniency wouldn’t hurt, right?"

Her son was inherently somewhat fragile.

In her previous life, he had been extremely dependent on his wet nurse, Madam Zhou...

He needed the care of others, and excessive strictness could cause him great distress.

Not everyone is born strong.

She turned to leave.

Seeming a bit upset, Lu Jingzhao held her back: "Fine, I'll speak to them."

Chu Yin’s eyes sparkled with a smile: "That's more like it."

"But this is just once. If he remains the same after three months, I won't be lenient."

"Three months is enough, thank you, Your Majesty," Chu Yin said, pulling him along as she instructed the palace maids to prepare breakfast, "We can’t have Zhu'er be late."

She quickly finished her breakfast.

Lu Jingzhao stood at the palace entrance, watching her and their eldest son leave for Chunhui Pavilion in the carriage.

Dong Ling asked, “Isn’t Your Majesty leaving?”

"No."

“……”

With his mother’s company, Lu Zhu felt less afraid. Furthermore, knowing his father would instruct the tutors to be less severe made him even happier. He hugged his mother's neck and gave her a kiss.

Chu Yin returned the affection, a true moment of motherly love and filial piety.

After watching Lu Zhu enter Chunhui Pavilion, Chu Yin finally returned.

Stepping back into the hall, she found Lu Jingzhao had not left and was still seated.

"Why hasn’t Your Majesty gone to the Qianqing Palace?"

"I was waiting for you," he suddenly remembered, Chu Yin had never seen him off.

He had always been considerate of her, not wanting her to wake up early, moving quietly every morning for fear of disturbing her sleep. Now he realized, she had never once joined him for breakfast or seen him off. Yet, she was so concerned about their son.

Chu Yin paused, "Wait for me? For what purpose?"

Lu Jingzhao replied indifferently, "Can't you guess?"

Chu Yin: "..."