Chapter 076

Chapter 076

Although the man was unrestrained, his method was, admittedly, effective.

She quickly exhausted her energy and fell deep into sleep.

Lu Jingzhao still woke up at the usual early hour without any effect, but Chu Yin couldn’t.

Gazing at his wife sleeping messily with her black hair scattered over the pillow, Lu Jingzhao thought to delay their departure by half an hour. It was rare for them to go out; she deserved a full rest to enjoy the day.

He dressed and left.

At his young age, Lu Zhu was already cultivating the habit of rising early. Just as he was about to have breakfast, Xiao Dou suddenly brought the exciting news that their father was taking them to Rabbit Mountain today. Lu Zhu almost jumped for joy.

He headed straight for the main hall.

"Father, is it true?" he rushed towards his father.

"Keep your voice down, your mother is still sleeping," Lu Jingzhao reminded.

"Oh," Lu Zhu lowered his voice, "Is it true, Father?"

"Yes," Lu Jingzhao glanced at his son, "I have a task for you. Go wake up Zhen'er."

His daughter also attended lessons, but not as early as his son.

Lu Zhu chuckled, "Alright, I'll go right now."

He bounded off, hopping and skipping outside.

Seeing the Crown Prince, Qi Niang asked in surprise, "Your Highness, what brings you here at this hour? The princess is still asleep."

"The Emperor is taking us to Rabbit Mountain. Didn’t you hear? He asked me to wake up my sister," Lu Zhu walked inside.

His sister was growing more beautiful by the day, with a delicate, snow-white oval face, slightly plump, long and thick eyelashes, and small nose and lips, like a finely crafted doll.

Suddenly feeling mischievous, Lu Zhu brought over a brocaded stool, climbed up, and then leaned over the bed to blow gently on her face.

The soft breezes tickled Lu Zhen’s nose.

She wrinkled her brows, flailing her small hand in the air.

She didn’t wake up even with this, and Lu Zhu giggled.

He leaned closer, whispering in her ear, "Zhen'er, Zhen'er, wake up. The Emperor is taking us to climb the mountain, Rabbit Mountain…" Seeing no response, he raised his voice slightly, "There will be lots of delicious food, and Xiao Dou said there'll be barbecue!"

Lu Zhen rubbed her eyes and quickly sat up, "Really?"

"Really, look, I even skipped my lessons."

Lu Zhen hurriedly got out of bed.

When the siblings arrived together at the Kunning Palace, Chu Yin was still asleep.

"Where's Mother?" they both asked their father.

It was time to wake Chu Yin. Lu Jingzhao instructed Xiao Dou and Qi Niang to take care of the children's breakfast while he entered the inner chamber.

He opened the windows to let in the sunlight.

In the bright light, her face, with distinct sleep marks on her rosy cheeks, looked adorably naive. Lu Jingzhao leaned over to wake her: "Ah Yin, Zhu'er, Zhen'er are all waiting for you."

Remembering the trip to Rabbit Mountain, Chu Yin quickly opened her eyes, "What, they’re already up?" In a daze, seeing him neatly dressed, she couldn't help but complain, "It’s all your fault, otherwise how could I wake up later than the children?"

"Without me, you might not have slept at all," Lu Jingzhao raised his eyebrows, "You should be thanking me."

Nonsense!

Chu Yin huffed lightly and got up to dress.

Glancing at him, he wasn’t wearing his conspicuous dragon robe, clearly planning a low-key outing. She asked Rendong to find a simple and elegant dress and switched her embroidered shoes for more comfortable upturned toe boots.

Her makeup and hair were also kept simple; she styled a single spiral bun, adorned with a mutton fat jade plum blossom hairpin and white jade earrings.

Her figure hadn’t fully returned to its previous state, slightly more voluptuous, but to Lu Jingzhao, she seemed even more enchanting than before, an unassuming allure like a sweet fragrance filling the air.

Unaware of his gaze, Chu Yin hurried to the outer chamber.

What kind of mother wakes up later than her children?

Fortunately, Lu Zhu and Lu Zhen didn't ask their mother for the reason behind her late appearance. They were simply delighted to see her, eager to set off.

Noticing the children's excitement, Chu Yin quickly urged Lu Jingzhao to have breakfast.

The carriage was already prepared outside the palace.

The carriage was very ordinary, inconspicuous on the street, and the horses, with their mottled coats, were not extraordinary steeds.

He intended for them to appear as a common couple, Chu Yin thought with an amused smile.

The family of four quietly left the palace in the carriage at the end of the mao hour.

The streets were bustling, with vendors selling candied fruits, ripe loquats, pan-fried sandwiches, grilled lamb, and various flowers, their calls filling the air.

The children, peering out the window, found everything new and fascinating, constantly asking, "What's that?" and "What's this?"

Chu Yin patiently answered, sometimes unable to identify some of the capital's unique snacks and trinkets.

Seeing a flash of embarrassment on her face, Lu Jingzhao suddenly remembered that although Chu Yin had lived in the capital for two years, she had never wandered its streets and alleys, and didn't even know where her parental home was now.

Looking outside, he instructed the coachman, "Go to Meizhu Alley."

Chu Yin was startled, "My parental home?"

"Yes, to let you see what it's like now."

A smile crept over her face, and she leaned her cheek against his shoulder, "Thank you, Your Majesty," then asked, "Can we go inside?"

After saying this, she clasped his sleeve with both hands, blinking her eyes like a kitten, making Lu Jingzhao think that if she had a tail, it would be wagging joyfully, adding to her cuteness.

"You can, but don’t spend too much time."

"Alright, just the time it takes an incense stick to burn," Chu Yin glanced quickly at the children still looking out the window and pecked his cheek.

He, unafraid, cradled the back of her head in his hand and returned a deep kiss.

The coachman stopped in front of a grand mansion with a plaque reading "Chu Residence."

Dong Ling stepped forward to knock on the door.

The young gatekeeper, unaware of who was visiting, opened only a small crack.

Dong Ling warned, "Call your steward. Delay and risk your head."

The Chu family was highly prestigious, and the gatekeeper initially thought Dong Ling mad for speaking so boldly. However, he quickly reconsidered, realizing no one in the capital would dare offend the Chu family, and Dong Ling seemed sane and spoke with a finer voice than most men, perhaps...

His face turned pale, and he hurried off.

As the steward appeared, Chu Yin stepped down from the carriage.

The former lady of the Chu family was easily recognized by the steward, who was so shocked he almost knelt.

Chu Yin stopped him: "Don’t make a fuss, I just came to see my mother and then I'll leave."

It wasn't a rest day, so her father and brothers wouldn't be home.

The steward understood, leading the way tremblingly.

Chu Yin didn’t disturb her sister-in-law, merely walking through the four courtyards to see where her family now lived.

Madame Chu, hearing her daughter had come, nearly stumbled, bombarding her with questions: “How come you’re here alone? Is something wrong? Does the Emperor know? You didn’t sneak back, did you?”

Chu Yin chuckled, "Mother, how could I sneak away? The Emperor is outside with Zhu'er and Zhen'er. They were too noisy, so I didn’t bring them... We’re heading to Rabbit Mountain shortly."

Madame Chu patted her chest in relief, smiling broadly: "His Majesty is indeed in high spirits!"

Such affection for his daughter, only an Emperor could afford such indulgence.

Chu Yin couldn’t stay long: “Please take care of yourself, Mother. I must go, can't keep the Emperor waiting.”

“Go ahead,” Madame Chu joked, “Your visit has made me happy enough to live several years longer.”

Chu Yin: "..."

As soon as the Empress returned to the carriage, the coachman immediately spurred the horses towards the city gate.

Chu Yin’s heart was filled with joy. She softly asked Lu Jingzhao, "Why is Your Majesty suddenly so kind to me?" After saying this, she realized she had asked this before and pursed her lips, "Why are you rewarding me again this time?"

The last time was for giving birth to Yu'er.

Lu Jingzhao pondered, "I'll tell you next time."

Mentioning the matter of the Northern Inspection now might dampen the mood.

However, as someone who had been reborn, Chu Yin also thought of this possibility in that moment.

Perhaps, this was a gift before parting.

She tightly hugged his arm.

Rabbit Mountain was the first choice for climbing during the Double Ninth Festival, but in late March, not many people came here for spring outings. The endless stone steps weren’t crowded, allowing the couple to walk side by side, each holding a child’s hand.

Despite the presence of strapping guards with drawn swords behind them, the family’s striking appearance still attracted many glances.

Lu Jingzhao noticed some of these looks came from men and frowned involuntarily.

Considering the hike, he hadn’t put a veil on Chu Yin, not wanting her to overheat, but he forgot they were incognito, and those unaware of their status dared to look at her indiscreetly.

Lu Jingzhao gave a signal to a few guards.

Understanding, they immediately stepped in front of Chu Yin, shielding her completely.

Like mountains, they also blocked the view ahead.

Chu Yin turned to Lu Jingzhao, "What are they doing?"

"To spare you from the gaze of some people."

"What?" Chu Yin hadn’t noticed such onlookers and curiously peered around to find them.

He pressed her head back, "Don’t look."

Chu Yin: "..."

Fortunately, her regular physical training paid off. Despite being slightly out of breath, she successfully climbed to the mountaintop.

The mountain breeze was cool but not cold.

Looking back at the path they had taken, she saw lush trees, vibrant wildflowers, and winding steps spiraling like a dragon.

"Was the scenery just as beautiful when Your Majesty visited here during the Double Ninth Festival?"

"I don’t know," his slender fingers holding hers, "I wasn’t paying attention."

It was true; Chu Yin knew because when she asked him about maple trees, he didn’t even know if there were any on the mountain.

"Did you pay close attention this time?"

"No."

"Ah?" Chu Yin frowned slightly, "Then what were you looking at?"

"There were other things to see," his gaze enveloping her.

Her face flushed, Chu Yin playfully scolded, "I'm not as beautiful as the mountain scenery, really."

Despite her words, her heart was filled with sweetness.

The two children had become too tired to climb halfway and were carried by the guards. Now standing atop, they gazed at the distant mountains, thrilled.

Yet, Lu Zhen's mind was mostly on food.

"When do we eat the barbecue? Father, I’m hungry!"

Lu Jingzhao looked towards Dong Ling, inquiring about the barbecue.

Dong Ling assured, "Everything’s ready."

In a pavilion nearby, secluded from others, the guards had already lit pine branches. Various meats like lamb and venison, marinated the day before, were placed on the grill.

The aroma was tantalizing.

Chu Yin exclaimed in surprise, "It really is different from ordinary firewood."

Lu Zhen licked her lips, "Mother, I want to eat that one."

"That's a huge piece."

Chu Yin remarked, "Is your stomach really that big?"

"It'll expand if I push it."

“……”

Lu Zhu added, "If she can't finish, I'll eat it."

"My, when did my son become so considerate of his sister?" Chu Yin was surprised.

Lu Zhen smiled sweetly, "Brother is really nice."

They were the perfect picture of brotherly care and sisterly respect.

In the end, both children ate until their bellies were round and greasy.

Chu Yin also enjoyed it but didn't eat as much as the children.

"Why not take some back for the Queen Mother to taste?" she suggested.

Lu Jingzhao smiled, "Of course, that would be nice," and then instructed Dong Ling, "Gather more pine branches to bring back."

"Chu Yin can ask the royal chefs to prepare them whenever she likes."

Unnoticed, the sky gradually darkened.

The evening glow spread across the sky, casting a beautiful and warm light.

Leaning on the man's shoulder, Chu Yin suddenly wished this moment could last forever, so she wouldn't have to worry about the future.

All the unpredictable things.

Yet, looking at the children, she thought, then they would never grow up.

Having been reborn, her greatest wish was to accompany her children as they grew.

"Your Majesty, is it time to return?"

"Hmm," he stood up, then pulled Chu Yin to her feet.

As she sat back in the carriage, she felt tired and remained silent for a long time, while the two children had already fallen asleep.

Approaching the city gate, Chu Yin softly asked Lu Jingzhao, "Your Majesty, isn't it time you told me?"

Knowing what she was asking.

Indeed, it was no longer time to keep secrets. Lu Jingzhao said, "In a while, I need to inspect the northern border, which may take about a month."

Chu Yin was mentally prepared, but hearing it directly still filled her with indescribable worry.

"Can't you send officials instead? Must you go yourself?"

"Hmm, I must go myself," he lifted Chu Yin's chin, "Are you afraid something might happen to me?"

Such an expression actually pleased him.

Fortunately, Chu Yin was not indifferent or feigning concern, otherwise, he might have...

"You're asking knowingly," Chu Yin's eyelashes trembled, "The borderlands are perilous. How can I not worry? I fear you might encounter some desperate villain on the road, those who care not for their own lives, and certainly won't care that you are the Emperor."

"I'm not going without troops. What are you worrying about?" Lu Jingzhao couldn't help but smile, "If we do encounter trouble, it will be an opportunity for me to rid the people of a menace."

Chu Yin: "..."

"Alright, I didn't tell you this to make you worry. I will make all necessary arrangements, you just need to wait for my return."

"Then why not take me with you? If you do, I won't have to wait."

Her voice was soft and clingy.

He glanced at her, indeed wanting to take her along, but he still retained his sense of reason.

"Don't even think about it, it's impossible."

Immediately rejected, Chu Yin pursed her lips: "Then all I can wish for is your safe return, Your Majesty."

Lu Jingzhao actually enjoyed the feeling of her concern: "Is that all you have to say? Nothing else?"

Hearing his determination not to change his plans for the northern patrol, Chu Yin thought for a moment and said, "I hope Your Majesty won’t get involved with other women while you're away."

His desires were so strong, and now suddenly they would be apart for a month, she was genuinely worried.

What if the accompanying ministers or the border generals found an opportunity to present beautiful women to him? Could he resist?

Lu Jingzhao: "..."

Afraid of him touching other women because she cares, he liked that she cared, but...

"Do you really see me as such a person?" he asked, knowing he had never taken any other wives.

"Not before."

Now, it's hard to say.

He's insatiable these days.

Lu Jingzhao: "…Fine, I promise you, but these next few days," he glanced at Chu Yin's flushed cheeks, "you’d better keep me well satisfied."

Since she doesn't trust him, she must pay the price.

Meeting his deep gaze, Chu Yin suddenly felt she was shooting herself in the foot!

"Can I take that back? Pretend you didn’t hear it, Your Majesty," she cooed, trying to backpedal.

"No," he flatly refused.

“……”