Chapter 080

Chapter 080

Not refusing means accepting.

Having perfectly resolved this, Lu Jingzhao quickly pecked her lips, then picked up their two children onto the dragon carriage.

"Where is Yu’er?"

"Already with the Empress Dowager."

Lu Jingzhao then instructed the coachman to head to Cining Palace.

Seeing her son return safely, Empress Dowager Jiang chided, "Don’t go on inspection tours anymore, how many emperors do such things?"

"Having done it, the frontier will be peaceful for several years, it's worth it," Lu Jingzhao smiled.

Empress Dowager Jiang shook her head, "Anyway, next time you go, I will definitely stop you."

"We’ll see then, the children might not need to go personally."

This inspection tour provided him with valuable experience and a clear understanding of the northern borders. In case of future conflicts, he could better command his troops, rather than relying solely on maps and imagination.

Chu Yin understood the meaning of his words.

Although somewhat risky, it was a precaution against the unforeseen. What Lu Jingzhao didn't know was that a real battle might be looming in the future, and she wondered if it could be averted.

The outcome would be known by April.

Hearing the adults talk, Lu Yu made a sound resembling a “moo.”

Seeing his younger son, Lu Jingzhao’s lips curled involuntarily, “How did he get so chubby?”

“He eats well, sleeps well, and rarely cries; it would be strange if he didn’t grow.” Crying also consumes energy, and this child didn’t seem to exert himself at all.

Lu Jingzhao pinched the chubby little face, and Lu Yu immediately broke into a smile.

During the welcome banquet, Empress Dowager Jiang mentioned Princess Baocheng, “Shanhui isn’t in the capital; she went to study medicine, otherwise she would have joined your welcome feast.”

Lu Jingzhao raised an eyebrow, “My aunt is studying medicine?”

Everyone who heard this was surprised.

“She said staying idle at home was uninteresting, and wanted to learn something.”

“That’s good, but where did she go to study medicine, and who is her teacher?”

Chu Yin was well-prepared, replying without a blush or a skip in her heartbeat, “I heard earlier that there’s a miraculous doctor named Cheng Miyuan in Jinzhou. As my aunt wanted to learn medicine, I mentioned him, and unexpectedly she really became his disciple.”

“……”

There was a sense of familiarity.

Lu Jingzhao asked, "And where did you hear this, in another inn?"

"On the road... but after Auntie went to Jinzhou, she discovered Cheng Miyuan really is a miraculous doctor. I might just have been lucky."

When luck is involved, it's hard to argue.

Lu Jingzhao said no more.

After returning from Cining Palace and the children had gone to their respective places, he embraced her, lowering his head to kiss the cherry lips he had longed for since morning.

An hour later, Chu Yin was carried by him to the bath in the side room.

Her black hair was spread out, her lips slightly swollen, limp as if exhausted.

She wanted to pinch him, but her fingers were too weak.

"I really don't know who is compensating whom," she murmured.

It felt entirely like she was the one compensating Lu Jingzhao, completely devoured from head to toe.

The man crouched down, gently caressing her creamy shoulders, "I am yours alone."

Hearing this, her heart melted again, but she said, "Your Majesty really hasn’t been with anyone else..."

"Of course, a monarch's word is his bond."

Chu Yin was enough to satisfy him completely.

Her lips curved into a smile, "Alright, I believe you."

He stepped out, letting the palace maids attend to Chu Yin's bath.

Away for a month, affairs of the capital were reported to him, but since he hadn't reviewed them personally, he still felt uneasy. He went to Qianqing Palace to summon a few ministers for a detailed inquiry before returning.

It was quite late now, yet Chu Yin hadn't fallen asleep.

She snuggled up to him as soon as she saw him.

It seemed she really missed him during this time. Pleased, the man tightly embraced her.

"Did you really encounter no dangers on the road?" she asked. "You lost the safety charm I gave you."

"It was precisely because I lost it that I was extra careful, and nothing happened... When you have time, make another sachet for me, I promise not to lose it this time."

Chu Yin lazily said, "We'll see. I am quite tired. I don’t know when I’ll recover."

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and he had been quite insistent, but hadn’t she clung to him just as tightly? Lu Jingzhao indulgently replied, "No rush, I can wait." Her words were just her playful way; he wouldn't get angry over it.

She didn’t say anything more, simply enjoying the peace of being in each other's arms again.

The familiar scent of his cologne filled her nostrils, and the solid warmth of his body was beside her. It was wonderful.

Gradually, she drifted into sleep.

When Lu Jingzhao woke up, he found her still clinging to him, one hand tightly gripping the corner of his clothes.

He wanted to disentangle himself but feared waking her.

But sitting like this wasn’t practical either.

After a while, he gently pulled the cloth corner away.

Sure enough, Chu Yin woke up, groggily asking, "What time is it?"

"It’s still early, continue sleeping," he whispered, kissing the corner of her lips.

She unconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck.

This gesture deepened his kiss.

She was equally immersed, eventually wrapping both her arms and legs around him.

Leaving the Kunning Palace, he thought while sitting in the imperial carriage that Chu Yin seemed more clingy than before, pondering that separation might not be entirely bad.

However, as time passed and Chu Yin grew increasingly clingy, his thoughts changed. He began to doubt that her attachment was solely due to his Northern Inspection.

Could it be that Chu Yin also had deep feelings for him?

When heavy snow blanketed the entire palace, he watched his wife and their two children building a snow lion in the courtyard, his lips curving into an involuntary smile.

Before the year's end, Princess Baocheng returned to the capital.

Chu Yin was curious about her experience with Cheng Mi Yuan.

But Princess Baocheng got irritated whenever her master was mentioned: "No wonder no woman wants to marry him. He spends any bit of money he has on helping others and is so harsh with us disciples, making us gather herbs on the mountain, dig them up by hand, wash them, and even taste them…" She had been sick several times, "He also forbids me from using scented powders, saying it's too suffocating, and won’t let me stay in inns but in some dilapidated hut, claiming that enduring hardships is the key to learning medicine. Such nonsensical theories!"

Seeing her almost hysterical, Chu Yin felt a bit guilty, "It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have mentioned him to Auntie. Maybe you should stop learning from him?"

After all, she was a pampered princess, not used to such hardships.

Yet Princess Baocheng shook her head, "No, I can’t let him see through me. He says I'll leave eventually, but I won’t give him the satisfaction."

Chu Yin: "..."

“But his medical skills are indeed miraculous. I've seen him save many patients on the brink of death. He's certainly better than the Imperial Physician.”

Chu Yin smiled lightly, "You still admire him, don’t you, Auntie?"

Princess Baocheng snorted, "That's his only good quality. I’m enduring all this just because of his medical expertise. Once I learn it, I won’t bother with him anymore." She then proceeded to take Chu Yin’s pulse.

It was almost the anniversary of her death in her previous life, and she wondered if her body had undergone any changes.

Chu Yin extended her hand.

"Not bad, very healthy," Princess Baocheng nodded after checking her pulse.

However, her words did not dispel Chu Yin’s lingering worries. She looked down at her slender wrist, remaining silent.

When Lu Yu turned one year old, a banquet was held in the palace.

The entire Chu family attended, except for Princess Baocheng, who was still in Jinzhou. Only Jiang Lin and Jiang Min came to offer their congratulations.

After the feast, everyone gathered around Lu Yu for the traditional first birthday grab.

The child was fearless around strangers, calling out 'Daddy,' 'Mommy,' 'Brother,' and 'Sister.' He struggled a bit with 'Grandmother,' but it was clear enough, endearing him to even more people.

Lu Zhu and Lu Zhen, when idle, loved to play with their younger brother, teaching him to walk and talk, and sharing what they had learned that day.

The little brother was well-behaved, never fussy, just smiling at them.

“Mother, look! Brother is about to grab something,” Lu Zhen speculated, “Could it be a gold ingot?”

That would indicate a future wealth-seeker.

But as a prince, he would never lack money.

Lu Zhu guessed, “He might grab a brush.”

To join him in studying and writing one day.

Chu Yin nudged Lu Jingzhao, “What does Your Majesty think he’ll grab?”

“A scabbard.”

“Why?” she inquired.

Lu Jingzhao pinched her waist lightly, “I don’t believe you can’t guess.”

The scabbard, found by Dong Ling from some storehouse, was inlaid with numerous colorful gems, very eye-catching. Children naturally get attracted to shiny objects.

Chu Yin, knowing her child better, could easily predict this.

And indeed, Lu Zhu ended up grabbing the scabbard.

The couple shared a knowing smile.

Lu Jingzhao remarked, “Growing up to learn martial arts wouldn’t be bad. Who knows, he might become a great general.”

Chu Yin disagreed, "I can't bear the thought of him going to war. It's perfect for him to stay in the capital, close with his brother."

Lu Jingzhao hummed in response but remained silent.

"You don’t agree?" she asked.

"Let's talk about the future when it comes. The kids are young and innocent; who knows what they will become when they grow up."

In that moment, Chu Yin thought of Lu Jingchen and Lu Jingrui and nodded in agreement.

Later, Lu Jingzhao had to go to the Qianqing Palace.

She clutched his sleeve, "Won’t you rest for even a day for our son’s first birthday?"

Since returning from the Northern Inspection, she felt he had been busier than before, with little time for them. Sometimes, she wouldn’t see him for days, reminiscent of the Lu Jingzhao from her past life. He seemed to be reverting back.

Could it be because she had been too forward lately that he started to take her for granted?

Suddenly releasing her hold, Chu Yin said, "Never mind, go on with your work."

Preoccupied with the implementation of new policies, he hadn’t noticed her expression, kissed her cheek, and hurried off.

Watching his retreating figure, Chu Yin felt a sense of heaviness, pausing momentarily before going to teach her daughter flower arrangement.

There were no wars in April.

After the military strongholds in the north were reorganized, the foreign tribes, weighing their own strength, dared not invade.

Chu Yin breathed a sigh of relief.

No war meant no casualties among soldiers, and the people wouldn’t be displaced. Peace and stability were what Lu Jingzhao always strived for.

"In his previous life, he achieved so much when he was in power. In this life, he will surely do even better. If possible, she truly wished to grow old with him, witnessing with her own eyes the glorious era he would create..."

A sharp pain at her fingertip, blood drawn by the needle's prick.

Manqing exclaimed in shock, quickly covering the wound with a handkerchief, "Be careful, Your Majesty."

Since Lianqiao had recently asked to leave the palace, Chuyin had made Manqing her personal maid.

"It's nothing, just a minor injury."

Perhaps because the day was drawing nearer, she had been feeling increasingly restless of late.

Rongdong brought some cotton to dress her wound.

Chuyin couldn't help but laugh, "It's not like I've been stabbed by a sword or anything. There's no need for such fuss." Removing the handkerchief, the wound had already stopped bleeding.

Rongdong glanced at it, wanting to say something but held back.

"Ever since the Emperor lost the previous sachet, the Empress has been planning to give him another. But this sachet, from last year till now, still isn't finished. I wonder if the Empress still wishes to give it to the Emperor."

"I should urge her to finish it quickly, but then again, she hurt her hand."

She decided not to voice her opinion.

Suddenly, Empress Dowager Jiang of Cining Palace summoned Chuyin.

Chuyin put down her needlework, tidied her dress, and went out to the palace carriage.

It turned out that Lu Jingrui was about to end his mourning period, and Empress Dowager Jiang, concerned about his marriage, wanted Chuyin to be in charge of it.

"Look at this list from the year before last. The girls on it are all suitable, but I don't know if they are already married. Have He Zhong investigate, then add a few more names, and we'll discuss and decide."

This matter was exactly what Chuyin had hoped for, "Yes, Mother, I will get onto it immediately."

Empress Dowager Jiang added, "Jingrui's injury is healed now. He will surely be a great help to Jingzhao in the future. He might not be home often, so his wife should be virtuous and understanding. Jingrui is a gentle and cheerful person. Mutual understanding between husband and wife is key for a lasting relationship."

Chuyin understood, "But you're talking about personality traits. We don’t know what kind of girl the Third Brother likes. How about I go and ask him later?"

"Good, he should tell you. He even listened to you about treating his injury."

Chuyin immediately headed to Hongyi Hall.

Hearing that his sister-in-law was waiting for him in the palace, Lu Jingrui quickly stopped his boxing practice and brushed down his robe before going out.

The young man seemed taller than she remembered, even his shoulders appeared broader.

He was stronger than in his previous life.

Initially puzzled, Chuyin then realized that after he stopped pretending, he must have started exercising to build such a physique.

After he paid his respects, Chuyin asked with a smile, "What were you just doing?"

"Practicing Tai Chi."

As expected...

Chuyin remarked, "No wonder you look like a different person."

"Thanks to my sister-in-law's kindness, I am where I am today," Lu Jingrui said as he picked up a cup of tea from the table and handed it to her with both hands, "Let me offer you a cup of tea in gratitude, sister-in-law."

Chuyin's eyebrows lifted slightly, pausing before accepting the cup, "You should also thank yourself. If your body hadn't been resilient, how could any treatment, even by the best physicians, have worked? I didn't do much."

Lu Jingrui laughed, "In my heart, it's all thanks to you."

His body was fine; it was his heart that had issues.

His smile was incredibly sweet, almost cloying.

Chuyin felt she had only seen such expressions on her own children.

In any case, it made her somewhat uncomfortable.

Chuyin lowered her eyelids, sipping her tea. "The Empress Dowager is concerned about your marriage. She asked me to inquire about your preferences in a bride."

Lu Jingrui was momentarily stunned. "That..."

"You'll be twenty next year, time to marry and establish your household. Surely, you've given it some thought?"

His tone hinting at dissatisfaction, Lu Jingrui hurriedly suggested, "Perhaps my sister-in-law could decide for me."

What? Doubting she heard correctly, Chuyin set down her teacup and scrutinized him, "If I choose for you, I might not select a woman you like. Is that acceptable? Also, what if her family background doesn't match yours..."

"My sister-in-law will surely consider my best interests, right? I trust her," he said with firm conviction.

Chuyin: "..."

Has he lost his mind?

To trust her to this extent?

Is he still the same Lu Jingrui from his past life?

For the first time, Chuyin set aside her preconceived notions, scrutinizing and seriously considering this young man before her.