“Chapter 083”

"Chapter 083"

"Dong Ling initially thought the imperial couple might quarrel and was extremely nervous."

"She feared the consequences of their disagreement - after all, they were the Emperor and Empress. Fortunately, they didn't argue. She stealthily glanced at the man on the throne not attending to his duties, relieved the woman on his lap was the Empress. Had it been a concubine, it would have been a scandalous 'enchantress causing chaos in the kingdom'."

"Chu Yin knew this wasn't appropriate, so when Lu Jingzhuo's hand started to wander, she promptly stopped him."

"'Shall I grind the ink for His Majesty?'"

"Her lips, kissed by him, looked like dew-kissed cherries, bright red, full and enticing."

"Lu Jingzhuo leaned down to peck them: 'No need to do anything, just sit here.'"

"Chu Yin was actually looking for an excuse to get down."

"His hand had almost touched her undergarment, and she feared he might become unrestrained."

"Even though she had once dreamt of such a scenario..."

"But this was the Qianqing Palace, and if it really happened, she was still somewhat reluctant to accept it."

"Chu Yin urged him: 'I can sit here, but you need to review the memorials.'"

"She put on a serious face, trying to look stern."

"Lu Jingzhuo, fully aware of her thoughts, silently smiled and picked up the memorial he had not yet finished reading."

"The hall immediately became quiet."

"Chu Yin nestled in his embrace, observing him at work."

"It was a familiar scene to her."

"As a spirit, she had watched for many years, even trying to touch, but her fingers always passed through, touching nothing."

"Now it was different; they were both truly alive together."

"A life completely different from her past."

"She never would have imagined sitting on his lap, watching him review memorials!"

"Chu Yin smiled, her lips pursed."

"Lu Jingzhuo glanced down at her, sharing a smile before resuming his serious and focused demeanor."

…………………………

"Jiang Lin was worried about his mother, who had stayed in Jinzhou for a long time, and sent his younger brother to check on her, as he couldn't spare the time himself."

"Jiang Min, now fifteen, could handle some responsibilities and set off for Jinzhou the next day."

"Princess Baocheng was currently in a thatched cottage, studying an acupoint chart."

"Since last year, she had started with 'Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica', memorized 'Medicinal Properties Ode', and 'Huangdi Neijing'. She also foraged for herbs in the mountains, often to the point of exhaustion. She had given up halfway through, but the thought of returning to the capital and facing nothingness drove her to persist."

"She took out a silver needle, comparing its length, then suddenly beckoned Zhao Jiubiao, the third disciple of Cheng Miyuan, 'Come here.'"

"Although Princess Baocheng joined as a disciple later, Zhao Jiubiao didn’t dare to treat her merely as a junior, respectfully bowing and cautiously asking, 'What can I do for you, Princess?' Only their master dared to assign her tasks."

"Princess Baocheng pointed to a spot near her elbow, 'This is the Shousanli acupoint, right?'"

"'Yes.'"

"'Is it precise?'"

"'It looks quite precise.'"

"Princess Baocheng was about to insert the needle."

"Zhao Jiubiao hastily intervened: 'Absolutely not, you mustn’t do this.'"

"'Isn’t it used to reduce swelling and relieve pain? What’s the harm?' Princess Baocheng raised an eyebrow, 'Or should I try it on you first?'"

"Zhao Jiubiao's complexion changed again: 'No, Princess, you can’t just pierce randomly. If you hit the wrong spot, it could cause bleeding. Your royal body is too precious for such risks...'"

"Princess Baocheng was actually a bit scared, but isn’t practicing acupuncture often about using one’s own body?"

"She took a deep breath and prepared to insert the needle again."

"But when the needle tip touched her skin, she hesitated."

"She might not be her father’s favorite, but as a princess of royal blood, how could she endure such hardship?"

"She was still afraid."

"As Princess Baocheng wavered, she saw Cheng Miyuan stepping out."

"He was still dressed in old clothes, his face somewhat dirty, his beard unkempt."

"Zhao Jiubiao hurriedly bowed in respect, calling him 'master.' She just gave him a lazy glance, not bothering to greet him."

"She had intended to offer Cheng Miyuan expensive gifts, but he refused them, nor would he allow her to repair the thatched cottage."

"Upon reflection, Princess Baocheng didn’t want to live here, but she couldn’t understand the medical texts and needed to consult Cheng Miyuan frequently. In the end, she occupied the eastern room next to Zhao Jiubiao. Of course, the bed and bedding she used were newly purchased and relatively comfortable."

"The silver needle gleamed in her slender fingers, catching Cheng Miyuan’s eye as he recalled the conversation he had just overheard."

"The princess actually wanted to pierce herself, a truly commendable display of courage."

"But her determination had already exceeded his expectations."

"He agreed to teach her because he empathized with her pain; his own family had died from illness while he was powerless to help. He had vowed to learn medicine, and moreover, he was curious about the princess, wondering if she could persevere."

"He had never seen any child of wealth, let alone a princess, the emperor's aunt, willing to learn medicine."

"Unexpectedly, she had never left."

"Cheng Miyuan sat opposite Princess Baocheng and rolled up his sleeve: 'Go ahead, pierce me.'"

"Staring at his sturdy, bronze-skinned arm, Princess Baocheng asked, 'Are you serious?'"

"'If I tell you to pierce, just pierce…'"

"Before he could finish, Princess Baocheng had already pierced down."

"Fast and fierce, but 'accurate' was not the word for it."

"Zhao Jiubiao watched as blood flowed from his master’s arm, rushing to find some cotton."

"Cheng Miyuan remained stoic: 'Good thing you didn’t pierce yourself.'"

"Princess Baocheng: '…'"

"She hadn’t expected to be so inaccurate."

"Although there was a bit of intention to retaliate against his harshness, she hadn't meant to make him bleed."

"Princess Baocheng pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it over: 'Press on it yourself.'"

"The white handkerchief, like her skin, was pale and carried a subtle fragrance."

"Cheng Miyuan declined: 'No need.'"

"Refused, Princess Baocheng thought to herself, 'Bleed to death for all I care.'"

"Annoyed, she withdrew the handkerchief."

"'Want to try again?' he asked, 'You missed the spot just now.' Pointing to a location with his fingernail, he said, 'Here, look carefully.'"

"She grabbed another silver needle, determined. 'Fine, I'll pierce, who's scared?' She aimed for the acupoint."

"Her fingertip trembled slightly as she neared the spot, then she decisively pierced through."

"Not seeing any blood, she couldn’t believe it and leaned in closer for a better look."

"Her black hair brushed across his cheek, accompanied by her suddenly placed fingers, making Cheng Miyuan’s heart skip a beat."

"'Did I get it right this time?' Princess Baocheng asked with a triumphant arch of her brow, surprised at her accuracy on just the second attempt."

"It seemed she had chosen the right path."

"Cheng Miyuan gave a small smile: 'Yes, very accurate. Your Highness is exceptionally talented and bright.'"

"Princess Baocheng: '...'"

"Was he on some strange medication? Why was he suddenly so extravagant in his praise?"

"As she furrowed her brows in confusion, she heard her young son’s voice at the door: 'Mother!'"

"She quickly ran out to greet him."

…………

"On the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Chu family received joyous news: Dou Jingfang was pregnant."

"In her previous life, her brother remained unmarried after his divorce, leaving no descendants. Chu Yin was overjoyed and immediately had Rendong prepare congratulatory gifts."

"Empress Dowager Jiang also sent a gift upon hearing the news."

"Wondering how they would celebrate the festival this year, Chu Yin asked Lu Jingzhuo in the evening, 'So I can instruct He Zhong to make the necessary arrangements.'"

"Lu Jingzhuo pondered: 'I don’t wish for grand celebrations. Just distribute some fans, zongzi, and colorful longevity threads.' If interested, they could invite ministers to enjoy lotus viewing and dragon boat races outside the city, but he evidently lacked the inclination."

"'That sounds appropriate, especially since my second and third brothers are still in mourning.'"

"'Hmm,' Lu Jingzhuo said, lightly caressing her shoulder, 'but if you wish to leave the palace, I can accompany you.'"

"'And do what outside the palace?' she inquired."

"'Watch the dragon boat races. Xun'er and Zhen'er haven't seen them, have they?'"

"'There were races in Qingzhou too, but they were too young to attend back then.'"

"'Would you like to take them this time? We could also enjoy the lotuses.'"

"Chu Yin saw no reason to refuse."

"These were beautiful experiences, the more the better, but..."

"'Won’t it disrupt your schedule? Are there any pressing matters recently?'"

"'It’s just one day,' he said, pinching her cheek, 'I already promised you a visit to Wenshu Temple.'"

"Chu Yin yelped softly as he pinched her: 'Alright, let’s go!' She pushed her luck further, 'I’d like to invite my parents and brother to watch the dragon boat races too...' She leaned in to kiss the corner of his lips."

"Such bribery, of course, had to be accepted. Lu Jingzhuo gripped her waist, deepening the kiss: 'A bit longer.'"

"She trembled, wrapping her arms around his neck, her kisses trailing down to his throat."

He suddenly remembered something, “How long will it take for you to make a sachet? You won't delay giving it to me until after the Dragon Boat Festival, will you?”

That would have been the most appropriate occasion.

Clearly, he was growing impatient and pressing her for it.

Chu Yin evasively replied, “One day I will give it to you…”

She was met with a sudden jolt.

The impact left her momentarily speechless.

After finalizing the plans, Lu Jingzhao went to invite Empress Dowager Jiang.

Preferring the cool and tranquility, the Empress Dowager waved her hand, “You two go with Zhu'er and Zhen'er. Leave Yu'er with me; he’s such a well-behaved child, I’ll spend the festival with him.”

Lu Jingzhao did not insist.

He had He Zhong prepare a decorated boat in advance and sent a message to the Chu family.

Sensing her husband's deep resentment about not receiving the sachet, Chu Yin decided to first make a colorful longevity thread to appease him, making one for each of their three children as well. That afternoon, she took the opportunity to learn from Man Qing.

Fortunately, it was not difficult, and she finished quickly.

By the Dragon Boat Festival, all the officials had received gifts from the palace, and every household enjoyed the fragrance of rice dumplings.

The two children also loved eating rice dumplings, and after a satisfying meal, they accompanied their parents in a carriage to the Jade River.

In the carriage, Chu Yin took out the longevity threads, first putting them on the children, wishing them health and well-being.

Lu Zhu and Lu Zhen were delighted, admiring and touching the threads, praising their mother’s handiwork.

The man beside them remained calm, but his thin lips were tightly pressed together, clearly somewhat displeased.

"Using a longevity thread as a substitute for a sachet, that's a bit lazy."

While tying it for him, Chu Yin said, "I'm already making the sachet, really, you can ask Wintercreeper and the others... Good things take time, I assure you, this sachet will be much prettier than the last one."

It was like coaxing a child, but he enjoyed it: "Then, by the end of the year at the latest."

"Alright," she agreed, then added, "Around the Winter Solstice."

He found it strange that she mentioned the Winter Solstice, but it seemed trivial, so he didn't inquire further.

Jade River was bustling with activity; countless boats docked on the river, and the shore teemed with people, a surging crowd.

After getting out of the carriage, Lu Jingzhao immediately helped Chu Yin put on her veil hat.

There would be many officials today, and he didn't want to be recognized and spoil Chu Yin and the children's mood, so he also donned a veil hat.

The two children had been excited from the start, looking around eagerly upon disembarking, but they were much more disciplined than in their younger years, not chattering incessantly or running around.

"When does the dragon boat race start?" Lu Zhu asked, his only question.

"In about half an hour," Lu Jingzhao replied, leading him towards the painted boat.

Like the carriage they had taken before, this painted boat was inconspicuous, even less remarkable than those of the wealthy and noble families, attracting little attention. Chu Yin followed behind, holding her daughter's hand.

"Mother, look, lotus flowers," Lu Zhen pointed out in the distance.

The western section of the Jade River was used for transport, so lotus flowers were not extensively planted there to avoid hindering boat traffic. Instead, a pond connected to the river was dug in the eastern section and filled with lotus flowers, which were now blooming profusely in shades of white and light red, standing tall and graceful.

Knowing her daughter's love for flowers, Chu Yin suggested to Lu Jingzhao, "Since the dragon boat race hasn't started yet, shall we go see the lotus flowers first?"

Lu Jingzhao then instructed the boatman.

The lotus viewing area was already surrounded by numerous painted boats; some were composing poetry, some playing the zither, and others were painting.

Chu Yin lifted her daughter: "Can you see them?"

"Mm-hmm," she nodded in agreement.

Her sleeve slipped, revealing a slender, pale wrist that appeared fragile and delicate. Lu Jingzhao swiftly took his daughter from Chu Yin's arms, insisting, "Let me hold her instead." Though she also practiced archery, she lacked physical strength.

"Of course, His Majesty holds her more securely," Chu Yin smiled, then looked down at her son, "Zhuer, do you want a hug?"

"No need," Lu Zhu shook his head.

He is on his path to becoming a qualified heir apparent.

Chu Yin said, "You're still young, what's wrong with letting your father hold you?"

"No need, I can really see," the child insisted.

He was taller than his sister, and besides, his father was already holding his sister. It wouldn't be appropriate to hold him too; they weren't as small as they used to be.

Chu Yin ruffled his hair, "Wait a bit and your father will hold you."

This time, Lu Zhen did not refuse.

While they were talking, another painted boat approached, stopping right opposite them. Chu Yin glanced over casually, then her gaze fixed in place.

The man on the deck, dressed in a stone-blue silk summer robe, had sharp brows and a noble demeanor. He was her former father-in-law in a past life, Duke Fu Yunqing of the Song State.

Chu Yin was surprised and delighted by the coincidence and immediately looked to his side.

However, she didn’t find Yu Sizhang, whom she expected. Instead, she saw a young boy around ten, with rosy lips and white teeth, bearing a striking resemblance to Fu Yunqing. She guessed that must be Fu Yue, her future son-in-law.

Chu Yin couldn’t help but smile broadly.

Lu Jingzhao noticed this change in her expression. He looked at Duke Song suspiciously.

Could Chu Yin know him?

He didn’t ask immediately, choosing instead to observe quietly.

Unexpectedly, Chu Yin then lost interest in the lotus flowers, her gaze frequently drifting in that direction. If not for the veil she wore, he would have thought she was casting flirtatious glances.

But Duke Song was in his thirties, surely not someone Chu Yin would be fond of.

No, that's not right...

He suddenly remembered, when his aunt wanted to marry Duke Song, Chu Yin had belittled him, saying he was unworthy of his aunt.

Could it be that she intentionally sabotaged the marriage at that time?

With a stern face, Lu Jingzhao put down his daughter and grasped Chu Yin’s wrist, pulling her into the cabin.

"What's the matter?" Chu Yin exclaimed in surprise.

He asked coldly, "Are you really looking at the lotuses or at someone?"

Chu Yin: "..."

She had been careless.