Chapter 084

Chapter 084

She was indeed looking at the Duke of Song and his son, more precisely at Fu Yue, and also waiting for Yu Sizhang to appear.

Unexpectedly, Lu Jingzhao had noticed.

"What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?" Without a reasonable excuse ready, she decided to play dumb.

Lu Jingzhao removed their veils and pressed her into the armchair, leaning over with his hands on either side: "I saw everything."

The man was naturally tall and imposing. As he leaned in closer, his presence felt as overwhelming as a mountain, and even Chu Yin, who was deeply in love with him, couldn't help but retreat until her back pressed against the chair, unable to move further.

He pressed down a bit more: "Speak."

His interrogative stance made it seem as if she had committed a grave error.

Chu Yin retorted, "I was looking at a child, what’s wrong with that?"

"A child?"

"Yes, the one in the sapphire blue clothes. Such a young age and yet so handsome, very charming."

“……”

Was she looking at the Duke of Song's son?

Lu Jingzhao puzzled, "We have three children, aren’t they enough for you? You come out to admire lotuses but end up looking at someone else’s child?"

Chu Yin pouted, "I just find every child adorable, whether they are mine or someone else’s. Besides, that child really is quite striking."

"Could he possibly be more charming than Zhen’er and Zhen’er?"

"Each has their own charm," Chu Yin suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, using the momentum to move upwards, whispering in his ear, "Really now, with Your Majesty by my side, would I bother looking at other men?"

His face suddenly felt a bit warm at that moment.

Chu Yin was not just good at acting coquettishly but also adept at sweet talking.

"You better remember what you just said," he said as he pulled her arms down and pinned them to the armrest, then leaned in to kiss her.

Unable to move, she felt a peculiar sense of confinement.

But his kiss was comforting, just the right mix of gentle and firm.

Only the posture was awkward; after a while, her arms began to go numb...

Just as she shifted uncomfortably, her daughter's voice suddenly came from the cabin door, "Daddy, Mommy, come out quickly... Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle are here."

Lu Jingzhao paused and let go of her.

Chu Yin, rubbing her arms: "You made them numb," then called out, "Coming, coming."

Lu Jingzhao chuckled and helped massage her arms.

As they nearly reached the cabin door, Chu Yin took out a handkerchief to wipe their lips.

The Chu family, having received the imperial edict, also came to Jade River for the Dragon Boat Festival. To avoid being recognized, they stayed discreetly inside their painted boat, not mingling with the officials. When they learned the Emperor was nearby, they sent their servant to fetch them.

"Father, Mother, Brother, please come inside," Chu Yin beckoned, "It's better to sit inside."

Her family didn't wear veils, and if they were spotted showing respect, others would surely guess their identity. If officials came to pay respects, the trip would lose its purpose.

Chu Fangheng and the others understood and hurried inside.

The two children were very puzzled, wondering why everyone was hiding inside.

Lu Zhen frowned, "Brother, what are they doing? They're not even enjoying the lotuses."

Having been educated by officials for over a year, Lu Zhen thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps they're discussing important matters. Let’s not disturb them."

"Wow, brother, you're so sensible now," Lu Zhen teased, reaching out to pinch Lu Zhen’s cheek.

Lu Zhen dodged, and the two ran around on the deck.

The little girl's pink dress fluttered slightly, her laughter ringing like silver bells.

Fu Yue's gaze drifted over, pausing on her round face, wondering which family’s girl she was, so endearingly cute.

Her chubby, pinchable face was tempting.

Without siblings of his own, he watched their playful chase with envy.

"Yue'er, what are you looking at?" Yu Sizhang asked, just returning from a friend's boat.

Fu Yue pointed.

Yu Sizhang, with keen eyesight, saw clearly and paused, struck by how the girl resembled Chu Yin.

Could it be...?

After observing the painted boat and the guards on the deck, she became even more certain. However, knowing that the Emperor and Empress were incognito, she couldn't possibly intrude, despite missing the Empress.

"Muzhi, which boat are you betting on?" Fu Yunqing rested his hand on her shoulder, drawing her close.

"The Zhou family."

"Then I’ll bet on the Ma family."

Yu Sizhang frowned, "Why do you always have to oppose me?"

"Who asked you to always oppose me in the past," Fu Yunqing whispered, "Winning your hand was quite a struggle."

They had even fought a duel over it.

Yu Sizhang shook her head, "Bringing up old scores isn't good."

"But it makes for interesting stories."

“……”

As the two bantered, Fu Yue touched his nose and wandered off to the other end.

Ever since his mother passed, his father had been lonely for years. Although Fu Yue felt somewhat uncomfortable with his father's remarriage, seeing his father happy with a woman he loved made him glad. Their home had become lively again.

Fu Yue smiled slightly, then turned his gaze back to the opposite painted boat.

Lu Zhen, trained in archery and horsemanship, easily outpaced Lu Zhen, who soon was panting heavily.

Seeing her flushed face and disheveled hair, Lu Zhen said, "Alright, I'll let you pinch me, but just once." He leaned his face closer.

Lu Zhen, holding her chest, said, "You should have allowed it earlier, I'm so tired!" She pinched him gently and laughed, "Brother’s cheek is as soft as Yu’er’s."

Lu Zhen: "..."

Suddenly feeling short-changed, Lu Zhen demanded, "Let me pinch you too."

"I won’t, I won’t," Lu Zhen escaped into the cabin.

When Lu Zhen reached the door, he straightened his small frame, displaying a mature demeanor in front of the elders.

Chu Yin was inquiring about her sister-in-law's health, like her appetite after becoming pregnant and the doctor's advice. She contemplated sending Physician Liu to check on her, while Lu Jingzhao, Chu Fangheng, and Chu Ge were engaged in much more serious discussions.

After entering, Lu Zhen greeted the elders and then quietly asked her mother, "Mom, isn’t the dragon boat race starting soon? Aren’t you watching?"

"We can see from here, the windows are large," Chu Yin held her daughter, "Were you just admiring the lotuses? Did you find anything interesting?" She wondered if her daughter had noticed Fu Yue but knew that at such a young age, even if she did, it wouldn’t stir any feelings.

In her past life, her daughter had met Fu Yue at thirteen; this time it was earlier, but they might not recognize each other.

As expected, Lu Zhen replied, "I was just looking at the lotuses."

Chu Yin smiled and gently rubbed her head, not saying more.

If the two children were destined, Fu Yue would surely become her son-in-law in the future.

Just by appearances, they indeed seemed well-matched.

Suddenly, a burst of gong and drum sounds signaled the start of the dragon boat race.

Lu Jingzhao paused his conversation about court affairs, instructed the boatman to move closer, and then held his son in his arms.

Lu Zhen wrapped his arms around his father's neck, smiling radiantly.

Through the window, Chu Yin noticed an additional female figure on the Fu family's boat – it was Yu Sizhang.

Pleased, she smiled slightly and turned her attention to the competing dragon boats on the river, cheering along with her family.

Meanwhile, Princess Baocheng was also celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival.

She, known for her generosity, had reserved a private room at the town's best restaurant, inviting Cheng Mi Yuan and his three senior brothers to celebrate with her and her son.

Before leaving, Jiang Min looked around his mother's modest room and sighed, "If brother knew about this, he would surely beg you to return. This place doesn’t suit you at all," he lamented, noting even the Princess's mansion had better amenities.

Princess Baocheng laughed, "Then don’t tell him. Just say I’m doing well… Besides, if I couldn’t endure it, would I stay here? No one can force me."

"That's true," Jiang Min nodded in agreement, "If you're truly dedicated to studying medicine, I'll support you, but please don't overwork yourself."

"Alright," Princess Baocheng agreed.

Outside, the three senior brothers were already waiting. Seeing the princess emerge, they all came forward to greet her.

"Where's everyone else?" Princess Baocheng didn't see Cheng Mi Yuan.

"I don't know. It's rare for Master to dawdle like this," Zhao Jiubiao was also puzzled, "I'll go check!"

Just as he reached the doorway, he saw someone coming out from inside.

Due to the stranger’s unfamiliarity, he exclaimed in surprise, "Who are you…?"

Everyone thought a thief had entered and poked their heads out curiously.

The man asked, "Who do you think I am?"

His voice was identical to Cheng Mi Yuan's, but…

Princess Baocheng stared at his clean-shaven chin, his brand new lake-green robe, and the square cap on his head, almost believing she’d seen a ghost.

She knew Cheng Mi Yuan was only two years younger than her but had always looked so dirty and disheveled that she suspected he was actually in his forties or fifties. Yet, dressed up like this, he looked presentable.

Zhao Jiubiao scratched his head, "Master doesn't even look like himself. Even last year during the festival, you didn’t dress up like this..."

"Last year was last year, this year is this year," Cheng Mi Yuan gave him a sidelong glance, "Why do you talk so much?"

Zhao Jiubiao: "..."

Cheng Mi Yuan turned to Princess Baocheng, "Stop staring at me. I’ll be like this tomorrow too, you should get used to it."

"What does your appearance tomorrow have to do with me?" Princess Baocheng raised an eyebrow, "I'm just wondering why you used to make yourself look so scruffy?" He could have been neat and tidy.

Cheng Mi Yuan replied, "Because I didn't want to tidy up."

"And what made you change your mind?"

He said indifferently, "Because now I felt like it."

“……”

This explanation seemed as good as none, but Princess Baocheng distinctly noticed something hidden in his light-colored eyes, like ripples on a lake brushed by a spring breeze. She stared at him for a moment, then chose not to inquire further.

…………

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the peak of summer arrived. Ice mirrors were used in the palace to alleviate the heat, but Chu Yin still insisted on sending her son and Lu Jingzhao out every morning and taking time in the afternoon to accompany her daughter in flower arranging and shuttlecock kicking, and teaching her youngest son to walk and talk.

Before they knew it, July had arrived.

Lu Jingchen and his wife, along with Lu Jingrui after ending his mourning period, came to Cining Palace to pay respects to Empress Dowager Jiang, who invited them to stay for lunch, noting it had been a long time since their last family gathering and instructed Chen Mama to prepare.

Lu Shaowen, over two years old, had eyes like Tang Feiyan and a face and nose resembling Lu Jingchen, looking quite handsome. He sweetly called "Imperial Great Grandmother" non-stop.

Empress Dowager Jiang joked, "He's smarter than Jingchen was at this age."

Lu Jingchen coughed lightly, "I am greatly comforted by my son."

Chu Yin, having heard the news, now arrived.

Upon seeing her, Lu Jingchen and his wife quickly stood up, performing a deep bow and addressed her as "Your Highness." Lu Jingrui, more relaxed, greeted Chu Yin as "Elder Sister-in-law," showing a closer bond.

Chu Yin asked them to rise, "Why so formal? Just like before is fine."

Lu Jingchen respectfully said, "Elder Sister-in-law, this is proper etiquette. After all, we haven't seen you for over two years, unlike our youngest brother." He then called his son, "Shaowen, come greet your aunt."

Having been taught beforehand, Lu Shaowen performed a junior's greeting, "Shaowen greets Aunt, wishing you golden peace."

Chu Yin hadn't met the two-year-old Lu Shaowen, as in her previous life he had moved to Huaizhou with his parents at the age of one.

"Sister-in-law, you're quite adept at raising children," Chu Yin smiled, beckoning Lu Shaowen over and rewarding him with a string of little goldfish.

The fish, about the size of a thumb, made of gold, were exceedingly cute.

Lu Shaowen quickly expressed his thanks.

Tang Feiyan was dressed very simply today, in moon-white, with only a white jade hairpin in her hair, looking much less flamboyant than before, her demeanor no longer wilful but respectful, "Thank you for your generosity, Elder Sister-in-law."

Her fear was evident.

Chu Yin understood clearly; the couple feared being sent out of the capital to govern a fief.

Yet, she couldn’t decide this matter alone; everything depended on Lu Jingzhao’s opinion, although she believed these two no longer posed any threat.

"We weren’t there for Shaowen's full-month celebration, so don't consider it an extravagance," Chu Yin said with concern, "Sister-in-law, you've lost quite a bit of weight. Are you unwell? Should we call the imperial physician?"

"No need, it’s all Shaowen’s doing. He keeps running around, and I spend all day chasing after him. That’s why I’ve lost weight." As the day of their return to court duties drew near, her worries increased, sometimes affecting her sleep. With so many thoughts, how could she not lose weight?

Chu Yin didn’t press further.

"Where are Zhen’er and Zhen’er?" Tang Feiyan asked, "I haven’t seen them in two years and really miss them."

"They’re currently in lessons, should be finishing soon."

"So well-behaved, so young and yet able to sit and concentrate in class. They must have inherited the best traits from both you and His Majesty."

Feeling the flattery was a bit much, Lu Jingchen changed the subject, asking Lu Jingrui, "Younger brother, isn’t it time you considered your own marriage?"

Lu Jingrui replied, "There’s no rush. I want to spend more time with Mother."

Empress Dowager Jiang scolded playfully, "This child, I had Ah Yin ask what kind of girl he likes, and he couldn’t say a word. It’s not that I don’t want to arrange it for him; he just doesn’t have a clear idea himself."

"That’s easy to solve. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, all the young ladies will be out moon-gazing. Younger brother can leave the palace to have a look. Maybe he’ll find someone he likes," Lu Jingchen suggested.

Empress Dowager Jiang smiled, "Jingchen is clever, thinking just like me. I planned to have him do that... Jingrui, don’t stay in the palace on Mid-Autumn night. Go out and see the world."

Lu Jingrui felt a headache coming on and turned to Chu Yin, "Then I’ll need my elder sister-in-law to accompany me. I don’t trust my own judgment; she can help me choose."

Chu Yin was taken aback.

What was Lu Jingrui thinking? Asking her to accompany him to look at girls? Had he gone mad?

At this moment, Lu Jingzhao arrived with the two children, overhearing the phrase "help choose" at the doorway. He asked, "Help choose what?"

Everyone hurriedly came forward to pay their respects.

This time, even Lu Jingrui performed the formal bow.

Lu Jingzhao waved his hand, "Everyone, please rise."

Empress Dowager Jiang answered her son's earlier question: "We were discussing Jingrui's matter. He’s to go out of the palace during the Mid-Autumn Festival to meet some young ladies. He wants Ah Yin to accompany him, to help him choose, fearing he might not make the best choice."

Seeing his younger brother, tall and well-built, Lu Jingzhao thought, isn't he a grown man now, not a small child needing Chu Yin to accompany him to meet girls? She's his sister-in-law, not his birth mother!