Chapter 33: Everything Returned

Chu Jinyao’s incident on the street had alarmed a number of people, so after they returned to the residence, Old Madam Chu deliberately retained Madam Zhao to ask in detail.

“One had heard from the servants that the journey was not peaceful today. What happened?”

Madam Zhao sat by Old Madam Chu’s side and shared with her what she saw at the jewelry store, the happenings on the streets, and also the matter of the Qi family fabric store. Old Madam Chu was silent for a while before saying, “My original intent was for you all to go out and relax. I did not expect that you would encounter such twists and turns. We cannot afford to offend those GongGongs of the Imperial family, so avoiding is the correct way. However, Fifth Young Lady looks gentle and warm on the outside, but she has a strong personality.”

When Madam Zhao heard these, she was somewhat surprised. Old Madam Chu was not usually close with the younger generation. With the exception of Chu Jinxian, hardly anyone would be able to get a good word from her. Even though Old Madam Chu’s words were of accusations, she was actually praising more than complaining. Madam Zhao was very curious. Since when had Chu Jinyao gained Old Madam Chu’s attention? She spoke along with Old Madam Chu’s words, “Mother is right. Jinyao only returned home for two months, so to be able to get till today, it is all thanks to your teaching and guidance.”

Old Madam Chu shook her head silently, obviously not agreeing with it. She had originally thought that the younger generation were all well-taught, and if there were any wastrels younger generation in any family, it must be the elders’ fault at discipline. However, now Old Madam Chu felt that educating was a responsibility, but human nature was the cornerstone of everything.

Take Chu Jinmiao, for example; she was raised in a wealthy environment with delicious food and drink since she could walk; there was no shortage of discipline in Momos and elders’ lectures. But take a look—wasn’t Chu Jinmiao still a crooked tree? And Chu Jinyao grew up in a farmer family, and it was heard that the farmer couple were unscrupulous and ignorant. However, it was Chu Jinyao that grew up with an upright and strong temperament. Now Old Madam Chu dared not even speak of it. Was it because there were things that could not be shaken from the very beginning?

Madam Zhao looked at Old Madam Chu’s expression and carefully spoke, “Mother, Miao-er went out with her sisters today and was very happy during the trip. She told me in the carriage that she really hopes to be able to move around with her sisters. Mother, seeing that Miao-er already knows her mistake, can her confinement be…”

Due to the invitation from the Princess Consort, the Chu family’s young ladies went out to buy jewelry, and it was impossible to leave Chu Jinmiao out; thus, in the course of it, Chu Jinmiao also came out. Everyone tacitly understood, so no one spoke about the confinement, thus it was considered that Chu Jinmiao’s confinement was considered lifted. However, the younger generation could use such a coquettish method to act shamelessly, but Madam Zhao, as a mother, could not. She had to discuss it with Old Madam Chu and obtain her approval.

Usually, in such cases, the elders would turn a blind eye and acquiesce to it. Young ladies were all delicate guests, so no one would punish them seriously. However, when Old Madam Chu heard it this time, she said, “Did she ask you to intercede? A few days ago, Second grandson also came to speak to me about this matter.”

When Madam Zhao heard it, she quickly stood up with her hands crossed, “No. It is this daughter-in-law that felt heartache and came to look for Mother on her own initiative.”

Old Madam Chu had been dealing with women in the Inner Courtyard for her entire life, so how could she not see through these complex loops? Chu Jinmiao’s and Madam Zhao’s thoughts were like jokes in her eyes; she could see through them with a glance. Old Madam Chu saw it through but did not want to point it out: “Fourth Young Lady was raised by you, so it is normal that you will feel heartache for her. However, there is a saying among the people that a bowl of water has to be leveled. How many family’s disasters were caused by the favorites of the elders? You should not only favor one side and also take care of Fifth Young Lady.”

Old Madam Chu was saying that she was biased again. Madam Zhao was somewhat fed up about it but responded respectfully. Old Madam Chu saw that she reluctantly agreed to it and knew that she definitely did not take it seriously; thus, her tone of voice became heavier as she shouted slightly, “These kinds of things are the responsibilities of a matriarch. I do not wish to remind you a third time. Officially, you are a woman of the Marquis residence and must manage the internal matters of the entire clan. Privately, you are the mother of the daughters. You have to remember your identity and don’t keep on focusing on only Chu Jinmiao! Not mentioning Fifth Young Lady, look at Eighth Daughter; she is only six years old, but what kind of negligence are there by the maids and servants beside her? I am just too lazy to mention it to you. You really think that I do not know about it?”

Madam Zhao was scolded till she had a cold sweat. She kneeled down by the arhat bed and said, “It is my fault. May Mother calm your anger down.”

Old Madam Chu had originally planned to stop after mentioning it, but she did not think that Madam Zhao’s brain was this muddled, and she had no choice but to put it like this. Old Madam Chu became angry as she took a deep breath, “Get up. You are already a mother of several children, and I do not wish to shame you in front of others. As long as your actions can be brought up to others, I would not say this to you. In the future, go back and have a good attitude about it and clean up the courtyards of the few young ladies. The Elders’ favoritism is the source of disasters!”

“Yes.”

“I heard Xian-er saying that she has used her private funds to purchase a set of head ornaments for Jinyao today, and you also gifted a set. Seeing that Fifth Young Lady is growing up, it is necessary to prepare more clothes and jewelry. After all, she is the Di-born Young Lady of our Marquis residence, and there should not be any disorder between Di and Shu. Even if her expenses are not the best, one cannot let outsiders see a joke.”

Madam Zhao responded in agreement. Even though Old Madam Chu mentioned the order of Di and Shu, Madam Zhao understood that Old Madam Chu was alluding to Chu Jinmiao. After all, she was the official wife, so how would she let a Shu daughter rise above her Di-daughter? Old Madam Chu was still dissatisfied with Chu Jinmiao and wanted her to reduce Chu Jinmiao’s expenses and ensure that they would not exceed Chu Jinyao’s.

Old Madam Chu just said that a bowl of water had to be leveled, but now she said these things instead. Madam Zhao was not a totally confused person; she knew that Chu Jinyao was her real daughter, so would she purposely treat Chu Jinyao harshly? However, ever since Chu Jinyao’s return, the people around her have been persecuting her, reprimanding her, and reminding her. Madam Zhao disliked it and unconsciously wanted to rebel.

It seemed that they were all good people and only Madam Zhao was a bad person. Madam Zhao was very annoyed with it.

In fact, for Old Madam Chu to say as such, her thoughts were much further than that of Madam Zhao. Old Madam Chu was thinking that Chu Jinmiao was completely useless. Not to mention that she did not have this blessing; even if she did, Old Madam Chu would not dare to let her marry up. With this kind of temperament, it would be the Chu family’s catastrophe if she married up. Chu Jinxian was raised by Old Madam Chu and was perfect in every aspect. In terms of marrying up, she was the best choice, but Old Madam Chu had some selfishness. She still wanted the child that she watched growing up live smoothly in the future, so she kept silent and let Madam Zhao arrange a marriage with her maiden family’s Maternal Older Brother for Chu Jinxian.

However, the residence of Marquis Changxing was at its last generation. The younger generation was all addicted to the wealth and honor in front of them and was too lazy to think about their future. But she, the elder, could not be lazy like them. Chu Jinxian’s life had been decided, and the rest of the young ladies, Second Young Lady and Third Young Lady, were Shu-born. Even though the current dynasty did not value the Di-Shu relations as heavily as the previous dynasty, a Di-born young lady was still after all proper. Initially, Chu Jinmiao was the Di-daughter of the residence of Marquis Changxing, and her identity was the highest, with the exception of Chu Jinxian. Thus, Old Madam Chu had spent a lot of effort in education, but the result was unsatisfactory. Old Madam Chu had always disliked Chu Jinmiao’s temperament, as she would throw tantrums frequently and was small-minded in many things. After Chu Jinmiao, there was no need to even think about the daughter of the Third Household. The rest of them were too young, and their identities were not suitable. So after much calculation, there was not one young lady in the Chu family that could be brought out for Old Madam Chu to give a shot at wealth and honor.

The elders in this family are a mess and constantly make my blood boil. I’m disappointed but not exactly surprised to find out that Madam Zhao is the sort to deliberately neglect a Shu-born daughter. I can understand not liking a concubine and not being able to love a concubine’s child, but to knowingly allow a six-year-old to receive subpar education, thus ruining her future prospects, is despicable.

At this point, however, I think I actually dislike the Old Madam Chu more than Madam Zhao. Sure, Madam Zhao is biased and unlikeable, but at least she has the excuse of being kind of dumb and of genuinely being deceived by a “daughter” she has every reason to love. Old Madam Chu, though, is none of those things; she is just lazy, self-indulgent, and unwilling to take responsibility. Like, would it kill her to say, “Oh, by the way, Chu Jinmiao was actually punished for framing Chu Jinyao”? Or if she loves Chu Jinxian so much, maybe take a more active interest in the choice of her husband? But no, she sees all but does nothing. I would say that might be because of old age, but it seems like she is suddenly willing to be a lot more active when it comes to taking advantage of Chu Jinyao through marriage, so it’s not even that she doesn’t have the energy to act; she just won’t do it unless it benefits her directly.

Old Madam Chu had been worrying about this for many years, and now Chu Jinyao appeared. She had watched coldly for so long and had to admit that one feared that Chu Jinyao was that person she had been looking for. Chu Jinyao’s identity, appearance, and temperament were all suitable. Even though she did not grow up in the Marquis residence for the first thirteen years and was not close to the family, Chu Jinyao could even save a little child that she did not know. Then what about her family clan? Old Madam Chu was not worried that Chu Jinyao would forget her roots in the future.

What happened today made Old Madam Chu make up her mind to shift her focus to Chu Jinyao’s education for the future. Naturally, the Marquis residence’s resources would follow as such. Even though Chu Jinyao was not raised from young and her etiquette and sewing were slightly worse than the other young ladies, she was only thirteen. So everything was still possible. Old Madam Chu felt great regret when she thought about this. If there was no Chu Jinmiao, Chu Jinyao would have been able to grow up in the Marquis residence. Why would there be all this nonsense? Old Madam Chu felt frustrated as she thought about the pair of evil people of the Su family and how Chu Jinmiao even dared to play tricks under her nose. Her expression became serious as she thought about it.

Old Madam Chu had already made up her mind. If Chu Jinmiao behaved and quietly waited till she got married, Old Madam Chu would give her a dowry and find a middle-class family, completing the entire process of raising her. However, if Chu Jinmiao still dared to play tricks, then one must not blame Old Madam Chu for suppressing her marriage. After all, in Old Madam Chu’s eyes, nothing was more important than the inheritance of the residence of Marquis Changxing.

But now, when Madam Zhao heard that Old Madam Chu wanted to cut Chu Jinmiao’s expenses, she was very unwilling. Old Madam Chu looked at Madam Zhao and became angrier and could not help but say, “You are the Marquis Madam. Your eyes should be looking far into the future and not just that small inner courtyard! You are the official wife and a titled Marquis Madam; why are you competing with those Concubines? You should just throw them there and let them fight. What else can happen?”

This was an old story. When Madam Zhao was pregnant, Madam Huang, Marquis Changxing’s concubine, was favored, so Old Madam Chu sent a maid over to the inner courtyard to balance it, but Madam Zhao kept her suppressed and did not let her serve. Fine. Afterwards, Huang Concubine alone was solely favored, and Madam Zhao became afraid and quickly raised Fu Rong as a Concubine, but by that time, Madam Huang’s power had been established and was difficult to shake.

Old Madam Chu was very dissatisfied when she mentioned this matter, and when Madam Zhao heard her mother-in-law bringing up the matter of Fu Rong Concubine, she secretly resented her for reaching her hand out to meddle in the affairs of her courtyard and held resentment in her heart. The atmosphere became tenser, and when Old Madam Chu saw it, she was utterly disappointed by this shallow eldest daughter-in-law. It seemed that in the future, she had to find a capable granddaughter-in-law for Second Young Master. If she leaves with Madam Zhao like this, how could she carry the entire family? Old Madam Chu stopped talking about the topic, “Alright. I will stop here. What to do in the future is up to you. You are also tired today; go back and rest.”

Madam Zhao lowered her head and complied softly before walking out slowly. Just as she was about to walk out of the door, she suddenly heard Old Madam Chu speaking, “There is more than what meets the eye with regards to the matter of Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinmiao in the rear room. Chu Jinmiao is after all an unmarried young lady, so I gave her face. I did not want to mention these dirty matters, as I am ashamed to speak of them. However, looking at you like this, one fears that she has made up another rhetoric to fool you. I am too lazy to speak about the details, and it is not necessary for you to inquire about it. I am making a point to you so you can put it in mind.”

More than what meets the eye? Could it be that there were other reasons for Chu Jinmiao’s confinement? Madam Zhao was puzzled when she heard it, but Old Madam Chu had already leaned on the pillow and closed her eyes, so she dared not ask more and left with her head bowed.

During the greetings on the next day, Chu Jinyao went to Madam Zhao on time. Marquis Changxing was also present, and upon seeing her, he specifically asked, “Heard that you saved a child yesterday and were also confronted by a group of officers and soldiers of unknown origin?”

Chu Jinyao was discontented, but she kept her spirits up when she heard the Marquis asking, “It cannot be considered as confronted… That group of people seemed to be very unusual.”

Marquis Changxing came over specifically about this matter, so he asked in detail, “Heard Mother saying that the leader seemed to be a GongGong. What does that GongGong look like?”

As Marquis Changxing was present today, the daughters of the First Household had gathered long ago and were sitting at Madam Zhao’s room eating fruits to pass the time. Upon hearing Marquis Changxing’s words, the Third Young Lady put the fruit down, and Chu Jinmiao raised her head slightly in surprise. Even the young Eighth Young Lady stopped causing a ruckus, let her wet nurse carry her, and quietly stood aside.

Chu Jinxian felt the seriousness of Marquis Changxing’s question and asked, “Father, to ask about this matter, could it be that it has something to do with the group of people?”

Marquis Changxing shook his head solemnly. “It is hard to say now, but there would not be a eunuch that would come to ShanXi leisurely. This GongGong quietly came to Taiyuan, so no matter what the purpose of his visit is, he cannot be ignored. It is still hard to say now, so I have to confirm the background of this group of people before making a judgement.

When Madam Zhao heard that, she now knew that the deemed unimportant and unfortunate matter to her yesterday had such a big impact. She immediately cracked her brains to recall what had happened yesterday. However, she had been regarding the group of people as ordinary low-ranking officials at the beginning and did not take them seriously at all. Afterwards, when she discovered that the leader was an eunuch, she was so shocked that she could not stand properly, so how would she dare to look at their appearances? Madam Zhao deliberated for a long time but could not remember the appearances of those people or any unique characteristics that they had. She could only say, “The people who were riding horses were very fierce.”

Marquis Changxing choked a little, as this was quite painstaking. He was to handle a serious matter; how could it be so foolish? Marquis Changxing was secretly angry, but he refused to show his anger towards his wife and daughters. Instead, he forcefully maintained his original tone of voice to ask, “What else?”

Third Young Lady and Chu Jinmiao shook their heads. They were ladies of Marquis lineage; other than clothing and jewelry, why would they be concerned about matters of the commoners? Chu Jinyao thought for a bit before speaking, “I remember that it was a group of about seven or eight, each one of them riding tall, strong horses. To be able to ride that quickly in the downtown area, one thinks that their riding skills are exceptional. The one leading was very fierce. When he made an emergency halt, he actually knocked the shed over! However, even though he looked fierce, his stature was not very tall and was much thinner than the people around. At that time, I exchanged a look with him and remembered that his eyes were exceptionally black, but his complexion was very fair, and the flesh on his face did not seem to move at all.” When Chu Jinyao said that, she could not help but say softly, “It was like a living dead.”

She was indeed courageous. The females in Madam Zhao’s room quickly swatted her, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

However, Marquis Changxing had lost his attention on Chu Jinyao’s gaffes. He could not even close his mouth as he thought in shock for a while before asking eagerly, “Does he have any scars on his face?”

Chu Jinyao thought for a bit before nodding. “There seemed to be. It is also strange, as his scars are all dead white. It is right here.” Chu Jinyao gestured towards the side of her face, and Marquis Changxing clapped forcefully. “Yes. It is him!”

Madam Zhao and the rest were taken aback by Marquis Changxing. Madam Zhao asked hurriedly, “Why so loud suddenly? What is the matter?”

Marquis Changxing had already stood up in excitement and started circling, “It turned out to be Tang GongGong! Heavens, Tang GongGong actually graced his presence. He actually arrived in Taiyuan!”

Who is Tang GongGong? The few young ladies looked at each other and stared curiously at Marquis Changxing. At Madam Zhao’s, any matter of Marquis Changxing was a big deal, so Madam Zhao could not help but ask, “Marquis, who is Tang GongGong?”

Marquis Changxing did not have time to answer, as he was still immersed in his thoughts and could not extricate himself. When Chu Jinyao saw that Madam Zhao was left to dry, she replied, “Perhaps Tang GongGong is the Crown Prince’s people?”

Madam Zhao responded with a soft “Ah.” She was obviously somewhat unconcerned about it while Chu Jinmiao lowered her head to roll her eyes. She felt that Chu Jinyao did not know anything and was still showing off, making her embarrassment. However, when Marquis Changxing heard Chu Jinyao’s words, he stood up abruptly, and his bright eyes were directed at Chu Jinyao. “How did you know about it?”

That was actually true? Madam Zhao was shocked, and Chu Jinmiao opened her mouth in disbelief. The orange in Third Young Lady’s hand fell off, and the maid hurriedly stood up to chase after it. Suddenly the entire roomful of people were scrambling. Chu Jinxian also asked Chu Jinyao, “How do you know all this?

“I guessed it.” When Chu Jinyao saw that everyone in the room was staring at her, her voice became hollow. “I remembered the last time when Paternal Aunt was here; she did not say that there were eunuchs in the residence of Prince Huailing. Since the Prince residence is not qualified to use such a servant, then in the entire Shanxi, the only person qualified to bring along a eunuch would only be the Crown Prince! Did I guess correctly?”

When Chu Jinmiao heard that, she immediately felt that the reasoning was right. It was very simple. It was just that she did not react to it momentarily. When Marquis Changxing heard Chu Jinyao’s answer, he was shocked and skeptical. “How do you know to head towards this direction of thoughts?”

“I don’t know either. I just guessed.” Chu Jinyao was a little scared by her father’s gaze, as she too did not know why her thought process led towards the Crown Prince. Perhaps when Qin Yi was around, he would always talk to her about matters of court, so slowly Chu Jinyao could think of it herself?

When Chu Jinyao thought about Qin Yi, she felt depressed again. She had rushed back in excitement yesterday, wanting to share the joy with Qin Yi but was caught off guard when she discovered that he had left.

He left so suddenly that there wasn’t a chance to say goodbye.

Chu Jinyao was somewhat sad, somewhat reluctant, and a little lost. She had long known that Qin Yi would leave sooner or later, and she had thought that she was mentally prepared. However, she did not expect that such a day would arrive so suddenly.

Chu Jinyao had a quiet expression, and thus Marquis Changxing thought that he had questioned too hastily and frightened his daughter. He quickly calmed down and spoke to her nicely, “I am not scolding you. Don’t think too much of it.” After that, Marquis Changxing paused before adding, “For you to guess the truth with a few snippets of information, this is very good.”

Women would not care about the affairs of the world and question court matters. This was very good. What was good? There was an additional meaning in Marquis Changxing’s words. A few days ago, Old Madam Chu had vaguely mentioned Chu Jinyao to him. After Old Madam Chu’s reminder, he took a closer look at Chu Jinyao and discovered that she had shed her mortal body. When she had just returned, she was somewhat dark and thin, but after two months of recuperation, not only had she rapidly recovered, but her complexion was also much fairer.

Chu Jinyao was the same as Chu Zhu and Chu Jinxian, born with a snow white complexion. Once they were well taken care of, it was like brushing dust off a pearl and restoring its original luster. This seemed to be a unique feature of the Chu family. Second Young Master was naturally fair, and the generation before, Chu Zhu, was also as such. Now, among the younger generation, Chu Jinxian and Chu Jinyao had also inherited it. When Chu Jinyao and the rest of the sisters stood together, she was actually fairer than the Third Young Lady. Madam Huang won with a charming body and voice like Oriole. The Third Young Lady had learned half of it and had a lovely figure. However, she was like her birth mother, who had a slightly yellow complexion. Normally, when Third Young Lady stood by Chu Jinmiao’s side, it would not be obvious, but when comparing with Chu Jinyao, the difference in complexion was drastic.

Although Marquis of Changxing was not willing to rely on his daughters in seeking wealth and honor, at this moment he had to admit that Old Madam Chu had good foresight, much better than his wife, Madam Zhao.

Marquis Changxing did not have many requirements for his wife. It was enough that she would be able to manage the inner courtyard, concubines, children, and food and clothes. On this point, Madam Zhao could not be said to have done a very good job, but she was not negligent either. As for the rest, Marquis Changxing would look for others. Thus, when he encountered anything outside, he would not speak of it to Madam Zhao and instead head to Rong Ning Tang Hall to discuss with Old Madam Chu. Just like the matter of yesterday, it was Old Madam Chu and Marquis Changxing who went over Madam Zhao’s head and discussed it.

Marquis Changxing understood Old Madam Chu’s meaning. Their Marquis residence had reached the last generation, so the sons had to progress further, and the young ladies’ upbringing could not be lacking either. They were not a family that sold daughters for glory, but more children meant more fortune. With more daughters, there would be more ties with the in-laws, and this was a good thing. The Di-eldest daughter’s marriage has been decided; she was marrying her childhood sweetheart, an older Maternal brother that they knew through and through, so she should be able to live a smooth life. This was good. As for the second Di-daughter, Chu Jinyao’s marriage, they had to choose a good family.

Chu Jinyao’s identity was very suitable, and her appearance was even more beautiful than when Chu Zhu was young. Chu Zhu was able to marry up, so it was not necessary that Chu Jinyao could not. Old Madam Chu was more optimistic about the heir of Prince Huailing. In Shanxi, even if the Di-daughters of the residence of Marquis Changxing wanted to marry up, there were just a few families to choose from. Compared to the few families of officials, Old Madam Chu preferred the residence of Prince Huailing. After all, the iron hat of the residence of the Prince residence was stable, whereas a career might not always be smooth. Although the Marquis of Changxing did not agree with his mother’s conservative views, he was happy to see it come true with the heir of Prince Huailing.

Thus, among the candidates that would be heading to Prince Huailing residence to be a study companion, Old Madam Chu and Marquis Changxing had already decided on one person. As for the other person, it would only be Chu Jinyao’s helper accompanying her. It was said that the study companion would be decided by the Momo and Princess Consort of the Prince residence, but the residence of Marquis Changxing was not a run-down family, so how could they let others choose their family’s daughters? After all, the decision-makers were still  the ancestors of the two families. After Old Madam Chu made the decision, she would send a message to the old ancestor of the Prince residence who would not humiliate Old Madam Chu, and the matter would be settled.

The residence of Prince Huailing had the mind to fight for wealth and honor; the Marquis of Changxing was also the same. It was just that the positions of both the families were different, thus their fight for wealth and honor was also different. The residence of Prince Huailing was fighting for the Crown Price Consort position, but Old Madam Chu was targeting the other family’s heir consort position. That year, Chu Zhu had married up, but at the end, she had only married the younger brother of a Prince of Second ranked. It was not considered a true master of the Prince residence. This time, Old Madam Chu wanted to take a strike at that position and fight for the position of the matriarch of the next generation of the residence of Prince Huailing.

In fact, Old Madam Chu could somewhat guess the Prince’s and Princess Consort’s thoughts. Their county princess was indeed somewhat… arrogant and wilful. The Prince residence was considering selecting a few study companions so that her temperament could be managed, and if the residence of Prince Huailing was successful, it would be ideal to bring the two study companions to the Eastern Palace. However, Old Madam Chu was not happy that the Prince residence had such thoughts. She was not willing to see her family’s Di-daughter be a puppet for the County Princess. In the future, one feared that after giving birth, the child would not be able to grow at their side. Rather than being a concubine for others, it would be better to be the County Princess’ official SaoSao. As such, this would be considered to be in the same boat and was even better than being part of the dowry.

When Old Madam Chu told Marquis Changxing about it, both of them hit it off. Of course, if the Princess Consort really wanted to look for a companion for the County Princess in the Eastern Palace, it was not that his Chu family could not afford a person. For instance, the Third Young Lady, who had a charming figure and knew how to flatter, would be very suitable. As long as Chu Jinyao truly became the Heir Consort, Old Madam Chu was completely willing to let go of a young lady.

Now that Marquis Changxing looked at his few daughters carefully, his heart started pondering. Even though he had lots of thoughts, he did not display any of them in front of the Third Young Lady and Chu Jinyao. He had thought that his mother’s foresight had indeed been accurate. Chu Jinyao was only thirteen, but she had guessed that Tang GongGong was the Crown Prince’s people. As long as she was carefully educated, she would be a prime example of a Heir Consort, a matriarch of a clan. As for Third Young Lady, there was no need to separate her from Madam Huang. It was not a bad thing to follow Madam Huang to learn ways to win over males.

Chu Jinyao and the Third Young Lady felt that Marquis Changxing was looking at them with a serious gaze, and their hearts started drumming. The Third Young Lady whispered, “Father?”

Marquis Changxing recovered his senses. “You all were shocked yesterday, so rest well these few days. After a while, I will instruct someone to send over some small playthings as comfort. Chan-er, do you have enough clothes to wear?”

The Third Young Lady was overwhelmed by the attention and hurriedly bowed. “Thanking Father’s concern. This daughter is good at all matters.”

Marquis Changxing said, “You are getting older. Even though you are Shu-born, you cannot make a blunder with your clothes and jewelry. I will instruct people later. Whatever material you like, have them buy. There is no need to worry about money, as it would be from my account.”

The third young lady happily complied. When she looked at the sisters beside her, there was a sense of pride.

Marquis Changxing also said to Chu Jinyao, “You saved someone yesterday and were even injured. This is a good deed and deserves to be commended. I heard that Qi De Sheng has given you two boxes of fabrics. You can just accept it as it is and not worry about owing others a favor. I will go and talk to Qi De Sheng about it. Is there any shortage of people around you?”

Chu Jinyao was baffled with the questions. Her intuition was saying that it was not quite right. Marquis Changxing had never cared about the matters of the inner courtyard, but now he was not only asking about her and Third Young Lady but was also making clothes for Third Young Lady. If Marquis Changxing had similarly asked her what clothes she lacked, Chu Jinyao would not give it too much thought. For a father to gift presents to a daughter, what else could be given? However, Marquis Changxing asked if she was lacking in people…

There were many thoughts in Chu Jinyao’s mind, but in the end, she replied obediently, “This daughter is young and ignorant, so it is up to Father to arrange.”

Marquis Changxing was very satisfied with this answer. He smiled, twiddled his beard, and said, “Alright. With regards to staffing, in a few days, your ZhuMu will arrange it accordingly. You have been injured for these few days, and your ZhuMu is worried about it. When you are free, go and take a walk at your ZhuMu’s.”

Naturally, Chu Jinyao complied. Third Young Lady was originally not satisfied that Chu Jinyao had also gotten Father’s attention, but upon hearing the words later, she secretly sneered. After all those words, Marquis Changxing did not reward Chu Jinyao with anything valuable, so she was treated better. Third Young Lady and Chu Jinyao did not know their future paths and future identities had already been marked by the elders.

After Marquis Changxing had instructed Chu Jinyao, naturally, he also asked Chu Jinmiao and Chu Jinxian. Eighth Young Lady was still a baby, so he just mentioned a word in passing. He had shown some concern with his daughters, and the atmosphere in the room was much better. When Chu Jinyao saw that Marquis Changxing’s mood was good, she asked boldly, “Father, if Tang GongGong is a person by the Crown Prince’s side, then why would he appear in the western street?”

After Marquis Changxing heard it, the smile on his face unconsciously subsided. He had been thinking about this question. Marquis Changxing would not have said these matters to the womanfolk, but in his eyes, the current Chu Jinyao had a different identity, so he answered unprecedentedly, “We still do not know of the exact reason yet. This Father planned to take the opportunity to send an invitation over and see if Tang GongGong would accept it. If he is willing to meet us, then one might be able to find out a thing or two.”

The honorable officials in court would all be respectful upon encountering a GongGong, not to mention that Tang GongGong was a capable person by the Crown Prince’s side, thus he was treated with great courtesy. Chu Jinyao saw that her father was sincere and feared Tang GongGong, but she had rudely glared at Tang GongGong yesterday…

Chu Jinyao put the topic aside silently and did not plan to tell Marquis Changxing of the matter. Since Tang GongGong did not flare out at that time, he would not hold grudges in the future. Even if Tang GongGong was an eunuch, he was one with a respected identity and would not make things difficult for a little young lady like her.

When Madam Zhao and Chu Jinmiao heard that Marquis Changxing planned to pay Tang GongGong a visit, they were not very interested in the topic afterwards. Chu Jinyao, however, wanted to ask more, but being an unmarried female member, it was not good to ask one’s father and brother about matters of the court. Thus, she could only give it up.

After Chu Jinyao left Madam Zhao’s room, she was still thinking that Marquis Changxing could identify Tang GongGong with just her few descriptions, so it showed that this Tang GongGong was very famous in court. Since he was such a powerful character, why did he suddenly appear in Taiyuan? Looking at their circumstances, it seemed that they were very anxious.

Chu Jinyao had been thinking about this question along the way. She habitually wanted to ask Qin Yi about it, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she remembered that Qin Yi was no longer present.

He had finally left.

*****

In a tall and big building, behind a heavy bed curtain, a pale young man was sleeping peacefully on a bright yellow soft pillow.

His eyelashes trembled slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes after a while.

Qin Yi only moved a little before the young eunuch guarding outside discovered it. He stumbled in, and upon seeing the person, his eyes widened, and he fell onto his knees with a pu-tong sound.

“Crown Prince, you are finally awake!”