Chapter 50: A Chance Encounter During Rain

Proofread By :- Mim

The rain pattered down on the stone tiles, the sound blending with the distant rumbling of thunder, making the outside world seem distant and blurred.

 

“Master, there’s a pavilion here. Why don’t you rest here to wait out the rain?”

 

Chu Jinyao was startled, immediately stepping back two paces. In her haste, she accidentally pulled at her injury. She couldn’t help but hiss in pain, clutching her wound with her uninjured hand, momentarily at a loss for what to do.

 

After a brief hesitation, she thought of making a dash for it before the rain intensified. But before she could act, the other party had already entered the pavilion.

 

It seemed the sudden downpour had disrupted many people’s plans. A man with slightly damp hair stood nearby, a few strands clinging to his forehead. A droplet of water trickled down his face, sliding from his cheek to his chin before disappearing into the layers of his clothing.

 

Behind him, a servant in green was in worse condition, water dripping continuously from the hem of his clothes. The green-clad servant rolled up his damp sleeves and hastily wiped his chin, blinking in surprise when he noticed Chu Jinyao.

 

“Miss Chu?”

 

Chu Jinyao stood in the corner, also recognizing the servant from last time. But now, the truth was clear—this wasn’t a servant from the Prince Huailing’s household but an attendant of the Crown Prince.

 

Hearing Xiao Linzi’s voice, Qin Yi turned to look at Chu Jinyao. His gaze didn’t avoid hers, landing directly on her. Chu Jinyao, realizing there was no way to ignore him, reluctantly stepped forward, bowing with her hand over her wound. “Greetings, Your Highness, and to you as well, Eunuch Lin.”

 

“Miss Chu, it really is you,” Xiao Linzi said with a smile. “What are you doing here?”

 

However, Qin Yi frowned, noticing something amiss. He suddenly asked, “What happened to your hand?”

 

Startled by the question, Xiao Linzi noticed the bloodstain on Chu Jinyao’s wrist. His tone became more serious: “Oh dear, what happened to your hand?”

 

Chu Jinyao felt absolutely embarrassed. She had been bitten by the county princess, stuck in this pavilion due to the rain, and now, to her horror, had run into the Crown Prince. She had been praying silently that he wouldn’t pay attention to her, but fate had other plans. The Crown Prince had noticed her injury.

 

She stammered awkwardly, “I… accidentally scraped it.”

 

Qin Yi smiled faintly and asked coolly, “Where did you scrape it that it left bite marks?”

 

Chu Jinyao was left speechless. When she looked up, she found Qin Yi staring at her with an expression that seemed to say, “Go on, continue making excuses.”

 

But it was too late to backtrack now, and changing her story would only be more awkward. So, biting the bullet, Chu Jinyao continued, “Perhaps… that stone was shaped like teeth? The world is full of wonders.”

 

This time, Qin Yi truly laughed, finding her antics amusing. Every time he saw her, there was something new to entertain him. Turning to Xiao Linzi, he ordered, “Fetch the jade ointment.”

 

Xiao Linzi was stunned for a moment, and Chu Jinyao was equally shocked. She quickly protested, “Oh no, that wouldn’t be appropriate!”

 

Xiao Linzi glanced at Chu Jinyao and then at the Crown Prince, clearly surprised. When Qin Yi looked at him with an impatient expression, Xiao Linzi didn’t dare delay. “Yes, Your Highness, I’ll go immediately.”

 

As Xiao Linzi hurried off, Chu Jinyao took two steps after him, feeling conflicted. “This really isn’t necessary.”

 

“Why not?” Qin Yi asked coldly. “Who are you concerned about?”

 

Chu Jinyao hesitated before replying, “I’m concerned about Your Highness.”

 

Qin Yi turned his head, suppressing a smile. When he looked back, his eyes glimmered with amusement. But Chu Jinyao didn’t see his expression, standing quietly and cautiously in the corner instead.

 

Qin Yi was curious. He hadn’t concealed his identity when he returned, so Chu Jinyao must have figured out who he really was. Yet she still kept her distance. Was there something she was wary of?

 

While contemplating this, Qin Yi decided to approach her directly. Startled, Chu Jinyao instinctively stepped back, almost falling off the pavilion’s steps. Qin Yi swiftly grabbed her wrist, pulling her back with a firm grip. He frowned down at her, his displeasure evident. “Why are you so afraid of me?”

 

Chu Jinyao subtly twisted her wrist, trying to free herself, but Qin Yi’s hold was firm, and she couldn’t move an inch. She had no choice but to answer softly, “I’m not.”

 

“This is what you call ‘not afraid’?”

 

Chu Jinyao looked up at him, her frustration evident. The rain outside muffled all other sounds, isolating them in this small world. From this angle, she could only see Qin Yi’s handsome face and tall figure, his clear, dark eyes focused intently on her.

 

Her heart skipped a beat. He looked so much like… like Qi Ze.

 

Startled by her own thoughts, Chu Jinyao averted her gaze. Qin Yi’s hands were equally striking—slender and powerful, with barely visible knuckles. These hands, like polished jade, were the same ones that had led the army to victory against the Tatars last winter, covered in blood and striking down enemies.

 

Sighing half in amusement, Qin Yi remarked, “You’re truly unique. I’ve met so many people, but only you dare lose focus while I’m speaking to you.”

 

Startled, Chu Jinyao quickly realized she had drifted off in the presence of the Crown Prince. Embarrassed, she appreciated the distraction and was relieved that Qin Yi no longer pressed her for answers. He even released her wrist.

 

Feeling the tension ease, Chu Jinyao quietly rotated her wrist, reflecting on how much stronger men were than women. In just those few moments, her wrist was already aching.

 

Qin Yi didn’t push further, thinking she might just need some time to adjust. After all, she had saved his life once. He wasn’t someone to hold grudges, and with their past connection, he would always consider helping her in the future—as long as her requests weren’t unreasonable.

 

But for now, it seemed like all Chu Jinyao wanted was to keep her distance.

 

With a quick glance, Qin Yi’s expression cooled. Chu Jinyao hadn’t said anything yet, but why was he feeling annoyed?

 

Sensing his shift in mood, Chu Jinyao hurriedly said, “Your Highness, I apologize for disturbing you by seeking shelter from the rain. I should leave now. Please forgive me.”

 

Seeing no objection from the Crown Prince, Chu Jinyao sighed in relief and turned to leave. However, as she stepped into the rain, she heard a cold voice from behind: “Take another step and see what happens.”

 

Frozen mid-step, Chu Jinyao found herself unable to move, completely flustered. This Crown Prince’s temper was truly unbearable.

 

And yet, for some reason, his actions felt strangely familiar.

 

After a moment of despair, she didn’t dare challenge the Crown Prince’s words. So, she awkwardly retracted her foot and shuffled back into the pavilion.

 

Qin Yi nonchalantly pointed to a stone bench and said, “Sit.”

 

That gesture was all too familiar. Almost instinctively, Chu Jinyao sat down, but as soon as she did, she realized she had just taken a seat directly across from the Crown Prince—sitting in the same pavilion as him!

 

She immediately jumped to her feet, startling Qin Yi with her sudden movement. Irritated, he asked, “What now?”

 

“Your Highness, it’s inappropriate for me to sit here.”

 

“You want me to ask a second time?”

 

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

 

Qin Yi rolled his eyes. “Stop talking nonsense. Sit.”

 

“…Oh.”

 

Once she was seated, Qin Yi asked, “How’s your hand?”

 

It wasn’t until he mentioned it that Chu Jinyao looked down at her wrist. The bite marks left by the county princess had turned red, but the bleeding had stopped. If the Crown Prince hadn’t reminded her, she would have completely forgotten about it.

 

There was no way Chu Jinyao would badmouth another noblewoman in front of the Crown Prince, especially someone from the Lin family. She lightly shook her wrist and let her sleeve fall over the wound. Then, she said casually, “It’s nothing.”

 

Qin Yi was quite certain he knew whose teeth had left those marks. While he was annoyed, he also found it hard to believe. What woman had the audacity to bite Chu Jinyao like this? The idea of a man doing it didn’t even cross his mind; if there were a man bold enough to do such a thing… well.

 

Since Chu Jinyao wasn’t saying anything, Qin Yi could guess why she was holding back. He didn’t press her further. After all, he would eventually find out what he wanted to know. He made a mental note and then asked, “Where are your maidservants? Why did they leave you here alone?”

 

At the mention of this, Chu Jinyao couldn’t help but sigh. “I don’t know either. Linglong said she would go back and get maid, but she’s been delayed for some reason. Could something have happened along the way?”

 

“She went to find someone else.” Qin Yi repeated Chu Jinyao’s words, then suddenly asked, “Why did she need to go find someone else? What was she doing herself?”

 

Chu Jinyao was startled and, without thinking, blurted, “Your Highness…”

 

Qin Yi chuckled lightly and said, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” He had already pieced it together.

 

Linglong, the maid by Chu Jinyao’s side, was most likely sent away on a matter related to the Prince Huailing’s household. Only something that significant would warrant her leaving Chu Jinyao alone.

 

Considering the bite marks on Chu Jinyao’s wrist, small and fresh, clearly not from an adult, there was really only one possible culprit.

 

Qin Yi had figured out the cause and wasn’t in a hurry to press further. Instead, he became curious as to why Chu Jinyao had changed her attendants. Why did this Linglong seem less capable than the previous two maids?

 

Chu Jinyao, watching Qin Yi’s expression, noticed that his face remained calm, giving nothing away. Her anxiety grew—had the prince guessed the truth? She stared at him for a while, suddenly realizing the slight movement in his brow. It dawned on her, and she quickly turned away.

 

She reassured herself, thinking, “The prince isn’t a god. With just a few words, how much could he have guessed?” Feeling more at ease, she silently joined Qin Yi in watching the heavy rain outside the pavilion.

 

After a brief silence, they heard the sound of footsteps running through the rain. Qin Yi’s sharp eyes focused immediately, slightly turning toward the source of the noise. Chu Jinyao quickly stood up, taking a few cautious steps back.

 

Qin Yi noticed her movement but said nothing, only pursing his lips.

 

A moment later, Xiao Linzi, drenched from the rain, hurried into the pavilion. As he stepped inside, he shook off his umbrella and said, “Your Highness, I’ve brought the ointment you requested.”

 

Xiao Linzi had originally intended to hand the medicine directly to Chu Jinyao—after all, who would dare let the Crown Prince tend to such a matter himself? But before Xiao Linzi could take two steps forward, Qin Yi stopped him, saying, “You’re soaked. Give me the ointment and stand aside to dry yourself.”

 

Xiao Linzi froze, his mouth agape in surprise. But being well-trained in the palace, he quickly recovered. With practiced grace, he presented the jade ointment and scurried to the corner of the pavilion, as inconspicuous as possible.

 

Qin Yi took the porcelain jar from the table, twirling it between his fingers as if weighing it, then extended his hand, offering it to Chu Jinyao.

 

Chu Jinyao was stunned. She stammered, her gaze darting up to Qin Yi in disbelief.

 

Qin Yi raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

 

Chu Jinyao wanted to say that this was inappropriate, but then she realized—it would be even more inappropriate not to accept something the Crown Prince was handing her. She could only lower her head and softly murmur, “Thank you, Your Highness,” stepping forward to receive the jar with both hands.

 

Xiao Linzi had been thorough in his task. Though he was soaked from head to toe, the medicine jar was completely dry, even slightly warm to the touch. Chu Jinyao held the jar and bowed in gratitude. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity.”

 

Qin Yi watched her movements, a glint of amusement in his eyes. The bow she had just performed was one he had taught her himself, and seeing her perform it so gracefully was oddly satisfying. It was at that moment that Qin Yi noticed Chu Jinyao’s dress—it was the very same one she had made herself long ago.

 

He remembered waking up in the jade pendant just a few days after being trapped inside, hiding his presence from her. Back then, Chu Jinyao had been bullied over a piece of silk by her cousins, returning home in tears. Qin Yi, tired of her crying, had no choice but to speak up and comfort her.

 

The dress she now wore was made from that same silk.

 

Qin Yi had once watched her carefully cut and sew the fabric into a dress, piece by piece. At first, he had found the activity dull, but as he observed, he began to find it calming and even fascinating. From his limited vantage point inside the pendant, he hadn’t been able to fully see her face, but from the reactions of others, he gathered that Chu Jinyao must have looked quite lovely in her new dress.

 

Now, standing here in his true form, he realized with some surprise that Chu Jinyao was no longer the dark, scrawny lady she once was. In fact, she had grown into quite the beauty.

 

Half a year had passed—what had Chu Jinyao gone through to change so much?

 

Having received the ointment from the prince, Chu Jinyao felt she had no more reason to linger. She sighed in relief and bowed again, saying, “Your Highness, the rain has lightened. I’ve troubled you enough. Please allow me to take my leave.”

 

This time, Qin Yi didn’t stop her. He stood up as well and said, “Yes, you’ve been out in the rain for too long. Xiao Linzi.”

 

Xiao Linzi, who had been trying to remain invisible, immediately appeared. “Yes, Your Highness?”

 

“Where is the umbrella?”

 

Xiao Linzi pulled out a brand new umbrella from his sleeve and respectfully handed it to Qin Yi. He knew the Crown Prince disliked having too many people around him and especially disliked being sheltered by others. So even though he had gone out in the rain to fetch the ointment, he hadn’t summoned other servants, instead bringing an extra umbrella himself.

 

And now it was finally being put to use. Xiao Linzi couldn’t help but feel pleased with his foresight.

 

Qin Yi took the umbrella, opened it with one hand, and gestured for Chu Jinyao to come under it. His meaning was clear.

 

Chu Jinyao felt as if the world went dark. Accepting the ointment was one thing, but having the Crown Prince hold an umbrella for her?

 

Wasn’t this a death wish?

 

She shook her head frantically, stepping back into the rain. “No need, Your Highness. The rain isn’t that heavy—I can walk on my own.”

 

Before she even finished speaking, strands of her hair had already plastered to her face, and rainwater was dripping down her cheeks. She blinked rapidly, trying to keep her expression calm as if the rain really wasn’t that bad.

 

Qin Yi gave her a look of disdain. “Come here. Your hair is already soaked.”

 

Chu Jinyao stubbornly shook her head, unwilling to approach, and instead turned to walk further into the rain. She thought that if she just walked away, the matter would be over. Getting drenched was better than losing her head. But after only a few steps, she heard slow, steady footsteps behind her.

 

Turning in surprise, she saw that Qin Yi had followed her out into the rain. He hadn’t opened the umbrella either and, with his long strides, easily caught up to her. “Do you really insist on walking in the rain?” he asked.

 

“Your Highness!” Chu Jinyao exclaimed in alarm. “How can you be out in the rain?”

 

“I offered you the umbrella, but you refused,” Qin Yi replied coolly.

 

“But…” Chu Jinyao hesitated, frowning and wiping the rain from her face. “It’s no big deal if I get wet, Your Highness. You should use the umbrella.”

 

Qin Yi chuckled. “Even if I were utterly useless, I would never allow a woman to get drenched while I stood dry under an umbrella.”

 

“Then…” Chu Jinyao faltered, “perhaps you could give the umbrella to Xiao Linzi and let him hold it for you?”

 

Xiao Linzi, who had been trailing a few steps behind, carefully keeping his distance, silently despaired. If the Crown Prince wasn’t using the umbrella, did he dare to use one himself? Absolutely not.

 

Qin Yi glanced back at Xiao Linzi and then turned to Chu Jinyao, speaking softly, “I hate being restricted, and carrying an umbrella in the rain counts as one such restriction.”

 

“Then… then let me hold the umbrella for you.” Chu Jinyao suggested, desperate.

 

From a distance, Xiao Linzi shot Chu Jinyao a look of admiration, but quickly lowered his head.

 

Qin Yi smirked, the cold edge of his smile obvious. “Let me add something else—I hate lowering my head even more than being restricted.”

 

Chu Jinyao bit her lip in frustration, nearly at her wit’s end. “Then what do you want me to do?”

 

Qin Yi, seemingly out of patience, finally opened the umbrella and said, “Come over here. The rain is getting heavier.”

 

Chu Jinyao instinctively took a step back, nearly jumping out of her skin. “This… this really isn’t appropriate, Your Highness.”

 

Qin Yi, his annoyance barely contained, pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Fine, let’s just walk like this. Where do you live?”

 

And so, with growing anxiety, Chu Jinyao walked through the rain beside the Crown Prince, heading back to her residence. Behind them, Xiao Linzi followed, wiping rain from his face and groaning internally, “What is His Highness trying to do? We have umbrellas—why aren’t we using them? All three of us have umbrellas, but no one’s using them!”

 

Drenched and miserable, Xiao Linzi silently vowed to carry extra umbrellas the next time he ventured out with the prince.

 

After they had walked a while, Qin Yi tilted his head slightly, glancing at Chu Jinyao. The rain had indeed lightened, but her clothes were still soaked through, and rainwater trickled steadily down her face. The scene reminded him of a line of poetry—a lotus from clear water, unadorned and natural.

 

Qin Yi let out a soft hum and rubbed his chin. What was he thinking? Had the rain addled his brain as much as it seemed to have done to Chu Jinyao?

 

Watching her drenched appearance, Qin Yi couldn’t help but say, “Just come under the umbrella already. You look like a drowned monkey.”

 

Chu Jinyao’s mind went blank at his words. For a moment, she couldn’t even think of how to respond. Biting her lip in frustration, she glanced at the Crown Prince—despite being soaked himself, he still looked every bit the noble and graceful figure he always was.

 

She sighed inwardly. After seeing so many beautiful women, he probably thinks I look hideous now, especially comparing me to a monkey.

 

Seeing the reproachful look in her eyes, Qin Yi couldn’t help but laugh. Chu Jinyao, meanwhile, saw him smiling and immediately felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She had been called ugly—like a monkey, no less. What did it matter now if she acted a little inappropriately?

 

Resigned, Chu Jinyao walked over and quietly stepped under the umbrella, allowing the Crown Prince to shelter her as they walked side by side back to her residence.

 

———

 

After the rain, the evening quickly darkened. Jiegeng had been waiting anxiously for a long time but still hadn’t seen her mistress return. Even a message would have sufficed, but both Chu Jinyao and Linglong were still missing. Growing more worried by the minute, Jiegeng began pacing, though Momo Gong remained calm. “Don’t panic. The rain is so heavy that the young Miss and Linglong probably got stuck somewhere without an umbrella. If they aren’t back by nightfall, we’ll ask the Old Princess Consort to send someone to find them.”

 

“Okay,” Jiegeng replied, her voice heavy with concern.

 

After a while, they suddenly heard a knock at the door. Jiegeng leaped up, rushing toward the sound, nearly tripping over herself in her haste. She threw open the door, and there stood her young mistress, holding a white jade-handled umbrella.

 

Jiegeng, both surprised and overjoyed, exclaimed, “Miss! You’re back! But where’s Linglong?”

 

Chu Jinyao closed the umbrella as she entered the courtyard, frowning at the question. “Linglong hasn’t come back.”

 

Jiegeng shook her head, and Chu Jinyao’s expression immediately turned serious. “Who’s behind this?” she muttered grimly.

 

Startled by her mistress’s tone, Jiegeng hesitantly asked, “Miss, do you mean…”

 

Chu Jinyao’s face darkened, and she shook her head. “This isn’t the place to discuss it. Let’s go inside first.”

 

“Yes, of course,” Jiegeng replied quickly, taking the umbrella from Chu Jinyao’s hands and placing it against the wall. As she set it down, she noticed its intricate design. “Miss, if Linglong wasn’t with you, then who brought you back? This umbrella doesn’t look like anything you could find on the market.

 

Chu Jinyao’s gaze flickered, and she bit her lip nervously. After the Crown Prince had escorted her to the courtyard, she had firmly refused to let him come inside. Luckily, the prince hadn’t insisted, though he did give her a strange look when she declined.

 

The Crown Prince had left his umbrella with Chu Jinyao, but she hadn’t dared accept it, though refusing seemed futile. In the end, it was Xiao Linzi who had cleverly run over to give the Crown Prince his own umbrella, thus resolving the situation.

 

Chu Jinyao had stood there like she was in a daze, holding the Crown Prince’s imperial umbrella in front of her own courtyard. Feeling guilty, she hesitated to knock on the door. It wasn’t until she was certain that the Crown Prince and his entourage were out of sight that she finally reached out and knocked.

 

Now, faced with Jiegeng’s question, Chu Jinyao still didn’t know how to explain, so she mumbled vaguely, “I ran into someone along the way who helped me get back.”

 

“Oh, I see! You met a kind servant then,” Jiegeng commented offhandedly. “But even so, he should have been more careful! He let you get soaked in the rain!”

 

Chu Jinyao jumped in alarm. “No! It wasn’t a servant! Don’t say that again!”

 

Jiegeng was taken aback. “Huh?”

 

Chu Jinyao realized she was digging herself deeper into a hole and quickly decided to avoid the topic altogether. “Just don’t bring up the umbrella or its owner again. Understood?”

 

Jiegeng, utterly confused, saw the serious look on her mistress’s face and hurriedly nodded. “Yes, I understand.”

 

Momo Gong, who had heard the commotion, walked in just then, rubbing her sleepy eyes. “What’s going on? What are you talking about that has our young miss so serious?”

 

Chu Jinyao and Jiegeng exchanged glances, then followed Momo Gong inside. As she entered, Chu Jinyao bent down to wash her face while Jiegeng helped her change into dry clothes.

 

While doing so, Chu Jinyao said quietly to Momo Gong, “Momo, something serious happened today.”

 

Momo Gong’s expression immediately turned stern. “What happened?”

 

Chu Jinyao quickly summarized the incident—how the county princess had bitten her, how Linglong had gone to fetch someone but never returned. As for the part where the Crown Prince had escorted her back, Chu Jinyao conveniently left that out, deeming it unimportant.

 

Momo Gong’s face darkened as she listened. “A county princess doing such things—truly unseemly, spoiled beyond belief! I used to think her temper was merely spoiled, but it seems she’s grown completely out of control thanks to the Old Princess Consort and the Princess Consort!”

 

Momo Gong only dared to speak so bluntly because no one else was around to hear. She exchanged a glance with Chu Jinyao, both of them feeling helpless. After all, what could they do about the princess’s outrageous behaviour? Could they expect the Old Princess Consort or the Princess Consort to suddenly wake up and discipline the princess? Hardly.

 

In the end, Chu Jinyao would just have to endure the injustice. Even worse, she was still expected to remain at the Prince Huailing Mansion, with her family even planning to push her into becoming the Heir’s wife. Momo Gong couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow as she looked at the beautiful, delicate lady in front of her. Was she really destined to be stuck here, serving as a sister-in-law to that unreasonable county princess and a daughter-in-law to a blind Princess Consort? Having seen the kind of viciousness that plagued noble households, Momo Gong’s heart ached.

 

For a brief moment, Momo Gong was tempted to suggest that the Chu family reconsider Chu Jinyao’s future marriage prospects. Nothing had been finalized yet, so there was still time to make changes. However, she quickly dismissed the thought. Was there really any better family in Shanxi than the Prince Huailing Mansion? Probably not. The Heir to the Prince Huailing Mansion had an impeccable reputation, with good looks, a respectable family, and great future prospects. Any family would jump at the chance to marry their daughter into the Prince Huailing Mansion. As for difficult mothers-in-law or unruly sisters-in-law, wasn’t that common in most households? But to find a husband as promising as Shizi, that was rare indeed.

 

Momo Gong sighed inwardly, reluctantly admitting that marrying the Heir was indeed Chu Jinyao’s best option. The family had already set its sights on this marriage, and turning it down would only lead to less favourable matches in the future.

 

In the end, Momo Gong had no choice but to advise, “Miss, you’ll have to endure it for now and avoid making waves. Once the Old Princess Consort sees the bite mark on your wrist, she’ll surely admire your patience and gentleness. Earning her favour is the key to an easier path forward.”

 

Chu Jinyao understood the veiled advice in Momo Gong’s words. Everyone in her position had to endure hardship before finding stability, and she would be no different. The Old Princess Consort’s sixtieth birthday was over, and the entire Chu family had attended it. Chu Jinyao could only assume that her grandmother had already discreetly raised the issue of her marriage with the Old Princess Consort.

 

Perhaps by tomorrow, Chu Jinyao would finally know where she stood with the Prince Huailing Mansion.

 

But for now, she didn’t want to think about it. Brushing off the topic, she said, “That’s still a long way off. Right now, we need to find out what happened to Linglong.”

 

Sensing the shift in conversation, Momo Gong wisely changed her tone. “You’re right, miss. Who do you think stopped her?”

 

“Who else could it be?” Chu Jinyao rolled her eyes. “Momo, please go check on Chu Jinmiao. You’re from my grandmother’s household, so she wouldn’t dare disrespect you.”

 

Momo Gong nodded. “Of course, I’ll go right away. But miss, how can you be so sure it’s the Fourth Young Lady? If I go to the wrong place…

 

“It’s definitely her,” Chu Jinyao said with certainty, a trace of disdain in her voice. “In this residence, only she is capable of doing something so petty and underhanded. The others are too sharp to get their hands dirty. Chu Jinmiao is probably being used as someone’s pawn without even realizing it.”

 

Though Chu Jinyao’s comment was laced with personal bias, Momo Gong found no reason to argue. Bowing slightly, she picked up an umbrella and headed out into the rain.

 

——-

 

A short while later, Momo Gong returned with Linglong. Aside from some damp hair, Linglong was unharmed. Since she had been a gift from the Old Madam, Chu Jinmiao hadn’t dared go too far, knowing full well that punishing her too harshly would land her in trouble.

 

The moment Linglong saw Chu Jinyao, she rushed over, her wet hair forgotten. “Miss, are you alright? How did you make it back? You weren’t harmed, were you?”

 

“I’m fine,” Chu Jinyao reassured her. She knew Linglong had been worried that someone might have tried to hurt her while she was left behind. But Chu Jinmiao didn’t have the nerve to go that far. Besides, after encountering the rain and meeting the Crown Prince shortly after, any plans to harm her would have been thwarted.

 

Who would dare cross the Crown Prince?

 

Relieved, Linglong then asked, “What about your injury? How is your wrist?”

 

Chu Jinyao extended her arm. “I’ve already had Jiegeng apply medicine to it.”

 

Content with her mistress’s safety, Linglong finally relaxed. Meanwhile, Chu Jinyao calmly retracted her arm, keeping her unease hidden.

 

Earlier, while Momo Gong had been out, Chu Jinyao had asked Jiegeng to apply medicine to her wound. Jiegeng, who was simple and unassuming, didn’t think to ask where the medicine had come from, only noting how pleasantly fragrant it was. And just like that, the matter of the jade balm and the Crown Prince had been neatly brushed under the rug.

 

——

 

The next day, as usual, Chu Jinyao rose early to pay her respects to the Old Princess Consort.

 

The three-day birthday celebration had ended, and many guests had already begun to leave. The entire Prince Huailing Mansion was in a state of post-celebration fatigue, with even the Old Princess Consort appearing somewhat drained.

 

Chu Jinyao went to pay her respects, expecting the usual indifferent nod before being dismissed. However, this time, the Old Princess Consort held her gaze for a long moment.

 

Chu Jinyao’s heart involuntarily tightened.

 

The Old Princess Consort recalled the conversation she had with the Old Madam Chu the previous day. At the time, they had been alone in the warm chamber, and the Old Madam Chu had casually brought up a possible marriage match, hinting that a union between the families would be ideal. The Old Princess Consort had smiled along, but she had quietly taken note.

 

The Old Madam Chu had subtly praised Lin Xiyuan, mentioning how promising he was, before indirectly hinting at a marriage alliance. Though she had couched the suggestion in terms of another family, the Old Princess Consort knew better. The Old Madam’s meaning was clear.

 

Though the Old Princess Consort hadn’t responded immediately, she had thought it over that night. She concluded that if Chu Jinyao proved to be capable, exchanging her for the position of Heir’s wife and securing the full support of the Changxing Marquis family was a fair trade. Lin Xiyuan would soon need to marry, and the pool of eligible families was small, with the Changxing Marquis family being one of them. Since they had made the first move and offered sufficient benefits, granting the old Madam a favour wasn’t out of the question.

 

Now, as she carefully scrutinized Chu Jinyao, the Old Princess Consort grew more convinced that this lady was indeed up to the task. There was no need for further hesitation. It was time to give the old madam a clear response. Waiting too long would only breed resentment.

 

With these thoughts in mind, the Old Princess Consort offered Chu Jinyao a warm and kindly smile, her words growing more intimate. “You’re always the first to arrive each morning. What a thoughtful child you are. Last night’s rain was rather annoying, wasn’t it? Did you sleep well?”

 

Taken aback by the sudden affection, Chu Jinyao quickly collected herself, responding carefully. “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I slept just fine.”

 

The Old Princess Consort pulled her closer, taking Chu Jinyao’s hand and speaking with tender concern. After a while, Lanze, the maid, entered the room to serve tea. She overheard the conversation, smiling as she poured a cup for the Old Princess Consort and another for Chu Jinyao. “Fifth Young Lady Chu is truly blessed. You’ve already won the favour of our Old Princess Consort. We’ve served by her side for over ten years, and yet we can’t compare to how much she likes you after just a few days.”

 

Hearing this, Chu Jinyao stood to politely decline, but the Old Princess Consort held her hand and said, “Our family has always been close to the Changxing Marquis family, so there’s no need for such formality. Consider this your own home.”

 

The Old Princess Consort’s last remark was laden with meaning, and Chu Jinyao immediately understood. Her emotions became a mixture of joy and trepidation, as if the weight of the world had suddenly settled on her shoulders. With a composed smile, she respectfully replied, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I hope I’m not too much trouble.”

 

Lanze, still smiling, quietly withdrew from the room.

 

The Old Princess Consort had made her decision. She would wait a few more days before discreetly informing the Prince and Princess Consort of her plans. If they had no objections, they could proceed to approach the Changxing Marquis family. With the Crown Prince currently staying at the Prince Huailing Mansion, the timing couldn’t be more opportune. If they missed this chance, they would have only themselves to blame for any future regrets. By finalizing the marriage between Lin Xiyuan and Chu Jinyao, the Changxing Marquis family would be fully committed, helping the Lin family secure their rise to wealth and power.

 

As more guests arrived to pay their respects, Chu Jinyao discreetly withdrew, standing quietly in a corner. The Old Princess Consort had held her hand earlier, and there was no way she hadn’t noticed the bite marks on her wrist. Yet she said nothing, and that silence spoke volumes.

 

It was clear: no one was going to hold Chu Jinmiao accountable for detaining her maid. After all, this was an internal family matter, and the Old Princess Consort had no interest in involving herself in another family’s affairs, especially with no personal gain involved. The last thing the Old Princess Consort wanted was to create unnecessary drama. As for reprimanding the County Princess to defend Chu Jinyao, that was out of the question. The County Princess was being groomed to marry the Crown Prince—her reputation had to remain spotless.

 

Chu Jinyao understood. In this world of power and influence, there was no room for fairness or justice. She had been bitten and trapped in the rain, with no one willing to seek justice for her. Everyone just wanted to move on from the incident as if it had never happened.

Even though Chu Jinyao had grown accustomed to the hypocrisy of the aristocracy, she couldn’t help but feel disheartened.

Was this truly the kind of environment she was destined to live in for the rest of her life? A world where power and profit distorted the truth, where justice was secondary to convenience? Even if she didn’t marry into the Prince Huailing Mansion, wouldn’t other noble families be just the same?

Today, Chu Jinmiao came to pay her respects, her heart pounding with fear that the Old Princess Consort might bring up yesterday’s incident. But after waiting anxiously, she realized that the Old Princess Consort showed no sign of mentioning it, and neither did the County Princess.

Having grown up in a powerful family, Chu Jinmiao quickly understood: no one was going to pursue the matter. In other words, Chu Jinyao had no choice but to silently accept her misery.

Relief flooded Chu Jinmiao, and she almost couldn’t contain her smile. In a discreet corner where no one was watching, she cast a mocking, triumphant glance at Chu Jinyao, winking smugly. Chu Jinyao turned her head away, not wanting to see the arrogant lady.

The room was filled with cheerful conversation among the women when suddenly a servant announced, “His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived.”

At once, all chatter ceased, and everyone rose to greet the prince. Although the Crown Prince was only a year older than Lin Xiyuan, making him technically part of the younger generation, the Old Princess Consort couldn’t dare expect him to perform the morning and evening rituals of greeting. As the heir to the throne, the Crown Prince adhered to his own schedule, though he never neglected the appropriate courtesies.

When Qin Yi entered, he instinctively scanned the room. He quickly spotted Chu Jinyao standing alone in the corner, looking pale and somewhat unwell. Concern tugged at him. What had happened?

His gaze then shifted to the Old Princess Consort and the Princess Consort, both of whom were all smiling, radiating joy. It was as if there was no trouble at all. Qin Yi quickly realized what was going on—they were deliberately turning a blind eye to everything, pretending nothing had happened.

He almost laughed at the absurdity of it all. Did they think he would allow them to sweep everything under the rug so easily?