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.
âMaster, thereâs a pavilion here. Why donât you rest here to wait out the rain?â
Chu Jinyao was startled, immediately stepping back two paces. In her haste, she accidentally pulled at her injury. She couldnât 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 peopleâs 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.
âMiss Chu?â
Chu Jinyao stood in the corner, also recognizing the servant from last time. But now, the truth was clearâthis wasnât a servant from the Prince Huailingâs household but an attendant of the Crown Prince.
Hearing Xiao Linziâs voice, Qin Yi turned to look at Chu Jinyao. His gaze didnât 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. âGreetings, Your Highness, and to you as well, Eunuch Lin.â
âMiss Chu, it really is you,â Xiao Linzi said with a smile. âWhat are you doing here?â
However, Qin Yi frowned, noticing something amiss. He suddenly asked, âWhat happened to your hand?â
Startled by the question, Xiao Linzi noticed the bloodstain on Chu Jinyaoâs wrist. His tone became more serious: âOh dear, what happened to your hand?â
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 wouldnât pay attention to her, but fate had other plans. The Crown Prince had noticed her injury.
She stammered awkwardly, âI⊠accidentally scraped it.â
Qin Yi smiled faintly and asked coolly, âWhere did you scrape it that it left bite marks?â
Chu Jinyao was left speechless. When she looked up, she found Qin Yi staring at her with an expression that seemed to say, âGo on, continue making excuses.â
But it was too late to backtrack now, and changing her story would only be more awkward. So, biting the bullet, Chu Jinyao continued, âPerhaps⊠that stone was shaped like teeth? The world is full of wonders.â
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, âFetch the jade ointment.â
Xiao Linzi was stunned for a moment, and Chu Jinyao was equally shocked. She quickly protested, âOh no, that wouldnât be appropriate!â
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 didnât dare delay. âYes, Your Highness, Iâll go immediately.â
As Xiao Linzi hurried off, Chu Jinyao took two steps after him, feeling conflicted. âThis really isnât necessary.â
âWhy not?â Qin Yi asked coldly. âWho are you concerned about?â
Chu Jinyao hesitated before replying, âIâm concerned about Your Highness.â
Qin Yi turned his head, suppressing a smile. When he looked back, his eyes glimmered with amusement. But Chu Jinyao didnât see his expression, standing quietly and cautiously in the corner instead.
Qin Yi was curious. He hadnât 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 pavilionâs steps. Qin Yi swiftly grabbed her wrist, pulling her back with a firm grip. He frowned down at her, his displeasure evident. âWhy are you so afraid of me?â
Chu Jinyao subtly twisted her wrist, trying to free herself, but Qin Yiâs hold was firm, and she couldnât move an inch. She had no choice but to answer softly, âIâm not.â
âThis is what you call ânot afraidâ?â
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 Yiâs 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 Yiâs hands were equally strikingâslender 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, âYouâre truly unique. Iâve met so many people, but only you dare lose focus while Iâm speaking to you.â
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 didnât push further, thinking she might just need some time to adjust. After all, she had saved his life once. He wasnât someone to hold grudges, and with their past connection, he would always consider helping her in the futureâas long as her requests werenât unreasonable.
But for now, it seemed like all Chu Jinyao wanted was to keep her distance.
With a quick glance, Qin Yiâs expression cooled. Chu Jinyao hadnât said anything yet, but why was he feeling annoyed?
Sensing his shift in mood, Chu Jinyao hurriedly said, âYour Highness, I apologize for disturbing you by seeking shelter from the rain. I should leave now. Please forgive me.â
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: âTake another step and see what happens.â
Frozen mid-step, Chu Jinyao found herself unable to move, completely flustered. This Crown Princeâs temper was truly unbearable.
And yet, for some reason, his actions felt strangely familiar.
After a moment of despair, she didnât dare challenge the Crown Princeâs words. So, she awkwardly retracted her foot and shuffled back into the pavilion.
Qin Yi nonchalantly pointed to a stone bench and said, âSit.â
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 Princeâsitting in the same pavilion as him!
She immediately jumped to her feet, startling Qin Yi with her sudden movement. Irritated, he asked, âWhat now?â
âYour Highness, itâs inappropriate for me to sit here.â
âYou want me to ask a second time?â
âI didnât mean it that way.â
Qin Yi rolled his eyes. âStop talking nonsense. Sit.â
ââŠOh.â
Once she was seated, Qin Yi asked, âHowâs your hand?â
It wasnât 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 hadnât 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, âItâs nothing.â
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 didnât even cross his mind; if there were a man bold enough to do such a thing⊠well.
Since Chu Jinyao wasnât saying anything, Qin Yi could guess why she was holding back. He didnât press her further. After all, he would eventually find out what he wanted to know. He made a mental note and then asked, âWhere are your maidservants? Why did they leave you here alone?â
At the mention of this, Chu Jinyao couldnât help but sigh. âI donât know either. Linglong said she would go back and get maid, but sheâs been delayed for some reason. Could something have happened along the way?â
âShe went to find someone else.â Qin Yi repeated Chu Jinyaoâs words, then suddenly asked, âWhy did she need to go find someone else? What was she doing herself?â
Chu Jinyao was startled and, without thinking, blurted, âYour HighnessâŠâ
Qin Yi chuckled lightly and said, âYou donât have to tell me if you donât want to.â He had already pieced it together.
Linglong, the maid by Chu Jinyaoâs side, was most likely sent away on a matter related to the Prince Huailingâs household. Only something that significant would warrant her leaving Chu Jinyao alone.
Considering the bite marks on Chu Jinyaoâs wrist, small and fresh, clearly not from an adult, there was really only one possible culprit.
Qin Yi had figured out the cause and wasnât 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 Yiâs expression, noticed that his face remained calm, giving nothing away. Her anxiety grewâhad 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, âThe prince isnât a god. With just a few words, how much could he have guessed?â 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 Yiâs 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, âYour Highness, Iâve brought the ointment you requested.â
Xiao Linzi had originally intended to hand the medicine directly to Chu Jinyaoâafter 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, âYouâre soaked. Give me the ointment and stand aside to dry yourself.â
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. âWhatâs wrong?â
Chu Jinyao wanted to say that this was inappropriate, but then she realizedâit would be even more inappropriate not to accept something the Crown Prince was handing her. She could only lower her head and softly murmur, âThank you, Your Highness,â 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. âThank you, Your Highness, for your generosity.â
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 Jinyaoâs dressâit 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 hadnât 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 passedâwhat 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, âYour Highness, the rain has lightened. Iâve troubled you enough. Please allow me to take my leave.â
This time, Qin Yi didnât stop her. He stood up as well and said, âYes, youâve been out in the rain for too long. Xiao Linzi.â
Xiao Linzi, who had been trying to remain invisible, immediately appeared. âYes, Your Highness?â
âWhere is the umbrella?â
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 hadnât summoned other servants, instead bringing an extra umbrella himself.
And now it was finally being put to use. Xiao Linzi couldnât 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?
Wasnât this a death wish?
She shook her head frantically, stepping back into the rain. âNo need, Your Highness. The rain isnât that heavyâI can walk on my own.â
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 wasnât that bad.
Qin Yi gave her a look of disdain. âCome here. Your hair is already soaked.â
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 hadnât opened the umbrella either and, with his long strides, easily caught up to her. âDo you really insist on walking in the rain?â he asked.
âYour Highness!â Chu Jinyao exclaimed in alarm. âHow can you be out in the rain?â
âI offered you the umbrella, but you refused,â Qin Yi replied coolly.
âButâŠâ Chu Jinyao hesitated, frowning and wiping the rain from her face. âItâs no big deal if I get wet, Your Highness. You should use the umbrella.â
Qin Yi chuckled. âEven if I were utterly useless, I would never allow a woman to get drenched while I stood dry under an umbrella.â
âThenâŠâ Chu Jinyao faltered, âperhaps you could give the umbrella to Xiao Linzi and let him hold it for you?â
Xiao Linzi, who had been trailing a few steps behind, carefully keeping his distance, silently despaired. If the Crown Prince wasnât 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, âI hate being restricted, and carrying an umbrella in the rain counts as one such restriction.â
âThen⊠then let me hold the umbrella for you.â 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. âLet me add something elseâI hate lowering my head even more than being restricted.â
Chu Jinyao bit her lip in frustration, nearly at her witâs end. âThen what do you want me to do?â
Qin Yi, seemingly out of patience, finally opened the umbrella and said, âCome over here. The rain is getting heavier.â
Chu Jinyao instinctively took a step back, nearly jumping out of her skin. âThis⊠this really isnât appropriate, Your Highness.â
Qin Yi, his annoyance barely contained, pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. âFine, letâs just walk like this. Where do you live?â
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, âWhat is His Highness trying to do? We have umbrellasâwhy arenât we using them? All three of us have umbrellas, but no oneâs using them!â
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 poetryâa 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 couldnât help but say, âJust come under the umbrella already. You look like a drowned monkey.â
Chu Jinyaoâs mind went blank at his words. For a moment, she couldnât even think of how to respond. Biting her lip in frustration, she glanced at the Crown Princeâdespite 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 couldnât help but laugh. Chu Jinyao, meanwhile, saw him smiling and immediately felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She had been called uglyâlike 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.
âââ
After the rain, the evening quickly darkened. Jiegeng had been waiting anxiously for a long time but still hadnât 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. âDonât panic. The rain is so heavy that the young Miss and Linglong probably got stuck somewhere without an umbrella. If they arenât back by nightfall, weâll ask the Old Princess Consort to send someone to find them.â
âOkay,â 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, âMiss! Youâre back! But whereâs Linglong?â
Chu Jinyao closed the umbrella as she entered the courtyard, frowning at the question. âLinglong hasnât come back.â
Jiegeng shook her head, and Chu Jinyaoâs expression immediately turned serious. âWhoâs behind this?â she muttered grimly.
Startled by her mistressâs tone, Jiegeng hesitantly asked, âMiss, do you meanâŠâ
Chu Jinyaoâs face darkened, and she shook her head. âThis isnât the place to discuss it. Letâs go inside first.â
âYes, of course,â Jiegeng replied quickly, taking the umbrella from Chu Jinyaoâs hands and placing it against the wall. As she set it down, she noticed its intricate design. âMiss, if Linglong wasnât with you, then who brought you back? This umbrella doesnât look like anything you could find on the market.
Chu Jinyaoâs 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 hadnât insisted, though he did give her a strange look when she declined.
The Crown Prince had left his umbrella with Chu Jinyao, but she hadnât 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 Princeâs imperial umbrella in front of her own courtyard. Feeling guilty, she hesitated to knock on the door. It wasnât 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 Jiegengâs question, Chu Jinyao still didnât know how to explain, so she mumbled vaguely, âI ran into someone along the way who helped me get back.â
âOh, I see! You met a kind servant then,â Jiegeng commented offhandedly. âBut even so, he should have been more careful! He let you get soaked in the rain!â
Chu Jinyao jumped in alarm. âNo! It wasnât a servant! Donât say that again!â
Jiegeng was taken aback. âHuh?â
Chu Jinyao realized she was digging herself deeper into a hole and quickly decided to avoid the topic altogether. âJust donât bring up the umbrella or its owner again. Understood?â
Jiegeng, utterly confused, saw the serious look on her mistressâs face and hurriedly nodded. âYes, I understand.â
Momo Gong, who had heard the commotion, walked in just then, rubbing her sleepy eyes. âWhatâs going on? What are you talking about that has our young miss so serious?â
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, âMomo, something serious happened today.â
Momo Gongâs expression immediately turned stern. âWhat happened?â
Chu Jinyao quickly summarized the incidentâhow 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 Gongâs face darkened as she listened. âA county princess doing such thingsâtruly unseemly, spoiled beyond belief! I used to think her temper was merely spoiled, but it seems sheâs grown completely out of control thanks to the Old Princess Consort and the Princess Consort!â
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 princessâs 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 Heirâs wife. Momo Gong couldnât 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 Gongâs heart ached.
For a brief moment, Momo Gong was tempted to suggest that the Chu family reconsider Chu Jinyaoâs 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, wasnât 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 Jinyaoâs 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, âMiss, youâll have to endure it for now and avoid making waves. Once the Old Princess Consort sees the bite mark on your wrist, sheâll surely admire your patience and gentleness. Earning her favour is the key to an easier path forward.â
Chu Jinyao understood the veiled advice in Momo Gongâs words. Everyone in her position had to endure hardship before finding stability, and she would be no different. The Old Princess Consortâs 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 didnât want to think about it. Brushing off the topic, she said, âThatâs still a long way off. Right now, we need to find out what happened to Linglong.â
Sensing the shift in conversation, Momo Gong wisely changed her tone. âYouâre right, miss. Who do you think stopped her?â
âWho else could it be?â Chu Jinyao rolled her eyes. âMomo, please go check on Chu Jinmiao. Youâre from my grandmotherâs household, so she wouldnât dare disrespect you.â
Momo Gong nodded. âOf course, Iâll go right away. But miss, how can you be so sure itâs the Fourth Young Lady? If I go to the wrong placeâŠ
âItâs definitely her,â Chu Jinyao said with certainty, a trace of disdain in her voice. âIn 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 someoneâs pawn without even realizing it.â
Though Chu Jinyaoâs 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.
ââ-
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 hadnât 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. âMiss, are you alright? How did you make it back? You werenât harmed, were you?â
âIâm fine,â 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 didnât 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, âWhat about your injury? How is your wrist?â
Chu Jinyao extended her arm. âIâve already had Jiegeng apply medicine to it.â
Content with her mistressâs 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, didnât 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.
ââ
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 Jinyaoâs 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 Madamâs meaning was clear.
Though the Old Princess Consort hadnât 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 Heirâs 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 wasnât 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. âYouâre always the first to arrive each morning. What a thoughtful child you are. Last nightâs rain was rather annoying, wasnât it? Did you sleep well?â
Taken aback by the sudden affection, Chu Jinyao quickly collected herself, responding carefully. âThank you for your concern, Your Highness. I slept just fine.â
The Old Princess Consort pulled her closer, taking Chu Jinyaoâs 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. âFifth Young Lady Chu is truly blessed. Youâve already won the favour of our Old Princess Consort. Weâve served by her side for over ten years, and yet we canât compare to how much she likes you after just a few days.â
Hearing this, Chu Jinyao stood to politely decline, but the Old Princess Consort held her hand and said, âOur family has always been close to the Changxing Marquis family, so thereâs no need for such formality. Consider this your own home.â
The Old Princess Consortâs 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, âThank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I hope Iâm not too much trouble.â
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 couldnât 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 hadnât 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 familyâs 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 Princeâher 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 couldnât 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 didnât marry into the Prince Huailing Mansion, wouldnât 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 yesterdayâs 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 couldnât 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, âHis Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived.â
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 couldnât 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 onâthey 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?
Bag a partner as reliable as him~
Omg, he is so sweet. The way he care for her and is slowly falling in love gives my heart so much joy. I absolutely love them. đ I canât help to notice subtle details of his jealousy, lmao just so cutee
I have to say, that his consideration over her is also lovely, he truly go all the way to help her, even thought he likes to say is because she saved him. đ€
And I can tell Jinyao donât dare to assume he is Qin Ze, no matter how many hints are given.
The princeâs family is delusional, they really think this countryside spoiled brat who bites people would earn the title of crown princess simply for existing, yâall think sheâs the only girl in the empire?