Too high to reach

Chapter 244 Using one's own spear
Today, Mrs. Wang and her aunt also came.

They were talking to Mrs. Liang.

Aunt Wang had made up her mind to keep a close eye on her younger sister today.

On the way, Wang had been talking to her for a long time, saying: Liang You is a filial son. Even if he is adopted, he will still treat Master Liang and Madam Liang well.

With so many properties in the Jing'an Marquis's mansion, taking care of his younger siblings in the future will only be a side job.

Seeing her self-righteous attitude infuriated Aunt Wang. "What's it to you?" she thought. "If Madam Liang heard this, what would she think?"
When told to shut up, Wang Shi didn't seem to care at all.

Fearing that his younger sister might say something inappropriate in front of Madam Liang or Mrs. Liang, he now stays by her side at all times.

However... it's alright. Despite how cheerful Wang was just now, she became quite well-behaved when she met Madam Liang.

"Mother, has my father arrived?" Mo Yi asked Wang Shi.

Today, when Wang saw Mo Yi, her expression was unusually pleasant. She pulled her aside and whispered, "You still don't know about your father?"

"What's wrong with Dad?" Mo Yi asked, startled.

"Your uncle got a new job, supposedly... to go with Grand Secretary Liu to do something. He took your father with him. He said it was to do some paperwork. He also said that once this job is done, your father will get an official rank..."

Her smile now carried a hint of reserve; if this matter succeeded, she could at least catch a glimpse of the hem of a noblewoman's robe.

Mo Yi didn't know, but she was quite happy to hear it.

Mo Yuan, Zhang Xianlin, Feng Huixian, and a few others gathered together and chatted happily about going to see the peach blossoms in the outskirts of Beijing.

Wang Xiaowei and Wang Xiaoyang hid to the side. Their families were close to the Marquis of Jing'an's residence, and they were just happy when they saw Mo Yuan arrive again.

In fact, Mo Yuan saw them and smiled contemptuously. Today was Liang You's special day, and she couldn't be bothered to provoke these two silly girls.

At the Qi Prince's residence, after Li Jing and Mo Yi left, Consort Feng received the news that the prince had stormed out of the princess's room that morning.

what happened?
A servant came up and reported, "Your Majesty, Zhou Dong's wife, Tu Shi, has arrived."

Consort Feng frowned. "They came directly to our door?"

"Yes."

"Let her in."

After a while, Madam Tu arrived and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness, I hope I haven't disturbed you?"

"It's not a bother. I'm always busy and can't help everyone. Your presence gives me some peace and quiet. Is there something you need?"

"It's like this... My husband wrote that he will be arriving in the capital in half a month."

"They're coming back?" Consort Feng thought to herself with secret joy.

"Yes, you've been promoted one level."

“That’s wonderful! Zhou Dong is like an older brother to me. His success is an honor for me.”

"Your Majesty is too kind. I came today because my husband wrote to say that if he returns and continues to live in the courtyard you arranged, it would be inappropriate."

Consort Feng leaned back and listened silently.

"Over the years, I've saved up some money to buy a small courtyard. But I'm useless... I still don't understand what's going on in the capital. Your Majesty, you manage the household and have many capable people under you. I wonder if you could offer some assistance in this regard?"

Consort Feng nodded: "Zhou Dong is always reliable in his work. I'm glad he thinks this way. Actually, there's no need to rush. A courtyard isn't like a piece of clothing, which you can just throw aside if you don't like it anymore. You need to consider many factors when buying it."

"Buying it hastily and then finding it unsatisfactory will make it difficult to sell later. I understand... I'll send someone to inquire later. You can stay in that small courtyard for now. I can arrange it, and the Prince will approve."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After exchanging a few casual words, Zhou Dong's wife took her leave.

Consort Feng rested her chin on her hand, carefully considering her options...

After returning from the Liang family, Li Jing stayed in front as usual, while Mo Yi and Mo Yuan went back to the backyard.

"Several flower viewing appointments have been scheduled this morning alone. Your Majesty, would you like to join us?"

Mo Yi shook her head: "If I need to attend social events, I have to. As for sightseeing, forget it. I have a lot of work to do right now."

“Then I’ll go. If I’m going out… I’ll most likely hitch a ride with someone else’s carriage. But if there’s no room, can the manor provide me with a carriage?”

Mo Yi thought for a moment, "Once or twice is fine. But too many times is not good."

"Hmm... I can take Miss Zhou Jiu and Xiangxiang with me! And Consort Tian and so on. That would make it normal for the manor to send out carriages, right?"

“Miss Zhou Jiu is fine. Xiangxiang… is about to start her classes. Besides, I can only take her with me when I go. I don’t feel comfortable letting you take her out. There are also certain rules regarding Consort Tian’s affairs. Whether she can go or not is up to her.”

Mo Yuan wondered to herself, "Should I go back to the Mo family home first?"
Li Jing didn't come in for dinner either. After Mo Yi finished washing up and did some work, it was already very late, and he still hadn't returned.

I was getting into bed, about to drift off to sleep, when I heard him come into the room.

"Your Highness, why are you so late?" Mo Yi's voice was still sleepy...

“When I have things to do, it’ll be quite late. If you’re sleepy, just go to sleep first,” Li Jing said casually. Actually, that initial enthusiasm had already passed.

But a catalyst is needed for things to return to normal.

Mo Yi got up and helped him undress.

"I can't sleep if you don't come," Mo Yi said, with a hint of flattery.

"You're lying! You were clearly asleep just now. I came in and woke you up."

"No. Really! I'm just resting with my eyes closed... Why don't you take a hot bath? A warm one?" Mo Yi came in to help prepare the water.

"So attentive? Did you do something wrong and feel guilty?" Li Jing asked, looking at her while wearing only his underwear, feeling like he wanted to compete with her again.

"No! I just enjoy taking care of you, that's always been my way!"

"Really……"

"Your Majesty..."

"Ok?"

Mo Yi really wanted to ask, "You've been acting so strangely all day, and you're still looking at me 'like that,' do you think I don't know what's wrong with you? What's going on?"
Li Jing stripped naked and entered the steaming hot wooden tub.

Mo Yi even threw some of her bath flower petals into the water, which was completely ridiculous.

Li Jing sneered, leaned against the bucket, and squinted at Mo Yi.

"Does it smell good?" Mo Yi asked.

"Moyi?"

"Your Highness, please speak..."

"If you hadn't married me back then, you would most likely have ended up with Liang You. Looking at him today, do you regret it?"

Sure enough, they were nitpicking this!

Mo Yi lowered his head and remained silent.

"What? Is it hard to say?" Li Jing splashed water, regretting his question, but since he had asked, he had to get an answer.

"Your Highness... are you very bothered by my past blind date with Liang You?" Mo Yi's face suddenly darkened.

"How could I mind? If I did, I wouldn't have married you."

Mo Yi pursed her lips and muttered, "Perhaps the Emperor wants you to get married, but you don't have a good choice. Or maybe it's just a temporary measure! I know you didn't want to get married so soon..."

“…No way!” Li Jing retorted instinctively.

Having her by my side has become a habit; I've even forgotten my original intentions...

Now that Hei Yi has asked her, it seems that this is how it happened back then... Li Jing felt a little guilty.

But how could I admit it? "That's not true. We weren't in a rush to get married because you were too young... It wasn't a temporary measure at all!"

Mo Yi turned her head to the side and didn't say anything.

Li Jing stretched out his arm and pulled her over. "Back then, it was because I accidentally injured you while saving you. You even fell headfirst into my arms. For me, after years of fighting and saving countless lives, it's nothing out of the ordinary."

But for a young girl like you, it will inevitably affect your reputation. For various reasons, that's why we're engaged. You know, I've put in a lot of effort to arrange this marriage. I'll immediately have Granny Zhao teach you and take care of you…right?”

Moe was already pressed against the edge of the barrel, but she was still pulling away, refusing to get close to him.

"But what did you mean by that? I know that in the royal family and wealthy households, there are strict rules about the separation of men and women. Unlike us, from humble families."

When we were little girls and boys, we used to run around and play together. Why are you arguing with me about this…”

She looked heartbroken.

Li Jing became a little anxious. "I really didn't. I just saw how successful Liang You was today, so I asked casually. Okay! I shouldn't have said that. Don't be angry..."

He grabbed Mo Yi with both hands and lifted her up.

"Ah! Put it down! Your clothes are wet..." Mo Yi exclaimed in surprise, struggling.

With a thud, Li Jing carried Mo Yi into the wooden tub...