Full House Spring

Chapter 57 Hidden merit and fame

Lu Qinghe couldn't care about her own business. Her face was full of disbelief. She raised her voice slightly and said:

"Brother, what do you mean by that? Could it be that Xia Li is unwilling to commit herself to you? She is just a maid, how can she be so confident?"

Lu Lingchuan let out a long sigh and said calmly:

"Feelings can't be forced. It has nothing to do with status. Her heart is always free."

Lu Qinghe's expression was blank for a moment, and then he said in a bad tone: "You must have indulged her too much. A smart woman like Xia Li will strive for the maximum benefit for herself. The more she tries to resist, the more you can't help yourself. Don't be fooled. Maybe she is coveting the position of the prince's wife."

Lu Lingchuan frowned with displeasure and said solemnly:

"Don't slander her. She has kept her distance from me from the beginning to the end. She is not as scheming as you think."

Lu Qinghe secretly clicked her tongue. Her brother was second to none in terms of appearance and character, and was a perfect son-in-law in the eyes of the ladies in Kyoto. She never expected that he would be loved by the little maid in the mansion. She couldn't help but admire Xia Li.

Lu Qinghe looked up at him, a teasing smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he asked tentatively: "Brother, are you going to give up just like that?"

Lu Lingchuan looked a little melancholy as he said, "I can't force anyone to do anything. Since she doesn't want to, I won't bother her anymore. Don't go to her and talk nonsense."

Lu Qinghe had never expected that her brother would also suffer from love. She secretly admired Xia Li's strength. She rolled her eyes, raised her eyebrows and said:
"Actually, brother, you don't have to suffer so much. Xia Li is just a maidservant in front of the old ancestor. No matter how glorious she is, she is still just a maidservant. If you really want her, why don't you ask the old ancestor to give her to you in private? The gift from the elders cannot be refused. No matter whether it is the future sister-in-law or Xia Li, there is nothing to say."

Lu Lingchuan was stunned for a moment, his eyes gleamed, a helpless smile appeared on his lips, and he said in a calm voice: "You don't have to worry about this matter, I have my own considerations. If you have nothing else to say, we should go out to stay up all night."

Lu Qinghe stood up quickly and said, "Of course I have something to do. On the night of the third day of the first lunar month, the Third Prince wanted to take Princess Yongxin out of the palace to visit the night market. I asked the Concubine Shu to go with them. The Concubine agreed to my request and also said that it would be safer for you to go with them, with some guards."

Lu Lingchuan frowned slightly and asked in confusion: "Shu Fei has been trying to match the Third Prince with Yao Dizhu, why did she let you accompany him this time?"

Lu Qinghe said with a faint mocking smile:

"Ever since Yao Dizhu was demoted to the position of county lady, she has been displeased with everyone. She is used to being spoiled and doesn't even take Concubine Shu seriously. Concubine Shu probably got angry with her and realized that the future Third Prince's wife is too powerful and may not listen to them. Wouldn't it be even more annoying if she just occupied the position without doing anything?"

There was a hint of calculation in Lu Lingchuan's eyes, and he said in a calm voice:

"If you really have this ambition, I can't stop you. Rather than letting you do it without your family's knowledge, I'd rather keep an eye on you. Since you want to go, I'll accompany you. Don't lose your composure in front of the Third Prince."

Lu Qinghe raised her eyebrows slightly, with a hint of disdain in her eyes. She said calmly, "I am aiming for the position of the Third Prince's Consort. I am not in love with anyone else. Even if we are alone together, I will not mind. Just relax."

Lu Lingchuan was surprised at first, then he smiled lightly and nodded slightly, saying: "This is good, at least I won't be hurt by love..."

After Lu Qinghe learned about her brother's secret, she felt much closer to him. She felt that Xia Li was amazing from the bottom of her heart, and thought about learning more from her when she had time. She didn't ask for anything else, as long as she could win the heart of the Third Prince, then her second half of life would be stable.

Xia Li had no idea that someone was thinking about her. She sat there for a while to keep watch at night and then went back to sleep. Nanny Xie didn't care about it and let them do whatever they wanted.

At dawn the next day, Nanny Xie went back to the mansion wearing the new clothes made by Xia Li. She had nothing to do in the house. She was old and didn't sleep much, so she couldn't lie in the house like Xia Li and the others. It would be better for her to stay with the old lady to entertain guests, meet people and talk with them, which would be lively.

Xia Li did not interfere with her. Everyone has a different lifestyle. As long as grandma felt happy, it was fine. She and Qiao He slept until noon, and during that time, some children came to visit and ask for food.

Xia Li had prepared all these things early, but just for fun. Qiao He bought a lot of expensive gifts for Madam Lu before the New Year. She could do everything with the etiquette things without anyone's guidance.

I stay in the house, don't do errands, don't serve anyone, sleep when I'm tired, eat when I'm hungry, and enjoy the snow and practice calligraphy in my spare time. I feel especially relaxed in summer.

She never thought about Lu Lingchuan, nor did she think that their lives would ever intersect. Even Qiao He felt sad when she saw this, thinking that since the prince had taken a fancy to Xia Li, he was destined to suffer a lot.

The two of them stayed at home like this for two days, and the snow finally stopped. Qiao He heard that the street market was very lively at night, with not only a variety of delicious food, but also performances by acrobatic troupes. She planned to go and take a look. She had to go back home to work tomorrow, and she didn't know when she would be able to go out next time. She couldn't stay at home all the time.

It's just that it's inconvenient for girls to go out, especially at night. They are neither accompanied by their fathers or brothers, nor have guards to protect them, so they simply dress up as men. They are not very old, and it's hard to tell whether they are male or female once they put on men's clothes.

The bustling street market was not far from home, so Xia Li and Qiao He walked directly there. They met many pedestrians along the way. Qiao He looked at the endless stream of people and said with some concern, "What if there are too many people and we get separated?"

Xia Li said calmly, "If you get separated, just go home. There are too many people and we can't find each other. It's safer to go home."

Qiao He nodded slightly. Both of them carried daggers for self-defense, just in case.

In order to visit the night market, the two did not have dinner. When they arrived at their destination, they saw a vacant seat at a noodle stall not far away. Xia Li quickly stepped forward to take a seat. Qiao He walked over to sit opposite Xia Li, looked at the sign and smiled:

"I've heard that the bamboo shoot and pork noodles at Shao Ji's noodle stall are excellent. I can enjoy a feast today."

After ordering two bowls of noodles with the proprietress, Qiao He went to look around the area. This area was full of delicious food. Qiao He's occupational disease came on, and she wanted to buy everything to try. Looking at the food piled on the small table, Xia Li said with a smile:
"I can't finish this big bowl of bamboo shoots and pork noodles. How can you eat it if you buy something like this?"

Qiao He was in a good mood and said, "What does it matter? If we can't finish it, we can pack it up and take it home. It's cold in the weather, so it won't go bad if we keep it for two days."

At the same time, the Third Prince and his entourage also arrived at the market. Lu Qinghe and Princess Yongxin walked in front arm in arm, while Lu Lingchuan accompanied the Third Prince behind them, and the guards followed them around.

Princess Yongxin was twelve years old, a lively and lovely age. She was well protected by Concubine Shu. Seeing the crowds of people on the road, she said excitedly:
"Cousin, it's so lively outside the palace. I envy you for being able to come out and play so often."

Lu Qinghe smiled gently and said, "You think too much. The rules in our house are very strict. My sisters and I stay in the backyard all day. This time, it is only thanks to you that we can come out to watch the fun."

Princess Yongxin pouted and said, "I really envy my third brother and his family. They can go wherever they want. By the way, I heard that my cousin is discussing marriage with the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Gao. Is this true?"

Lu Qinghe knew that Concubine Shu's attitude towards her had softened, and there must be a reason behind it. She said softly:

"It is true. Now that everything is going smoothly, the marriage will be arranged after the new year. My brother is also old enough to get married, so the wedding will not be delayed for too long."

Princess Yongxin smiled and said, "My cousin is very handsome, and the Gao family sister is also an outstanding girl. They are really a perfect match when they stand together."

Lu Qinghe thought to herself that no matter how well-matched she was, her brother's heart would never fall on Miss Gao. She could only blame Xia Li for being too attractive. She would never say this out loud. The streets were bustling with people. The Third Prince was still some distance away from them. The two of them were not afraid of being overheard when they talked. Lu Qinghe said casually, "Why haven't I heard any news about Princess Zhaohua recently? What is she busy with?"

Princess Yongxin said calmly, "Cousin Zhaohua seems to have had some conflicts with my third brother. She is too stubborn and neither of them would submit to each other. If these two were to live together, I'm afraid the roof would be blown off. My mother would be very troubled."

Lu Qinghe's eyes flickered slightly, and he said slowly: "County Princess Zhaohua is the eldest princess's favorite, and she is loved by everyone. She is also impatient. She should be more sensible when she grows up."

Princess Yongxin sighed and said like a little adult, "That being said, who is willing to wait for her to grow up and become sensible? If she never changes her bad habits, won't my third brother suffer for the rest of his life? Marriage is a serious matter and there is no turning back."

Lu Qinghe couldn't help but sneer. The Shufei and her son were really good at taking it and letting it go. They put so much effort into Yao Dizhu, and now they just don't want her anymore.

Princess Yongxin saw that she remained silent, glanced at her and continued:

"Mother also praised my cousin for growing up and being sensible. She is so dignified and decent every time she enters the palace. Mother is very pleased. I think she wants to make the relationship closer."

Lu Qinghe's cheeks flushed, and she said uncomfortably:

"Princess, please don't talk nonsense. I am still the same. How can I compare to Princess Zhaohua? Now I am waiting for my family to arrange my marriage. Marriage is decided by my parents and matchmaker. I have no say in it."

Princess Yongxin looked surprised. She thought that if she hinted a little, Lu Qinghe would rush to express his opinion. Now she knew that being reserved was a good thing. She certainly didn't want her third brother to marry a sister-in-law who was not smart.

Some things should be said briefly. Princess Yongxin pointed to the lanterns not far away and said with a smile, "Look, cousin, there are crab lanterns over there. They look so delicate."

After saying that, she pulled Lu Qinghe and ran towards the lanterns without saying anything. There were many pedestrians on the road, and the two of them were petite, so they disappeared into the crowd. Lu Lingchuan and the third prince lost sight of them in the blink of an eye, and their faces changed drastically with fright. They immediately ordered the guards to go look for them.

When Lu Qinghe looked back and couldn't see her eldest brother anymore, she vigilantly held Princess Yongxin's hand tightly and said solemnly, "Cousin, we have lost our brother. Don't run anymore. Let's wait here for them to find us."

Princess Yongxin looked back and indeed could not see her brothers. She said calmly, "Don't panic, cousin. The palace guards and the guards in your mansion will find us soon. The crab lantern is going that way. Let's follow it quickly."

She didn't take Lu Qinghe's words to heart at all, and only wanted to get the crab lantern. Lu Qinghe knew the seriousness of the matter and said with difficulty:
"Absolutely not. If we go any further, we will be swept along by the crowd. It's really dangerous."

Princess Yongxin grew up in a pampered state, and Concubine Shu almost doted on her. How could she listen to Lu Qinghe's words? She angrily let go of Lu Qinghe's hand and ran forward regardless.

Lu Qinghe was so scared that she broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly chased after her. However, the crowd was so tight that she could hardly move. She could only look at the princess from a distance but could not get close to her.

After finally squeezing out of the crowd, Lu Qinghe didn't care about her messy hair and looked for someone in a daze. Her eyes were almost blinded when she finally saw the figure of Princess Yongxin.

However, right under her nose, an old woman suddenly appeared. She was holding something in her hand and covered the princess' mouth and nose, knocking her unconscious and carrying her away.

Lu Qinghe was trembling all over. She thought she had met a kidnapper. She didn't know whether she should follow the kidnapper or go find her elder brother. Just when she was at a loss, she heard a familiar voice.

"Miss? Why are you here alone?"

Xia Li appeared out of nowhere. Lu Qinghe seemed to have seen a savior and said excitedly, "Xia Li, something happened. I saw the kidnapper kidnap the princess. Go and save her..."

Xia Li and Qiao He were also separated by the crowd. She had never expected that she would encounter such a thing. If she did not take care of it and returned home, she was afraid that she would suffer a bad fate. Xia Li immediately pulled Lu Qinghe aside and said in a low voice:

"Miss, we are women. It is very dangerous to save people rashly. We can only talk about other things after we save ourselves. Let's follow and see. If we can save him, we will save him. If not, let's go back to the mansion and call for help. The kidnapper can't get away for the time being."

Lu Qinghe saw Xia Li gradually calming down. Although saving the princess was important, her own life was also extremely precious.

The two men chased in the direction they had just seen, turned a corner and walked into a narrow alley with four or five households in it.

Most of the residents had gone out to watch the fun, and only two houses had lights on. Xia Li took Lu Qinghe by the hand and carefully approached the house with lights. There was nothing unusual in the first house, as it was occupied by an elderly couple.

When they found the third house in the middle, the courtyard was quiet and they couldn't see what was going on inside from across the courtyard. Xia Li whispered, "Girl, I'll climb into the courtyard to take a look. You hide first."

Lu Qinghe's palms were sweaty, and she trembled as she said, "You must be careful. If you see something wrong, run away immediately."

Xia Li nodded with a cold look in her eyes. She climbed over the wall nimbly without making any sound. After entering, she secretly hid under the window frame. She looked into the room carefully and saw the princess tied up and thrown on the ground, unconscious.

Xia Li confirmed again and again that the old woman was the only one in the room. She was drinking from a wine pot and said:

"I just went out to see the fun... and I came across such a top-notch product... I deserve to make a fortune... Heck~ I'll sell her to a brothel tomorrow morning, and it will be enough for me to spend for half a year. This fortune has come, and it can't be stopped..."

The old woman was singing comfortably in the house. Xia Li hated human traffickers the most, so she decided to make a quick decision. She fumbled to pick up the big stone on the ground, quietly moved to the door, raised her hand and knocked gently.

The old woman in the house was startled and shouted with a big tongue: "Who is it?"

Xia Li did not answer. The old woman thought it was a wild cat or dog that ran into the yard. She staggered to the door, and as soon as she stepped over the threshold, Xia Li raised a stone and hit her directly. The old woman fainted before she could see who hurt her.

Xia Li walked forward and felt the breath to confirm that the person was not crushed to death. He then took a rope from the house and tied up the old woman, and then went to call Lu Qinghe.

Lu Qinghe's legs were shaking. Looking at the fainted old woman, he said in a hoarse voice, "Xia Li, what should we do next?"

Xia Li patted the dust off his hands and said calmly:

"You wake up the princess and take her back home. Then you can say that you saved the princess. You saw everything I did just now, so you should just say what I did."

Lu Qinghe was shocked and asked, "Why are you giving this credit to me?"

Xia Li said indifferently: "This achievement is just a reward for me, but if it is for you, it can be exchanged for greater benefits. Even if I help you, you will have to bear the consequences yourself."

Lu Qinghe's eyes were sore and she choked up as she said, "I accept your favor and I will never forget your kindness in the future."

(End of this chapter)