High-class Spring Joy

What a magical word. To be honest, Qinghe had experienced a lot from Chu Jingxian.

For example, there are many good words that can be used to describe Chu Jingxian in front of her, such as "clear and bright" or "bright moon and gentle breeze". Qinghe felt from the bottom of her heart that this person deserved all the good adjectives.

But the high spirits were indeed there; it was the first time Qinghe had ever felt that from Chu Jingxian.

Previously, what he perceived most was composure and tranquility, like a pool of water that didn't change much, steady and steady, as if everything was within his expectations and nothing could make him panic. The last time he panicked was when Qinghe was injured, and she saw Chu Jingxian's flustered state. But apart from that time, Chu Jingxian always seemed to be in complete control.

If the Third Young Master hadn't injured his eyes in the past, he would probably be even more spirited at this moment than he is now.

Qinghe sat alone at the table, stuffing a couple of mouthfuls of rice into her mouth. The roast chicken used to smell quite good, but for some reason, it now tasted like cardboard.

Da Qinghe was still eating very seriously; he always took eating seriously. Besides, he had bought a roast chicken to celebrate and to improve his and his child's meals, so she was determined to eat it all. However, as she ate, Qinghe's thoughts began to wander elsewhere.

Qinghe couldn't stop thinking about what Chu Jingxian had just said. She couldn't help but ponder its meaning. Did he mean the hunt was dangerous? But in what way? Was it the possibility of encountering wild beasts, or something else entirely? Or perhaps something unexpected or turbulent would happen at the Royal Forbidden Garden, maybe even an assassination attempt?

Qinghe's mind was in a complete mess. She didn't know much, and she couldn't think of anything. With her limited knowledge, this was all she knew. She couldn't figure out what Chu Jingxian meant at all.

But for some reason, after Chu Jingxian said those words, especially after his attitude just now, Qinghe felt uneasy.

I have a feeling that something big is about to happen?

Qinghe couldn't quite explain what it was, but she felt it was a bad premonition. This hunt was a royal hunt, and the emperor would be going. Presumably, all the princes, the empress dowager, and the princesses would also be going. Someone like her was naturally not qualified to go, and even if she went, she probably wouldn't be able to help the young master much.

Only when she realized this did Qinghe realize what she was thinking—she actually wanted to help Chu Jingxian?!

Given her status and abilities, how could she possibly help the young master? It would be good enough if she didn't hinder him.

But Qinghe couldn't help but recall Chu Jingxian's words from earlier: Chu Jingxian said that if he could return safely this time...

Qinghe had always seen Chu Jingxian as someone who was always at ease, confident, and unmoved by anything. The fact that even the young master couldn't guarantee that he could return safely on his own meant that the matter must be extremely dangerous and contained a lot of killing intent.

Is it possible that the young master really won't be able to completely extricate himself from this hunting incident unscathed?

If the young master is injured, or if something really happens to the young master...

It seemed like she would never see the Third Young Master again, never see such a good person again, and never have a way to repay him.

When will I see the Third Young Master again, or when?

Will there ever be a next time?

The moment this thought popped into her head, Qinghe felt a shiver run through her body, as if she had broken out in a cold sweat. After shoveling down two mouthfuls of rice, she suddenly ran into her room, grabbed something, and rushed out of the inner courtyard.

After rushing out the door, he looked left and right at the flow of people coming from each other, trying to figure out which way the young master had left from.

But even though there was no one at the back door at this time, Qinghe could no longer see the Third Young Master, nor could she see Chu Jingxian's back. She had no idea which way Chu Jingxian had left from.

At this moment, Qinghe was completely bewildered. She didn't know how to find Chu Jingxian or how to react. All she knew was that she had to find the Third Young Master and give away what she had. In her panic, Qinghe suddenly remembered that the Third Young Master had said that the Broken Halberd Guard would always be by her side.

Qinghe shouted loudly, calling out Ji's name to the sky. She had only shouted once or twice when Zheji's figure appeared beside her: "Miss Qinghe, is there something urgent?"

Looking at the broken halberd before him, Qinghe felt a sense of urgency. He grabbed the halberd's arm, and even through the thick clothing, Qinghe felt a strange sense of importance about this matter and this meeting. He disregarded the distinction between men and women, saying, "Where is the young master? Please, guards, take me to him quickly. I have something I need to see you about. You shouldn't be far yet, right?"

Zhe Jie didn't realize what Qing He was trying to do, but upon hearing Qing He's words, she grabbed Qing He and leaped onto the roof. She started running with Qing He in her arms. Qing He was caught off guard on the roof and almost lost her balance and fell, but she had to hold on tightly to Zhe Ji.

After a moment of trepidation, Zheji brought Qinghe to Chu Jingxian. Chu Jingxian had just left the alley with Chensha and was instructing Chensha as they walked, "This trip will take too long. I won't be taking you or Zheji. You two will take turns looking after the business and Qinghe. Neither the business nor Qinghe can go wrong, especially Qinghe. The business is another matter, but if anything happens to Qinghe, you two will definitely be punished when I return."

As Chu Jingxian was speaking, Chen Sha beside him responded with a sound after each sentence, indicating that he had heard it.

Suddenly, Chu Jingxian felt Chen Sha's voice beside him stop and disappear, as if something had happened. Chu Jingxian asked, "What's wrong? Did you encounter something?"

Before Chen Sha could speak, Chu Jingxian heard a familiar, panting, and hurried female voice coming from in front of him:

"Young master!! Young master, you left in such a hurry, I forgot to give you something!"

After saying that, the person in front of him seemed to shove something very hard into his arms without any regard for anything else.

Chu Jingxian reached out and discovered that he was holding a cold, hard lump. As for what it was, he would have to feel it carefully to find out.

Before Chu Jingxian could figure out what it was, Qinghe spoke up: "I know this journey is likely to be dangerous, the road is unknown, and your life is uncertain. I don't have anything valuable, just this bronze mirror. I hope this bronze mirror can protect you."

After saying that, Qinghe turned and left without waiting for Chu Jingxian to speak.

After Qinghe left, Chu Jingxian began to carefully examine the bronze mirror in his hand. This bronze mirror was somewhat different from other bronze mirrors.

Other bronze mirrors have relatively smooth but flat surfaces, but this bronze mirror looks different. It is convex, and the back side is also convex, like a... conical vase with openings on both sides.

Chu Jingxian couldn't quite describe the feeling he got from touching the cold bronze mirror, but just touching it left him with a strange, indescribable sensation.

Even with his keen hearing, he could easily discern the direction Qinghe had left in. Chu Jingxian stared blankly at the ceiling, even though he couldn't see Qinghe leave. But because he had seen her in her green dress for a fleeting moment, that single image had become the only one he had in his mind for the past decade—a vivid and clear image: Qinghe cooking for him in the kitchen, a lively and beautiful girl, and someone very important to him.

Chu Jingxian tried to use that image, the only clear image that had appeared in his mind over the past ten years, a figure that had appeared before, to imagine what Qinghe's expression and appearance were when she left, and what the scene was like when she bumped into him and stuffed the bronze mirror into his arms.

According to Sai Huatuo, he should have focused on treating his eyes at this point. However, Sai Huatuo rarely encountered cases like his and couldn't offer a definitive and effective treatment. For example, Chu Jingxian's case was completely unexpected. Even if they knew it was an impact that might have dispersed some of the bruising, Sai Huatuo wouldn't have the audacity to find a rock and smash it into Chu Jingxian's head.

Therefore, the treatment method is still under research, similar to that of Hua Tuo, but the current situation cannot be delayed any longer. This game has long since failed; they have simply been waiting for their prey to gradually and willingly jump into it. As for the outcome of this game…

No one knows, and no one can say with complete certainty, what the ending will be.

Chu Jingxian held the bronze mirror in his hand and felt that it was very heavy.

For some reason, it was just this one bronze mirror that made Chu Jingxian want to come back even more.

-

When Qinghe returned, the food on the table was actually a bit cold, but he still ate very quickly. He ate two large bowls, so as not to go hungry himself or the baby in his belly.

After that day, Qinghe did not see Chu Jingxian again for several days. During these days, Qinghe was busy running to Hongxiuzhao to discuss some matters and also to talk more with Hu Shisi Niang.

On this day, Qinghe was stopped as soon as she came out of Hongxiuzhao. Looking at the group of servants and several maids in front of her, Qinghe subconsciously took several steps back.

The head maidservant whispered to Qinghe, "Miss, our master has ordered that we invite you back for a meeting. He says he has important matters to discuss, and we request that you come back with us now."

"Your master??"

Qinghe was somewhat confused. He carefully examined the two maids for two hours, feeling as if he had seen them somewhere before, but they were also unfamiliar. At least, Qinghe couldn't recall their names. Perhaps he had seen them somewhere before, but precisely because he could only vaguely recall their names, Qinghe became even more wary and cautious.

"If what you say is true, and your master has important matters to discuss, why didn't he come in person? Why didn't you just state your master's name?"

Qinghe was naturally unwilling to easily trust this group of people. Putting aside the fact that their arrival was very suspicious and without any warning, Qinghe felt that something was not quite right.

Even a normal person wouldn't suddenly follow someone they've never met before.

"Young lady, we truly mean you no harm. You know our master very well, but due to some issues, we can't have him intervene directly, otherwise we wouldn't have been sent. Please trust us. Besides, this matter is urgent, so please come with us first."

The maid looked hurried and anxious, and the servants beside her had the same expression, as if something extremely urgent had happened. Qinghe frowned, carefully observing their expressions and reactions.

At this point, the maid seemed to have no other choice but to turn her head and look at a person wearing a black cloak hiding behind them. The black cloak was very large, completely concealing the person's appearance and figure. The person had their head down, making it impossible to see what they looked like or whether they were male or female.

It wasn't until the person in the black cloak slowly raised their head, so that not their entire face was revealed, but Qinghe could see half of their face clearly, that she was certain.

It was only because the person wearing that black cloak was Cuiwei.

Cuiwei was Princess Jing'an's personal maid and the one she trusted most. The fact that Cuiwei was here meant that Princess Jing'an had something to attend to and couldn't come in person. Moreover, according to what the maids had just said, if the matter was so urgent, it was indeed not to be underestimated.

Qinghe didn't hesitate when she saw Cuiwei and followed them directly.

As expected, Qinghe was led by the group of maids to the princess's villa outside the palace, and they entered through the back door.

As soon as Qinghe entered, Cuiwei and the others led her to see Princess Jing'an.

Upon seeing Princess Jing'an's appearance, Qinghe realized that something terrible had happened.

Princess Jing'an, who usually wore elegant and luxurious dresses, was now dressed in a coarse linen outfit, the kind of clothing most common people wear.

Even so, he still exuded an extraordinary aura, and even ordinary people could tell that he was either rich or noble.

Seeing Princess Jing'an's attire, Qinghe knew this was no ordinary matter and quickly stepped forward to ask, "Does Your Highness have something important to discuss?"

Princess Jing'an immediately stepped forward upon seeing Qinghe arrive: "Ahe, you probably don't know, but although this hunting trip is being held at the Royal Forbidden Garden, it was moved to the Zhongnan Mountains years ago. It's very close to Shangjing, but very far from Bianjing. You could say it's even farther than our trip to Xiangguo Temple last time. If we were to send a message back and forth by fast horse, it would take a whole day and night. I only received the news this morning that something happened at the Royal Forbidden Garden, but I don't know the specifics."

Qinghe frowned. Although she didn't know much, she still sensed something was amiss: "Even if Zhongnan Mountain is far from Bianjing, it's still a royal forbidden area, guarded by royal guards year-round. Even if something went wrong, it wouldn't be so difficult for news to reach Bianjing. Besides, I remember the Emperor brought quite a few Imperial Guards with him this time, and several princes were also there. They were the best of the Imperial Guards. Even if something happened, why would he send a message to you, Princess?"

Princess Jing'an nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this: "I knew you were clever; you could have noticed something amiss right away. This is what Mother told me, and she's the one who told me the news, but I just couldn't understand it. So I secretly sent people to investigate, and discovered that Father's goal this time wasn't hunting in the royal gardens at all, but rather a trip to the borderlands to discuss important matters with the envoys sent by the Northern Frontier Kingdom. The location was set in Mohan City in the far north, and it would take two days and two nights just for a fast horse to deliver the message. Mother originally kept it from me because she knew that if I knew, I would definitely rush there. So, this matter didn't really concern me, the princess. But the difference this time is that Father brought several of his elder brothers, including the Crown Prince, with him, leaving the Prime Minister to oversee the country. At this time, my thirteenth brother is critically ill, and the entire court..." No one supports sending the message to Father Emperor now. My thirteenth brother has been frail and sickly since childhood, rarely seeing Father Emperor more than twice a year. He's so young, and now his life is hanging by a thread. They won't even give Father Emperor a chance to say goodbye, wanting to prevent him from seeing Father Emperor one last time. I can't ignore this. My thirteenth brother always loved me the most, and we were the best of friends. He's only seven years old now, only seven years on this earth. I can't bear it. Even if Father Emperor can't come back to see him one last time, he must know what's happening to his son. Also, my thirteenth brother has something he wants me to give to Father Emperor. As his sister, I may not be able to snatch his life back from the jaws of death, and I may not be able to let him see Father Emperor one last time before he dies, but I will personally deliver what my thirteenth brother asked me to give to Father Emperor.”

After hearing Princess Jing'an's words, Qinghe not only understood but also fully supported her: "Your Highness's deep affection and loyalty are truly rare. I just don't know how I can help you. Why did Your Highness summon me here today?"

Finally, Princess Jing'an looked at Qinghe and said, "I know your condition is special right now, and I shouldn't trouble you, but I've always been proud and arrogant. I don't have many close friends. Although I'm a princess, there aren't many people I can truly trust. That's the first reason, of course. The second reason is that I've heard the ruler of the Northern Frontier Kingdom is very fond of embroidery and Buddhism. I think if he could embroider a portrait of you there, it might help my father's peace talks with the Northern Frontier Kingdom. If it succeeds, it could save our people from at least ten years of trouble. So I want to ask you, are you willing to accompany me on this journey?"

Princess Jing'an spoke, also considering Qinghe's feelings: "Of course, you have the right to refuse me. After all, the journey is long and arduous, much farther than our last trip to Xiangguo Temple. We don't know what we might encounter on the way. You're already quite pregnant and shouldn't travel far, especially such a long journey. The travel fatigue would be unbearable. If I hadn't been truly desperate, I would never have thought of you. But I promise you, if you agree to come with me, I will risk my life to protect you and the child in your womb. If anything happens to you or the child, I am willing to give my life for you."

Qinghe was stunned; she was indeed lost in thought.

She couldn't agree to it right away, after all, this wasn't just her own business. If she weren't pregnant, if she were alone, based on her relationship with Princess Jing'an, and based on how unwavering Princess Jing'an had been in supporting her before, she wouldn't have hesitated at all.

only…

She'll be three months pregnant soon, and her belly will probably start to show.

Qinghe was silent for a moment, then looked up at the princess and said, "If this negotiation fails, what action will Beijing take? If it's just a Buddha statue, I have an embroidered one at home. Its exquisiteness and the effort I put into it are no less than the one the princess saw at Hongxiuzhao. Will the Emperor and the others be in danger? After all, although Mohan City is our border land, it is very close to the Northern Frontier. If the Northern Frontier Kingdom wants to do anything, there may be danger."

"Yes, you're right. If things had gone wrong at this point, Father and his entourage would likely have been in danger. Not only would they have faced a near-death experience, but it could have also triggered a war between the two countries at any moment."

Princess Jing'an sensed Qinghe's concern as she spoke: "Of course you don't need to be nervous. Since you have the Buddha statue, I can take it with me. You don't necessarily have to go. Don't put the burden of whether this peace talks succeed or not on your shoulders. In any case, the Buddha statue is just a bargaining chip, which only increases the probability of success by a little bit, but does not determine the main outcome."

Princess Jing'an was prepared for Qinghe not to go, but to her surprise, Qinghe looked up at her with a firm expression and said, "Princess, I will go with you."

Qinghe's actions were not only for the sake of peace talks, but also for her own selfish reasons.

If this peace talks truly fail, and there is a slim chance of survival, then the Third Prince's life will likely be in grave danger.

No matter what, she always wanted to see him one last time.