High-class Spring Joy

Qinghe has known Chu Jingxian for so long, and she has rarely seen him act this way. She has also rarely seen him so anxious or speak so vehemently.

So when Qinghe heard Chu Jingxian say such a big thing and his expression seemed unusual, she was really stunned. She didn't expect Chu Jingxian to say such a thing and look so anxious.

Clearly, Chu Jingxian realized his mistake after speaking, pinching his brow. "I'm sorry, I lost my composure. What I meant was, don't let a man affect your life too much. Even if that man is my fifth brother, I still support you. Besides, there's nothing between you two, just those past agreements. Judging from the Five Emperors' behavior, those agreements are clearly invalid. You don't need to restrain or bind yourself because of those so-called agreements. You are who you are. Even if you and your fifth brother didn't have that agreement, you are still Qinghe, the best embroiderer, the diligent, and the kind-hearted one. As for things like background, I think you don't need to worry too much. Any man with some responsibility and achievement would never demand that his wife have a certain background or family history. If he demands a match in social status, it only shows his incompetence and that the man is not worthy of your trust."

"I don't know. It's not that you don't want to, it's just that you don't dare to gamble with your future, nor with anything else, and you no longer dare to hide your fate in another person's hands. Well, what I want to say is that now that you have this status, this understanding, marriage is icing on the cake for you, but it's also inevitable. Because your current position can't be easily ruined by a marriage. But if you're going to find someone, you must find someone who loves you, cherishes you, and cares for you, and who is capable himself. If you can find a man who is capable of loving you, truly caring for you, and protecting you, then you can consider marriage. Don't let my fifth brother make you lose faith. There are many men like him, but not all men are like him. Perhaps some men aren't as good as my fifth brother, able to talk to people and say sweet words to please you, but whether a man is reliable isn't actually about words, is it? In fact, he can completely surpass my fifth brother in other aspects."

Although Qinghe felt Chu Jingxian's words sounded a bit strange, she had to admit they made some sense. "Third Young Master, what you said does make a lot of sense. Perhaps the kind of person you described truly exists in this world, but I don't believe I could meet them myself. Besides, I think matters of fate and luck are mostly predetermined. It's not something I can just decide to do. Even if I talk to you more now, it's still difficult to meet the right person. It's something that can't be forced, and it's the kind of thing that can't be rushed. So, whatever I say to you now is just empty talk. As for you, Young Master, you're already at the age to settle down and start a family. I'm sure the Old Madam of the Marquis's Mansion has searched for suitable daughters for you more than once. What are your thoughts on this?"

Qinghe looked at Chu Jingxian in front of her and asked, she was really curious about this.

Although Chu Jingxian is now a merchant, he is still a young master from a noble family. In the social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, merchants are the lowest, but no matter what, he is still a legitimate son of a noble family. If he really wants to find a wife, he will always be missing out on marriage opportunities.

"Ever since the Jiang family broke off the engagement, my mother has stopped worrying about finding me a marriage partner."

Chu Jingxian said.

Qinghe: "The old lady doesn't want the young master to be sad again, does she? As for the young master himself, do you have a girl you like? If so, why not give it a try?"

Chu Jingxian frowned immediately. Looking at Qinghe's serious expression, it seemed genuine; she was contemplating Chu Jingxian's marriage.

Does she really not care about the person in his heart?

The young girl's expression didn't seem like a test, but rather a very serious and innocent contemplation of his marriage.

It seems that whether he has someone he likes, whether he has a woman he admires, or which woman he marries, has nothing to do with this young girl and cannot cause the slightest ripple in her heart.

Don't you care?

Is it possible that... the girl didn't actually have those feelings for him at all, that there was no romantic love between them, at most only a little gratitude or friendship?

Otherwise, Chu Jingxian couldn't understand why Qinghe was so calm when she asked that question. It seemed to have nothing to do with her at all.

If Qinghe had feelings for him, she would care at least a little, right? But at this moment, the girl's expression was extremely calm, as if she were just chatting with him, like old friends having a casual chat.

Or perhaps it was precisely because Qinghe had no other clues about him, nor any romantic feelings, that she did not intend to tell him about the child. That is why she refused to tell him that the girl that night was herself.

Chu Jingxian's fingers curled slightly. "What does Ahe think? Does she think I should have someone I like, or shouldn't have someone I like?"

Qinghe found Chu Jingxian's question to be quite interesting, at least Qinghe didn't understand what it meant.

To be fair, whether someone has someone they like is largely not something others can decide. For example, although he had some improper thoughts about the Third Young Master, in his heart, matters of love, especially romantic love, are not something that one person can force to make another person definitely like them. Especially when it comes to love and marriage, it is the thing that one cannot control no matter how hard one tries. There are some people he should not like, but he still will not like them. But there are some people he really likes, and he doesn't need to do anything, just standing there will make people like him. So it mostly depends on fate, and effort is useless.

Therefore, Qinghe found Chu Jingxian's question to be very interesting. It was as if he could tell the young master who to like and the young master would like that person. It was too frivolous.

She really wanted the young master to like her, but would wishing it make any difference?

When this thought popped into Qinghe's mind, she felt like laughing.

Perhaps it was because my thought was too absurd, but now I realize that she seems to have obtained something I had longed for before, so it can't be said that there is no hope at all.

Instead, Qinghe felt even more like she was dreaming, and thought that she might have suddenly gained confidence, a kind of inexplicable confidence?

Qinghe quickly shook her head, trying to shake off the thoughts in her mind. But when she came back to her senses, she saw Chu Jingxian's rather unpleasant expression. Qinghe thought to herself, "So he really did receive some sad news from the Third Young Master?"

That's true. No matter who it was, being dumped by the girl they'd been betrothed to since childhood, only to have her get involved with his younger brother, would make anyone angry.

It's probably because the topic of marriage was brought up, which touched on the Third Young Master's painful past. Otherwise, why would he react like this? Look how heartbroken he is; even someone like the Third Young Master can't hide his sadness.

Although the Third Young Master didn't have much contact or communication with Miss Jiang, he must have had feelings for her to some extent. Otherwise, he wouldn't have shown no intention of getting engaged yet, and he wouldn't have asked such strange questions about his beloved.

Qinghe couldn't say she wasn't upset—that would be a lie—but she had already understood some things. She was no longer the foolish girl who would be overjoyed by a few words of deception and wait and hope bitterly for ten years.

This is how things are; they're always like this, beyond anyone's control. There are many things you can't do just because you want to, some people you can't have just because you want them, and some things you can't get just by trying. Some things you can't get no matter how much you beg for them, while some people get a lot of things they don't want, just like her and Miss Jiang. What Miss Jiang didn't want was what she desperately wanted.

Even Qinghe could only smile, masking the bitterness in her smile with a lighthearted tone: "What you said just now makes a lot of sense. Indeed, one shouldn't give up oneself for someone else. Not only me, but you should too. Sometimes, if you waste your energy on unworthy people and things, how can you treat worthy people and things? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse and losing more than you gain?"

"People who are worthwhile and people who aren't?"

Chu Jingxian was lost in thought after hearing what Qinghe said. So now, in this young girl's heart, who is worthy and who is not?

Chu Jingxian had no idea, but it was precisely this lack of knowledge that was the most captivating and irresistible key to the story.

Chu Jingxian looked at Qinghe in front of him: "In your heart, are there people who are worthwhile and people who are not? I wonder if you can distinguish between them?"

I wonder if she will be able to see clearly after she returns to Bianjing?

Or perhaps he had already seen it clearly, but the result of seeing it clearly was not what he wanted. Chu Jingxian chuckled, never expecting that he himself would be so troubled by something.

-

The next day, when they set off back to Bianjing, Qinghe first said goodbye to the young prince of the Northern Frontier Kingdom. The little guy still looked mature, with a serious face, looking more mature than anyone else.

But Qinghe still saw the tears in his eyes. Perhaps even the most mature child is still just a child at heart. Qinghe took a bag of red bean cakes she had made and gave them to him.

The young prince of the Northern Frontier Kingdom pouted, looking rather disgusted, and said in a disdainful tone, "Why are you still treating me like a child? I haven't eaten these child-rearing pastries since I was two years old."

He said it with a hint of disdain, but he took the bag of pastries from Qinghe faster than anyone else, as if afraid that Qinghe might regret it and take the pastries back. Qinghe felt extremely soft-hearted when she saw him like that.

Qinghe's pained gaze made the young prince of the Northern Frontier Kingdom uncomfortable. He looked as if he had encountered some kind of monster and exclaimed in shock, "What kind of look is that? You don't think I'm reluctant to part with you, do you? How could I be reluctant to part with you? We've only known each other for four or five days! I'm not reluctant to part with you at all. It's just that my father said you're beyond reproach. You saved my life, so I should say goodbye before I leave. Don't look at me like that anymore! I'm not that weak!"

That's what she said, and her expression seemed fine, but the tears in her eyes were becoming more and more obvious. Qinghe could see it clearly, so she had only known this child for a few days. But Qinghe felt that being with this child was more comfortable and easier than being with many other people. This child was sometimes just proud and aloof.

Sure enough, after Qinghe left, and after she turned around, she heard the muttering voice of the young prince of the Northern Frontier Kingdom behind her:

"Why didn't you give me more? I'm a prince, after all! I'll be living in a big bucket of food someday. Besides, my aunt is now the eldest princess of the Northern Frontier Kingdom. How can the princess of Song be so stingy as to only give me this one bag? Are you afraid I won't be able to finish it in a day? Who can eat this little bit? You cheapskate! Do you expect me to take it back and treat it like a family heirloom? You don't even respect me, a prince!"

Qinghe listened to these childish words, but her heart softened. How could there be such a cute child? So adorable and mischievous, usually acting like a little adult, but now childishly calculating how many pieces of cake there were.

Would a prince really care about a few pieces of pastry?

The answer was obviously no, and Qinghe knew it in her heart. Then she heard the child's voice behind her again, as if he had opened the purse and tasted the pastries inside.

"How come I didn't know you made such delicious pastries before? If I had known your pastries were so good and suited my taste so well, I should have made you stay up all night in the small kitchen to make pastries for me. You made two whole dishes, so many that I couldn't finish them all. I should have taken them back to the Northern Frontier Kingdom."

Finally, Old Chen's words, which were once arrogant and haughty, became more childlike. But the more Qinghe listened, the more tears welled up in her eyes, and the more her eyes glistened. She could no longer control the emotions that surged up, and her eyes reddened.

Qinghe thought that perhaps this is how relationships between people are. Sometimes, even after decades of getting along, it is not necessarily possible to develop any deep or familiar bond. Sometimes, just two or three days, or even just a few days, are enough to make each other unforgettable for a lifetime.

Qinghe felt that she and Chu Jingyu were the former type. They had been together for decades, but they had never really understood each other. Of course, on the other hand, given Chu Jingyu's status, it was really unnecessary for a maid like her to understand her master's preferences and temperament. It seemed like it was something that maids should do. But in the end, Qinghe didn't feel that she understood Chu Jingyu very well. At least when she learned the truth, everything seemed so unfamiliar, and everything seemed completely unexpected to Qinghe.

As for the child in front of her, although they had only spent a few days together, Qinghe felt that the energy she had spent in those few days would be unforgettable for her, and perhaps it would be the same for this child.

Qinghe had her back to him and didn't turn around to talk to him.

Based on Qinghe's past experience, it's generally hard to say whether or not someone will be able to leave when parting ways, especially when both parties are reluctant to part.

Qinghe vaguely remembered that every time she saw her older sister go to the palace when she was little, she would cry her eyes out. When she was younger, she would probably hug her sister's legs and cry loudly.

But as I grew older, I learned more about things, understood the hardships my sister had endured, and saw the tears in her eyes when she passed away.

That was no different from the tears in her eyes. At that moment, Qinghe dared not cry anymore, and just bit her lip, refusing to make a sound.

Afraid that if he cried, his sister's feigned toughness would be completely ruined, Qinghe dared not cry. He wanted his sister to turn around and come back. Life is unpredictable. How often can one turn around and go back whenever one wants?

There's no going back in this world.

Since separation is inevitable, even if it's hard to bear, one must put on a tough front. Otherwise, it will only cause pain for both parties, preventing those who want to leave from doing so, and perhaps ultimately, no one wants to leave at all.

Qinghe strode away from the caravan of the Northern Frontier Kingdom and walked towards the caravan of the Song Kingdom. Only when the young prince could no longer see her did she dare to raise her hand to wipe the tears from her face.

The Third Young Master waited by the carriage. He had originally told the Emperor of the Northern Frontier Kingdom that Qinghe was his family member. The ministers and princes were unaware that Qinghe had been redeemed from the Marquis's mansion, so they assumed that Chu Jingxian meant "family member" without thinking too much about it. Since they were family members, it was natural to arrange for their carriages to be together, which made sense. No one suspected anything. It seemed that the Third Young Master had guessed from the beginning that Qinghe would be very sad.

As soon as Qinghe walked over, Chensha handed her a sweet date, and the Third Young Master also offered her a handkerchief.

Qinghe was taken aback. Few people had offered her a handkerchief when she cried. Back in the Marquis's mansion, only Hongdou had done so, and at home only her sister. But in this situation…

Qinghe's gaze involuntarily fell on the handkerchief in the Third Young Master's hand. As if possessed, Qinghe recalled her own handkerchief. Although she had carried it close to her body for a long time, it was not the best embroidered handkerchief, nor was the fabric the best.

"Young master, I remember you had a green handkerchief embroidered with green rice seedlings. Did you throw it away?"

Qinghe asked with some concern, but realized something was wrong as soon as she asked. Her question seemed too obvious; what if the Third Young Master noticed something amiss in her words…

Just then, Chu Jingxian asked, "You seem quite interested in that handkerchief?"

Qinghe snapped out of her daze, realizing what she had said. "Oh, young master, you misunderstood. What I meant was that I remember that handkerchief was quite pretty. I found it, didn't I? I thought it was pretty, and since no one else wanted it, I picked it up to use. Although it's pretty, I remember the fabric wasn't very good. So I guessed you might not be interested in it. If you ever decide you don't want it anymore, you don't have to throw it away. Why not just give it to me? I quite like it. What do you think, Third Young Master? If you think it's too cheap, you can sell it to me. Although my wealth is not comparable to yours, I think I can still afford a handkerchief. That way, I won't be taking advantage of you."

Qinghe's words were quite sincere. Upon hearing this, Chu Jingxian smiled and said, "Then I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. While the handkerchief's material is indeed of lower quality, it was left by a very important person. Besides, such embroidery is rare to find in this world. Although I couldn't see it before, the more I looked at the embroidery, the more I liked it. And please don't treat me like some pampered young master. I don't always need the best materials. Sometimes the quality of the fabric is secondary; as long as there's embroidery, that handkerchief is the best in my eyes. So I can't sell it to you, young lady. It wouldn't be right for me to part with something I love so dearly, would it?"

Hearing Chu Jingxian say this, Qinghe felt a mix of emotions. She forced a smile and quickly said, "Since you like it, then pretend I didn't say anything. I originally thought you wouldn't like these things, but I didn't mean anything by it. I was just a little curious. Does that handkerchief have any special meaning for you that makes you like it so much? As for that handkerchief, since you like it, I naturally have no reason to take it away from you."

"It's nothing much. It was left by someone I care about very much. But it seems she doesn't want to see me or let me find her, so I can only keep this handkerchief as the only clue to find her."

As Chu Jingxian spoke of the handkerchief, it was currently in his sleeve. Ever since he found the handkerchief in prison that night, except for the day he accidentally lost it for a moment, Chu Jingxian had always carried it with him.

Sometimes when he didn't know what to do, sometimes when he was thinking about problems, Chu Jingxian would unconsciously touch and caress that handkerchief, his fingertips rubbing the embroidery on it, touching the needle and thread. It was as if it could calm him down, as if it could help him calm down and think about the problem and the situation. It was a very strange phenomenon, and even Chu Jingxian himself couldn't explain why. Perhaps it was because Qinghe was by his side?

At this moment, Chu Jingxian also had things he couldn't understand, especially about the little girl. Chu Jingxian's fingertips stroked the handkerchief again and again, as if no matter how close he got, it wasn't enough.

No matter how he approached or touched her, Chu Jingxian couldn't understand some things.

Chu Jingxian couldn't understand anything, especially regarding Qinghe.

Just then, Qinghe watched as the caravan from the Northern Frontier Kingdom gradually drove away. After traveling a distance, a young eunuch stepped down from the carriage and hurriedly ran towards Qinghe and the others.

After speaking with the emperor and crown prince at the front of the entourage, the young eunuch approached Qinghe, seemingly carrying a wooden box. He stood before Qinghe.

"Your Highness, this servant greets you. Today's journey is tiring, and the young prince and His Majesty did not wish to add to your burden. However, the young prince always thinks of you, and you know that this separation may mean a long time before we meet again. Therefore, the young prince specially ordered this servant to deliver this item to you. As for what it is, Your Highness, you may return home or check it yourself in the carriage. This servant does not know. The prince only said that you will understand its meaning when you see it."

That little eunuch was the same one who had been sent by the Emperor of Jiang to invite Qinghe. He was a familiar face, and he was the first one to kneel and pay respects when Qinghe was conferred the title of Princess of the Northern Frontier Kingdom. It was because of that incident that the little eunuch gained favor with the Emperor of the Northern Frontier Kingdom and was given an important position.

Now, the young eunuch naturally treats Qinghe with the utmost kindness and respect.

After the young eunuch finished speaking, he solemnly bowed to Qinghe.

Qinghe boarded the carriage behind the Third Young Master. That carriage was obviously the latest arrangement, because originally, Princess Jing'an and Qinghe were not included in this caravan. When Qinghe and Princess Jing'an came, they rode in the same carriage. But now the situation has changed. Qinghe originally thought that it would be fine to continue to ride in the same carriage with Princess Jing'an. There was nothing wrong with that.

However, the emperors of the two countries had just finished peace talks, and the Chinese emperor had to give the emperor of the Northern Frontier some face. Moreover, Qinghe had just been granted a title, so the princess naturally couldn't let Qinghe lose face from the very beginning.

The carriage was exactly the same as Princess Jing'an's, in terms of specifications, configuration, and decoration. It could be said to be identical. The reason why Qinghe had to ride in a separate carriage was perhaps because they wanted to make her investiture ceremony public when they returned to Bianjing. This would not only give Qinghe her status but also give face to the Emperor of Beijiang. Furthermore, it would make the peace talks between Beijiang and Song a done deal, which would greatly appease the people.

The talks finally came to an end, and the convoys from both countries set off.

However, less than three days into their return journey, Qinghe heard from scouts that the Tubo Kingdom had made another move. As for what that move was, Qinghe, being of a certain status, could not easily get involved. But even though Qinghe was not good at politics and was not particularly shrewd, she could guess that it was a reaction caused by the peace talks between the Northern Frontier Kingdom and the Song Kingdom.

Such is often the case with national situations; a small move can have far-reaching consequences. What may seem like a minor action from one perspective can have significant implications at the national level. However, these matters are usually discussed by the emperor and crown prince.

For Qinghe, the biggest change was that along the way, people who were originally her equals, or even palace maids and eunuchs who were considered superior to her in the palace, as well as those she had heard of from others, court officials, envoys who came this time, and those from noble families such as the Grand Tutor's family, all of whom had various backgrounds, all had to bow respectfully to him. Even though most of them were unwilling, life is unpredictable, and sometimes unwillingness cannot change anything.

Qinghe was a little unaccustomed to it and had countless feelings in her heart. But even with these feelings, Qinghe truly experienced the feeling of power for the first time.

That was three days after the convoy set off.

Because of the distance from Mohan City, the carriage couldn't travel fast due to the snow and ice. It took three whole days to see the first northern city besides Mohan City.

Although this city was also shrouded in ice and snow, it was not as extreme as Mohan City. The people here were not as cold as Mohan City. There were quite a few people here, unlike Mohan City which was deserted. On the contrary, because of the large population, there were many stalls, restaurants and inns of all kinds, each with its own characteristics. Although the people were all wearing thick cotton clothes, their faces were full of warm smiles.

After three days of travel, the emperor was exhausted. The carriage had been bumpy, the mountain roads rugged, and the icy, snowy landscape was bitterly cold. All they had to eat was some dried meat. Although the emperor and princes, who were used to the delicacies of the palace, could endure it, they still longed for a hot meal. So when they arrived at this small northern town, the officials and the emperor and princes, who had been silent due to their exhaustion on the road, suddenly became lively. Seeing this, the emperor told everyone to find an inn to rest for a day before continuing their journey.

Having finally escaped the desolate and deserted city of Mohan, everyone naturally ate, drank, strolled around, and played as they pleased.

Princess Jing'an naturally wanted to take Qinghe out for a good stroll. Her purpose in coming here was to deliver the emperor's letter. After experiencing so much by accident, even though Princess Jing'an was very dignified and knew her place, she did not lose her composure in the slightest when facing the emperor of the Northern Frontier Kingdom in Mohan City.

But no matter what, she still had the temperament of a young girl. Having finally come out of the desolate, barren, and boring Mohan City, she was surprised to see such a lively scene. Since she was a princess, she naturally wanted to have a good time. However, during her visit, Princess Jing'an also dragged Qinghe along.

Qinghe was naturally curious as well. Bianjing City had four distinct seasons. Even though it snowed in winter, it was never this cold. Compared to these northern cities, Bianjing City actually felt like spring all year round.

Moreover, the customs and traditions of the North are vastly different from those of the South. Having finally come to Qinghe, I didn't want to miss out, so I readily agreed to go out for a stroll with Princess Jing'an, also thinking of buying some things to take back as gifts for my friends.

Unexpectedly, Princess Jing'an and Qinghe had just finished washing and dressing when they bumped into uninvited guests at the door.