High-class Spring Joy

As Chu Jingyu spoke, his gaze kept lingering on Qingyuan's sleeve. Her purse had been made half a month ago, so why hadn't she sent it yet?

In the past, Qingyuan liked to have him bring her embroidered items when he went to banquets, such as boat trips on the lake or outings to enjoy the scenery. These items included all kinds of purses, tassels, and jade tassels.

Therefore, Chu Jingyu naturally assumed that with so many young masters and ladies attending today's spring outing banquet, practically all the noble ladies of Bianjing City would be there. Given Qingyuan's level of concern for him, she would definitely make him bring her newly made sachet, as if only then could she feel at ease.

Although Chu Jingyu didn't quite understand, he knew it was probably just a little trick between young women who were jealous of each other, and he was willing to spoil her.

Moreover, Qingyuan's embroidery is indeed far superior to ordinary embroidery. Even top-quality embroidery cannot compare to her work. Whenever he takes it out, people notice it, are attracted to it, and surround him to ask how he obtained such fine embroidery.

Chu Jingyu was naturally proud, but even more so, he felt a sense of exhilaration. So many people were curious about the embroidery and were immediately drawn to it. It not only belonged to him, but the person who created it also belonged to him alone.

For Chu Jingyu, it was a great sense of satisfaction.

Unexpectedly, Qingyuan paused for a moment upon hearing his words, as if she had truly not grasped the meaning, and asked, "I wonder why you say that, young master? This servant... seems to have nothing to hide from you."

whispering sound.

There are plenty of people who have lied to him.

Qingyuan didn't quite understand what he was talking about, and she couldn't let it slip.

"It's today, today's spring outing banquet." Chu Jingyu said, still not seeing the slightest bit of nervousness on Qingyuan's face, thinking she hadn't realized it, and frowned as he explained, "Today's spring outing banquet is hosted by Princess Jing'an, who has invited young ladies from all the official families in Bianjing. Princess Jing'an is the Crown Prince's younger sister and is extremely favored by the Emperor and Empress Dowager. She sent out invitations, and there shouldn't be many in the entire Bianjing who would dare to refuse. If nothing unexpected happens, we should be able to see most of the noble ladies in the entire Bianjing today."

As Chu Jingyu spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Qing Yuan's face, scrutinizing her changing expressions as if trying to discern something from her features.

Qingyuan was quite nervous about participating in the Buddha statue competition, and her attention was not focused much on Chu Jingyu. Faced with his suggestive words, she did not think too deeply about them. "Indeed, now that you remind me, I do have something to say to you."

Upon hearing Qingyuan's words, Chu Jingyu's face immediately showed a look of "I knew it" in his eyes. His smile was full of certainty and confidence. He raised his chin, looked straight ahead, and waited for Qingyuan to speak: "Alright, since you've asked, then speak. As long as it's something I can do, I will definitely spoil you."

As he spoke, Chu Jingyu seemed to see Qingyuan shyly taking out her embroidered purse from her sleeve, blushing and insisting that he hang it on her waist.

Normally, Qingyuan would feel embarrassed and would always say that she hadn't done a good job and that the young master should make do with her. He would then praise her for being good-looking, and that would make her obedient.

Therefore, Chu Jingyu was also waiting for similar words today.

Little did they know, what they received was not something—a purse.

Upon hearing this, Qingyuan interpreted Chu Jingyu's arrogant words as meaning: she would agree to whatever he said, as long as it wasn't too outrageous.

Qingyuan seized the opportunity and immediately said, "Replying to your question, young master, this servant does indeed have something to say. I heard that Princess Jing'an's main purpose in holding this spring outing banquet is not to enjoy the scenery, but to select the most suitable Buddhist embroidery as a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager. This servant would also like to participate. This matter does not require your involvement, young master, nor does it require your trouble. So, as you just said, I presume you will agree?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Jingyu immediately frowned, not because of the matter itself, but because…

"Is this all you wanted to tell me?"

Qingyuan had no idea that Chu Jingyu had already seen the purse she embroidered for the Third Young Master. She just wondered if this guy had gone crazy somewhere.

She thought to herself, but didn't show it on her face. She looked at Chu Jingyu with great confusion and said, "This servant... doesn't remember hiding anything from you, young master."

When Chu Jingyu saw Qing Yuan's clear eyes blinking at him, looking utterly innocent, as if she really didn't know what he had just said, and as if she really had nothing to hide from him.

"Really not?"

"I truly have no such intention. I swear that if I have concealed anything from you, young master, may I be banished from the Marquis's mansion for all eternity and never be allowed to return."

Qingyuan spoke with utmost sincerity and devotion.

Seeing her like that, Chu Jingyu felt as if he had punched cotton, soft and yielding, unable to vent his frustration.

What she fears most is falling in love with someone else, so the fact that she dared to make such a solemn vow suggests that she really wasn't lying.

Chu Jingyu thought so.

Fine, as for the purse, he wanted to see how long she could hold out before giving it to him.

"Go if you want to, but don't take it too seriously. Winning or losing isn't important. Many young ladies from noble families will be there at the spring outing banquet, and the things they bring will definitely be of the highest quality. You are different from them, so it's normal if you lose. Don't worry too much about it and let it affect your mood."

As Chu Jingyu spoke, he was ostensibly comforting Qing Yuan not to care too much about winning or losing, but in his heart, he probably subconsciously didn't think Qing Yuan had any chance of winning.

The more he acted this way, the more Qingyuan wanted to win, at least to win against Jiang Qingge.

It wasn't out of jealousy or to compete with Jiang Qingge, but rather to show people like Chu Jingyu who judge ability solely by status that ability is never determined by one's birth.

Even a small rice seedling in the field has its own world to grow in.

-

Spring outing banquets are usually held after spring has arrived and the winter chill has gradually receded.

It's early April now, the warmest time of year and when spring is in full bloom.

For noble ladies and gentlemen from aristocratic families, going out for a spring outing, enjoying the breeze and scenery, having a picnic and sipping tea, and composing poems is certainly a wonderful thing.

It was tough on Qingyuan and her maids and servants, who had to follow behind the whole time, dragging all the picnic supplies, digging earth to build stoves, cooking, boiling water, and serving them. In short, they had a lot to do.

The chosen location for the spring outing banquet was Yanming Lake, dozens of miles outside Bianjing City, surrounded by a ring of pavilions on the hillside.

Because of the strict separation between men and women, even the spring outing banquet was generally divided into a men's banquet and a women's banquet, and the women sat separately.

Qingyuan was originally with the servants led by Chu Jingyu, but because she was going to participate in the Buddha statue competition, she did not follow Chu Jingyu into the men's banquet. Just as she was about to turn around and go to the women's banquet, she bumped into Zheji.

Zheji glanced at her and smiled, "Miss Qingyuan."

After saying that, she pushed Chu Jingxian in front of her.