High-class Spring Joy

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager prays for the country's well-being. It's common for her to bring the families of officials, so why bring a mere maidservant?"

Qingyuan was puzzled: "Is it because of my embroidered portrait?"

"That's right. Ever since the Empress Dowager got her hands on that embroidered portrait, it has been hanging in her palace. I heard that she looks at it every night before going to sleep to feel at ease. Moreover, she must hang the embroidered portrait when she worships Buddha. Buddhism emphasizes cause and effect and reincarnation. As the embroiderer who created that portrait, no matter what your status is, the Empress Dowager will definitely take you with her to worship Buddha."

Chu Jingxian explained, adding a reminder: "If you still want a reward, this might be a good opportunity. The Empress Dowager really likes your embroidery, and she also appreciates your serious attitude and dedication when embroidering the Buddha image. She has praised you repeatedly. This might be a new opportunity and a turning point."

If Chu Jingyu had said this, Qingyuan would probably only believe a fraction of it. She really couldn't trust Chu Jingyu anymore; the trust she had given him had been betrayed the first time, and she couldn't give it a second time.

However, Qingyuan now has a high level of trust in the Third Young Master, firstly because the events of these days have told her that the Third Young Master is a gentleman and a good person.

Instead, the Third Young Master had no reason to harm her; on the contrary, he helped her in every way.

The Third Young Master's words just now were indeed for her benefit.

Qingyuan also knew that what the Third Young Master said was true. Although the Empress Dowager liked her embroidery and the Empress Dowager was happy, she would have a second chance to embroider a Buddha image for the Empress Dowager after the first one.

Just then, Zheji rushed over, his usual composed demeanor gone: "She's awake, Hongdou is awake, Miss Qingyuan."

At this moment, Qingyuan didn't care about anything else and hurriedly bowed to Chu Jingxian: "If there's nothing else, young master, this servant will take her leave first."

After saying that, he turned around and ran away, ignoring Chu Jingxian's response.

Chu Jingxian listened to Qing Yuan's hurried footsteps, which sounded very anxious. She must be very worried. He sighed, propping his face up with his hand, "Ah Yuan... she's just a little girl."

-

Hongdou woke up, and her complexion had improved considerably.

Qingyuan talked with Hongdou for a while, fed her medicine, and watched her eat something before returning to the Marquis's residence with peace of mind.

Just as she returned to the Marquis's residence and passed through the back garden, she bumped into Mo Lin, who was walking hurriedly. Mo Lin's eyes lit up as soon as he saw her: "Miss Qingyuan, I've finally found you! The young master was just instructing me to look for you. I went to my residence earlier during summer vacation but couldn't find you. I was so anxious looking for you everywhere. I didn't expect to run into you here. In that case, why don't you come with me to see the young master?"

Upon hearing Chu Jingyu's name, Qingyuan couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly. How could that bastard Chu Jingyu be like a persistent ghost?

Enough, enough. This is the Marquis of Zhenguo's residence, that dog of a man's own home, so naturally it can be seen from anywhere.

Qingyuan remained expressionless, agreeing with Mo Lin's words while tentatively asking, "I just did some work for Hongdou. He's still at the post station, but the work at the manor can't be neglected. I just don't know why you suddenly summoned me, young master? Has something serious happened?"

"Since you've asked, I'll tell you the truth."

Mo Lin sighed. He was the servant who had served Chu Jingyu the longest, besides Qing Yuan, and was also the servant Chu Jingyu trusted the most. "Miss, I know a little about the argument you had with the young master a few days ago because of Miss Hongdou. Although I don't have much right to say anything about it, I've seen the young master these past few days, not eating or drinking. Since he kicked Jiang Qingyun out of the Marquis's mansion, he's also had less contact with Baiyun Courtyard. I know that you were wronged because of this, and the young master is trying to find a way to make it up to you. But it seems that you are avoiding him. It pains me to see you like this. You and the young master have known each other for so many years. I've watched you grow up day by day for so many years. Now that things have come to this, there's really nothing I can do. I can't blame anyone. I just think that after so many years of friendship, you shouldn't quarrel with the young master over this matter. At least give him a chance to see him."

Qing Yuan remained calm, listening to Mo Ling's words with amusement. From Mo Ling's perspective, that was indeed the case. But one never truly feels the pain until the blow lands on them.

Mo Lin naturally couldn't understand her feelings. Qing Yuan hadn't expected anyone else to understand her feelings either, but since that was the case, she naturally wouldn't listen to anyone's advice.

It's probably what my sister used to say: "Don't advise others to be kind if you haven't experienced their suffering."

Qingyuan didn't respond, but just smiled. Mo Lin assumed that Qingyuan agreed with his statement, so he happily took Qingyuan to find Chu Jingyu.

"Young master."

Qingyuan bowed, lowered her eyes and stood aside, not approaching Chu Jingyu.

"Ah Yuan, I know you've been wronged. If Hongdou needs anything, just say the word, and I'll do my best to make it up to you. Besides, Hongdou isn't hurt, is she? She's still alive, and I've already kicked Jiang Qingyun out. This matter..."

It was rare for Chu Jingyu to show such hesitation in front of Qing Yuan. His voice was gentle and apologetic: "Can we pretend it's in the past and not mention it again?"

Yes, Hongdou is still alive and alright.

If it weren't for her request for a hundred-year-old Tianshan snow silkworm from the Empress Dowager, how could Hongdou be alive now? He makes it sound so easy!

That's it.

The fate of servants like them was never considered a fate by these young masters and ladies.

Qingyuan had long since given up on Chu Jingyu. So much so that when Chu Jingyu said those words, Qingyuan showed no surprise or disappointment whatsoever.

She gave a slight smile, her tone indifferent: "I'll do as you say, young master."

Qingyuan really didn't want to say another word to him, so she simply went along with what he said.

Chu Jingyu genuinely believed that Qingyuan had calmed down and, upon hearing his words, had reverted to her former obedient, sensible, and considerate self. A smile immediately appeared on her face: "In that case, there is something I remember, Ayuan, when you won against Princess Mingyue with your embroidery, the Empress Dowager said that she would grant you a reward and a wish."

"Ah Yuan, I've said since we were little that I wanted to marry you, which is also a tacit agreement that I will definitely marry you in the future. Now that the Empress Dowager has said such a thing, naturally she can do anything. Why don't you go to the Empress Dowager and ask her to exchange that reward for an imperial decree to grant us marriage? The Empress Dowager has agreed to grant you one wish. If you ask, she will definitely grant us marriage. In this way, our marriage will be a legitimate matter, and no one in the entire Bianjing City will dare to say a word against you. Ah Yuan, you also want to marry me, and this is the best time."