High-class Spring Joy

By this time, most of the daughters and wives of officials had already gotten up, and the maids and servants had naturally been up long ago.

Chu Jingyu chased Qingyuan all the way back to Xiangguo Temple. Along the way, he encountered many servants and maids, but whenever he met young masters or ladies, Chu Jingyu would stop in his tracks, turn around decisively, and look away, never letting his gaze fall on Qingyuan, as if he was afraid that others would see him chasing after a maid.

After Chu Jingyu watched the person leave and turned around, he found that Qingyuan was no longer there.

Qingyuan was truly exhausted that night. Guarding the campfire and watching the wolf pack outside was a heart-stopping experience, and she dared not let her attention wander for even a moment.

Qingyuan knew that Chu Jingyu was following behind her, but she also expected that with so many young masters and ladies around, Chu Jingyu would not wholeheartedly chase after her. He would at least try to cover up for her sake.

How could Chu Jingyu possibly chase after a maid in a perfectly legitimate way?

Qingyuan closed the small gate in the courtyard and then closed the door to her room. She dragged the maid beside her to ask for leave from Granny Tang, who served the old lady. After washing up, she went to bed.

As for Princess Jing'an's affairs, Chu Jingyu, the third young master, and Qingyuan can no longer concern themselves with them.

But when Qingyuan woke up again, she found herself not in her room!

Startled, Qingyuan sat bolt upright, utterly bewildered by the vast bedroom and its opulent decorations. Just as a wave of panic washed over her, a mocking laugh came from beside her:

"Little Yuan'er, even I, the princess, am known for my extraordinary courage. You've only just arrived in a strange place and taken a nap, how did you become so frightened? Your face is all pale!"

Qingyuan turned her head and saw that the injured Princess Jing'an was lying on the chaise longue. There were three or four maids standing by her bedside, each holding a tray, as if they were helping someone get up.

Qingyuan immediately realized that this decoration... could not possibly be a maid's room, but Princess Jing'an's room!

Before Qingyuan could even move, she was already being forcibly helped to wash her face and brush her teeth by three or four maids.

Finally, the maidservant brought out a bowl of dark, medicinal soup on a tray and fed it to Qingyuan without saying a word.

The two men held her hands and pressed down on her feet, and Qingyuan could not struggle.

After she finished her medicine, Princess Jing'an casually raised her round fan and said, "Alright, now that you've done your work, you may leave. I have something to say to Miss Qingyuan, and no one is allowed to disturb us, nor is anyone permitted to approach us. Anyone who intrudes will be held accountable!"

Princess Jing'an gave an order.

"Princess! This servant...this servant was born so lowly, how dare I sleep in the princess's bed? This servant deserves to die!"

Qingyuan said that she was about to get off the bed using both her hands and feet, and was about to go to the chaise lounge to pay her respects to Princess Jing'an.

Princess Jing'an immediately raised her fan and said, "Hey, hey, you sit properly. Although I am indeed of noble birth, I have no habit or rule of mistreating pregnant women."

Upon hearing this, Qingyuan immediately froze, her blood seemingly standing on end: "This servant..."

"Alright, you did save my life, after all. If it weren't for you last night, I might have been carried off and eaten by wolves on that mountain. You are my savior, and everyone in Bianjing City will treat you with respect. Although when I was first rescued, my mother and brother kept taking my pulse and examining my body, which gave me a headache, I immediately sent someone to bring you here after we left. Seeing that you were still fast asleep, I specifically instructed them not to wake you. While you were asleep, I had the imperial physician take your pulse. But don't worry, the physician who took your pulse is my confidant, and only my mother and the physician were present. If you don't want others to know about your pregnancy, you can keep it a secret."

Princess Jing'an spoke, holding a bag of candies in her hand. She pinched one, popped it into her mouth, and tasted it. Indeed, it tasted almost exactly the same as the ones Qingyuan had given her yesterday.

"But, Little Yuan'er, I don't understand why you're hiding your pregnancy. If it were Chu Jingyu's child, and he found out and informed the Old Madam, at least you'd have a concubine, instead of being a maidservant constantly being ordered around. Although in Bianjing, it's unacceptable to take a concubine before marriage, and it certainly invites gossip and criticism, at least you wouldn't be truly, in name only, just a maidservant. I also happened to ask the Empress Dowager what you asked for in the reward she gave you. I've figured it out, it's probably not Chu Jingyu's child. Although I've only met you a few times, based on your behavior last night, I think you're someone worth befriending, and you wouldn't do something like Chu Jingyu, who has multiple wives."

However, since Chu Jingyu has treated you poorly, I, the princess, would be very willing to let you find another husband. But now that you are pregnant, it's a bit difficult for me to choose another husband for you. Therefore, I would like to ask you if the father of your child is willing to marry you? If he is, I can ask the Empress Dowager to grant you a marriage. I have already reported your rescue of me last night to my brother and mother; granting a marriage to them together is more than enough.”

Marry...marry her??

Qingyuan was quite surprised to hear Princess Jing'an say these words. She had thought that the princess would ask who the father of her child was, or that she would be more accusatory towards her, or that she would tell the old lady that she was pregnant.

But who would have thought that Princess Jing'an's words, after going through three twists and turns, would ultimately lead to her wanting to bestow marriages upon her and the children in her womb?

Qingyuan once again developed a slightly different understanding of the princess in front of her.

Seeing that Qingyuan remained silent, Princess Jing'an came to her senses and asked, "What? He refuses to marry you?"

Qingyuan naturally wouldn't reveal the Third Young Master's name. She firmly believed that she was the one who drugged the person and caused this, so she couldn't blame the Third Young Master. On the contrary, the Third Young Master was practically a victim.

Looking at Princess Jing'an in front of her, Qingyuan could only say what she could say: "To be honest, Your Highness, that matter was my own foolishness, and it had little to do with that person. Moreover, the difference in status is huge, and I certainly dare not presume to marry him. I never thought I could marry him. If he finds out, let alone get married, I'm afraid I will lose my life."

Qingyuan thought to herself, "That was like being torn to pieces, torn apart by five horses. I heard it with my own ears. Saying it would cost my life was an understatement."

"What?!"

To everyone's surprise, Princess Jing'an flew into a rage upon hearing this, slamming her hand on the table. Just as she was about to stand up, her injured leg gave way, and she collapsed onto the chaise longue. The sight was comical and less dignified, but rather quite adorable.

Qingyuan was so frightened that she immediately stood up to help him, but as soon as she reached him, she saw that Princess Jing'an had sat up straight on her own, and continued angrily:

"Who is he? Even if the King of Heaven himself descended to earth, he couldn't possibly have consummated your marriage and then try to kill you. Such a heartless and irresponsible man! Don't even mention him refusing to marry you; if he were willing, I wouldn't allow you to marry him! He dared to take your life? Who does he think he is?! You did save my life, after all. If I say that, no one will dare to take your life so easily in the future. I wasn't planning to ask, but since you said that, I'm really indignant. I want to know who he is. I want to see what kind of status, what kind of face, what kind of family background allows him to start something and then abandon you, blaming everything on you?!"

Seeing Princess Jing'an's angry expression, Qing Yuan felt quite strange. This was not the first time he had seen Princess Jing'an angry. The last time was at the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration, when Princess Mingyue's sudden appearance had already displeased Princess Jing'an. At that time, both of them spoke with authority and anger, and their auras were extremely strong.

Princess Jing'an in front of him looked even angrier than that day, but she had long lost her former majesty and looked like a girl next door who had grown up with him.

The girl next door, Qingyuan, shuddered at the description she used.

How could a mere maidservant think the princess was like the girl next door?!

Qingyuan immediately became alert. "My matter is really not a big deal, Your Highness really doesn't need to worry about it. It was indeed my own foolish mistake... I..."

"Alright, alright, since you're unwilling to speak, I won't force you. But what do you desire? Gold and silver, power and status, or even freedom from slavery? Just ask, and I can make it happen for you."

Princess Jing'an became serious.

Qingyuan looked at Princess Jing'an in front of him. The last time he won the Empress Dowager's reward, he used it to save Hongdou.

Qingyuan hadn't expected the opportunity to come so quickly. But even though Qingyuan was illiterate, she knew the saying, "Opportunity knocks but once."

Now that the opportunity has presented itself to her, she is determined to seize it.

Without hesitation, Qingyuan knelt before Princess Jing'an, about to kowtow with utmost respect and solemnity, "To be honest, Your Highness, this servant does have a request!"

Upon hearing this, Princess Jing'an wanted to help her up, but her legs were injured. "Just speak plainly," she said. "I can't stand these formalities, especially since it's just the two of us here. From now on, when it's just the two of us, there's no need for these empty formalities in private. Tell me, what do you want?"

Qingyuan looked up at Princess Jing'an and said, word by word, "This servant is a common person and wants money."

-

This was the second day at Xiangguo Temple.

The wives and daughters of officials accompanied the Empress Dowager in worshipping Buddha until the afternoon. The Empress Dowager was a little tired, so she sent everyone back to her own courtyard and went to worship Buddha by herself.

As soon as Madam Dou returned to her courtyard and sat down to pay attention, Granny Tang came to report:

"Madam, Qingyuan requests an audience."

The old lady leaned back on her throne, propping herself up with her elbows. When she heard what Granny Dou said, she raised her eyelids slightly, her eyes showing some surprise.

Seeing this, Granny Tang explained, "Reporting to the Old Madam, the Old Madam went to accompany the Empress Dowager to worship Buddha this morning, so there are some things she does not know. Last night, for some reason, Princess Jing'an went up Muling Mountain, and was seen by Qingyuan, who got up in the middle of the night, and was saved. This morning, someone saw the people around Princess Jing'an taking the sleeping Qingyuan to the princess's villa."

"She really is lucky. She won over everyone, even the princess of the Southern Frontier, by embroidering a Buddha image. A little maidservant received the Empress Dowager's reward and favor. Accompanying the Empress Dowager to worship Buddha, even without a proper position, she became the princess's savior. Her lucky fate is no joke."

The old lady raised an eyebrow, her thumb stroking each of the round prayer beads one by one: "She must have received a reward. I hope she will do as I wish."

"Bring it in."

When Qingyuan was brought in to meet the old lady, the old lady only asked one question:

"What brings you here?"

Qingyuan knelt on the ground and presented the silver notes in her hand: "Reporting to the old lady, this servant wishes to redeem herself."

"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed in the old lady's eyes, but the corners of her lips curved upwards slightly. "The tribulation that Jingyu calculated only lasted until he was nineteen. Now he's turned nineteen, and it's been over a month since then, peaceful and healthy. It seems the tribulation has passed. Logically speaking, you deserve the most credit. Don't you want to ask for anything for yourself? For example, Jingyu has feelings for you; don't you want to ask for a formal title?"

Qingyuan answered affirmatively: "Reporting to the old lady, this servant wishes to redeem her indenture."

The old lady raised her eyelids slightly, unsure whether to agree or disagree with her answer, and asked again, "Two months later, what about that night in death row?"

When asked this question, Qingyuan trembled all over. The old lady's words showed no intention of bestowing any reward.

The Third Young Master had committed a capital crime and was on the verge of death. So he didn't ask for much more in terms of continuing the family line, only that he leave a seed for the Marquis's mansion.

But now the Third Young Master is alive and well, and in the prime of his life. He's also a very talented young man, a renowned handsome gentleman, and will surely have no shortage of good marriage prospects in the future. So what if he's registered as a merchant?

The old lady would absolutely not allow a mere maid like her to have any designs on the third young master of the Zhenguo Marquis's mansion.

Qingyuan quickly kowtowed, "Reporting to the old lady, what do you mean 'dead'? What do you mean 'two months ago'? This servant knows nothing about it."

The old lady's face finally showed a smile: "You are quite sensible. Since that's the case, now that you are both the princess's benefactor and have the Empress Dowager's favor, my Marquis's mansion is too small to contain such a great person as you."

-

In the afternoon, Chu Jingyu couldn't contain himself and went to a remote place to find Qingyuan.

But Qingyuan couldn't find him. As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, she saw someone who shouldn't be there.

At this time, the servants and maids in the side courtyard had all gone out to serve their masters, and no one dared to hide in the courtyard to slack off.

Standing in the courtyard were Chen Sha, pushing a wheelchair, and Chu Jingxian, who was in the wheelchair.

Chu Jingyu's expression immediately changed: "Brother, what are you doing in this side courtyard? Have you not actually taken a fancy to someone, or some maid?"

Chu Jingxian wasn't surprised to hear Chu Jingyu's voice. He tapped the armrest lightly with his fingertips and said, "What I've set my sights on is naturally good."

Although Chu Jingxian didn't say it explicitly, even if Chu Jingyu was stupid, he could guess something, and immediately clenched his fists: "Brother, what does this mean? A-Yuan is my person!"

Chu Jingxian curled his lips: "That was true before, but it might not be in the future."

"You! Chu Jingxian! I respect you, so don't bully me like this!"

Chu Jingyu rushed forward, about to make a move, but was stopped by Changsha's massive frame. He could only clench his fists and hold back, sneering, "Fine, brother says you want to snatch her, but does brother even know who Qingyuan really is? What kind of girl is she? What does she like to eat? What does she like to do? Do you know any of this? Do you know that when Ayuan was sent to me by my mother, she was only eight years old, and she didn't even have this name then. I changed her name to the lowly Qinghe, and even the name Qingyuan was given to her by me. What right do you have to snatch her from me?! If it weren't for me, if it weren't for my Marquis's mansion buying her back, she would still be a lowly seedling in the fields!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Jingxian's expression changed drastically.

His brows were furrowed.

Qinghe!!

Her real name is Qinghe!

Rice seedlings... rice seedlings!

No wonder she could tell without even glancing at it that the embroidered pattern on the light green handkerchief wasn't weeds, but rice seedlings!

No wonder she was so flustered when she found the handkerchief!

The girl that night, it was her, it really was her!

The one he had been searching for was indeed Qingyuan... no, Qinghe.

The little rice seedling he longed for.

That...that child, Chu Jingxian is the father of her child!