High-class Spring Joy

When Jiang Qingge returned to the courtyard, she saw Chu Jingyu and others waiting there. The servants and maids in the courtyard all had their heads down and looked extremely frightened.

Looking at Chu Jingyu again, I saw that he had a tense expression and his hands were behind his back, as if he was thinking about and waiting for something.

Jiang Qingge frowned, quickly stopped, and took two steps back to the side of the courtyard.

The personal maidservant beside him began questioning the gatekeeper: "When did the Fifth Young Master arrive? How long have you been here? What questions did he ask? Tell me everything that happened inside, without omitting a single word!"

The gatekeeper carefully recounted everything he had seen to Jiang Qingge.

Jiang Qingge's brows furrowed even more.

Fanghua, the personal maid standing nearby, whispered, "Miss, judging from the Fifth Young Master's expression, could it be that he has discovered something?"

Jiang Qingge's expression darkened slightly, and she scolded, "I'm not flustered, why are you? It's just a few words from these maids and servants, don't lose your composure. Once we're inside, you'll know what you should and shouldn't say."

Fanghua nodded: "Yes."

As soon as Jiang Qingge walked in, a delighted smile appeared on her face when she saw Chu Jingyu: "Jingyu... what brings you here? Why didn't you even have someone announce your arrival? Why don't you come in and sit down?"

Chu Jingyu turned his head and saw Jiang Qingge, who was smiling broadly, coming to greet him with a smile as beautiful as peach blossoms in full bloom in March.

Even Chu Jingyu, who was full of doubts, debated for a moment when he saw that smile, as if his thoughts were pulled back to the time when the two of them first met.

At that time, Jiang Qingge also had that innocent smile on her face, and her bright eyes seemed to see only his presence.

Chu Jingyu couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. Jiang Qingge walked up to him in just a few steps.

Just as Chu Jingyu was about to speak and question Jiang Qingge, Jiang Qingge's face turned pale and she lost her balance, falling into his arms.

"Song!"

Chu Jingyu gasped in surprise, looking down to find the person in his arms deathly pale. He frowned and looked at Fanghua: "What happened to your young lady?!"

Fanghua wiped her eyes, her own eyes red, and said with heartache, "Replying to your question, young master, our young lady... after accompanying the Empress Dowager to worship Buddha today, she took a walk around Xiangguo Temple. As you know, young master, ever since our young lady was injured in a flash flood on Qingyun Mountain, she hasn't gone out much. It took her a long time to recover. Now that she has finally come to Xiangguo Temple with the Empress Dowager, she naturally wanted to go out for a walk to relieve her boredom."

"Gege'er's leg is healed? But why do I hear these servants say that Ge'er's leg never seemed to be injured at all?"

Chu Jingyu's gaze was fixed on Fanghua in front of him, and then his gaze fell on the few servants and maids who were trembling like leaves and dared not speak.

Fanghua sighed and continued, "Young master, you don't know this, but our young lady has been depressed ever since she injured her leg. What young lady would want such a long and unsightly scar on her leg? Women value their appearance, and to comfort her, the master ordered the servants to keep the news a secret. Ordinary maids and servants naturally don't know, only those like me who serve her closely know the whole story—it was all to prevent her from being saddened. Later, we met a wandering physician who said that if we followed his prescription for a long time, her leg might heal. However, the prescription is really strange..." "It's a long-term treatment, and you can't rush it. It's taken years of care, and only this year has there been some improvement. Before, the young lady and young master had a special relationship, so naturally, it wasn't convenient to tell the young master about this. Now, their relationship is different. The young lady originally wanted to tell the young master, but she was afraid that if he found out and her leg wasn't cured, wouldn't he be disappointed? So, the young lady thought she would wait until her leg was completely healed before telling the young master. However, today she walked a little too long at Xiangguo Temple, and she was really exhausted. Coupled with the sharp, needle-like pain in her leg, she accidentally fell into the young master's arms."

"Ge'er...you've really suffered for me, even injuring your leg, all because you were trying to get me that life-saving herb. How have you managed to endure these past ten years of herbal medicine? And yet I still doubted you."

A wave of guilt and heartache washed over Chu Jingyu. Holding Chu Jingyu in her arms, she placed her on the couch in the room: "Ge'er, why are you so foolish? You didn't even tell me about this. Did you have to bear it all by yourself?"

"It's not bitter or painful. It's mainly for Ajin, so I'm willing to do anything."

Jiang Qingge's eyes were red, but her face was smiling gently and considerately.

Chu Jingyu pulled the person into his arms, feeling an overwhelming tenderness for them.

-

Chu Jingxian returned from the women's quarters.

"Young Master, His Highness the Crown Prince invites you to enjoy tea and play chess tomorrow."

"understood."

Chu Jingxian's hand, hidden beneath his wide robe, held a light green silk handkerchief. Ever since he lost it on the day he returned, he had kept it close to his body.

I would unconsciously stroke the light green rice seedling embroidery on the handkerchief.

It was as if, when he touched the embroidery, he could easily become calm and focused, and truly feel that the night was real, not just a pleasurable dream he had.

Chu Jingxian remained silent for a moment before finally speaking: "Zheji, you will probably have to stay at Xiangguo Temple for several more days. Go to Bianjing City and bring Sai Huatuo here. Tell him that I have something extremely important to ask him."

For some reason, A Yuan always refused to admit it, and even avoided the topic at all costs. He always needed evidence, solid evidence, so that she couldn't deny it.

That girl is very cunning.

-

Day two.

As usual, her family members accompanied the Empress Dowager in her devout Buddhist practice.

Because the Empress Dowager was a devout Buddhist, she would come to Xiangguo Temple every year to pray for the people. Therefore, Xiangguo Temple specially built a Buddhist worship hall for the Empress Dowager and members of the royal family to use when they came to worship.

The Buddhist hall has a back garden, where most of the flowers and trees are simple and elegant, and have been specially selected to align with Buddhist teachings.

Hearing that the Empress Dowager was still getting ready, the ladies and young misses accompanied Princess Jing'an in the back garden.

During the conversation, someone, hidden in the crowd, asked a question:

"I heard that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has specially summoned Miss Qingyuan from the Marquis of Zhenguo's residence today to worship Buddha together."

Princess Jing'an lifted her eyelids and saw who had started it all—the weak and incompetent fifth young lady of the Song family.

Standing next to that good-for-nothing fifth young lady of the Song family was Jiang Qingge.

Once the topic was started, the curiosity of many people was immediately piqued, and many ladies and young women laughed and said:

"Miss Qingyuan? Miss Song is truly kind and gentle. Even someone like her can address her as Miss Qingyuan. She's just a mere maid. How could she possibly be worthy of our attention? Given her background and status, the fact that she peacefully joins us in worshipping Buddha is only because the Empress Dowager appreciates her. If she hadn't won the Empress Dowager's favor, she probably wouldn't even be qualified to be compared to us, let alone worship Buddha with us."

Princess Jing'an did not speak, but looked down at the unopened magnolia flower in her hand, her expression unreadable.

The ladies then continued speaking, becoming increasingly unrestrained in their remarks:

"To be honest, Princess, if it were just an ordinary commoner, it would be fine. As long as it pleases the Empress Dowager, we would naturally have no objections."

"But she wasn't even an ordinary citizen; I wouldn't even bother to mention her background."

"What can we do? Her embroidery skills are amazing. She won the Empress Dowager's favor with her embroidery, so she's no ordinary maid. Look... she's even come to Xiangguo Temple to worship Buddha with us. It's really amazing, I don't know what kind of incredible luck she had."

The young ladies spoke with disdain and contempt, their tone tinged with a sour, jealous tone.

But most of the ladies simply smiled appropriately and did not express their opinions.

Because in their hearts, even mentioning Qingyuan's name was a sign of looking down on them, and they would naturally not lower themselves for the sake of a maid.

Jiang Qingge, standing nearby, spoke up at the opportune moment, "But I've seen Miss Qingyuan's embroidery; it's truly exquisite. Moreover, that Buddha image she embroidered was so lifelike that it could please the Empress Dowager. That speaks volumes about her skill. It's already this late and she hasn't arrived yet; perhaps some accident occurred on the way? Why don't you ask the Princess to send someone to check?"

These words sounded like they were speaking up for Qingyuan, but in reality, Jiang Qingge's words immediately made the other young ladies realize what was going on:

"Look, look, look! What time is it? Why hasn't she arrived yet? The Empress Dowager favors her, that's why she's given her some face. She's just a mere servant, it's a blessing she's accumulated over many lifetimes. She doesn't cherish it, she doesn't show gratitude, and she dares to be late! Who does she think she's dealing with? So arrogant! If this were a servant in my household, daring to keep her master waiting, she'd be caught and given thirty lashes, and she'd be taught a lesson about manners!"

"Who says otherwise? Although my family isn't exactly a high-ranking or wealthy household, and certainly wouldn't dare call ourselves a great family in front of the Empress Dowager and the Princess, our servants and lackeys are all extremely well-mannered. I've never had to wait for a single servant in my entire life! Not just me, I'd like to ask you ladies, when have you ever had to wait for a single servant?"

"This is truly outrageous. As expected, a lackey is a lackey, utterly incapable of being respectable."

As the ladies and young women spoke, Jiang Qingge slowly smiled, clearly having achieved her goal.

Suddenly, a cold laugh rang out, coming from Princess Jing'an at the very front.

Everyone immediately fell silent.

The unopened magnolia flower in Princess Jing'an's hand had been plucked and crushed in her fingers, with sap seeping out between her fingers.

"You all keep saying I'm of low status, that I'm just some lowly maidservant you call unworthy of being seen in public, who saved my life the night before last. Where were you when I cried for help? You're quite good at gossiping behind people's backs."

Princess Jing'an's words silenced everyone, and they all felt somewhat apprehensive.

They had all heard about it to some extent, but everyone remained quiet and didn't make a big deal out of it. They especially didn't dare mention it in private, because some of them had actually heard the screams that night.

They were too scared to do anything, so they pretended not to know anything. But when they woke up the next morning, they heard that it was Princess Jing'an calling for help. This gave a maid a chance to get a reward and gain face in front of the princess.

Just as the atmosphere became eerily quiet, the Empress Dowager's voice rang out:

"What are you saying? You seem to be having such a good time. Why don't you tell me too?"

Immediately afterwards, the Empress Dowager was helped out by her nanny.

Before the young ladies and wives could speak, a maidservant from Princess Jing'an stepped forward and carefully repeated to the Empress Dowager what the young ladies and wives had just said.

All the ladies and wives present, those who had spoken, became somewhat tense.

Just then, a clear female voice came from the entrance of the Buddhist hall: "Your Majesty, I have finished collecting the dew. I was just thinking that this morning dew should be brewed into tea as soon as possible to get its fresh and pure taste. I will go and brew the tea first and then come back."

As she spoke, Qingyuan carried the tray to the Empress Dowager and placed the tea she had brewed on it: "Please, Your Majesty and the Princess, enjoy this."

The Empress Dowager and Princess Jing'an took a sip of tea. The Empress Dowager was very satisfied: "It's really good. It's been quite a few years since I've had tea made from lotus leaves and dew in the early summer morning."

The happier and more satisfied the Empress Dowager was, the more nervous and guilty the person who had spoken ill of Qingyuan became.

The Empress Dowager still held the cup of tea in her hand, a perfectly measured smile on her face: "You are all in high positions of power and live a life of luxury. It is precisely because of your high status and position that you look down on others. Little do you know that it is often those of humble origins who are more sincere in their dealings with others."

Princess Jing'an sneered: "Qingyuan came to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager and me early this morning. While the Empress Dowager was still resting, Qingyuan went to the lake at the foot of Xiangguo Temple Mountain to collect dew."

"Although Qingyuan is of humble birth, she is sincere and I like her very much. Come here, stand next to me."

The Empress Dowager smiled and extended her hand to Qingyuan.

For the first time, Qingyuan stood tall in front of so many young ladies from noble families and the Empress Dowager, and walked step by step to her side.

Standing on the steps beside the Empress Dowager, looking at them for the first time, I felt a sense of superiority.

For a moment, the faces of all the ladies and young women present turned very ugly.

Jiang Qingge's face turned pale and then red, she gripped the armrests of her chair tightly in anger, gritted her teeth in jealousy, but had to force a perfectly appropriate smile on her face.

-

the other side.

In the Crown Prince's courtyard.

"What are your thoughts on the matter of the imperial sister?"

His Highness the Crown Prince is placing a white piece onto the chessboard.

Jie Ming pursed his lips: "This was said to reassure people. The princess went to the back mountain for a stroll and encountered wild wolves. In reality, anyone with a discerning eye can see that Princess Jing'an is not simply a playful person, and it is absolutely impossible for her to go to the back mountain late at night. There is only one possibility, and that is that someone did it on purpose. However, Xiangguo Temple is a royal temple, and those who can easily tamper with things in Xiangguo Temple can be counted on one hand. Your Highness does not need to guess any further. But it seems that the person has not yet reached the point of being utterly devoid of conscience and has not yet taken the princess's life."

Chu Jingxian brewed tea on the side, his voice calm: "Pruning branches is the most troublesome, laborious, and time-consuming thing. Right now, it's just that the branches are starting to rot. Even if you cut them off, they will grow back in the future. It's better to wait until they rot to the roots and then pull them out by the roots."

The three of them exchanged glances and immediately understood each other's thoughts, reaching a consensus.

Just then, Chen Sha ran in carrying a food box: "Young Master!! This morning, I don't know who sent over this scallion oil chicken, please eat it while it's hot!"

As soon as the food box was opened, the aroma of scallion oil chicken wafted out. It was glistening with oil, making one's mouth water; at least, Jie Ming'an was definitely drooling with envy.

"Third Brother, give me a chicken leg. You can't be so stingy as to not even share a chicken leg with me, can you? We're brothers... It looks so tempting. I've rarely seen such a delicious and visually appealing dish in the entire Bianjing City."

After finishing his explanation, Jie Ming looked at His Highness the Crown Prince: "Why doesn't Your Highness give it a try?"

The crown prince, having grown up in the palace, had naturally never tasted the food of the common people. This plate of scallion oil chicken, though ordinary, looked quite appetizing, and he was about to nod in agreement…

Chu Jingxian decisively put the lids back on the ten boxes and immediately put them back in Chen Sha's hands. "I am indeed stingy."

Solving for light and shadow: ?!