Nong Nu Jiao

"I want to see Huai Jiao at all times."

Yan Chenghui spoke in a cold voice.

"Then let's transfer Wang Mama and the others to Mingde Palace to help take care of Huai Jiao. What does Your Highness think?"

Xia Qinghe asked in a gentle voice with a warm smile on her face.

Her hand, hidden in her sleeve, secretly pinched the sleeve, almost tearing the fabric.

She brought Yan Huaijiao back with her. She knew very well that this child had no blood relation to her or Yan Chenghui; he was just an ordinary child abandoned by his parents.

Yan Chenghui's claim that he wanted to see Yan Huaijiao frequently was merely an excuse to keep Cen Lingyi around.

He disliked Cen Lingyi, but he couldn't let her go either; otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed to let Cen Lingyi become Yan Huaijiao's wet nurse.

"If Your Highness wishes to see the young prince, you may go to the side hall at any time," Cen Lingyi said slowly, her head bowed. "Or, this servant may bring the young prince to see Your Highness."

He said he wanted to see Yan Huaijiao, but in the past half month, he hasn't been seen going to the side room to see the child even once.

He didn't want to see the child all the time; he wanted to oppose her and do the opposite of whatever she wanted to do.

She wanted to move out, so he said he wanted to see the children all the time.

But she is determined to move out.

It wasn't just because Yan Chenghui disliked her, but also because she couldn't do anything while under his watchful eye every day.

Having gathered so much information about him, she wanted to give it to Lu Huaiyou as soon as possible, hoping to get clues about her own child in return.

She can't stay here any longer.

Once she finds the child, she can leave the Eastern Palace and never see him again.

The effort to exonerate her father can now officially begin.

"Your Highness, what Sister Cen said makes sense. Mingde Hall is an important place for the study. It's not good for so many people to live here. There are too many people and too much attention."

Following Cen Lingyi's lead, Xia Qinghe also urged Yan Chenghui to join in.

If Cen Lingyi really moves out of Mingde Hall and then quietly raises Yan Huaijiao until she is weaned and leaves.

Then she could let Cen Lingyi leave and go wherever she wanted.

Unfortunately, Yan Chenghui probably couldn't bear to part with it.

Yan Chenghui looked displeased and remained silent, pursing his lips.

Cen Lingyi glanced at him sideways and said softly, "Your Highness does not allow me to move out. If people who do not know the truth find out, they may misunderstand that Your Highness still has feelings for me."

She knew he couldn't stand what he heard.

Having said that, he knew he would let her go.

"I have feelings for you? Don't say things like that next time, it's disgusting."

Yan Chenghui glanced at her straight back, a flash of embarrassment and annoyance in his eyes, then turned and left in a huff.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

Cen Lingyi bowed to his back; since he hadn't refused, it meant he had agreed.

Yan Chenghui quickened his pace as he left, seemingly with a hint of anger.

"Thank you for speaking up for me, Your Majesty."

Cen Lingyi turned around and curtsied to thank Xia Qinghe.

She felt a pang of sadness.

Before she even spoke, she already knew he would let her go.

After all, he had to pamper Sun Liangyuan, and now he also had a new love interest, Banxia.

The fact that they haven't targeted her for over half a month speaks volumes.

A person's mental energy is limited. If he has other people on his mind, he naturally won't care about the past with her.

This is a good thing for her; her days in the Eastern Palace will be a little easier from now on.

But for some reason, I still feel a little sad.

"Sister Cen, you've suffered so much."

Xia Qing patted her shoulder, her eyes full of sympathy.

"Your Highness is too kind." Cen Lingyi smiled at her, her eyes crinkling. "It is my blessing that I am still alive today to speak with Your Highness and to serve His Highness."

Compared to the experiences of her parents, older siblings, and children who were taken away at birth and whose whereabouts are unknown, she is now very fortunate.

"Should I send someone over to help you move your things?"

Xia Qinghe looked at her and asked.

"No need, Your Highness," Cen Lingyi declined with a smile. "I don't have many things; I can move them myself."

In the past, she would have nodded.

Moving things is tiring, and she felt sorry for Lingzhi running back and forth.

But now, she didn't want to trouble Xia Qinghe.

Xia Qinghe is no longer the same person she was when she was a child.

"Alright, if you need anything, just tell me."

Xia Qinghe gave her instructions.

"Yes, Your Majesty, please take care."

Cen Lingyi knelt down in response.

*

On an early autumn afternoon, the western end of the alleyway behind the palace wall was quiet, with deep shadows cast by the trees.

Cen Lingyi walked quickly.

Hearing footsteps, Lu Huaiyou came out from behind the tree.

He was dressed in a moon-white long robe, handsome and refined, gentle and elegant, with the appearance of a gentleman.

"Jiaojiao, you've lost weight, and the injuries on your face..."

He reached out to help her wrist, his voice gentle, his gaze filled with a touch of tenderness.

"Lord Lu, just call me by my full name."

Cen Lingyi dodged his movement and curtsied to him.

Judging from Lu Huaiyou's actions and demeanor, he certainly seemed to be deeply in love with her.

She had been deceived by his appearance.

Lu Huaiyou frowned, his eyes filled with hurt: "Jiaojiao, on the day of Princess Qingle's birthday, I happened to have something to attend to and couldn't go to the banquet. I only found out about your injury afterward. But the Eastern Palace is so secluded, and I can't see you. I worry about you every day because of this. Are you angry with me because of this, and have you become distant from me...?"

His gaze was restrained and restrained as he looked at her; he had been longing for her for a long time, and now he was finally able to see her.

Yet she remained so distant.

Is it because he returned to Yan Chenghui's side?

"No." Cen Lingyi smiled at him. "Lord Lu, don't overthink it. We're no longer husband and wife. After all, you're going to marry Princess Anshun. If any rumors get out, it won't be good for you."

She already knew that Lu Huaiyou wasn't actually helping her investigate her father's affairs.

She's only pretending to be friendly with him now because she wants to use him to get her child back.

Her half-sister is in his hands, and her parents and relatives may also be in his hands, so she can't turn against him now.

"I married her because of the Second Prince's coercion. All these years, what about my feelings for you? You...?"

Lu Huaiyou took a step forward, intending to explain to her.

He has feelings for her.

I've had it since I was a child.

At that time, his mother was raising him alone, living under the roof of the Cen family mansion.

He had witnessed her radiant and flamboyant beauty firsthand, riding her horse through the streets, charming and spoiled.

She was as dazzling as the sun in the sky.

And it was at that moment that he had a delusional thought, wanting the sun to shine solely on him.

"Lord Lu, I came here secretly, and time is limited, so let's not talk about these things for now."

Cen Lingyi interrupted him.

She knew that Lu Huaiyou had feelings for her.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed to marry him in the first place, allowing him to give her child a legitimate status upon birth.

But that doesn't stop Lu Huaiyou from deceiving her.

He told her to stay in the Eastern Palace without worry, and to leave the child and the matter of overturning her father's case to him.

She believed him, but he did nothing.

She didn't know why he did this, but she could roughly guess that he must have his purpose.

Lu Huaiyou is not as simple as she previously thought.

"These are the people the Crown Prince has seen recently, as recorded by me. Give them to His Highness the Second Prince and see if you can get any clues about the child."

Cen Lingyi took out a note and handed it to him.

Knowing that time was of the essence, Lu Huaiyou said no more and took the note and unfolded it.

The note was covered with several densely written lines.

One day, after 9:00 AM, the Crown Prince met with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture.

One day, while inspecting grain supplies in the Northwest, the Crown Prince met with the military officer in charge of the troops.

The other day, the Crown Prince added chrysanthemums to the Eastern Palace, which neither pleased nor displeased him.

Yesterday, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess met...

The note contained a wide variety of notes, including things related to Yan Chenghui's work and everyday life.

Disappointment flashed in Lu Huaiyou's eyes after reading it.

What the second prince wanted was the crown prince's private life, the connections he secretly cultivated, and his undisclosed court strategies...

The things Cen Lingyi wanted to find out, such as who the Crown Prince met each day, could be easily found out by simply having someone guard the gate of the East Palace.

These are all open secrets and have almost no effect.

But he couldn't bear to be harsh on Cen Lingyi.

"Aren't these useful?"

Cen Lingyi looked at him with worry in her dark eyes.

She actually knew in her heart that this information could not be considered a betrayal of Yan Chenghui.

She wouldn't actually harm him for her own sake.

However, that's all she can find out. Yan Chenghui won't tell her his secrets like he used to.

"It might be of some use." Lu Huaiyou put away the note and comforted her, looking at her with eyes full of love: "Jiaojiao, just bear with it a little longer, I will definitely help you find your child and overturn the verdict for your father."

"Okay, thank you. I really can't repay your kindness."

Tears welled up in Cen Lingyi's eyes as she looked at him gratefully, her voice choked with emotion.

Right now, she can't let Lu Huaiyou become suspicious of her, as that would disrupt her plans. She must pretend to be extremely grateful to him in order not to arouse his suspicion.

Has he been mistreating you lately?

Lu Huaiyou looked at her with heartache.

Cen Lingyi slowly shook her head: "No, I've already moved back to the side hall."

"That's good."

Lu Huaiyou nodded.

Did you bring the things I asked you to bring for me?

Cen Lingyi asked him.

"I brought it." Lu Huaiyou took out a large packet of medicinal powder and gave it to her: "What do you need this thin silk powder for?"

I have some pollen allergies.

Cen Lingyi took the thin powder and put it away, making up a random excuse.

When this powder is mixed with water and applied to the body, it forms a very thin, almost transparent soft film on the skin's surface.

It can protect the skin from external contaminants. The film is thin and breathable, leaving no trace for others. It can be easily removed with warm water without damaging the skin.

She wanted this to protect herself from Sun Liangyuan.

Because the gelsemium powder that Sun Liangyuan bought could easily cause allergies if it got on her skin.

She didn't know what Sun Liangyuan planned to do, but it was always good to be prepared, better safe than sorry.

"Oh, right." Lu Huaiyou took out another small bag: "I remember you like chestnuts. These are the new sweet chestnuts from this year. I had them cooked and brought them to you."

As he spoke, he handed over the bag of chestnuts.

"There's too much, I can't finish it."

Cen Lingyi hurriedly tried to decline.

"Eat slowly, and share some with the people around you."

Lu Huaiyou insisted on stuffing the bag of chestnuts into her hands.

"Okay, you can take this."

Cen Lingyi took the bag of chestnuts, took out a few gold ingots, and stuffed them into his hand.

"Jiaojiao, why are you being so formal with me?"

Lu Huaiyou stared at the gold ingot in his hand, momentarily stunned.

"You'll be married soon, and Princess Anshun doesn't like me, so I can't cause you any trouble."

Cen Lingyi, carrying the bag of chestnuts, smiled sweetly at him.

She didn't want to owe Lu Huaiyou anything.

"I'm leaving now."

Before Lu Huaiyou could speak, she said something to him and turned to leave.

Lu Huaiyou stood there, watching the direction she left in for a long time, before slowly walking away while stroking the gold ingot in his hand.

*

Cen Lingyi carried the bag of chestnuts back to the side hall.

"Girl, what did you mention?"

Lingzhi knew what she had been doing and had been worried sick until she saw her return.

Seeing that she was carrying a bag, I couldn't help but feel curious.

Here, you can have the boiled chestnuts.

Cen Lingyi handed the bag to her and walked to the cradle to look at the sleeping Yan Huaijiao.

The little one was holding up his two tiny fists, his face was rosy, his breathing was even, and he was sleeping soundly.

She couldn't help but smile and reached out to stroke his rosy cheeks.

He had grown up a lot since she arrived.

"With so many chestnuts, when are we going to finish them? Won't they go bad?"

Lingzhi took a chestnut, bit into it, and couldn't help but ask a question.

Do you have osmanthus flowers?

Cen Lingyi turned to ask her.

"I should be able to find it in the kitchen. What does the young lady want the osmanthus for?"

Lingzhi, with half a chestnut in her mouth, asked her vaguely.

"Let's make some osmanthus and chestnut paste dumplings; His Highness can eat them now."

Cen Lingyi looked at Yan Huaijiao's cute little face.

This little guy is so adorable that you can't help but want to be nice to him.

"Good idea." Lingzhi clapped her hands. "I'll go find osmanthus flowers now. Do we need glutinous rice flour too?"

Cen Lingyi nodded: "Mm."

These osmanthus and chestnut paste dumplings are very easy to make. When she was little, she had nothing to do and watched the cook prepare the ingredients. On a whim, she tried to make a few small dumplings as toys.

Later, she did it almost every fall.

Because Yan Chenghui said her cooking was delicious.

Take fresh autumn chestnuts, cook them until soft, peel them, and the flesh will be soft, powdery, and golden. Grind it into a smooth and creamy chestnut paste.

Take a little cooked glutinous rice flour and knead it into a snow-white, soft dough. Pinch off small pieces, wrap them with sweet chestnut paste, and roll them into balls.

Finally, lightly roll a layer of dried osmanthus flakes on the surface of the dough to garnish and enhance its color.

That's how it's done.

"It looks so good, girl, have one too."

Lingzhi smiled as she held the plate, then picked one and handed it to her.

On the plate, snow-white jade balls are wrapped with osmanthus flowers that look like scattered gold. Each one is small, exquisite, and round, making them quite adorable.

"Your Highness, have one."

Cen Lingyi handed the small osmanthus and chestnut filling dumpling in her hand to Yan Huaijiao, who had just woken up.

Yan Huaijiao took it, took a bite, and her dark eyes lit up.

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but smile as she looked at it, and casually picked one up to eat.

It has a sweet and smooth texture, but it's not greasy. It has the fragrance of osmanthus, and it tastes just like it used to.

She took a couple of sips, and a sense of melancholy welled up in her heart.

Back then, every autumn when the new chestnuts were harvested, she would bring a bag of homemade osmanthus chestnut dumplings and wait for Yan Chenghui to eat them together.

"Girl, we can't possibly eat all of this."

Lingzhi continued.

"Then what should we do? Take it out and divide it up?"

Cen Lingyi wiped Yan Huaijiao's mouth and casually made a suggestion.

"Wang Mama and the others treat you badly, you can't let them get away with this." Lingzhi rolled her eyes, then suddenly remembered, "Hey? How about I send some to Yun Que and Yun Gong?"

Although these two men are His Highness's men, they treat the girl quite well in private.

They both have a conscience.

"what ever."

Cen Lingyi had no objection to Yun Que and Yun Gong.

Lingzhi acted immediately, picking up a plate of osmanthus and chestnut paste dumplings and heading straight for Mingde Hall.

*

Outside the Mingde Hall, palace lanterns swayed gently in the breeze under the corridor.

Yun Que and Yun Gong are sitting next to each other, enjoying the osmanthus and chestnut paste dumplings on the plate.

The door behind me suddenly opened.

The two men froze, then quickly turned and bowed.

"Your Highness."

"Where did it come from?"

Yan Chenghui frowned slightly as he glanced at the plates in their hands.

On the plate, there were five or six round osmanthus and chestnut paste dumplings left, their sweet aroma filling the air.

"It was made by Miss Cen."

Yun Que quickly lowered his head and replied.

"She certainly knows how to win people's hearts."

Yan Chenghui scoffed coldly.

Both Yun Que and Yun Gong have them, but he doesn't.

Cen Lingyi is truly wonderful.

"Your Highness, would you like to try some?"

Seeing that his expression was getting worse, Yun Que suddenly had a flash of inspiration and pushed the plate in her hand forward.

His Highness used to love eating the food made by Miss Cen.

Yan Chenghui glanced at it, his hand behind his back twitched slightly, but he didn't reach out.

"This is what we left over; Your Highness won't eat it."

Yun Gong, being simple-minded, snatched the plate back, taking three in each hand, and grabbed all six small dumplings.

Yun Que turned her head and glared at him.

His Highness was clearly tempted, but that blind fool Yun Gong...

Yun Gong stuffed a small ball into his mouth, and seeing him looking at him, he thought he wanted more, so he handed him two more: "Here you go."

Yun Que wanted nothing more than to slap him on the head; this stubborn brat.

He turned around and saw that his prince was staring at him with deep eyes.

"Your Highness, Miss Cen just said she wanted to deliver it to you personally, but she was afraid you wouldn't see her again..."

Yun Que's mind raced, and she tentatively opened her mouth.

He couldn't say that Miss Cen hadn't prepared this snack for His Highness, could he?

Your Highness has been very busy with official duties lately and hasn't seen Miss Cen for several days.

He couldn't fathom His Highness's thoughts, nor did he know if His Highness wanted to see Miss Cen; he could only guess.

Judging from His Highness's pale face, he must want to see Miss Cen and also want to eat this snack.

"At least she had good intentions."

Yan Chenghui seemed satisfied and turned to go back to the main hall.

Yun Que breathed a sigh of relief; he had finally guessed correctly.

"Didn't Lingzhi just bring some pastries? When did Miss Cen say she was coming? And doesn't His Highness dislike Miss Cen? Why does he want to eat Miss Cen's pastries now?"

Yun Gong stuffed another small ball into his mouth and asked Yun Que indistinctly.

All you ever think about is eating!

Yun Que was so angry that his eyebrows stood up, and he slapped him on the head.

Why did you hit me?

Yun Gong covered his head, looking innocent and confused.

"You good-for-nothing, I'll settle the score with you when you get back."

Yun Que pointed at him, then turned and left.

"If I were to improve, would you be my boss?"

Yun Gong rubbed his head and muttered to himself.

Banxia, ​​dressed in a new dress made from the fabric bestowed by Xia Qinghe, and wearing a pearl hairpin also given to her by Xia Qinghe, stood by the door and glared fiercely at Yun Que.

Your Highness, how long has it been since you last saw Cen Lingyi? You've probably forgotten about that ugly woman with the scarred face.

What is Yun Que'an thinking? Why did she bring this little bundle to appear before His Highness, reminding him of Cen Lingyi?

What benefits did Cen Lingyi give Yun Que that made Yun Que help her so much?

Yun Que didn't see her gaze, and hurriedly rushed to the side hall.

Cen Lingyi was coaxing Yan Huaijiao.

The little one ate a whole osmanthus and chestnut paste dumpling, tasted the flavor, and then begged for more.

Cen Lingyi was worried that he would have difficulty digesting too much glutinous rice, so she coaxed him to eat hawthorn pills, but he refused.

"Yun Que, what brings you here?"

Lingzhi was surprised to see Yun Que standing at the door.

"Your Highness would like to eat the small dumplings made by Miss Cen."

Yun Que then entered the side hall and spoke with a smile.

Cen Lingyi glanced at him.

She made those little dumplings for the young prince and Lingzhi.

Because they couldn't finish it, they shared a plate with Yun Que and Yun Gong.

How could Yan Chenghui have known?

"Yun Gong and I were eating in the corridor when His Highness saw us."

Yun Que felt a little guilty.

After all, he lied.

Cen Lingyi is very stubborn and would never take the initiative to bring snacks to His Highness.

He told His Highness that Miss Cen wanted to send her but was afraid His Highness wouldn't see her.

He felt a little sorry for Miss Cen.

"Give him the rest."

Cen Lingyi gave instructions to Lingzhi.

Lingzhi responded and took the plate.

"Miss Cen, His Highness has instructed you to deliver it personally."

Yun Que smiled apologetically and spoke.

Cen Lingyi paused in coaxing the child, then turned her head to look at him.

She has been back for four or five days and has not seen Yan Chenghui since.

He wanted to eat the small dumplings, so he could have just asked Yun Que to take them back. Why did he have to ask her to deliver them?

Is he trying to humiliate her again after finishing this busy period?

Yun Que looked away guiltily.

He was the one who found this out for Miss Cen.

"Miss, you may go. Leave the young prince to me."

Lingzhi stepped forward and hugged Yan Huaijiao.

Yan Huaijiao started making a ruckus.

"Your Highness, stop fooling around, stop fooling around. This servant will take you to see the fish, okay? Let's go see the little fish, Your Highness can feed them, let's go..."

Lingzhi comforted Yan Huaijiao and finally managed to get him out of there.

Cen Lingyi carried the celadon plate and followed Yun Que into the courtyard of Mingde Hall.

From afar, one could see lotus flowers and orchids standing side by side under the eaves in front of Sun Liangyuan.

Lan Hua felt guilty and looked away when she saw her.

Cen Lingyi had a hunch. The two of them waited under the eaves, presumably because Consort Sun had arrived.

"I'll go report it first."

Yun Que turned to Cen Lingyi and said something.

Cen Lingyi nodded and slowly walked to the corridor.

Yun Que had already opened the door: "Your Highness, please come in."

"This servant greets Your Highness."

Cen Lingyi held the celadon plate with both hands and curtsied.

Yan Chenghui sat upright at his desk, a document in front of him, ignoring her.

Consort Sun sat beside him, tugging at his sleeve and saying coquettishly, "Your Highness has been reading official documents for quite some time. Take a break. I'll peel some grapes from the border for you."

As she spoke, she fetched a fruit plate and subconsciously moved closer to Yan Chenghui. She picked up a grape and began to peel it, glancing at Yan Chenghui every now and then with a charming and dependent expression.

These grapes were brought back from the border by someone her father asked. Even if Your Highness doesn't like grapes, you should still give her father some face.

Yan Chenghui subtly moved aside, his gaze fixed solely on the official documents before him.

Sun Liangyuan glanced at Cen Lingyi, who was still bowing, and then looked back at Banxia, ​​who was dressed in new clothes.

Banxia stood at the lower corner of the desk, her face looking rather unpleasant.

His Highness is naturally aloof and cold, like the moon hanging in the sky, and never allows anyone to get close to him.

Even she, envied by all the maids in the Eastern Palace, except for that one time when she secretly entered the inner palace and pinched His Highness's shoulder.

After that, in private, she never touched a single hair on His Highness's clothes again.

Only Consort Sun was repeatedly tolerated by His Highness.

Watching Sun Liangyuan's actions, she dug her nails into her palms until they bled, barely managing to suppress the jealousy and resentment in her heart.

"Bring it here."

Yan Chenghui's gaze finally fell on Cen Lingyi.

The injuries on her face had completely healed, and she had regained her former beauty.

His face was merely obedient and calm, devoid of joy or anger, lifeless, like a jade doll.

"Yes."

Cen Lingyi stepped forward slowly, intending to place the green cup in her hand on the desk, and then retreated.

With Consort Sun in his arms and Banxia by his side, he wouldn't let her cause him any trouble.

"Did I tell you to let go?"

Yan Chenghui looked up at her.

Cen Lingyi pursed her lips, took the celadon plate, stood beside him, and presented the snacks to him.

She knew he was deliberately making things difficult for her, intentionally embarrassing her in front of Sun Liangyuan and Banxia.

Yan Chenghui, however, kept his eyelashes drooping and did not reach out.

Cen Lingyi had no choice but to stand beside him, holding the celadon plate, and wait.

"Oops, my nail is cracked."

Sun Liangyuan suddenly exclaimed.

Yan Chenghui glanced sideways at him: "Let me take a look."

Cen Lingyi lowered her long eyelashes, seemingly oblivious to his concern for Sun Liangyuan.

Sun Liangyuan only had a cracked fingernail, not a broken hand bone.

It's remarkable that he cares so much about someone; it shows how much he loves Sun Liangyuan.

"It's nothing serious, Banxia, ​​can you cut it for me?"

Sun Liangyuan withdrew her hand and looked at Banxia.

She came today specifically for Banxia; Cen Lingyi's matter can be put aside for now.