Chapter 639: Uneasy

Chu Liushi nodded, "Third daughter-in-law is right. There's nothing valuable in the house now but we can go to the neighboring village and buy some honey from the beekeepers there to add to the gift."

"That's a good idea. I was worried that they might find the gift too shabby, but since Ah Yu said so, I feel relieved." Qian relaxed and smiled.

Early the next day.

Ye Muyu bid farewell to Chu Liushi and her party.

Chu Liushi didn't keep them for long as there were many things to attend to in the mansion. Instead, she asked Ye Muyu to visit the mansion more often when she had free time and arranged for a carriage to take them back.

When Chu Liushi's party came to the county, they traveled by mule cart. Now, with the carriage provided by the Xie family, they loaded the mule cart with fabrics, food ingredients, and stationery prepared by the steward according to Ye Muyu's instructions.

On the way back to the village, the villagers, curious to see the Xie family's carriage, craned their necks to take a look.

Soon, they learned that it was the Xie family's carriage, which was taking the Chu family back.

By the time Chu Zhiwen and Chu Lin heard the news, Chu Liushi had already returned home.

"Mother, you're back?"

"Why do you have so many things?" Chu Lin still had mud on his hands as he and Chu Zhiwen had been checking on the rice paddies. With the rice harvest approaching, they had become more diligent, especially this year with the abundant rainfall.

Standing in the yard, Chu Liushi arranged the distribution of items, "Yes, why did you come back?"

"These are all bought by the official for Third Sister-in-law. They said these materials are not available elsewhere and there is also paper for Ah Sheng and Ah Ming to use for their studies."

"The matters here are for your Second Brother's family to handle. Since you're back, I'll have him come over later to pick them up."

"Mother, is everything okay in the county?" Chu Lin didn't leave immediately. Instead, he closed the courtyard door and walked over to Chu Liushi, asking.

Zhang and Chu Qingxiang couldn't help but stop and look at Chu Liushi.

Chu Liushi replied calmly, "What's okay? If it weren't for the Xie family's protection, whether you could even see your mother would be a problem."

"Mother, what happened exactly?" Chu Lin was getting anxious, and his worried expression couldn't be concealed.

Even Zhang Shi's heart trembled, and she glanced at Chu Lin with some guilt, not daring to meet Chu Liushi's gaze.

Chu Qingxiang clenched her fists by her side and bit her lip, remaining silent.

"Old woman, stop beating around the bush. What exactly happened? You didn't let us go to the county, and we've been worried sick at home." Although only a day had passed, Chu Zhiwen experienced a sense of unease he had never felt before in his life.

Chu Liushi glanced at him indifferently.

Chu Zhiwen rubbed his nose and glanced at Chu Lin, "Why don't you bring a chair over for your mother?"

Chu Lin was taken aback for a moment but didn't say anything. He quietly fetched a chair and brought it over.

Chu Liushi didn't refuse and sat down directly. Zhang also brought a cup of tea over and handed it to her, trying to please her.

"Find yourselves some chairs to sit on." Chu Liushi's expression remained indifferent. She didn't take the tea, and Zhang's face turned pale with unease as she glanced at Chu Lin.

Chu Zhiwen was the first to obediently sit down on a chair.

Seeing this, Chu Lin and the others naturally followed their father's example.

Seeing that the whole family was assembled, Chu Liushi finally spoke, "Yesterday's incident is both simple and complicated."

"Wang's family sent people to kidnap Ah Yu and the Xie family's Third Young Master."

"I don't know what preparations Ah Yu made, but in the end they managed to escape from the kidnappers by using the antidote to the drugged water in advance."

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 640: Hidden Circumstances

"After that, Xie Family's Third Young Master used their influence to send the kidnappers to the county government."

"Maybe you don't know, but Wang's family even dared to kidnap the county magistrate." Chu Liushi sneered and suddenly picked up the teacup beside her, angrily threw it on the ground, and with a bang, the teacup shattered into pieces. "Zhang, Qingxiang, kneel down for me."

Zhang trembled in fear and already shocked by the news fell to her knees with a thud upon hearing Chu Liushi's words.

"Mother... I didn't expect things to be so serious."

Ever since Ye Muyu was kidnapped, Zhang had been uneasy. Knowing Ye Muyu's personality, she would never stand idly by.

Chu Qingxiang widened her eyes in shock. Although she felt somewhat resentful, she dared not defy Chu Liushi, especially with her father also kneeling down. Therefore, she followed suit and knelt down.

"Wang's family is so audacious. When you were interacting with Wang's third miss, did you ever think that she would be so bold in her actions? Clearly, she must have had some confidence?" Chu Liushi's chest heaved with anger and she coughed lightly.

Chu Zhiwen quickly stepped forward to pat her back gently, "Don't be angry, don't be angry. You're already old, why bother getting angry with yourself?"

"It's all because of you. You don't care about anything. When the children misbehave at home, you never bother to guide them." Chu Liushi seized the opportunity to scold him, which was extremely rare. Normally, she was very rational and never undermined Chu Zhiwen's authority as the male head of the household in front of outsiders. However, today, she scolded him severely, leaving even Chu Lin pale.

"Mother, it's my fault. Please don't be angry..."

"Yes, yes, it's my fault too..." Chu Zhiwen had witnessed his wife's temper before. Once she got angry, it meant that something serious had happened. This time, it nearly resulted in their third daughter-in-law losing her life. No wonder she was so angry.

He followed Chu Liushi's mood and tried to placate her, showing weakness as well.

Chu Liushi gave him a glare, "You're the best at appeasing others."

"Sit down, stop being annoying. I haven't finished speaking yet."

Chu Zhiwen smiled broadly, "Alright, alright, I won't delay you. If you need to take action, I'll do it."

"Humph!" Chu Liushi felt somewhat relieved.

Her gaze toward Chu Qingxiang and Zhang also became calmer. This didn't mean she wasn't angry anymore, but rather she became even more composed.

"Qingxiang, do I need to ask again? What exactly did you say to Wang's third miss back then?" Chu Liushi asked calmly.

A trace of panic flashed in Chu Qingxiang's eyes.

"Mother, I just told her that I was engaged to the Song family and didn't want to break off the engagement." Chu Qingxiang bit her lip.

Zhang looked puzzled, "Mother, are you misunderstanding something? Qingxiang wouldn't have the guts to provoke Wang's third miss. Could it be that Miss Wang is narrow-minded, so she decided to cause trouble for us?"

Feeling wronged, Zhang had scolded Wang Yan countless times over these past few days. Why would a high-born miss like her want to snatch her daughter's fiance and cause trouble for them? They were leading peaceful lives, yet she chose to bother them. Was she out of her mind?

Chu Liushi no longer wanted to entertain Zhang's foolish idea of protecting Qingxiang. She looked meaningfully at Chu Qingxiang, "I used to believe that too, but this time I sent someone to ask Wang's third miss in the prison. Qingxiang, guess what she told me?"

Chu Qingxiang's heart skipped a beat.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 202: A Husband's Prosperity

Liang Luo found herself in a dilemma, like a lamb in the tiger's den, unable to advance or retreat. She could only evade, saying, "Marriage is decided by parents. I dare not speak out of turn."

Consort Zhen burst into laughter.

In other families, this statement might be believable, but considering the Liang family had Liang Gongzi, who had chosen his own bride, saying such things now seemed like self-deception.

Liang Luo knew why Consort Zhen was laughing, and her face flushed with embarrassment. For the first time, she felt that her brother’s marriage was a disgrace.

Consort Wei also knew that some things could be overdone, so she defended Liang Luo.

"Alright, sisters, you’ve kept me company long enough. If there’s anything else, let’s discuss it another day."

Everyone knew this was a dismissal. Consort Liu was the first to rise and bid farewell, and the others followed suit.

Once the consorts and concubines had left, Consort Wei began to speak earnestly with Liang Luo.

"When you used to visit with Lan’er to pay respects, I was quite fond of you. It was unfortunate that Yunli was already engaged at that time, so I couldn’t delay you. Now, let me ask you frankly, Miss Liang, do you have feelings for my son?"

Liang Luo never imagined Consort Wei would be so direct. She blushed and nodded shyly.

"Good. If you could marry Yunli, I would be at ease. But you know, the Crown Prince’s wife has just given birth to a son, the emperor’s first grandson. The Empress and the Crown Prince have gained much favor from the emperor because of this. Yunli needs a wife from a powerful family; otherwise, he’ll always be suppressed."

"Your Highness... the Ninth Prince is extraordinary and will surely rise to greatness."

Liang Luo, having admired the Ninth Prince for a long time, spoke in his defense, seeing only his virtues.

"That may be true, but the royal family is not like ordinary families. A slight mistake can lead to eternal damnation. You are excellent, but your family’s influence is insufficient to protect Yuni. Do you understand what I mean?"

Hearing this, Liang Luo felt a cold chill. She had hoped today’s visit would deepen her bond with Consort Wei, but instead, she heard this. Seeing her excitement drain away, Consort Wei put on a pained expression and took Liang Luo’s hand like a caring elder.

"I like you, and I believe Yun Li would like you too. But I can’t promise you the position of the main wife. If you truly care for Yun Li, you could become a concubine first. Once you bear him a son, no one can surpass you, even if they hold the title of main wife. I’ve already had your birthdate and fortune checked; it’s exceptionally prosperous for a husband. If you marry into the prince’s household, I assure you that if my son gains the empire, your status will be second to none."

Liang Luo was thrown into confusion by Consort Wei’s words.

With her status, even becoming the unappreciated wife of a prince was challenging, let alone the Ninth Prince. But being a concubine was something she was reluctant to accept.

Seeing her hesitation, Consort Wei didn’t push her to decide immediately. Instead, she comforted her with a few more words and then changed the subject.

With one pondering and the other distracted, their conversation was brief.

When Liang Luo realized it, she was already in the carriage heading home. Jinxiu, seeing her pale face, thought something serious had happened and asked worriedly.

"Miss, what’s wrong? Did Consort Wei say something unpleasant?"

Liang Luo shook her head. Rationally speaking, becoming the Ninth Prince’s concubine was already a great honor, especially with Consort Wei’s backing for future support.

Yet she felt uneasy, sensing something amiss.

Today, Consort Wei’s attitude was vastly different from before. When she had accompanied Wei Lanxuan to pay respects, she barely exchanged a few words with Consort Wei, but today she was treated like a daughter.

She wasn’t very clever, but that didn’t mean she was foolish.
Could it be, as Consort Wei said, she valued her birthdate and fortune?

"Jin Xiu, I remember my cousin on my maternal grandfather’s side works at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. He’s likely still there. Have the coachman take me there. I want to ask him something."

"Alright!"

Jin Xiu lifted the curtain and instructed the coachman, then turned back inside, bringing in a chill that made Liang Luo shiver.

In Hanzhang Palace, Yue Shi was puzzled. "Why did you go out of your way to flatter the daughter of a third-rank official? She should be happy even to be a concubine of the Third Prince, let alone a concubine of the Ninth Prince."

A hint of a smile appeared on Consort Wei’s lips. "Her father is about to be appointed as the Transport Commissioner of Liangzhe, which makes her the daughter of a second-rank official. But I’m not interested in her or her father. It’s her maternal grandfather, the Marquis of Changyi, that I have my eyes on."

Yue Shi frowned, still not understanding Consort Wei’s strategy.

The Marquis of Changyi had fallen out of favor with the emperor years ago, and his influence had waned. What benefit was there in aligning with him now?

Seeing Yue Shi’s confusion, Consort Wei looked at her disdainfully. A maid is a maid, serving her for so long yet still lacking understanding.

"A centipede dies but never falls. It’s not the Marquis of Changyi I want, but his prestige among the literati. My father has held power in the court for years and has long been at odds with Prime Minister Bai and Grand Secretary Xu. The court officials mostly resent our Wei family. For Yunli to gain their support, he needs someone influential. After much consideration, the Marquis of Changyi is the best candidate."

The Marquis of Changyi, having studied under esteemed scholars and philosophers, held high esteem among literati and officials. Though not as influential as Grand Secretary Bai and Minister Xu, he could still sway some officials.

This was something the Princess of Qianling couldn’t achieve.

To marry into the Ninth Prince’s household, even concubines and maids needed to have impeccable backgrounds and be of assistance.

Consort Wei had considered this for twenty years and naturally had some insights.

"Watch and see. With Liang Luo’s nature, she will likely go to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to verify. I’ve already arranged everything. She’ll agree to enter the prince’s household as a concubine."

"Your Highness is wise! I am in awe."

Consort Wei closed her eyes, enjoying Yue Shi’s shoulder massage, feeling increasingly pleased with her plans.

At the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, Liang Luo got the confirmation she wanted.

Her cousin brought in a fate calculator to analyze her birthdate, confirming that she indeed had a prosperous destiny for a husband. Hearing this, Liang Luo’s doubts were finally put to rest.

It turned out that Consort Wei valued her for this, hence the warm treatment today.

Chapter 201: Idle Talk

Liang Gongzi's's father patted his shoulder and said, "Rest well these next two days. You need to be in top form for the wedding and show those who want to see our family fail that they’re dreaming."

"Yes, father!"

The next day, Liang Luo appeared at the palace gates in full splendor, holding the invitation from Consort Wei, looking very impressive.

In the current situation, who wouldn't envy the power of the Wei family and the Ninth Prince's faction? With the many ties between the Liang family and the Wei family, the guards and palace attendants were all smiles.

Liang Luo was in high spirits.

The carriage entered the imperial city, then she switched to a sedan chair to proceed to the inner palace courtyard.

Inside Hanzhang Palace, it was filled with consorts and concubines.

Consort Liu, who didn’t like crowds, visited Consort Wei once every ten days or so to listen to her guidance.

Consort Zhen and other noblewomen were there to curry favor with Consort Wei.

Surprisingly, even Consort Shu, who was known to be Consort Wei’s enemy, was present today.

As Liang Luo walked in with a smile, she was taken aback by the festive atmosphere.

"Oh, Miss Liang is here! Come over, let me have a look." Consort Wei deliberately acted very close to her in front of everyone. Though Liang Luo was surprised, she walked over to Consort Wei with proper decorum.

"Greetings to Your Highness. Wishing you health and happiness."

"Good, good. Stand up."

Liang Luo then proceeded to greet all the other consorts and noblewomen. Consort Zhen was quite perceptive.

"Miss Liang, no need for formalities. You are Consort Wei’s honored guest, and we are just here for the occasion."

In the palace, especially in front of Consort Wei, Liang Luo dared not show off. She restrained her usual arrogance and acted like a refined young lady. She was naturally pretty, and with careful grooming, she looked even more attractive.

Although not as stunning as Consort Shu, she could still be considered a beauty.

Hearing Consort Zhen’s words, Liang Luo felt pleased but remained modest and demure. "I am just an ordinary person. It’s my great fortune that Consort Wei finds me worthy."

Everyone in the palace had experienced their share of trials. Seeing this, they could guess what was happening.

"Consort Wei indeed has a remarkable son. The Ninth Prince is the emperor’s favorite and has a promising future." said a low-ranking consort, who had once enjoyed favor but faded into obscurity after a miscarriage. Recently, she had climbed back up by aligning with Consort Zhen.

Her words pleased Consort Wei, and Liang Luo smiled as if it was about her future husband, feeling proud.

Concubine Xing chimed in.

"Indeed. Although I haven’t seen the Ninth Prince’s departure, I can imagine it was impressive. Among the emperor’s sons, he is the most accomplished in military affairs. His return will surely be celebrated."

"You all have sweet tongues. I’ll take your good wishes. If my son returns victorious, I’ll host a banquet at Hanzhang Palace. I hope you all will attend."

"We would be delighted."

After this, Consort Wei glanced at Consort Shu, who still wore a calm expression. Consort Wei was irritated. She hadn’t intended to invite Consort Shu, but she had come uninvited and stayed silent, perhaps to annoy her.

Though Liang Luo wasn’t familiar with palace life, she had heard about Consort Shu.

Meeting her for the first time was indeed startling, as if all the world’s beauty was gathered in her, making her unforgettable!

But such extraordinary beauty was not always a blessing, or she wouldn’t have been sent to Da Jin as a marriage alliance.

Consort Wei disliked Consort Shu’s demeanor and naturally wanted to humiliate her.

With a cold face, she said, "What are you doing here, Consort Shu? If you didn’t want to come, you should have stayed in Zichen Palace. Why come here to show your displeasure? If I punish you today, the emperor will blame me."

Consort Shu finally looked at Consort Wei and then at Liang Luo.

With her sharp mind, she understood Consort Wei’s intentions. She came today to ease past tensions, but she couldn’t let Consort Wei find a reason to criticize her.

She replied gently, "Forgive me, Consort Wei. Hearing your concern for the Ninth Prince made me homesick."

Her explanation did not satisfy Consort Wei. She thought Consort Shu was foolish, beautiful but brainless.

"Consort Shu, you should cherish your time with the emperor. Once he tires of you, you won’t have the chance to rise again."

She didn’t even consider the Empress, let alone Consort Shu, who had no foundation here.

An ordinary person would have been enraged by such treatment, but Consort Shu remained indifferent.

She didn’t bother arguing in front of everyone, and Consort Wei turned her attention back to Liang Luo.

"In two days, Lan’er will marry. Is everything prepared?"

"Rest assured, Your Highness. The Liang family is fully prepared to welcome my sister-in-law, ensuring the Wei family’s honor remains intact."

Consort Wei mentioned Wei Lanxuan without any past resentment, genuinely happy for her. If not for this outcome, Princess Qianling wouldn’t have ended up in her favor.

Liang Luo worried that the incident with her brother seizing the Ninth Prince’s engagement might have caused a rift with Consort Wei, but she was relieved to see Consort Wei’s magnanimity. She sweet-talked Consort Wei.

"You’re a likable child. It’s a pity there isn’t a suitable match in the Ninth Prince’s household. Otherwise, he wouldn’t still be without an heir, causing me constant concern."

"Don’t worry, Your Highness. From the noble ladies of the capital to all the unmarried women in Da Jin, who wouldn’t want to marry the Ninth Prince and bear his children?"

Consort Zhen’s words were filled with laughter.

"It’s a pity my brother’s daughter is only eight or nine years old. Otherwise, I would shamelessly ask you to consider her."

Consort Wei laughed heartily at this.

Consort Zhen shifted the conversation to Liang Luo, "Miss Liang is excellent. She would be a good concubine for the Ninth Prince!"

She looked at Liang Luo with a hint of meaning. "The Liang and Wei families are already related. If Miss Liang marries the Ninth Prince, it would be a beautiful story!"

Consort Wei appreciated Consort Zhen’s words. She conveyed her intention without needing to speak herself.

However, Liang Luo’s face showed some displeasure. After all, a concubine was still a subordinate wife. She aspired to be the main wife, not someone of lower status.

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  Chapter 94: Does the Eldest Brother Really Need to Settle Down?

Listening to this voice, Qiao Yumian hesitantly asked in a low voice, “Ning Ning… who is he talking to?”   

Cui Lang was taken aback: “Naturally, he’s talking to you!”  

At that moment, he couldn't help but sense something was off. Curiously, he reached out and waved his hand in front of Qiao Yumian. Just as he was about to wave again, his hand was suddenly struck by someone wielding a round fan.  

The bamboo frame of the plain round fan was wielded with skill and speed, causing him to wince in pain. He quickly withdrew his hand and turned to look at the person who had struck him, only to see a young girl holding the fan, looking at him with a calm voice that carried a note of warning: “Cui Liulang, be mindful.”  

Cui Lang pouted: “Miss Chang is so fierce…”  

Last time, she had asked him how old he was, implying that he was acting immature. Today, she had even struck his hand.  

Chang Suining glanced at his curled-up right hand: “If it weren't for the fact that Cui Liulang still has to compete this afternoon, I could be even fiercer.”  

Cui Lang was left wide-eyed.  

What did she mean by “even fiercer”? Did she actually want to break his hand?  

He had been rampaging through the capital for years, and apart from his father, no one had dared to speak to him like this; her words came out so naturally, as if it were just breathing!  

“Cui Family’s Sixth Young Master…” At this moment, Qiao Yumian asked in confusion, “Have we met?”  

She had heard of this person since he had been at the Imperial Academy for some time, but they had never actually met.  

Before Cui Lang could respond, her maid suddenly realized: “My lady, I remember now… this is the one who bumped into you during the Spring Prayer Ceremony at Dayun Temple!”  

The voices from this side had drawn the attention of Qiao Yang and the others, causing them to pause and look over. With this identification, Qiao Yang, Cui Jing, and the others all turned to Cui Lang.  

Under the intense gazes, Cui Lang suddenly felt a bad premonition arise.  

Qiao Yumian thought for a moment and then asked the maid, “Xiao Qiu, which one is it?”  

Being visually impaired had its inconveniences; no matter how careful she was, occasional bumps were unavoidable. She couldn’t possibly remember every encounter.  

Seeing Xiao Qiu looking a bit angrily at her, Cui Lang instinctively said, “Wait a moment…”  

But it was already too late—  

“It’s the one who not only bumped into you without apologizing but also spoke disrespectfully, turning it around to say that you were probably trying to swindle him out of money!”  

Cui Lang immediately felt the oppressive gaze of those around him intensify.  

As Qiao Yumian lightly uttered “Oh” and nodded in realization, saying “So it’s that person…” the pressure mounted even further, nearly overwhelming him.  

“Cui Liulang, is this really true?” Qiao Yumian’s elder brother, Qiao Yubai, walked over and asked Cui Lang.  

Upon hearing this, Qiao Yumian called out, “Elder Brother.”  

Elder Brother?!  

Cui Lang’s eyes widened as he glanced back and forth between the brother and sister—  

Oh… they look alike!  

Moreover, he had vaguely heard that Qiao Yang had a daughter who was visually impaired!  

Under the intense, almost accusatory stares, Cui Lang slowly realized that his earlier comment had been reckless.  

“It’s a misunderstanding… really just a misunderstanding!”  

He quickly explained to Qiao Yubai, then turned to Qiao Yumian and bowed: “I sincerely apologize to Miss Qiao!”  

He swore on his conscience that he hadn’t known she was visually impaired at that time, which was why he had said those outrageous things!  

Looking back at that day, he genuinely felt remorse and bowed again, his movements so vigorous that a cool breeze wafted past: “In any case, it was all my fault. If Miss Qiao ever needs anything, just send for me!”  

His sincerity was sufficient and even appeared quite earnest.  

There was no way around it, with his elder brother watching!  

He had just won the first half of the battle, thinking he could change his elder brother's view of him, but who knew he had inadvertently stirred up this issue… Was the heavens truly against him trying to win any favor from his elder brother?!  

Also watching him was Qiao Yang. If he didn’t show proper respect now, how could he expect to have a good life in the Imperial Academy?  

After a long wait without hearing Qiao Yumian's response, Cui Lang gritted his teeth and bowed again.  

This time, he bowed even more deeply, the wind he stirred brushing against Qiao Yumian's slightly sweaty face.  

She nodded lightly: “It’s nothing… Young Master Cui, you’re being too serious.”  

Cui Lang instantly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.  

Fortunately, this Miss Qiao wasn’t as fierce as Miss Chang.  

Cui Lang, out of caution, bowed once more toward Qiao Yang, but just as he was about to speak, Qiao Yang smiled and shook his head, unconcerned: “Misunderstandings can happen among the young; it’s good to clear things up.”  

He had always been easygoing, and since his daughter said it was a small matter, he didn’t intend to delve deeper. He then turned to Chang Suining and several juniors, smiling and waving: “Come, come, let’s all greet these esteemed adults.”  

At this point, Chang Sui'an also brought along Jian Tong and approached, and the group moved forward together.  

“This is Grand General Cui from the Xuanzhe, this is Assistant Minister Yao from the Ministry of justice, and this is Minister Wei from the Ministry of Rites…” Qiao Yang smiled at the juniors: “You all should have met them.”  

Even if they had met, they still needed to pay their respects, so the four siblings from the Chang and Qiao families bowed.  

Cui Lang, mixed among them, also bowed but didn’t dare to lift his head to look directly at his elder brother.  

He didn’t dare to look, but others did—  

When Chang Suining raised her eyes, she instinctively looked at the corner of Cui Jing’s mouth.  

This was the first time they had met since she had struck him while drunk.  

But clearly, this wasn’t the right time to express her apologies.  

However, life is unpredictable and often does not go as one wishes—  

Just as Cui Jing became aware of the gaze fixed on the corner of his mouth, and as his eyes met that gaze, Chang Sui'an ’s concerned voice rang out: “Grand General Cui, I assume your injury from being struck by Ning Ning has healed by now?”  

—?!  

What had been a relatively casual atmosphere suddenly turned quiet due to this statement.  

The silence came from the sheer bewilderment, a common state of mind where people felt stuck.  

Qiao Yubai was sharp-minded, and being young helped, but even so, he couldn’t hide his astonishment: “... Sui'an , are you saying that Ning Ning injured Grand General Cui?”  

Just the fact that she had struck him was bizarre enough…  

How could it lead to an injury?!  

Seeing Cui Jing struggling to maintain his calm expression, Chang Suining was about to deny it when Wei Shuyi’s voice suddenly cut in—  

“Yes, I witnessed this myself that day.” Wei Shuyi looked at Cui Jing with a concerned expression: “It’s said that Miss Chang was quite heavy-handed that day. Grand General Cui has been recuperating since then; do you feel any discomfort or lingering effects? When it comes to your health, Grand General Cui mustn't be careless.”  

As he spoke, he turned to Chang Suining : “Isn’t that right, Miss Chang?”  

Chang Suining clenched her fists in her sleeves.  

Chang Sui'an looked apologetic: “Father has repeatedly instructed me that if I see Grand General Cui again, I must personally apologize.”  

Cui Jing: “…”

General Chang instructed to apologize face-to-face, but did he really mean in front of so many people? With the conversation reaching this point, Chang Suining couldn’t pretend to be oblivious anymore. She steeled herself and said, “I was foolish that day; I hope General Cui will forgive me.”

Since the instigator had also apologized, Cui Jing could no longer remain silent: “... I had already forgotten.”

He had been injured that day, but it was far less severe than what he faced today.

Though he didn’t particularly care about reputation, being looked at by so many people was indeed uncomfortable.

Chang Suining remained silent, clearly not wanting to dwell on the matter.

With both parties unwilling to say much, Qiao Yang, Minister Yao, and others, though curious and shocked, dared not ask further questions.

However, without mentioning this topic, they were at a loss for words.

Thus, everyone stood there in silence for a moment. This strange atmosphere made Chang Sui’an suddenly realize something was wrong... Had he made a mistake again?

In the end, it was still Qiao Yang who had to steer the situation. He managed to laugh lightly and called out to everyone, “Let’s go; we shouldn’t miss the time for fish.”

Considering the overall situation was one thing; not wanting to miss out on his own fish was also true.

Yao Yi nodded in agreement, turning to Cui Jing and gesturing for him to go ahead: “General Cui—”

Cui Jing nodded.

As they followed Cui Jing and turned to walk forward, Minister Yao cast a worried glance at Chang Suining.

Even though this wasn’t her first time hitting someone, hitting General Cui and hitting the heir of Minister Ying were completely different matters—

Despite handling countless cases, he was unable to fathom how General Cui was injured by her!

He was utterly clueless.

With a complicated mood, Minister Yao walked forward silently.

Qiao Yumian tugged at Chang Suining's sleeve, saying nothing but unable to help glancing back at her from time to time.

Qiao Yubai deliberately slowed down, pulling Chang Sui’an along.

“... How could Ning Ning have injured General Cui?” Qiao Yubai whispered, barely audible.

Realizing he had made a mistake, Chang Sui’an felt regretful: “Don’t ask!”

Seeing him wishing for a block of tofu to knock his head against, the ever-understanding Qiao Yubai didn’t press him further but changed the topic: “How did we perform today?”

Chang Sui’an replied, “It was okay.”

“Just okay?” Qiao Yubai turned to look at him. “Then why did you stand in the scorching sun for so long?”

“Was I watching you play?” Chang Sui’an huffed. “I came to accompany Ning Ning.”

The bickering between them was routine. As Chang Sui’an spoke, he suddenly felt something and turned back to look: “Why isn’t Cui Lang leaving?”

Cui Lang stood still, looking dazed.

“He needs to calm down,” Qiao Yubai sighed. “Otherwise, he probably won’t be able to play in the final this afternoon.”

He then scolded Chang Sui’an: “Why did you mention that Ning Ning hurt General Cui? If we lose this afternoon, it’ll be your fault.”

Cui Lang’s admiration and fear for his elder brother were evident. Hearing this, he must have felt worse than death.

As the group walked away, only Cui Lang remained under the blazing sun, questioning his life.

Finally breaking free from the ladies, Lu Shi approached with her daughter, looking at her petrified son: “What happened now? Did you mess up after failing to take credit?”

Cui Lang slowly moved his eyes to Lu Shi, his lips moving as he managed to say, “Mother, just now, Eldest Brother was injured by someone!”

Lu Shi frowned: “... Is that so?”

Even the usually calm Cui Tang rarely changed her expression: “Who could be so bold?”

It wasn’t just boldness; someone who could injure the eldest brother must not be an ordinary person—

“It was that daughter of the Chang family!” Cui Lang suddenly pointed at Chang Suining, who had walked far away: “She just admitted it!”

Lu Shi was taken aback and murmured, “... This is a good thing.”

Cui Lang was confused: “?”

Does Mother even know what she’s saying?  

“Although Eldest Brother was injured, it was by a young lady,” Lu Shi said, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. “This shows Eldest Brother at least has a young lady by his side.”

Cui Tang remained silent.

She understood her mother’s thoughts.

Eldest Brother was injured—what a shocking event!  

Eldest Brother was injured by a young lady—what a good thing!  

How could such a fine eldest brother end up being in a situation where being injured by a young lady became a cause for celebration...

Lu Shi was now filled with great curiosity: “What kind of person is this daughter of the Chang family?”

Cui Lang had a mournful expression: “Do you even need to ask...”

He had thought about finding a bold young lady for his eldest brother—

Chang’s daughter stepping on bugs—somewhat rare.  

Chang’s daughter wrestling elephants—extremely rare.  

Chang’s daughter beating Ming Jin—number one in the Da Sheng.  

Chang’s daughter injuring Eldest Brother—who could withstand this!

Cui Lang’s fear and despair came suddenly, making him question—did Eldest Brother really need to start a family? Maybe not?

While he was worried about protecting his brother, his thoughts of “Eldest Brother might be fine on his own” burned away completely.

However, while he cleared that thought away, the same idea began to sprout in his mother’s mind—

Lu Shi whispered to a maid by her side, wanting to find out more about this daughter of the Chang family before proceeding.

...

“Bang—!”

The afternoon gong sounded, signaling the start of the second half of the ball game.

After a break following lunch, the three teams of students, wearing narrow-sleeved robes of blue and white and tied with red, yellow, and blue sashes, regained their spirits, looking much more determined.

The first match was between the victorious red team from the morning and the yellow team led by Chang Miao.

“Chang Miao’s team is fighting like they’re desperate...”  

“Fortunately, the red team has Wen Zheng; otherwise, they would be in chaos.”  

“Look, Wen Zheng scored again!”

On the field, a boy in a yellow sash named Chang Miao cursed and angrily glared at Wen Zheng, who was positioned at the front.

Wen Zheng avoided his gaze for a moment, and behind him, his teammates cheered enthusiastically: “A Zheng, well done!”

With hooves pounding, the game was tense.

After four quarters, both sides had won two quarters each.

The fifth quarter became the key to determining the winner.

By now, the boys were already sweating profusely, both teams having secured two flags. The hourglass used to keep time was about to reach the quarter-hour mark—

“Ah Zheng, behind you!”

Wen Zheng didn’t disappoint; with a beautiful turn, he swung his rod at the colorful ball in the air—

As long as he scored, victory would belong to their red team.

He had made this kind of shot countless times, scoring every time. To the other three teammates, victory seemed almost certain. They were even beginning to imagine their final match against Qiao Yubai’s blue team—

However, an accident occurred.

Liang Ge’er: It’s better if this sister-in-law doesn’t exist! (Fearful face) 

(The end of this chapter)

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