30 Toss and Turn

◎It cannot, and certainly should not.◎

Gu Ningxi only found His Royal Highness Prince Zhao's question interesting.

"Your Highness doesn't know her?"

Lu Jing hadn't bothered to see the person's face clearly. Gu Ningxi smiled and said, "She is the younger sister of Prince Qin."

Of the three great commanders of the Black Armor Army, besides Wu'an Marquis Xie Qian and Zhending Prince Zhen Yuan, the remaining one is Qin Yu, courtesy name Yanming, who has yet to return to the capital. Born in the Qi State Mansion in Kyoto, he was a classmate of Prince Zhao and Gu Ningxi. The Qi State Mansion once fell into decline, and Qin Yu, at the age of fifteen, joined the battlefield, bravely following Prince Zhao through life and death. After ten years of military service, he achieved remarkable feats and restored the Qin family's reputation.

The Qin family is not large, and the girl just now is the only sister of Prince Qin.

Gu Ningxi smiled brightly. It had been several years since they last met, and Qin Ying was now of marriageable age. No wonder His Royal Highness Prince Zhao didn't recognize her.

"But you two..." Lu Jing frowned slightly. He ran into them in front of a jewelry store.

"No, no," Gu Ningxi explained hurriedly, fearing that it would damage Miss Qin's reputation. "It was just a coincidence."

"Oh, so that's how it is."

Lu Jing felt a little relieved, but when he realized why he had to relax, his heart became confused again.

"Yes," Gu Ningxi followed up on the previous question. "I was Miss Qin's tutor. Your Highness is also aware that the Empress established a girls' school in Kyoto, and Huiwen Hall enrolled many female students. At one point, Master He, the painter, returned home for mourning, and since no one was available, I took over for a while."

The Empress had handed this matter over to His Royal Highness Prince Huai to arrange. She happened to have an idle job in the Eastern Palace at that time, so Prince Huai borrowed her from the Crown Prince.

Recalling the time when he was a teacher, Gu Ningxi felt a little nostalgic.

"When I first started teaching, there were only three or five students in the painting hall." Gu Ningxi was quite proud. Perhaps her teaching was really good, as the number of students kept increasing. In the end, the painting hall was completely empty, and she had to borrow the room of a nearby musician.

Being surrounded by a group of girls her own age, all calling her "Master," and the sweet breeze blowing against her face, Gu Ningxi found it truly wonderful. Furthermore, they listened to everything she said. This was infinitely better than facing her colleagues in the Eastern Palace or the Ministry of Works.

Moreover, teaching in Huiwen Hall mostly took up the time when Gu Ningxi was on duty in the Eastern Palace, and he could also receive more salary.

Lu Jing had long known that Yuan Le was skilled in painting. Huiwen Hall offered a wide range of subjects, including music, chess, calligraphy, painting, knitting, and embroidery. In recent years, the number of young ladies from official families enrolling in the school had increased significantly.

"I taught for about half a year, and then a new teacher came."

Before leaving Huiwen Hall, all the students gave her gifts. Nowadays, many girls from aristocratic families would respectfully address her as "Master Gu" when they saw her.

She was talking animatedly, but Lu Jing was listening very absent-mindedly.

He was overwhelmed the entire day, but when he saw Yuan Le with others, his first reaction was to disrupt them.

Why and on what basis?

The sunset glow from the horizon shone obliquely into the carriage, and half of His Royal Highness Prince Zhao's face was bathed in the light.

Until the person opposite asked again: "Your Highness, what do you want from me?"

Lu Jingfang came back to his senses and saw confusion in Yuan Le's eyes, and he couldn't help feeling embarrassed.

He really had nothing important to do.

Lu Jing coughed lightly, stalling for time, and went outside to call Sun Jing. Sun Jing, guessing his Highness's intention, speculated, "Does your Highness want to see the wood carvings with Lord Gu?"

This answer was so wonderful that Lu Jing agreed and couldn't help but feel grateful to his father: "Bring it up."

Sun Jing ordered the carriage to go in the direction of Marquis Xuanping's mansion. They were already very experienced in escorting Lord Gu.

Lord Gu's original carriage followed behind not too far away.

Gu Ningxi's attention was quickly attracted. With the help of the light from the horizon, she focused on the five wooden carvings placed on the gold-painted tray. The craftsmanship was simply breathtaking.

Gu Ningxi's expression was full of admiration, and she couldn't help but want to reach out and touch it. However, she realized something and asked politely, "Can I try it?"

"Of course." Lu Jing nodded.

Gu Ningxi wiped his hands with a handkerchief and carefully picked up the second wooden sculpture on the left.

This piece of wood, about the size of two palms, is carved into a landscape and stone pavilion. Following the grain of the wood, rocks, plants, and a square pavilion are arranged in an orderly pattern, creating a different landscape from different angles, each side offering its own unique charm.

Gu Ningxi lamented that there were always better people out there. The palace masters' decades of craftsmanship were beyond his reach. His own limited carving skills were truly dwarfed by the others.

Lu Jing wasn't particularly interested in wood carvings and said, "If you find anything you like, just take it back."

This was given to him privately by his father and was not registered, so he could give it to anyone he wanted.

However, Gu Ningxi felt that it was inappropriate to accept such an expensive gift for no reason, so he decided to just enjoy it for a while.

She declined politely and clearly, and Lu Jing felt uncomfortable again.

They were just a few wood carvings, why wouldn't he want his things?

Gu Ningxi cleverly changed the subject: "By the way, Miss Qin just asked when her brother would arrive in Beijing."

Lu Jing answered the question immediately: "In early July, I will send someone to inform her. You don't have to worry."

Military reports are naturally faster than letters from home, and all the small-scale rebellions on the Hebei battlefield have been wiped out.

Gu Ningxi nodded and said "OK".

When the carriage arrived outside the Marquis Xuanping's mansion, she said goodbye to His Royal Highness Prince Zhao.

The servant who went out with her fell behind, and when he came forward, Gu Ningxi discovered that he was holding two wooden carvings in his hands.

"This is……?"

The servant replied truthfully, "This was given to me by General Manager Sun, who said it was a gift from His Royal Highness Prince Zhao."

When Gu Ningxi looked back, he could only see the carriage of Prince Zhao's palace going away.

She didn't know what to say for a moment, so she sighed softly. "Send it to my study," she warned, "be careful."

"Yes, don't worry, sir."

…

As dusk fell, in Fengyi Palace, Prince Huai Lu Chen accompanied his mother for dinner.

After the meal, Empress Yao ordered the maids around her to leave so that the mother and son could have some private conversation.

The Queen smiled gently: "Have you chosen?"

Lu Chen smiled and said, "I naturally believe in your mother's judgment."

The candidate for the Princess of Huai, favored by Empress Yao, was the granddaughter of Minister Liu Zheng. Her mother was Princess Yongping, a member of the imperial clan, and her family was both noble and aristocratic.

Among the three ministries of the imperial court, the Secretariat was responsible for drafting government decrees, serving the emperor and participating in state affairs, and its position in the court was extremely important.

The current Zhongshu Ling Pei Mu is highly trusted by His Majesty. When he retires, there is a high probability that Liu Zheng will succeed him as Zhongshu Ling.

Miss Liu is extremely talented, gentle, and proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Lu Chen was also very satisfied with this choice of princess. Empress Yao said, "In two days, your mother will ask your father for permission on your behalf."

Seeing that he was hesitant to speak, Empress Yao understood: "Speak now, what else is there?"

Lu Chen smiled and said, "Mother, I have also taken a fancy to the third young lady from the Marquis Xuanping's mansion and would like to take her as my concubine."

The third daughter of the Gu family was named Gu Ningyao. She was born with bright eyes and a charming appearance. At the banquet today, she was undoubtedly the most beautiful one in terms of beauty.

Lu Chen thought that although the young lady of the Liu family was pretty, her appearance was still much duller than Gu Ningyao.

"Besides, the Xuanping Marquis's Mansion is already a supporter of my brother, so my son's marriage with the Marquis' Mansion can be considered as strengthening the relationship."

The title of concubine is enough, killing two birds with one stone.

"What does the Queen Mother think?"

This child has a clear plan, and it is a good match with no harm.

Empress Yao said, "Never mind. Once you have completed your mission, I will go to His Majesty to make a request."

Lu Chen was delighted: "Thank you, mother."

Satisfied, Lu Chen said again: "I wonder who the Zhaowang Mansion will accept this time."

Your Majesty will decide Qi'an's marriage, and Queen Yao will not say much.

She said, "Just take care of yourself and don't worry about anything else."

Lu Chen agreed, but after returning to the palace, he ordered people to investigate further.

…

As the night deepened, more than a dozen new scrolls were added to the study in Prince Zhao's mansion, all of which were sent by Emperor Mingde at dusk.

Sun Jing took it carefully and kept it in the study according to His Majesty's order.

The beauties in the paintings each have their own unique charm and are all charming and beautiful.

However, since they were sent to the study in the palace, these scrolls carefully created by the painters have never been opened again.

The candlelight flickered, sometimes bright and sometimes dim.

Lu Jing sat silently at the desk, letting the lamp oil slowly burn out.

No matter how difficult the battle situation was in the past, there were always weaknesses in the enemy that could be exploited, and we could analyze them and defeat the enemy.

As for what has happened recently, many of the emotions are so inexplicable and difficult to grasp.

Maybe there is a vague answer in my mind, but I just can't think about it too much.

Unwilling and afraid.

But Lu Jing had to admit that when his father asked him about the girl he liked during the day, the person who came to his mind was Yuan Le.

No, and it should not be done.

Two candles finally burned out, and there was a soft knock on the door outside.

Sun Jing brought in a cup of Lotus Heart Tea. This tea can calm the mind and soothe the spirit, and is perfect for summer nights. Especially since His Highness has been having trouble sleeping and feeling depressed lately.

Sun Jing originally wanted to invite an imperial physician, but the prince just said that it was just summer heat and irritability, and it was nothing serious.

"Your Highness, it's late at night. It's better to rest early."

Lu Jing rubbed his brows and said, "You should leave first."

Sun Jing didn't dare to persuade him any further: "Yes."

He sighed, wondering what had been bothering His Highness these days, and whether there was any way to solve the problem.

…

The sun was not too hot at noon. In the flower garden of Prince Zhao's mansion, Xie Qian and Zhen Yuan sat together in the square pavilion, drinking tea.

The cool breeze blows the bamboo curtains, and the morning scene feels a bit comfortable.

The two were chatting casually, and unknowingly they started talking about the war situation in Hebei.

Seeing Zhen Yuan pause mid-sentence, Xie Qian followed his gaze. It turned out that Chief Steward Sun had personally brought a guest to the palace garden, and it was a rare female guest!

Xie Qian and Zhen Yuan exchanged a glance, ready to speculate, when Steward Sun stepped forward to greet them.

Zhen Yuan simply asked, "Manager Sun, may I know who that girl is?"

Sun Jing smiled and said, "My Lord, that is the second daughter of the Duke of Qi's mansion."

As soon as these words came out, Zhen Yuan and Xie Qian immediately realized that it was Qin Yanming's most precious sister. When they were on the battlefield, they had heard him mention this sister of his mother many times. For example, how well-behaved and sensible his sister was, how he would prepare a dowry for her, and how he would support her for the rest of her life even if she never married.

Yan Ming fought so hard on the battlefield just to wash away the shame of the Duke of Qi's Mansion and let his mother and sister live a smooth life.

Qin Ying stepped forward to meet the etiquette. Although she was a little timid, she was very graceful in her etiquette.

Xie Qian and Zhen Yuan returned the greeting. Yan Ming’s sister was naturally also their sister.

Although it was the first time they met, Qin Ying had heard her brother mention his comrades many times in his letters home, and she could match their status.

Xie Qian smiled and said, "Miss Qin, are you here to pay your respects to His Highness?"

Qin Ying nodded: "His Royal Highness Prince Zhao asked me to come and get my brother's letter."

After a few brief words, Qin Ying bowed and followed Manager Sun out of the way out due to etiquette.

Xie Qian and Zhen Yuan saw the others off and said, "Speaking of which, it's time for Yan Ming to return home, right?"

"Hebei is a tough place to be in. In terms of military achievements, he's probably number one this time."

"Yes, I wonder how happy he will be when he returns to Beijing and reunites with his mother and sister."

New tea was added to the teapot, and the two of them chatted and laughed. When they finished the third cup of tea, His Royal Highness Prince Zhao still had not arrived.

"Why don't you go take a look in the study?"

Xie Qian agreed, but before he had gone far, he saw His Highness in a nearby teahouse.

"Why is Your Highness here? You've kept us waiting."

Lu Jing's expression was calm: "I'm just thinking about a difficult problem."

From his point of view, he could see the entire situation in the pavilion.

He had just seen the two of them chatting and talking to Miss Qin, but he felt no emotion at all and thought it was normal.

Then why did Lu Jing clench the teacup in his hand?

He thought slowly, why wouldn't it work if Gu Yuanle was replaced?

【Author’s words】

Xiao Lu: Control variable method!