Chapter 31 The Returnee: Will His Love Remain Unchanged?

Springtime is here, and the sunlight filters through the new green willow branches, scattering golden light across the ground. The streets are bustling with people.

Meng Lingyao stood in front of the counter of Jinxiufang, her fingertips gently stroking a piece of soft, light blue silk. The fabric was as delicate as water, making her fingertips appear as white as jade.

A moment later, she let go and shook her head.

They're still not a good match.

The shopkeeper, who was waiting nearby, could tell from her expression that this customer was still not satisfied. He secretly wiped his sweat and tentatively asked, "Miss Meng, haven't you always loved sky blue? This batch of dyes is just right, not too dark and not too light!"

Normally, she would indeed like it, but this trip was to make a dress to match the phoenix hairpin. Although the sky-blue was beautiful, it was still too plain. She had thought that the crimson dress she had made earlier would be a good match, but once she put it on, it didn't feel right.

Meng Lingyao thought for a moment, "Do you have any brighter fabrics?"

"Yes, yes, yes." Although the shopkeeper didn't know when she had changed her preferences, he still hurriedly replied, "I'll send someone to fetch it right away."

With her fingertip touching a piece of scarlet brocade, Meng Lingyao was about to speak when another hand reached out from behind her and pressed down on the fabric.

"Shopkeeper, I'll take this bolt of cloth."

Meng Lingyao turned her head and met Zhao Ruxuan's round eyes. She subconsciously puffed out her chest and raised her chin even higher.

Meng Lingyao: "..."

How come the capital city is so small?

"Miss Zhao is here to pick out fabrics too?"

Zhao Ruxuan raised her hand to gather a strand of hair behind her ear, inadvertently revealing a jade bracelet on her wrist that was green, lustrous, and had excellent translucency.

"I just got a new piece of jewelry and I'm thinking of making a nice outfit to match it."

Meng Lingyao raised the corners of her eyes slightly, her gaze shifting, and asked, "Miss Zhao, this bracelet looks extraordinary. I suppose it must have been a gift from His Highness the Third Prince?"

Zhao Ruxuan couldn't suppress the upward curve of her lips and gave her a look that said, "You have good taste."

"Indeed, it is said to be a precious tribute from the south. Good jadeite is rare these days, and I rarely see such good quality jadeite."

Meng Lingyao said in a serious tone, "Since it is so rare, Miss Zhao must take good care of it. If it is accidentally bumped or knocked over, wouldn't that be letting down His Highness the Third Prince's good intentions?"

Zhao Ruxuan immediately lowered her hand and carefully covered the bracelet with her sleeve. Realizing what she had done, she became somewhat embarrassed and angry, saying, "If it's really damaged, His Highness will definitely give me a new one. I'm not like Miss Meng, who was once a courteous and attentive scholar, but secretly had many concubines and even committed murder and violence. Fortunately, he's now in prison and will be beheaded soon. And then there was the eldest son of the Zhou family… Miss Meng probably doesn't know yet, does she? The Zhou family is in trouble!"

Meng Lingyao's fingertips paused slightly. "Oh?"

"The Zhou family father and son suddenly disappeared a few days ago, and most of their shops in the capital were also seized by the government." She deliberately dragged out her words, unable to hide the schadenfreude in her eyes. "It turns out that Zhou Yizhi was using the guise of worshipping Buddha, but in reality he was having an affair with the monks in the temple... tsk tsk, it's disgusting to hear."

"Isn't Miss Meng usually quite familiar with him? How come you don't know?"

Meng Lingyao's expression remained unchanged. "We're just nodding acquaintances, how can you say we're familiar with each other?"

Zhao Ruxuan pouted, "Didn't Young Master Zhou often send gifts to Miss Meng before? There were expensive perfumes from Persia and jewelry. I thought you were interested in him." As she spoke, she suddenly realized, "How strange. First it was Scholar Lu, and now it's Young Master Zhou. It seems that the people around Miss Meng never have a good ending."

These words were blunt and harsh, but she looked completely innocent, as if she hadn't meant any harm.

Meng Lingyao looked up at her, then suddenly chuckled, "Miss Zhao, you seem to be so concerned about my affairs, could it be...?" She paused, "...that you're inquiring about my elder brother?"

"Then we need to be careful, who knows, the next one might be—"

She didn't finish her sentence, only looking at her with a smile.

Zhao Ruxuan's smile froze instantly, her face flushed red, as if someone had touched a raw nerve. Her fingers gripped her sleeve so tightly that her knuckles turned white, and she was about to lash out.

With a soft "whoosh," the bamboo curtain facing the street from the teahouse's private room directly opposite them was carefully lifted a crack from the inside. A pale, beardless face with cautious eyes quickly peeked out, and upon seeing Zhao Ruxuan in the shop, immediately put on a smile.

Upon seeing that person, Zhao Ruxuan's anger melted away instantly, like snow meeting charcoal. Her brows relaxed, and even her tense shoulders loosened, leaving only a reserved smugness. She deliberately gave a soft snort in Meng Lingyao's direction and hurriedly went forward with her maid.

Sure enough, a figure appeared in front of the teahouse shortly afterward.

It was the Third Prince, Qi Jing. Even his casual clothes were quite expensive, with a jade belt around his waist, and he exuded an air of elegance. He stood upright under the willow tree, facing the bustling street.

Zhao Ruxuan's heart nearly leaped out of her throat. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickened her pace involuntarily. She quickly suppressed her emotions, adopting the most graceful and elegant demeanor as she walked over. Her voice, filled with suppressed joy, asked, "Your Highness? What are you doing here?" Her voice trailed off softly and cautiously, revealing utter admiration.

Her girlish mannerisms left Meng Lingyao stunned.

It is evident that this Third Prince possesses extraordinary abilities.

In just a few short days, Zhao Ruxuan has fallen head over heels for him.

Meanwhile, Zhao Ruxuan whispered a few words to the Third Prince, her eyes occasionally glancing at Meng Lingyao.

It's obvious at a glance that they're talking badly about someone.

The Third Prince always had a smile on his lips, showing no impatience whatsoever, and even nodded from time to time, behaving like an excellent listener.

After Meng Lingyao finished selecting the fabric, the newly engaged couple walked hand in hand.

Upon seeing the Third Prince, Meng Lingyao first bowed.

"We're outside right now, Miss Meng, there's no need for such formalities."

Qi Jing said politely, "Ru Xuan is innocent and straightforward, and speaks without thinking. If she has offended you today, I hope Miss Meng will forgive her and not hold it against her." His attitude was gentle and carried just the right amount of apology, as if he were apologizing on behalf of an ignorant younger sister.

The joy that had just appeared on Zhao Ruxuan's face faded slightly, and she glanced at the Third Prince with displeasure. But upon seeing the Third Prince's gentle, smiling face, her slight annoyance vanished instantly. His Highness's actions were clearly intended to save face for her in public, and to openly declare to everyone that he was on her side, which was why he spoke up for her and even apologized on her behalf.

This difference in closeness and distance is self-evident.

Having figured this out, Zhao Ruxuan's mood suddenly calmed down, and a sweet feeling welled up inside her. She glanced at Meng Lingyao, who was a few steps away, her chin unconsciously rising slightly, and the disdain in her eyes deepened. So what if she can still put on an act? She still can't even find a good husband.

She lowered her eyelashes, her voice becoming even softer, "Your Highness, what are you saying? I was just chatting with Miss Meng about everyday matters."

Meng Lingyao smiled, "Of course."

Qi Jing seemed to truly believe it, "That's good then."

He nodded slightly to Meng Lingyao before turning to Zhao Ruxuan, "I've reserved a private room at the teahouse ahead. It's still early, how about we go for a cup of the newly arrived pre-Qingming Longjing tea?"

Zhao Ruxuan was overjoyed and responded, then seemed to remember something and gave Meng Lingyao a perfunctory curtsy, "Miss Meng, please enjoy your stroll. Excuse me." As she turned around, the pomegranate red skirt fluttered, drawing a flamboyant arc.

Qi Jing slightly turned to the side, escorting her towards the teahouse. His demeanor was gentle and considerate, making them appear as a perfect couple.

Meng Lingyao felt that the scene just now was somewhat familiar. Only after the two left did she realize that Lin Yunshu and Zhao Ruxuan used to play together in the same way.

Lin Yunshu has now distanced himself from Zhao Ruxuan for some reason. It is unknown how long this Third Prince can keep coaxing Zhao Ruxuan like this.

It should be longer than Lin Yunshu's.

As long as the Marquis of Wuxing's mansion and the Cui family remain standing, his love will remain unchanged.

Meng Lingyao withdrew her gaze, turned around unhurriedly, and merged into the bustling crowd, heading deeper into the East Market. The clothing fabric would be carefully delivered back to her residence by the shop assistants. However, something else was on her mind.

The Meng family owned several shops in the vicinity, so since she was already in this area, she decided to take a look. Everything else was fine, but Juxianglou was the only place that worried her.

Juxianglou was located in a corner of the East Market. Although its upturned eaves were quite impressive, the place was deserted and there wasn't a single customer. The newly appointed manager, Qian Sanfu, peeked out from the doorway, looking at the "Wantong Grain Store" next door, which had been sealed off. The corner of the signboard above it bore the logo of the Zhou Family Trading Company.

Meng Lingyao understood the situation at a glance. The Dali Temple wouldn't shut down the Zhou family's shops for no reason. There was only one possibility for this shop to be shut down: like the Cixi Temple, it was also a front for the Zhou family to smuggle salt and iron.

Qian Sanfu was so engrossed in his gaze that he didn't notice his mistress's arrival. Meng Lingyao walked to his side without saying a word. Qian Sanfu snapped back to reality, hurriedly turned around, and immediately put on a respectful smile, "Miss Meng has arrived!" But there was a hint of pretense and anxiety hidden in that smile.

There weren't many customers in the building. When the waiters saw Meng Lingyao arrive, they immediately perked up and nervously bowed. Meng Lingyao waved her hand, indicating that there was no need for such formalities.

"The outside is not a good sight, but the inside is still quite tidy." She looked around the empty lobby on the first floor, where the tables and chairs were neatly arranged and the floor was spotless.

Qian Sanfu rubbed his hands and followed, "Miss, don't worry, the staff won't dare to skip any of the rules. It's just... sigh." He sighed heavily.

Meng Lingyao nodded and sat down in the chair by the window. "How did it go last time when I told you to try my method?"

Juxianglou's cuisine isn't particularly outstanding, and it's difficult to find a good chef in the short term. Perhaps they should focus their efforts on other aspects. Making every guest feel at home is also a viable option.

Upon hearing this, Qian Sanfu's expression grew even more complicated. "Miss, your scented dew... it really does have some tricks up its sleeve." He glanced cautiously at Meng Lingyao. "You had each table of guests offered hot towels soaked in the dew to wash their hands after they were seated, and everyone was happy, thinking we were thoughtful. But we haven't sold many dishes or wines. Only those scented dews you brought, diluted with water, actually sold quite a few bottles!"

"Sold out?" Meng Lingyao raised an eyebrow slightly.

"That's right!" Qian Sanfu shook his head with a wry smile. "At first I was puzzled, but then I understood. Those ladies and young women used our scented handkerchiefs and found the scent elegant and pleasant, so they all inquired about what it was. I told them it was homemade scented dew, and they wanted to buy it. A few days ago, a noblewoman even bought five bottles at once, saying she wanted to give them as gifts."

Meng Lingyao seemed to be deep in thought. She had made that perfume by chance a while ago, using only a few common flower dews and spices, but its strength lay in the proper combination, resulting in a fresh and pleasant fragrance.

Unexpectedly, it found a market.

She lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment, a thought vaguely rising in her mind.

Before her idea was fully formed, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from the street, growing louder as it approached. Meng Lingyao looked up and saw several mounted constables hurrying past, galloping towards the outskirts of the city. The one in the lead was upright and had a fair complexion; he seemed to be the one who often followed behind Pei Xu.

-

Outside the capital, the official road winds its way, flanked by willows just sprouting new buds. A group of five or six people hurriedly urge their horses forward. The Zhou family father and son, at the head of the group, are dressed in coarse cloth and wear straw hats. Zhou Yizhi's face is covered in dust, and his eyes are filled with anxiety.

"Father, the pursuers are almost here!" He glanced back, his voice trembling.

"Faster! Once we get past that mountain, someone will be there to meet us!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a series of orderly hoofbeats sounded behind him.

"All members of the Zhou family, surrender at once!" Jian Su roared. "Fleeing the scene of a crime is an even greater offense!"

Zhou Yizhi's heart tightened, and he whipped the white horse beneath him even harder. The famous horse from the Western Regions let out a mournful cry and ran even faster.

Although the horses of the Dali Temple were fine steeds, they could not compare to the horses of the Western Regions. As the distance grew ever greater, Jian Su frowned deeply.

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar.

A chestnut horse galloped like lightning from the distant mountains, carrying a young general in black armor and a silver helmet, holding a long spear.

He abruptly pulled on the reins, and the warhorse reared up, its iron hooves drawing a crescent moon in the air. Before the hooves even touched the ground, the spear, like a silver snake spitting its tongue, was aimed directly at Zhou Yizhi's brow.

"Stop!"