Chapter 7 "Am I beautiful now?"

It was the second month of spring, when the orioles sing and the flowers bloom. Qian Yingyi walked through the corridors and soon arrived outside the small flower hall. Before she could even lift the curtain and go in, she heard her second aunt, Xu Jun, asking her questions urgently:

"My goodness, my son, where did you get into a fight? Your face is bruised and your clothes have a hole in them! Did you get into another fight with your classmates?!"

Qian Yingyi was also surprised that her cousin, who was studying at the prefectural school, had returned home at this time. She hurriedly went into the small flower hall, took a few steps forward, and stared at Qian Qiyu. She immediately exclaimed "Oh dear!" twice.

As Xu Jun had just said, Qian Qiyu indeed had blood hanging from his nose, bruises under his eyes, and his clothes were loosely draped over his body. His usually smiling face now looked somewhat fierce and stern, as if he had become a different person.

Seeing that he was not clean, Qian Yingyi instinctively wanted to advise him to wash up first, but she hesitated and didn't add fuel to the fire.

She walked around the screen a few steps closer to him, tilted her head to look at him seriously, and asked in a softer tone than usual, "You're always fighting, did you win this time?"

“…Yingyi!” Xu Jun frowned, stepped forward and pulled her away, glared at Qian Qiyu with annoyance, and said, “He’s just a troublemaker, let’s ignore him and eat first!”

Qian Qiyu has always been unrestrained and flamboyant, as if he was born with a rebellious streak. The more others try to suppress or discipline him, the more impatient he becomes.

Qian Yingyi, on the other hand, only ever asked him about the results, so he listened to her and especially enjoyed playing with her.

Hearing Qian Yingyi still only asking whether she had won, the anger in his heart dissipated in an instant. He took out a clean handkerchief, wiped away the bloodstains under his nose, and then waved his hand happily.

He simply said he had won and went to sit down at the dinner table.

He seemed to have exhausted himself in the fight and was now extremely hungry. He wolfed down three bowls of rice before gradually slowing his pace, picking up a piece of shredded radish with his chopsticks and stuffing it into his mouth to chew. He didn't mention at all why he had fought.

Xu Jun couldn't stand his neglect of his studies and was about to scold him again when Qian Yingyi stopped her with a snack.

Qian Qiyu's face was both comical and pitiful. Qian Yingyi glanced at him without saying a word, then suddenly turned to Xu Jun and said, "Auntie, we're missing a few colors of ink at home. I'm free today and I'm going out to check this afternoon. Is there anything you'd like me to bring back?"

A phoenix-head shoe quietly peeked out from under the skirt and snuggled close to Xu Jun.

Xu Jun swallowed her pastry quickly, her eyes darting around, and said with a smile, "Should we go to your usual shop? Oh, perfect! I've been busy lately making knots for the whole family, but we're still missing some patterns. Let me tell you..."

Seeing the two of them talking behind their backs, and knowing that Qian Yingyi's favorite shop was by the river, Qian Qiyu figured that she would go boating and drinking after shopping, so she hurriedly leaned closer, grinning shamelessly, "Sister, I want to go too."

“You got into a fight and came home from the academy without permission. I haven’t even questioned you properly yet! You’re not allowed to…” Xu Jun almost couldn’t hold back again, and the three hairpins on her head swayed wildly as she spoke. Fortunately, Qian Yingyi pressed them down in time, and she awkwardly changed her words: “Stay with your sister and don’t let any cats or dogs get near her!”

Qian Qiyu accepted the order with a smile, ate another bowl of rice soaked in tea soup, and knowing that he was dirty, he went back to his room to tidy himself up before going out in a carriage with Qian Yingyi.

As soon as they stepped out of the alley, Qian Yingyi lowered the carriage curtain, changed her expression, grabbed Qian Qiyu, and asked, "Second Aunt is an elder, yet you always upset her. I didn't want her to have heart pain from your anger, so I brought you out. Tell me, what exactly caused the fight this time?"

She adopted an elder sister's tone and pressed for answers. Qian Qiyu's upturned lips gradually softened. It wasn't that she disliked her being asked questions; on the contrary, she seemed to think that this fight was fought for her sake.

Seeing that he didn't answer, Qian Yingyi grabbed his wrist again, "Speak!"

Warm sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the carriage curtains, illuminating Qian Qiyu's face, where he pursed his lips into a straight line.

After a moment of silence, he said, "I beat the heir of Prince Rui."

The carriage slowed down imperceptibly. Upon hearing this, Qian Yingyi sat up straight, her eyes wide with shock. "You mean you hit someone? The Prince Rui's son? That bastard Yu Minsen?"

Qian Qiyu chuckled, crossed her arms, and leaned against the carriage wall. "Wu Niansheng, taking advantage of his frequent illnesses, always uses excuses to avoid going to the prefectural school and pester you, Sister. Somehow, Yu Minsen found out about him going to the Yan family that day. It's one thing for him to mock Wu Niansheng, but he also insulted you, Sister, in his words. I was furious, but for the sake of the family's reputation, I didn't pursue the matter with him..."

"However, during class today, the instructor was a little late because he was taking care of his wife who had caught a cold at home. Yu Minsen's words went around in circles and ended up circling back to Wu Niansheng's pursuit of my sister!"

"They said he should learn more from the instructor in private, and maybe he could learn... learn how to please women, and then he could win you over, sister."

Qian Qiyu closed his eyes, showing no sign of lingering fear. "So I hit Yu Minsen in class, and when Wu Niansheng came to break up the fight, I kicked him twice as well. Today, I didn't go home voluntarily; it was a fight between the two sides. The academy ordered us to go home and write a self-criticism, and we'll go back tomorrow."

Qian Yingyi was taken aback, not expecting that his mistake today was because of her.

He frowned for a long time before saying, "What kind of little tyrant is he? Although I don't get along with him, I try my best to avoid him!"

She then asked, "You beat him and Wu Niansheng in front of everyone. Old Master Wu and my grandfather were colleagues in the Ministry of Works, so this matter is manageable. But he is the heir apparent. What if Prince Rui came to your house to punish you?"

Qian Qiyu frowned, her face hardening, and raised her chin defiantly. "What crime can he possibly punish me for? A classmate got into a fight, and he, Prince Rui, is going to jail me for it? Humph, don't forget, he's not the same person he used to be, getting whatever he wanted..."

"Shut up!" Qian Yingyi hurriedly covered his mouth with the back of her hand, both shocked and frightened. "How dare you speak so recklessly!"

Qian Qiyu's voice choked with sobs for a moment, and Qin Lizheng could no longer hear what she said after that.

The young man leaned against the carriage door, casually steering the carriage. The sun was high in the sky, and his eyes held a mysterious glint, while his fingers tightened their grip on the reins.

The little hawksbill turtle stared at him strangely. "What's wrong with you?"

Qin Lizheng blinked twice and chuckled, "It's nothing. Miss, which shop do you usually buy your colored inks from? You haven't told me yet."

Little Tortoiseshell stared at him for a while before looking away. Seeing the carriage approaching the riverbank, she raised her arm and pointed, "Stop here. Miss always crosses the bridge to the other side to buy things. Xia Ling and Chun Tang accompany her. We two can wait for Miss here."

"Miss said that her shop is not big. Although we are guards, we should stay by her side at all times, but we should not let her feel that she is putting on airs."

Qin Lizheng silently reined in the carriage, knocked on the side of the carriage with his backhand, and said in a deep voice, "Miss, we've arrived."

Before long, Qian Qiyu got out of the car first and helped Qian Yingyi down with his arm.

The surface of the Qinhuai River shimmered with golden light, like tiny gold beads, making Qian Qiyu squint. He pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders, seemingly having been advised in the carriage but still somewhat unconvinced. "If Grandpa finds out, he can beat me again, but I can't go and apologize in person."

Qian Yingyi glanced at him, secretly pleased that he had stood up for her, but also afraid that Prince Rui would really come after him.

Lifting her skirt, she stood there thinking hard, and finally could only glare at him. "Luckily you told me first. Tonight you'll stay home and get a scolding. I'll talk to Grandpa. We're in the right!"

Qian Qiyu then grinned and smiled happily, "I knew my older sister still loves me."

There's always a way out, so there's no use worrying about these things now. The siblings looked up and basked in the sun, warming their bones until they felt numb and tingling, before happily heading to the other side.

Little Tortoiseshell put a piece of candy in his mouth and only looked away when he could no longer see Chuntang. When he was bored, he tilted his head and looked at the babbling river. He laughed and said, "I am from Yangzhou. I moved here with my parents when I was young. Since I became Miss's bodyguard, I can walk around the Qinhuai River twice with my eyes closed."

The round-faced guard, always wearing a smile, nudged the figure beside him with his elbow. "Hey, you're from the capital. Tell me, isn't the capital more prosperous and luxurious? Aren't those high-ranking families living in luxury?"

He was very talkative, often rambling on and on, and then suddenly asked, "I suppose you can't find your gambling brother now. You've been in Nanjing for almost half a year, do you miss home?"

Qin Lizheng's gaze followed a swaying awning boat on the river, but he didn't answer, as if he hadn't heard her.

Prince Rui.

The youngest son of Emperor Taizu, who was most beloved by the emperor, was implicated in a plot to rebel when the emperor ascended the throne. However, after investigation, it was found that it was his subordinates who were involved. The prince was unaware of the plot and was holding a certificate of merit personally bestowed by Emperor Taizu, thus escaping punishment.

They are still living a comfortable life in Nanjing.

Qin Lizheng closed his eyes; he didn't want to hear even a single word about Prince Rui at this moment.

If there were no animosity between them, he could have calmly included Prince Rui in the list of corrupt officials for a thorough investigation.

However, it is undeniable that even after a long time, his usual calm demeanor would still crumble upon hearing the words "Prince Rui," and he feared that he might lose control and take the prince's life first.

The awning boat disappeared through the bridge arch. Qin Lizheng lowered his eyes, and after a long while, he smiled with the corners of his lips twitching.

Ultimately, it's about concealing one's own secrets.

Because the weather was so nice, the Qinhuai River was bustling and lively. After waiting for about half an incense stick's time, Qian Yingyi and Qian Qiyu returned. In addition to the colored ink that Qian Yingyi wanted and the patterns that Xu Jun wanted, they also bought some other trinkets.

The two maids were also carrying loads of them.

Seeing this, Little Tortoiseshell hurriedly stepped forward and took the things from Chuntang's hands.

Qian Yingyi stepped down the last stone step with a pant, holding the colored ink strip in her hand. She immediately noticed the tall guard leaning lazily to the side, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings.

She caught her breath and ran towards him. When she got close, she put the colored ink stick in his arm and scolded him irritably, "At least the little tortoiseshell knew to come and catch you. What are you doing standing there like a block of wood?!"

"I didn't bring you back to be a young master!"

She stood before him, chattering away, which surprisingly calmed his emotions. Qin Lizheng's eyes shone with a few points of light reflected from the river, his gaze falling on her lips, which were lightly rouged. "Why are you being so fierce?"

He carried the colored ink, turned around and took the things from the other three people. Relying on his strength, he carried them all to the carriage and put them there.

Qian Yingyi was a little confused by his direct gaze just now, and she pursed her lips secretly.

The sunlight was at its brightest when Qin Lizheng turned around again and asked casually, "Is there anything else you'd like to buy, Miss? Or would you like to wander around somewhere else?"

This was exactly what Qian Qiyu wanted to hear. The boy loved playing on the river, so he quickly went to Qian Yingyi's side and pointed to the houses renting boats on the bank, saying, "Sister! Let's go there. The weather is so nice today, it would be a waste not to go boating!"

Qian Yingyi turned her head to look, but before she knew it, she caught a glimpse of a carriage in the distance. She rubbed her eyes and tugged at Xia Ling's sleeve. "Look, isn't that the Yan family's carriage? Doesn't it have the character 'Yan' on it?"

Xia Ling shielded her forehead with her hand and peered carefully into the direction. After a while, she smiled and said, "Miss, it is indeed the Yan family's carriage, but we don't know who is sitting inside."

Little Tortoiseshell was a loose tongue; he had already been whispering to Qian Qiyu from the side.

Qian Qiyu also felt that Qian Yingyi was interested in Yan Sanlang, so he changed his mind about having fun and said repeatedly, "Oh dear, women always ride in more spacious carriages when they leave the mansion. This carriage is obviously not Mrs. Yan's. And since Lord Yan is at the mansion at this time, the person in the carriage must be Yan Sanlang, who was transferred back from Fengyang."

"Are you familiar with Sister Yan and Yan Sanlang?"

Are we familiar with each other? No.

Having met him before, she knew that Yan Sanlang was upright and courteous, and that if he were to see her, he would surely have a conversation with her here.

Qian Yingyi was eager to see that very beautiful face and took two steps forward, but then a thought suddenly occurred to her. Fearing that she would lose face in front of Yan Sanlang again, she went around to each of the people.

The first one is Qin Lizheng.

Qin Lizheng suddenly leaned in with his face. The slightly hazy light reflected on the corners of her eyes and eyebrows, making even the fine downy hairs clearly visible. She was truly charming and lovely, as beautiful as a flower.

Her face was fair, and the skin on her face was as delicate as the arms that had been exposed outside the quilt last night.

The next moment, I heard her ask, "Am I beautiful now?"

Qin Lizheng had never been so close to a woman before. His eyes, which were as calm as a lake, showed a rare hint of evasion. He turned his face away, leaving only one side of his chin facing her.

“Oh dear, you really don’t understand anything!” Qian Yingyi was rebuffed. She cursed the unromantic guard in her heart and also muttered a few words.

She then caught the little hawksbill turtle and asked it. The little hawksbill turtle had been with her for a long time and naturally knew that she was just asking and had no other intentions, so it smiled and praised her from head to toe.

Xia Ling nodded in agreement and then gestured with Chun Tang.

Chuntang tilted her head to peek at the carriage that was getting closer and closer, and quickly waved her hand, signaling everyone to leave Qian Yingyi a clear space.

Qian Yingyi pretended to be a little embarrassed, coughed twice, took out a handkerchief and hung it in front of her, secretly thinking about what she should say when she met Yan Ruheng later.

A gentle breeze was blowing, and pedestrians were laughing and chatting softly. Amidst this gentle scenery, Qian Yingyi secretly watched the carriage as it drew closer and closer.

Her phoenix-embroidered shoes had already emerged from under her skirt, and she was about to take a step forward...

The carriage drove right past her, the wind lifting a corner of the curtain, and a few wisps of citrus scent drifted over. Inside, Yan Ruheng was indeed sitting.

"..." Qian Yingyi blinked twice, feeling embarrassed, and turned to look at everyone one by one, "What does this mean?"

Qin Lizheng crossed his arms and chuckled, "It seems that the Yan Sanlang that Miss wants to see doesn't know anything either."

Qian Yingyi suddenly clenched her fist and glared back at him, "What are you laughing at? Don't laugh!"

Xia Ling noticed that Yan Ruheng's carriage was heading towards Jiangning, and since she was single-minded, she realized that Yan Ruheng's carriage was heading towards Jiangning County. Therefore, she quickly stepped forward and said, "Miss, are some of your paintbrushes not working well? I heard that there is a shop in Jiangning that sells very good brushes. I wonder what the quality is like. It's still early, why don't we go and take a look?"

A light, refreshing minty scent wafted into Qian Yingyi's nostrils. The guard brushed past her, turned around, and drove the carriage away from where it had been, arriving in front of her in an instant.

Qian Yingyi pouted, "What are you doing?"

The guard raised an eyebrow and chuckled, no longer trying to hide his feelings. Using the bright sunlight, he lingered his gaze on her shoes for a moment. "Aren't you going to Jiangning? Miss, are you planning to walk?"

Qian Yingyi had her own little bit of reserve. She gave a couple of soft hums before grabbing her skirt, stepping onto the low stool, and boarding the carriage. As she lowered the light yellow curtain, she finally managed to utter a sentence:

"You're quite sensible."

A note from the author:

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Yes, Qin Lizheng has a grudge against this Prince Rui, which I will explain in detail later.

Qian Yingyi directly used her ultimate skill at face-to-face contact—

Qin Lizheng: [Fear][Question mark][Shy]