Chapter 29 Is Yu Er so easily tested?

"Fifth Miss." Yu Xuanqing greeted her, her gentle voice softening the imposing distance.

Zhu Xuanning resisted the urge to flee and quietly waited for him to continue.

Yu Xuan suppressed the smile on his lips, letting his dark hair fall to his ears, then lowered his head, curving it into a gentle arc.

As if by magic, he produced a velvet flower from his wide, gathered sleeves and presented it to Zhu Xuanning with both hands.

"I won't trouble you twice. Please trouble Fifth Miss to put the flowers in my hair again." Yu Xuan said softly. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating his handsome profile, which resembled a jade mountain and gentle water.

Zhu Xuanning stared blankly at the velvet flower. She recognized it as the flower she had thrown down that morning.

But she didn't want to think about the meaning behind Yu Xuan's suggestion that she wear flowers in her hair.

"Fifth Miss," Yu Xuan called softly again.

Zhu Xuanning snapped out of her reverie, responded softly, and then carefully placed the delicate, fiery red begonia flower into his hair.

That intense, almost blindingly vibrant color instantly adorned his plain sideburns and collar, like a crimson sunset, highlighting his youthful, gentle face.

Yu Xuan suddenly softened his breathing, his lowered eyelashes trembling slightly as he quietly accepted the subtle weight.

Only when Zhu Xuanning lowered her hands did Yu Xuan raise his head. He stroked the fluffy flowers in her hair, and even his gentle smile was tinged with a flamboyant hue.

The Yu Xuan that Zhu Xuanning had always seen was as beautiful as an orchid and as lovely as jade, not the flamboyant figure she had now.

It seemed that only at this moment did he regain the youthful exuberance and spirit.

Thank me? Zhu Xuanning unconsciously fiddled with the shawl, her fingertips trembling slightly, her heartbeat gradually quickening.

She was waiting for Yu Xuan's next words, feeling both nervous and inexplicably expectant.

Yu Xuan remained silent for a moment, carefully considering how to slowly reveal his purpose, but at that very moment, Shu Qing hurriedly knocked on the door.

The ambiguous atmosphere vanished instantly when Shuqing barged in.

"Second Brother Yu, if you have urgent business, you should go quickly," Zhu Xuanning said in a low voice, urging him on.

Yu Xuan turned his head and looked over, his gaze falling on the girl's obedient and smiling eyes. He was stunned for a moment, his heart softened, and he said what Shu Qing had not said in front of others: "His Majesty summoned the newly appointed scholars and named me. After returning from the audience with the Emperor, I will have to attend the banquet, and I am afraid I will not be free for the next few days."

I know you have doubts and anxieties. How about I tell you after I'm done and have some free time?

Yu Xuan's gaze was gentle as he explained to Zhu Xuanning, word by word. After he finished speaking, he waited nervously for Zhu Xuanning's reply.

Zhu Xuanning noticed Yu Xuan's caution and nervousness. She squeezed her sweaty palms, knowing that she had been given a chance to test him.

So she opened her mouth, making a gesture as if she wanted to speak, but then hesitated and stopped, avoiding Yu Xuan's gaze, her hand unconsciously touching the sachet at her waist.

At that time, he was sitting in his room reading by lamplight, while Ji Yucheng was sitting in another corner of the room, carefully and diligently embroidering a small sachet. At that time, the sachet was just an inconspicuous piece of cloth.

He had never embroidered anything before, so he clumsily pricked himself several times. Song Zhaohan laughed at him for it. Although Ji Yucheng ignored Song Zhaohan with a cold face, there was a faint smile on his lips.

Yu Xuan was getting a headache from the two people arguing, and his mind became restless, so he immediately changed rooms to concentrate on reading.

Now, seeing her caressing the sachet again, a wave of bittersweet emotions washed over Yu Xuan.

Knowing her own dullness and lack of interest, and seeing his affection, Jingzhi panicked and fearfully used her power to coerce and pressure him, even using the favors they had shared, just to get his approval.

He retreated, but those surging emotions eventually broke free of their cage.

Yu Xuan knew that Mingyue in his heart only wanted to marry Gao Quan, so he also fantasized that after he rose to prominence, he could possess Mingyue in his heart.

He had intended to express his feelings.

Besides, Jingzhi is also quite good. Her initial target was Jingzhi, and when she interacted with him, she was always respectful and dared not overstep her bounds. Now, even when she came to see him in a slightly ambiguous manner, she was accompanied by a sachet made by Jingzhi herself.

How could he continue to so shamelessly offend her in secret, when she had clearly shown her hesitation and panic on her face?

Yu Xuan thought about it over and over again, seemingly convincing himself, then suppressed his emotions and smiled gently as before: "I'm leaving."

He said his last words to Zhu Xuanning, then bowed and left.

No matter how hard Yu Xuan tried to hide it, Zhu Xuanning still noticed the difference in his attitude before and after.

Zhu Xuanning was stunned for a moment, and when Po Mo came in, she saw her sitting on a low stool, resting her chin on her hand, lost in thought.

"I think I messed things up." Zhu Xuanning sighed, then quietly told Po Mo what had just happened.

How come the person who was so bold this morning, crossing the line to kiss the velvet flower, immediately backed down when he saw her tentatively touching the sachet?

Zhu Xuanning felt annoyed by Yu Xuan's unpredictable courage.

No, she still didn't believe that Yu Xuan had suddenly realized his mistake because of friendship. As a gentleman, he should know shame. If he truly valued his friendship so much, he would never have crossed the line in the first place! Nor would he have kissed her velvet flower after signing that contract!

Zhu Xuanning was annoyed by Yu Xuan's retreat, but she knew she couldn't back down and give up this rare opportunity.

After returning to her residence, Zhu Xuanning secretly instructed Po Mo to inquire which powerful and influential families had recently sent invitations to the Yu family, and which family's invitations the Yu family had accepted.

A few days later, Splashed Ink brought news.

The Yu family held a banquet to honor the emperor. Women without official titles were not allowed to attend such banquets. Among the entire Zhu family, only Zhu Yuli was invited because he was a close minister of the emperor.

Zhu Baoyue, sulking, nestled in Zhu Xuanning's arms, shoved the invitation into Zhu Xuanning's hand, and hugged her arm, saying, "Luckily, I had my older sister to go with me, otherwise I wouldn't have wanted to go."

"Isn't Xi Yue going?" Zhu Xuanning asked, stroking her soft hair.

“Go ahead, Mother has already spoken to Father, and Father sent someone to ask for leave for my younger brother.” Zhu Baoyue’s mood worsened as she spoke of this.

"It's just a banquet at the General's Mansion, why are you so unhappy?" Zhu Xuanning asked, feigning confusion. Zhu Baoyue couldn't hold back any longer.

"What do you mean by 'playing'? Last time she said it was just 'playing,' but it turned out she wanted me to find a match. I'm not stupid. This time, I'll definitely find a match at the General's Mansion again."

Zhu Xuanning understood: "You don't like him?"

Zhu Baoyue lowered her head: "I just don't like the General's Mansion."

This time, Zhu Baoyue didn't let Zhu Xuanning finish speaking. She raised her head and smiled sarcastically: "I did say it, of course I did. She called me a blockhead, a rebellious daughter, and said I didn't understand her good intentions. She doesn't care what I want. As long as she thinks it's good, she'll give it to me."

Zhu Xuanning tried to comfort her, but Zhu Baoyue didn't want to get back to the matter. She snuggled into Zhu Xuanning's arms, hugged her waist, and said in a muffled voice, "Sister, can I eat and sleep here with you tonight? I don't want to go back to the courtyard."

"Okay." Zhu Xuanning patted her head, her voice softening slightly.

Why not do something that will cause trouble for the Qin family?

Zhu Baoyue was a little happier and kept pestering Zhu Xuanning to play with her. Zhu Xuanning didn't have much experience in coaxing children, so she simply taught Zhu Baoyue the games that her older sisters had taught her. The girl was indeed very happy and even talked about playing those games before going to bed.

Zhu Xuanning placed her hand on the makeup box, but unusually spoke up for Qin Shi: "To me, Qin Shi is a wicked person, but her motherly heart is genuine. Don't just listen to Bao Yue's words; she must be hiding something from you."

Upon hearing that Zhu Baoyue had rested in Zhu Xuanning's courtyard, Madam Qin breathed a sigh of relief. However, thinking of her daughter's rebellious words that afternoon, Madam Qin became angry again.

Seeing this, Madam Hua immediately stepped forward and patted Qin's back to comfort her, saying, "Madam, don't get upset. Children are all debts. What child in the world doesn't disobey their parents? Miss is just having trouble getting over it now. Once she gets married and has children, she will understand your good intentions."

"That idiot! Rebellious daughter!" Upon hearing this, Qin Shi not only felt no comfort, but instead grabbed her handkerchief and slammed it on the table. Now, her hands ached, and her heart ached too.

"I've been her mother for so many years, and I never saw that she would have such thoughts!" Madam Qin said, tears streaming down her face, her eyes filled with hatred. "Back then, Bao Yue was not well. As soon as she boarded the ship, she vomited until she was unconscious and had a high fever and fainted. I listened to my husband's words and reluctantly raised her in Jiangnan."

I said, "That bitch hates me so much, how could she treat Baoyue like a precious jewel, and even have her only son treat my beloved child with the utmost kindness!" When Baoyue returned, she refused to be close to me and insisted on going back to Jiangnan, which made me realize something was wrong. It was my husband, my father, and my brother who persuaded me, and I stopped thinking about it too much.

Now it seems I was overthinking things! This was that wicked woman's scheme against me! She harbored hatred and resentment, wanting revenge, so why didn't she target me? Why scheme against my daughter like this! My daughter is so little, just smiling at her, calling her "Auntie," how could she bear it! How could she bear it!

Upon hearing this, Madam Hua's expression suddenly turned serious, and the trusted maid who had accompanied Madam Qin to the Zhu residence as part of her dowry also immediately changed her expression.

"Madam! You're so angry you've lost your mind! You're saying all sorts of nonsense!" Madam Hua scolded loudly, while Jiaoyue quietly withdrew to observe the commotion outside.

After Jiaoyue finished talking with the second-class maid in the courtyard and confirmed that no unauthorized people had approached, she left. Only then did the little maid who had been hiding behind the pink wall and long corridor emerge with a pale face.

"Get out of here quickly! Keep this to yourself. Don't act like this and let anyone find out!" The round-faced girl was annoyed by her sister's behavior as soon as she saw Jiaoyue off, and immediately scolded her.

The girl, pale-faced, hurriedly left, completely bewildered, when she unexpectedly encountered Po Mo, who was just leaving the house.

"Suizhu, where did you go to play while you were on duty? You've gotten so disheveled." Pomo stepped forward and smoothed the plain white pith flower that was crooked at her temples, then took her hand with concern.

When Po Mo returned to Luoxue Courtyard, Zhu Xuanning was already on the couch, leaning against Zhu Baoyue, fanning herself with her hand.

"Shh." She stopped what she was doing, speaking softly to stop the ink from splashing.

When Zhu Xuanning lifted her fan and came out from the inner room, Po Mo lowered his voice and told her the latest news.

"Does the matriarch of your Mei family truly have such intentions?" Zhu Xuanning inquired.

“Miss, you are mistaken. I am your person and have no connection with the Mei family anymore.” Po Mo said calmly, a slight sadness passing by, and then answered Zhu Xuanning’s second question: “Madam Mei did have this intention at first, but as time went by, she developed some feelings for him. Seeing that Lord Zhu was also rising in power, she no longer had this intention.”

Zhu Xuanning lowered her hands and pondered. From the few words in the splashed ink, she could roughly understand Madam Mei's style of doing things.

"In your opinion, can the two ladies reconcile because of the affection between the younger generation?"

Po Mo paused for a moment, then carefully asked his young lady, "If there were a family member's life and other grievances between you and Madam Zhu, could you reconcile them because of the affection between the younger generation?"

“Absolutely impossible.” Zhu Xuanning suddenly laughed, her hand holding the round fan unconsciously swaying slightly.

Between them lies more than just a life.

"Alright, you should rest now. Have the maids from Jinghao Pavilion guard the courtyard tonight. I'll get the broken pearl from Baoyue in a while." After Zhu Xuanning finished speaking, Po Mo responded.

Many people were paying attention to the movements of the Zhu family and the General's Mansion, and Xi Yin naturally informed Ji Yucheng about it.

In the bright room, ink, paper, and medicine dregs were scattered all over the floor. The young man, who had not been dressed for many days, sat cross-legged among these piles of things, repeatedly and quietly using the medicine grinder, over and over again.

Ji Yucheng raised his head, his black hair falling back with the boy's movement, revealing his unfocused, cold eyes.

Xi Yin repeated herself, the sound of grinding the medicine gradually fading away, and this time Ji Yucheng heard it clearly.

"Are you going?" Xi Yin asked cautiously, a hint of pleading in her eyes.

Ji Yucheng did not answer, and continued to repeat the actions she was doing.

Xi Yin felt sorry for him, but even though his legs were numb from squatting, she didn't dare to move.

"It can't be ground anymore." After a long while, the sound of grinding the medicine finally stopped, and Xi Yin heard Ji Yucheng's long-awaited reply with tears of joy.