Chapter 18 Chu Yixin was driven away in silence, the eldest branch of the Jiang family and the Third Prince...
Chu Yixin remained silent. The eldest branch of the Jiang family was engaged to the Third Prince, and this second branch's legitimate daughter probably wanted to make a move on her master. It was easy to guess this with a little thought.
He knew that this was a maid sent by the Jiang family's daughter to seduce her master, but he could tell that the girl's character wasn't bad.
“Master, the servants have no choice but to do this. That girl is so obedient and gentle, but when she is provoked, all she knows is to cry.”
"Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone a person. It's perfectly normal to have some ulterior motives."
Qi Fan glanced at him, and Chu Yixin understood and shut her mouth.
He almost forgot again that the girl was engaged.
...
At that moment, Jiang Zhuoying was squatting outside the window, deeply shocked.
So that's how it is!
She always thought the Second Prince only suspected that she was connected to the poisoned pool water.
Who would have thought the reason for this would ultimately be here...
She was suspected of deliberately trying to seduce him?
For the first time in her life, Jiang Zhuoying felt speechless.
Being beautiful and raising koi fish—now that's become her fault? It's even exacerbating the suspicions surrounding her?
Besides... why did she have to come and seduce him?
After all, outsiders believed that the Second Prince was disliked by the Emperor and was not capable of being given important responsibilities.
opinionated!
Despite harboring many complaints in my heart, I still had to find a way to resolve this matter.
Now that she knows why the Second Prince dislikes her, she'll have to change her strategy...
Jiang Zhuoying lowered her eyes and pondered for a while, then gently touched the grass beside her embroidered shoes and nodded slightly.
...
Having already made up her mind, Jiang Zhuoying still went to find the Second Prince according to her original plan.
She tiptoed to the door of the room and then knocked on it generously: "This servant has come to say goodbye to Your Highness, and also wanted to see Zhuozhuo. May I come in?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Yixin glanced at her master and asked, "Master?"
Qi Fan nodded slightly, and Chu Yixin strode out, holding her whisk, to lead Jiang Zhuoying in.
Jiang Zhuoying lowered her head, walked to the center of the room, and knelt down respectfully: "This servant has come to say goodbye to Your Highness. Thank you for taking me in and for arranging a doctor for me."
Qi Fan, holding a book, glanced at her and said in a calm tone, "Yes, once you're ready, I'll have Pei Yun take you home."
Jiang Zhuoying remained silent for a few moments before giving a deep bow: "Yes."
She bit her lip as she stood up, glanced again in the direction of the earthenware jar, and said in a soft, weak voice, "I wonder if I may see Zhuozhuo again? I feel that I have a connection with it."
"But this parting may mean we'll never see each other again in this lifetime."
As she spoke, her tone became sorrowful, and upon closer listening, one could even hear a slight sob in her voice.
Chu Yixin glanced at her. If someone else had said that, there was a 99% chance they were trying to curry favor with her.
But if this girl said this, he felt there was some sincerity in it, after all, he had seen how close Zhuozhuo was to her.
"Go."
Qi Fan was unusually easy to talk to, perhaps because he felt she was about to leave and giving her some favors wouldn't hurt.
Jiang Zhuoying curtsied again and went toward the earthenware jar on her own.
Just like last time, as soon as she poked her head out, the red carp in the tank suddenly became lively.
The fiery red carp eagerly poked its head out of the water, trying to rub its head against her palm.
Jiang Zhuoying smiled, a genuine smile on her lips. She patted Zhuozhuo's head and said, "This servant is leaving now. I hope Zhuozhuo will live a carefree and joyful life in the future!"
The man behind the desk glanced at her.
"Your Highness, then this servant will depart. I have been extremely fortunate to have Your Highness's protection these past few days."
"Hmm." His voice was indifferent, and his eyes didn't leave the book, clearly indicating that he didn't care.
Jiang Zhuoying curtsied and turned to leave swiftly, but after taking three steps, she suddenly looked back.
Her eyes were clear and bright, her tears sparkling.
He met those deep, indifferent eyes right in front of him.
The girl looked away in alarm and quickened her pace to leave.
The man behind the desk slowly closed his eyes and then gave a soft chuckle.
Chu Yixin was confused and could only watch Jiang Zhuoying's departing figure with some regret.
*
Jiang Zhuoying left with light and quick steps.
She wasn't very confident to begin with, but that last glance as she left was crucial.
The second prince didn't dislike her that much. If he knew she was in trouble and had misunderstood her, he would most likely still help her out!
It would be good to go back to the manor, so I can see Xiangyue and Xiangxing and ask them if anything has happened to them recently.
Jiang Zhuoying brought nothing with her, only wearing the same dress she had worn when she arrived, and followed Pei Yun back to her estate in the eastern suburbs.
The servants in the estate were all her confidants, and naturally kept her previous instructions firmly in mind.
When there are outsiders present, she is treated like a maid.
Jiang Zhuoying got off the carriage and stood beside it: "Guard Pei, thank you for escorting me all the way. I am just a maid, so I will not invite you into the mansion."
"Miss Jiang, you're too kind. I'll take my leave now."
Pei Yun bowed to him, his expression indifferent yet polite.
Jiang Zhuoying nodded: "Alright, Guard Pei, please take care."
Pei Yun drove away, and Jiang Zhuoying also turned and went into the mansion.
Xiangyue and Xiangxing had both received the news and were already standing behind the door waiting for her.
As soon as the carriage drove away and Jiang Zhuoying stepped back over the threshold, her two maids rushed over to her.
"Miss! Miss, how have you been these past few days?"
"Miss, your chin seems even more pointed. Why have you lost weight?"
"We were so worried about you..."
Jiang Zhuoying had the manor gates closed, and then led two maids back to their room.
Inside the fragrant room with its pear-shaped canopy, Xiangyue was massaging Jiang Zhuoying's shoulders.
Xiangxing was rushing over from the kitchen with a food box on her shoulder. She had gone to get some of Jiang Zhuoying's favorite snacks.
...
"So, you mean your plan hasn't succeeded yet, young lady?"
Xiangyue, who was massaging Jiang Zhuoying's legs, looked up.
Jiang Zhuoying held the osmanthus cake in her hand. It was the season when osmanthus flowers were in full bloom. This osmanthus cake was made with fresh petals, had a pleasant aroma, and was really soft and delicious.
She nodded, a hint of resentment in her heart: "Yes, the Second Prince is too scheming and suspicious, making him very difficult to approach."
Xiangyue pouted and said, "Miss, why don't you forget it? You're so delicate, how can you become a maid?"
"If you ask me, it's because the Second Prince is blind. You are perfect in every way; it's he who is shallow!"
"Pfft~"
Jiang Zhuoying burst into laughter. She had indeed suffered some mistreatment from Qi Fan these past few days.
Hearing Xiangyue say this, he nodded seriously, "You're right, he really is blind!"
The smiling faces of the master and servant were reflected in the bronze mirror on the dressing table.
“However,” Jiang Zhuoying changed the subject, “this matter cannot be abandoned halfway. Xiangxing, go and call Wujiu over.”
Xiangxing bowed: "Yes, this servant will go right away."
"Miss, why did you summon Wujiu?" Xiangyue asked with some concern.
Wujiu was the shadow guard left by the master to the young lady, but he didn't usually do the work of a shadow guard. He just did some cleaning and sweeping work in the manor.
Why did my young mistress suddenly call this person in? Could it be that something terrible has happened?
Jiang Zhuoying took a bite of osmanthus cake and smiled radiantly: "Naturally, it's to lure that blind fool...into the trap!"
...
Wu Jiu arrived very quickly. He stood outside the beaded curtain connecting the bedroom and the hall, his brows furrowed and his head slightly lowered.
Jiang Zhuoying looked him up and down, then tentatively asked, "Wujiu, you haven't lost your martial arts skills over the years, have you?"
“Reporting to Miss, although I have been staying in the manor for the past few years, I still get up at dawn every day to practice my skills without missing a single day.”
Jiang Zhuoying nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this, then lowered her voice and asked, "If I were to send you to keep an eye on the Second Prince, are you confident you wouldn't be discovered?"
"……ah?"
Even Wu Jiu looked up in surprise, but the noble air of the girl behind the beaded curtain made him dare not look directly at her.
In the next instant, he abruptly lowered his eyes again.
"Ahem~" Jiang Zhuoying also coughed lightly twice, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.
She took a sip of tea and began to explain the situation to him: "This is no joke. It's related to my sudden contraction of smallpox. I need to find out the truth about it. Can you help me?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Jiu immediately understood the importance of the matter. He stayed by the young lady's side precisely to protect her safety.
He immediately cupped his hands in respect and said, "Your subordinate would gladly die for you!"
Jiang Zhuoying's brow twitched.
"You don't need to risk your life. I just need you to keep watch around the perimeter of the osmanthus grove. If you see the Second Prince making any move to return to his villa, come back and let me know."
"So, is it possible for you to do that?"
Wu Jiu nodded: "Even if it costs me my life, I will not fail in my mission!"
Jiang Zhuoying frowned. She hadn't really spoken to Wujiu much before, and she wondered if all his words were this 'deadly'.
She pursed her lips: "I don't need you to risk your life. Your own safety is the most important thing. If you can't do that, it's okay. I'll think of another way."
"Do you understand?"
Jiang Zhuoying was somewhat worried that Wujiu was stubborn, just like her younger brother.
"Yes, I understand."
"Okay, then you should go right away."
After Wu Jiu left, Jiang Zhuoying patted Xiangyue's arm and said, "Go look in the trunks for some old clothes. Are any of them torn?"
Upon hearing this, Xiangxing stopped Xiangyue, who was about to leave, and bent down to ask, "Miss, where in the manor can you find such clothes?"
“Back in the Duke’s mansion, the servants’ attire was all set according to regulations. Now that we’ve come to the estate, we’re not short of money.”
Jiang Zhuoying remained silent for a moment, then compromised and said, "Then bring me your old clothes that you've worn out, and I'll pick some out."
Xiangyue and Xiangxing exchanged glances; it seemed the young lady was determined to get close to the second prince.
Xiangyue went to fetch some old clothes, and Jiang Zhuoying picked and chose a sand-colored pleated skirt and a beige embroidered shirt.
She observed that the Second Prince's clothes were mostly in understated colors, so she followed suit and chose clothes that suited his taste.
As for the embroidered shirt, it was decorated with a red plum blossom, which stood out against the light-colored fabric and served as a finishing touch.
She chose her clothes and then sat down in front of her dressing table. She hadn't cared about dressing up in recent years and didn't have many cosmetics.
"Xiangyue, go to Luojing City and buy me all the rouge and lipstick colors currently available on the market."
"……ah?"
In Xiangyue's opinion, the girl was very strange. It was one thing to ask for their clothes, but why did she need so much rouge and lipstick?
"Go, and try to be quick. You'll know its purpose when you return."
Xiangyue nodded: "Yes, this servant will go right away."
Xiangyue was skilled in martial arts and could ride a horse, so she brought back what Jiang Zhuoying wanted to the manor before dark.
"Young lady, you've finally taken the time to dress up..."
Xiangyue was almost moved to tears.
These past few years, the young lady has suffered. Although the servants also deeply regretted the passing of her master and mistress, life must go on.
She handed the bundle to Xiangxing, who was standing nearby.
"Young lady, from now on we will live well together with you!"
She couldn't wait to imagine the future, that her daughter would not only live well, but also marry a good man, and that everything would go smoothly for her in the future.
Let's live on, for the sake of the lady! Maybe we can still live to see the day the master and young master return...
Jiang Zhuoying glanced at her: "Alright, we can say these things anytime. You and Xiangxing come over here quickly and help me investigate..."
"Investigate?"
Xiangyue and Xiangxing stepped forward and surrounded them...
Jiang Zhuoying has her own plans, and she is determined to succeed this time.
Therefore... she had to resort to drastic measures.
Take, for example, this pile of rouge...
She plotted to use the rouge to depict a wound.
If it were to be revealed to the Second Prince unintentionally at that time, wouldn't that make him even more pitiful?
The three of them, master and servants, worked all night before they could barely draw the wound that Jiang Zhuoying was satisfied with.
None of the three, including Jiang Zhuoying, had ever suffered such a serious injury. Since they had never seen anything like it, it was naturally difficult for them to create anything.
"Xiangxing, what do you think?"
Jiang Zhuoying looked up at Xiangxing. The reason she didn't ask about Xiangyue was that the girl only knew how to praise her.
No matter what she did, Xiangyue always acted as if saying, "Miss is always right" and "Miss is always good."
For something so important, she still needed to hear the truth.
Xiangxing examined it closely and saw that his daughter's forearm had been painted with several kinds of lipstick, rouge and powder, forming a huge wound oozing blood.
"This...this servant thinks it's appropriate, hmm..."
She hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't, and Jiang Zhuoying immediately knew that she had something to say but couldn't.
With a wave of her hand, she signaled Xiangyue to bring Wujiu over.
It was getting late, and Wujiu had already returned from the Osmanthus Grove.
After listening to Jiang Zhuoying's words, he pondered for a long time: "This wound is drawn too heavily. If the Second Prince invites a doctor, the girl may be easily exposed."
"It would be better to depict it as an old, indistinct wound, so that it is not easily exposed."
Jiang Zhuoying's eyes lit up: "You're right! Xiangxing, adjust the color to be lighter!"
"yes."
...
The oil lamp in Jiang Zhuoying's room burned until midnight, and she was finally satisfied.
Xiangyue felt sorry for her and urged her while tidying up the mess on the table, "Miss, you should rest now, it's already midnight."
"If you ask me, how can we be in such a hurry? We should do these things tomorrow..."
She kept nagging, urging Xiangxing to help her with her hair and makeup.
Jiang Zhuoying smiled and said, "The Second Prince is very cunning, so we still need to make more preparations. Alright, you should all go and rest now."
Two maids helped her wash up, and then she nestled into the couch...
*
The next day.
Jiang Zhuoying was still fast asleep when she was abruptly shaken awake.
"Miss! Miss, wake up! Wu Jiu is back. He said the Second Prince is going back to the villa this morning... Miss!"
Jiang Zhuoying woke up with a start, her eyes widening suddenly: "This morning?"
A note from the author:
----------------------
Yingbao has made ample preparations and is ready to make a comeback...
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