Chapter 23 Her arm was injured. Before she could finish speaking, a tall figure appeared...
Before she could finish speaking, a tall figure walked towards her.
Without saying a word, he bent down and picked her up horizontally.
It was dark, and his expression was not visible.
Jiang Zhuoying could feel the man clench his fists and steadily carry her toward the back room.
She felt a little better.
In this way, she also had time to think about what had just happened.
He clearly caught her steadily, so why did he throw her off halfway?
In the dim light, the girl pursed her lips, her tone somewhat aggrieved: "This servant was only trying to hold Zhuozhuo, why did Your Highness deliberately throw this servant down?"
She emphasized the word 'deliberate,' which puzzled her.
The man had already entered the room and, taking advantage of the moonlight streaming through the window, threw her onto the couch.
A muffled thud was followed by Jiang Zhuoying's startled cry.
Her tone was plaintive and weak: "Does Your Highness intend to kill this servant?"
The man glanced at her, then went to light the candlesticks.
Although he was doing a series of things, he had not yet answered her question.
Jiang Zhuoying pursed her lips again. Although she wasn't hurt when she fell on the couch, the anger she had suppressed earlier reignited.
"Your Highness?"
The man suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze deep and dark, like a vortex that could absorb everything.
"Just do what you're supposed to do, no need to overthink it."
His voice was a little hoarse, yet it seemed he was deliberately maintaining his usual indifference, his tone still cold.
Jiang Zhuoying was slightly taken aback: "?"
What does this mean?
Isn't protecting Zhuozhuo exactly what she should be doing?
When she wanted to ask for clarification, she only saw the man's back as he turned and left.
Jiang Zhuoying: "..."
She learned that the second prince was old, suspicious, and even his speech was incoherent and rambling.
No wonder he is usually so aloof and can go half a day without saying a word.
Maybe he's afraid someone will notice something amiss...
It was getting late, and after washing up, she fell into a deep sleep.
*
The next day.
Jiang Zhuoying woke up groggily, and with just a casual swing of her arm, a sudden wave of soreness made her wince.
"Hiss~"
It must be because she suddenly took Zhuozhuo in last night.
Zhuozhuo was too heavy; she could hardly support its weight, let alone with its surprise attack.
Jiang Zhuoying slowly moved her arm, feeling unbearable pain.
"Waaah..."
Tears welled up in her eyes.
She wanted a doctor to take a look...
But in the current situation, Jiang Zhuoying suddenly remembered the whip marks drawn with rouge on her arm.
Even if she had washed away the whip marks last night, and they were still on her hands, wouldn't the doctor have already given them away when he saw them?
That won't do... At the very least, we can't tell Eunuch Chu or the Second Prince about this.
Jiang Zhuoying suddenly remembered something else; she had to find a way to see Wujiu today.
After looking around the empty room, she quickly came up with an idea.
...
"To Luoyang?"
Jiang Zhuoying nodded: "Exactly."
"But didn't you already lose that bundle? What is the purpose of your trip to Luoyang this time?"
Chu Yixin asked for details.
After all, this girl is now considered a member of their household, so he naturally needs to find out where she came from and where she came from.
Before Jiang Zhuoying could reply, a pair of silver-embroidered bamboo-patterned boots stepped out from the threshold of the main room.
"Master?"
"Hmm." The man glanced at the pretty young girl standing beside him. "What happened?"
Chu Yixin smiled and said, "This Miss Jiang wants to go to Luojing City."
"Luoyang?"
The man shifted his gaze and looked at the girl beside him.
Jiang Zhuoying didn't wear her hair in a double bun today, for a simple reason: she doesn't know how...
With no maidservants to take care of her, and her arm aching, she was utterly helpless when it came to fixing her hair.
Therefore, he gritted his teeth and used a hairpin to tuck away the stray hairs, just enough to make it look presentable.
Jiang Zhuoying replied obediently, "Your Highness, this servant wishes to purchase some clothing and miscellaneous items..."
The man remained expressionless: "Just give the list to the purchasing staff in the manor."
Jiang Zhuoying choked on her words, pursed her lips, and had no choice but to reveal her trump card.
"But...Your Highness, I went to buy...something that was damaged by Your Highness..."
She hesitated and didn't say it directly, but even so, the Second Prince would surely understand.
Sure enough... as soon as she said this, the man standing in front of her suddenly fell silent.
The light and smooth feel of the fabric is so real that it seems almost tangible in your hand.
"Cough cough cough cough." The high-pitched voice coughed violently.
The man glanced at Chu Yixin beside him, and the latter immediately changed her expression and turned around.
"Miss Jiang? Shall I send someone to escort you there?"
"No, no, no, that's not necessary." The girl kept shaking her head. "I... just need permission to go to the accounting office to withdraw some silver."
"I can go by myself, there's no need for a special escort."
Her refusal was so decisive and firm that Chu Yixin was suddenly speechless. He turned to look at his master.
The man remained expressionless and offered no objection.
He breathed a sigh of relief, then said in a high-pitched voice, "Fine, then go to the accounting office and collect your wages yourself?"
"Yes, thank you, Eunuch Chu, thank you, Your Highness."
Jiang Zhuoying turned and left, and everything proceeded according to her plan.
Even though she didn't need that money, she still went to the accounting office despite her discomfort in order to avoid suspicion and prevent anyone from finding fault.
When he left the manor, he instructed Wujiu to come and see her every three days at 9:00 AM, starting from today.
Going out now would be just right.
...
Jiang Zhuoying left the Second Prince's villa alone.
When she went to the accounting office to withdraw money, she ran into Zhao Xiping, who told her that there was a post station two miles east of this villa, where she could rent a carriage.
Jiang Zhuoying glanced around but couldn't see Wujiu.
He must be hiding in the shadows. With that thought, Jiang Zhuoying turned and headed east.
Once Wujiu has traveled a certain distance and feels he will not be noticed, he will definitely appear to see her.
Sure enough, Wujiu appeared just as she was about to reach the post station.
Jiang Zhuoying immediately asked him to take her to Luojing to find a clinic to examine her arm.
Wu Jiu dared not delay; the young lady's hand was injured, and this was of utmost importance.
He immediately rented a carriage and personally drove Jiang Zhuoying to Luoyang.
Once inside the city, Wu Jiu inquired everywhere and then took Jiang Zhuoying to Baofu Medical Clinic.
Jiang Zhuoying met an acquaintance here, Liu Zhiyou.
Seeing her at the clinic, Liu Zhiyou couldn't hide her surprise: "Azhuo? What brings you here?"
The last time she saw her, it was when the Second Prince sent someone to fetch a doctor overnight, but today she saw her, a young lady, come alone, which made her feel puzzled.
Jiang Zhuoying smiled at her, secretly relieved that she had just sent Wujiu out to buy her some snacks.
"Ah You, I carried heavy things in my arms yesterday, and I felt a little uncomfortable this morning. Could you take a look at them?"
Upon hearing the mention of her illness, Liu Zhiyou immediately became serious: "Okay, don't worry."
...
Fifteen minutes later, Jiang Zhuoying walked out of Baofu Medical Clinic. Her arm was fine, but even so, Liu Zhiyou still gave her two jars of ointment to apply.
"Young lady? What brings you out here?"
Wu Jiu was carrying a bag of osmanthus cakes and was walking towards the clinic when he saw his young mistress already out of the clinic. He was shocked.
"My injury is not serious. Please take out this osmanthus cake and let me have a taste."
"……yes."
...
Jiang Zhuoying ate the osmanthus cake in her hand. It didn't taste as good as the ones she made in her small kitchen, but it was enough to satisfy her craving.
Wu Jiu stood behind her, shielding her from the rushing crowd.
His expression grew increasingly serious: "Miss, the crowds coming and going here are too numerous and chaotic, and I'm afraid they might offend you. Perhaps we should find another place?"
In fact, he didn't understand why his daughter, who had finally returned to Luojing City, insisted on going into this bustling city.
"If you're looking to buy some clothes and jewelry, why not go to Yuanbaolou?"
In Wujiu's eyes, only the things in Yuanbaolou were barely worthy of his young lady.
Jiang Zhuoying swallowed the osmanthus cake in her mouth: "Your young lady is just a maid now. How expensive do you expect me to wear hairpins and jewelry?"
"this……"
At this point, Jiang Zhuoying was suddenly drawn to a jewelry stall by the roadside.
These pieces of jewelry may appear somewhat rough upon closer inspection, but their unique designs are their greatest asset.
Jiang Zhuoying looked around carefully for a few minutes, then casually picked out a few hairpins and pearl flowers.
"Give me the money."
She glanced sideways and gave instructions to Wujiu, her tone light and cheerful.
"yes."
Wu Jiu immediately buried his head and picked out the corresponding amount of silver from his purse.
...
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the teahouse directly opposite the jewelry stall.
Inside a quiet and elegant room, three people stood by the window. Two of them stood behind the window, taking in the scene before them, while a slightly older, beardless man stood behind them.
"Who is that girl?"
Gu Yunci glanced at the man beside her who was watching coldly but couldn't move.
He immediately turned his head and asked Chu Yixin.
"Your Highness, that is the person Your Highness's wife treated at the manor last time."
"oh?"
The man's tone rose, and he suddenly became more interested.
"This means... someone beat us to it?"
"Your Highness may not know, but this Miss Jiang already has a fiancé."
"oh?"
His tone became more forceful, and the interest in his eyes intensified. He looked out the window for a while longer before drawing his conclusion.
"It seems that Miss Jiang's fiancé is quite fond of her."
"Not only did they rush to pay her, but they also protected her safety at all times, and even more so, they always strictly adhered to the separation of men and women..."
"Ziqian, what do you think?"
The man glanced sideways, but Qi Fan's expression remained unchanged, his face cold as he turned and walked to the square table.
"Have the maids serving the Imperial Concubine been arranged?"
"Tsk, we've only exchanged a few words, and you're already itching to talk about these boring things?"
"In my opinion, if you really like it, why not just take it? Why covet it like this?"
Be careful what you say.
The two words, cold as ice, carried an immeasurable authority.
Gu Yunci glanced at Chu Yixin and shrugged.
*
Jiang Zhuoying wandered around the bustling market stalls for a long time, and Wu Jiu's hands were almost too heavy to lift.
She glanced around, then headed straight for the deserted Yuanbao Tower...
Wu Jiu's first reaction was to recall how much silver he had brought with him on this trip.
He hadn't expected the young lady to come to Luoyang, much less that she would come to buy so many things...
Jiang Zhuoying was completely unaware of his thoughts and went straight into Yuanbao Tower.
Before her accident at home, she had been here before, but when she stepped into the house again, everything around her had changed.
Jiang Zhuoying's thoughts were simple; she was just taking a stroll along the way, as she hadn't been to these places for many years.
The allure of hairpins, jewelry, and fine silks to young women has remained constant throughout history.
This is the first floor, a place that ordinary families with a bit of wealth can afford, and Jiang Zhuoying is very familiar with it.
In the past, she would have gone upstairs by herself, but not today; she simply didn't feel like it.
Although the items here were much more refined than those at the previous stall, they still didn't catch Jiang Zhuoying's eye.
She walked slowly around the counter, seemingly uninterested...
Nothing seemed interesting, and in her boredom, she glanced back and saw Wu Jiu stop in front of a hairpin.
Jiang Zhuoying raised an eyebrow slightly, took a few steps back, and saw clearly that it was a filigree turquoise butterfly hairpin.
"What? You like this hairpin?"
Wu Jiu immediately raised his head, his expression showing a hint of embarrassment: "Miss, young lady..."
Jiang Zhuoying looked like she knew everything: "So you've found someone you like?"
Wu Jiu hesitated, then swallowed hard and asked, "Does the young lady know what kind of jewelry Xiangxing prefers?"
"Lucky star?"
Jiang Zhuoying's eyes widened. How come she didn't know when Xiangxing had gotten involved with Wujiu?
Wu Jiu, blushing, assured him, "I truly love Xiang Xing and will definitely treat her well!"
Jiang Zhuoying's expression faltered slightly; she was being far too incompetent as a mistress...
Xiangxing was her personal maid, yet she was completely unaware of even this slight movement.
Seeing her silence, Wu Jiu became even more uneasy, thinking that she disagreed with the matter.
He immediately broke out in a cold sweat: "Miss, I... I mean it..."
Jiang Zhuoying snapped out of her daze and glanced at him: "When did this happen between you two?"
Wu Jiu's heart tightened, and he quickly took all the blame upon himself.
He spoke with some urgency: "It was I who first admired the auspicious star, it was I who proceeded step by step with careful planning..."
"Xiangxing originally wanted to tell Miss about this, but I stopped her, which is why she didn't tell Miss in time."
Jiang Zhuoying watched him wring his hands and stamp his feet, then pursed her lips and said, "We can talk about this later. I just want to know when you two got together?"
Wu Jiu paused for a moment, then told the truth: "One year ago."
Jiang Zhuoying was speechless. It's been a year already!
She was completely unaware...
"girl?"
Wu Jiu tentatively spoke again.
Jiang Zhuoying sighed softly: "Alright, I understand. You want to give her this hairpin?"
Wu Jiu glanced down at the turquoise hairpin again, then nodded: "This subordinate thinks this hairpin is barely worthy of the auspicious star. What do you think, young lady?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhuoying buried her head and examined it carefully. The turquoise filigree was both fresh and exquisite, matching Xiangxing's steady and quiet nature.
Wu Jiu is right.
She nodded and then called over the shop's employees as well...
*
Meanwhile, on the second floor of Yuanbao Tower, Gu Yunci carried a square brocade box, preparing to go downstairs and return to her residence.
He turned his head and said, "I'll give this set of jewelry to Ayou. She'll definitely like it. I'll thank you on her behalf."
"That's not necessary."
"Tsk, your personality."
Before he could finish speaking, he sensed something subtle and looked down at the other person's gaze.
"Oh, this young lady brought her future husband to Yuanbao Tower? What has she taken a fancy to?"
Once he asked the question, whether it was a joke or not, people around him went to inquire.
Before long, the servant returned to report: "Sir, that young lady has taken a fancy to a turquoise hairpin, but perhaps she's a little short on money, as she's still hesitating."
Following his words, Gu Yunci continued to look down at the building...
Sure enough, the girl was holding a turquoise hairpin in her hand.
He casually asked the servant beside him, "How much does that hairpin cost now?"
"Replying to your question, sir, it's five taels of silver."
Gu Yunci then looked at the man beside her with great interest.
...
Jiang Zhuoying waved for the waiter to leave, then examined the hairpin up and down to make sure there was nothing wrong with it before looking up at Wujiu.
"Xiangxing should like it, is this the one you want?"
Wu Jiu nodded, then shook his head repeatedly: "Miss, I was unprepared for this trip and didn't bring enough silver. I'll buy it after I take you back to your lodgings."
Jiang Zhuoying blinked: "I received an advance on my wages from the Second Prince's residence before I came. Why don't you use mine first?"
She offered her suggestion at the opportune moment, but to her surprise, Wu Jiu firmly shook his head: "No, what kind of behavior is this? This is something I want to give to Xiangxing, and it must be paid for with my own money."
Jiang Zhuoying frowned and said that this was just a temporary loan of money to him, but the other party remained unmoved.
Jiang Zhuoying: "..."
Would Xiangxing really like someone so stubborn and single-minded?
Unable to persuade her otherwise, she had no choice but to give up.
Jiang Zhuoying returned the hairpin to the waiter and turned around, saying, "Let's go back now."
"yes."
Wu Jiu's hands were laden with things, yet he protected her as they left...
Gu Yunci raised an eyebrow: "Why don't you leave that hairpin behind?"
She naturally asked the taciturn man beside her.
Qi Fan glanced at him: "If you like, then stay."
"Tsk... What does this have to do with me?"
*
Jiang Zhuoying bought a lot of things and was then sent back to the Second Prince's villa.
She pondered all the way, and before parting ways with Wujiu, she instructed him: "In the future, just have Xiangyue come over; you don't need to come."
Wu Jiu panicked for a moment: "Miss... is there something I did wrong?"
Jiang Zhuoying shook her head: "No, I sent you before because your martial arts skills are much better than Xiangyue's, but now it seems that she can also do it."
"Furthermore, you should spend more time with Xiangxing in the manor. I haven't taken good care of them over the years, and it will be more convenient for Xiangyue to handle things with me by her side."
Wu Jiu was stunned for a moment, then nodded solemnly.
He was overjoyed, knowing that his daughter did not object to his relationship with Xiangxing.
"Your subordinate obeys! Please wait a moment before returning, young lady."
Jiang Zhuoying nodded, carrying a pile of bundles, and headed towards the Second Prince's villa...
In high spirits, she hummed an unknown tune and walked back with a smile on her lips.
At the gate, they encountered the Second Prince and Eunuch Chu returning on horseback.
She wondered where the two of them had come from, but she didn't care.
"This servant greets Your Highness, and also Eunuch Chu."
She was carrying a large pile of various bundles, and her manners were not very proper; she only gave a perfunctory curtsy.
However, her beaming smile made it clear to anyone that she was very happy.
Chu Yixin smiled and replied, "Miss Jiang went to Luojing City and seemed to be in high spirits."
Jiang Zhuoying nodded without any hesitation: "I bought a lot of things, so of course I'm happy."
A cold voice suddenly rang out: "It's past noon now, and this is how you take care of Zhuozhuo?"
"……ah?"
Jiang Zhuoying felt as if she had been doused with a bucket of ice water, and the smile on her face vanished instantly.
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