Chapter 142 Xu Chumian Plots to Fake Death, Zhao Family Sends Betrothal Gifts
The next day.
Zhao Lingyao still secretly slipped out of the mansion.
It seems the older brother was just saying it; he still couldn't bring himself to really punish his adorable younger sister.
Zhao Lingyao went to the princess's residence and continued to invite Xu Chumian to go sightseeing outside the city.
I never expected that Sister Chumian would actually agree this time!
"Let's go to Hanshan Temple to relax."
Zhao Lingyao nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay."
The carriage drove out of the city, where the grass was growing tall and birds were singing; summer was just around the corner.
Xu Chumian put her hand over her eyes to block the glaring sunlight.
Having been away from the mansion for so long, Xu Chumian was somewhat dazed.
Outside Hanshan Temple is the moat that flows out of the city.
There are two or three ferry crossings along the river.
Once on the boat, you can travel down the river to the south of the Yangtze River.
Xu Chumian will not go to Jiangnan; she will disembark midway and then change direction to head to Shu.
Xu Chumian gazed at the ever-flowing river, her eyes unfocused, making it impossible to discern her true emotions.
A bad feeling gradually arose in Zhao Lingyao's heart.
"Sister Chumian, please don't do anything rash..."
Xu Chumian looked at Zhao Lingyao with a faint smile in her eyes, "My body and hair are given to me by my parents, and I will not easily seek death."
Zhao Lingyao was finally relieved.
Seeing Xu Chumian smile, Zhao Lingyao breathed a slight sigh of relief.
It seems that going out of town to relax really did help.
Further up the mountain is Hanshan Temple.
The Hanshan Temple is said to be extremely effective in granting prayers for marriage and children.
Today is neither the first nor the fifteenth of the lunar month, yet the temple is full of worshippers.
After walking around the temple, the two decided to return to the city.
On the way back, the gloom that had been weighing on Xu Chumian finally dissipated a bit, and Zhao Lingyao, with a smile on her face, began to speak up for Zhao Yu again.
"Sister Chumian, although my older brother seems aloof, he is very kind to us. If you get married, he will definitely love and cherish you."
Although Zhao Lingyao was innocent and young, she understood the meaning behind His Majesty's bestowal of marriage.
To defy the imperial decree and refuse marriage is to disobey the imperial edict.
If we anger His Majesty...
Zhao Lingyao shook her head, waiting for Xu Chumian's answer.
Xu Chumian moved her lips, "Lingyao, no one can predict the future. Entrusting your whole life to a man is the most unworthy thing."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Lingyao couldn't help but grasp Xu Chumian's hand.
"Sister Chumian, although I'm not engaged either, but... but I also know..."
Xu Chumian shook her head and soon arrived at the Kapok Incense Shop.
Xu Chumian got off the car first.
Zhao Lingyao had no choice but to return to the Duke's mansion first.
Xu Chumian went to see Liu Er and gave him a few instructions.
It was already dark when they returned to the princess's residence.
In the two months since she moved in, Xu Chumian has grown accustomed to every plant and tree here and has developed feelings for them.
That night, Zhao Yu arrived.
At that time, Xu Chumian was having a meal.
The man's figure appeared in the courtyard.
Xu Chumian looked up, her grip on her chopsticks tightening. "...Have you eaten?"
Zhao Yu paused slightly, raised an eyebrow, and his eyes held a profound meaning.
"I am truly surprised and am very grateful for the Princess's hospitality today."
Xu Chumian frowned. "Fine, then don't eat it."
A soft chuckle escaped Zhao Yu's throat.
Xu Chumian suddenly raised her head. "What? Are you afraid I'll poison you?"
Zhao Yu shook his head. "To die at your hands would be worth it."
Xu Chumian stared at him, "Don't talk nonsense."
Xiao Tao quickly served a set of bowls and chopsticks.
Zhao Yu sat down next to Xu Chumian.
Xu Chumian remained silent, and Zhao Yu did not utter a sound either.
It's rare for the two of them to have such a quiet and harmonious time together.
After finishing her meal, Xu Chumian went to the restroom to wash her hands and came out to find Zhao Yu still there.
She frowned. "Why aren't you leaving yet?"
Zhao Yu leaned against the window, gazing at her from afar.
"Want to go for a walk?"
Xu Chumian was unwilling to go.
Zhao Yu: "Alright, then I'll stay in the room with you."
Xu Chumian frowned. "I don't need you to accompany me."
After saying that, Xu Chumian went directly to the incense room to mix perfumes.
The door was closed tightly.
Zhao Yu chuckled to himself, sighed softly, and left the house.
Xu Chumian looked out through the small window of the incense room.
Zhao Yu hadn't left yet; he was in the courtyard talking to Zhao Nai.
Xu Chumian frowned.
Fortunately, when I went to talk to Liu Er today, Zhao Nai was only waiting in the main hall.
Xu Chumian stayed in the incense room for more than an hour.
When she came out, Zhao Yu had already left.
Xu Chumian asked Zhao Nai, "What did Zhao Yu ask you just now?"
Zhao Nai scratched his head. "Lord Zhao asked me where the princess went today? Don't worry, princess, I didn't say anything."
Xu Chumian: "..."
Given Zhao Nai's straightforward nature, he didn't even realize that Zhao Yu had tricked him into revealing all his information.
Xu Chumian thought for a moment and realized that even she herself would fall for the same trick, let alone Zhao Nai.
Zhao Yu has always been cunning and treacherous.
After taking a shower, Xu Chumian lay back in bed, and thinking about what would happen in a few days, she felt full of energy.
It swept away the slump of the past few days.
Soon, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Within two days, the Duke's mansion sent the betrothal gifts.
Most of these betrothal gifts were prepared after Zhao Yu's rebirth, and Zhang added even more a few days ago.
The betrothal gifts were transported out of the Duke's mansion at dawn, a total of 240 loads, which astonished the people along the way.
I've seen arrogant people.
I've never seen anything so extravagant.
The large red procession passed through several markets and towns before arriving at the Princess's residence.
This is a marriage contract bestowed by His Majesty!
Many people came to watch the excitement outside the princess's mansion.
Xu Chumian did not show up; all those things were piled up in the front yard of the Princess's mansion.
Many of them are not meant to be exposed to rain.
The housekeeper had no choice but to inform Xu Chumian and temporarily pile all the items into the storeroom.
Xu Chumian felt an indescribable sense of frustration.
Just bear with it for a few more days!
It wasn't until this evening that all the betrothal gifts were delivered to the princess's residence.
That very night, Lady Zhang arrived at the Princess's residence.
Seeing that Xu Chumian was in much better condition than a few days ago, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Xu Chumian still didn't know how to get along with Zhang Shi.
After all, there were unpleasant experiences in my past life...
Knowing that Xu Chumian was usually a man of few words, Zhang did not dwell on it.
So she said, “Chumian, you are young, and your maternal grandmother is concerned about this matter. Your maternal grandmother will prepare your dowry.”
“He’an is a bit reckless in some ways, but his heart is entirely with you. Now that His Majesty has bestowed this marriage upon you, there’s no turning back. We must look forward. Don’t worry, when you come to the Duke’s mansion, we, as your elders, will certainly not treat you unfairly.”
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