Chapter Ninety-Six: Xu Chumian Dreams of Zhao Yu's Past Life
Xu Chumian didn't ask any further questions.
By the time we returned to Wenju, it was completely dark.
When the two arrived at Lanyun Courtyard, neither of them spoke.
Xu Chumian returned to her room, while Zhao Yu outside instructed Xiao Tao to apply medicine to her.
Zhao Yu didn't go in, but glanced through the crack in the door at the slight sway of the woman's skirt as she walked.
Zhao Yu returned to his bedroom, and Guan Yan immediately said, "Master, Madam is urging us again."
After returning from Yangzhou, Zhao Yu never went back to the Zhao residence.
Zhao Yu's expression remained indifferent as he casually hummed in agreement, then asked, "How is the palace?"
"His Majesty was furious and immediately humiliated Consort Ning in Cuihua Palace, punishing her by reducing her monthly salary. Prince Cheng knelt in the Imperial Study until dark before leaving the palace."
"What about the Marquis of Nan'an's residence?"
"Today, another invitation was sent to invite Madam to tea. I don't know what the Lady of Nan'an said to Madam, but when Madam returned, she looked very unhappy. She also went to the Duke's study and searched for a long time with a lot of noise."
Zhao Yu's lips curled into a cold smile: "Go to the Earl's residence and tie them up."
Guan Yan: "Yes!"
The story of Consort Ying's miscarriage was a lie; she was merely using the opportunity to bring down Consort Ning. Consort Ning had been spoiled and arrogant for many years, and the concubines in the harem had suffered greatly because of her. Consort Ying's future was limitless, so she naturally wanted to get rid of Consort Ning immediately, or die trying.
So when Zhao Yu approached Consort Ying for cooperation, she agreed without hesitation for just two days. She wanted to get rid of Consort Ning completely, and for her, this was her only chance.
During this trip to Yangzhou, we have obtained most of the evidence confirming Mu Mu's background.
However... we need to wait for an opportunity to completely disrupt this situation.
Guan Yan paused, then couldn't help but ask, "Master, is Miss Xu really going to leave after New Year's Eve?"
The sound at the end of Guan Yan's voice grew weaker and weaker.
On Xu Chumian's first day at Wenju, the master seemed much gentler than in the previous days!
Zhao Yu glanced at him, his expression one of utter sarcasm.
Let Xu Chumian go?
How could that be?
That night, Xu Chumian first dreamed of her first meeting with Old Madam Li, and then she dreamed of Zhao Yu.
The scene in the dream was at the Zhao residence, on the path leading from the side gate of the Zhao residence to the west courtyard.
Camellias fell to the ground, one after another.
Like an outsider, she watched Zhao Yu's figure walk down that road day after day.
His figure grew increasingly thin and lonely.
A thick fog surrounded them, preventing Xu Chumian from seeing Zhao Yu's face clearly.
When Xu Chumian woke up, the sky was turning blue, and the wind and snow outside continued.
The room was warm from the underfloor heating. She lay on the bed, staring blankly out the window.
Today I'm going to Luming Academy.
After having breakfast with Mu Mu, Xu Chumian planned to go out.
When I left Lanyun Courtyard, the door was tightly closed.
Xu Chumian looked away.
Mu Mu rode in a separate carriage, and Qiu Yu took her to Doctor Chen's place... with some guards following behind.
Those who went out with Xu Chumian included Zhao Nai, Xiao Tao, and... Dong Jiu.
Xu Chumian's lips curled into a slight sneer.
In just two days, a lot happened. When Xu Chumian stepped into Lumingxuan, she felt as if she had entered a different world.
When the morning classes ended, Qin Hua called her over.
"How are the spices prepared? The caravan will depart in three days."
Xu Chumian: "I reckon we can pack them up tomorrow."
Qin Hua nodded. "Have you been very busy these past few days?"
Xu Chumian was taken aback, then shook her head. "It's just a family matter."
Qin Hua wisely refrained from asking any further questions.
As Xu Chumian left Lumingxuan, she ran into Zhao Lingyao's maid, who said that Zhao Lingyao had reserved the meeting hall and invited Xu Chumian to have lunch together later.
Xu Chumian smiled and hummed in agreement.
She waited in the corridor, holding a hand warmer.
Xiao Tao: "Girl, it's cold outside. Let's go inside first, so we don't catch a chill later."
Xu Chumian: "It's alright, it won't be long."
The words were spoken.
Xu Chumian was lost in thought. In the past, Xiao Qingyan would often wait for her to leave the Xu family's courtyard in the early morning. He would not knock on the door, but would just stand guard at the door, for fear of disturbing Xu Chumian.
Xiao Qingyan always said, "It won't be long before I have to wait, and it won't be long before I have to wait any longer."
Xu Chumian's eyes stung.
The journey to the north is arduous; where has Qingyan gone now...?
Soon, Zhao Lingyao's figure came into view, and not far behind her was Xingyang.
Xingyang looked much more haggard recently, and she also saw Xu Chumian not far away.
Xingyang suddenly lowered his head. Just recently, His Majesty had repeatedly found fault with the Chen Prince's Mansion.
Xingyang didn't know the specifics, but it was definitely related to Xu Chumian.
Now that Xiao Qingyan is gone, Xu Chumian has lost a major supporter.
Zhao Yu doesn't even like Shen Lingyin, so how long can he like Xu Chumian?
One day, she will make Xu Chumian pay the price!
Xu Chumian narrowed her eyes slightly; Xingyang really had no intention of giving up.
Zhao Lingyao has arrived.
Xu Chumian looked away, and the two smiled at each other.
Zhao Lingyao couldn't help but ask, "Chumian, where did you go yesterday? I didn't see you at the shop."
Xu Chumian: "I had something to do yesterday and went out of the city."
Zhao Lingyao said "Oh," and then took her arm, saying, "Let's go eat. I'm starving. I have to practice the zither this afternoon, and I want to go home already."
Xu Chumian said gently, "We'll be taking a break from school soon. In about ten days it will be New Year's Eve."
Luming Academy will not officially start classes until early February.
We will take a full month off during the Chinese New Year.
Zhao Lingyao muttered, "Thinking about this is what motivates me to get up in the morning."
After Zhao Yu went to Yangzhou, Zhao Lingyao began to slack off again, only showing up for class on time every day.
"My aunt told me that my eldest brother returned to the capital a couple of days ago and hasn't been back to the mansion since."
Xu Chumian did not respond.
Zhao Nai, Xiao Tao, and Dong Jiu behind them also remained silent.
Zhao Lingyao then noticed the unfamiliar Dongjiu.
"Sister Chumian, is this the newcomer?"
Xu Chumian hummed in agreement and changed the subject: "Lingyao, let's get in the carriage."
On the way to the restaurant, Zhao Lingyao couldn't help but talk about her recent worries.
In two days, Zhao Lingyao's father will return to the capital, bringing with him a concubine and a son.
“My mother has been crying secretly lately. I caught her once, but she wouldn’t admit it.”
Xu Chumian patted her head. "It's okay, the elders will handle it, don't worry."
Zhao Lingyao sighed.
After finishing her meal, Xu Chumian went to the shop first, where the spices Qin Hua had requested were almost ready.
Xu Chumian then summoned Liu Da and asked him to go to the Yu family to find Qin Hua.
When the Yu family caravan arrives in Beijing, Liu Da will also go with them.
Xu Chumian stayed in the shop for a long time, until it got dark before... returning to Wenju.
Back at Lanyun Courtyard, Zhao Yu was in his room.
Seeing that she was standing motionless by the path, Guan Yan couldn't help but ask, "Miss Xu, is there something you need?"
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