Chapter 20
Ning Shiyu continued, "With the Crown Prince protecting the Imperial Uncle, Prime Minister Cui will always have to be somewhat cautious."
"After all, the Crown Prince's personal guards are all quite skilled in martial arts."
The current emperor is said to be incompetent and weak by everyone, but if it weren't for him back then...
After the successive deaths of Ning Shiyu's parents, he was still young. Without the protection of his imperial uncle, he would not have escaped the clutches of the Cui family.
He always remembered the kindness his imperial uncle had shown him back then.
Furthermore, Ning Shiyu and Emperor Yuanhe are blood relatives, and he would not disregard the safety of his imperial uncle no matter what.
He instructed Ning Shiyu to secretly assist the King of Qin.
He was willing to entrust his kingdom to the King of Qin.
The crown prince couldn't have been unaware of it.
Knowing his father's thoughts, he remained as filial as ever, which probably meant he tacitly approved of his father's actions.
"So far, it has only been the Cui family that has attacked us; the Crown Prince has not been involved."
"Of course, Yu'er dares not relax the necessary precautions."
"The correspondence only revolved around the health and safety of the Emperor's uncle."
After listening to his explanation, the King of Qin felt guilty, realizing that even in his middle age, he was not as insightful as his young nephew.
"Don't worry, Yu'er, your uncle naturally trusts you and supports your ideas."
"I will not fail my brother's trust."
Ning Shiyu raised his hand and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Uncle."
"I will be returning to Chang'an in a couple of days. I have already taken care of the matters that my uncle entrusted to me."
"It has been handed over to Huijue."
Upon hearing that Ning Shiyu was returning to Chang'an at this time, the King of Qin's heart sank.
Then he remembered that Ning Shiyu's mother's birthday was approaching, and he would go to Chang'an to pay his respects every year.
The King of Qin frowned slightly. "Yu'er, your uncle knows you are filial."
“Our relationship with the Cui family is becoming increasingly tense. If you return to Chang’an now, your uncle is worried that the Empress will cause trouble behind your back.”
Ning Shiyu remained calm and smiled knowingly, "Uncle, don't worry, I can handle it."
*
Songtao Garden is far from Xieqiao Lane, and Fu'er rarely goes home.
In the blink of an eye, it's the third day of the third lunar month, the Shangsi Festival.
She had made plans with her cousin during the Chinese New Year to go on a spring outing and enjoy the scenery on this day.
While we were there, we went to the moat to dip our hands in the water and pray for blessings.
This day was also the sixth birthday of her eldest nephew, Changge.
Fu'er asked Ning Shiyu for leave a couple of days ago, saying she was going back home.
Ning Shiyu, of course, would not stop him; he himself had been invited by a friend to attend the winding stream banquet.
Fu'er dressed up especially today, wearing a short, light blue Xiangfei-colored jacket.
She wore a plain-colored long skirt as her lower garment.
She's been eating less for dinner these days, and her waist is much thinner than before.
From behind, her exquisite figure is even more apparent.
She wore her hair in a single bun, with the plum blossom silver hairpin she always wore on her head.
She applied some lip rouge.
Her eyebrows were delicate and light, her hair was black, her skin was fair, her lips were red, and her teeth were white, as radiant as a spring peach.
As she passed by Dongyue, she gave her a cold glance.
Seeing Fu'er's thin shoulders, snow-white breasts, slender waist, and pert hips, as well as her fair skin that looked as if you could pinch water out of it.
She looked down on Fu'er, but in her heart she couldn't help but sigh, "No wonder she's the one who warms the young master's bed, her appearance is just as good as that Aunt Yun's."
As soon as Fu'er left the hospital, her eyes met those of Ning Shiyu, who was about to get into the carriage.
Today he was wearing a snow-white brocade robe with gold trim, and a belt with a moon-white auspicious cloud pattern around his waist.
A piece of mutton fat jade pendant hung from his belt.
He wore a light, matching cloak over his clothes.
Her jet-black hair was covered with a white jade crown inlaid with gold.
What a handsome young man! He was incredibly elegant from head to toe. Fu'er suddenly saw a walking gold ingot.
She rubbed her eyes, shattering her illusions, and said sweetly, "Young master, your servant has arrived."
Ning Shiyu looked up and was stunned for a long time.
A moment later, his expression darkened. "Go back and change into a loose-fitting dress."
"You'd better wear your usual gray coat."
"Wipe the stuff off your mouth."
Fu'er's face paled, and she immediately explained, "Young master, it was you who gave me these new clothes."
"You made me wear it last time."
Ning Shiyu's gaze was cold, and he didn't listen to her explanation, showing no mercy. "If you still want to leave the manor today, go and change into your gray coat."
"Otherwise, you can stay at the manor."
After saying that, he bowed and entered the carriage.
Seeing that Fu'er remained still, he instructed Uncle Qi, "Let's go back to the Ning residence first. Let's go."
Fu'er then panicked and said, "Young master, wait for me! Can't I change?"
Fu'er was angry because the other party was the master, thinking about the ten taels of silver that had been added to her salary.
He obediently returned to the side room and changed into his old clothes.
On purpose, he refused to wear that gray coat.
Instead, she changed into a long purple coat, which was wide and covered her shapely figure.
After Fu'er climbed onto the carriage, Ning Shiyu looked her over before turning his gaze away. "Let's go."
The carriage dropped Fu'er off near Xieqiao Lane.
When she returned home, her cousin You Cuicui and her maid Huan'er had been waiting for her for a long time.
What Fu'er didn't expect was that there was another person waiting for her.
That was Zhu Ping, the accountant.
He was wearing a blue robe, and after some time, he had become even more handsome.
Seeing Fu'er return, he gently rose to greet her.
She was holding a small box in her hand, her cheeks slightly flushed, and she handed the box to Fu'er.
Fu'er's mother and sister exchanged a smile, becoming even more satisfied with Zhu Ping.
Man'er poured tea for Zhu Ping, reminding her sister, "Zhu Ping has been waiting for you for a long time, why don't you take the things inside and take a look?"
Fu'er was used to seeing Zhu Ping in the accounting office, looking like a serious old man.
Feeling a bit awkward, she said, "Why take it inside? This is a birthday gift that Zhu Ping prepared for Chang Ge'er."
"Of course it should be given to Chang-ge."
He immediately handed the small box to his nephew.
Man'er snatched it away quickly and poked Fu'er's forehead, saying, "You really are a blockhead."
"I'll keep your things for you, and I'll tell you later."
Wen kept looking Zhu Ping up and down.
They greeted him warmly and asked him all sorts of questions.
They didn't care that Fu'er hadn't been home for a long time.
Fu'er knew that if she didn't take Zhu Ping away soon, her mother would probably start checking his birth date and time.
After giving Changge'er his birthday gift, she hurriedly helped You Cuicui and led Zhu Ping out of the house.
You Cuicui's gaze towards the two men was somewhat ambiguous.
Zhu Ping didn't care at all and continued to follow behind them.
Fu'er could only say tactfully, "Zhu Ping, thank you for coming to see me today."
"I'm going on a spring outing with Sister Cui Cui. You should go back to the Ning residence first."
As he spoke, he generously took out twenty copper coins from his purse and stuffed them into Zhu Ping's hand, saying, "Good boy, take these to buy some candy."
Her tone was exactly the same as it was years ago when she comforted Zhu Ping when he was bullied.
Zhu Ping immediately frowned and returned the copper coin to Fu'er, saying, "I'm not a child anymore, why would I buy candy?"
Feeling dejected, he walked ahead of the two of them on his own.
Fu'er wanted to persuade her again, but You Cuicui stopped her, saying, "No wonder your sister said you're a blockhead, you're such a silly girl."
"If he wants to come with us, then let him come. It's fine."
After hearing You Cuicui's words, Fu'er stopped trying to stop her.
I thought they would go to the moat again this time, but Yu Cuicui smiled mysteriously and said, "Going to the moat every year is nothing new."
"This year I'm taking you to a different place where you can pray for blessings and enjoy the spring scenery."
Half an hour later, the carriage took them to a garden outside the city for sightseeing.
When they arrived, the entrance was filled with cars, one after another.
Fu'er was quite surprised to see so many distinguished guests.
They followed the crowd into the courtyard.
The scenery inside is varied, and there are many fun activities to enjoy.
There are games that women love to play, such as pitch-pot, ball-crushing, and boating on the lotus pond.
Kites that children love to play with.
On the other side, separated by a wall, were the areas where men enjoyed playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football) and polo.
Although separated by only a wall, it was bustling with activity.
Dazzled by the sights, Fu'er was dumbfounded; she had never been to such a fun place before.
Despite her heavy body, You Cuicui's eyes shone brightly, and even her maid Huan'er, who followed her, could hardly keep up with her pace.
She took Fu'er's hand and strolled around.
Zhu Ping followed behind the two at a leisurely pace, observing their excited expressions, clearly having forgotten the main purpose of their outing that day.
I had to speak up and suggest, "Why don't you go to the lotus pond first, break off a willow branch, dip it in water to ward off evil spirits, and then go play something else?"
The two sisters then followed the others to the lotus pond, where they broke off willow branches, dipped them in water, and patted themselves with them.
This is a folk custom of breaking off willow branches, dipping them in water, to ward off evil spirits and pray for blessings.
Fu'er didn't forget her mother's instructions; she made sure to see everyone in the family, and while taking pictures, she kept chanting auspicious words.
Zhu Ping absentmindedly patted the table a few times, then stood to one side.
After You Cuicui was helped to sit down on a stone bench by the maid, Zhu Ping approached Fu'er and said, "Shall I take you boating?"
Just now, when passing by the lotus pond, Fu'er kept looking at the small boats on the pond.
But her cousin is heavily pregnant now, so they don't dare let her have the procedure.
Fu'er didn't know how, so she had no choice but to give up silently.
They even added, "Just the two of us."
By the end, Zhu Ping's ears were slightly red, and his voice was so soft it was barely audible.
Fu'er heard clearly and hesitated, "I also want to go boating, but I can't row and can't take you."
Zhu Ping said, "I can row, I'll show you."
Fu'er's eyes lit up, and she pulled Zhu Ping away.
Ten coins per person, Zhu Ping hadn't even had time to pay yet.
Fu'er had already handed the silver to the boat watcher.
He pulled Zhu Ping onto the boat, as if afraid that if they were a moment too late, someone would snatch him away.
Zhu Ping is not only a steady rower, but also quite skilled at it.
Fu'er felt much more at ease sitting in the back and kept waving to You Cuicui on the shore.
You Cuicui was filled with envy.
The lotus pond surrounds the entire garden, allowing Fu'er to see not only the scenery of the lotus pond but also the lively scene on the shore.
Just as she was waving a lotus leaf and humming a little tune, she suddenly heard a familiar voice calling from the shore, "Fu'er!?"
Fu'er looked in the direction of the sound and saw Caiwei standing to one side and Yunyou sitting at the green table in the teahouse on the shore.
Today, Yunyou is dressed in extremely bright and heavy colors.
But the one who truly stands out in the crowd is Ning Shiyu, who is currently sitting in the main seat, chatting animatedly with someone.
Upon hearing Caiwei's call, his gaze immediately swept over.
He made eye contact with Fu'er.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Zhu Ping at the bow of the boat.
His eyes were like sharp, icy blades, staring straight at the two of them.
Fu'er's heart skipped a beat. She nudged Zhu Ping in front of her and said, "Quickly row, pretend you didn't see anything."
As he spoke, he covered his head with the lotus leaf in his hand.
Unexpectedly, before Ning Shiyu could speak, another young man beside him recognized Fu'er.
He called out loudly, "Brother Ning, isn't that your maid, Fu'er?"
"Hurry up and bring her up. When it comes to composing poetry, this girl is no less talented than us."
The speaker was none other than the host who had invited us today.
He is also the eldest son of the Wei family, a prominent family in Lingyang.
It's truly rare to receive a compliment from him.
It was simply because Fu'er back then truly possessed that ability.
She was seven years old when she started following Ning Shiyu, who was twelve.
Without realizing it, she had already learned a lot of words.
While the teacher was instructing Ning Shiyu, Fu'er sat on a small stool to the side and looked through the book of poems that Ning Shiyu had given her.
The goal was to keep her from disturbing me.
Unexpectedly, she developed a liking for these kinds of books, and her conversations were filled with poems and verses.
Ning Shiyu found it easy to handle and also found it quite interesting.
When Kefu returned home, she found her family completely bewildered.
She's stubborn and her parents tell her to speak properly.
Not only did she ignore him, she also brought back several books for her family to read together.
Finally, having no other choice, Madam Wen mustered her courage and begged Ning Shiyu, the young master, to stop giving Fu'er these kinds of books.
Ning Shiyu outwardly agreed, but privately still asked Fu'er to continue watching.
Enraged, Luo Linchun threw Fu'er to Ning Shiyu and forbade her from going home.
During this period, Ning Shiyu had already made many friends among scions of prominent families and literary figures.
When they often came to Ning's residence to compose poems, Fu'er would always have the opportunity to show off her skills.
Fu'er is not only adorable, but also knows many poems.
Ning Shiyu's friends all remember her.
This young master Wei had known Ning Shiyu for a long time and was also very familiar with Fu'er.
Later, when Fu'er grew up, Ning Shiyu stopped letting her show her face.
Years have passed, and Fu'er has grown into a young lady, but Young Master Wei still recognized her at a glance.
Just then, Ning Shiyu spoke up: "You've mistaken her for someone else. She's not Fu'er."
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