Chapter 26 He was holding me way too tightly.
The foreign feeling in her palm lingered for a long time, and by lunchtime, Chi Ying found that she still couldn't hold the silver chopsticks and spoons properly.
When she picks up the soup bowl, she is reminded of his scalding temperature. Her palms are still red, as if they have been crushed by something.
During my afternoon nap, lying on the newly laid brocade quilt, I always think of the sticky, gushing sensation from the morning, which seems to linger on my fingertips even after repeated scrubbing.
Lying down against the soft pillows, the tent had clearly been scented, yet the man's lingering scent seemed to still cling to her nose, refusing to dissipate.
The moment I close my eyes, all I can hear in my mind is his deep, hoarse groans, and my whole body trembles.
And then there were those thin, red eyes, with tears streaming down them.
He... he actually shed tears over this?
Chi Ying's mind was in turmoil, but fortunately, she had been busy with many things these past few days, which somewhat diverted her attention.
With the banquet for all beauties approaching, Aunt Qionglin came today to help her choose some gifts to present to the princes and princesses who are ranked lower in the hierarchy.
Prince Zhao is the seventh in line. Below him are the unmarried eighth and ninth princes, Princess Yu Xi, the only daughter of the Empress, Princess Chun Yi, the daughter of Consort Wen, as well as the heir of Prince Rui and the young princess of Prince Qing. As the Empress's sister-in-law and aunt, she should give gifts to the younger generation.
Chi Ying remembered that Consort Zhuang had mentioned Princess Yu Xi, saying that the birthday gift that Prince Zhao gave her was the one she liked the most. It was clear that Prince Zhao must have loved his younger sister in the past. But this princess happened to be the Empress's daughter. She sighed inwardly, wondering how Prince Zhao's investigation was going.
Qingzhi also brought portraits of noble ladies from the palace, supposedly to prepare for her entry into the palace for a banquet. Eunuch Yuande specially commissioned the paintings, which included portraits of concubines, princes, princesses, and several royal consorts.
These portraits were a lifesaver for her, but as she held the scroll in her hand, she inexplicably recalled the enormous, imposing figure.
She shook her head, banishing those inappropriate images from her mind.
After noon, Baoshan returned with the lease agreement for Liumian Lane and the indenture of the servants, saying that she had signed a one-year lease with the landlord and that the maids she had bought had been brought back to Liumian Lane to begin cleaning and arranging.
"I left them some money for rice and grain so they could make preparations. The carriage deal has also been arranged. If all goes well, we should be able to bring Aunt Xue out of the Earl's mansion in three to five days."
Chi Ying was overjoyed. The thought that her mother would no longer have to be subservient to others and could live a life of her own, and that the maids bought from outside would be more reliable than Yin Shi's confidants, relaxed her brows and revealed a long-lost smile from the bottom of her heart.
But then, as if suddenly remembering something, the smile on his lips slowly faded.
At present, King Zhao does not fully trust her, and his occasional sarcastic remarks are chilling.
This time, Bao Shan was out on business, under the guise of making gold jewelry for her, but things seemed to be going a little too smoothly?
It was hard to pinpoint exactly what was strange, but it was as if some unseen force was subtly pushing things along, and all the troubles that lay before her were easily resolved.
Chi Ying felt a sudden chill run down her spine. She decided to wait a few more days to observe King Zhao's attitude before deciding on the next course of action.
After all, it was no easy task to bring her mother out of the Chi residence. With her mother around, Madam Yin could keep her in check. Even if Madam Yin was somewhat restrained now, she would still be furious, even if she didn't dare to cause a huge uproar. If Prince Zhao suspected her of having ulterior motives and sent people to keep an eye on the Chi residence, and Madam Yin caused another disturbance, Prince Zhao could easily trace the clues back to her.
Chi Ying took a deep breath, repeatedly reviewing the things she had done in the past few days in her mind, wondering if she had given herself away anywhere. Her heart tightened, and she broke out in a cold sweat.
Yan Gui Lou (Wild Goose Returns Tower).
After carefully examining Prince Zhao's reddened eyes, Lin Yuanpan was slightly surprised and couldn't help but ask, "Has Your Highness been experiencing any symptoms of emotional distress recently?"
Yan Xuecui pursed her lips: "No."
Judge Lin asked tactfully, "Have you tried other medications or incense stimulation?"
Yan Xue frowned: "No, just say what you have to say."
Lin Yuanpan said, "Your Highness's eyes are red, as if... as if you have been crying. Although this will not have the effect of detoxification, crying can help relieve emotions, improve blood circulation around the eyes, and flush out some toxins. Over time, this may speed up the recovery."
Yuan De's eyes lit up: "You mean..."
He glanced cautiously at his prince halfway through his sentence.
He didn't deny it!
Yuan De noticed that he unusually slept in this morning, and when he came out of Shuyu Zhai, his eyes were slightly red. He initially thought it was because he hadn't slept all night, but he didn't expect that he had shed tears...
This is truly... it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a fantasy.
As a veteran who had served Prince Zhao for ten years, Yuan De had never seen him shed a tear. Even when Prince Ding died on the battlefield and Consort Zhuang suffered a hysterical attack, His Highness never shed a single tear.
Last night, Your Highness was with the Princess Consort the whole time. Could it be that the Princess Consort used some tricks when they were in bed together?
His Highness seemed to have no intention of pursuing the matter, and today, as he left Shuyuzhai, he felt an unprecedented sense of joy.
Thinking of this, Yuan De tentatively asked, "Is it thanks to the Princess?"
Yan Xuecui ignored him and only said to Lin Yuanpan, "I know what I'm doing. You can treat him as you see fit."
Judge Lin bowed and replied, "Yes."
Yan Xue tapped her knuckles on the table, then suddenly asked, "Is that Snow Skin Cream effective for old, dark scars?"
After careful consideration, Judge Lin said truthfully, "Although Snow Skin Cream has a remarkable effect on moisturizing the skin and fading scars, especially on fresh and shallow wounds, it is more effective. However, for old, uneven wounds, even long-term application may not be able to fully restore their former smoothness and delicacy."
Although it is unknown who needs it, since King Zhao has brought it up, Imperial Physician Lin is willing to do his best. "Your humble servant can go back and look through medical books. Perhaps we can formulate an even more effective ointment based on the Snow Skin Cream."
Yan Xuecui rubbed her fingertips together, the soft touch from last night still lingering in her fingers. The girl's skin was smoother than the finest silk, and with a little pressure, her knuckles seemed to sink in.
That one spot, however, was excessively abrupt.
He recalled her soft sobs as he touched the scar. She was clearly talking about something painful, yet she was so careful with her breathing, struggling to breathe, and still had to force a smile to comfort him.
Never mind, helping her is just a matter of saying a few words.
Who told her to be so pitiful?
Yan Xuecui said, "Then I'll have to trouble the judge."
Judge Lin hurriedly replied that he dared not.
A short while later, the guard who had been following Bao Shan came to report that Bao Shan had rented a house.
"Yesterday, this precious fan rented a courtyard house in Liumian Lane in the east of the city, and today he bought two maids from a human broker. During this time, he had contact with the attendant of Prince Xuan."
Yan Xue frowned: "Rent a house? Do you know who you're going to house?"
The guard said, "I don't know yet, but I have made another discovery that may be related to this matter."
Yan Xuecui took a sip of tea: "Speak."
The guard truthfully replied, "Two days ago, this precious fan spent a hundred taels of silver to buy a bottle of Jiji Pill at a pharmacy, and then went to the backyard of the Marquis of Changyuan's mansion to deliver the medicine to Chunliu Garden."
How could a mere maidservant possibly have so much silver? It must have been either at the behest of the Princess or on the orders of Prince Xuan.
Yan Xuecui asked, "Who lives in Spring Willow Garden?"
The guard said, "The Spring Willow Garden is kept very secret from everyone. All I know is that the person inside is seriously ill in bed and needs medicine every day."
“The strange thing is,” he paused, then continued, “I once sneaked into Huichuntang and looked through Doctor Hu Zhengqing’s medical records. I also found something strange. On the day the Princess returned to the mansion, she ordered Baoshan to invite Doctor Hu to the mansion to examine Madam Yin’s pulse. However, Doctor Hu did not go to the Osmanthus Courtyard where Madam Yin lived, but to this Spring Willow Courtyard.”
The implication was that the princess had not summoned the doctor for Lady Yin's sake, but rather for the people in the Spring Willow Garden.
"Keep a close eye on Chunliu Garden." Yan Xuecui's brows furrowed slightly, her voice cold. "The servants of the Chi family may not know who is hiding in Chunliu Garden, but those who serve the medicine closely will certainly know. Grab someone and ask them."
The guard immediately obeyed the order and bowed as he withdrew.
As Yan Xuecui sipped her tea, she suddenly said, "Since the Princess has helped me so much, I should do something to show my appreciation, shouldn't I?"
Yuan De was the only one inside, so the question was naturally directed at him.
Yuan De nodded in agreement, but he was really curious. However, His Highness did not want to say more, and he couldn't very well ask the Princess Consort how she made His Highness cry. He was so eager to know that he had to keep quiet for the time being.
After pondering for a moment, Yan Xuecui asked, "Are the flowers and trees that the Imperial Garden Administration sent a few days ago still in the greenhouse?"
Yuan De smiled and said, "Yes, this year's gifts are all rare treasures. The craftsmen in the flower room are taking good care of them. Once the flowers bloom, they will be sent to Shouchun Hall."
Yan Xuecui instructed, "Have someone select some of the better quality ones and send them to Shuyuzhai."
Yuan De paused for a moment, then quickly gave the order.
At dusk, at Shuyu Studio.
The maid Yinqiao lifted the curtain and came in, her face beaming with joy: "Your Highness, come out and see! His Highness has sent you many flowers!"
Chi Ying was quite surprised. When she stepped out of the house, she saw pots of exotic flowers and plants filling the entire courtyard. It was truly a riot of colors and a hundred flowers blooming.
Could it be that he took her casual remark last night about liking to grow flowers to heart and that's why he sent so many over?
Steward Liu Changshun stepped forward, bowed, and explained, "His Majesty, out of consideration for Your Highness and the Empress, sends carefully cultivated and precious flowers and trees to the residence every flower season. Some of these varieties are rarely seen even in the palace, such as the Yao Huang, Dou Lü, and Shi Ba Xue Shi [Note], which are only found in a handful throughout the entire Great Jin Dynasty. His Highness, knowing that you like them, specially ordered me to select some of the best ones."
Chi Ying smiled and said, "Your Highness has gone to great lengths."
Back in the village, she often tended to the flowers and plants. The flowers that covered the hills outside the village could be used to make tea and snacks. The dried flowers and plants could be made into sachets to exchange for some money. When freshly picked flowers were placed in her mother's room, the melancholy in her mother's eyes would dissipate, and her mood would be much more comfortable.
However, these are all rare treasures that can only be admired from afar and not touched. Naturally, they are most favored by the noble ladies in the palace. For Chi Ying, while she is happy, the pressure in her heart is even greater.
She had never tended to these precious flowers and trees before, and had never even seen them before. It was like putting an expensive jade bracelet on the wrist of a country girl; how could she possibly take good care of it?
Liu Changshun seemed to notice the worry in her eyes and quickly ordered the two gardeners behind him to step forward. "These two are skilled in flower and tree cultivation. From now on, they will stay in Shuyuzhai to take care of your flowers and plants. Your Highness can just enjoy them and doesn't need to worry about anything else."
Chi Ying breathed a slight sigh of relief. She hadn't expected that Prince Zhao would send a gardener to her. She wondered if he would come today, so she said to Liu Changshun, "Please thank His Highness for me."
Aunt Fangchun, who was standing to the side, smiled and said, "Of course, we will wait for Your Highness to come so that you can thank him in person."
A blush crept onto Chi Ying's fair cheeks, just as the clouds on the horizon turned into scattered gold dust, lightly covering her snow-white skin, making her skin appear even more rosy, translucent, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Looking at the princess, who was more beautiful than any flower, Fangchun recalled the bedding that had been changed that morning and knew that the two masters had gotten married.
Once the first step is taken, one is bound to become accustomed to its sweetness and delight, and thinking of this, Fangchun's smile deepens.
After dinner, King Zhao still came.
He went inside, put down his bamboo cane, and sat down on the couch. "I heard that the princess wants to thank me properly?"
Chi Ying was looking at the portrait sent by Yuan De when she heard this and was slightly stunned, even forgetting to bow for a moment.
Not knowing what he was up to, she pursed her lips and said, "Yes, I must thank Your Highness for the flowers."
Yan Xuecui raised an eyebrow: "How will you thank me?"
Chi Ying: "..."
Does this mean I have to pay it back?
What could she possibly do to thank him for?
Or should I continue to help him after what happened this morning? Or should I give myself to him?
Chi Ying tentatively asked him, "How would Your Highness like me to express your gratitude?"
Yan Xuecui countered with, "How do ordinary wives thank their husbands?"
Hearing these titles, Chi Ying blushed slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable. After considering for a moment, she said evasively, "May I embroider a handkerchief, or a sachet, or a belt for Your Highness? Or I could make a pair of boots. What would Your Highness like?"
Yan Xuecui lowered her eyes and smiled, "That's fine too."
Something occurred to him, and a thought flickered in his mind: "How many days will it take to do all this?"
Since Chi Ying had nothing else to do, she estimated and said, "The embroidered handkerchief and sachet will be ready in a few days if things go quickly, but the belt and boots will take longer. The embroidery needs to be more intricate, so it will take at least ten days to half a month."
Yan Xuecui said calmly, "Make me an eye veil."
Chi Ying was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked at his reddened eyes.
Her eyelashes were long, casting a faint shadow beneath her eyes. Her pupils remained a deep, cold gray, but the hazy red added a touch of melancholy and brokenness.
She was still somewhat surprised. For a blind person, the eyes should be the most vulnerable and the most protected part of their body, yet he wanted her to be his blindfold... A strange feeling inexplicably rose in her heart, a rustling, slightly numb sensation.
"Does Your Highness have a preference for embroidery patterns?"
Yan Xuecui said indifferently, "You decide what to do."
The two then washed and took a shower.
When Yan Xue returned, she walked around the screen and smelled a stronger incense scent than usual. She couldn't help but frown. "Why is the incense so strong today?"
Chi Ying pursed her lips slightly. If it weren't for the lingering scent of him in the tent, she wouldn't have needed to have Xiang Qin burn incense for a while longer.
She herself doesn't like strong fragrances, and even though the windows were open for ventilation during the day, he could still smell it.
"How about I open the window and let it air out a bit?"
Before she could finish speaking, the man had already wrapped his arms around her from behind, his breathing slightly heavy: "No need, just stay close to me."
From under the bed to on the bed, he almost always kept his arms tightly around her. Chi Ying felt hot and breathless, and she took small breaths by his neck, but she was afraid of kissing him.
A gentle warmth brushed against her neck, like feathers scratching repeatedly. Yan Xuecui looked up and sighed deeply.
Chi Ying blushed deeply and finally couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, I...I feel a little hot."
He was hugging me way too tightly.
Yan Xue's eyebrows twitched slightly: "Then what do you want?"
Chi Ying: "..."
Shouldn't we loosen it up if it's hot?
Yan Xue Cui suddenly had a look of realization on her face, "You don't want to wear your nightgown?"
Chi Ying's mind went blank for a moment, her fingers gripped his clothes tightly, and her whole body turned bright red.
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Author's Note: A day in Xiao Yan's life: eating, sleeping, and teasing his wife [glasses]
Starting tomorrow, updates will resume every night at 10 PM! 50 lucky commenters will be randomly selected to receive a red envelope (cash gift). Please continue to support me, my darlings! [kissing face emoji]
[Note] Yao Huang and Doulu are both peony varieties, while Shiba Xueshi is a camellia variety.
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