Chapter Thirty-Two: Testing Chen Jiao
Chen Qing's tone left no room for doubt. Zhang Shi was afraid that she would really kick them out to freeze, so she could only force a smile and say, "Look at you, I'm just worried about your father. If you don't want to, then don't."
Chen Zhenyan injured his leg and deliberately cried out "Ouch!" until Wang Zhong ignored him and he finally stopped.
I spent a sleepless night.
Chen Qing slept relatively well.
The next morning, as soon as she woke up and made the slightest noise, Pei Xuan fawned over her, "Sister Qing, are you awake?"
Chen Qing was still a little dazed. He rubbed his eyes and asked, "Is it daylight outside?"
Hearing Chen Qing's voice, which sounded half-awake and a little softer than usual, Pei Xuan smiled and said, "It's already dawn, and the snow has stopped outside. Sister Qing, I've boiled some water for you to wash up, shall I?"
"good."
Chen Jiao also woke up. When she saw Pei Xuan busy taking care of Chen Qing, her eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Was this still the Pei Xuan she knew?
She'd believe you even if you called him a dog!
Chen Jiao said with a look of disappointment, "Oh, sister, anyone who didn't know better would think you were paralyzed. Pei Xuan even brought water to your bed. With so many people around, how could you be so shameless?"
Her tone was sarcastic, and before Chen Qing could retort, Pei Xuan said fiercely, "Why are you meddling in other people's business? I'd be happy to serve Sister Qing!"
"You! Pei Xuan! Don't be ungrateful! Do you know what you'll become in the future..."
Chen Jiao almost blurted out that Pei Xuan would become emperor in the future, but she quickly covered her mouth to stop herself from saying it.
"Hmph, do you have nothing better to do than cause trouble every day?"
Pei Xuan didn't notice anything wrong with Chen Jiao at all. In his eyes, Chen Jiao was a crazy woman, the kind who was mentally ill.
Upon hearing Chen Jiao's words, Chen Qing raised an eyebrow, further confirming her suspicions.
Was Chen Jiao reborn? Or was she a transmigrator like her?
Does she also have some kind of special ability or advantage?
Pei Xuan angrily served Chen Qing as she washed up. The opportunity he had worked so hard to seize was almost ruined by that crazy woman, Chen Jiao.
Chen Qing remained calm and composed as he sized up Pei Xuan, already having made up his mind.
Whether Chen Jiao was reborn or transmigrated into a book, she must have known that Pei Xuan's future identity was that of the emperor. No wonder she suddenly started to curry favor with Pei Xuan.
It seems to have started from the time she was sent back by the Liu family.
"Pei Xuan, come here."
Just as Pei Xuan bent down to put shoes on Chen Qing, Chen Qing's fingers gently hooked a strand of long hair at his temple.
Even before her warm touch, came the faint fragrance emanating from Chen Qing.
Pei Xuan knelt on the ground and looked up at Chen Qing. His eyes were covered by her sleeve, and in the contrast between the light and darkness, only Chen Qing's fair skin was the most eye-catching.
Seeing him staring blankly at him, Chen Qing laughed, pulled him up, and put his ear close to his mouth.
There were too many people in the room, and with so many people and so much noise, she was afraid of being overheard, so she had no choice but to resort to this drastic measure.
"Sister Qing."
Pei Xuan felt a little embarrassed by Chen Qing's laughter and gave a shy smile.
"Put your ear closer."
Pei Xuan obediently leaned his ear closer, and Chen Qing's breath was fragrant and warm, making Pei Xuan's ear feel itchy.
After Chen Qing finished speaking, there was no reply for a long time. He frowned slightly and gently pinched Pei Xuan's cheek: "Did you hear that?"
"ah?"
Pei Xuan then seemed to snap out of his daze, blushing with embarrassment, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you..."
His chest was pounding, and he didn't pay any attention to what Chen Qing was saying.
Chen Qing was speechless.
He could only resort to the same old trick, pulling Pei Xuan aside and whispering it in his ear again.
"Did you hear me now?"
If he still hadn't heard clearly, Chen Qing would have started to wonder if this guy had an IQ problem.
"Listen, I heard it!"
In fact, half of Pei Xuan's thoughts were still on Chen Qing.
Why did Sister Qing ask him to cooperate with Chen Jiao's approach, observe Chen Jiao's every move, and then report back to Sister Qing?
Although Pei Xuan was puzzled, he still intended to do as instructed.
The morning passed peacefully. After breakfast, everyone decided to continue their journey and not waste any more time.
At this time, we are still fifty or sixty miles away from Qingzhou. If things go smoothly, we can arrive in Qingzhou by tomorrow at the latest.
Since Chen Zhenyan and the others' carriages had run out of horses and could no longer continue their journey, Chen Qing had no choice but to let them ride in his spare carriage.
Once the grain and charcoal prepared on the cart were put away, the cart became empty.
The sun came out today, and the road conditions were fairly good. The air after the snow was fresh but also bitterly cold.
Chen Jiao's gaze was fixed on Pei Xuan, watching him follow closely behind Chen Qing, handing her water and tidying her luggage. His careful and attentive manner ignited a fire in her heart, filled with resentment at not being able to compete with Chen Qing.
What's so good about that bitch? Why does Pei Xuan only have eyes for her?
Chen Jiao found it extremely strange. Chen Qing was clearly an obese person, yet everyone liked her, including Pei Xuan.
A sense of resentment gradually spread through Chen Jiao's heart. She was afraid that the changes in Qibao Town would affect Pei Xuan's ascension to the throne, and consequently affect her becoming a concubine or even an empress. The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became!
The opportunity finally presented itself during the group's brief rest. Pei Xuan walked alone to a short distance away, seemingly observing the path ahead. Chen Jiao's heart raced. She quickly tidied her sideburns, forced out what she thought was her most gentle and charming smile, and hurried over.
"Pei Xuan, are you still angry with me?" Her voice was extremely soft, with a hint of timidity. "Are you upset that I meddled this morning?"
Pei Xuan had noticed her approach long ago. Remembering Chen Qing's instructions, he suppressed his disgust, turned around, and showed a perfectly measured look of doubt and aloofness on his face: "Third Miss is overthinking it. I'm just a servant."
Chen Jiao was almost captivated by his handsome face. Her face lit up with joy, and she asked with a smile, "You're really not angry with me anymore?"
If Chen Qing hadn't given prior instructions to test Chen Jiao's intentions, Pei Xuanzhen would have turned and left!
He hates stupid, talkative women!
"Um!"
Pei Xuan's face darkened, and his voice became low and hoarse. He dared not say more, for fear that he would not be able to help but curse Chen Jiao.
Upon hearing his response, Chen Jiao was overjoyed and quickly handed over a small cloth bag she had been clutching in her hand. Inside was the last piece of relatively clean, delicate pastry that she had secretly hidden away.
“Xuanlang, I noticed you haven’t eaten much this morning. Take this to tide you over,” she said, her eyes filled with genuine concern, as if she wanted to lay bare her heart to Pei Xuan. “My sister is the most unruly and willful. She was born overweight, and no man likes her, which is why she’s tormenting you like this…”
Pei Xuan looked at the pastry but didn't immediately take it. As instructed by Chen Qing, he couldn't be too enthusiastic, nor could he completely refuse; he needed to maintain a distant and aloof demeanor.
Hearing Chen Jiao's slanderous remarks about Chen Qing, he could no longer tolerate it.
He said impatiently, "Third Miss!"
"scare!"
Chen Jiao finally came to her senses. She understood the principle of moderation, but she couldn't control her eagerness and said too much to Pei Xuan.
"I'm sorry, I know I was wrong."
Chen Jiao pitifully admitted her mistake and quickly offered the pastries in her hand to Pei Xuan again.
"Eat quickly."
Pei Xuan lowered his eyes slightly and said in a low voice, "Third Miss, you are too kind. I am just a servant and do not deserve such praise."
"What do you mean by 'servants are not people'!"
Chen Jiao hurriedly said, her voice rising slightly with urgency before immediately lowering, "In my heart, Xuan Lang, you...you are no ordinary person! It's just that you're currently trapped in shallow waters!"
She almost made it clear, staring intently into Pei Xuan's eyes, trying to see shock or ecstasy in them.
However, Pei Xuan merely glanced at her and said, "Third Miss is joking. I am but a lowly servant, yet I have received such high praise from you. I am truly unworthy of it."
Pei Xuan was extremely puzzled. He finally realized the difference in Chen Jiao's words towards him.
Chen Jiao seemed to think highly of him; no wonder Chen Qing sent him to test Chen Jiao.
Thinking of this, Pei Xuan felt it wasn't enough. He lowered his eyelashes and said in a self-deprecating tone, "Third Miss is too kind. I have nothing to say in response. Please don't say such things again."
Chen Jiao was getting a little anxious. Had she not given a clear enough hint?
She gritted her teeth and decided to take another strong dose of medicine.
She stepped forward, getting very close, and said urgently in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Xuanlang, believe me! I know you are no ordinary person, and you will surely soar to the heavens one day! That Chen Qing, she's just a stupid, fat woman, she's not good enough for you at all! Following her will only bury your talents! If you're willing... I'm willing to give everything to help you!"
This time, Chen Jiao finally got her wish and saw a moved expression on Pei Xuan's face.
"Does Miss San really think so?"
Chen Jiao's lips curled up, revealing a hint of smugness that was hard to detect. She knew that no man could resist the temptation of standing out from the crowd, especially an ambitious man like Pei Xuan.
Looking at Pei Xuan with deep affection, Chen Jiao said, "Xuan Lang, you can trust me. If you're willing, not only the Chen family, but even the Zhao family of Cangcheng in the North will be ours for the taking!"
Pei Xuan remained silent for a moment, then said solemnly, "Third Miss, I am willing to believe you, but our statuses are vastly different. Since you have shown me such great favor, what can I possibly offer you?"
“I once swore that if I ever met the one I love, I would give her the best. But now I have nothing... I am just a lowly servant. I am afraid I am not worthy of Miss Third. I need to think about it some more... I'm sorry, Miss Third, my heart is in turmoil.”
This was the first time Chen Jiao had ever heard Pei Xuan speak at such a long time without being angry with her!
It seems that sweet words really do work!
"I understand, I understand!" Chen Jiao nodded repeatedly, a victorious smile spreading across her face. "Don't worry, I have plenty of patience. We... have a long road ahead of us."
She gazed at Pei Xuan with tender affection before turning away contentedly, her steps becoming much lighter.
Watching her departing figure, the struggle and emotion on Pei Xuan's face vanished instantly, leaving only cold disgust.
He weighed the delicate pastry in his hand, then without hesitation tossed it into the deep snow by the roadside, as if it were something filthy. Immediately afterward, he turned and strode quickly toward Chen Qing's carriage.
"Sister Qing." Pei Xuan's voice rang out from outside the car window.
Chen Qing opened her eyes and let Pei Xuan in. "How is it?" she asked calmly.
Pei Xuan recounted his conversation with Chen Jiao word for word.
His eyes were filled with anger at Chen Jiao's rudeness.
After hearing this, Chen Qing's lips curled into a mocking smile.
It seems Chen Jiao has been reborn; no wonder she was so certain that Pei Xuan would achieve great things in the future.
It's a pity she's so stupid; even after being reborn, she's still this stupid.
Chen Qing sighed, finding her overreaction ridiculous; she had actually considered such an idiot as an opponent.
It can only be said that her cautious habits, developed during her previous life in business warfare, made her overly cautious.
"Xuan Nu, you did a good job. In the future, if she comes to you and says anything, just deal with her like you did today."
Chen Qing decided to put this matter behind her, otherwise it would be too embarrassing.
“Okay,” Pei Xuan nodded without hesitation.
Chen Qing tapped the table lightly, and seeing Pei Xuan's trusting expression, he pondered for a moment before asking, "Don't you have anything you want to ask me?"
Pei Xuan shook his head, "If Sister Qing doesn't want to talk about it, I won't ask."
Chen Qing gave him a deep look and asked in return, "Xuan Nu, if you truly have the day to soar through the nine heavens, what will you do?"
Pei Xuan hesitated for a moment, then answered without hesitation. He
His eyes were clear and firm: "No matter what the future holds, Pei Xuan will always be Sister Qing's servant. My life was saved by Sister Qing, and I will only follow in her footsteps." He paused, his voice lowering, "If that day ever comes... I only hope that I can protect Sister Qing for the rest of her life, so that she will have no more worries."
This wasn't flattery, but rather his truest thought from the depths of his heart. From the moment Chen Qing, like a god of death, swiftly rescued him from the refugees in the dilapidated temple, and from the time she repeatedly brought him life in dire straits, his life trajectory had been firmly tied to Chen Qing.
Chen Qing looked into the undeniable sincerity in his eyes and felt a slight stirring in her heart. Her Eye of Insight's passive skill allowed her to distinguish truth from falsehood; Pei Xuan was utterly sincere at this moment.
Chen Qing was somewhat stunned. She was too suspicious and kept testing Pei Xuan.
Perhaps this is the aftereffect of being betrayed by a scumbag.
The team set off again.
After receiving Pei Xuan's affirmative answer, Chen Jiao became much more well-behaved and stopped picking fights with Chen Qing. However, she would occasionally look for opportunities to flirt with Pei Xuan, and sometimes she would even save her meager portion of food and try to secretly give it to Pei Xuan, who would then pass it on to Chen Qing.
As evening fell, the Milky Way could not find a place to land, so it found a Shandong nearby to stay for the time being.
Wang Zhong led his servants to cook, and Chen Jiao, wanting to use the same trick again, called Pei Xuan out.
Pei Xuan was quite helpless and could only reluctantly follow them out.
Xiao Wu covered her mouth and chuckled at Pei Xuan, "Miss, Brother Pei is almost crying!"
Anyone who didn't know better would think Chen Jiao wasn't a beautiful woman, but some kind of demon in disguise!
Upon hearing this, Chen Qing couldn't help but laugh.
Although there was no need to inquire about Chen Jiao anymore, she was happy to see Pei Xuan make a fool of himself, so she did not terminate the mission.
"Third Miss, what brings you here now?"
Pei Xuan's face was almost unable to conceal his resentment. Chen Jiao looked up shyly, about to speak, but when she saw the terrifying and ferocious giant black bear behind Pei Xuan, her expression instantly turned terrified.
"Bear! There's a bear!"
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