Chapter 1363 - 744: A Family of Three
The female crown was initially practicing in the courtyard alone today, pondering how to get closer to Qin Yue, when suddenly a maid announced a visitor. Yin Weiyin was curious about who it could be and surprisingly found it to be none other than the Princess Zhu E from the Prince Mansion.
Yin Weiyin was not particularly close to Qin Qingluo, but was pleased with Zhu E’s good manners. The two had their share of unpleasantness, which could be traced back to the Joyful Sect days, but those were old stories. Yin Weiyin had long let go, and now there were no conflicts between them.
Moreover, one should not hit a smiling face, so Yin Weiyin welcomed her and offered tea.
The tea soup was rich in color and aroma, showing the extraordinary skill of tea making. Zhu E couldn’t help but praise, and Yin Weiyin accepted it modestly, subsequently complimenting the Princess on her effective management of the Prince Mansion. Such is the nature of conversations when women meet.
However, no matter how much they talk superficially, ultimately there’s no visit without a purpose, and Zhu E mentioned her reason, speaking gently:
"I apologize for the intrusion today; I actually have something to ask the Immortal Lady."
Holding the tea cup, Zhu E gently rubbed her fingertips on the warm cup wall, her voice was soft and contained just the right amount of bashfulness,
"The Immortal Lady knows him from way back, having accompanied him for a long time. You must know his daily preferences and habits better than I do."
This was Zhu E’s intention: having had brief encounters with him before, often torn apart, she found herself uncertain about many details regarding him. For example, which kind of tea he preferred, whether he liked to sit quietly or walk around during leisure, what books he read, and even... how to comfort him when he’s upset. Whenever thinking of this, Zhu E couldn’t help but envy Tingxue, who had served him ever since departing from the Xiangwang Mansion; what fortune.
These words fell on Yin Weiyin’s ears, her hand holding the tea cup paused slightly imperceptibly.
She raised her gaze to the Princess opposite, with her tender and sincere demeanor, the subtle easing caused by the other’s politeness was instantly replaced by a layer of invisible vigilance.
Telling her Chen Yi’s preferences?
A faint shadow grazed across Yin Weiyin’s cold brows.
Zhu E is inherently charming and gentle, having already occupied favorable positions and harmony within the Prince Mansion. If she were to learn Chen Yi’s preferences and cater to them with care and attention... Wouldn’t Chen Yi be further engrossed in this tender paradise, hard to extricate himself?
At that time, how could anyone else catch his eye? Myself, the First Lady, would surely become insignificant.
Having made considerable efforts to persuade Donggong Ruoshu, if this happens, wouldn’t it all be in vain?
While her mind raced, outwardly, Yin Weiyin maintained an impassive demeanor.
"The Princess is considerate." Her tone was calm, without the slightest anomaly, "It’s just that he’s spontaneous, and his preferences often change without a pattern. Besides, cultivators favor a tranquil heart free of desires, external preferences are just fleeting moments, not worth mentioning. The Princess just needs to treat him with sincerity, he’ll naturally feel it; why cling to these trivial details?"
She spoke flawlessly, subtly declining Zhu E’s request without leaving a trace.
What a clever person Zhu E was, hearing that, she sensed the female crown’s refusal and deeper thoughts, it should make one... smile.
This Immortal Lady wouldn’t consider herself as the main wife, would she?
In this mansion with the Prince and herself, still assuming the role of the main wife... Zhu E thought for a moment, unsure what to say, maintaining only a gentle and benevolent smile.
Women are skilled at deciphering women, even more so at hiding. She ceased her inquiry, merely lowered her eyes, gently stirring the tea froth in the cup, softly saying, "The Immortal Lady is right, it seems Zhu E is overly persistent."
The scent of tea remained subtle, but the atmosphere within the room gradually shifted to a slightly subtle and silent state.
With the conversation at a stalemate, Yin Weiyin pondered how to exchange a few pleasantries before seeing off the guest. Yet, Zhu E suddenly spoke:
"The Cold Clothes Festival is in a few days; the Prince and the official will travel incognito to the Daoist Temple to pray."
Yin Weiyin couldn’t help but look up.
Recalling the past, Zhu E smiled warmly and continued, "After I married the Prince, not long after, we also visited the Daoist Temple for blessings. The master there predicted a prophecy - Po Jun star enters the matrimonial palace, marriage in name only, the Prince, young at the time, was upset hearing it and beat the person up."
Thinking of past events, time has passed, and the once gloomy and irritable young Prince has gradually faded, turning into illusion, inevitably causing one to feel reflective.
Zhu E sighed lightly, saying slowly, "This time, they’re going as a family of three."
The words couldn’t be too clear, for fear of losing face, Zhu E could only point subtly and then slowly stood up, politely indicating her farewell.
Without any outward display, Yin Weiyin escorted her out, watching Zhu E depart until her figure vanished from sight.
A family of three...
As that phrase entered her ears, Yin Weiyin’s heart seemed to be stabbed...
The gentle and harmonious scenes unintentionally glimpsed in the Prince Mansion surged like waves, brushing across her eyes. Yin Weiyin could only silently recite the Supreme Forget Emotion technique, suppressing it quietly.
Why let the heart be troubled by this?
...What family of three, someday if Lin Wanxiao has a child, Chen Yi and I will also be a family of three.
Now, that obstinate young woman can’t win Chen Yi’s favor, even if she has a child, Chen Yi certainly wouldn’t pay attention to her. At that time, I’ll bring the child to my knee, with his nature, naturally, he’ll be full of respect and care toward me, thus not hindering the golden boy and jade girl’s long life path.
Even so, Yin Weiyin lowered her gaze slightly, thinking of Lin Wanxiao’s disappointing womb, sighed softly.
"Daoist Temple... Praying..."
Yin Weiyin muttered these words repeatedly, her thoughts beginning to unfold.
The three of them went together, but could she only sit alone in the deep mansion, watching with eyes wide open?
An uncontrollable thought surfaced: Should she suggest to Chen Yi, using her identity as a Taoist, to accompany them? Just saying... As fellow cultivators, going to the Daoist Temple for blessings and cultivation before the Cold Festival, is also reasonable.
However, as soon as this thought arose, she extinguished it herself.
How wary of her is Chen Yi now? The previous incident of disguising as a maid to spy, he might have noticed long ago, causing him displeasure, yet he has just not acted on it... If she took the initiative to ask him now? Certainly, it would lead to no good results.
Considering his temperament, it’s hard to say...
Yin Weiyin’s throat slightly rolled, subconsciously closing her legs, as a certain unspeakable part seemed to faintly recall a sour swelling and a sense of deterrence.
...hard to say, might have to drink Chrysanthemum Tea once again.
Thinking about that taste, Yin Weiyin felt fear, with some cold sweat emerging from her back...
Since getting married, that place hasn’t been used properly...
She shook her head, silently reciting the Supreme Forget Emotion Technique to calm her emotions.
This path is closed.
Instead of asking Chen Yi, risking getting a cold shoulder, or even attracting worse consequences, it’s better...
Yin Weiyin’s eyes flashed, a hint of calculation passing through her cold gaze.
Instead, ask Qin Qingluo.
Although that Princess, though cold and hard, isn’t very harmonious with her, she always acts with a method and can even be considered reasonable. Negotiating with her, although there’s a chance of being coldly rejected, at least there’s no worry about those unspeakable punishments.
Perhaps, she might indeed be persuaded.
Yin Weiyin slightly frowned, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the edge of the teacup.
......
Accompanying the family of three for a trip, was an experience Chen Yi never had before.
The simply-designed carriage stopped at the Prince Mansion’s gate, thinking that Qin Qingluo and Qin Yue were already inside the carriage, Chen Yi let out a breath.
Previously, it wasn’t that he hadn’t fantasized about such a scene, having children, accompanying beloved women to travel during leisure days. He thought of Little Fox chasing and shouting for the child not to run around, himself laughing heartily on the side, also thought of Zhou Yitang watching with a stern face as he played with the child. Just at that time, he hadn’t thought that the woman in his imagination would be Qin Qingluo.
Stepping on the bluestone slabs, Chen Yi slowly boarded the carriage, lifting the curtain.
"Qing..."
Before the word was out, Yin Weiyin’s face emerged in the darkness.
Chen Yi paused, frowning slightly, "Why is it you?"
His gaze coldly scanned Yin Weiyin sitting on one side of the carriage, seeing her dressed in a simple Daoist robe, hair arranged meticulously, looking like she’s out for cultivation, doubts instantly surged in his mind.
Previously, Chen Yi hadn’t heard the Prince mention it; now Yin Weiyin suddenly showed up, could she be up to something again?
Being scrutinized by his gaze, Yin Weiyin felt a bit uneasy, her fingertips subconsciously retracting into her sleeves.
Of course, she knew Chen Yi would be suspicious, being stared at like this made her feel guilty as if her plans had been seen through by him. She lowered her eyelashes, avoiding his sharp gaze, pursing her lips tightly without immediately responding.
The atmosphere in the carriage became somewhat stagnant.
Just as Chen Yi’s gaze grew colder, about to speak again, deep within the shadows in the carriage, Qin Qingluo’s calm voice sounded,
"I asked her to come along."
Chen Yi looked up.
Yin Weiyin let out a breath of relief.
Qin Qingluo leaned on the carriage, her posture lazy, Qin Yue’s small head lay on her plump thigh, in the dim carriage, her eyelids blinked, showing signs of sleepiness. Qin Qingluo casually caressed her head, continuing, "Immortal Lady Yin is a Taoist, this time letting her perform the blessing rituals for us, someone from our own side, it’s reassuring."
It made sense. Chen Yi glanced at Yin Weiyin, the female crown quickly nodded her head.
Chen Yi lowered his gaze, hesitated for a moment but ultimately did not say any warning words. He had promised Yin Weiyin to maintain her dignity publicly, aside from privately, and naturally, it was the same now.
Thus, Chen Yi slowly squeezed into the carriage sitting beside Qin Yue, shortly thereafter, the carriage slowly started moving.
The wheels rolled over the bluestone path, producing a rumbling sound, leaving the street alley of the Prince Mansion, gradually merging into the Cold Festival crowd.
On the street, there were significantly more pedestrians than usual, most hurrying along, in the wind-sheltered corners by the road, paper cold clothes, and spiritual money were thrown into the fire, with orange flames licking, consuming those colorful papers, sending curls of blue smoke swirling towards the grey sky, as if truly able to send the living’s thoughts and cold-resistant clothes to the other side.