My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

The Princess maintained her expression and instructed the nurse with a few words, then let her take Qin Yue out to play.

Chen Yi could only sit back on the couch, smiling awkwardly, "It’s just a child talking nonsense, don’t take it to heart."

Qin Qingluo glanced at him and said, "Why would I take it to heart."

"She just said... doesn’t want Father..." Chen Yi said cautiously.

"Ha, does that bother you?"

"...Not bothered."

"Same here."

After speaking, Qin Qingluo looked at him disdainfully and slowly said:

"I had warned you earlier not to be too reckless, yet today you dared to lay hands on Aunt Zhu? Bold indeed."

Chen Yi blinked. When a woman intends to settle accounts, logic often goes by the wayside. Moreover, in this matter, he had indeed been a bit indulgent, so facing Qin Qingluo’s sudden interrogation, he was momentarily at a loss for words.

He was just about to speak, debating whether to defend himself or admit wrongdoing, when Qin Qingluo’s authoritative voice sounded first,

"In this Prince Mansion, you can approach anyone, but you cannot touch Aunt Zhu. She is the Princess; if someone sees, there will inevitably be unclear talk spreading. Earlier, I did not clarify this to you, so I’ll consider this as being innocent out of ignorance. But three times is the limit, we’ll drop this matter for now."

Though spoken blandly, it caused Chen Yi to be slightly taken aback.

The criticism or cold encounter he anticipated didn’t come; instead, it was brushed off so casually.

A touch of unexpected emotion surged within him, transforming into a measure of indescribable gratitude. He knew Qin Qingluo’s nature well; for her to utter "drop the matter" was a rare form of clemency.

"Qingluo..." His tone softened, sincere.

In his sincerity, he couldn’t help but think secretly, since three times is the limit, finding a chance for another one or two affairs shouldn’t be a problem.

The Princess did not respond.

In her heart, however, was a different kind of contemplation.

She knew too well the greed inherent in the man before her.

Once he gains an inch, he desires a mile; if today his dalliance with Zhu E could be overlooked, tomorrow he might dare to propose even more absurd requests.

Recalling those past humiliating situations that make one blush, it’s hard to say he doesn’t harbor the delusion of placing her and Aunt Zhu together again, sending a chill mixed with shame and anger rising from her spine.

With him, she cannot overly indulge, or he will become even more audacious; but neither can she press him too much, as his unruly, free spirit, if feeling stifled, might react adversely.

Only by acting like this—reprimanding and curbing him when he is about to overstep, and offering timely leniency when he feels uneasy—is it possible to barely keep him within control.

He is like a double-edged sword; this sword once harmed the Empress Dowager in Jingren Palace, and might one day harm herself.

With this in mind, Qin Qingluo intended to provide another safeguard, slowly saying:

"The Cold Clothes Festival is approaching, and it’s only a few days away. Then, you and I will disguise ourselves, bringing Yue’er, to the Daoist Temple to offer incense."

As Qin Qingluo spoke, Chen Yi was first stunned, then suddenly realized.

It was approaching October, the bleak wind rising; it was the time when the "Cold Clothes Festival" was coming. This festival, also known as "October Morning" or "Ancestor Worship Festival," is an ancient custom where the living burn and send cold clothes to the dead, showing concern and shielding them from the cold of the underworld, as well as the time for common people to procure winter clothing.

He looked up at Qin Qingluo; her expression remained peaceful as if she were merely stating a predetermined plan, leaving no room for opposition.

But Chen Yi understood in his heart, this was certainly not a spur-of-the-moment act; bringing the daughter along to the Daoist Temple to offer incense seemed ordinary, yet was somewhat thought-provoking. After all, Qin Qingluo was never one for superstitions; perhaps she was using the occasion to slightly restrain his recent indulgence?

Or perhaps...

It was just their family of three... going out together.