Cheng Yujin's cough was not small. She didn't care who handed her the cup and quickly drink the tea to soothe her throat.
It was really annoying to bite ginger while eating, but even more hateful was that gingers resembled normal sliced vegetables. Cheng Yujin didn't pay attention for a while, and was caught off guard.
When she finally calmed down, she noticed the slender hand that gave her the teacup. Although the hand was elegant and beautiful, it obviously wasn't a woman's hand.
Her heart immediately jumped with a 'thud'. Sure enough, Cheng Yuanjing's voice sounded from next to her ear: "Calmed down?"
Cheng Yujin noticed that Cheng Yuanjing was still holding her arm. His hand was extremely steady. Although the weight of Cheng Yujin's body was pressing his wrist, his hand was unmoved.
Cheng Yujin was extremely embarrassed. Accidentally eating ginger on the dining table was embarrassing enough, not to mention in front of the crown prince. Cheng Yujin was already thankful if His Highness didn't blame her for being mannerless. But unexpectedly, he even helped her drinking tea.
For a crown prince, isn't it a bit too friendly?
No matter how embarrassed she was, in front of many people, Cheng Yujin had to maintain her dignity. Cheng Yujin raised her head. No embarrassment could be seen on her face. But because of the previous incident, her eyes were still wet with remaining tears.
"Grandmother, this granddaughter has been rude. Please forgive me."
Old Madam Cheng waved her hand: "It's alright if you're fine."
Cheng Yujin pretended to be calm and nodded solemnly. Only then did she realize that everyone at the dining table was staring motionlessly at her.
To be precise, they were not looking at Cheng Yujin alone. But at Cheng Yujin...and Cheng Yuanjing next to her.
Cheng Yujin turned her head calmly and pulled out her arm from Cheng Yuanjing's hand. Cheng Yuanjing didn't seem to care at all. He poured another cup of tea for her, and then used the chopsticks to take the dish Cheng Yujin was going to eat just now: "Be careful when eating."
His tone was too casual, so Cheng Yujin let go of her cautiousness and complained naturally: "It's not my fault. The ginger looks so similar."
"Yes, it's not your fault. Next time, I will tell the kitchen not to put any ginger."
The two talked with each other, completely regarding other people around like nothing. But the onlookers were shocked. Ruan-shi was originally looking forward to seeing Huo Changyuan showed his affection for her daughter. However, Cheng Yumo wanted Huo Changyuan to pick her a dish, but Huo Changyuan hesitated. Instead, Cheng Yuanjing gave Cheng Yujin tea and picked a dish for her, which was an exemplary model.
No, it's not right—Ruan-shi immediately reacted. What a model, what exemplary? Cheng Yuanjing and Cheng Yujin were uncle and niece, not husband and wife. How could they be compared with Mo'er and her husband?
In her previous life, Cheng Yumo could only watch Huo Changyuan treated Cheng Yujin pamperingly. But she never expected that after she changed into a new life, on the same occasion, their position still didn't change, and Cheng Yujin still had it better than herself.
Cheng Yumo's expression instantly turned sour, and she became more dissatisfied with Huo Changyuan's indifference. She turned around and said to Huo Changyuan: "No, I just want to eat fish."
In front of so many people, Huo Changyuan felt very embarrassed. Especially....He quietly glanced at Cheng Yujin. Somehow, for Cheng Yumo to make such a gesture in front of Cheng Yujin, Huo Changyuan felt guilty and embarrassed.
However, Cheng Yujin was talking with Cheng Yuanjing and didn't pay attention to their surroundings. The two sat next to each other, talking with a low voice without glancing at Huo Changyuan at all. Both Cheng Yuanjing and Cheng Yujin had stunning and exquisite looks. Each of them was good-looking, and when they were put together side by side, the scene was even more beautiful than a famous painting.
Cheng Yujin's mannerism was exceptionally good. Anyone with a slightly worse manner would be publicly shamed by sitting next to Cheng Yujin. However, this wasn't the case with Cheng Yuanjing. On the contrary, he was totally at ease. His mannerism and etiquette were naturally graceful from inside out, as if he was born with it. Having them sitting together was very pleasing to the onlooker's eyes.
Cheng Yumo and Huo Changyuan's inappropriate farce didn't even arouse Cheng Yujin's attention. There was a sense of loss in Huo Changyuan's heart. Cheng Yumo, however, was still persistently urging him from the side.
Huo Changyuan endured his impatience and took a piece of fish for Cheng Yumo. His action was reluctant and unwilling, totally incomparable to Cheng Yuanjing's meticulous care just now.
Huo Changyuan was reluctant and impatient, so he naturally wasn't attentive or considerate, and forgot to avoid fishbone. Cheng Yumo lowered her head and saw many tiny fishbones on the piece Huo Changyuan just put on her bowl. Cheng Yumo was a little angry. When Huo Changyuan took fish for her in her previous life, he carefully avoided the bony parts and chose the most delicious piece for her. Why wasn't he as meticulous today? Even his movement was so careless, as if he was being forced.
Anger surged in Cheng Yumo's heart, followed by a wave of grievances. These grievances came rushed and fast. Cheng Yumo remembered her mother-in-law, who gave her a dirty look on the morning of the tea ceremony, Jingyong Marquis Manor's servants who tried to take advantage of her ignorance, and even Huo Changyuan's servant girl, who secretly put on the air with her in private. Tears instantly came to Cheng Yumo's eyes.
Obviously, everything was back on track. Obviously, she and Brother Changyuan was a loving couple, and she should be harmonious with her mother-in-law. Why was everything so different from what she imagined?
Everyone was still at the dining table, so Cheng Yumo didn't dare to cry. She quickly lowered her head and blinked. However, her tears still couldn't dissipate no matter what. Cheng Yumo couldn't raise her hand to wipe her tears and could only maintain this weird posture. Cheng Yumo's strangeness couldn't be concealed from other people at the table. Old Madam Chang's expression didn't change at all, as if nothing happened. Qingfu Junzhu pretended to feed Cheng Enbao and lowered her head to hide her gleeful smile. Only Ruan-shi showed a look of worry. But because they were still at the dining table, she couldn't speak directly.
The meal finally ended with an unhappy mood. Ruan-shi waited impatiently for everyone to disperse and wanted to call her daughter back for questioning as soon as possible. Seeing this, the Old Madam's brows frowned irritably.
Old Madam Cheng wanted the Cheng family to forge a good relationship with Huo Changyuan. She originally thought that her eldest granddaughter was graceful and dignified, suitable to hold on a posture in public but hard to please men, and unsuitable to attract big figures. Her second granddaughter was naive and lively, delicate and timid, which easily attracted men's tenderness. So when the Old Madam made a marriage decision, she chose her second granddaughter. Unexpectedly, Cheng Yumo was too feeble and couldn't hold up grand occasions. Judging from her appearance, she couldn't even handle the relationship with the people at her husband's home.
Old Madam Cheng was worried about this situation. The inner courtyard was the foundation of a woman. If Cheng Yumo couldn't please her mother-in-law, she wouldn't be able to stand firm in Jingyong Marquis Manor, let alone control it. Even if Marquis Jingyong supported her, it would be useless. After all, Cheng Yumo was a legal wife, not a concubine! If she only knew how to please a man, her wealth and status would solely depend on her husband's pamper. But it was the way of a concubine, which dignified madam ever lived like this?
As for Huo Changyuan's indifference to Cheng Yumo, Old Madam Cheng didn't take it seriously. It was only the third day after their wedding. A new couple needed time to warm up, so just wait longer. Old Madam Cheng wasn't worried about Cheng Yumo's ability to win over her husband, but Cheng Yumo's relationship with Old Madam Huo was a thorn in Old Madam Cheng's throat.
Old Madam Cheng sighed heavily. At this time, her mind couldn't help wonder. If only it was Cheng Yujin, she would be fine. If Cheng Yujin was the one who married, she would be able to balance her relationship with her husband and mother-in-law. As for disobedient servants and servant girls with unscrupulous ambition, they were not Cheng Yujin's opponent at all. As her natal family, the only thing Yichun Marquis Manor had to worry about was whether Cheng Yujin could give birth to the heir or not.
Cheng Yujin seemed to be a woman who disliked her husband and would prevent him from entering her room.
However, this matter has been settled. The time for regret has long passed. For the time being, let the second branch's mother and daughter have a good talk. They could make another plan after knowing the detail of Cheng Yumo's experience in Huo family.
Old Madam Cheng sighed heavily. "Second child's wife only has second young lady, this one daughter. She has been waiting impatiently for these two days. There is nothing else now. You mother and daughter can retreat and have a good chat."
Ruan-shi only had Cheng Yumo this one daughter? Huo Changyuan subconsciously turned to look at Cheng Yujin, but found that she was sitting calmly while drinking tea and didn't seem to care at all.
Ruan-shi had been waiting for the Old Madam's words. She immediately took Cheng Yumo back to her courtyard to have a private talk. After Ruan-shi and Cheng Yumo left, the atmosphere in Shou'an Hall became stiffer. Cheng Yuanhan wanted to put on a father-in-law's posture, but didn't know what to say to this new son-in-law whose official position and status were higher than himself.
After a moment of awkward tranquilness, Old Madam Cheng said: "Enci, Enbei, didn't you say that you want to ask Marquis Huo for study guidance? Why don't you ask him now?"
Cheng Enci and Cheng Enbei broke out nervously. The two boys clearly were young masters of a marquis manor. However, they were raised by Ruan-shi and Cheng Yuanhan. Ruan-shi was from a small family, with a narrow mindset and not much money in hand. Cheng Yuanhan's official position was also low, and their two sons were raised without seeing much of the world. They were totally incomparable with Cheng Enbao, who grew up luxuriantly at the first branch.
In front of many people, the two brothers of the second branch were timid like shadow, only became active on their own turf. Although their elder sister married a marquis, Cheng Enci and Cheng Enbei didn't feel much about it. They could only stand timidly in front of Huo Changyuan. Where did they have the courage to ask him for study guidance?
Moreover, Huo Changyuan was a military commander. His road was of wielding swords and fighting in the army. What kind of study guidance could they get from him?
Cheng Yujin thought that Old Madam Cheng's instruction was pretty embarrassing. But it had nothing to do with herself. It was not a day or two that the Old Madam wanted to win over Huo Changyuan. Now that Cheng Yumo wasn't here, the Old Madam could only use Cheng Yumo's two brothers to gain a bit of profit using familial relationships. Cheng Yujin had attended today's gathering and had also finished the awkward noon meal. Now, it was time for her to retreat. But unexpectedly, the Old Madam said again: "I am old and don't have many topics to talk with young people. The purple chrysanthemums are blooming now. You young people should go to the garden and take a stroll."
Cheng Yujin was startled. Her eyes swept over the dining hall. Those who could be called 'young people' here by the Old Madam seemed to include her and Cheng Yuanjing?
Sure enough, Old Madam Cheng glanced at Cheng Yujin and said: "Eldest girl, you should go too. You have been sensible since childhood and know how to take care of your siblings. But staying inside all day isn't good for your health. Our family isn't old fashioned, and we treat boys and girls equally. You should follow them to the garden and relax a bit."
Cheng Yujin had no choice but to stand up and replied: "Yes."
Huo Changyuan didn't have any interest in chrysanthemums and was about to refuse this troublesome request. Yet, when he heard that Cheng Yujin was also going, he swallowed his objection quietly.
Led by a servant girl, Huo Changyuan went out of the hall. His mood changed quickly into a better. Unfortunately, he turned around only to see Cheng Yuanjing followed behind.
It would be great if Cheng Yuanjing wasn't here.
Facts proved that Cheng Yuanjing was really an eyesore. Before Cheng Enci and Cheng Enbei came out, they were told by Old Madam Cheng to talk with Huo Changyuan as much as possible. Cheng Yujin was behind them, walked slowly side by side with Cheng Yuanjing.
Huo Changyuan was surrounded by two boys, unable to get away. When he happened to find a chance to look behind, he saw Cheng Yuanjing walked next to Cheng Yujin, pointing to the flowers on the side of the road. Cheng Yuanjing said something, and Cheng Yujin listened very seriously. The sun shone upon the two, covering them with a layer of soft golden light. It was a scene so beautiful, like a painting scroll.
The discomfort in Huo Changyuan's heart grew even larger.
After a while, Huo Changyuan couldn't bear it any longer. He pointed to a pavilion nearby and said, "The sun is high. Let's rest in the pavilion for a while."
Stop and rest, and then they should come back. Cheng Yujin would naturally follow along. This way, Huo Chengyuan could sit with Cheng Yujin instead of seeing her from a distance and watching her talking harmoniously with another man.
Cheng Enci and Cheng Enbei of course had no objection. Cheng Enbei nodded understandingly, and suddenly asked: "Second brother-in-law, are you tired?"
Huo Changyuan frowned. Tired? It was just a short road, how could he be tired?!
However, before Huo Changyuan could react, Cheng Yujin and Cheng Yuanjing had been there. Seeing them stopping, Cheng Yujin asked: "What's the matter?"
"Eldest sister, second brother-in-law is tired from walking, so we are going to the pavilion to rest!" Cheng Enbei shouted.
Huo Changyuan couldn't stop the boy in time and had to endure the shame. Cheng Yujin raised her eyebrow. Such a short road, even a boudoir girl like her was very relaxed, but Huo Changyuan said he was tired?
Whatever. As the host, Cheng Yujin very considerately said: "I see. I'm actually also tired. Let'ss take a rest in the pavilion."
This made Huo Changyuan even more embarrassed. Each of Cheng Yujin's words and conduct was very appropriate. Huo Changyuan didn't notice it before. But now he had married, he knew how rare Cheng Yujin's disposition was.
Only Cheng Yuanjing, upon hearing this, raised his eyebrows and glanced at Huo Changyuan meaningfully.
Huo Changyuan suddenly noticed Cheng Yuanjing's gaze, and his brows furrowed even tighter. Huo Changyuan found out that he really wasn't used to seeing Cheng Yujin suddenly had an additional uncle. Huo Xue-shi was little Xue-shi's relative. Huo Xue-shi also told him to support Cheng Yuanjing and gain an additional helping hand in court. However, Huo Changyuan didn't want to see this person at all, let alone support him.
Huo Changyuan had a vague sense that this person should never appear.
That strange feeling came again. It was exactly the same as the feeling on his wedding day, when he constantly switched between fantasy and reality. Huo Changyuan was at a loss, seemingly a bit confused about which were true and which were false. It seemed that his subconsciousness wanted to remind him that there was something wrong with the man before his eyes. Something very wrong.
Under this sense of discomfort, Huo Changyuan sat in the pavilion and subconsciously looked at Cheng Yuanjing. From a man's point of view, Cheng Yuanjing was indeed outstanding. He was handsome and indifferent, with inherent majesty and pride in his every gesture. Even if Huo Changyuan secretly felt hostile towards Cheng Yuanjing, he had to admit that the other party was very good-looking and outstanding.
Cheng Yuanjing had discovered Huo Changyuan's gaze from the start. He knew Huo Changyuan's mind, and he was also used to being watched by many since he was a child, so he simply let Huo Changyuan's probing gaze. Huo Changyuan examined Cheng Yuanjing for a while. The more he looked, the more he felt out of balance. Suddenly, Huo Changyuan's gaze stopped at the pouch hanging on Cheng Yuanjing's waist.
Obviously, this was Cheng Yujin's own handmade.
Huo Changyuan finally knew where the feeling of out of balance in his heart came from. A handmade pouch had always been a love token between man and woman, and no one would give one away randomly. But Cheng Yujin actually gave one to Cheng Yuanjing?