Ch 111 – Dealing With the Matter
"Crown Prince has arrived. Marquis Jingyong has arrived."
When the eunuch's loud announcement rang into the hall, Cheng Yujin was surprised for a moment, but she quickly got up and walked towards the door. Huo Xue-shi and Su Ke'er, still kneeling on the ground, were dumbfounded. When Cheng Yujin's red train dragged past them, the two suddenly startled awake and quickly got up to welcome the Crown Prince.
Cheng Yumo was also supported by Ruan-shi and walked outside the screen. Ruan-shi and Huo Xue-shi met in the main hall and glared at each other.
Cheng Yujin raised her arms slightly, put her right hand on her left hand, and bent her knees slowly: "Greetings to Your Highness."
The Crown Princess was curtsying at the Crown Prince, and Huo Changyuan naturally didn't dare to stand in front of her, so he quickly moved to the side. But Li Chengjing walked straight to Cheng Yujin, held her hand, and helped her up without hesitation. Huo Xue-shi was kneeling behind Cheng Yujin and was utterly surprised to see the Crown Prince's hands on Crown Princess' arms.
There were so many people in the hall; how could the Crown Prince do this? A dignified Crown Prince actually helped a woman personally, and still in front of his subjects — didn't he feel that he had lost his dignity as the head of the family?
However, what surprised Huo Xue-shi even more was yet to come. After Li Chengjing helped Cheng Yujin up, he didn't make any pretense or retract his hands. Instead, he held Cheng Yujin's hand very naturally and said: "Why did you come out? I said that you don't need to welcome me personally, but you never listen."
Cheng Yujin smiled and didn't refute Li Chengjing in front of many eyes, but she never intended to really follow Li Chengjing in this matter. What a joke — with so many eyes watching, the Crown Princess remained seated grandly in the inner room and didn't welcome the Crown Prince when he returned to the palace. Once this spread out, she would be a ready-made target. Cheng Yujin would never make such a low-level mistake.
Cheng Yujin said, "This consort doesn't know that His Highness is returning to the palace and thus lost my composure. Why are you back so suddenly?"
"I saw Marquis Jingyong at the gate of the palace. When I asked him, I found out that Marchioness Jingyong and Old Marchioness are both in Ciqing Palace. It happened that the matter at His Majesty's side has just been over, so I took him back to the Ciqing Palace with me."
It turned out that they met at the palace gate. Cheng Yujin instantly figured it out. It was no secret that she summoned Huo Xue-shi to enter the palace. Presumably, before Huo Xue-shi left, she quickly sent an urgent message to Huo Changyuan. After receiving the message, Huo Changyuan rushed to the palace, but unexpectedly bumped into Li Chengjing.
Cheng Yujin then asked, "Your Highness just returned from Qianqing Palace? How is His Majesty?"
"His Majesty is all right. He is very satisfied with the moon cakes you prepared today and praised Crown Princess' virtuousness in front of all officials. I think a reward will be delivered soon."
Cheng Yujin smiled and curtsied: "This consort merely shows a minuscule skill. It must be nothing in front of His Majesty and other officials."
The inside and outside the hall were full of people kneeling, but the couple talked like no one else was there. Huo Xue-shi knelt on the floor in disbelief. Nothing was gained for a man to please his wife, so she truly didn't understand why the dignified and noble Crown Prince did such a condescending thing.
Su Ke'er was still very terrified, but she couldn't help but secretly glance at Li Chengjing. Heaven, so this is the Crown Prince? She thought that her biao brother Changyuan was the best man in the world, but it was not until she saw the Crown Prince today that she finally understood how noble and mighty the imperial family was.
As for Cheng Yumo, who knelt beside her mother Ruan-shi, she grew increasingly pale at each sentence. In the end, it was Huo Changyuan who couldn't stand it any longer and coughed slightly.
Li Chengjing seemed to have just remembered the existence of these people. He said with a smile: "Blame Gu's memory. Gu almost forgot that Marquis Jingyong is still waiting outside. It's inappropriate to chat outside, so Marquis Jingyong should come in first."
Huo Changyuan cupped his hands in salutation. Upon Crown Prince's words, Cheng Yumo and Ruan-shi pair, and Su Ke'er and Huo Xue-shi pair, helped each other get up. Li Chengjing walked into the hall first, followed by Cheng Yujin half a step behind, then a large number of palace maids and eunuchs. After Li Chengjing entered the inner hall, he naturally took the main seat, with Cheng Yujin sitting next to him. Then Huo Changyuan and the others finally walked into the hall. Not daring to sit down, they all remained standing respectfully.
Before Li Chengjing opened his mouth, no one dared to make a sound. Li Chengjing first poured a cup of tea, handed it to Cheng Yujin, and then filled another cup for himself: "It seems that Marquis Jingyong's family is gathering in Ciqing Palace. What's the matter?"
Huo Xue-shi wanted to speak, but facing the Crown Prince, she didn't dare to say a word. Ruan-shi cast a glance at Cheng Yujin hesitantly. Cheng Yujin knew that Li Chengjing's question could only be answered by her, so she summed up the matter today in a few words: "Today is Mid-Autumn Festival. This consort took second aunt and second sister back to Ciqing Palace for a chat. Unexpectedly, this consort heard that second sister had miscarried at the beginning of this month. She is still so young, but has already suffered such hardships. This consort cannot bear it and thus summoned Old Madam Huo to the palace to carefully inquire about the in and out of the matter."
Cheng Yujin's gaze lightly swept across Huo family people before she added coldly: "But it seems that Old Madam Huo has some misunderstanding. However, since Marquis Jingyong is also one of the related parties, it would be better to ask him directly."
Ruan-shi immediately showed a victorious look. Cheng Yujin's eloquence was indeed very superb. In just a few words, she summed up the cause and effect, taking everything in control while putting Huo Xue-shi as a villain who made trouble unreasonably and treated others based on unfounded suspicion.
Li Chengjing nodded slightly. Obviously, he didn't care about the troubles in the Huo family and was totally unmoved when hearing about Cheng Yumo's miscarriage. After Cheng Yujin finished explaining, Huo Xue-shi was anxious again. Sure enough, the Crown Princess was taking Cheng Yumo's side. If one just listened to the Crown Princess' words, it was their side who was completely at fault.
Huo Xue-shi hurriedly said: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, this subject's wife treats one's daughter-in-law with love and respect, and never treats her harshly at all. Begging Your Highness to be impartial and do not listen to one-sided words."
Li Chengjing gave Huo Xue-shi a cold glance: "How can Gu become partial just by listening to the Crown Princess? Gu should not believe the Crown Princess, but should believe you?"
Huo Xue-shi suddenly stifled. Huo Changyuan frowned and immediately lifted his robe and knelt down, "Your Highness, please calm your anger. Mother has not been out of the manor for a long time and is ignorant of the way of the world. Mother does not mean to offend Your Highness."
Seeing Huo Chang Yuan kneeling down, Huo Xue-shi and Su Ke'er were also frightened and fell to their knees with a loud, painful plop.
"What are you kneeling at Gu for?" Li Chengjing's voice was still cold, "Dare to offend Crown Princess, you people are so bold."
Huo Changyuan was shocked at first. He glanced up quickly, and vaguely had some guesses. He turned to Cheng Yujin, bowed his head, and said: "Mother offended Crown Princess. Begging Crown Princess to condone her crime."
Cheng Yujin hummed silently inside. She turned her eyes sideways and glanced at Li Chengjing lightly. The latter noticed her gaze, turned his head without hesitation, and looked straight at her.
Cheng Yujin silently retracted her gaze. Li Chengjing suddenly made such a move, which gave her minor goosebumps.
However, now her ex-fiancé and current brother-in-law was still kneeling on the ground. Cheng Yujin coughed lightly, reminding herself that there were still people on the floor waiting for her to speak. Cheng Yujin calmed down and said, "Since this is Old Madam Huo's first offense, this palace won't hold her accountable on account of Marquis Jingyong. However, there is no next time."
Huo Changyuan's guess was confirmed. His heart was full of mixed feelings, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say. Huo Xue-shi and Su Ke'er also reacted and hurriedly turned around to kowtow to Cheng Yujin: "This subject's wife has been rude. Crown Princess, thank you for your forgiveness."
Cheng Yujin nodded lightly and raised her hand slightly: "Get up."
Su Ke'er didn't understand anything. When the Crown Prince spoke just now, her heart almost stopped beating in fear. Now that Crown Princess had spoken to let them up, it was obvious that the matter had ended well. Su Ke'er was overjoyed and wanted to help Huo Changyuan get up, but Huo Changyuan frowned and avoided her hands.
Su Ke'er stared at her empty hands. For a while, she was unable to understand what was going on. Obviously, biao brother never rejected her approach when they were in the Huo family manor, so why did he suddenly avoid her now? Su Ke'er retracted her hand and knelt back on the floor in embarrassment.
Ruan-shi saw everything from the side and snorted contemptuously.
Cheng Yujin pretended not to see it. After everyone stood up, she turned her head and said to Li Chengjing: "This is originally younger sister's family affair, but this consort has carelessly let Your Highness see the ugliness. This consort is truly embarrassed. But since Your Highness already knows, this consort will be thick-skinned and ask for some advice. Your Highness, how do you think we should deal with this matter?"
Without a slight delay, Li Chengjing immediately responded: "Since it is second sister's family affairs, of course you have the final say. You can do it as you see fit. Your decision is my decision."
Li Chengjing called himself 'Gu' when facing Huo Changyuan and Huo Xue-shi, but used 'you and I' with Cheng Yujin and even called Cheng Yumo 'second sister.' His attitude was firm and clear.
Huo Xue-shi suddenly sighed helplessly. When she departed for the palace, she still thought that she might be able to get a bit of help from the Crown Prince by relying on her kinship with little Xue-shi. Now that she thought about it again, it was simply a fool's dream. Huo Xue-shi was Huo Xue-shi, and little Xue-shi was little Xue-shi. Although little Xue-shi was half Li Chengjing's adoptive mother during the years he spent living among the common folks, she and Huo Xue-shi were no more than distant clan cousins. How could this kind of far-fetched relationship be compared to his own wife and sister-in-law?
Huo Xue-shi never thought of this consequence before. She just wanted to keep someone to take care of her son at home; how could it result in such big trouble? In particular, Huo Xue-shi also recalled her attitude when she learned that Cheng Yuanjing was taken back to the capital by little Xue-shi from the place of Xue family exile. At that time, Huo Xue-shi told her son to take care of Cheng Yuanjing a bit on account of their kinship with little Xue-shi. Now, when Huo Xue-shi thought of her tone and condescending attitude at that time, she was almost ashamed to death.
Who did they think they were? Cheng Yuanjing was the Crown Prince; did he still need their support?
Now the karma seemed to be biting back all at once. The Crown Prince completely handed over the power to handle the matter to Cheng Yujin. Huo Xue-shi suddenly felt numb. There was too much old and new hatred between her and Cheng Yujin.
Cheng Yujin calmly said, "This matter is supposed to be the family affair of Jingyong Marquis Manor, and it stands for the reason that this palace should not interfere. But since you people come to Ciqing Palace to ask for justice, it is inevitable for this palace to say a few words. Marquis Jingyong."
Huo Chang Yuan suddenly heard his name from Cheng Yujin's mouth and was stunned for a moment before answering, "This subject is here."
"Second sister accidentally miscarried. Was it because she was pushed by you?"
Hearing such words from Cheng Yujin, Huo Chang Yuan felt extremely embarrassed. He clenched his fists tightly and finally responded with difficulty: "Yes."
"This palace heard that Old Madam Huo wants to welcome a concubine. Is it for you?"
Li Chengjing raised his eyebrow slightly when he heard this. He thought it was just an ordinary quarrel, but there were actually so many twists and turns?
As a man, Huo Changyuan pushed his wife and caused her to miscarry. Not long after his wife miscarried, his mother still thought about giving him a concubine...As a fellow man, Li Chengjing was made totally speechless by this farce. No wonder Ruan-shi brought Cheng Yumo to complain to Cheng Yujin directly. Everything was caused by Huo Changyuan.
Huo Changyuan closed his eyes and said bitterly, "Yes."
"That's it." Cheng Yujin raised her hand and pulled down her long sleeve, "Old Madam Huo is your mother, Su-shi is your maternal cousin, second sister is your wife, and the fetus that died unfortunately is your child. Everything is caused by you. As long you took some actions, second sister and Old Madam Huo wouldn't misunderstand each other so deeply, and second sister's unborn child would not die so tragically. Second sister has just miscarried, and she is still too weak even to stand straight, yet you still want to take a concubine. With this kind of behavior, where do you place loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and filial piety that any human should have, and where do you place the court's law as the court official?"
When Cheng Yujin scolded people, she always took the high moral ground. Huo Changyuan remembered that he had also been scolded by Cheng Yujin before. At that time, the girl accused him of being unjust, untrustworthy, shameful, and unfilial before tearing off their marriage contract in front of him. Unexpectedly, in this lifetime, he still had the opportunity to listen to the scolding for the second time.
Cheng Yujin's voice was loud, and everyone was taken aback by her momentum. The whole hall fell into a heavy silence. After Cheng Yujin finished her scolding, she added a summary out of a habit: "Your behavior can be categorized as pampering concubine and destroying wife. Someone like you who cannot distinguish right from wrong, let your family fall into chaos, and blatantly ignore the court's law...how can the imperial court dare to use your service? How can His Majesty and His Highness dare to entrust you with the important task of protecting the country and the people?"
Li Chengjing turned away slightly, holding back the smile that almost broke on his face. He remembered his first meeting with Cheng Yujin was when she and Huo Changyuan were breaking off their engagement. At that time, Cheng Yujin slapped Huo Changyuan with all her strength and was very regretful after finding out that she left no scars on his face. The first requirement to becoming the official in this dynasty was a flawless appearance with no defects, and people with visible scars or disabilities were disqualified. The second requirement was good character.
It could be seen that Cheng Yujin was truly determined to ruin Huo Changyuan's career. After finding it out, the inexplicable sourness in Li Chengjing's heart immediately dissipated. Li Chengjing was a man, so he naturally could tell the difference whether a woman truly hated someone or just pretended to be harsh. Regardless of Huo Changyuan's feelings for her, Cheng Yujin genuinely wanted to crush him into dust.
It could be seen that Cheng Yujin was truly determined to ruin Huo Changyuan's career. After finding it out, the inexplicable sourness in Li Chengjing's heart immediately dissipated. Li Chengjing was a man, so he naturally could tell the difference whether a woman truly hated someone or just pretended to be harsh. Regardless of Huo Changyuan's feelings for her, Cheng Yujin genuinely wanted to crush him into dust.
It was enough. Li Chengjing only regretted that he appeared late and failed to meet Cheng Yujin before she got engaged. Since Cheng Yujin had broken off from Huo Changyuan and married him as his wife, he should no longer worry about the past. Moreover, Li Chengjing could see that Cheng Yujin was much warmer to him than to Huo Changyuan.
The grievance in Li Chengjing's heart dissipated, and his mood instantly refreshed. His expression relaxed, his eyes were brilliant, and he looked stunning beyond belief. Li Chengjing turned aside slightly, enjoying Cheng Yujin's scolding with a smile.
Unfortunately, the joy of one person didn't resonate with others. Huo Changyuan's mood at this moment was extremely suffocating. Under Cheng Yujin's repeated questioning, he had no power to retaliate and could only helplessly defend himself with the last sentence: "This subject has no intention of accepting a concubine...Crown Princess and mother-in-law may have misunderstood something."
"You have no intention of taking a concubine?" Cheng Yujin raised her eyebrows and glanced at Su Ke'er, whose complexion changed suddenly, "That is to say, you deliberately hang on a girl, damage her reputation, and delay Su-shi's marriage?"
Tears began to fall from Su Ke'er's face. She looked at Huo Changyuan and wanted to weep. But the biao brother whom she deeply admired didn't even give her a glance when he cupped his hands and said: "Yes. This subject's lacked consideration and did the wrong thing. After this subject returns home, this subject will choose a good husband for biao sister and send her to marry with an ample dowry."
Su Ke'er cried sadly, but Ruan-shi was about to jump up with joy, and even the gloomy look on Cheng Yumo's face dissipated a little as she looked up in surprise.
Ruan-shi almost cried with joy. She knew that Cheng Yujin's brain was very reliable. In the past, Ruan-shi and Cheng Yumo were Cheng Yujin's opponents, and she defeated the two so thoroughly. Now that they had changed sides and became an ally, Ruan-shi simply felt that Cheng Yujin was truly a god-given assist.
Just look at Cheng Yujin's words. She had never once expressed disagreement about Huo Changyuan taking a concubine, yet she managed to force Huo Changyuan to take the initiative to send Su Ke'er away. Moreover, Huo Changyuan promised to marry Su Ke'er to someone else. This way, even if Su Ke'er did a full set of first crying, second making trouble, and third hanging herself after returning to Huo family manor, Huo Changyuan would never be able to take her as a concubine.
Otherwise, he would really become a disloyal and unrighteous man the Crown Princess accused him of being.
Ruan-shi and Cheng Yumo were relieved. This matter was resolved satisfactorily for them, even far beyond their expectations. But Cheng Yujin didn't stop there. She looked at Huo Changyuan coldly and said, "Su-shi is your cousin. Since you take the initiative to marry her off, it's hard for an outsider like this palace to say anything. But since you are also second sister's husband, this palace has a few words to tell you. Old Madam Huo said that second sister is unfilial, and it is because the second sister made you angry that you pushed her away until she had a miscarriage. But as far as this palace can see, the unfilial person here is you, Marquis Jingyong."
Huo Changyuan was shocked. Huo Xue-shi wanted to argue, but Cheng Yujin didn't give them a chance as she continued: "You are unable to solve the misunderstanding between your mother and wife and let them keep fighting because of you, this is unfilial; you personally killed your own child, and cut off the first di-born descendant of Huo family, this is also unfilial. You are unfilial towards your mother and unjust towards your wife. For this reason, you almost harm your own maternal cousin. The unfilial person is you, and the injustice person is also you. Today's situation is your responsibility. Marquis Jingyong, as the descendant of a noble family, you did such things. Over the years, have you been a marquis for nothing?"
Huo Xue-shi had been pampering her only son for many years, and she couldn't bear hearing anyone saying that Huo Changyuan was slightly bad. Now that she heard how Cheng Yujin blatantly said that the current situation was all Huo Changyuan's fault, how could Huo Xue-shi bear it? Unfortunately, although she could make as many troubles as she liked in her home, she was unable to even utter a single dissatisfaction in the Eastern Palace. Cheng Yujin flicked her sleeve, poured herself tea, and said: "Marquis Jingyong, I hope you can reflect on your wrongdoings after you are back. Someone come, send the guests off."
Huo Chang Yuan seemed to have been hit hard. He had been loved by Huo Xue-shi since he was a child, and he was naturally accustomed to having women giving their all to him without principle. In his view, it was a given for a woman to selflessly dedicate herself and be good to him.
Huo Changyuan never thought that he also had responsibilities to his family. Huo Xue-shi was partial to him and never refuted her son, while Cheng Yumo loved him and couldn't bear to criticize him. Only Cheng Yujin opened the jar and mercilessly showed the truth to him.
For Huo family had become what it was now, he was heavily at fault.
Huo Changyuan left in despair, even forgetting to wait for his mother and cousin when he left. Huo Xue-shi chased after Huo Changyuan, and Su Ke'er naturally followed. Ruan-shi and Cheng Yumo's goals had been achieved, so it was time to leave. They looked at Cheng Yujin with a mix of gratitude and resentment, respect and fear, in their eyes.
Finally, Ruan-shi stepped forward and said, "Many thanks to Crown Princess. This subject's wife and Mo'er will take our leave now."
Cheng Yujin stood up. She slowly walked to the mother and daughter, then looked at Cheng Yumo deeply and quietly. In the end, Cheng Yujin didn't say anything and just gave her the last persuasion: "You chose the road yourself, so you have to live the life yourself. Losing the child is indeed regrettable, but you are already an adult, and you should have understood long ago that people should be responsible for all their actions. "
Cheng Yumo lowered her head and bit her lip bitterly. Cheng Yujin was too lazy to say any more, so she turned around and left a final sentence: "Take a good rest after you arrive home. Lian Qiao, send second madam and Marchioness out."
All this time, Li Chengjing sat at the top, watching the whole process with a faint smile.
Ch 112 – Everlasting Moment
After the Huo family left, Ruan-shi and Cheng Yumo bowed their heads and left. Only Cheng Yujin and Li Chengjing were left in the huge west hall. Ciqing Palace, which was very noisy all afternoon, now regained its usual quietness.
With a wave of Li Chengjing's hand, the palace servants standing in every corner of the hall silently retreated. After everyone left and they were truly alone, Li Chengjing looked at Cheng Yujin and said with a smile: "Crown Princess is indeed as amazing as usual. It is truly the loss of the censorate for not having you in their rank. If you become an imperial censor, there certainly will be no more corrupt officials in the world, and my court will be very clean."
Cheng Yujin glanced at Li Chengjing lightly: "Your Highness overpraises. This Consort is but a weak woman. Afraid that I am unable to take such a heavy responsibility."
Li Chengjing chuckled. He pulled Cheng Yujin to sit down as he asked: "It's Huo Changyuan who caused your second sister to have a miscarriage, not me. Why are you still so angry?"
Cheng Yujin took a deep breath and said sullenly, "It's nothing. I'm just not feeling pleasant."
Li Chengjing raised his eyebrows and looked at Cheng Yujin. His eyes were full of smiles: "Crown Princess seems to be very spirited today. First you lectured both Ruan-shi and Huo Xue-shi, then you proceeded to lecture Marquis Jingyong and your sister. Sure enough, it seems that even I is not going to be spared."
Cheng Yujin's mood was still very bad, but when she heard Li Chengjing's words, she couldn't help laughing. Being interrupted like this, the inexplicable sullenness in Cheng Yujin's heart disappeared. She gave Li Chengjing a somewhat angry glare and said: "Your Highness is the noble and dignified Crown Prince. Didn't you see how that cousin sister of Marquis Jingyong immediately lost her mind upon seeing you? How can I dare to refute your words?"
Li Chengjing spread his hands with a smile: "This has nothing to do with me. I have no idea about today's matter. If not for Marquis Jingyong happened to run into me on the palace gate, I wouldn't know that the whole Huo family was gathering in Ciqing Palace today. Bringing him back with me is just a matter of convenience."
"Your Highness genuinely didn't have no other intention?"
Li Chengjing's eyes were bright with smiles, "What other intention do you think I have?"
Cheng Yujin originally wanted to make Li Chengjing speechless on purpose, but she didn't expect the man to admit it so frankly. Cheng Yujin pursed her lips, and her eyes wavered slightly as she changed the topic in haste: "Today is quite noisy, but in the end, these are but trivial matters. This Consort apologizes for accidentally showing my natal family's unsightly behavior in front of Your Highness."
"Nothing," Seeing that Cheng Yujin didn't continue to press, Li Chengjing pulled his sleeve casually, "Life is full of trivial matters. By sharing those trivial matters with me, you are treating me as a part of your life."
Finished speaking, Li Chengjing glanced at Cheng Yujin and raised his eyebrows lightly: "Besides, they are not just your natal family. Isn't Cheng Yumo also my niece?"
This again. Cheng Yujin choked and gave Li Chengjing another angry glare: "You still say that! Uncle marries her niece — do you think this reputation is good? The entire court is purposefully avoiding to mention this topic, yet you kept saying it again and again."
"Isn't it the truth?" Li Chengjing seemed not to care at all, and even showed a thoughtful look, "Cheng Yumo is my second niece, and also your younger sister. Now that you are married to me, should I call her niece or sister-in-law?"
Cheng Yujin stared at him blankly for a moment before waving her sleeve in anger. Seeing this, Li Chengjing hurriedly held her hand and apologized with a smile: "Sorry, it's my fault for talking nonsense. Crown Princess, please don't be angry, okay?"
Cheng Yujin didn't leave, but her face was still full of anger.
Li Chengjing knew that Cheng Yujin was at her limit, so he didn't dare to tease her again. After observing her expression, he carefully chose his words and changed the topic: "However, today's matter is indeed Huo Changyuan's fault. I don't know what happened between Huo Xue-shi and Cheng Yumo, but it is a fact that Huo Changyuan pushed his wife and harmed her to miscarriage. The man is clearly at fault here. Regardless of whether he knew that Cheng Yumo was pregnant or not, it was wrong for him to raise his hand against his wife. Could it be that he would be blameless if only Cheng Yumo were not pregnant?"
Li Chengjing very much disliked this kind of behavior. Although Cheng Yujin didn't say a word, she secretly nodded. She thought of the time when she was still at Cheng family manor. At that time, Old Master Cheng gave her a box of gold behind the family's back, which Cheng Yujin personally carried back. When Li Chengjing saw this, he ordered Liu Yi to help her carry that heavy thing. Then there was also the occasion when Li Chengjing took her to look at her shops. He accompanied her throughout the whole journey, without the slightest impatience.
If the same situation happened to Huo Changyuan, his reaction would be completely different. Oh wait, Huo Changyuan would never accompany a woman shopping in the first place. For him, this kind of behavior must be very degrading.
Cheng Yujin was a little curious. Huo Changyuan grew up spoiled by his widowed mother and had little contact with adult men since he was a child. As a result, he took women's devotion and dedication for granted. But what about Li Chengjing?
Huo Changyuan didn't have a father, but Li Chengjing had been missing for years. He lost his mother when he was very young and lost his father shortly after. He grew up almost by himself. Why did he grow completely different from Huo Chang Yuan?
Li Chengjing saw Cheng Yujin was staring at him strangely. He asked: "Why are you looking at me like this? If you have something in your heart, just ask me, and do not guess on your own."
Since he said so, Cheng Yujin honestly expressed her curiosity. When Li Chengjing heard it, he couldn't help flicking on her forehead: "Do I have to be taught by others? Cannot I grow up and become such a fine gentleman by my own?"
Cheng Yujin almost broke out in laughter. Her eyes were sparkling brightly, but she still held back herself and said with a sincere tone: "Oh, of course you can. After all, Your Highness is a rare treasure on earth, and the rest of us are just common pebbles."
Li Chengjing laughed. Soon afterward, he seemed to reminisce something. His smile receded, and his tone suddenly turned serious: "Speaking about the grace of upbringing, I really want to thank someone. Although she is not related to me by blood, she treated me with the utmost kindness. Without her, they won't be today's me. This kind of grace is very deep and unrepayable, no different from a half-mother."
Cheng Yujin also became solemn: "Your Highness, are you talking about..."
Li Chengjing nodded: "Yes, she is my foster mother Xue-shi."
Cheng Yujin sighed. Little Xue-shi had a bit of fame in her youth, but she was implicated in the Xue family case and exiled. Li Chengjing, who survived the mountain flood, was rescued and taken in by little Xue-shi, and it was her care and kindness that saved him from falling into an extreme hatred.
That year, Li Chengjing was only five years old, but he had experienced the death of his biological mother, seen his father marry another, had his grandmother announced him as ominous and been shunned away from the palace to recuperate. If this kind of life experience was placed on another person, they would either end up giving up on themselves or hating the whole world. Li Chengjing, however, was able to preserve and grow up into the bright, talented, and wise man he was now. Even when facing a mere little girl, he was still respectful and polite.
The more Cheng Yujin thought about it, the more she believed that a good talent should not be confused with rotten wood. In the process of growing up, education from female elders was also crucial for a boy. Li Chengjing and Huo Changyuan were the most glaring examples.
Cheng Yujin suddenly felt emotional, and she sighed softly: "Your Highness, it is my luck to be able to marry you. In fact, any woman is very lucky to marry you."
After Cheng Yujin finished speaking, she found Li Chengjing's expression was weird. She frowned and asked: "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I'm flattered." Li Chengjing said truthfully, "I always feel that whenever you said something good to me, it must be followed with additional conditions and requests."
Cheng Yujin glared: "In your heart, am I the kind of greedy person who hides another purpose in everything I do?"
Li Chengjing nodded, then he laughed merrily and ducked back while catching Cheng Yujin's angry fist.
"Okay, okay. I won't tease you anymore." Li Chengjing put back his smile and said seriously: "It's my honor that you think of me so highly. However, I don't know what would happen if I married someone else, because you are the only one I want to marry in this life."
What a sweet mouth — Cheng Yujin scolded inward as she glared at Li Chengjing angrily, but there was a gleam of smiles in her eyes.
Half-joking and half-serious, Cheng Yujin asked with a smile: "Your Highness is truly talented at controlling people's hearts. If the woman who sits next to you today is not me, Your Highness will surely say the same thing to her, right?"
Sure enough, this girl was persistent. Li Chengjing helplessly replied: "Besides you, do I still have someone else?"
"Maybe there is no one now, but who knows about the future?" Cheng Yujin raised her chin slightly. She had a slender neck and a beautiful face. The way she haughtily looked at Li Chengjing with slightly drooping eyes and a cold, arrogant glare gave her a mystifying charm. "That Marquis Jingyong's cousin sister seems to be quite heartbroken for Your Highness. Now it's just that one cousin sister. In a few days, who knows if other 'sisters' will appear."
It was obviously a one-sided accusation, but Li Chengjing found it very pleasant to his ears. He wasn't afraid that Cheng Yujin would make trouble; what he was afraid of was that she didn't mind. If she didn't care about him accepting other women, Li Chengjing would have a massive headache.
Li Chengjing's mood was extremely pleasant now, and even his eyes were full of smiles: "My mother is the first wife. She accompanied His Majesty from the very beginning, and they were very close to each other. In my childhood memory, there is no third person between them, and it is one of the few beautiful memories I have about my childhood. After that, I was brought up by my foster mother. Although unmarried, she was an extremely proud woman and would never lower herself to become anyone's concubine. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have..."
Cheng Yujin held Li Chengjing's hand, giving him a silent sympathy. Li Chengjing paused, took a deep breath, and continued: "Therefore, I never thought about taking a concubine. One's descendants are the matter of quality, not quantity. If even the di sons are not well-educated, what is the use of having more sons? They will just add chaos to the family."
Li Chengjing stared intently at Cheng Yujin. His gaze was deep and mature, like a jar of old wine, silently attracting people to indulge: "In my life, having one wife is enough."
Cheng Yujin blushed. She turned her eyes away and refused to look at Li Chengjing, but she couldn't hold back the smile on her lips.
It was all Li Chengjing's fault to have such an eloquent tongue. In her opinion, Li Chengjing was a true master flatterer.
Cheng Yujin was merely trying to take advantage of the situation, but she didn't expect to hear such a declaration from Li Chengjing. In the end, it was her who ended up with a red face. Cheng Yujin couldn't help but sigh in melancholy. Cheng Yumo and Huo Changyuan had such a deep, passionate, and strong love, but they made such a scene today. In contrast, she and Li Chengjing had never had such a strong relationship from the beginning. The relationship between the two was basically unchanged before and after marriage. It was simply dull and insipid, based on the mutual respect between two people.
She and he were both rational people who were good at putting up appearances and maintaining the scene. After the two got married, they gave each other the respect and trust they deserved. Of course they got along well, but a couple like them lacked the intimacy of newlyweds.
This was also the reason why Old Madam Cheng always worried and suspected that Cheng Yujin and Li Chengjing were just superficial husband and wife. They were so perfect and harmonious together — never bickering, never quarreling. Although outsiders looked at them with envy, there was always a doubt whether such a model couple was actually faking it or not.
When Li Chengjing treated her very well after they were just married, Cheng Yujin also had the same doubt and suspicion. She couldn't help but speculate the worst: could it be that Li Chengjing did this just to create the image of a perfect crown prince? Family harmony, loving and respecting one's wife — were all of these merely part of his persona?
But now Cheng Yujin was a little relieved. What a person said didn't matter; all that counted was their actions. Li Chengjing was a crown prince, a crown prince who had endured in dormancy for many years and waited for an opportunity. She married such a person, so how could she demand too much from him? As long as Li Chengjing kept respecting and cherishing her, why should she care for the reason?
Even if they were not a passionate couple, it was alright. In fact, Cheng Yujin found their current way of getting along to be very comfortable. If she was forced to imitate Huo Changyuan and Cheng Yumo, she wouldn't be able to bear it.
...
After Lian Qiao sent Ruan-shi and Cheng Yumo back, she was about to report to Cheng Yujin, but was stopped by Du Ruo just as she entered the main hall.
Du Ruo glanced in the direction of the west hall and said: "Crown Prince and Crown Princess are talking inside. Do not disturb them until they call us."
Lian Qiao also glanced in the same direction and immediately understood. The two walked quietly along the outer corridor. Lian Qiao sighed with emotion: "When they visited the manor, second miss and Marquis Jingyong were very much in love. Every time second miss talked about the Marquis, her eyes were bright, and her whole person seemed to be covered with love. But when I sent the second madam and second miss off just now, Marquis Jingyong was standing near the carriage when second miss got into it, but the two of them totally ignored each other, not even exchanging a single glance. It's only been a year. How do they become like this?"
Du Ruo also sighed. She shook her head and said, "That's their private matter. If I am allowed to say something bold, a couple like our two Highnesses is the one who last long. Crown Princess has always been smart since she was a child. What is even more extraordinary is that she knows how to read people and be considerate of others. No matter whom she married, Crown Princess knows how to have a good life, but she won't be as relaxed and comfortable as she is with Crown Prince now."
Lian Qiao nodded, obviously feeling the same. Two people with high intelligence and high interpersonal skill should be together.
Lian Qiao looked in the direction of the west hall. Through the window, she saw the Crown Prince pouring tea for Crown Princess with a smile on his face. The Crown Princess picked up the teacup and smiled back at the Crown Prince. The elegant gestures and the sweet moment between the two were as beautiful as a painting.
Lian Qiao and Du Ruoguang couldn't help but smile. Not only the two servant girls, but others who served in Eastern Palace also liked to see the beautiful harmony between Crown Prince and Crown Princess and couldn't bear to see it destroyed.
A lot of things happened today, and it would be another sleepless night for many people in Jingyong and Yichun Marquis Manor. However, in the Eastern Palace where all the changes occurred, the two 'culprits' sat and drank tea leisurely, chatting and laughing with each other.
With this contrast, Lian Qiao was very satisfied.