Chapter 30: Prince Chen
How wonderful!
He is finally coming back!
Chu Qianchen’s eyes, hidden behind her veil, sparkled like stars as she smiled, her eyes curving in delight.
She gestured to Hu Po, who promptly handed the woman from Wang Dacheng's household another silver tael.
After that, Chu Qianchen walked away from the bustling Drum Tower Alley with quick steps. She didn’t rush back to the mansion but instead went to a nearby medicine shop to get a few prescriptions. Only after that did she head home.
Upon returning to the mansion, Chu Qianchen immediately instructed the young maidservants to boil water and prepare the medicinal herbs. Not only did she use mugwort leaves to thoroughly bathe, but she also had Hu Po do the same. Afterward, she had Hu Po brew the medicine they had just fetched. The two of them each took a bowl, as the medicine needed to be consumed in three doses to be effective.
At dinnertime, Hu Po came to report that there had been no major disturbances in the mansion that day.
Chu Qianchen deduced that it was likely Shen Shi who had temporarily suppressed the matter.
She paid no further attention to it and continued with her usual routine, first visiting the back rooms of the main courtyard to check on Chen Mama. She then left the mansion to see Mei’er in Drum Tower Alley, prescribing more medicine.
Chen Mama’s illness was much lighter than Mei’er’s. After three days of treatment, she had recovered significantly, but for safety’s sake, Chu Qianchen still advised her to avoid contact with others for another three days.
After informing Shen Shi of Chen Mama’s condition, Chu Qianchen added, “Mother, Mei’er’s condition is more severe. She needs three to five more days to stabilize. It will be at least seven days before she can return to the mansion.”
“Qianchen, thank you for your hard work,” Shen Shi said, smiling.
Chu Qianchen gave a small smile in return. She didn’t do this for Shen Shi’s gratitude; it was for Mu Ge’er, her younger brother.
“Qianchen,” Shen Shi hesitated before continuing, “Once Mei’er recovers, this matter must be brought to a close.”
Chu Qianchen understood what Shen Shi meant. Shen Shi likely suspected that this entire incident had something to do with Concubine Jiang, and since Chu Qianchen was Concubine Jiang’s biological daughter, it added complexity to the situation.
“Please feel free to handle it, Mother,” Chu Qianchen said calmly, her eyes clear and serene.
Chu Qianchen no longer knew what kind of feelings she had toward Concubine Jiang. The admiration she once felt for her had long faded after the years of hardships in her previous life.
However, Concubine Jiang was her birth mother, and that fact could not be changed.
Even though she knew Concubine Jiang didn’t have much affection for her, she wouldn’t harm the woman who had given her life.
A matter was a matter.
In her previous life, Mu Ge’er had died so unjustly.
Chu Qianchen only hoped she had misunderstood things, hoping her legitimate mother was merely distant and didn’t harbor any malicious intent.
Shen Shi said seriously, “Qianchen, you are different.”
Shen Shi was about to gently express that she wouldn’t blame Chu Qianchen for someone else’s mistake when Chu Qianchen preemptively spoke up:
“Mother, I want to go out for a while.”
Chu Qianchen suddenly changed the subject, causing Shen Shi to pause in surprise. Then Chu Qianchen continued, “I heard that His Highness the Prince of Chen is returning to the capital today. I would like to go see.”
“Mother, please let me go out.”
Chu Qianchen smiled brightly, her spirits high. Her phoenix eyes shimmered with joy, full of the light of summer’s night stars.
Moved by her smile, Shen Shi’s lips curved upward.
She knew more than Chu Qianchen realized. Prince Chen had already arrived at the outskirts of the capital the previous day and would be personally welcomed by the Crown Prince today.
Shen Shi assumed that Chu Qianchen merely wanted to witness the excitement and readily agreed, “Take a few people with you. There will be a lot of people on the streets today. Don’t let anyone bump into you.”
“Of course, Mother.”
Chu Qianchen cheerfully bowed to Shen Shi, about to leave, when Shen Shi handed her a small pouch. With a slight squeeze, Chu Qianchen could tell it was filled with small silver coins.
Chu Qianchen smiled brightly, not declining, and after thanking Shen Shi, she tucked the pouch into her sleeve.
Looking at Chu Qianchen’s lively and cheerful smile, Shen Shi could feel the joy in her heart. She waved her hand and said, “Go ahead, enjoy yourself.”
A loving smile filled Shen Shi’s eyes.
Qianchen was a good child. From the way she had repeatedly helped Mu Ge’er and saved Chen Mama and Mei’er, it was evident what kind of person she was.
Shen Shi didn’t want to let the matter with Concubine Jiang affect her relationship with this child. She had already thought it through: if Chu Qianchen interceded, she would let it go and not investigate further.
However, Chu Qianchen hadn’t said anything, likely understanding that Shen Shi wanted to seek justice for Mu Ge’er and didn’t want to put her in a difficult position.
This child had a righteous heart and a broad mind!
With Shen Shi’s approval, Chu Qianchen confidently boarded the carriage and left the mansion.
A few days ago, she had instructed Hu Po to reserve a private room at a teahouse near the West City Gate and had the coachman take them there.
“Miss, it’s the Yaming Teahouse up ahead,” Hu Po said with a smile, leaning her head out of the window. “There were quite a few people who reserved private rooms today, and the prices have doubled.”
Prince Chen, Gu Jue, was the youngest son of the late emperor, ranked ninth among the emperor’s sons, and the emperor’s legitimate heir by the empress. He was exceptionally intelligent, skilled in warfare, and at the age of fifteen, he led troops into battle, earning fame. He was later made a prince and given the title "Chen."
Four years ago, the northern Xidi tribes invaded, and several cities in the northern border fell, putting the entire region in jeopardy. Prince Chen led an army of 100,000 to the northern frontlines, and he stayed there for four years. Even when the late emperor passed away three years ago, Prince Chen couldn’t return to the capital to mourn.
Last year, the Xidi finally surrendered to the Great Qi Empire, agreeing to cede three cities and a river, signing a peace treaty, and promising annual tributes. This ended a century-long conflict between the Great Qi and Xidi.
It was clear that with Prince Chen’s return to the capital, many people wanted to welcome him and catch a glimpse of the prince himself.
“I’ve got money, you know!” Chu Qianchen lifted her delicate chin with pride in her eyes.
Now, she had a full 500 taels of silver in hand, along with some silver and gold ingots in the pouch Shen Shi had just given her! She had instructed Hu Po to reserve a good spot without worrying about the cost.
“Yes, Miss, you have money,” Hu Po laughed, agreeing.
As Chu Qianchen’s closest attendant, Hu Po could feel the good mood of her lady these days. Her eyes seemed to shine with excitement.
While they were talking, the carriage stopped in front of the Yaming Teahouse.
The two of them alighted and went inside, showing a reservation token to a server, who led them upstairs to a private room.
Chu Qianchen didn’t remove her veil and sat by the window, gazing out. Hu Po ordered some tea and snacks for her.
The view was indeed great. She could see the entire street and the city gate clearly from here.
“This is a great spot,” Chu Qianchen complimented, her eyes bright with excitement.
Before long, the server brought tea and snacks. Yaming Teahouse was well-known in the capital, and its food and tea were renowned for their aroma and taste. Hu Po was familiar with the teahouse’s signature dishes and began introducing them to Chu Qianchen, but she wasn’t paying attention. Her gaze remained fixed on the street outside, her heart filled with both excitement and a sense of nostalgia.
Time passed, and the sound of galloping hooves gradually grew louder from outside the city gate. The street began to buzz with excitement. Chu Qianchen stood up instinctively and eagerly looked toward the city gate.
Soon, the thunderous sound of hooves grew nearer. Thousands of eyes turned to the city gate. Someone shouted, “Long live Prince Chen!”
“Long live Prince Chen! Ten thousand years!” came the chorus.
The voices from the street blended together, rising to the heavens, echoing with the sound of the hooves outside the city, creating a deafening wave of sound.
Amid the rising shouts, a familiar flag appeared first as it entered the city. The dark-colored flag fluttered in the wind, with a silver eagle embroidered on it. The eagle’s beak was hooked, its eyes sharp and fierce, exuding a powerful, aggressive aura.
It was his flag!
(End of Chapter)
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