Chapter 44: Entering the Manor

 Chapter 44: Entering the Manor

"Indeed, Chen Jie’er is clever and sharp," Shen Shi remarked with a smile. "When performing a play, one must do it thoroughly. Chen Mama, you go ahead and make preparations; tomorrow we will head to my hot spring estate." 

"Mu’er has been complaining about being bored in bed recently. It would be good to take him out for a change of scenery."

"Also, tell Chen Jie’er to join us. She should come along as well."

Chen Mama acknowledged the instructions and immediately set about preparing, instructing the maidservants to pack their things. She also personally went to the Wanyan Courtyard to deliver the message.

By the time Chen Mama left Wanyan Courtyard, the distant sound of the night watch bell rang out—midnight had passed.

After sending Chen Mama away, Hu Po cheerfully asked, "Miss, shall I pack your things?"

In Hu Po’s eyes, Madam was far better to Miss than Concubine Jiang ever was.

It was much better that her young mistress was willing to be close to Madam, compared to when she had only eyes for Concubine Jiang in the past.

To be blunt, Concubine Jiang always put on airs, constantly acting sickly in front of Miss. It was utterly tiresome to watch.

Chu Qianchen, who was sitting at the vanity, fiddling with medicine bottles, shook her head, "No need."

She had just finished washing up, cleansing away the lingering fatigue from her body. Her thick black hair still glistened with moisture.

Hu Po, who was drying her hair, paused for a moment upon hearing that no packing was needed. She then asked curiously, "Miss, aren't you planning to go with Madam?"

After all, the young miss had just agreed to Chen Mama’s suggestion earlier.

Chu Qianchen looked at Hu Po through the reflection in the carved mirror, a knowing smile curling her lips, "No rush."

"..." Hu Po seemed puzzled, not quite understanding.

Chu Qianchen continued, her voice soft but carrying a deeper meaning, "Tomorrow, Mei’er will enter the manor."

She stopped there, her gaze lowering as she looked at the medicine bottles on the vanity with a troubled expression.

The Da Zao Pill was barely a tenth of the way done. The injury from the arrow had been partially dealt with, but it was only half-healed—the true trouble lay in the internal injuries.

Even though, in her past life, at the age of thirteen, she had been completely unaware of what was happening outside, not knowing the political turmoil or the events at court, she now had a much clearer understanding. These past few days, she had often been out of the manor and had heard rumors about how the Emperor’s attempt to pressure the Prince backfired, causing him to lose face.

The Emperor's greatest concern was that tiger seal.

Throughout the capital, everyone’s eyes were on the Prince, and with so much work on his mind, how could he heal properly?

Chu Qianchen bit her lip slightly in frustration.

In her ideal scenario, the Prince would set everything aside, rest, and focus on his recovery for a year or more—taking it slow, healing bit by bit.

Clearly, that was impossible.

Thus, the Da Zao Pill was still necessary.

She absentmindedly twirled one of the small porcelain bottles between her fingers, her phoenix eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

Earlier, when she subtly hinted to Chen Mama, it was because her mother had been protective of her in front of her father, a case of reciprocal favor.

For the Emperor, anyone who could retrieve the tiger seal from the Prince would have performed a great service.

Her father had just been punished and would surely be looking for a chance to show his face in front of the Emperor. But the Yǒngdìng Marquisate had been in decline since her grandfather’s generation, and the only family he could rely on now was the Shen family.

In her past life, at this time, her father had seemed like the sky to her.

Now, however, without that deep affection and reverence, when she looked at her father, she could clearly see the calculating interest in his eyes, and it made her feel distant.

Chu Qianchen placed the small porcelain bottle back onto the vanity and stretched lazily with a yawn.

She was extremely tired after the mental strain of treating Yun Zhan that day. The moment she lay down on the couch, her eyes closed, and she fell into a deep sleep.

Her schedule was very regular. She woke up on her own, without needing to be called, and at the usual time, she headed to the Rongfu Hall.

But she was stopped outside the hall.

Not just her, but everyone else was also standing outside the corridor, looking at each other in confusion.

In Chu Qianchen’s memory, this was the first time.

As she arrived, she overheard Liu Shi’s sharp voice speaking to the elderly Wang Mama beside the Matriarch: "Wang Mama, what important matters are the Matriarch and Eldest Sister-in-law discussing that they’ve kept us all outside?"

"Eldest Sister-in-law could have at least sent someone to inform us; we could have come later."

Liu Shi’s tone clearly conveyed her displeasure.

Wang Mama, in her usual unbothered manner, replied, "Second Madam, the Matriarch said that if you’re tired of waiting, you may return home."

Liu Shi’s expression froze, unwilling to leave. If she left, it would mean that she was upset with the Matriarch!

Though she was indeed displeased—after all, the early spring weather was still chilly, and being left outside so early in the morning felt disrespectful—she couldn’t just leave.

Liu Shi’s expression grew awkward.

As she looked up, she noticed Chu Qianchen had arrived. Her eyes flickered, and she smiled faintly. "Chu Qianchen, why aren’t you accompanying Eldest Sister-in-law today?"

"With Sister Huan not here, it makes one wonder if people think you are the one born to Eldest Sister-in-law."

As she spoke, Liu Shi covered her mouth with a handkerchief, lightly laughing.

She was almost implying that Chu Qianchen had taken advantage of Chu Qianhuang’s absence to curry favor with her legitimate mother.  

"My legs are fine; standing a while doesn’t bother me," Chu Qianchen replied calmly, not even raising an eyebrow. "Aunt, how’s your back these days? I imagine standing too long must hurt."

Liu Shi’s face stiffened as she recalled the incident from before. Her back seemed to ache again...

She couldn’t help but shudder, glaring fiercely at Chu Qianchen. This girl had the worst luck with words!

Chu Qianchen stood serenely under the corridor, her demeanor calm and composed, like the quiet surface of a pond.

The spring breeze occasionally blew, lifting the hem of her skirt like a butterfly fluttering in the wind. She stood there, elegant and still, like a flower bud on a branch, radiating a subtle fragrance.

Hu Po silently stepped away for a moment, then quickly returned, whispering in Chu Qianchen’s ear, "Miss, Madam brought Mei’er here early this morning."

A second-tier maidservant named Biya, who was serving tea in the Rongfu Hall, was Hu Po's cousin. A few days ago, Biya had a rash on her face, nearly being sent home, but Hu Po had borrowed some ointment from Chu Qianchen for her, and it had cleared up in no time. Biya was extremely grateful to Chu Qianchen.

Hu Po’s inquiry wasn’t a secret, and Biya had quietly shared a few words with her.

It was indeed about this. Chu Qianchen’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she thought to herself: Her legitimate mother works quickly.

After Hu Po finished speaking, she stepped behind Chu Qianchen and stood quietly, unnoticed by the others.

"Miss."

Just then, a young maid called out respectfully.

Everyone outside turned to look, and saw Chu Qianhuang walking gracefully towards them. She wore a red coat embroidered with hibiscus flowers, and underneath, a crimson skirt, radiant and captivating.