Chapter 63: Praying for Rain

 Chapter 63: Praying for Rain

Before noon, Chu Qianchen returned to the Marquis' residence.

She had originally thought she might return later today, so she had specifically informed Shen Shi before leaving.

Now that she was back, she went directly to the main courtyard.

Soon, a little maid led her to the corridor and entered to report.

Chu Qianchen heard a somewhat familiar female voice from the hall: “... Today, His Majesty went to Yuanqing Temple and asked Daoist Xuanjing to perform a ritual to pray for rain.”

Chu Qianchen immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Rong Mama, whom she had met once at Jishi Hall.

Thanks to Rong Mama's reminder, Chu Qianchen recalled that, in her past life, it hadn't rained for quite some time around this period, and when summer arrived, the heat became unbearable.

At that time, Concubine Jiang had complained about the heat, so she had given her ice from her own share. Unfortunately, she had also suffered from the heat, and the scar on her face never healed, becoming infected and festering.

However, Chu Qianchen could no longer remember whether the emperor had asked Daoist Xuanjing to pray for rain in her past life or when it had rained.

Chu Qianchen stopped listening to the conversation inside and instead looked out at the courtyard.

The peach blossoms in the garden were nearly withered, their pink petals still blooming on the branches. With every gust of wind, the petals swayed gently.

Chu Qianchen smiled faintly, feeling at ease.

"Second Miss, the Madam asks you to come in." Soon, the little maid returned and led Chu Qianchen into the hall.

Inside, aside from Shen Shi and the servants, Rong Mama, the maid of the Princess of Jing, was also present.

Chu Qianchen walked forward, bowing slightly to Shen Shi. “Mother.”

Rong Mama's gaze scrutinized Chu Qianchen, her lips tightening.

When the maid had referred to Chu Qianchen as the second miss, she realized that she must be the concubine Jiang's daughter, the one favored by the Madam.

Seeing her delicate beauty and graceful figure, it was clear that she resembled her mother, who was just as enchanting.

“Chen Jier, sit down.” Shen Shi smiled and gestured for Chu Qianchen to take a seat, her tone warm and friendly, which surprised Rong Mama.

Then Shen Shi continued speaking to Rong Mama. “Is there anything else the Princess needs?”

Rong Mama withdrew her gaze, smiling politely. “Madam, the Princess also asked this servant to inquire whether the eldest Miss has given our county princess a crescent-shaped sachet.”

“A crescent-shaped sachet?” Shen Shi raised an eyebrow. “Huang Jier is still in the palace. I'll ask her about it when she returns in a few days.”

“Mother,” Chu Qianchen interjected, “That sachet was given by me to the county princess.”

Shen Shi looked at her.

Chu Qianchen smiled faintly and explained, “That day, I saw a little girl rush into the rockery in the garden, and there was no one else around her. She seemed to have been frightened, so I gave her a sachet.”

“The herbs inside the sachet were personally mixed by me, and it helps to calm the mind.”

“Later, my elder sister came over, and I realized she was the Hui'an Qiniang of the Princess of Jing's residence.”

When Chu Qianchen was at Jishi Hall, she had worn a veil to slightly conceal her voice, and she believed that Rong Mama wouldn’t recognize it.

Rong Mama looked at Chu Qianchen with some suspicion, carefully scrutinizing her.

Chu Qianchen met her gaze calmly, her eyes clear.

She only explained the situation briefly, not saying much more. Her expression conveyed a sense of tranquility and open-mindedness, unaffected by praise or criticism.

It was Shen Shi who furrowed her brows slightly.

That day, Huang Jier hadn’t told her that Qiniang had run off after being frightened. Thankfully, she had encountered Chen Jier, or they didn’t know what might have happened...

Sigh, Huang Jier had never been through much, and her actions weren’t as steady as Chen Jier’s. When she returned, Shen Shi would have to speak to her about not being so reckless in the future.

“Rong Mama,” Shen Shi smiled, “Chen Jier knows a little about medicine, so let Qiniang keep the sachet for herself.”

Her words meant to assure Rong Mama that the sachet was fine, so there was no need for concern.

Rong Mama understood her meaning, and was somewhat surprised by the Madam’s attitude towards her concubine daughter.

“Of course, Madam.” Rong Mama smiled and agreed.

With Shen Shi's assurance, Rong Mama didn’t find it necessary to ask Chu Qianchen what herbs were inside the sachet.

She thought to herself that when the Princess and Qiniang returned to Jishi Hall for a follow-up checkup in a few days, perhaps that little divine physician could identify the herbs in the sachet. Otherwise, the Princess might not feel at ease.

Rong Mama glanced at Chu Qianchen again, recalling her earlier words that the sachet had “calming effects.” She couldn’t help but wonder: Qiniang had seemed much better today and was even speaking. Could it be because of this sachet?

This thought flashed briefly through Rong Mama’s mind.

But soon, she dismissed it, thinking she was overthinking.

“Then this servant will go back and report to the Princess,” Rong Mama said, bowing to Shen Shi. “I’ll take my leave now.”

Shen Shi instructed the senior maid, Dongmei, to escort Rong Mama out. Dongmei personally led Rong Mama out of the room.

Once they were gone, Shen Shi had more tea brought in and gently asked, “Chen Jier, did you go to Yuanqing Temple today?”

She asked because she noticed the food box in Hu Po’s hand, which had the Yuanqing Temple seal on it.

Yuanqing Temple was well-known for its thriving incense offerings, with at least a third of their income coming from their vegetarian meals, especially their delicious pastries.

Chu Qianchen smiled lightly and said, “Mother, your eyes are sharp.”

Hu Po then presented the food box.

The food box had two layers. The first layer contained cloud-shaped cakes, white and delicate, soft and smooth. The second layer held four colorful dumplings, each exquisitely made.

Shen Shi took a piece of cloud cake and praised it before wiping her hands with a handkerchief. Then, her tone shifted. “I heard His Majesty also went to Yuanqing Temple today.”

“His Majesty went too? I didn’t see him. I must have left a little earlier,” Chu Qianchen answered truthfully, feeling a bit puzzled by Shen Shi bringing up this matter.

She took a sip of the hot tea, a smile on her lips, sitting quietly and obediently.

Shen Shi raised her hand to signal the servants to leave, leaving only Chen Mama to attend to them.

Shen Shi said, “I heard that His Majesty went today to pray for rain. He spoke alone with Daoist Xuanjing for a while. Afterward, someone heard him tell the Crown Prince that Prince Chen is seriously ill and may not live long...”

(End of Chapter)