Chapter 431 - 431: Two Camps Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Fan Yuru said happily, “Finally, she’s coming.”

In the capital, the daughters of military officials and civil officials were at loggerheads, utterly incompatible. Chu Qingzhi, with her martial prowess strong enough to throw a princess out of a wall, must certainly be a formidable figure. Fan Yuru was determined to recruit her into their camp.

Of course, the first order of business was to meet this future general’s wife.

Yuan Qingqing, the granddaughter of General of Agile Cavalry, was also looking forward to it. “Yuru, General Tang has snubbed all the noble ladies in the city, yet he’s smitten with a simple farm girl. What could be so special about her?”

Fan Yuru blinked, equally curious. “You’ll see for yourself soon enough.”

Yuan Qingqing smirked, “I’ll have to test her a bit.”

Feng Xuejun, daughter of another high-ranking general, cautioned, “Be careful with your test. She’s the girl who dared to throw a princess out of a wall, quite a fierce one.”

“I know,” Yuan Qingqing chuckled. “That’s exactly why I’m curious about her. She’s got guts.”

As they discussed this, other young ladies around them joined in the conversation…

A maid rushed over, “Miss Chu and another girl are coming.”

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The chatter ceased abruptly, and everyone turned towards the entrance of the garden.

Chu Qingzhi and Ge Lihua arrived in the general’s carriage, with Nanny Han following but deciding to stay outside, ready to assist Chu Qingzhi in case of any trouble.

The carriage halted at the entrance of Pear Phoenix Garden. Nanny Han stepped down first, waiting respectfully to help Chu Qingzhi alight.

Tang Jinghong hurried over, having left early in the morning and only learning of the invitation after Chu Qingzhi had left. He immediately rushed to the scene.

He stood where Nanny Han had been, now waiting for Chu Qingzhi to alight.

Ge Lihua got out of the carriage first, followed by Chu Qingzhi.

Seeing Tang Jinghong, Chu Qingzhi smiled and took his arm, “What brings you here?”

Tang Jinghong said bluntly, “I’m worried.”

“It’s a small gathering, nothing serious,” Chu Qingzhi assured. “If I can’t handle this, how can I be your wife?”

Tang Jinghong smiled, “Sorry to cause you trouble, Qingzhi.”

“It’s just a small thing, no trouble at all,” Chu Qingzhi dismissed. “You’ve been running around. Why don’t you go back and get a good rest?”

“Alright, I’ll do that,” Tang Jinghong agreed obediently.

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As they talked, another carriage stopped nearby, and a girl in green alighted.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Qiu Jingting stood beside the carriage and looked at Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong. General Tang looked at the girl in front of him with such a gentle gaze. That girl must be Chu Qingzhi, who had been famous in the capital for the past few days.

She was slightly envious. General Tang had personally sent Chu Qingzhi out to the banquet, and the two of them looked so compatible.

After some thought, she walked towards the two of them and bowed. “Qiu Jingting, the fourth daughter of the Qiu family. Greetings, General Tang and Miss Chu. Nice to meet you.”

Tang Jinghong cupped his hands in return.

Chu Qingzhi mirrored Qiu Jingting’s greeting, “Pleased to meet you, Miss Qiu.”

Qiu Jingting secretly sized Chu Qingzhi up. She said that she was a farm girl, but she did not have any rustic aura. Instead, she exuded a noble aura. This made her wonder if the rumors were wrong.

“Miss Chu, shall we go in together?”

Chu Qingzhi revealed a friendly smile. “Miss Qiu, please.”

She called Ge Lihua and the three ladies walked in side by side.

Tang Jinghong stood on the spot and watched Chu Qingzhi leave. He was really worried and planned to leave later.

Under everyone’s anticipation, Chu Qingzhi finally walked into the garden. In an instant, everyone’s gazes gathered on her.

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Chu Qingzhi, with skin as white as snow and a face delicate and lovely, had the allure of blooming peach blossoms. Her black hair fell like a waterfall to her waist, adorned with pearl and jade hairpins. Her slender figure was draped in a light green dress, accentuating her graceful posture. Her lips curved in a gentle smile, making her look like a celestial being stepping out of a painting, exuding an aura of elegance and grace.

Yuan Qingqing gently touched Fan Yuru’s arm and covered her mouth with the fan in her hand. She asked softly, “Wiry is Chu Qingzhi so beautiful? And that temperament is even better than the princess!”

This was also the first time Fan Yuru had seen Chu Qingzhi. How would she know? “Be careful with your words later. Don’t push Chu Qingzhi too hard lest she joins the camp of the civil officials.”

Yuan Qingqing hurriedly said, “I know. It’s better to let such a girl join our camp.”

Ge Lihua’s expression was normal, but she was still a little mesmerized by those girls. Most of the girls in the northern border were more ragged, unlike the girls in the capital, who were like flowers.

Fan Yuru walked over quickly and bowed with a smile. “Greetings, Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi sized up Fan Yuru. She was exceptionally beautiful, tall and slender, wearing a long white dress with deep green trim, radiating an elegant and dignified aura. “I’m Chu Qingzhi, nice meeting you, Miss Fan Yuru,” she greeted politely.

Everyone greeted each other.

Fan Yuru pulled Chu Qingzhi to the table. “You’re welcome. We’ll be friends in the future.”

She did not forget to take care of Ge Lihua. After dressing up today, Ge Lihua’s appearance and temperament were extremely good. The moonlight dress made her look like the moon in the sky. She was beautiful and low-key.

Feng Junxue agreed with a smile. “Yes, we’re friends now.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at the girls around her. This gathering was different from what she had imagined. Everyone was quite friendly and did not look like a trap at all!

Just as she secretly heaved a sigh of relief, a group of girls walked in. Those girls exuded a scholarly aura and looked soft and weak, unlike Fan Yuru and the other girls.

The girl in the lead was the daughter of the Prime Minister, Rong Shiyu. As soon as she arrived, she asked, “Fan Yuru, what do you mean?”

It was said that Fan Yuru led the camp of girls born in military families and Rong Shiyu led the camp of girls born to civil officials. There were still some who remained neutral, and they were not fawning with either side. This was a small portion. When they encountered these two sides, they could only hide.

Fan Yuru’s expression turned cold. “Miss Rong, isn’t it a bit improper to come uninvited?”

Rong Shiyu, with a stern expression, said, “Personal grudges should remain personal, but inviting Miss Chu without informing us, isn’t that also improper?”

Chapter 432 - 432: Fighting for Qingzhi Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Fan Yuru wanted to pull Chu Qingzhi into her camp, but the news was kept very secret from the daughters of the civil officials.

“Let me tell you, I’m a person who will do anything to achieve my goals. Rong Shiyu, don’t provoke me. If you provoke me, I’ll beat you up.”

Rong Shiyu was not afraid of Fan Yuru’s threat. “Alright, it’s fine if you don’t tell us, but did you tell Miss Chu? Is she willing to join you?”

Chu Qingzhi was showered with everyone’s attention again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ge Lihua was also a little puzzled. Wasn’t it supposed to be a banquet? Why did it seem like they were going to join some organization? Moreover, both parties were fighting for Qingzhi, causing the atmosphere to be tense.

Fan Yuru told Chu Qingzhi about the ins and outs…

The enmity between the two sides stemmed from a royal hunt.

During the hunt, all the civil and military officials could participate. They could also bring their families. At that time, Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu were there.

At that time, Fan Yuru liked a man, but she didn’t say it explicitly. That man helped Rong Shiyu up when she almost fell.

Seeing the man she liked interact with another woman, Fan Yuru was unhappy. She went up and said angrily, “What a weak woman. You can even fall when you walk.”

Rong Shiyu did not fall on purpose. When she heard this, she was furious. “What does it have to do with you? Are you God? Why do you care so much?”

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From then on, the two of them became enemies. Later on, something worsened their relationship, so much so that the two of them directly formed cliques. Even their sisters were not allowed to play with each other.

Fan Yuru was a little nervous. “Miss Chu, that’s it. Which side do you choose?”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t want to choose any of them. Moreover, only the weak would make choices. “Can you let me consider it?”

Fan Yuru glanced at the aggressive Rong Shiyu and smiled. “Of course. We have no intention of forcing Miss Chu. Miss, do as you please.”

She may have spoken with generosity, but in her heart, she was worried. She hoped that Chu Qingzhi would not choose the side of Rong Shiyu, or else their numbers would surpass theirs.

Now, the number of people on both sides was equal, and Chu Qingzhi’s choice determined the balance between the two sides. The two young ladies attached great importance to this matter.

Yuan Qingqing said to liven up the atmosphere, “It’s still early from lunch. Let’s have some fun.”

Feng Xuejun went along with a smile, “Okay, what do you want to play?”

Fan Yuru looked at Rong Shiyu provocatively. “Of course we’re playing pitch-pot. Previously, there was a young lady in the capital who threw twenty arrows but missed nineteen. I wonder if she’s improved.”

This young lady was Rong Shiyu. As the daughter of the Prime Minister, Rong Shiyu was naturally not bad in all aspects. However, she had never been good at pitch-pot because of her poor balance.

Rong Shiyu’s face turned red from anger when she heard this. She glared at Fan Yuru and said, “Don’t make insinuations. I’ll make you admit defeat today.”

How things turned out depended on her ability, but she had to show her attitude.

“We don’t want to see your lousy pitch-pot skills. We want to see Qingzhi do it.” Fan Yuru had already fallen out with Rong Shiyu, so she didn’t have any scruples when she spoke.

“Wait.” Rong Shiyu took a step forward and said, “We can have fun, but according to the rules of the capital, Miss Chu, you should show off your talents in public. Let us understand you more.”

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Rong Shiyu was not deliberately making things difficult for Chu Qingzhi. This was a common rule.

Fan Yuru defended Chu Qingzhi. “You bookworms are really annoying. So what if Miss Chu doesn’t have talents? Aren’t people without talents qualified to live in the capital?”

Rong Shiyu insisted, “Since she’s here, she has to abide by our rules.”

She had some other motives. Many girls in her camp had a crush on Tang Jinghong. If Tang Jinghong planned to marry a woman who was inferior to them, they would snatch him away.

Fan Yuru could not refute because every one of them had performed their talents in public.

Knowing that she couldn’t avoid it, Chu Qingzhi asked calmly, “Any talent is fine?”

Rong Shiyu looked at Chu Qingzhi, her dark pupils reflecting Chu Qingzhi’s calm figure. “Guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. You can choose any one of them.”

Chu Qingzhi turned her head. “Miss Rong, please prepare a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.”

Rong Shiyu immediately instructed the servant girl to prepare.

The servant girl placed the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the table in front of Chu Qingzhi. “Miss Chu, please.”

Fan Yuru was a little worried. Chu Qingzhi was a farm girl, so how could a farm girl have any talent? However, seeing Chu Qingzhi’s nonchalant expression, she suppressed her worry and asked with concern, “Miss Chu, you plan to…”

Chu Qingzhi chose the simplest one. “Calligraphy!”

She felt that it was the simplest, but it was actually the most difficult. Upon hearing this, everyone vaguely felt that she was too arrogant. However, they did not understand Chu Qingzhi and could not help but be curious.

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Chu Qingzhi would not disappoint them…n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“In Tingzhou, I gather white duckweeds, As the sun sets in the southern spring.

In Dongting, there are returning guests, And in Xiaoxiang, I meet an old friend.

Why doesn’t the old friend return? Spring’s beauty may have faded.

I don’t speak of the joy of new acquaintances, Only of the difficulty of the journey.”

Chu Qingzhi wrote the above sentences in regular script, clerical script, semi-cursive script, and cursive script.

The girls here were all educated. Some of them loved calligraphy. When they saw Chu Qingzhi write four types of calligraphy with a wave of her hand, they were already stunned.

The paper was passed around in the girl’s hands…

“Not only is her calligraphy good, but her poem is also wonderful. Miss Chu said that she was born in a farmer’s family, but her education and upbringing are not inferior to a rich lady in the capital.”

“Could there be something going on?”

“I don’t think so. When we introduced ourselves earlier, she didn’t mention it. I suppose she’s from a farming family.”

“She was born in a farming family, but she has such high calligraphy attainments. I guess her family background is not simple.”

“By the way, I heard that many of the old officials who retired liked to live in seclusion in farming houses. Is she from such a farming family?”

“If that’s the case, won’t she be just like us?”

The girls looked at each other and lowered their heads in shame.

Rong Shiyu looked at the five types of calligraphy carefully and then looked up at Chu Qingzhi with a puzzled gaze. “Miss Chu, are you sure you were born in a farming family?”

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze was sincere. “Absolutely.”

Rong Shiyu looked intently at Chu Qingzhi, not wanting to give up on her. Chu Qingzhi had to join their camp.

Fan Yuru took all the paper from Rong Shiyu’s hand. She hadn’t had a chance to look at them yet, as they had been snatched away in a rush. Rong Shiyu appeared to be a delicate woman, but when it came to snatching things, she was not at all feeble..

Chapter 433: The Women’s Pleas

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Rong Shiyu approached Chu Qingzhi with a playful twinkle in her eye. “Miss Chu, we really need you. Will you join our camp?”

Fan Yuru was annoyed. “Rong Shiyu, what are you doing?”

Ignoring Fan Yuru, Rong continued, “Miss Chu, if you’re interested in calligraphy, I know many skilled artists. You could exchange ideas with them.” Fan Yuru glared at Rong and then turned to Chu Qingzhi, gently tugging at her sleeve. “Miss Chu, I can introduce you to similar people. Why not join us?”

Chu Qingzhi felt overwhelmed. Ge Lihua gave her a sympathetic look. What was supposed to be a simple banquet had turned into a recruitment drive.

Chu Qingzhi, smiling helplessly, said, “Didn’t you agree to give me some time to think?”

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu, worried about irritating Chu Qingzhi, glared at each other and stopped their persuasion.

“We won’t rush you,” Fan Yuru said. “Take your time to decide.”

Chu Qingzhi breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay.”

An unexpected person entered the garden. “Why is it so lively?”

At the sound of this voice, everyone turned towards the entrance and knelt, except for Chu Qingzhi and Ge Lihua.

Ge Lihua didn’t know the newcomer, so she didn’t kneel. However, when she saw that everyone was kneeling on the ground, she vaguely guessed the identity of the newcomer.

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The palace maid beside Princess Changle looked at the princess, who was about to fly into a rage, and loudly berated, “How dare you! When you see Her Highness the Princess, why aren’t you kneeling?”

Chu Qingzhi looked at the princess calmly, but there was an innate coldness in her eyes. Her voice was calm, but it was filled with threat. “Do you want to be thrown again?”

Princess Changle reached out her slightly bruised fingers to touch her face, feeling a mix of pain and humiliation. “Chu Qingzhi, I’m the Princess of the Daling Dynasty. Do you dare to hit me again?”

Chu Qingzhi looked at her and smiled. This smile made Princess Changle take a step back. “You can try.”

The girls thought to themselves that everyone in the capital knew that Princess Changle liked General Tang. Now that she saw Tang Jinghong’s fiancee, she was probably going to explode in anger.

They gossiped among themselves about the rivalry between the princess and the commoner girl, wondering who would win.

Princess Changle was not that stupid. This time, she brought guards over. “Guards, Chu Qingzhi has offended me. Capture her.”

The guards obeyed the princess’s orders and ran in to capture Chu Qingzhi.

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu stopped her at the same time. “Princess, you can’t!” Princess Changle’s furious gaze landed on the two girls. “Why? Do you want to plead for Chu Qingzhi?”

Fan Yuru pleaded, “Your Highness, Miss Chu is a guest I invited. Please don’t hold it against Miss Chu on account of my father.”

Yuan Qingqing also pleaded, “Your Highness, Miss Chu came from the village and doesn’t know the rules of the capital. Please forgive her.”

Feng Xuejun also pleaded, “Your Highness, Miss Chu didn’t mean to offend you. Please be magnanimous and let her go.”

Rong Shiyu glanced at the three of them. Not to be outdone, she also helped plead for leniency. “Your Highness, Miss Chu is just a country girl. Aren’t you lowering your status by arguing with her?”

Another two people from Rong Shiyu’s side pleaded for leniency. In the end, everyone pleaded, “Your Highness, please forgive Miss Chu.”

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This princess was unruly, willful, and ruthless.

In comparison, Chu Qingzhi was much cuter. She did not put on airs at all and even knew how to write five kinds of calligraphy. She was really talented, low-key, and humble. She was much better than the princess.

Chu Qingzhi was very, very surprised. Why didn’t she know that she was so popular?

Princess Changle was furious. She glared at Chu Qingzhi. She had just arrived in the capital. Why were they pleading for her? Why?!

Those guards stood halfway, not knowing to advance or retreat.

While the environment was tense, a high-pitched voice sounded. “His

Highness the young prince has arrived!”

The girls were stunned.

Why was the young prince here too?

Princess Changle turned to see a handsome young man approaching. She asked rudely, “What are you doing here?”

The young prince was surprised and bowed to the princess. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Princess Changle didn’t like the young prince. She felt that he was too simple-minded. But now, she was somewhat grateful that the young prince had come.

The princess, not fond of the naive prince, was secretly relieved he had arrived. She knew she couldn’t confront all the ladies of the capital, who held real power.

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Even though she was a princess, it was impossible for her to go against all the girls in the capital. Although her status was high, the daughters of those important officials were the ones who had the right to speak.

Sometimes, a word from the other party could decide her life.

For example: marriage.

When the Daling Dynasty was weak, there were many princesses who were married to another country in a bid to form an alliance. However, in recent years, the Daling Dynasty had become stronger, so there was no need to resort to this tactic.

“Please, rise,” said the princess, eyeing Lin Yingmin. “Who is he?”

Lin Yingmin quickly glanced at Princess Changle and bowed. “I am Lin Yingmin, a commoner, greetings, Princess.”

Princess Changle didn’t have the slightest interest in such an ordinary person. “Rise.” After that, she ignored him.

Seeing that the girls were still kneeling, the young prince hurriedly said, “Everyone, get up. When you see me, you can be relaxed.”

As he spoke, his gaze could not help but be attracted by Chu Qingzhi.

If the people around her were sand, then she was a pearl. If the people around her were pearls, then she was a colorful pearl. No matter what, she seemed to be in the center of all attention.

The young prince thought to himself, Is this Chu Qingzhi? She’s pretty and refreshing. General Tang has good taste.

He looked at Chu Qingzhi and then at Ge Lihua. This girl was not as dazzling as Chu Qingzhi, but she was not bad either. He wondered which family she was from.

Lin Yingmin, who was at the side, clenched his five fingers into a fist. It was really Qingzhi. It was really her. The last bit of hope in his heart shattered.

He thought that if Chu Qingzhi’s fiance was an ordinary person, he could still fight for her. If her fiance was General Tang, he did not even have the courage to fight for him.

The girls stood up one after another. They could not help but want to rub their knees. It was so painful to kneel.

Fan Yuru went forward to welcome him. A smile appeared on her beautiful face. “Why is Your Highness here?”

The young prince walked straight to Chu Qingzhi. “Recently, almost everyone in the capital is discussing the future wife of the general. I’m curious, so I came to take a look.”

Fan Yuru introduced her to the young prince. “She’s Chu Qingzhi, Miss Chu.” When she was pretending to be Qu Xinwei, she had spent some days with this young lord and had a good impression of him. Chu Qingzhi bowed. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

At the same time, she glanced at Lin Yingmin, puzzled.. Why was he with the young prince?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chapter 434: A Chance Encounter

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

“You may rise,” the Young Prince said, unable to resist praising, “Everyone thought General Tang would never marry, but he has found such a beautiful girl. Excellent choice.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Hearing these praises, Princess Changle gritted her teeth so hard that they were about to shatter. Why was Chu Qingzhi good in every way?

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Your Highness, you flatter me.”

Lin Yingmin could not help but want to talk to Chu Qingzhi. He walked to the young prince’s side and bowed. “Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi’s attitude was indifferent. “Young Master Lin.”

Lin Yingmin seemed to have other feelings for her. She was a little cold to avoid any misunderstanding.

Lin Yingmin’s handsome face darkened. “I didn’t expect Miss Chu’s identity to be so extraordinary. It’s surprising.”

Chu Qingzhi’s tone became even colder, as if she was talking to a stranger. “My identity is average. Thank you for your praise, Young Master Lin.”

The young prince looked at the two of them and asked tentatively, “Do you know each other?”

Chu Qingzhi said calmly, “We met once.”

Lin Yingmin felt very uncomfortable. Qingzhi seemed to be deliberately keeping a distance from him. “Miss Chu helped me treat my legs.”

Everyone looked at Lin Yingmin and then at Chu Qingzhi. One was trying hard to get close, while the other was trying to retreat. It felt strange.

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The servant girl came over and whispered to Fan Yuru that the banquet was ready. When Fan Yuru heard this, she came over and greeted, “Miss Chu, Prince, it’s almost noon. Let’s eat?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Ok.”

The young prince also nodded. “Let’s go.”

Fan Yuru had not forgotten her grudge with Rong Shiyu. “We didn’t ask the kitchen to prepare your meal. Why don’t you go back and eat?”

However, Rong Shiyu didn’t seem to mind. Instead, she said, “When we arrived earlier, we already instructed the kitchen to prepare it, so it should be ready by now.”

As she spoke, she gently pushed Fan Yuru’s shoulder away and walked towards Chu Qingzhi. “Miss Chu, let’s go eat.”

Rong Shiyu was too thick-skinned. Fan Yuru was very angry. “You…” She walked to the other side of Chu Qingzhi and entered in a huff.

Chu Qingzhi was escorted away by the two girls.

The girls they brought looked at the backs of the three of them and shook their heads in unison. They sighed. Now, the capital was lively.

When Princess Changle saw this scene, the anger in her heart burned fiercely. Every part of her body was filled with anger. Even though she was a princess, she had never been treated with such hospitality by Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu. What right did Chu Qingzhi have?!

Lin Yingmin was embarrassed, but he didn’t dare to leave alone. He could only follow the rest.

From the front garden to the dining hall, there was a lake path in the middle. This path had a lake on one side and a garden on the other.

Just as they walked to the middle of the path, a figure rushed out of the garden like a beast and charged straight at Chu Qingzhi.

If she was knocked into the lake, Chu Qingzhi would look miserable today.

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But would it happen?

Of course not.

Chu Qingzhi raised her leg and kicked. The figure flew towards the wall and was embedded in it, unable to move.

The girls were stunned.

Chu Qingzhi was really fierce!

Having just witnessed her effortlessly send someone flying into the wall, everyone turned their attention to Chu Qingzhi’s legs.

Chu Qingzhi asked coldly, “Who sent you?”

Blood gushed out of the servant girl’s mouth. She was in so much pain that she could not speak. She pointed towards someone in the crowd.

It was a young lady from the Tan family, Tan Xiaoling. Seeing this, she was stunned on the spot. Cold sweat immediately broke out.

Chu Qingzhi turned around and looked at Qin Xiaoling coldly. “Why did you do this?”

Tan Xiaoling could not stand the psychological pressure and shouted, “How can General Tang marry a country girl like you? You’re not worthy of him!”

Chu Qingzhi nodded slightly. “Do you mean that you’re worthy?”

Tan Xiaoling’s face turned red. “Don’t talk nonsense. I didn’t mean that. What I meant was that there are many noble ladies in the capital. A mighty general should marry a noble lady.”

Chu Qingzhi’s lips curled into a slight smile, and she responded, “You are quite considerate. Since that’s the case, why don’t you be a little more considerate?”

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With a flash, her figure disappeared on the spot. In the next breath, everyone saw Qin Xiaoling flying towards the lake.

The onlookers gazed at Chu Qingzhi’s ethereal figure, their pupils widening in astonishment. Her martial arts were incredibly strong. With a swift movement, before they could even react, she had kicked Tan Xiaoling away once again.

Plop! Tan Xiaoling fell into the lake. It was the end of August, and the lake water in the morning was cold. When the cold entered her body, she realized that she had been kicked into the lake. “Help, help!”

Chu Qingzhi clapped her hands as if she was watching a circus. “Are you stupid? The lake water is only waist-deep. Why are you shouting for help?”

Tan Xiaoling’s face immediately turned red. She closed her mouth and looked at Chu Qingzhi with fear.

Not only her, but the eyes of the other girls were also tainted with fear. There were few people in the entire Daling Dynasty who could match Chu Qingzhi’s martial arts. She was too strong!

Most of the daughters of generals practiced martial arts. Firstly, it would make their bodies look better. Secondly, it was for self-defense. Seeing Chu Qingzhi show her skills, they could not help but admire her.

Fan Yuru walked over and held Chu Qingzhi’s hand, obviously wanting to get close to her more. “Qingzhi, let’s go eat. Don’t worry about her.”

Rong Shiyu also said, “That’s right, Qingzhi. Let’s go eat. She can get up on her own.”

Upon witnessing this scene, Ge Lihua thought to herself, “In the end, Qingzhi couldn’t resist getting involved. I’m afraid tomorrow her reputation for fierceness will spread.”

The group of girls looked at Qin Xiaoling sympathetically. She had gone for wool and came home shorn. Sigh, it was a little tragic.

The young prince and Lin Yingmin stood in the same place and looked at each other with a subtle look in their eyes. This girl was really not someone ordinary people could control. Even General Tang was not her match in terms of martial arts, right?

The princess, who was standing at the entrance, did not know if she should leave or follow. When she saw this scene, she suddenly felt that Chu Qingzhi had already been merciful to her by just throwing her out last time.

At the thought of this, she could not help but feel helpless. It seemed that no matter what she did, she could not win against Chu Qingzhi!

They followed Fan Yuru to the dining room.

The young prince had a high status, so he took the main seat. Then, the girls sat down according to their status.

Lin Yingmin sat next to the young prince.

Although Lin Yingmin’s identity hadn’t been announced yet, he would be a prince sooner or later.

After everyone took their seats, the servants began to serve the dishes.

Fan Yuru tried her best to win Chu Qingzhi over. “Miss Chu, the dishes we’re eating today are all famous delicacies in the capital. You must eat more..”

Chapter 435: Polo Match

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Tang Jinghong was a general with real power. In the future, when Chu Qingzhi married him, she could indirectly influence the Imperial Court. She was someone who had a greater influence than the daughters of important officials like them. It was also necessary to build a good relationship with her.

Chu Qingzhi said politely, “Thank you for preparing these.”

Fan Yuru waved her hand. She had a carefree personality. “It’s just a meal. You’re welcome.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The food was very sumptuous. The table was filled. It could be seen that every dish was carefully prepared. The person who arranged it was very considerate.

The meal went smoothly. After the meal, Fan Yuru arranged an event… to play polo.

Playing polo was an activity that involved riding on a horse and hitting the ball with a cue. This was an activity that young boys and girls in the capital liked very much.

There was a place to play polo in Pear Phoenix Garden. It was just a few steps away.

Chu Qingzhi had never played polo before and was a little interested. “I don’t have an outfit.”

“It’s fine. I’ve prepared it for you.” Fan Yuru brought Chu Qingzhi and Ge Lihua to change.

Seeing that Fan Yuru was so attentive to Chu Qingzhi, Rong Shiyu was afraid that Chu Qingzhi would side with Fan Yuru. She hurriedly chased after her and grabbed Chu Qingzhi’s other hand. “I’ve prepared one too. Take mine.”

Chu Qingzhi was speechless.

“If you keep doing this, I won’t play anymore.”

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu glared at each other and could only compromise.

Fan Yuru said, “I’ll get the clothes.”

Rong Shiyu said, “I’ll get the pants.”

Hence, Chu Qingzhi’s patched-up polo outfit appeared. It was light yellow on the top and light blue on the bottom. However, she was tall and it looked very good on her.

Ge Lihua sized up Chu Qingzhi and smiled faintly. “This polo outfit is unique.”

Chu Qingzhi lowered her head and looked at her outfit. It was indeed quite unique. “Don’t tease me.”

At this moment, everyone changed their clothes and came out.

Fan Yuru grabbed Chu Qingzhi and walked towards the court. “Let’s go this way.”

Rong Shiyu came out a step later. When she saw that Fan Yuru had left, she quickly chased after her. “Fan Yuru, you are really swanky.”

Fan Yuru was not ashamed. Instead, she was proud. “If it were you, you would be faster than me. We’re the same. Don’t criticize me.”

Rong Shiyu, just one move away from victory, coldly snorted and said, “Fan Yuru, you wait to lose in a moment.”

At this point, Fan Yuru asked another question that gave Chu Qingzhi a headache. “Miss Chu, will you join our Team Fan? Or Team Rong?”

Chu Qingzhi came up with a compromise and took the lead, saying, “I don’t think we should split like this. Let’s draw lots later, and whoever we draw will be our teammate. This will be fair and square.”

She had to reconcile the two sides as soon as possible. Otherwise, it would be a headache if they asked her which side she would join every day.

Fan Yuru thought for a moment and couldn’t think of a better idea, so she agreed. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Rong Shiyu agreed to Chu Qingzhi’s suggestion.

Drawing lots was fair and just, but Fan’s team and Rong’s team had never played together before. They weren’t sure if they would be able to coordinate well this time, but they didn’t have any other choice. They both thought that once they had Chu Qingzhi on their side, everything would be fine.

With a total of over forty women, excluding a few who weren’t familiar with the game, it worked out perfectly with forty participants. They could form four groups of ten, with two groups playing against each other at a time.

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On the 4.0 slips of paper, there were four words, “1, 2, 3, 4”. Those who drew the same word were in a group.

The servant girls prepared it and placed it in a box. All the girls stepped forward to draw lots.

Chu Qingzhi was the last to take it. She did not look at it immediately.

Fan Yuru quickly unfolded the paper slip. “I drew ‘one’. Miss Chu, what did you draw?”

Rong Shiyu also ran over and looked at the slip of paper in Chu Qingzhi’s hand with interest. “I drew ‘one’. Miss Chu, what did you draw?”

Before Chu Qingzhi could answer, Fan Yuru said excitedly, “You also drew ‘one’?”

Rong Shiyu nodded and looked at Rong Shiyu suspiciously. “Don’t tell me you drew a ‘one’ too?”

Fan Yuru covered her face. How unlucky. Why did she get the same number as Rong Shiyu?

Rong Shiyu turned away, feeling a bit awkward. They had always been at odds, and she never expected that one day they would end up on the same team.

Chu Qingzhi blinked and looked a little mischievous. She would take this opportunity to reconcile the two of them.

She opened her slip of paper. “I drew a two.”

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu turned around to look at Chu Qingzhi’s paper slip with disappointment. They wanted to be in the same team as Chu Qingzhi.

When the people from Team Two heard this, they were very happy and surrounded Chu Qingzhi. Yuan Qingqing and Feng Xuejun were both in Team Two.

Yuan Qingqing said excitedly, “That’s great, we are in the same group.”

Feng Xuejun echoed, “Miss Chu’s martial arts are so high. We will definitely get first place.”

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu looked at Feng Xuejun in unison and asked, “Can we change it?”

Yuan Qingqing and Feng Xuejun said in unison, “No.”

“Tsk…”

They continued drawing lots to determine which teams would face each other in the games.

The second team asked Chu Qingzhi to draw, and she drew a “one.” The first team also drew a “one,” so for the first game, it was the first team against the second team.

They arrived at the polo field, each with a polo mallet in hand and a horse, getting ready for the game.

Chu Qingzhi was assigned a sleek black stallion, a horse that was certainly not an ordinary choice, given that it was for the enjoyment of these rich young ladies and gentlemen. The other participants also received high-quality horses.

Chu Qingzhi touched the horse’s head and got on the horse’s back gracefully.

Everyone mounted their horses and tied the team ribbons to their foreheads to distinguish their teammates.

First match, Team One vs Team Two.

The young prince and Lin Yingmin walked to the side to watch. Watching a group of beautiful girls play polo was definitely an enjoyment.

The young prince was accustomed to such scenes and appeared relaxed, enjoying the spectacle.

Lin Yingmin was especially restrained. Sometimes, he didn’t even dare to look at the girls on the stage. Each of them was bright, beautiful, and dazzling. He felt that they were unapproachable.

The young prince took the initiative to chat. “Have you seen girls play polo before?”

Lin Yingmin shook his head honestly and said, “I’ve never seen this before.” In the past, he had a troubled lifestyle and had difficulty going out, let alone attending such events.

The young prince couldn’t help but feel sympathetic and said, “In the future, you can join me, and I’ll show you even more grand events.”

Lin Yingmin nodded with a smile. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

The polo match on the field began. It was very intense…

Chu Qingzhi took the lead and ran to snatch the ball.

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu rode over to snatch the ball, showcasing their excellent equestrian skills. With one hand on the reins and the other holding the polo mallet, they demonstrated stability and precision.

Members of the second team, Yuan Qingqing and Feng Xuejun, came over to assist. Both young women came from martial families and had strong martial arts skills. They were also skilled equestrians, and as soon as they rode over, they blocked Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu effectively.

However, there was still Ge Lihua in Team One. Seeing this, Ge Lihua passed through a gap to snatch the ball from Chu Qingzhi..

Chapter 436: Relying On Your Abilities

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi pushed the ball away, causing Ge Lihua to miss.

Seeing Ge Lihua fail to seize the ball, the girls of Team One gathered around and joined in the scramble for the ball.

The girls of Team Two, not to be outdone, either blocked or intercepted to protect Chu Qingzhi. It was their first time playing, but their coordination was unexpectedly good.

“Whoosh—” Chu Qingzhi swung her mallet, and the ball flew in a straight trajectory into Team One’s net.

“Wow—” The girls of Team Two cheered, “We won!”

After dismounting, the girls of Team One gathered together to boost each other’s morale.

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu’s eyes met. In the next second, the two of them tacitly looked away.

They both think that the other affected their performance. They used to win before, but now they’ve lost. Both think the same.

In terms of tacit understanding, the two of them were really close. All these years of arguing had not been in vain.

Chu Qingzhi looked at the two girls and suddenly thought of her two disciples. They looked quite compatible. She could matchmake them.

After all, as a master, it was her duty to worry about her disciples’ marriage matters.

Everyone went to the side to rest and started the second match. This time, it was between Team Three and Team Four.

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Taking turns, they all got a chance to rest.

The maids brought chairs for their young miss to sit. Chu Qingzhi sat in the middle, with Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu on either side, and Ge Lihua next to Fan Yuru.

Rong Shiyu turned to look at Chu Qingzhi. She blinked and asked curiously, “Miss Chu, do the villagers play polo too?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled lightly. “Polo is a game for the young masters and ladies of the capital. We don’t have it in the village. This is my first time playing.” “Hmm…” Rong Shiyu continued, “Then why are you so good at it? I’ve hardly ever lost before.”

Speaking of this, Fan Yuru couldn’t help but interrupt. “Me too, Miss Chu. I think you’re so skilled. It doesn’t look like your first time playing.”

Chu Qingzhi put on a sincere expression. “It’s really my first time playing. Just now… I was just winging it.”

Both girls look at her skeptically. Could this be a learning talent?

The intense competition on the field quickly attracted everyone’s attention. This was the only time when the girls did not have to be reserved. At this moment, they let go of their restraints and sweated to their heart’s content. Their bodies were covered in sweat and they were energetic. They looked even more beautiful than usual.

Lin Yingmin and the young prince sat at the side and set up a tea table. They drank tea and watched, looking quite relaxed.

At this moment, Chu Qingzhi was resting at the side. Lin Yingmin’s gaze couldn’t help but drift towards her, the girl like a begonia flower, irresistibly charming. If only he had met her earlier.

Yuan Qingqing was excitedly watching, shouting, “Jingting, quick, push the ball…”

Qiu Jingting did not disappoint. She pushed the ball away and avoided the other party’s snatch.

After a fierce competition, Team Three successfully scored a goal in the opposing team’s net, winning the match.

The players of Team Three and Team Four could rest after the game.

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It was a little hot in the afternoon, and all of them were sweating profusely. The servant girls quickly handed over clean handkerchiefs and water to take care of their Miss.

Fan Yuru stretched her wrist and stood up. “It’s our turn.”

Rong Shiyu stood up and looked at Chu Qingzhi from the side. She said, “We’ll definitely beat you this time.”

Chu Qingzhi raised her eyebrows. “Alright, but the two of you have to cooperate well.”

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu looked at each other. Given this special situation, it didn’t seem to be a bad idea to cooperate.

As soon as Chu Qingzhi entered the field, everyone immediately focused on her. Her presence was already eye-catching, and her unique outfit made her stand out even in a crowded field. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

After a while, the intense competition began…

Someone from the sidelines shouted, “Quick, block Qingzhi, or she’ll score again!”

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu happened to be in the position to block Chu Qingzhi. They glanced at each other and tacitly worked together to block her.

Chu Qingzhi slightly curled her lips and had no choice but to pull back her mallet, giving up on scoring.

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu, seeing this, secretly breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at each other, finding the other more pleasing than before.

“Ah, be careful! Block Qingqing, she’s covering for Qingzhi, they’re going to score!”

The spectators were not as calm as those on the field, clenching their fists and watching nervously. The match, though played in jest, appeared as intense as a real competition.

Tang Jinghong soon heard about the event taking place in Pear Phoenix Garden. He was very puzzled.

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Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu seemed to be very easy to get along with. In fact, it was not easy for Qingzhi to integrate into the circle of officials’ daughters.

For example, those rich young ladies from merchant families might not even be able to see those young ladies even if they tried their best to please them.

Yet, Chu Qingzhi, visiting the capital for the first time, managed to mingle with them and even play polo together in such a short time. Impressive indeed!

No matter what, as long as Chu Qingzhi was not mistreated, it was acceptable.

The Empress also paid close attention to this matter. She was impressed upon learning that Chu Qingzhi, a mere farm girl with a humble background, was playing polo with her younger sister and the other girls. It was much harder for an ordinary girl to gain the acceptance of these young ladies of the capital, but Chu Qingzhi not only blended in quickly but did so exceptionally well, which was surprising.

The Empress, with a dignified smile, sipped her tea and asked, “How is the reward for Qingzhi coming along?”

The nanny by her side replied, “It’s ready.”

The Empress instructed gently, “Send someone to deliver the reward tomorrow morning.”

The nanny bowed respectfully. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The girls clapped and cheered, “Qingzhi scored again!”

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu dismounted, patting each other’s shoulders as a sign of consolation. Realizing what they had just done, they felt a wave of awkwardness and quickly walked away.

Fan Yuru pinched her fingers and bit her lip. Weren’t she and Rong Shiyu supposed to be at odds? Now, having lost, she should have blamed Rong Shiyu, but why did she comfort her instead?

Rong Shiyu was also reflecting in silence. She and Fan Yuru were always at loggerheads, but why did she feel compelled to comfort her just now?

Ge Lihua handed water to Chu Qingzhi and wiped the sweat from her forehead, saying somewhat exhilaratingly, “It’s been a long time since I’ve played like this.”

Chu Qingzhi took the opportunity to advise, “You’re living too strenuously. Let go of the past that should be let go, and don’t keep making things difficult for yourself.”

Ge Lihua paused for a moment and then chuckled lightly, “Hmm.”

The group of girls played in Pear Phoenix Garden until the evening.

In terms of scoring, Team One scored five goals, Team Two fifteen, Team Three eleven, and Team Four nine.

Chu Qingzhi’s team scored the most goals, while the team of Ge Lihua, Fan Yuru, and Rong Shiyu scored the least..

Chapter 437 - 437: Killed in One Strike Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Yuan Qingqing joked, “Yuru, this is the first time I’ve seen you lose a game, hahaha…”

Fan Yuru pinched Yuan Qingqing’s cheek, “Enjoy your schadenfreude. If it weren’t for Qingzhi, I wouldn’t have lost.”

Feng Xuejun took Chu Qingzhi’s wrist, raised her chin slightly, and said with a bit of pride, “Next time we play, I’ll call Qingzhi. Being on the same team with her, win is guaranteed.”

Just as everyone was getting into the conversation, a maid came to report, “Miss Chu, General Tang has come to pick you up. He’s waiting at the entrance of the courtyard.”

“Wow—” The girls crowded around Chu Qingzhi excitedly.

“General Tang is so good to you, coming to pick you up himself!” one girl said enviously, mentioning her fiance had never come to pick her up.

“Qingzhi, can you tell us how to make our fiances like us more?”

“Yeah, I also want my fiance to come and pick me up.”

Listening to everyone, Chu Qingzhi smiled and turned into a love guru, leading the girls outside while sharing advice.

“First, you need to find a fiance who truly likes you. Then guide and nurture the relationship… However, love can be cultivated. There are many couples who have never met before marriage but end up falling in love with each other…”

Chu Qingzhi shared some love advice she had read in books, which she thought made sense.

The girls listened thoughtfully.

They were to marry through parental arrangements and matchmakers. Only if their parents loved them dearly would they consider their opinions in matchmaking. But most of the time, it was a unilateral decision.

However, the latter part of her advice raised hopes among the girls. It was possible to cultivate affection after marriage.

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The young prince and Lin Yingmin followed the girls outside…

The young prince turned to Lin Yingmin, asking the question in his heart, “Why do I see you always looking at Chu Qingzhi?”

Lin Yingmin’s heart skipped a beat, replying anxiously, “Be careful with your words, Your Highness. Such talk could bring trouble to Miss Chu.” He liked Qingzhi but didn’t want to harm her.

The young prince stared at Lin Yingmin for a while, then looked away, “Then stop staring at her. Your eyes betray everything.”

Lin Yingmin lowered his head, feeling uneasy. Was his behavior that obvious?

At the entrance of Pear Phoenix Garden, a tall and slender figure stood beside the carriage. His straight back carried a hint of dignity as he looked in the direction of the door with anticipation.

Chu Qingzhi stepped out of the garden, saw Tang Jinghong immediately, and walked briskly towards him, smiling, “Jinghong.”

Tang Jinghong looked down slightly, asking with concern, “Did you have fun this afternoon? Are you hungry?”

Chu Qingzhi’s eyes curved into a smile, nodding, “I am hungry.”

Tang Jinghong said, “I’ll take you to Tainan Restaurant for dinner.”

Chu Qingzhi got into the carriage, then paused and turned to Tang Jinghong, “You seem in a good mood. Is everything settled?”

Tang Jinghong’s tone was unusually bright, “Just a bit more to wrap up tomorrow, and the day after, we can return to Chu village.”

Chu Qingzhi had long wanted to return to the Chu Village. “Okay.”

The girls at the entrance watched the scene, their eyes filled with intense envy, wishing for a fiance like him.

After Chu Qingzhi and the rest left…

Fan Yuru slapped Rong Shiyu’s shoulder casually, “Hey, I actually had fun playing with you today.”

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Rong Shiyu looked at Fan Yuru, wanting to say the same thing, but her prideful demeanor showed as she snorted, “You should feel honored to play polo with me.”

Fan Yuru found the arrogant young lady in front of her quite cute. She reached out and pinched Rong Shiyu’s face.

“How dare you pinch my face…” Rong Shiyu also reached out to pinch Fan Yuru’s face. Slowly, the two of them began to play, and laughter filled the area.

The surrounding girls, seeing the usually at-odds pair playing together, were stunned.

What was happening?

Were fire and water mixing?

Tainan restaurant.

In the private room, everyone was present, including Chu Xujin, Ning Yuting, Lin Wanning, and Si Yuheng.

Si Yuheng was still in a bad mood. He lowered his head and sat at the side like a puppet.

Ning Yuting turned to the three people who had just walked in, smiling warmly, “I should have invited you all for a meal earlier.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “Now is a good time too.”

Ning Yuting greeted, “Please, take a seat.” After they sat down, he asked, “When are you returning?”

“The day after tomorrow, early in the morning.”

Ning Yuting hesitated for a moment before saying, “I’d like to send some things back to Qingyue. Would that be convenient for you?”

“Of course, it’s no trouble at all.”

Ning Yuting was very polite, “Then I’ll trouble you with that.”

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Chu Xujin patted Ning Yuting’s shoulder, laughing, “No need to be so formal, we’ll soon be family.”

Ning Yuting nodded, “Yes.” He was already looking forward to it.

After the meal, as everyone was preparing to leave, a dart was thrown towards them. Tang Jinghong caught it and removed the letter attached.

His face darkened upon reading the letter, “You all go ahead, I have some urgent matters to handle.”

Chu Qingzhi, concerned, asked, “What kind of urgent matter?”

Tang Jinghong handed her the letter, “Take a look.”

Chu Qingzhi quickly read the letter, her expression also turning grim, “I’ll go with you.”

Chu Xujin, noticing the sudden change in their demeanor, anxiously asked, “What’s happened?”

There was no time to explain anything. “Third Brother, we’ll tell you when we get back.”

“Then go quickly and come back quickly. Be safe.”

“Ok.”

This was what happened. In the morning, when they were counting the poppies, everyone was shocked to discover that they had actually overlooked a line. Then, they began to investigate.

After finding the clue, Tang Jinghong’s trusted aides began to track it down. Now that they had found it, the situation was very different from what they had imagined.

In a dense forest, the people escorting the goods had all been killed, but the goods were all there, neatly placed on the carriage. No one had touched them.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi rode their horses to the dense forest…

No one had touched anything at the scene. After the two of them got off the horse, they immediately checked.

There were a total of thirty-six bodies, all killed by a single sword strike. The wounds and angles were identical, indicating they were killed by the same person.

Chu Qingzhi, with a furrowed brow, said, “This person is highly skilled in martial arts, and it was a surprise attack. These people had almost no time to react before they were all killed.”

Tang Jinghong observed the scene, “Not for money, so was it a vendetta?”

After all, there are only a few motives for murder. Since the jewels in the box weren’t taken, it certainly wasn’t for money.

Chu Qingzhi continued her inspection and suddenly walked in a specific direction. With a light jump, she retrieved a letter from a tree.

Seeing this, Tang Jinghong quickly approached..

Chapter 438 - 438: Full Outbreak Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi unfolded the letter which had only one sentence: “I am waiting for you in the eastern border.”

The two exchanged glances, puzzled. Una—ble to make sense of it, Tang Jinghong decided to focus on the current situation, “Clean up the scene and transport the goods back to the capital.

“Yes, General.”

Chu Qingzhi, holding the letter, leaned against a tree, arms crossed, deep in thought.

The first layer of meaning of the sentence was that the letter writer had returned to the eastern border.

The second layer: did “you” refer to Jinghong and her? If so, why them? If not, then who?

The third layer suggested that something significant was about to happen in the eastern border.

The fourth layer: the use of “waiting” implied certainty that “you” would go to the eastern border. Why was the writer so sure?

Suddenly, Chu Qingzhi had an epiphany. There was someone who had been consistently absent but involved throughout this whole affair. She realized who must have left the letter.

Tang Jinghong approached, extending his hand to lead her, “Qingzhi, we can go back now.”

Chu Qingzhi, following his lead out of the forest, declared, “I know who left the letter.”

Tang Jinghong paused. “Who?”

“The traitor of Yun,” Chu Qingzhi said. “He killed three merchants. By the way, didn’t you say that someone exposed the sale of official positions by the Minister of War? I think he did it too.”

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Tang Jinghong held Chu Qingzhi’s hand and continued walking. At the same time, he thought about her words. As he thought deeper, he realized that there was nothing wrong. “He’s helping us.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “I’m a little curious about what grudge he has with Yun. Why is he so determined to bring Yun down?”

Tang Jinghong was deep in thought. “Let’s go back first. This case has come to an end. We’ll talk about it in the future.”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “Yes.”

After Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi returned to the city, they went to the inn to report to Chu Xujin that they were safe. Then, they met up with Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang.

After capturing members of Yun in the capital, they could start to destroy the incense.

In the early morning, several ministers were summoned by the Emperor to the imperial study. The Emperor secretly informed them about the poisonous incense in their homes, instructing them to cooperate with Tang Jinghong in capturing the culprits.

For such a major issue, the ministers were naturally very cooperative, also terrified. If this matter had not been discovered, or discovered too late, their families would have been in danger.

This made the ministers break out in cold sweat. They could not help but feel grateful to the Emperor.

After learning about the poisonous incense, the ministers forbade its use at home. As night fell, many in their households started suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

Chu Qingzhi had given Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang a prescription, and they were now boiling the medicine at the Imperial Hospital. The entire place was filled with the strong smell of bitter medicine, causing some people to tear up.

At the Prime Minister’s residence.

Rong Shiyu, after taking a bath, suddenly felt a bout of heart palpitations, followed by cold sweats and uncontrollable shivering. It felt like ants were biting her bones, causing her to collapse on the bed in pain.

After a while, she managed to call out in agony, “Someone, help me!”

“Miss…”

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A maid entered the room. She had also inhaled some of the incense but, compared to Rong Shiyu who loved incense, her symptoms were negligible. She only experienced mild cold sweats and shivers.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Rong Shiyu, clutching the blanket with whitened fingertips, pleaded, “Quick, call a doctor. I’m in so much pain…”

“Yes, Miss.” The maid, enduring her discomfort, hurried out.

Soon, the maid returned with Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong were passing by the Prime Minister’s residence when a maid, suffering from withdrawal symptoms, rushed out and collapsed in front of Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi approached Rong Shiyu to take her pulse and frowned, “Why is your addiction so severe?”

Rong Shiyu, covered in sweat and barely able to open her eyes, saw it was Chu Qingzhi and clung to her, crying, “It hurts so much. I feel like I can’t breathe. Am I going to die?”

Seeing that Rong Shiyu was crying so sadly, Chu Qingzhi’s heart softened and she gave her a wisp of spiritual energy. “It’s fine. Rest for a while. The Imperial Hospital will send medicine over soon. You’ll recover after drinking it.”

Rong Shiyu felt a cooling sensation in her body. The discomfort slowly subsided. “Thank you, Qingzhi.”

Chu Qingzhi patted Rong Shiyu’s back gently and comforted her. “You’re welcome.”

Rong Shiyu felt exhausted and fell asleep. Chu Qingzhi laid her on the bed and walked out of the room.

“Miss Chu, how’s Shiyu?” Madam Rong was a Buddist and abstained from these pleasure-inducing substances, so she was fine.

Chu Qingzhi looked at the kind-looking Madam Rong and had a good impression of her. “She’s asleep. Send the medicine to her later. She’ll be fine after a few days.”

Madam Rong put her palms together and bowed to Chu Qingzhi. “Thank you, Miss Chu.”

The butler ran over with cold sweat. “Miss Chu, the Prime Minister is about to die. Please take a look.”

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Chu Qingzhi was speechless.

The butler was clearly exaggerating it. It was unlikely for anyone to die from the withdrawal symptoms.

When Madam Rong heard this, she almost fainted from anxiety. “Miss Chu, please save the Prime Minister. We will definitely reward you greatly.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and followed the butler to the Prime Minister’s room.

Madam Rong glanced at her daughter’s room door and followed.

The ministers were the ones who inhaled the most poisonous incense and had the worst drug addiction.

At this moment, the Prime Minister gritted his teeth and curled up on the bed, trembling. The throbbing pain made his vision darken. It was unbearable. He swore in his heart that he would capture Master Yun and execute him.

Just like the Emperor, the Prime Minister also hated this Master Yun.

Not only the Prime Minister, but the other ministers who were addicted also hated Master Yun.

Chu Qingzhi kept shuttling through the ministers’ residences that night until dawn.

Tang Jinghong called for a sedan chair and brought Chu Qingzhi back home. “Rest for a while. I’ll instruct Nanny Han not to let anyone disturb you.”

Chu Qingzhi hooked her arms around Tang Jinghong’s neck and kissed him. “Ok.”

With this kiss, Tang Jinghong felt that he didn’t have to sleep for three days and three nights. “I’ll leave first. I’ll end everything today and come back in the afternoon to pack.”

Chu Qingzhi revealed a beautiful smile. “Okay.”

Tang Jinghong left.

Chu Qingzhi lay flat on the bed and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

On the street.

When Tang Jinghong and Rong Dayuan met each other, Tang Jinghong looked calm while Rong Dayuan looked awful.

Rong Dayuan had his own residence and didn’t live in the Prime Minister’s residence. Yesterday, he went out to do official business and wasn’t at home. Unexpectedly, as soon as he came back in the morning, he heard that something had happened to his father, the Prime Minister. Therefore, he rushed back at once. Unexpectedly, he met Tang Jinghong on the way.

The two of them didn’t get along, so Rong Dayuan’s expression became even uglier. He felt that under Tang Jinghong’s calm appearance, he was mocking him..

Chapter 439: Receiving Another Gift

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

“It’s so early. Where are you going, General Tang?” Rong Dayuan’s words were harsh and unpleasant.

Tang Jinghong’s eyes were filled with ridicule as he said in a low and slow tone, “I just came back from the Prime Minister’s residence. However, don’t worry. Qingzhi has already saved your family.”

Rong Dayuan stiffened, his face showing a moment of intense expression. What does this have to do with Chu Qingzhi?

Chu Qingzhi was Tang Jinghong’s fiancee. If Chu Qingzhi helped the Prime Minister, wouldn’t their family owe Tang Jinghong a huge favor in the future?

At the thought of this, Rong Dayuan felt extremely frustrated.

Not knowing what to say, he flicked his sleeves and continued walking towards the Prime Minister’s residence.

Tang Jinghong raised his eyebrows and smiled. He would slowly make the Prime Minister’s family return the favor in the future. There was still a long way to go. There was no hurry.

In the afternoon, the carriages of the palace, the Prime Minister’s residence, the Grand Tutor, the Grand Guard, the Grand Commander, and the other ministers drove over and stopped at the entrance of the National General’s residence.

When the two guards saw such a huge scene, they hurriedly went forward to receive them.

The one who came from the palace was the Empress’s personal nanny, Rong Shiyu from the Prime Minister’s residence, and the other ministers were also sent juniors like the heir of the family.

These people only had one thing to do, and that was to give Chu Qingzhi a gift as a token of their appreciation.

Chu Qingzhi was eating. Tang Jinghong did not come back, so she slept for a while longer and only woke up in the afternoon. Nanny Han made the food. It was all her favorite.

The guard quickly walked to the dining room and reported the situation at the door to Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi thought to herself, These people have the habit of repaying kindness. I quite like them. Who doesn’t like to receive gifts?

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She put down the chopsticks and followed the guard to the front hall.

The guests were ushered to the front hall by another guard. When they saw Chu Qingzhi, they stood up and greeted her.

After greeting, Chu Qingzhi invited everyone to sit and asked Nanny Han to serve tea.

There were pitifully few servants in the general’s residence. There was Tang Jinghong, two guards, four servants, Nanny Han, and an old man guarding the back door.

Rong Shiyu said happily, “Qingzhi, are you happy to see me?”

Only best friends would call each other by their names. Chu Qingzhi had a good impression of the girls, so she was also quite friendly.

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Why are you here personally?”

Rong Shiyu put down her arrogance in front of Chu Qingzhi and said intimately, “I just wanted to thank you personally.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Nanny Han brought tea over. When she saw the Empress’s nanny, she said respectfully, “Nanny, please drink the tea.”

The nanny sized up Nanny Han and smiled. “You’re quite lucky to serve Miss Chu.”

Nanny Han was living a relaxed and happy life now. She was many times better than in the palace. She smiled sincerely. “I’m indeed lucky.”

The nanny from the palace stood up and said to Chu Qingzhi, “I’m here on the Empress’s orders to give Miss Chu a reward…”

The two eunuchs standing at the side walked to Chu Qingzhi with the box in their hands.

Chu Qingzhi gestured to Nanny Han. “Take the Empress’s reward to the back hall.” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Nanny Han bowed. “Yes.”

Immediately after, Rong Shiyu asked the servants to hand over the gifts, and the others followed suit.

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After sending the gifts, everyone bade farewell and left.

Rong Shiyu also planned to leave. There were too many things to do at home, so she had to go back and help. “Qingzhi, I’ll hold a banquet in the residence tomorrow. Can you come to my house?”

Chu Qingzhi rejected her apologetically. “I’m going back to the village tomorrow.”

Rong Shiyu was surprised and a little reluctant. “Huh? Back to the village? So soon?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded with a smile in her eyes. “25th is my brother’s wedding day. I have to rush back.”

“Really?” Rong Shiyu smiled and congratulated. “I wish your brother and sister-in-law a happy marriage and a child soon.”

“Thank you, Shiyu.”

Rong Shiyu grabbed Chu Qingzhi’s hand and reminded her, “Next time you come to the capital, send someone to tell me. We’ll play together.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Alright, I’ll definitely tell you when the time comes.”

Rong Shiyu left with the servant girls and servants.

After sending off the guests, Chu Qingzhi walked to the back hall.

Nanny Han went forward and reminded her, “Miss, after receiving the Empress’s reward, you need to enter the palace to thank her.”

Despite not wanting to go, Chu Qingzhi still said, “I’ll go immediately.”

She turned around and walked out.

When she came to the street and saw some people selling sugar cakes, Chu Qingzhi thought of the little cutie, the crown prince. She walked to the stall selling sugar cakes and bought a catty.

In fact, she originally didn’t like those young children, but ever since she came into contact with them, she felt that they were quite cute, so her impression of them changed.

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Along the way, she unknowingly bought ten snacks.

Chu Qingzhi finally realized what was going on. She looked at what she had bought. “A woman’s desire to buy is endless…”

Coincidentally, when Chu Qingzhi arrived at the entrance of the palace, Eunuch Li Fei happened to have just returned from going out to deliver the decree.

Chu Qingzhi walked up and greeted, “Eunuch Li.”

Eunuch Li Fei turned around in surprise. “Miss Chu, why are you here?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “The empress sent a nanny to send me a reward just now. I came to the palace to thank her and bought some snacks for the little crown prince.”

Eunuch Li Fei smiled. “Miss Chu is very considerate. Please.”

Eunuch Li Fei personally sent Chu Qingzhi to the empress’s palace hall and even sent someone to inform the little crown prince that Chu Qingzhi was here. The little crown prince had been talking about meeting this sister day and night.

In the Central Palace.

Chu Qingzhi had just expressed her gratitude to the empress when a soft voice came from outside. “Sister…”

Chu Qingzhi turned around and looked at the door. Soon, a figure in bright yellow rushed in.

The crown prince had short legs. When he stepped through the door, the tip of his shoe kicked the high threshold. He wobbled and fell to the ground.

Chu Qingzhi flashed over to catch him. “Run slower.”

When the empress and the palace maids and eunuchs saw this scene, their hearts almost jumped out of their chests. The empress hurriedly walked over and pulled the crown prince to examine him carefully. “You can’t run like this next time.”

The crown prince said generously, “Mother, I’m fine.”

The Empress touched her chest. “You’re fine. I’m not. I was scared to death just now.”

The crown prince immediately said obediently, “Then I’ll be more careful next time.”

Chu Qingzhi thought to herself, What a cute and sensible child. She walked over and brought the snacks she bought. “Your Highness, this is for you.”

The crown prince’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “What is this?”

Chu Qingzhi handed the snacks to the crown prince. “Snacks, eat slowly, but you can only eat them during the day. You can’t eat them at night.”

The crown prince obediently agreed and took the snacks with both hands. “Thank you, Sister.”

Then, he ran excitedly to the stool and opened the small sugar packet..

Chapter 440: Proud

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The little crown prince’s meals and snacks were carefully arranged by specialized people in the palace. He had never tried common snacks from outside the palace before.

The first sweet snack was ginger biscuit, a crunchy and sweet biscuit made primarily with ginger.

The crown prince picked up a ginger biscuit and handed it to Chu Qingzhi. He said softly, “Sister, let’s eat together.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and took it. “Thank you.”

The prince also offered one to the empress, “Mother, try this too. I’ve never seen it before, and I’m sure you haven’t either.”

Her childish voice was filled with concern. The empress felt happy. “If you like it, I’ll get someone to buy it for you in the future.”

The crown prince smiled at the empress, his eyes curved into crescents, looking exceptionally cute. “Okay.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at the little crown prince for a while and said, “Your Highness, I’m going back to the village tomorrow.”

All the way here, Li Fei had been telling her how much the little prince missed her, making her grow fonder of the young boy.

The prince turned his head, staring at Chu Qingzhi with a pout that seemed on the verge of tears, “Will you come back?”

Chu Qingzhi gently touched his head, ”1 will. When 1 return, I’ll come to see you, okay?”

The crown prince’s eyes were red like a helpless deer. “Okay.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Then I’m leaving.”

The crown prince nodded reluctantly. “Sister, can you bring me snacks next time you come to the palace?”

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“Alright, I’ll buy you more then.”

“Yay.”

After Chu Qingzhi left, the little prince couldn’t hold back his tears, covering his eyes with his hands and weeping sorrowfully on the table.

The empress patted the little crown prince’s back tenderly. “Sister will come back in the future.”

The prince cried out in a sobbing voice, “Mother…”

The empress responded lovingly, “Be a good boy.”

General’s mansion.

Not long after Chu Qingzhi returned to the residence, Tang Jinghong also returned. “I heard that they gave you a lot of gifts.”

“Yes, I haven’t looked yet,” Chu Qingzhi said playfully, winking at Tang Jinghong, “Let’s check them out together.”

Everyone’s gifts were very precious. Nanny Han had been guarding there.

Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong walked into the back hall and she quickly left.

Chu Qingzhi blocked Nanny Han’s path. “Nanny, wait.” If she didn’t win people’s hearts now, when would she?

Chu Qingzhi opened all the boxes. The value of the banknotes, jewelry, jade accessories, ginseng, deer antlers, lingzhi… was more than 500,000 taels.

She took out a pair of jade bracelets and placed them in Nanny Han’s hands. “Thank you for taking care of me during this period of time. We’ll return to the village tomorrow…” She looked at Tang Jinghong.

Tang Jinghong continued, “I’ll leave this place to you.”

Recognizing the value of the bracelets, which was worth over a thousand taels, Nanny Han was astounded. She was a little flattered. “Miss and General, I’ll take good care of the residence, but I can’t accept these.”

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Chu Qingzhi said, “Nanny, you’re one of us. Don’t stand on ceremony. Take it.”

Nanny Han held the jade bracelet tightly and was extremely touched. “Miss, General, thank you. I will definitely take good care of this mansion.” If nothing unexpected happened, she would be living in the general’s residence for the rest of her life. She would definitely take good care of this place.

“Good.”

Nanny Han left.

Chu Qingzhi placed all the gifts in a box, closed the box, and locked it. She also left a layer of spiritual energy on the box. Once someone touched this box, she would immediately know.

Tang Jinghong suddenly thought of something. “Do you want to take a look at the courtyard I bought for you?”

Chu Qingzhi almost forgot about this. “Is it far?”

“It’s not far…”

The courtyard was located on the edge of a wealthy district, the size of a quarter of the General’s mansion, complete with pavilions, rockery, and lakes – a luxurious estate.

Chu Qingzhi turned to Tang Jinghong, “This must be worth at least five hundred thousand taels, right?”

Tang Jinghong touched his nose. “A hundred thousand taels.”

Chu Qingzhi looked unconvinced. “How come it’s so cheap?”

Tang Jinghong leaned closer to Chu Qingzhi and whispered, “I did something for Lord Zhao, so he sold the courtyard to me at a low price.”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t know what to say.

There were indeed many benefits to having a wide network.

“Is the deed here?”

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“I’ll bring you to get it.” Tang Jinghong held Chu Qingzhi’s hand and walked into the inner courtyard.

The title deed was locked in the study. Tang Jinghong took out the key and opened the box. He took out the title deed and deed for Chu Qingzhi. “This is it.”

After Chu Qingzhi saw it, she couldn’t help but say, “We’ve made a killing.”

Tang Jinghong agreed. “Lord Zhao said the same thing when he gave me the deed.”

The location of the house was simply ideal.

Chu Qingzhi turned around and hugged Tang Jinghong’s neck, giving him a kiss. “Jinghong, thank you for buying me a house.”

Tang Jinghong smiled. “You’re welcome.”

After returning to the residence, Chu Qingzhi took out a banknote worth 100,000 taels of silver and gave it to Tang Jinghong.

Tang Jinghong didn’t want it. “You don’t have to do this. Put away the banknote.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “This house is for Second Sister, not me. I have to give you the money.”

Tang Jinghong thought for a moment. Anyway, this money would belong to Qingzhi in the future, so he took it. “Did Xujin and the rest buy gifts for the family? If they didn’t, let’s go buy them after eating?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “I asked them to buy it three days ago. With Third Brother’s personality, he should have prepared well.”

Tang Jinghong nodded and led Chu Qingzhi to eat.

?? Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang happened to come over during mealtime, so the four of them ate together.

Yuan Hongjun said, “Master, we will rush back to attend Brother Xuhua’s wedding.”

There were still three days before Chu Xuhua’s wedding. Chu Qingzhi said, “I’ll wait for you.”

As she spoke, Chu Qingzhi thought of something. “By the way, I think Yuru and Shiyu are quite good. Their personalities are also compatible with yours. Think about it.”

As expected, Qingzhi became a matchmaker for her disciples.

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang looked at each other. They were quite shy and their ears were red. “Master…”

Chu Qingzhi looked at her two shy disciples and had the intention to tease them. “I saw almost all the noble ladies in the capital yesterday. The two of them are top-notch. If the two of you can marry them, I will be proud of you.” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Bao Linjiang couldn’t help but ask, “Master, aren’t our medical skills enough to make you proud of us?”