Marrying The Imperial Elder Chapter 38

The moment the words left his mouth, Fu Changxi regretted them a little.

One lie often required countless more lies to cover it up. Of course, given his status, and with Zhen Tingyun being nothing more than a young lady who rarely left the inner quarters, if he truly wanted to conceal the truth, it wouldn’t be difficult.

But could something like this really be hidden forever?

It was hard to explain now, certainly. Yet if he didn’t explain it now, wouldn’t it only become even harder in the future?

Countless thoughts raced through Fu Changxi’s mind, though his expression remained perfectly composed. Instead, he calmly changed the subject. “In any case, this villa was also given to me by the Regent. You didn’t know that before, so it wasn’t convenient for me to tell you. Actually, the villa usually sits empty anyway. You’re my only student. Whenever you have time, just come here to practice riding and archery. There’s no need to worry about anything.”

Zhen Tingyun nodded, then looked puzzled. “But… why would the Regent give this estate to you, Teacher?” Judging from today’s events, even the young county princess didn’t know the villa had changed hands. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come specifically looking for her imperial uncle.

See? This was the price of telling lies. One lie inevitably required another.

Fu Changxi felt somewhat annoyed himself, but all he said was, “I don’t know either.”

Looking at Fu Changxi’s cold yet handsome face, Zhen Tingyun secretly thought:

Could it be that the Regent wanted to win people’s loyalty? Seeing that my teacher is already so old and still all alone, perhaps he gave him a piece of property so he’d have an easier time settling down and starting a family?

For some reason, once that thought occurred to her, she no longer wanted to keep asking. Instead, she found herself feeling strangely uncomfortable. Coincidentally, Fu Changxi also had no wish to continue inventing lies. 

Thus, teacher and student naturally changed the subject and returned to discussing Zhen Tingyun’s recent studies.

They continued talking until evening. A servant came from the kitchen to report that dinner had been prepared, including the cured pork rice that Zhen Tingyun had wanted earlier.

The cured pork rice had to be steamed. While chatting with Fu Changxi inside, Zhen Tingyun had already caught its aroma. The fragrance of cured pork and rice was like a tiny hook gently tugging at her stomach, making her crave it unbearably. So the moment she heard dinner was ready, she immediately looked toward Fu Changxi.

Her eyes were large and sparkling.

Seeing her looking at him like that, Fu Changxi pressed his lips together slightly before revealing the faintest hint of a smile. “Have them serve the meal. After dinner, I’ll have someone escort you home.”

Zhen Tingyun hurriedly nodded.

Only then did the servants come in to lay out the dishes.

Since they were at the country villa, the meal wasn’t nearly as elaborate or refined as those served at the royal manor. Most of the dishes consisted of mountain delicacies and wild game, offering a taste of something different.

Earlier, Zhen Tingyun had proudly boasted to Fu Changxi that the cured pork at her family’s estate was made from wild boar, rich without being greasy and incredibly delicious. But after tasting the cured pork rice here, she finally understood what truly exceptional cured meat tasted like. Even the rice itself seemed different from any she had eaten before. Served in a large bamboo tube, every grain appeared soaked in the rich juices of the cured meat, each one crystal-clear with a faint green tint and delicate bamboo fragrance. From a distance, the rice even looked slightly emerald. One bite carried both the sweetness of the rice and the rich savoriness of the cured pork.

Ordinarily, Fu Changxi wasn’t particularly fond of rich, oily dishes. Yet seeing Zhen Tingyun eating with such enthusiasm somehow whetted his own appetite, and he ended up finishing half a bowl himself.

Zhen Tingyun, meanwhile, ate a bowl and a half before asking, “Is this… the Bijing rice people always talk about?”

She had heard of it before.

It was also known as Capital Rice.

The finest comes from Yutian County. The grains are long and slender with a faint green hue, becoming fragrant when cooked.

She had heard that production was extremely limited and that most of it was reserved as imperial tribute, which showed just how rare and valuable Bijing rice was. Whenever she had heard about it before, she had simply listened with skepticism.

Green rice? Surely they dyed it to fool people?

Only now, after seeing it with her own eyes and tasting it herself, did she finally understand why it was considered tribute rice.

Fu Changxi nodded slightly. “The spring water brings forth the orchid-green hue; when the rice is cooked, its fragrance blooms like crimson lotus petals. People say Kunlun lies in the heavens; this green essence is unlike anything in the mortal world.”

He paused before adding, “Actually, steaming it with cured pork somewhat masks its true flavor. It’s best used for porridge, where both the taste and the broth are exceptionally rich. Even plain steamed rice is fragrant and naturally sweet. This time, however, the aroma of the meat inevitably overwhelmed some of the rice’s own fragrance.”

As she listened, Zhen Tingyun absentmindedly bit the end of her chopsticks while blinking at him. Her eyes glittered expectantly.

Having taught her himself, how could Fu Changxi not recognize that look? Raising an eyebrow slightly, he replied casually, “There should still be some left in the villa. If you like it, have someone pack some for you to take home.”

Zhen Tingyun was overjoyed. Still, she felt a little embarrassed to be eating his food and taking some home as well. She quickly declared with exaggerated filial devotion, “I knew Teacher treats me the best. In the future, I’ll definitely be a good and filial student to you…”

At the mention of filial devotion, Fu Changxi suddenly remembered something important. “Oh, right. Last time you also said you’d give me a shoulder massage.”

Zhen Tingyun: “…” She had practically forgotten such a tiny matter. Her teacher looked like such a busy man. How had he still remembered it?!

The moment Fu Changxi saw the look on her face, he gave a cold snort.

Naturally, Zhen Tingyun immediately replied, “I was just thinking about that too! As soon as I finish eating, I’ll give you a shoulder massage.”

Only then was Fu Changxi satisfied.

After dinner, the exemplary student Zhen Tingyun obediently stood behind Fu Changxi and began massaging his shoulders.

To be fair, she had actually put some effort into learning this. Mainly because Old Lady Zhen was getting older and often suffered from backaches and sore muscles. As a granddaughter, Zhen Tingyun naturally couldn’t bear to see it and often massaged her grandmother. With Fu Changxi, however, she didn’t dare touch his back or waist. She limited herself to gently kneading his shoulders.

After working for a while, she noticed that the muscles beneath her hands were unusually tense and stiff. Concerned, she asked, “Teacher, have you been especially tired lately? Your shoulders are awfully stiff…”

Fu Changxi was rarely afforded the chance to enjoy his student’s “filial devotion.” He closed his eyes slightly, and upon hearing her words merely responded with a casual, “Mm.”

But Zhen Tingyun’s imagination had already run wild.

No wonder the Regent even gave Teacher this estate. Who knows how much work he’s been doing behind the scenes…

The more she thought about it, the more sympathetic she became as his student. She couldn’t help saying, “At your age, Teacher, you really should take better care of your health. What if you wear yourself out?”

Fu Changxi: “…” At what age, exactly?

Fu Changxi considered himself in the prime of life, with the best years of his youth still before him. Being suddenly spoken of this way inevitably left him feeling rather stifled.

He glanced back over his shoulder.

Behind him stood his thirteen- or fourteen-year-old student, as fresh and tender as newly sprouted spring chives.

The contrast was so striking that, for a moment, Fu Changxi found himself speechless.

Just then, someone came from outside to announce that a guest had arrived.

The guard delivering the message knew that Miss Zhen was still unaware of his master’s true identity and didn’t dare reveal too much. He merely stepped forward and whispered a few words into Fu Changxi’s ear.

Though Zhen Tingyun tactfully moved several steps away, she was still standing behind Fu Changxi and vaguely caught fragments such as “General Song” and “has just returned to the capital.” She had no idea which General Song this referred to. Hearing it meant nothing to her, so she paid it no further attention.

Fu Changxi, however, listened carefully. His brows knitted briefly before relaxing again.

A moment later, he dismissed the guard with a wave before turning to Zhen Tingyun. “It’s getting late. Shall I have someone escort you home?”

Knowing he had important business to attend to, Zhen Tingyun immediately stood up as well. “Mm. I should be going too. Otherwise Grandmother will start worrying.”

Fu Changxi quietly let out a breath of relief. After thinking for a moment, he personally escorted her outside, while also instructing someone to prepare a small sack of Bijing rice for her to take home.

Just before climbing into the carriage, Zhen Tingyun looked distinctly reluctant to leave. One hand held onto the carriage curtain while the other waved at Fu Changxi. “Teacher, when I have time next time, I’ll come visit you again!”

Fu Changxi was both amused and exasperated.

She may have free time. That doesn’t mean I do.

As Zhen Tingyun lowered the carriage curtain, her gaze casually swept to one side. There she spotted a black horse standing inside the courtyard. Its glossy coat gleamed in the fading light as it stood proudly with its head held high, wild and spirited. Even at a glance, anyone could tell it was an exceptionally fine steed. Majestic beyond compare.

Zhen Tingyun had always thought her own horse, Malantou, was quite good. But compared to this one…Malantou suddenly seemed just a little inferior.

She couldn’t help thinking: I don’t remember seeing that horse when I arrived. It must belong to the “General Song” the guard mentioned. That makes sense. Perhaps it’s a horse that’s actually seen battle. Malantou probably can’t compare…

After all, Zhen Tingyun was only a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old girl. Ever since arriving in the capital, she had done little besides stay at home studying and practicing calligraphy. She knew almost nothing about court affairs.

Someone more politically aware would have immediately associated the surname “Song” with the young emperor’s birth mother. Many people knew the young emperor had been born to a palace maid and that, after his birth, his mother had been quietly removed while the child himself was raised under Empress Zheng. Very few, however, knew that the palace maid had actually been a daughter of the Song family.

Back then, the Song family had fallen from grace. Every adult male had been executed. The boys under fourteen were exiled to the southwest. The women of the family were all sent into the palace as servants. No one knew by what twist of fate it happened. The late emperor had first an empress and then another empress, with countless women filling the imperial harem. Yet none of them bore him a child. Instead, it was the palace maid he had once favored by chance, the criminal daughter of the disgraced Song family, who gave birth to his only son.

Naturally, anyone perceptive enough to associate the surname “Song” with the young emperor’s mother would also recognize “Yuanhui” as the Regent’s courtesy name.

But Zhen Tingyun knew none of this.

The thought never even occurred to her. In fact, she wasn’t interested in such matters at all. After briefly turning the idea over in her mind, she simply let it go.

Leaning against the carriage, she lifted the curtain and gazed outside, leisurely admiring the spring scenery along the countryside road.

Perhaps it was simply coincidence.

Halfway through the journey, she spotted a familiar face. It was none other than Madam Chu, whom she had met once in the inn courtyard on the night Yuanhui had taken his leave.

Just as before, Madam Chu wore her hair elegantly piled high and was dressed in plain robes and a simple skirt. Her demeanor remained gentle, refined, and approachable. She stood in a pavilion with two young maidservants, apparently waiting for someone.

Something stirred in Zhen Tingyun’s mind. She immediately instructed the driver to stop the carriage, lifted the curtain, and called out brightly, “Madam! It’s been a long time.” As she spoke, she climbed down from the carriage to greet her properly.

Madam Chu clearly remembered her as well. Smiling warmly, she replied, “What a coincidence. We’ve met again, young lady.”

Zhen Tingyun had a very favorable impression of Madam Chu. After all, this was the person who had praised her xiao playing, appreciated her talent, and even wanted to take her as a disciple. Clearly, she had excellent judgment. She must be an exceptionally good person. So Zhen Tingyun spoke with easy familiarity.

“Madam, are you waiting for someone? It’s almost dark, and this place is rather secluded. You only have two maidservants with you, and who knows how much longer you’ll have to wait? Why not come to my family’s estate and rest for a while? You could have some tea. It’s not far at all, so going back and forth would be convenient. If you’re worried, you could simply leave one of your maids here to wait and pass along any messages. And if that still doesn’t put your mind at ease, I can have my carriage bring you back here later.”

Zhen Tingyun spoke with complete sincerity. Madam Chu naturally understood her meaning.

The girl had probably noticed that she had neither carriage nor sedan chair with her, and that she was standing in an isolated pavilion with only two maids. She must have worried it was unsafe and had therefore kindly invited her to rest at the estate, where the carriage driver could later escort her wherever she needed to go.

In truth, Madam Chu had come out today to meet an old acquaintance. That was why she had brought only two maidservants. However, both of those maids were skilled in martial arts, so there was actually very little to fear. Moreover, she had already instructed her carriage driver to come pick her up at the appointed time. She was simply waiting for him in the pavilion.

Still, she couldn’t bear to refuse such genuine kindness.

After a brief moment of thought, she nodded. “Then I’ll trouble you, Miss.”

After saying that, Madam Chu left one of her maids in the pavilion so that when the carriage driver arrived, he could simply be told to come to Zhen Tingyun’s estate to pick her up.

Thus, Zhen Tingyun brought Madam Chu and her remaining maid back to her family’s estate.

Old Lady Zhen had already finished dinner and had been wondering whether she should save some food for her granddaughter, who had gone out and still hadn’t returned.

As it turned out, not only had her granddaughter come back, she had even brought two living, breathing guests with her.

Zhen Tingyun introduced Old Lady Zhen to Madam Chu. “This is my grandmother. I came out here today to accompany her for a short stay and let her relax.”

Then she turned to introduce Madam Chu. “This is Madam Chu. She…”

She suddenly got stuck. Aside from knowing Madam Chu’s surname was Chu, she knew absolutely nothing else about her.

Seeing this, Madam Chu couldn’t help smiling. She had assumed that after learning her surname that day, the girl would have looked into her identity. Yet even now, Zhen Tingyun still didn’t know. She truly couldn’t decide whether the girl was clever or simply a little foolish.

With a quiet sigh, Madam Chu found herself appreciating Zhen Tingyun’s exceptionally rare sincerity and kindness even more. She explained, “I teach at the Capital Women’s Academy.”

Zhen Tingyun: “…”

Old Lady Zhen: “…”

Zhen Tingyun had truly, absolutely never imagined that Madam Chu was actually an instructor at the Capital Women’s Academy.

The Capital Women’s Academy and Yuhua Women’s Academy were widely recognized as the two most prestigious women’s academies in the realm. Each year, when the top ten women’s academies were ranked, first and second place invariably alternated between those two institutions. It could even be said that the reason Zhen Yiyun was now known as a talented young lady was twofold.

First, she had become the disciple of Instructor He from Yuhua Women’s Academy.

Second, when she entered Yuhua Women’s Academy the previous year, she had placed first among all examinees.

The moment Zhen Tingyun remembered that she had once rejected becoming Madam Chu’s disciple… all because of Yuanhui…

She wanted to travel back in time and strangle her past self. Or at the very least, slap herself twice and knock all the water out of her brain.

A wonderful opportunity had once been placed right in front of her. And she had actually turned it down because of that unreliable teacher Yuanhui!

Zhen Tingyun regretted it so deeply that it felt as though her liver and intestines were being torn apart.

She stared at Madam Chu with wide eyes, completely forgetting how to speak.

Old Lady Zhen, however, had seen much more of the world. Even after learning Madam Chu’s identity, she recovered far faster than her granddaughter. Naturally, she had also heard of both Yuhua Women’s Academy and the Capital Women’s Academy. She knew full well that her granddaughter’s greatest wish was to enter one of them.

Now that this Madam Chu turned out to be an instructor from the Capital Women’s Academy, Old Lady Zhen immediately became incomparably enthusiastic. “Oh my, so that’s how it is!”

The snobbish old woman instantly shed her earlier indifference. Her smile bloomed like a flower as she hurriedly urged Bazhen to serve tea and pastries. At the same time she warmly said, “Our humble place doesn’t have anything especially fine, but everything is fresh. If you don’t mind, I’ll have someone prepare a meal. Even just trying the local flavors would be nice.”

Madam Chu, however, had no intention of staying long. She gently declined the grandmother and granddaughter’s warm invitation. “I still have matters to attend to, so I really shouldn’t stay…”

After a pause, she added with a sigh, “It’s getting late. If I delay much longer, I’m afraid I won’t make it back to the city tonight.”

Since she put it that way, they naturally couldn’t insist.

Zhen Tingyun and Old Lady Zhen accompanied Madam Chu over a cup of tea. Before long, someone came to report that Madam Chu’s carriage had arrived. As Madam Chu rose to leave, she suddenly seemed to remember something halfway to the door. She gave Zhen Tingyun the address of her residence before saying, “Although we were not destined to become teacher and student, it is still quite a coincidence that we met again today. If you have time in the future, you’re welcome to visit my home.”

Only after saying that did she gracefully depart.

Zhen Tingyun: “!!!!”

Although she didn’t utter a single word aloud, inwardly she was practically crying her eyes out.

Don’t leave! Who says we weren’t destined to become teacher and student?! I think we’re extremely destined!

If she could have, Zhen Tingyun would have thrown herself at Madam Chu’s feet, hugged her legs, and begged to be accepted as her disciple.

Truly.

Every tear she shed today was simply repayment for the water that had flooded her brain the day she refused that offer.

The moment Old Lady Zhen turned around, she saw her granddaughter looking heartbroken enough to burst into tears.

Unable to help herself, she chuckled, patted the girl’s shoulder, and comforted her. “Alright, alright. From what I can see, Madam Chu thinks very highly of you. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have revealed her identity. When the women’s academy examinations come around in the sixth month, if you truly gain admission to the Capital Women’s Academy, then you can prepare some gifts and formally visit her to ask to become her disciple. Everything will naturally fall into place.”

At this point, there was nothing else Zhen Tingyun could do except console herself with that thought.

A moment later, she grabbed Old Lady Zhen’s hand and whined, “I’m hungry.”

Truthfully, she had already eaten quite a bit at Yuanhui’s place. But after all that emotional turmoil, she suddenly wanted to eat something else to make herself feel better.

Looking at her granddaughter’s puffed-up little face, Old Lady Zhen couldn’t resist pinching her cheek. “Alright, alright. Bazhen wrapped some wild vegetable wontons tonight. I’ll have someone cook you a bowl. But it’s late already, you shouldn’t eat too much. Just have enough to taste them. You don’t want indigestion.”

Still looking aggrieved, Zhen Tingyun nodded. Then she turned all her grief and indignation into appetite and finished one enormous bowl of wild vegetable wontons.

Meanwhile, Old Lady Zhen sat beside her, scooping up a handful of the Bijing rice that Zhen Tingyun had brought back from Fu Changxi’s estate. Squinting, she carefully examined each grain. She had never before seen rice with such a vivid green color.

Unable to help herself, she clicked her tongue in amazement. “What a rare treasure. I’ve spent over half my life scratching a living from the soil, yet this is the first time I’ve ever seen rice like this. My horizons have truly been broadened…”

Zhen Tingyun casually replied, “I heard this rice makes wonderful porridge. Tomorrow let’s have someone cook a pot with it, Grandmother. You should taste it too.”

Old Lady Zhen immediately objected. “You wasteful girl! You really can’t hold onto anything! Your teacher only just gave it to you, and you’re already thinking about eating it all?”

Zhen Tingyun: “… No matter how precious it is, it’s still rice. Teacher gave it to me so I could eat it.”

“Even if you’re going to eat it, you should at least wait for a special occasion!” Old Lady Zhen curled her lips in disapproval as she lectured her granddaughter. “Good things like this should only be eaten once in a while. If you eat it every single day, you’ll finish it in no time! Honestly, Second Girl, you really don’t know how to manage a household! When you’re running a family, you can’t just think about today and ignore tomorrow. Let me tell you…”

Zhen Tingyun only felt a constant buzzing in her ears. In the end, she simply couldn’t outtalk Old Lady Zhen’s endless nagging and had no choice but to surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll listen to you, Grandmother. From now on, I’ll only eat it on special occasions.”

“That’s more like it!” Old Lady Zhen happily stroked the glossy green Bijing rice one last time before thinking it over. Feeling that her little granddaughter deserved some encouragement for admitting her mistake, she generously waved a hand. “When your birthday comes next month, I’ll cook porridge with this rice for you.”

Zhen Tingyun: “…Weren’t birthdays always celebrated with longevity noodles? This year it’s porridge instead?”

Old Lady Zhen immediately had a ready explanation. “Longevity noodles are just for the symbolism of a long life. You’ll eat a small bowl of noodles for form’s sake… and after you’re done with the noodles, can’t you drink porridge afterward?”

Zhen Tingyun: “…”

Fine. Whatever you say, Elder. As long as you’re happy.

Since every grain in that little sack of Bijing rice had already been meticulously assigned its future by Old Lady Zhen, Zhen Tingyun no longer dared dwell on it. She slowly finished her bowl of wild vegetable wontons.

By then it was already late outside.

Grandmother and granddaughter took turns washing up and changing into their nightclothes. By the time they were done, Bazhen, Liushun, and the others had already prepared the bed. The two climbed onto the kang together to sleep.

Only…

Zhen Tingyun had just eaten such a huge bowl of wontons.

At first she hadn’t noticed anything. But the moment she lay down, she realized she had eaten far too much. Her stomach felt bloated, and no matter how she tossed and turned, she simply couldn’t fall asleep.

Old Lady Zhen sat up, tied back her hair, leaned over, and spent quite a while rubbing her granddaughter’s stomach. Even as she did so, she scolded her nonstop. “I already told you not to eat so much! Eat too much and you’ll end up with indigestion! But you just kept stuffing yourself like a little pig! Look at you now! You’re so full you can’t even sleep! Serves you right!”

Then she couldn’t help cursing herself as well.

Why did these hands have to be so soft-hearted? Why am I rubbing her stomach at all?!

Zhen Tingyun: Waaah…

***

Since they had informed Father Zhen and Madam Pei beforehand, Zhen Tingyun and Old Lady Zhen remained at the estate for several more days, thoroughly enjoying the leisurely country life.

Old Lady Zhen even remarked, “When we lived back in the village, I never really noticed it. But now it feels like it’s much freer out here.”

Zhen Tingyun chimed in beside her. “Exactly. I’ve noticed you’ve been eating an extra bowl of rice these past couple of days, Grandmother.”

That was the honest truth.

While staying at the estate, Zhen Tingyun practiced riding and archery every morning and evening. Meanwhile, Old Lady Zhen took leisurely walks around the countryside.

The fresh air beyond the city and the beautiful early spring scenery lifted both their spirits.

By mealtime, they naturally had much better appetites.

Combined with the fresh ingredients available at the estate, they couldn’t help eating a little more than usual.

Old Lady Zhen laughed at her granddaughter’s teasing and lightly smacked her. “You slick-tongued little thing! Always making jokes about your grandmother!”

They enjoyed themselves like this for two full days.

Only after lunch on the third day did they finally have the carriage prepared for the trip back.

Even after climbing into the carriage, Old Lady Zhen still looked back at the estate several times with obvious reluctance.

Then she earnestly reminded Zhen Tingyun, “When we get home, study hard. This time you absolutely must pass the women’s academy examination and win this estate for me. Then when we come here in the future, we won’t have to look at anyone else’s face.”

Zhen Tingyun coaxed her with a smile. “You’re the matriarch of our family, Grandmother. Besides, this is already our family’s estate. Even if it isn’t given to me, you can still come whenever you want. Why would you ever have to care about anyone else’s opinion?”

Although Old Lady Zhen had never learned household management or high-society etiquette after coming to the capital, she remained exceptionally shrewd.

Hearing Zhen Tingyun’s comforting words, she wasn’t fooled in the slightest. Instead, she lowered her voice. “You silly girl! Do you think I don’t know your mother already handed management of this estate over to your older sister? Foolish child, she’s building your sister’s dowry.”

She clicked her tongue. “When it comes to people’s hearts, everyone’s biased. But your mother’s favoritism is especially obvious. Everything good goes to your sister first. Every nice thing she thinks of is for your sister. Our family only has so much property to begin with, and your sister is only one year older than you. Once she marries off in grand style with the estate and the shops as her dowry, what good things will be left for you? And don’t forget, you still have a younger brother.”

“Fortunately, your mother let it slip last time while arguing. Right in front of your father and your brother, she promised that if you passed the women’s academy examination, the estate would be yours. You were already planning to take the examination anyway so isn’t this basically getting an estate for free? But if you fail this time, your mother will only feel even more justified in favoring your sister, and she’ll definitely hand the estate over to her and if it becomes your sister’s estate, why should an old woman like me have to come here just to watch your sister’s moods?”

As she spoke, Old Lady Zhen snorted proudly, lifting her chin high. She wore an expression that plainly declared: Even if she begged me to stay here in the future, this old lady wouldn’t!

Truth be told, Old Lady Zhen herself was hardly impartial. She was every bit as biased. Yet when criticizing Madam Pei’s favoritism, she didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty.

It could only be said…

Human nature was wonderfully hypocritical.

Even Zhen Tingyun. 

Seeing Madam Pei’s favoritism toward Zhen Yiyun hurt her deeply. Yet hearing Old Lady Zhen painstakingly make plans for her own future filled her heart with warmth and aching tenderness. Lowering her eyes, she hugged her grandmother’s arm and softly said, “Don’t worry, Grandmother. I know what I’m doing. This time I’ll definitely get in.”

Old Lady Zhen had great confidence in her granddaughter. She had only gone through the whole lecture for her own peace of mind. By the time they returned home, she was in quite a good mood.

***

Seeing that his mother had returned from the estate with his daughter, Father Zhen was naturally delighted. He joined them for dinner so the family could enjoy a proper reunion meal together. Noticing how unusually cheerful both grandmother and granddaughter seemed, he smiled and said, “It isn’t good for Mother and Tingyun to stay cooped up at home all day. It’s good that you went out for a walk and relaxed. Next time I have some free time, I’ll take Mother and Tingyun out again so everyone can get some fresh air.”

Thinking about how her son had been leaving early and returning late every day recently, Old Lady Zhen couldn’t help giving a couple of snorts. “Anyone can say nice things. Let’s wait until you actually have time before talking about it.”

Father Zhen was left speechless. “…”

After all, he had only recently been transferred back to the capital. His official duties were at their busiest, and he frequently had to socialize with colleagues and superiors. In truth, he really didn’t have much free time at all.

Madam Pei noticed the opportunity and smiled, saying, “When the time comes, our whole family will go together.” 

Zhen Hengzhe was immediately excited. “I’ll go too, I’ll go too!” Both Madam Pei and Father Zhen were strict with him, his days were nothing but studying, and he was still young and lively, so he was always bored. 

Old Lady Zhen grew happier the more she looked at her grandson. Hearing him speak up, she couldn’t help smiling. “Good, good, good. Our whole family will go, and we’ll bring our Heng Ge’er too.” 

Seeing Old Lady Zhen cheerful and no longer dwelling on the matter, Madam Pei naturally shifted the topic. It was then that Zhen Tingyun learned from Madam Pei that Zhen Yiyun had accompanied the young county princess and even seen the Regent.

Author’s note: Zhen Tingyun: Zhen Yiyun really lies without even drafting her story first!