Chapter 137: Xie Shi'an Sends Flowers
As night fell and lanterns lit up, Yun Chu and Xie Ping finally returned to the Xie residence.
That day, Xie Ping had met many people at the Yun family whom she previously couldn't even exchange words with. She grew increasingly convinced that the choice she made at Qing'an Temple back then was absolutely correct.
Though she had no dowry, it didn't matter—once she became Princess Anjing, everything she deserved would come to her.
The next morning, Xie Shi'an was still the first to come pay respects.
There was a scar on his head, left from when Xie Shiwei had struck him previously. It wasn't noticeable unless one looked closely.
"Huai De Academy will be on break in a few days," Yun Chu said, looking at him. "When September comes, you'll be studying at the Imperial College. Once your father recovers from his illness, have him arrange for you to meet the teachers at the Imperial College first."
Xie Shi'an had originally thought of asking his maternal grandfather to take him to meet the Chancellor of the Imperial College, but since his mother had said so, he couldn't bring himself to make the request.
He cupped his hands in salute and left the flower hall.
Soon after, the others coming to pay their respects arrived.
Many events had occurred in the Xie household recently, causing subtle shifts in the family's mindset.
Ting Yu held Xie Shiyun's hand, standing quietly. Apart from a few words of greeting, she remained silent.
Tao Yiniang was busy every day with Xie Shikang. This premature child was harder to care for than most, and even with the wet nurse's help, her youthful body was nearly worn out.
Jiang Yiniang, meanwhile, was attending to the ailing Xie Jingyu, also staying up day and night, her complexion looking quite poor.
"If there's nothing else, you may all withdraw," Yun Chu waved her hand, and the concubines bowed their heads as they retreated.
She returned to her inner chamber, changed into more comfortable clothes, gathered some trinkets that children would like, and prepared to set off for the hot spring manor in the outskirts of the capital.
Just as she stepped out of the courtyard of Sheng Residence, Jiang Yiniang returned and said, "Madam, the master says he has important matters to discuss with you and requests your presence."
Yun Chu frowned. "Tell him I'm unavailable."
"Yesterday afternoon, the master sent me to Sheng Residence several times, but you hadn't returned, so it was postponed," Jiang Yiniang said softly. "Please, Madam, go see him."
Yun Chu estimated she wouldn't be back until noon.
She curled her lips slightly and followed Jiang Yiniang toward Xie Jingyu's study courtyard.
As soon as she entered, she was met with the pungent smell of medicinal herbs permeating the entire courtyard.
"Master, Madam is here."
Jiang Yiniang reported from the doorway. After Yun Chu entered, she turned to tend to the medicine stove in the courtyard.
Yun Chu stepped inside. "What matter did you have Jiang Yiniang summon me for?"
Xie Jingyu's gaze fell on her attire, which was different from her usual dress. He asked, "Are you going out, Madam?"
"Yes, I'm going to check on the manor outside the city," Yun Chu replied casually. "It's getting late, so speak quickly if you have something to say."
As she spoke, she noticed that Xie Jingyu's face was frighteningly pale. His skin had always been fair, but after falling ill, it had turned ghastly white.
She also noticed that a pot of flowers had appeared on the windowsill beside the sickbed at some point.
She approached and examined it closely, then couldn't help but smile. She recognized this flower.
Some time ago, while searching for that male contraceptive prescription for Xie Jingyu, she had come across this flower in a book—it could render a man sterile and came with many side effects.
She asked, "Who sent these flowers?""A few days ago, An Ge'er sent it over." Xie Jingyu didn't wish to discuss this matter further. After a pause, he continued, "Has your father been busy lately? Could you ask him to take An Ge'er to meet the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy?"
Yun Chu smiled.
Xie Shi'an was truly ruthless, capable of such harsh methods even toward his own biological father.
She replied, "My father will be leaving the capital in a few days and likely won't have time to meet the Chancellor. An Ge'er is so outstanding—I'm sure he can catch the Chancellor's eye without my father's recommendation. You should focus on recovering from your illness and not worry about this matter."
After speaking, she turned and walked out.
Yun Chu brought Ting Xue with her to the outskirts of the capital. She dozed off briefly in the carriage and soon arrived at the estate entrance.
This was her third visit here, and the scene was vastly different from the previous two times. The estate entrance had been completely renovated, showing no signs of having been abandoned for over twenty years. Inside, it was spacious and grand, with lush trees, artificial hills and flowing water, carved beams, and painted rafters—all arranged with a layered aesthetic.
"Greetings, Madam Xie!"
Cheng Zhuangzhu led the estate's servants in paying respects to Yun Chu.
Apart from the estate manager and one steward who were from the Prince of Pacifying the West Manor, the rest were essentially personnel arranged by Chen Bo. Among them, Ting Shuang and Jiu'er could be considered Yun Chu's trusted aides.
"We're still short a few accountants," Cheng Zhuangzhu said respectfully. "His Highness's intention is to leave the selection of accountants to Madam Xie."
Accountants were those in charge of finances. Typically, collaborating parties would compete to place their own people in these positions to secure more benefits for themselves.
It was unclear whether Prince Pingxi's move was genuine indifference or a test of intentions.
Naturally, Yun Chu wouldn't actually agree to it. She said, "I can only arrange for three people. The remaining two will have to trouble Cheng Zhuangzhu to select a few trustworthy individuals."
Cheng Zhuangzhu bowed and acknowledged her instructions.
Just as they finished speaking, a carriage stopped at the estate entrance. Before it had even come to a complete halt, a little dumpling came rushing through the main gate.
"Auntie Yun, I missed you so much!"
Chu Hongyu scrambled up onto Yun Chu.
Yesterday, with that fellow Yun Zhenjiang watching, he hadn't been able to properly hug his mother.
As soon as Yun Chu picked up the little one, Chu Changsheng also rushed in. Yun Chu scooped her up with one arm, holding one child in each arm.
Fortunately, she had specifically chosen practical clothing today—otherwise, it wouldn't have been convenient to carry two children. It was also fortunate that these two children were too thin and light, or else she wouldn't have been able to hold them. Still, she wished they were heavier, a bit chubbier...
Witnessing this scene, Cheng Zhuangzhu was utterly stunned.
Since when had Madam Xie become so close with the two young masters of the prince's household?
He looked up and saw the prince walking in with a calm expression, his gaze resting on Madam Xie, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
He was shocked once again.
As an old retainer of the Yin family who had long served the prince and frequently interacted with him, he could honestly say he had rarely seen the prince smile.
To be precise, he had only ever seen the prince give cold smiles. A gentle smile like the one he wore now was unprecedented.
"Yu Ge'er, come down," Chu Yi said calmly. "You're a young man—what kind of example are you setting by having Madam Xie carry you?"
The woman before him was carrying two children, her waist bent, clearly struggling somewhat.
Chu Hongyu clung stubbornly, unwilling to get down.
Chu Yi's eyes turned cold, his gaze clearly threatening.
The little one knew that if he didn't obey obediently, his father wouldn't bring him out next time.
He had no choice but to pitifully climb down from Yun Chu.Yun Chu, holding the quiet little girl in her arms, bowed to Chu Yi. "Greetings, Your Highness."
Chu Yi waved his hand. "We both manage this estate together. It would be too formal for you, Madam Xie, to bow when you see me."
Yun Chu increasingly felt that this Prince Pingxi, whom everyone feared, was actually quite approachable...
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