Chapter 12: Spring Outing

Jiang Wu felt a chill down her spine. What did this mean? Did Chu Ling know she had gone to view the mansion? Calm down, calm down—she had gone in the name of Princess Qingyang. Even if Chu Ling knew, it shouldn’t matter. But then, what was his intention? Was he testing her? Surely he couldn’t have found out about Yang Zhou by now?

The thought sent cold sweat across Jiang Wu’s body, but she quickly dismissed it. With Chu Ling’s temper—killing one when pleased, ten when displeased—if he had known about Yang Zhou, there was no way he would have so calmly sent the property deed to her.

She signaled to Zhi Zhi to take the deed and silently reined in her earlier impatience, softening her expression and tone considerably. “Thank you for your trouble. But... how did you know we had gone to see the mansion?”

No matter if she responded coldly or kindly, Chu Yi’s face remained impassive but respectful.

“The lady’s affairs are naturally known to my lord,” he replied.

Jiang Wu weighed his words carefully but could not tell if this was a subtle hint. “Then surely he knows it was Qingyang who bought the mansion. Why send me the deed?”

Chu Yi’s response was as formal as ever: “I dare not presume to guess my lord’s thoughts.”

Seeing his demeanor only infuriated Jiang Wu further. He and his master were cut from the same cloth—always claiming to know everything, but dressing their surveillance in lofty words. With a huff, she turned away in anger.

Though upset, she grew more alert. It seemed best to reduce her meetings with Yang Zhou. Freedom was almost hers; she could not afford any slip-ups in these final moments.

***

Jiang Wu did not need to seek out news of Princess Ruyue; it was everywhere. Hearing that the princess was near the capital, she felt more excited than Chu Ling, her old lover. Jealousy and resentment paled in comparison to the anticipation of a future bright with freedom.

Yet, seeing Chu Ling so calm troubled her. With his lack of skill in winning a woman’s favor, would Chu Yan truly like him?

Jiang Wu’s concern was understandable. Chu Yan was no ordinary woman. When the truth about the real and fake heiress was revealed, her engagement to the minister’s son had almost been ruined. Naturally, the minister’s family wished to wed the true heiress.

But the minister’s son loved Chu Yan deeply and proposed to take her as a noble concubine alongside the true heiress.

Everyone agreed except Chu Yan.

“I will never be a concubine,” she declared. Because of this, many in the capital whispered mockingly—thinking herself a noble lady, but in truth just a wild hen in a phoenix’s nest.

Only Jiang Wu found her remarkable.

Such a remarkable woman—what could she possibly see in Chu Ling?

Jiang Wu stole a glance at the man seated at the table. The room was silent except for the occasional clink of a spoon. She tried to speak: “My lord.”

Chu Ling looked up. Though he said nothing, his piercing gaze seemed to say, “What foolishness will you spout now?”

Frustrated, Jiang Wu comforted herself—he looked at everyone as if they were fools, so she should not take it personally.

“I hear Princess Ruyue and her party will soon arrive in the capital.”

At that, Jiang Wu caught a flicker in Chu Ling’s eyes—a deep, dry well of calm splashed momentarily with an unknown emotion before vanishing.

She was not surprised. Who else but Chu Yan could evoke such a look?

“Should we send someone to meet them?” she suggested, which really meant, “You should behave well.”

Chu Ling gave her a strange look. “The court has already sent people.”

Oh, the court meant his court. So it was his people after all. Jiang Wu quietly praised his thoughtfulness.

Perhaps, from an outsider’s perspective, Chu Ling was not so bad. He and Chu Yan had years of affection, and he had always been indulgent toward her. Maybe she was worrying too much.

Feeling optimistic, Jiang Wu took a spoonful of soup. Noticing Chu Ling’s probing gaze, she quickly restrained her pride and took a small sip.

“Are you happy?” he asked, voice neither light nor heavy.

The question startled Jiang Wu. It was a delicate matter—if she said no, it would seem jealous; if yes, indifferent to him.

Fortunately, having spent years under Chu Ling’s watch, she knew how to dodge the point. Smiling, she replied, “With you, naturally I am happy.”

To her surprise, Chu Ling was not fooled. His usually sharp and authoritative brow furrowed for a moment.

“Are you happy that Princess Ruyue is returning to the capital?”

Jiang Wu met his gaze but quickly looked away. His eyes locked onto her as if determined to extract an answer. She noticed the jade ring he wore glittering painfully in the light—the one he had somehow set down.

“Of course not...” she lowered her head, voice heavy with disappointment.

His imposing presence across the table eased slightly after she spoke.

Jiang Wu silently breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had answered correctly. She did not understand his strange nature—he might not love or care for her, but she must always put him first and be fiercely jealous of him.

It was maddening.

Her appetite faltered once again.

“Tomorrow is my day off,” Chu Ling said, “Come with me for a walk outside the city.”

What walk? Jiang Wu was already thinking of a thousand reasons to refuse when Chu Ling added, “Together with Aye and Nianyin.”

All her excuses evaporated. She whispered her assent.

Since it was with the children, she could not refuse. Besides, once Chu Yan returned, she would have even less time with them. Every moment now was precious.

***

Spring outings were a favorite pastime among the capital’s nobles.

Chu Ling wore no official robe today, dressed simply yet exuding the refined aura of a distinguished scholar.

The two stood there, drawing many gazes. Few dared approach. From their bearing, it was clear the prime minister was enjoying a private family gathering, and no one would be so rude as to intrude.

Soon, Chu Aye and Chu Nianyin arrived.

Jiang Wu, who had been following quietly behind Chu Ling, immediately stepped forward upon seeing the children.

Both were in the bloom of youth.

The boy, sixteen, was vibrant and ambitious, yet shared his father’s calm steadiness. The girl, two years younger, was shy but composed, quietly walking beside her brother.

To a mother’s eyes, children are always the finest treasure. Watching them, Jiang Wu felt a swell of pride.

Her children were naturally exceptional.