Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Prince Jing, who had ignored Xie Run for a long time, suddenly arrived at Linxuan Pavilion. The maidservants of Linxuan Pavilion were overjoyed, and Xie Run also welcomed him with a smile. She acted as if nothing had happened that day, happily showing off the new chess manual she had been studying to Prince Jing. Prince Jing had initially arrived in low spirits, but was infected by her cheerful demeanor. "It seems that with me not coming these past days, you've been quite at ease." He said this with a hint of a smile, not in a sarcastic tone. "Your Highness's person may not have come, but this servant has been thinking of you every moment. That's why I've been studying chess manuals day after day, so that when Your Highness finally came, I might earn a word of praise from you." Words could be deceptive, but whether Xie Run's chess skills had improved was evident at a glance. Prince Jing began to imagine that after he had stormed off in anger, Xie Run had been trembling with fear, yet still missed him deeply, and could only study chess manuals day after day, longing for his return. With that thought, Prince Jing's attitude softened considerably. Xie Run waved her hand, having someone move the chessboard aside and set up a tea set, then began to brew tea. Her voice was gentle as she said, "This servant is not entirely heartless. Yesterday when I saw Princess Ruyi vomiting and crying, I was greatly startled. After returning, I couldn't help but feel distressed for her." For such a young child to be schemed against—it was clear that even bearing the title of Commandery Princess couldn't guarantee her safety. The smile on Prince Jing's face faded considerably. "Even you know to feel distressed, yet there are those who don't cherish their blessings." Xie Run was startled, immediately catching the implication in Prince Jing's words. Someone not cherishing their blessings? Whose blessing was Princess Ruyi? Xie Run immediately thought of Concubine Yun. Could it be... that last night's poisoning of Princess Ruyi was also related to Concubine Yun? Indeed, the poison was originally meant for Concubine Yun, so how did that sour plum soup end up in Princess Ruyi's stomach instead? A few-year-old child might be greedy, but the mother should have known that iced things shouldn't be casually consumed, especially since Princess Ruyi had always had a weak spleen and stomach. But how had Concubine Yun known that bowl of sour plum soup was problematic? Xie Run pretended not to understand, finished whisking the tea, and placed it before Prince Jing. Her clear black-and-white eyes were full of expectation, obedient and radiant. "Your Highness, would you like to taste the tea I've brewed?" Prince Jing glanced at her, then picked up the cup and took a light sip. Today, Prince Jing wore a black robe embroidered with gold patterns, a golden belt at his waist, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His long brows swept toward his temples, and the wanton charm between his brows was subdued, replaced instead by an added air of solemn dignity. Seeing Xie Run staring at him with eager anticipation, Prince Jing chuckled. "What are you staring at me for?" Xie Run found him annoying for asking what he already knew, yet she still had to speak in a soft, gentle manner. "This servant has been practicing tea whisking all this time, just waiting for Your Highness to praise me." Prince Jing frowned. A hint of unease appeared in Xie Run's eyes, and she said with a hint of grievance, "If it doesn't taste good, then this servant's skill hasn't reached its peak yet. I'll go back and practice more..." Seeing her look about to cry, Prince Jing said reluctantly, "It's passable. Drinkable." Xie Run let out a sigh of relief and gave a light hum. "Your Highness always likes to tease people." With that, her peach-blossom eyes cast a sidelong glance at Prince Jing—innocent yet alluring, with a hint of seductiveness. Prince Jing felt a stir of desire and couldn't help but cough. Xie Run was completely unaware, propping her chin on her hand as she enthusiastically shared her insights on tea whisking and chess with Prince Jing. When two people were together, there always needed to be something to talk about; otherwise, sitting in silence would be dull. Xie Run didn't care to talk about the affairs of the women in the rear courtyard, only mentioning amusing little things from her daily life. Her soft, gentle words entered the ear like a babbling brook. When Prince Jing found something interesting, he would ask a few more questions; when he didn't, he would simply listen quietly as Xie Run spoke. Seeing that it was getting dark, Xie Run had her maidservant bring in the meal. Just as they were about to dine, a startled cry suddenly sounded from outside. Xie Run put down her chopsticks and asked Dantao beside her, "What's going on? That sounds like Xiaoci's voice?" Dantao bowed. "This servant will go out and take a look." After a moment, Dantao returned. "Reporting to mistress, it was Xiaoci who accidentally dropped a flowerpot on her foot while moving it." Xie Run quickly asked, "How is she?" "She's fine. Nothing serious." "Give her some safflower oil to rub on it. Make sure the bone isn't hurt." "Yes." After Dantao left, Xie Run picked up her chopsticks to continue eating. Prince Jing said casually, "You don't have enough people in your courtyard." Xie Run was taken aback. "How could that be? Having four people to serve me is already a lot." Xie Run genuinely felt that was plenty. When the original Xie Run had been at the Xie residence, she'd only had one maidservant attending her. Upon arriving at Prince Jing's residence, she'd gained three more people. Xie Run now didn't lift a finger and lived quite comfortably. She simply couldn't, in good conscience, claim that she didn't have enough attendants. Prince Jing said with some disdain, "What can four little maidservants do? You don't even have anyone in your courtyard to do the rough manual labor..." Seeing that Xie Run wasn't catching on and was looking at him with an innocent expression, Prince Jing sighed. "Never mind. Let's eat first." Xie Run was utterly bewildered. But since Prince Jing wasn't going to continue, Xie Run naturally didn't dare ask further. After the meal, Prince Jing played a game of chess with Xie Run in a proper manner, then pulled her onto the couch. Candlelight flickered, and soft murmurs drifted through the night. By the time the sky began to lighten, Prince Jing rose to attend the morning court. His gaze swept over the slender figure lying on the bed, recalling the few marks scratched into his back. He thought to himself, this Xie Run is rather delicate. It seemed the Xie family had raised her well. When Xie Run got up, it was already nearly noon. Even the most shameless person would blush a little at this point. Last night, Prince Jing had acted as if he had been pent up for half a lifetime, tormenting her in every possible way. Xie Run's old back had barely survived. When she heard Yuli happily tell her, "When the Prince left, he said he would return to Linxuan Pavilion tonight." Xie Run's vision went dark, and she placed her hand on Yuli's, trembling as she said, "Help me to a meal first." If she didn't eat soon, she'd be done for. Just as she finished her meal, she heard Dantao say with a smile, "Mistress, Mama Liu from the Princess Consort's side has arrived." Xie Run quickly said, "Invite her in." Yuli quietly whispered in Xie Run's ear, "I've heard that Mama Liu is the second most capable person by the Princess Consort's side, and she manages all the maids and matrons in the courtyard." Xie Run understood upon hearing this and exchanged a few pleasantries with Mama Liu. Mama Liu got straight to the point, saying, "The Princess Consort said that the number of attendants serving the masters is insufficient. Although this follows precedent, things are different now than before, and it would be improper to let it continue." "Other princely mansions have also added staff as they saw fit, so the Princess Consort has specially added one rough-work maid and one matron to each courtyard. From now on, any dirty or heavy work won't require the young ladies to tire themselves." Xie Run was pleasantly surprised and said, "The Princess Consort is kind and compassionate—it is truly a blessing for us servants." Yuli handed over a pouch. Mama Liu accepted it without changing her expression, smiled, and said, "Then I shall take my leave." Xie Run smiled and said, "Dantao, see Mama Liu out."