Chapter 45: Madam, This Is Too Much

Chapter 45: Madam, You’re Being Too Much

The next day, before dawn.

The countless stars and bright moon were hidden behind dark clouds, and rain fell driftingly, making the sound of it pattering against the leaves in the Spring Lotus Garden.

Xiao Jinghong rose early.

After washing and freshening up, she sat in front of her dressing table, examining the rouge and powder on the table, then took up a silver half-mask and wore it.

Su Zhimyue, a attendant in a flowing robe, dressed herself with the same half-mask, holding a set of clothes, standing respectfully at her side.

Xiao Jinghong carefully checked her reflection in the bronze mirror, then rose to ask, “What are today’s arrangements?”

Su Zhimyue shook off the clothes, arranged the garments for her mistress to wear, “You should first visit the Wulin Hall; yesterday you agreed to meet the Second Prince to discuss his martial arts disciples’ advancement.”

“After a light breakfast, you and the princesses will visit their residences. I’ve prepared gifts for them.”

“At noon, Prefect Pei will visit. Old Master will have someone inform you in advance. In the afternoon, General Changqing wishes to…”

Xiao Jinghong frowned slightly: “Cancel it. I’ll summon the three city generals tomorrow to discuss matters with them.”

Su Zhimyue nodded: “I’ll notify General Changqing.”

As they spoke, they left the chamber and reached the staircase. Xiao Jinghong glanced at the opposite room:

“In the morning, give her more meat dishes.”

“Understood.”

Su Zhimyue knew she was referring to Pei Wenhua. After responding, she couldn’t help but recall the girl’s earlier “threat” at Xuanjia Army garrison, and whispered softly:

“The old woman from the mountain tribe let her deliver the message, not worrying about her getting lost.”

Xiao Jinghong said coolly: “That old woman believed Pei Wenhua had the capability to roam the country alone, so she let her descend.”

“Don’t be deceived by her impulsive nature; her cultivation isn’t high, but she carries many strange and wondrous items.”

“Miss, you speak of witchcraft?”

Xiao Jinghong nodded as she walked out of the wooden pavilion: “Insects, poisonous substances, though they’re peripheral arts, when used properly, can dominate those of lower status. Plus, her martial skills should be on the verge of breaking through to the eighth tier.”

Su Zhimyue stared in surprise: “If I’m not mistaken, she’s been stuck at the ninth tier for many years, achieving completion?”

“She’s been diligent lately.”

As she spoke, Xiao Jinghong looked toward the third floor of another wooden structure, saw no light there, and stepped into the rain.

Su Zhimyue didn’t wait to be reminded, opened the oil-paper umbrella already prepared, and held it over Xiao Jinghong’s head, following step by step.

She noticed Xiao Jinghong’s gaze, hesitated, and asked: “Miss, when we visit the residences later, should we bring your younger brother too?”

“Not…”

Before finishing the sentence, Xiao Jinghong recalled their recent time together in the pavilion, and changed her mind:

“Not yet. I’ll ask him after returning from the Wulin Hall.”

“Um…”

“Hmm?”

“N-no, nothing. I’m sorry, I talked too much.”

Su Zhimyue lowered her head, but her eyes behind the mask were wide with surprise.

As Xiao Jinghong’s close attendant, Su Zhimyue prided herself on understanding her mistress thoroughly.

From childhood, Xiao Jinghong had always been resolute, never seeking help from the elders in the capital for martial cultivation, literacy, or military techniques.

After entering Qingyuan Army, even with Generals Li Changqing and others and military advisors assisting her, she made all major decisions herself.

But now, in this small matter, she sought Chen Yi’s opinion.

This…

Su Zhimyue was utterly puzzled, unable to fathom why her mistress cared so much about her younger brother.

…

In the Spring Lotus Garden, while the rain pattered against the banana leaves, Chen Yi slept soundly for the first time in a long while.

First, because it was raining, and second, because Wang Lixing knew the mistress had returned, so he didn’t dare to come and go freely.

Thus, until the hour of mao (around 5:00 AM), Xiao Duo finally brought a basin of hot water, her shoulders wrapped in a towel, entering quietly.

The creak of the door, Xiao Duo poked her head in, glanced at Chen Yi still sleeping soundly, and a playful expression crossed her face.

Since her brother had taken up martial arts, he hadn’t slept this late in a long time.

But thinking of Shen Huatang informing her that the princesses had prepared a light breakfast, he reluctibly got up to wake his brother.

“What time is it?”

Chen Yi took a breath, opened his eyes, and asked.

Xiao Duo placed the water basin beside the bed, dampened the towel, wrung it out, and gently wiped his face, replying:

“It’s already mao time.”

“The princess sent Sister Huatang to wake you and the younger princess for breakfast.”

“But the younger princess left early for the Wulin Hall and hasn’t returned yet. Should we wait or go first?”

After washing his face, Chen Yi changed his clothes, saying: “Wait for the mistress.”

Xiao Duo arranged him, smiling: “Brother, you and the younger princess sat together in the pavilion late last night.”

“You didn’t sleep either?”

“Indeed. But I didn’t catch what you two were discussing. However, I could tell you two are a perfect match.”

Chen Yi couldn’t help but pat her head: “What do you mean by a perfect match?”

Xiao Duo rubbed her eyes, grinned: “Just like the suitor for the peony and the girl. You and the younger princess are the same.”

“That’s not it.”

Chen Yi thought Li Huizhou and the girl were two people the younger princess had no connection with, and he and Xiao Jinghong had only met twice in all their lives—how could there be any romantic feelings?

If others truly saw affection between them, they might even say it was feigned.

Before she could finish, Chen Yi asked: “Why do you keep using such formal titles? Are you afraid of punishment for seeing the princess?”

Xiao Duo waved her hand: “We must follow the household rules after all.”

Soon, the two left the wooden structure, standing under the eaves, listening to the rain.

Mostly, Xiao Duo spoke, while Chen Yi listened, occasionally nodding or murmuring in agreement.

“Brother, why aren’t you surprised?”

“It’s Master Yue from Fei Cloud College. If the princesses hadn’t arrived in time to speak up, he would have snatched your calligraphy.”

Chen Yi waved it off: “Surprised, surprised.”

What’s there to be surprised about for an old book lover who’s not shy?

But Xiao Duo took it all at face value, laughing and continuing to recount yesterday’s events—the princesses’ visit to Old Master when they met General Li of the Iron Wall Garrison, and the princes and the lady’s family.

This time, Chen Yi became interested: “That General Li and Old Master, the princess, and their family are quite familiar?”

Xiao Di nodded slightly, "Indeed, General Li is the old master's student; before, he served as the garrison commander of the Iron-Backed Army, and often paid visits to the imperial estate."

Chen Yi understood, continuing to ask, "What of the lady after she had replied to the two elders and that noble consort?"

He knew that each of the three military garrisons in Shuzhou had a garrison commander under the commission of the Duke of Dingyuan, all of whom could be counted as the duke's trusted allies.

Now, Xiao Jinghong was temporarily acting as the commander-in-chief of Dingyuan Army in place of the old duke, and it was natural for him to be familiar with them.

"After that, there was nothing more, my lord. I haven't seen their faces since... it's rather frightening."

"That only means their spirits are narrow-minded."

Not to mention other things, the very fact that Xiao Qinyu had suggested he take the post as deputy governor in Shuzhou already made him dislike it.

So, the lady was right—after all, it would be better for a young mistress from the Xiao family, married in as a secondary wife, to stay out of Xiao family affairs.

Not long after, when Xiao Jinghong and Su Zhimy returned, Chen Yi greeted them warmly, and together they proceeded to the Qaxing Garden.

Chen Yi walked alongside Xiao Jinghong, engaging in casual conversation.

Xiao Jinghong thought of the day's arrangements and asked, "My lord, later I and my sister intend to visit each household to deliver gifts; would you like to accompany us?"

Chen Yi considered for a moment and nodded, "Of course."

"Would you be willing to assist my eldest sister?"

"Of course... hmm?"

Xiao Jinghong turned his head to look at him, "These days, my eldest sister manages the pharmacy, fields, and a few shops within the estate. If you agree, you could help her with a couple of matters."

Chen Yi: "..."

My lady, you are being far too forward.

Just after we had grown somewhat acquainted, you're already preparing to make my lord a beast of burden?

(Chapter End)