"Lin Zi, wait a mont," Mother Ju called out to Luh Xingze, holding a package in her hands.
"Auntie Ju, they provide als over there," Luh Xingze said, declining the offer.
"Take it, als don’t ensure fullness, and besides, this is your favorite food," Mother Ju insisted as she stuffed the package into Luh Xingze’s arms.
"Oh, Auntie Ju, it’s not like I won’t co back. Can’t I eat it when I return?" Taking it ho would be inconvenient since he was staying in a dormitory, and besides, he had to go to Youchun Workshop tomorrow. Wouldn’t it leave a bad impression?
He rembered that the master of Youchun Workshop was Prince Duan, the Holy Emperor’s own younger brother. It was a prince he couldn’t even dream of eting.
"Take it, take it. It’s your favorite crisp bread that we always have at ho. I made it with less oil so you could eat it for a couple of days," Mother Ju persisted, pushing the package into Luh Xingze’s hands.
"Then, thank you very much, Auntie Ju." Luh Xingze truly missed his mother’s ho-cooked crisp bread. He accepted it, ready to leave, when suddenly Mother Ju grabbed him.
"Ah, Lin Zi, I need to ask you sothing." Mother Ju glanced inside the house, and seeing that Nanyi had gone inside, she lowered her voice, as if afraid of being overheard.
"Auntie, what is it? Can’t it be said in front of Brother Nanyi? Is it about Brother Nanyi?"
"I’m asking about the errand I entrusted to your mother," Mother Ju said, glancing behind her again before eagerly looking at Luh Xingze. She had sent a ssage back ho so days ago but had not received any reply yet, making her sowhat uneasy.
"Which errand? Oh, you an the third daughter of the Cheng Family? Ah, my mother inquired but they haven’t discussed her marriage yet. Auntie, are you thinking of..." Luh Xingze’s words were cut off by Mother Ju, who, again nervously checked that Nanyi had not co out.
"Auntie, that’s great news." Brother Nanyi and the third daughter had known each other since childhood and knew each other well. The girl is lively and very nice.
"You don’t understand. I’m thinking of asking your mother to check again with the Cheng Family soon, to see if they can settle it," Mother Ju smiled. Now that the Cheng Family knew about it, and Nanyi had beco an official, they should no longer oppose it, right?
She had ntioned it twice, but her son had not reacted, only saying that he was busy with many things and to wait another two years.
She knew her son was reluctant. Initially, she feared that the variety of won in Zheng Capital had dazzled him, making him less keen on the village girl. Yet, upon closer observation, she hadn’t noticed such thoughts in him. Moreover, the won of Zheng Capital were too delicate for her taste. Every girl from an official’s family could barely walk a few steps without gasping for breath, needing a maid’s support.
Mother Ju disliked this, naturally thinking her son would too. The problem must still be that the Cheng Family was originally unwilling to lower their pride about it.
However, this delay had now reached sixteen years and it was ti for him to marry. Mother Ju decided not to wait any longer. They would set the engagent first. If he claid he was busy, they could still wait a bit longer to arrange the wedding.
Moreover, she had watched the third daughter grow up. The girl was bold and decisive, capable of supporting a family.
"Alright, once I get back, I’ll talk to my mother," Luh Xingze nodded, feeling sentintal that Brother Nanyi still cared deeply, his heart set on the third daughter. "Auntie, don’t worry, the third daughter’s family will definitely be happy."
"Enough chatter, visit when you’re not busy."
"Ah, ah, I definitely will, Auntie. I have to go now, I need to get up early tomorrow."
Mother Ju turned around, smiling contentedly. If this matter were resolved, she could finally rest and feel she had honored her late husband’s mory.
"Mother, you should rest early," Nanyi ca out of the house, having cleared the dishes.
"How many tis have I told you, you are ant for greater things; let handle these matters," Mother Ju imdiately grew displeased upon seeing him, "And this elderly maid you hired is unreliable, disappearing every three days. It’s better to just hire a live-in maid." Her teeth set, once the third daughter entered the house, it would finally look the part.
Now that her son was an official, it was only appropriate to employ a full-ti maid to match his status. This was not an area where they could afford to cut corners.
"I’ll go in a few days to see if there’s anything suitable," Ju Nanyi said, unexpectedly glancing at his mother. Your old mother was also diligent in the past. It’s just that she, having grown up in hardship, was reluctant to spend such money. Why would she consider buying one now?
...
The night gradually darkened. The Ju family was extrely strict in discipline, and although Mother Ju was a widow, she was a very serious person.
Not even one Shichen passed since the lamps were lit, and Mother Ju was already urging Ju Nanyi to go to bed, reminding him that there is a ti to sleep and a ti to work.
But Ju Nanyi didn’t respond. He just silently stared at the dark ceiling above him.
The starlight from outside the window ca in, speckling the canopy, almost ethereally unreal.
But why did the Crown Prince uniquely favor these newcors? Or was it Prince Duan’s idea?
In the court, there was no lack of young talents loyal to the Crown Prince with no background yet highly ambitious. Although these four newcors were also decent, they surely didn’t hold a candle to those who were well known...
Was the Crown Prince not ready to utilize the networks he had already established? Prince Duan usually avoided getting involved in the struggles for power; thus, was the Crown Prince afraid that those he would send forth might end up like Prince Duan, and hence lose a rising supporter?
The next mont, Ju Nanyi dismissed this thought. Even a budding supporter wasn’t as crucial as Prince Duan. Prince Duan’s status was noteworthy, a force decidedly worth courting; the Crown Prince wouldn’t forsake Prince Duan for a yet unproven supporter.
If the Crown Prince truly acted that way, it would be aningless.
So, was this Prince Duan’s intention?
Did Prince Duan wish to avoid factional disputes, particularly to ensure Princess Chao Ren remained neutral, ensuring her peaceful future? Was that why he had such requirents?
It wouldn’t be so. Prince Duan had been frequently visiting the Crown Prince’s Mansion with no regard for appearances lately. Was it not too late now to distance himself? Even if he chose a few newcors, lacking strong connections and without the Crown Prince as a shield, ant no security for Prince Duan.
Luh Xingze, who was on the verge of copying the Life-Sustaining Scripture for the Empress Dowager, didn’t voice much, but his excitent was palpable. Ju Nanyi even thought that such enthusiasm was typical whenever the Crown Prince assigned him a task.
So, having no backing and being easy to control, talented, of good character, and appearance were the qualifications Prince Duan sought in these four individuals. Copying the Life-Sustaining Scripture would take a while since the Empress Dowager’s thousand-character Life-Sustaining Scripture on her birthday was a significant component — enough ti for Prince Duan to slowly observe these individuals.
So...
Ju Nanyi felt so irritation in his heart. If he were Prince Duan, besides these criteria, already having so achievents and gaining the Crown Prince’s approval would also be crucial. That would be the optimal selection.
Yet why hadn’t Prince Duan chosen him?
What made Prince Duan willing to forego these and opt for newcors whose futures were uncertain?
The starlight was chilling. As he looked up, the starry sky slowly changed positions, becoming more bewildering. Ju Nanyi suddenly sat up.
Pensive.
Princess Chao Ren, at the tender age of thirteen this year.
This is...
Worried they are getting old...
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