On the third day, the third day that Qi Yu was counting, his eyes always drifted towards the direction of the East Gate, intentionally or unintentionally.
Master was still present, so they dared not take any impulsive action. It was only in the chaos that Qi Yu realized how impulsive he had been, he almost...
Fortunately, Qi Ling and Qi Zhu had tacitly concealed Zheng Nianru’s real identity, rely saying she was from the inner courtyard.
"Qi Ling, tell , it has been three days and he’s still not well, are you really going to leave the Crown Prince in your care?" Zhu Wen complained twice.
"Master, you don’t know, the Crown Prince is usually very strict and doesn’t allow people from the inner courtyard to enter his study." Qi Ling efficiently cleared away the bandages on the floor, the stains of blood had beco less, and Zheng Congyuan was even able to sit up, recovering faster than they had anticipated.
Zhu Wen stopped talking, but couldn’t help but think of the figure that appeared that night who was clearly favored by Zheng Congyuan’s side, but he didn’t know if she was... arranged by the Empress?
Although arrogant, she was also...
Zhu Wen could not co up with a description of the woman’s appearance, like a fierce-looking, ostensibly white cat. Does the Crown Prince favor such a personality?
Qi Yu thought about going to Qishun Building several tis but ultimately held back. With master present, they could muddle through the urgency of the situation. Another ti, they might reveal sothing.
...
Not going back yet?
Nann Yu watched the day grow late, but seeing Zheng Nianru in such high spirits, he didn’t say anything in the end.
Zheng Nianru walked on the street, everything piqued her curiosity. The vendors on either side of the street selling colorful kites, clay dolls, rouge, and costics were not particularly delicate, but the burst of colors was very festive. Zheng Nianru looked at this and that, while her maids Fu Dong and Xing Yu were even more excited than their mistress, their eyes almost couldn’t contain all the things filling the street.
At that mont, Nann Yu realized a problem. Nanzheng State had more open customs compared to the previous dynasty, and there were quite a few maids and young ladies on the street. And in this springti, with their clothing bright as a cluster of brocade flowers, Zheng Nianru did not stand out as the most dazzling one. However, as soon as so rich young masters saw Zheng Nianru’s appearance, they couldn’t move their feet, and many gazes had already gathered on her.
Nann Yu underestimated the trouble Zheng Nianru’s beauty could cause. So rich gentlen had started to approach under the pretext of her looking at stalls. Nann Yu wanted to intervene but was also afraid that it would cause unnecessary trouble.
Fu Dong held up a rabbit-shaped lantern high.
"Miss, does this look like Ling Dang?"
"Mhm mhm, yes, yes, Aunt Yun, let’s buy it," Xing Yu had already nodded in agreent.
"Still buying, still buying—" Nanny Yun was displeased looking at the items that Xing Yu was already laden with, as well as her own hands full of purchases, but indeed, it does resemble it, round and plump. In the end, Nanny Yun did not urge them on; allowing the Commandery Princess and Nann Yu to spend more ti together was also a good thing.
"Up ahead is Ming Zhan, a newly renovated river path by the imperial court, with newly planted willows on both sides, as well as lotus flowers, the scenery is very nice," Nann Yu said, not willing to send her back.
Zheng Nianru nodded, suddenly feeling that the other way of life she wanted to try seed to have so possibility as well, to be an ordinary person, avoiding Ju Nanyi, and not having to risk her life on that treacherous path.
Zheng Nianru felt enlivened; indeed, she already owned two shops and could own even more.
Those rich young masters who had originally surrounded Zheng Nianru, seeing that Nann Yu’s attire was not particularly luxurious, suddenly felt a sense of unfairness and even looked at him provocatively.
Nann Yu didn’t care at all, because even if he searched the entirety of Zheng Capital, he wouldn’t be able to find her.
"Who is that person?" In the crowd, there were always those who were curious, especially after seeing the looks of Zheng Nianru, which had already softened their hearts. Itching with curiosity, how could such a delicate-looking youth be a match for such a beauty? Feelings of envy and jealousy surged among them.
"Not sure, but she seems to be a young lady from so household—"
Suddenly accelerating his pace, Nann Yu didn’t want Zheng Nianru to beco the topic of others’ conversations. Seeing this, Zheng Nianru followed the steps of the youth, and the two of them quickly passed over the low dike along the riverbank, finally shaking off those idle onlookers.
Nann Yu picked a long willow branch from the tree and started weaving a garland. Zheng Nianru sat on the embanknt, unmoving, gazing at the clear blue sky reflected in the river, slightly lost in thought.
Nann Yu wanted to place the garland on Zheng Nianru’s head, but she wouldn’t allow it, and the mont of tranquility once again turned into a playful chase.
...
"Lord Ju, Lord Wu proposes to connect Ming Canal with the Outer City River, drawing a clear channel from South City directly into Wei Lake. What do you think about its feasibility?" Atop Ming Zhan, in the opposite direction, a group of two or three people was walking slowly along the river dike.
The current Right tropolitan Censor and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, acting upon Old Pri Minister Lin’s orders, aid to unblock Ming Canal’s connection with the Outer City River to ensure smooth water transportation and to prevent breaches. However, Ming Canal was located within the inner city of Zheng Capital, and the terrain of Wei Lake was quite elevated, making the construction of a canal no easy feat.
Thus, Old Pri Minister Lin also commanded Hanlin Academy Lecturer Ju Nanyi to participate in the preliminary inspection, accompanied by Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Lord Zeng.
"Lord Wu, connecting Ming Canal as you suggest is indeed the most expedient thod, but the Imperial City is situated behind Weixing Mountain. Although the south-north waterway is the shortest distance, it also runs along the shadow of Weixing Mountain. The river flows upstream, and once the water level rises, it’s very possible for the lake to overflow into the Imperial City." Ju Nanyi, looking at the direction pointed out by Lord Zeng, understood that opening the canal had been a project Pri Minister Lin had pushed for years, overcoming a good deal of opposition. Now, planning and rerouting were minor matters; silver taels were the key issue.
Therefore, the conversation between the three n revolved around how to construct the canal and, even more concernedly, when the necessary funds would be available.
"Lord Ju, regarding the construction of the canal, do you know what the Crown Prince’s intentions are?" Lord Wu, a man of Pri Minister Lin, was not known for being tactful, but he was aware that despite Ju Nanyi’s youth, he was a rare talent, skilled in both literature and military strategy, and possessed an exceptional calmness; he was truly soone with a "quiet aura."
"The Crown Prince is preoccupied with the Second Prince’s funeral and has also co down with a cold; I did not dare disturb His Highness and decided to first seek the opinions of all distinguished officials." Ju Nanyi hadn’t seen the Crown Prince for several days either due to rites and prayers, and many matters had already piled up in his hands, yet his attempts to visit had been unsuccessful. However, it wasn’t uncommon for the Crown Prince to be indisposed, but none of those tis had been like this one.
"Haha, you can’t catch —" A playful, coy voice suddenly intruded, a flash of bright color burst in, and Ju Nanyi saw the girl who was nearly upon him.
Nann Yu quickly pulled back Zheng Nianru.
"My apologies," said Nann Yu softly.
"No trouble—" Ju Nanyi replied calmly, paying no mind to the people in front of him, thinking of them rely as frivolous youths.
Zheng Nianru never turned her head, but she recognized Ju Nanyi’s voice, which she had heard for so many years, without a doubt.
"Miss—" A worried Nanny Yun hurried over, her eyes fixed on her Commandery Princess. Had there been a collision? That person was also sothing else. Couldn’t he watch where he was going and step aside?
Unnoticed by Ju Nanyi, he suddenly froze, taking a glance at Fu Dong and Nian Xia, who were following Nanny Yun.
Ju Nanyi imdiately turned to look at the woman who had almost bumped into him. How could she be here?
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