Chapter 30

Qin Chu rubbed her brow and sighed inwardly, then got up to open the door.

The moment Nanny Ziyun, who had been bickering with Guanzi, saw the door open, she quickly looked past Qin Chu at Qiu Jinning behind her. Seeing that her young lady truly did not seem to be in trouble, she finally relaxed.

“Miss, quickly let the doctor take a look.”

Qiu Jinning glanced at the doctor carrying the medicine chest and said faintly, “Nanny, do not worry. I am not unwell. Luyao was too nervous. Let the doctor return.”

Luyao widened her eyes.

Fine. She had been too nervous.

For Miss’s sake, being lectured a few more times by Nanny Ziyun was nothing. It was not as if she would lose a piece of flesh. She was fearless.

Seeing that Qiu Jinning’s complexion was still fine, Nanny Ziyun opened her mouth, wanting to insist. But the moment she met Qiu Jinning’s calm eyes, she immediately had nothing to say. Although she had been Miss’s wet nurse, Miss had been someone with her own ideas since childhood. Once she made a decision, it was very difficult to change.

Nanny Ziyun immediately gave up the thought. She turned around, stuffed some copper coins into the doctor’s hand, and politely escorted him out of the residence.

As soon as Nanny Ziyun left, Guanzi leaned over to Qin Chu as if claiming credit. “Miss, just now Nanny Ziyun wanted to rush in. Luckily, I stopped her. Otherwise, she would have ruined your good moment.”

That one sentence made both Qin Chu and Qiu Jinning’s ears heat up in tacit understanding.

Qin Chu unconsciously glanced at Qiu Jinning, then quickly stopped the little maid’s nonsense. “Shut up. Go prepare lunch.”

Guanzi was not afraid at all after hearing her words. She stared at Qin Chu’s face with wide eyes. “Miss, why are your ears red? Your face is red too. Don’t tell me you caught a cold? No, this servant will go chase the doctor back.”

“Stop. I’m hot.”

The noon of late May already carried the feeling of summer heat. Standing under the sun for a while could indeed feel somewhat hot.

Guanzi stopped and said in surprise, “Did Miss Qiu get hot too? Then hurry inside and cool down.”

Why had both of them suddenly blushed? Was the weather really that hot? Why couldn’t she feel it?

The corner of Qin Chu’s mouth twitched. “Go clean the latrines. You’re not allowed back until they’re clean.”

Guanzi pouted. What had she done wrong? She had only shown concern for Miss with a few words. Why was she being punished to clean the latrines again? If she swept them a few more times, she would start feeling like she smelled bad.

Seeing the plump maid retreat aggrievedly, Luyao laughed inwardly. She truly had no eye for the situation. How could the two masters’ red faces be from heat? They were clearly from embarrassment.

The courtyard finally quieted down. Qin Chu breathed a sigh of relief and turned to leave, but her foot swayed.

Qiu Jinning, who was beside her, reached out in time and supported her arm.

“Is your leg uncomfortable?” Qiu Jinning asked while looking at Qin Chu’s somewhat weak left leg.

Qin Chu borrowed her strength to stand steadily. Her tone was awkward. “I didn’t really feel it just [bailiantales.com]now. Now my leg is a little numb. Maybe it was pressed by you for too long. It’s fine.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Luyao cried out in surprise, “Our Miss pressed your leg numb? Miss Qin, you’re the one on the bottom?”

She had always thought Miss was the one on the bottom. Truly, one could not judge by appearances. Miss, well done.

Qin Chu’s face stiffened. She could not help looking at Qiu Jinning. Their gazes met, then both moved away at the same time.

Qiu Jinning looked at the little maid and said coldly, “Go clean the latrines. You are not allowed back until you finish.”

“Miss~ Yes.” Boohoo. Why was her mouth so fast? It was one thing to mutter in her heart, but how had she failed to hold back and said it aloud? Although Miss looked cold, in private, her skin was thin. Now look, she had ended up with the same fate as the plump maid.

Luyao looked resentfully at her young lady, then turned away with the corners of her mouth lifting. Wasn’t it just cleaning latrines? The plump maid alone was enough. Luyao would be responsible for directing her. Directing her with nice words.

This time, the courtyard became completely quiet.

Qin Chu recovered for a while, then pulled her arm out of Qiu Jinning’s hand. “I’m fine now. Actually, this leg of mine doesn’t affect what I usually do. It’s no different from a normal person’s.”

Qiu Jinning glanced faintly at her left leg and nodded slightly. “It is good that you are fine. Be more careful in the future.”

That simple sentence did not dispel Qin Chu’s worries. Afraid Qiu Jinning would not believe her, she took two steps in place. “I’m really fine. Don’t you know me? On Lantern Festival night, I was busy the whole night and didn’t feel tired.”

After speaking, she looked at Qiu Jinning with her eyes.

She really could do it.

Mentioning that night was intentional. She faintly felt that she was not the only one moved by desire. Qiu Jinning’s various reactions had given her the feeling that the other person was responding too, a feeling that it was mutual.

So Qin Chu deliberately mentioned it, wanting to see Qiu Jinning’s reaction.

Qiu Jinning froze, then turned to look toward the courtyard gate. “Since you are not tired, go see whether lunch is ready.”

Her tone was cold, her expression indifferent.

“Ah.” Qin Chu turned away hesitantly. Her attempt had tested absolutely nothing. Sure enough, she had overthought things. Even if the female lead responded, it was because of the love gu. Where would mutual feelings come from?

Watching Qin Chu leave the eastern side courtyard, Qiu Jinning muttered to herself with a red face, “Lecher.”

Neither of them had eaten anything at the flower-viewing banquet, and each had been worried for a while, so they both ate a little more.

The cook’s skills were good. The shredded pork and bean sprouts were not only tender, but also carried a faint vinegar fragrance, sour and savory. The sour soup fish slices were refreshing as well, paired with a loofah egg soup that was appetizing and nutritious.

The dishes had been ordered by Qiu Jinning. Two dishes and one soup were just right for her and Qin Chu. As for Guanzi and the others, they ate in the side hall. Although Qin Chu indulged the little maids, the etiquette that should exist still had to exist, lest they appear unruly when someone visited.

Qin Chu let out a satisfied burp and wiped the corner of her mouth. “Where did Guanzi hire this cook from? Her cooking suits my taste too well.”

She liked sour flavors.

Qiu Jinning took a small sip of tea and softly replied, “The taste is acceptable.”

She thought of the few times she had eaten with this person and noticed that whenever Qin Chu encountered a sour dish, she would always take a few extra bites. That was why she had instructed the cook.

If Luyao had been present, she would definitely have complained inwardly: Of course it suits your taste. Wasn’t it because her Miss specially instructed the cook that every meal should preferably include a sour dish? Miss said Qin the Great Good-for-Nothing liked eating it.

After eating, Qin Chu stood and briefly mentioned what she would be busy with that afternoon, then brought Guanzi to the ready-made clothing shop, specifically choosing bright red dresses.

On the other side, after Princess Consort Wei returned to the residence, she told the First Prince about meeting Qin Chu.

The First Prince’s gaze landed on the princess consort’s face. Princess Consort Wei’s surname was Chu. Her ancestors had produced two chief ministers, and her father was now Minister of Rites.

Therefore, when choosing a princess consort, compared with his two younger brothers, the First Prince had gained the advantage of age and had chosen the eldest daughter of the Chu family first.

Madam Chu had an oval face and an elegant, noble temperament. She was also a beauty.

He laughed softly and pulled Madam Chu into his arms. “This prince is most at ease when you handle matters. Do you feel uncomfortable in your heart?”

Princess Consort Wei smiled and poked his chin. “Even if this consort feels uncomfortable, I still have to plan for Your Highness. Is that Qin Chu truly the phoenix maiden in the prophecy?”

“It cannot be wrong. Guess what news I received today? That table-style bookkeeping method was also thought up by this woman. She does have some talent, but she is still not as good as this prince’s beloved princess consort. Don’t worry. Once this prince accomplishes great things, the position of empress will sooner or later belong to your Chu family. For now, you should give birth to a little prince for this prince as soon as possible.”

Princess Consort Wei laughed coquettishly. “Your Highness, the sky is not even dark yet.”

The First Prince laughed loudly and [read the original at bailiantales.com]lifted her into his arms. “It is easier to handle matters when it is bright.”

“You’re so improper.”

“Isn’t it precisely this prince’s impropriety that my beloved consort likes…”

The maids outside heard the movement in the room and tactfully stepped farther away, instructing the servants to prepare hot water.

The same news was also brought back to the Third Prince’s residence by Side Consort Li.

The Third Prince was the most delicate-looking among the three princes. His face carried a somewhat feminine paleness, clearly showing signs of excessive indulgence. He blinked and said, “Beloved consort, should this prince say, she is only a cripple, and this prince does not mind taking her?”

Side Consort Li smiled lightly and nodded. “Her Majesty’s side must also know by now. How could she allow you to take her? This matter still requires caution.”

The Third Prince shrugged. “This prince knows what to do. Someone, go send generous gifts to the Qin residence. Didn’t she just open a wine tavern? Say they are congratulatory gifts from this prince.”

Imperial Mother favored Second Imperial Brother. Since this woman could not be forced, then he would take her through clever means.

When Qin Chu returned to the residence with Guanzi, they happened to run into a retainer from the Third Prince’s residence delivering gifts.

“This must be Miss Qin. You truly are as talented and beautiful as the rumors say. These congratulatory gifts were personally chosen by our prince. Please accept them with a smile, Miss Qin.”

The retainer was a shrewd man and was usually highly valued by the Third Prince. He was familiar with the truth of the prophecy. With one glance, he saw that Qin Chu’s left leg was inconvenient and knew he had found the right person.

The corner of Qin Chu’s mouth twitched. She had ​unauthorized copy​not even said a single word, yet she was talented and beautiful? He didn’t even draft his lies. If anyone was talented and beautiful, it would be Qiu Jinning.

She glanced at the gifts in the boxes. “Thank you for your trouble. Please convey my thanks to His Highness for his favor. Guanzi, reward him.”

This was something she and Qiu Jinning had discussed beforehand. No matter which of the three princes came to show goodwill, they would not refuse and would treat them equally.

In this way, it would become a battle between the three princes, while they could simply watch from the sidelines.

Seeing that she had accepted the gifts and that the little maid had even stuffed a few ingots of silver into his hand, the retainer’s face blossomed with smiles. “Miss Qin is too polite. Our prince will surely be delighted to know you accepted the gifts. This humble one will take his leave now. Miss Qin, there is no need to see me off.”

In the end, she was a merchant’s daughter. How could she not love money? He had also deliberately chosen valuable items to send, so he should have catered to her preferences. Having completed his task, the retainer happily turned and left.

Qin Chu stood in place and faintly watched the group leave.

No need to see him off? Who was seeing him off? Sending him to the afterlife, maybe.

After hearing the retainer’s report, the Third Prince glanced at Side Consort Li and immediately bestowed him a reward. Then he heard his subordinate report that his two imperial brothers had also sent congratulatory gifts to the Qin residence.

And that so-called crippled phoenix maiden had accepted them all.

Side Consort Li raised her brows at him. “Your Highness, upon hearing this, you should be furious.”

The Third Prince instantly revealed a face full of gloom and smashed a cup.

“Someone, send another generous gift.” After speaking, he exchanged a glance with Side Consort Li, and the two smiled silently.

Thus, Guanzi and Luyao had only just finished counting the three sets of congratulatory gifts when they received another chest of white silver.

Qin Chu sneered. “This Third Prince is more willing to spend than the other two. Unfortunately, only a little more. If he sent a chest of gold, I might really look at him a little higher.”

Guanzi repeatedly echoed her. “Exactly, exactly. How much is one chest of silver worth? Who is he trying to insult? All these congratulatory gifts together aren’t even as much as the silver notes Master gave.”

But Miss’s popularity was truly good. She had only just opened a wine tavern, yet so many noble people sent congratulatory gifts. The Qin family was going to prosper!

Only Luyao was full of worry. Qin the Great Good-for-Nothing was so popular. Miss had to hurry.

Qiu Jinning glanced at Qin Chu, her eyes assessing. “One chest of gold would make Miss Qin look at him higher?”

The moment she opened her mouth, Qin Chu’s heart involuntarily tightened. “How could that be? No matter how much they send, I won’t look at them even half an eye more.”