Evolution - Chapter 41
Chapter 41
Ji Changqing entered the palace for an audience around noon. By the time she left, the sun was already setting in the west.
Bathed in the light of the setting sun, she walked along the long street back to the Zhenbei Royal Residence, which had not welcomed its master for a long time.
As soon as she entered, the steward came forward to greet her, an expression of weary resignation on his face. “Your Highness, Miss Yu has arrived.”
This Miss Yu, whom Ji Changqing had explicitly ordered to be “treated as myself,” had arrived at high noon and showed no signs of leaving.
He was helpless to do anything about it.
Although their master had returned to the capital by imperial decree, and they, the servants, had arranged for people to come back and clean up well in advance so that their master could live comfortably upon her return.
But the princess’s own courtyard had been cleaned and organized by Yu Zhiyao and her people.
Ji Changqing’s steps faltered slightly. She cleared her throat and asked in a low voice, “Why did she come over?”
The steward rolled his eyes at the heavens. How was a decrepit old man like him supposed to know what games these two young people were playing? However, he was still loyal to his own princess and did his best to provide information. “Miss Yu has already ordered dinner to be prepared. She is just waiting for Your Highness to return.”
It felt like something big was about to happen.
Ji Changqing thought for a moment. What was she feeling guilty about? This was a game! They were, arguably, comrades in the same trench.
Entering the courtyard, the maids bowed in greeting. Ji Changqing waved them away, looking at the completely unfamiliar courtyard, which was entirely different from the simple and austere one at her residence in Jingbei.
Everywhere, it exuded a warm, homey atmosphere, as if to declare the presence of another mistress.
In a rather good mood, she followed the veranda and turned into the west heated chamber.
Hearing the movement, Yu Zhiyao put down the scroll in her hand and looked at the approaching Ji Changqing. “You’re back.”
The dim yellow light shone on her, making her features appear gentle.
She looked just like a young wife in her boudoir, waiting for her lover to return.
Ji Changqing thought absently, her gaze gradually warming. “Yes, I’m back.”
Maids came forward to help Ji Changqing change out of her formal court attire into casual clothes, remove her coronet to let down her hair, and wash her hands and face.
Yu Zhiyao ordered the lamps to be lit and dinner to be served, then rested her chin on her hand and watched Ji Changqing, still slightly damp, sit down.
“The weather has been turning cold lately. Why don’t you accompany me to the hot spring villa outside the city for a few days?”
Ji Changqing’s gaze flickered away. “I have to attend court.”
Yu Zhiyao looked up at her for a long moment, sensing her less-than-firm resistance. She smiled, pressing her lips together. “So you’ll accompany me if you don’t have to attend court?”
Ji Changqing gave a reserved nod. It was a rare trip back to the capital. If she didn’t have to attend court and had no official duties, it would be hard to justify not putting on a show with Yu Zhiyao.
For their future plans to proceed smoothly, they urgently needed to put on a display of affection in the Imperial Capital.
Ji Changqing glanced at the dishes being served one after another. Hmm, most were her favorites. As for the few she didn’t like, she silently ignored them.
Yu Zhiyao personally served her food.
A nearby maid wanted to speak but hesitated. Stop, the princess doesn’t eat that dish!
Then she saw the princess look up at Yu Zhiyao and, under Miss Yu’s gentle and affectionate gaze, eat it without a change in expression.
Aww, the princess and her are so sweet!
After the meal, Yu Zhiyao made it clear she intended to stay the night at the residence. She had a Go board set up and, with mischievous intent, invited Ji Changqing to play a couple of games to aid digestion.
Just then, rewards from the emperor and the empress dowager arrived like a flowing stream. An oral decree from the emperor was also delivered, stating that since her journey had been arduous, she should rest well and was specially permitted to attend court in three days’ time.
Finding the situation quite unfavorable, a speechless Ji Changqing tossed down her game piece, looking as if she wanted to renege on the bet.
Yu Zhiyao unhurriedly placed a stone on the board and said, full of meaning, “A bet is a bet.”
With a desolate expression, Ji Changqing sighed melancholically, “Everyone just wants me to do the heavy lifting.”
Her pitiful appearance was incredibly endearing.
Yu Zhiyao looked at her, a flicker of a daze in her eyes. She couldn’t help but console her, “How could that be? I…”
Just as Ji Changqing’s face showed a hint of expectation, Yu Zhiyao changed her tune, her voice tinged with grievance and complaint. “I was just thinking that you must be exhausted from your long journey, and I wanted you to go relax in the hot springs for a few days.”
Such a dramatic pause, her expression perfectly timed, her delivery impeccable…
Ji Changqing gave her a thumbs-up.
I concede defeat.
Yu Zhiyao pressed her lips together and smiled.
The next day, Ji Changqing woke up early as usual. After practicing her spear techniques on the training grounds and working up a sweat, she returned to find Yu Zhiyao just getting up.
The steam had flushed her face a lovely pink, tinged with a faint blush. Combined with the languid confusion of just waking up, she was particularly alluring.
Ji Changqing’s gaze slid over her and away in an instant before she went to bathe on her own.
Yu Zhiyao snorted with a laugh at her.
The two of them spent the night in the same quarters. Otherwise, how could they make people believe in their deep and abiding love?
It was just that Yu Zhiyao slept on the bed, while Ji Changqing slept on the couch. In any case, she woke up early every day and had plenty of time to erase any traces.
After breakfast, the two set off for the hot spring villa outside the city.
The Zhenbei Royal Residence’s hot spring villa was a special reward from the founding emperor when the dynasty was established. It was the closest to the imperial traveling palace, and a stretch of mountain forest was specially allocated to the estate. After several generations of management, this forest had become serene and elegant. There was also a natural spring within the woods, which had been channeled out. Several small, exquisite bamboo huts, wooden cabins, and lodges were built around it, making it the most unique feature among the hot spring villas in the area.
Although the people of the Zhenbei Royal Residence were stationed in Jingbei long-term, the estate’s proper masters rarely visited the hot spring villa. Most of the time, it was borrowed and used by a few families with whom they had long-standing ties.
However, the owners were generous, and the guests were not ill-mannered. Whenever someone borrowed it, they would send skilled artisans and gardeners to help tidy up and decorate before and after their stay.
As a result, it was actually maintained even better.
Ever since the rumor spread nine years ago that the princess harbored tender feelings for the “beautiful jade” of the Yu family, the legend had never faded, even though the two hadn’t seen each other for years. The greatest credit for this probably belonged to this hot spring villa, famous throughout the Imperial Capital.
After all, it was Yu Zhiyao who spent every winter here.
Every year, many families of high officials and nobles wintered in the area, and they would always see Yu Zhiyao’s carriage. She carried herself exactly like the mistress of the Zhenbei Royal Residence’s capital branch, rarely appearing at the Yu family’s own hot spring villa anymore. It was as if she had the self-awareness of someone who had already married out in her heart, and she would even occasionally host banquets at this estate.
But this year was a little different. The carriage that appeared at the villa was actually from the Zhenbei Royal Residence.
When everyone saw the carriage with the Zhenbei Royal Residence’s insignia, they had a sudden realization. Oh, the princess has returned to the capital.
In that case, the princess and Yu Zhiyao must have come together this time.
People from several nearby villas received the news, exchanged a few words, and successively sent over their calling cards, tactfully expressing their wish to pay a visit if it was convenient.
Ji Changqing watched the villa’s manager with a blank expression, then very smoothly handed the box of calling cards to Yu Zhiyao.
It was obvious he was used to doing this.
Even though she was the one who had given the order “treat her as you would treat me” all those years ago, seeing this scene now still made her feel inexplicably annoyed.
She thought to herself, So in your eyes, I, the actual master, don’t even exist, right?
Of course, the manager had no idea about the drama unfolding in her head. Yu Zhiyao, however, saw her displeased expression and knew this petty person was at it again.
She dismissed the manager, sent someone to prepare the hot springs, and then pulled Ji Changqing over to sit down. She read the calling cards to her one by one, taking the opportunity to explain the social connections in detail.
Ji Changqing naturally didn’t recognize nine out of ten of the noble ladies of the Imperial Capital, but when their family names were combined with their official ranks, she had some basic impression.
She watched as Yu Zhiyao sorted the calling cards into two piles. Calling someone in, Yu Zhiyao pointed to the smaller pile with only a few cards. “For these, send word back that if they are free this evening, they may come for a banquet.”
Then she pointed to the other pile. “For these, reply that the princess and I will await them here tomorrow at the end of the Hour of the Serpent.”
Ji Changqing understood. The ones she was meeting tonight were closer relations, with whom she could be more casual. Tomorrow’s group consisted of people with higher status and power, requiring a more formal reception.
Ji Changqing was like the “invisible husband” so often criticized by modern people. Whenever asked anything, she only knew how to say “okay.” She wanted to leave but couldn’t, so she could only sit there, bored out of her mind, watching Yu Zhiyao manage affairs.
One by one, her instructions were clear and precise. Soon, the entire hot spring villa was bustling with activity.
The managers of all ranks who came to receive their tasks saw the princess accompanying her the whole time. They held their breath and quietly exchanged glances:
Seeing is believing, indeed! The princess truly holds Yu Zhiyao in high regard.
It’s a good thing we’ve never neglected her.
Just as they were thinking this, all the arrangements had been made. Yu Zhiyao turned to Ji Changqing with a smile, her beautiful eyes sparkling, her smile enchanting. “Changqing, is there anything else you wish to command them?”
Ji Changqing glanced at her, not knowing what this woman was up to. But she couldn’t very well undermine her—it was all for the mission! Comforting herself with this thought, she said magnanimously, “Everyone has been very diligent these past few years. They should be rewarded! Let’s give them triple their monthly wages!”
Although it was called an evening banquet, no one would actually arrive after sunset. Since they weren’t staying the night, an “evening banquet” at a hot spring villa meant soaking in the springs in the afternoon and dining in the evening.
The ladies who received the reply came together. Yu Zhiyao had them settled in the wooden lodges. Light wine, side dishes, and snacks were all provided. There were both large and small pools, but since the women had all known each other since they were young, they weren’t too reserved and simply soaked together in the large pool.
The women looked at certain suggestive marks on Yu Zhiyao’s body with knowing glances. Sipping warm wine, they teased her, “So the princess is that passionate. No wonder you needed to catch up on your sleep.”
Yu Zhiyao blushed shyly, right on cue.
The women were quite envious of Yu Zhiyao. She didn’t have to serve parents-in-law, raise children, or manage a household full of concubines and maids.
The princess even entrusted the residence to her, treating her as an equal. She could be her own master, without having to worry about pleasing others or considering this and that. Aside from not having an heir, it was simply perfect!
But for families like theirs, not having an heir wasn’t a world-ending catastrophe. As long as one could accept it, with status and position, there would be plenty of people to flatter them.
Isn’t it just as they say, comparisons are odious? Look at how radiant Yu Zhiyao’s complexion was now; she looked a good few years younger than them.
When they were slightly tipsy, maids came in to announce that the banquet was ready. The princess had sent them to ask when it would be convenient for the ladies to come over.
The banquet was set on a terrace overlooking the lake. Silk curtains hung all around, the area was brightly lit, and the sounds of melodious music and graceful dancing filled the air.
Everyone thought to themselves that the princess truly cherished Yu Zhiyao. When they had been guests here before, the arrangements had never been this grand. Was she doing this on her rare trip back to the capital specifically to give Yu Zhiyao face and support?
On the terrace, each person had their own mat, though they could move them if they wished. Ji Changqing and Yu Zhiyao occupied the head position, sharing a single mat.
Although Ji Changqing wasn’t familiar with anyone present, she naturally committed no breaches of etiquette. She treated everyone with a polite but distant kindness, listening to their idle chatter without joining in much, focusing instead on serving food to Yu Zhiyao.
Yu Zhiyao’s eyes flickered. She pressed down on Ji Changqing’s hand, amused. “Don’t keep fussing over me. I already ate a little earlier. You should eat more.”
Ji Changqing smiled faintly, a smile that made all the ladies feel a little dizzy. Aiya, the princess’s charm hasn’t diminished at all! Thinking of their own husbands’ burgeoning waistlines, they sighed. Comparisons are truly odious!
She said with gentle affection, “How could it be the same? This is a token of my affection for you.”
In any case, I’m going to make you eat it!
Yu Zhiyao indicated that she appreciated the sentiment.
She lowered her head, picked out a few things she was willing to eat, and ate them slowly. Then she began to gently coax Ji Changqing:
“Here, you eat this. It’s good for you.”
“This one strengthens the muscles and bones, perfect for you.”
“This one cleanses the lungs and dispels dust. Since you’re in Jingbei year-round…”
…
The other women couldn’t bear to watch. Could you two tone down the public displays of affection?
Look at that, was Yu Zhiyao feeding her “lover”? She was so meticulous, it was almost like she was feeding a son!
Ji Changqing was being fed so much she could only roll her eyes.
But she stubbornly persisted, seizing every opportunity to stuff food that Yu Zhiyao particularly disliked into her mouth.
Yu Zhiyao’s expression changed. While struggling to swallow, she pinched Ji Changqing’s arm hard. After a moment, she said peevishly, “Look at you, you’re making everyone uncomfortable. Why don’t you go back to the room and wait for me?”
Ji Changqing was inwardly pleased. She gave Yu Zhiyao a super brilliant smile and obediently stood up, addressing the guests, “Well then, please enjoy yourselves. Have a wonderful time!”
After she left, both she and Yu Zhiyao secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
That round of showing off their affection was absolutely killer!
The guests present also found it absolutely killer! They also wanted a lover who was high-ranking, good-looking, obedient, and considerate~
After staying at the hot spring villa for three days and helping Yu Zhiyao entertain several waves of guests, Ji Changqing felt she had made her presence sufficiently known. On the evening of the third day, she returned to the royal residence alone.
Yu Zhiyao watched her carriage gradually disappear into the distance, her gaze turning cool, her eyes deep and profound.
The next day, Ji Changqing entered the palace to attend court. A young eunuch was waiting at the palace gate to lead her down another path, saying that His Majesty was waiting and wished to discuss something with her before the court session.
Although Ji Changqing found it a bit strange, since the emperor had summoned her, she decided to go and see.
Halfway there, the all-too-familiar sound of crossbows firing rang out.
Ji Changqing recognized the sound. It was the first improved model of the crossbow, with long range, great power, and high precision.
She reacted with extreme speed, kicking away the eunuchs accompanying her. In one fluid motion, she untied her robe, took it off, and used it to sweep up a large number of arrows, then with a flick of her hand, sent them shooting out in all directions.
If she remembered correctly, besides the Jingbei army which had begun using them, these crossbows had only been given to Yu Zhiyao.
Her gaze gradually turned icy.
She glanced around, quickly determined where the commander was hiding, and charged in that direction as if her life depended on it.
She knew she was doomed, but if she didn’t kill a few more of them, she could never vent the hatred in her heart!
As she charged to the base of a palace wall on the other side, she could almost hear someone shrieking in terror, “Is that even human?! Quick, quick! Fire, fire! She’s about to break through! Ahhhh…”
Wave after wave of arrows rained down, growing denser and more concentrated. In addition to the handheld crossbows, there were even siege-grade ballistae.
When she finally fell, she couldn’t tell if the pain was in her heart or in her body. In her mind, a sentence Yu Zhiyao had once said to her flashed vaguely.
“If you pretend to be invulnerable, you must be prepared to be pierced by ten thousand arrows.”
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