Чистое сердце в нефритовом сосуде - Глава 24
"The young prince is going to stay in the palace for the next few days and asked me to hang out with you guys for a few days," I quickly said, seeing their puzzled looks.
Lin Zhao then walked over, patted me on the shoulder, and said, "You've been enjoying yourself, you've gotten so fat."
I looked down awkwardly at my body, which had obviously gained weight due to lack of exercise over the past two months, and said to Jiang Ming, "Master, I asked you to help me lose weight. They still haven't assigned me an instructor."
Jiang Ming shook his head helplessly and walked away.
This reunion with Song Zhixuan and the others was undoubtedly a happy occasion. The three of us started training again under Jiang Ming's guidance, just like before. Unfortunately, after more than two months of not having properly warmed up, my skills were noticeably slower than theirs, and Lin Zhao kept mocking me.
During a break, Song Zhixuan quietly told me, "Just come here to find us these next few days, don't go to the compound."
I asked, puzzled, "Why?"
Song Zhixuan looked at Jiang Ming's reaction and said, "You easily defeated Zhang Shiguang that day, and then immediately moved to Qiufengyuan. Many people are resentful. I'm afraid they'll cause you trouble if you go to the compound."
I nodded and then busied myself taking out the snacks I had brought that morning and sharing them with them.
Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn. Chapter 019
Chapter word count: 3409 Update time: 09-07-25 14:04
During the few days Shen Haoyu was away, I was the most carefree person. During the day, I practiced martial arts with Song Zhixuan and Lin Zhao. In my spare time, I followed Jiang Ming everywhere he went. Because of Song Zhixuan's warning, I dared not go to their main courtyard, so I had to hang out with Master Jiang Ming. In the evenings, I would go to Shen Haoyu's study to read and pass the time, or ask someone to call Song Zhixuan and the others out to play. I think these short few days were the happiest days I had in the Prince's mansion.
Seven days later, Shen Haoyu returned in the morning. I was practicing my boxing in the courtyard when he came back. Seeing his tired face, I quickly went up to greet him and took him back to his room to rest. Yu Ying helped Shen Haoyu bathe and change his clothes, while I waited outside.
After a while, Yu Ying came out carrying the clothes she had changed out of. Seeing me standing outside the door, she said, "Go in, the young prince wants to see you."
I bowed my head and respectfully went inside.
"Tell me what you've been doing these past few days," Shen Haoyu said to me, half-lying on the bed. His face was a little pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes due to lack of sleep.
I stood by the bed and said, "I practice martial arts with Master Jiang during the day and read books in the young prince's study at night."
Shen Haoyu looked at me with disbelief, and said with a half-smile, "You're quite self-aware."
"Lin En has always been dutiful and obedient since entering the Prince's mansion, and has never been unaware of his own shortcomings," I said honestly. Although I didn't want to do this at all, I understood what kind of place and society this was, and that I couldn't do whatever I wanted.
"That's good. But now that I'm back, you don't need to go out anymore. Do whatever you want in the garden. I'm going to sleep now." With that, Shen Haoyu lay down. I quickly covered him with the blanket and lowered the bed curtains before quietly leaving his room.
I understand less and less why I'm staying at Qiufeng Garden.
In the southwest corner of Qiufeng Garden, there is a small lake called "Misty Moon Bay" because of its crescent shape. The area around the lake is well-planned. Although the area is small, there are beautiful views every few steps, and different scenery can be seen from different angles. This is the most beautiful place in Qiufeng Garden, and it is also a place I often come to. Shen Haoyu probably doesn't have that much leisure time, because I have almost never seen him come here.
That day, I was lying on a large blue stone by the lake, basking in the sun, when I heard two girls tidying up the flowerbeds chatting nearby.
"This spring is really unlucky!" a girl sighed.
"What's wrong now?" another asked.
"Didn't the Empress Dowager pass away a few days ago?"
Everyone knows that.
"I received news today that something happened in the south as well."
"What is it?"
"I heard that the heir of the Marquis of Qiyun's mansion also fell ill and died these past few days."
"Is he the son of the Emperor's sworn brother?"
"Indeed, not only the heir apparent, but also the Marquis's wife was overcome with grief and passed away."
"This is really incredible, so much has disappeared all at once."
"That's right, so this year is unlucky. We should burn more incense later."
...
The two girls walked away talking, but I was stunned by their words and couldn't move.
Is the heir of the Marquis of Qiyun my brother, Mu Shaoting? Hasn't he always been in good health? Didn't he say he'd take me back later? I don't have any feelings for the First Madam, but Mu Shaoting has always been very good to me…
Tears welled up in my eyes. He was a family member just as important as my aunt and Zinuo. I thought he would have the best life, but unexpectedly, he was the first to leave this world. I remember how much he doted on me and protected me in the Marquis's mansion. I remember how he carefully instructed me on everything when I left the mansion, but I didn't even have a chance to do anything for him.
I pulled the dagger that Mu Shaoting had given me from my calf and carefully stroked the small "Ting" character on it. This was the only memento he had left me.
I lay by the lake all afternoon, only getting up when the sun was about to set and the stones had become cold. I was surprised that no one had looked for me after I disappeared for so long, but now I was dispensable anyway. I had never really done anything for Shen Haoyu, and they didn't need me.
Composing himself, he straightened his clothes and returned to Yixinzhai, the place he shared with Shen Haoyu. He went to the study first and found Shen Haoyu reading inside.
"Where did you go this afternoon?" Shen Haoyu asked without looking up.
"Hehe, I went to Miyue Bay to help Momo tidy up the garden, so I wouldn't have nothing to do all day long." I told a little lie.
"You mean you're too free right now?"
"If possible, I hope to have something serious to do, instead of just being a freeloader." I really would rather practice martial arts every day like before, even if it's a bit hard, than just waste time like this. When my body is idle, my mind can't stay idle.
“You’re the first person to complain about not having enough work.” Shen Haoyu looked at me with a puzzled expression. “Even I, as the master, don’t have as much free time as you.”
"Lin En is willing to share the burden for the young prince."
"Forget it, it's not your fault. You don't have a master to teach you now, so just wait a little longer."
"Why won't you let me continue following Master Jiang until I find a new master?" I asked, puzzled.