Chapter 48: Three Women, One Play—Pairing Up Jiang Yu and Jiang Qingqing

After more than half a month, the Jiang family finally felt like they had returned home.

Jiang Qingqing had Fu Zhengnan help purchase a large number of pure cotton garments.

There were all sizes available, though the styles were simple—only divided into men’s and women’s clothing.

However, the fabric was genuinely comfortable.

“Qingqing, this fabric doesn’t seem to come from the palace, does it?”

Jiang Mother and several of Jiang Yu’s sisters-in-law were helping distribute the clothes.

Previously, Jiang Mother had always addressed her as “Your Highness,” but Jiang Qingqing found it unfamiliar and asked her to call her “Qingqing” instead.

Jiang Qingqing brushed off the question with a vague response, not intending to explain further.

“This fabric is excellent. It’s very comfortable to wear.”

“I’ve prepared plenty of food in the courtyard. Once everyone has changed, call them over. There’s plenty for everyone!”

Jiang Mother was a perceptive person. Seeing Qingqing’s reluctance to answer, she didn’t press further.

Instead, she smiled kindly and said,

“You’ve been busy all day. Go and get some rest. Leave this to me and the others.”

Jiang Qingqing had no intention of overexerting herself—she truly was exhausted today.

She had been running around non-stop, handling everything personally.

After all, she was the only one who could communicate with the gods and obtain supplies.

“Then I’ll head back to my room and come out later.”

Second Sister-in-law took the clothes from Jiang Qingqing’s hands. Seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, she said with concern,

“Go get some sleep. I’ll have Xiaoyu stand guard at your door so no one disturbs you.”

Xiaoyu was the little girl Jiang Mother had been holding earlier.

She was Second Sister-in-law’s daughter.

Jiang Yu had three uncles and four elder brothers, all of whom were married, but in the younger generation, Xiaoyu was the only girl.

Jiang Qingqing felt a bit embarrassed.

She waved her hands dismissively. “No need, I’m fine. It’s too much trouble.”

Having a little girl guard her door? That didn’t seem right. If anything, she might as well have Jiang Yu do it.

By now, she had gotten quite comfortable bossing him around.

After all, she had saved his life more than once.

Their revolutionary friendship was growing deeper and deeper.

However, he was still unconscious.

A military doctor had examined him and found a fractured rib. Fortunately, it could be treated, and it wouldn’t affect his ability to lead troops in battle later.

Second Sister-in-law waved her hand, smiling. “It’s no trouble at all! Xiaoyu would love nothing more than to guard her goddess-like sister.”

Xiaoyu absolutely adored Jiang Qingqing.

Had Second Sister-in-law not stopped her, she probably would have followed along already.

Hearing this, Jiang Qingqing no longer insisted. She nodded. “Then I’ll bring her a little gift later.”

With that, she returned to her room.

Three Women, One Play

Watching Jiang Qingqing’s retreating figure, Third Sister-in-law couldn’t hold back any longer. She turned to her sisters-in-law and shared the gossip she had heard from the townsfolk.

“Is Her Highness openly opposing the Prime Minister’s household now?”

“But I heard that last night, the Prime Minister’s eldest son was with Her Highness at the Prefect’s residence… and a lot of people saw them together.”

Jiang Mother’s smile faded instantly, replaced by a stern expression.

She reprimanded Third Sister-in-law,

“From now on, don’t bring up such matters again. While Her Highness is approachable, you must always remember—she is the Crown Princess of Great Liang. She may very well become the next Empress.”

“Regardless of whether the rumors are true or false, we must maintain the proper respect and decorum toward Her Highness.”

“Besides, without her, the Jiang family would have long perished on Broken Bridge.”

Third Sister-in-law slapped her thigh in frustration, realizing Jiang Mother had misunderstood her.

She was straightforward and didn’t know how to speak in circles.

Hurriedly, she explained,

“Oh no, that’s not what I meant!”

“I was just thinking… if Her Highness isn’t interested in the Prime Minister’s son, maybe she could consider our Yu boy instead!”

She was referring to Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu was already at the age to marry.

And judging by how much extra care Jiang Qingqing had shown him today…

Even Eldest Sister-in-law, who had been neatly folding clothes, grew curious.

“Did Yu boy and Her Highness come to Weizhou together? Having gone through hardships side by side, they might have developed feelings for each other.”

Back then, she had met Jiang Yu’s eldest brother during times of crisis.

Second Sister-in-law was the most steady and composed among them.

She simply continued distributing clothes to the families without chiming in.

Fourth Sister-in-law, being the youngest, eagerly joined the conversation:

“They really make a handsome couple, but in the end, it’s still Yu Brother who’s reaching too high. His skin is a bit too dark.”

“Hahahahaha…”

Her remark made Third Sister-in-law burst into laughter.

She had to admit, she felt the same way.

“Alright, enough of this. Get back to work. If Her Highness truly takes an interest in Yu Brother, then our ancestors must have blessed us greatly.”

Jiang Mother finally put an end to their gossiping.

They had barely escaped death, and here they were, already fooling around.

No one knew what moves the Prime Minister’s household would make next.

Second Sister-in-law gently patted Jiang Mother’s hand, reassuring her:

“Mother, don’t worry too much. As long as we all stand together, life will only get better.”

—

Inside the Bedroom

Jiang Qingqing was experiencing a jacuzzi for the first time.

It was only because Fu Zhengnan had mentioned that the tub had a massage function, which could help if her lower back felt sore, that she decided to try it.

Wearing only her undergarments, she stepped into the warm water.

At first, the jet streams against her back felt slightly uncomfortable, sending tingling sensations up her spine.

But gradually, she began to appreciate its wonders.

Her whole body relaxed, and without realizing it, a lazy, sultry expression surfaced on her face.

“Do you know what gifts little girls like?”

Jiang Qingqing leaned against the edge of the bathtub, chatting idly with Fu Zhengnan.

She had promised to give Xiaoyu a gift but hadn’t yet decided what to get her.

Since the deity was still young, she figured he might have some ideas.

Fu Zhengnan, listening to her soft and sweet voice, shifted his gaze from the documents he had been reading to the screen of his phone.

His expression remained neutral.

He responded indifferently, “A doll, perhaps. You have plenty in your room.”

He wasn’t sure about other children, but he knew Jiang Qingqing liked them.

Jiang Qingqing immediately realized he was right.

“Oh, that’s true… But…” She hesitated. “I really like all the ones in my room…”

She was reluctant to give any of them away.

After all, she had carefully named each one and arranged them neatly, rotating them so that a different doll accompanied her to sleep every night.

Fu Zhengnan hadn’t expected her to have such a peculiar habit.

Without much concern, he said, “I’ll pick out a few new ones for you.”

He swiped across his screen, selected a few pink plush dolls from an online store, and placed an order.

After that, he didn’t say anything further.

Jiang Qingqing nodded.

She suddenly felt like the deity wasn’t as talkative today.

Was it just her imagination?

“…Are you very busy?” she asked softly.

Fu Zhengnan glanced at the stack of documents beside him and casually took a phone call.

After giving a brief instruction, he switched back to his game screen.

He answered her question truthfully.

“A little,” he said coolly.

His detached tone made Jiang Qingqing let out a small “Oh…”

For some reason, her heart felt a little empty.

“…Then, I’ll let you get back to work.”

Realizing it was about time, Jiang Qingqing stepped out of the bathtub, preparing to get dressed and head out.