Chapter 70: Exploring the Child

Once again, a group of people stood under the corridor, bidding each other farewell as they prepared to leave. Meinang counted the white snowflakes that occasionally bloomed against the dark night sky, and overheard the conversation between Xu Jun Lang and Xu Jun Ying:

“Has the eldest brother seen Prince Qi these days? Some of our colleagues wanted to visit the royal residence, but each time they were told that Prince Qi was not at home. What’s going on?”

“Prince Qi is indeed not at the royal residence. He was first healing in the palace, but then he refused to stay there and went somewhere quieter. He’s almost recovered, and he should be back before the New Year.”

“That’s understandable. When he returns, please let us know. We should visit him as well.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. Prince Qi has always been different, and after this injury, his temperament has changed greatly. It’s unlikely he will meet with visitors.”

“It doesn’t matter. Just pass on the news to me when he’s back.”

“Alright, I’ll let you know once he returns.”

“Thank you, elder brother.”

“Go on now.”

The two brothers bowed and bid their farewells, and Meinang exchanged a customary gesture of respect with Bai Jing Yu. His gaze toward her was no longer one of disdain, but one that subtly conveyed resentment. Meinang kept her expression neutral and her gaze indifferent. She was tired and not in the mood to engage in games of emotion.

Xu Jun Xuan accompanied several of the younger sisters back. After bidding Meinang goodbye, they departed in a group, with servants trailing behind.

Cui Xi helped Meinang put on her cloak, and Meinang allowed her to adjust it. Her mind wandered: “The proud and fierce Prince Qi, who dislikes women and prefers men, is coming back to the city? I should be cautious this time. No more male attire, I’ll switch to female clothes.”

Cui Jian couldn’t reach Xu Jun Ying’s shoulder, so Zhuang Yu Lan stepped forward to help. She tied a satin ribbon on him, and this time she did it skillfully, forming a beautiful bow. She then gently adjusted it, her voice soft as she said:

“The snow’s mixed with rain, the road is slippery. Be careful, Cousin Ying.”

Xu Jun Ying smiled and nodded, “I understand. Let’s go inside, it’s cold outside.”

Meinang stood behind him, watching. When Xu Jun Ying turned, he nearly bumped into her. Meinang’s voice was soft as she said:

“Take it slow, my lord. If you knock me down, you’ll have to carry me back.”

After speaking, she turned to bid Xu Jun Ya and Ning Rulan farewell, saying, “The snow makes the road slippery. Please walk slowly.”

Ning Rulan also offered a few words of caution. Meinang waved at them as they left, and Xu Jun Ya held Rulan’s hand as they made their way.

With just Xu Jun Ying and Meinang remaining, Meinang stepped closer and reached her hand into his arm as she said:

“Let’s go, my lord.”

Xu Jun Ying slightly tensed his arm, but Meinang didn’t let go. He turned back to Zhuang Yu Lan and said, “Cousin Lan, please go inside. Don’t catch a cold.”

Meinang noticed the shift in Zhuang Yu Lan’s expression and, fearing Xu Jun Ying would feel pity for her, hurriedly pulled him along. “The snow and rain are getting heavier. If we don’t leave soon, we won’t be able to get back. Let’s go, my lord.”

She descended the next step, pulling him with her. Xu Jun Ying had no choice but to follow. He tried to turn back, but Meinang tugged at his cloak hood, blocking his view. He said:

“Let go.”

Meinang refused. “It’s slippery, I might fall.”

“Walk carefully, just support me, not cling to me,” he replied.

Meinang glanced at Zhuang Yu Lan, who was being assisted inside by Rui Xue, then released her grip. “Fine, we’ll go our separate ways, it will be faster.”

They exited the courtyard, walking down a brick path. After a while, they turned onto a stone-paved road, where the snow had been falling for some time, covering the ground in a thin layer. The two lanterns ahead barely lit the way, far weaker than modern flashlights. Meinang tried to keep up with Xu Jun Ying, relying on him to lead the way. She unconsciously moved closer, but Xu Jun Ying seemed to avoid her, deliberately walking further away, unwilling to act as her guide.

Meinang, feeling helpless, called to Cui Xi:

“Bring the lantern closer. My lord is a martial artist, his eyesight is excellent, he doesn’t need it. Just keep it in front of me.”

Just then, Xu Jun Ying stumbled, almost falling. He flailed for balance but managed to stand. Meinang laughed:

“I was just praising your keen eyesight, and now you’re tripping in front of us show me some respect!”

Xu Jun Ying grabbed the lantern from Cui Xi, walked back to inspect the spot, and noticed a broken tree stump, remnants from the last snowfall. He said with mild irritation:

“Who’s in charge of the flowers and plants along this path? This stump should have been dug out long ago. If it were any of you, you’d have already fallen flat on your face.”

Meinang stopped laughing, considering how to address the issue, but when he mentioned falling “like a dog,” she burst into laughter again. Xu Jun Ying was truly irritated:

“Is this how you manage things? If you’re not up for it, find someone else.”

Meinang quickly suppressed her laughter, clearing her throat. “You’re right, my lord. I’ll go find the person responsible for this tomorrow…”

“Tomorrow? What if someone passes by tonight?”

“Alright, we’ll take care of it now. Cui Jian, you go back and get someone. We have the men at Qui Hua Court, including Bao Yu, who’s capable. Get him to bring a shovel, and let’s dig out that tree stump.”

Cui Jian agreed and ran off with the lantern.

Xu Jun Ying, holding the lantern, glared at Meinang, who met his gaze. Thinking of how awkward he looked, she couldn’t help but laugh and quickly turned her face away.

Back at Qui Hua Court, the rain and snow were falling so heavily that Meinang could feel the raindrops hitting her cloak. After entering the house, she didn’t bother with greetings and headed straight for the inner rooms. Xu Jun Ying went toward the moon gate. Meinang walked to the main house, where she sighed in relief as she entered the warm room, stamping her feet and calling:

“Quick, change my shoes. Who gave me these embroidered cloth ones? It’s snowing and raining outside. I need to wear boots!”

Cui Jian, feeling wronged, said, “When we left, it wasn’t raining or snowing. Who knew it would start once it got dark?”

Meinang took off her wet shoes and sat on the soft couch, thinking for a moment, then said:

“Oh, I misunderstood you. And it’s also my lord’s fault for insisting on digging up tree stumps. If he hadn’t wandered off, I wouldn’t have had to wait so long and get my shoes wet.”

Cui Jian suppressed her laughter, saying carefully, “But my lord was walking in the middle of the road. You were the one who pushed him to the side…”

Meinang looked at her sideways. “Really? I didn’t push him.”

Recalling the scene, she couldn’t help but laugh, and Cui Xi and Cui Jian followed suit. Even Wang Mama and Cui Si, watching from the side, were confused by their laughter.

Meinang felt that managing the household was the hardest job, especially because she couldn’t sleep in anymore. Her first love, sleep, had been sacrificed. It was truly painful.

Early the next morning, as she rolled around in bed, Wang Mama called from behind the curtain:

“Grandmother reminded me to wake you up early, so you could visit Heng Ge’er.”

Meinang’s eyes widened at the mention of her beloved son. She quickly got up and ran to the inner room while shouting, “Quick, find my clothes for today, and remember to get me boots! I need to fix my hair.”

After taking care of her morning routine, she rushed out of the room, with Wang Mama trailing behind, shaking her head and muttering:

“I’ve told you so many times, grandmother, you haven’t changed. What kind of young madam runs around like this?”

Meinang had already seated herself at the dressing table, letting Cui Xi and Cui Jian help with her hair. When she saw Wang Mama’s reflection in the mirror, she smiled and said:

“Mom, if all young madams were the same, wouldn’t that be chaotic? I used to walk well, and now I’m fine. I’ll walk slowly outside, but when I’m in my room, I’m allowed to run, right?”

Wang Mama looked helplessly at her, crossing her arms and sighing, “I’m just worried. You’re too different from before.”

Meinang laughed, reaching out to pat Wang Mama’s hand on her stomach. “Forget about the past. Let’s look to the future, alright?”

Wang Mama smiled faintly, nodding. “Alright, we’ll forget the past and look forward. From now on, grandmother will be good.”

“Yes, but I’ll still visit Heng Ge’er.”