Chapter 69: Lotus Born in Step Is Returning

Although she was the Crown Princess in name, Qiao Qingyun undoubtedly only needed the convenience of the title. The Empress, having been repeatedly thwarted by Qiao Qingyun, did not dare to make any reckless moves for the time being, which suggested that Yuan Zaichun was well-prepared.

“My lady, you’ve been looking after Zhong Shi for such a long time. What if you wear yourself out?” said Qingluo, concerned.

Hearing this, Qiao Qingyun smiled at her. “So tell me, if it weren’t Zhong Shi lying in bed right now, wouldn’t it be me instead?”

Qingluo was taken aback, staring blankly at Qiao Qingyun. After all this time, she was well aware how Zhong Shi felt about Qiao Qingyun. If it weren’t for Qiao Qingyun’s lack of interest, Qingluo would have worried herself to death. But seeing Qiao Qingyun always by Zhong Shi’s side for so long, she could not help but be concerned that feelings might blossom over time.

“Sister-in-law!”

A sudden call came from outside. Qiao Qingyun turned to see Yuan Rou running quickly towards her. Despite her short legs, she reached Qiao Qingyun in no time.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” Qingluo hurriedly curtsied and quietly withdrew. If the Crown Prince learned that Qiao Qingyun had lowered herself to care for a servant because of this princess, it would be disastrous.

“Sister-in-law, you haven’t visited me in the palace for days. I’m afraid in a little while, I’ll be married off.”

At these words, Qiao Qingyun suddenly remembered. “Ah, that’s right—I almost forgot about your wedding!” she said, feeling guilty.

Yet Yuan Rou did not look pleased. “Sister-in-law, I don’t want to marry. I just want to wait for Lord Yun to return.”

Qiao Qingyun’s expression changed, turning unpleasant. She hadn’t expected this princess to be so stubborn.

“But even if you wait forever, she won’t come back. Why make yourself suffer, Princess?” she said, though inside, she bitterly reproached herself. She had wanted to explain everything to Yuan Rou, yet never found the chance. The thought of Yuan Rou enduring such torment every day filled Qiao Qingyun with guilt.

“That’s why I asked for leave today, hoping to go out and have a nice meal. In a way, it will be my farewell to Lord Yun.”

Yuan Rou blinked away her tears and managed a gentle look.

Qiao Qingyun thought for a moment, then nodded to Yuan Rou. “Very well, let’s go. I’ll accompany you.”

As the two were about to leave, Zhong Shi’s voice came from behind.

Zhong Shi, clutching his wounded chest, approached Qiao Qingyun step by step. “My lady, allow me to accompany you, so you won’t get hurt.”

“You’ve only just suffered a serious injury and should be resting. If you’re so worried, let Hong Ying go with us instead,” Qiao Qingyun replied.

Yuan Rou noticed Zhong Shi’s unsteady gait—it was clear his wounds were severe.

“But, I just can’t rest easy,” Zhong Shi insisted, his body weakening further as he coughed. Hong Ying hurried after him.

“Brother, you must go back and rest. My lady has me to protect her,” Hong Ying said, shooting him a look to remind him not to reveal too much.

Though Zhong Shi was fond of Qiao Qingyun, she was still the Crown Princess, and he was but a subordinate.

“Yes.” Zhong Shi gazed at Qiao Qingyun, unable to let go, until she disappeared from sight.

He really was mad—falling so deeply. But she was the noble Crown Princess; what was he, after all?

With a bitter smile, Zhong Shi returned to his room.

Meanwhile, Yuan Rou and Qiao Qingyun arrived at Hundred Flowers Court, where they ordered all the most popular dishes.

Qiao Qingyun had already taught everything she could, and soon it would be time to return to the medical hall. Only Zhong Shi’s situation had kept her away so long.

“Sister-in-law, the crispy roast suckling pig here is delicious! It looks small but I can’t finish it,” Yuan Rou said, nibbling on a piece of crackling.

The roast suckling pig here was famous, the restaurant sourcing piglets less than five months old directly from the slaughterhouse to avoid any unpleasant taste. This was all thanks to Qiao Qingyun’s repeated instructions—she feared any mishap.

“Sister-in-law, you haven’t seen my brother since you came out. Are you two having a spat?” Yuan Rou asked, watching Qiao Qingyun’s face.

Qiao Qingyun pondered for a moment, then smiled and shook her head. “Your brother and I keep out of each other’s way. That’s for the best.”

“But Bu Sheng Lian is coming back soon…”

“Asleep?” Qiao Qingyun was confused. Wasn’t Bu Sheng Lian supposed to be unable to return?

Seeing Qiao Qingyun’s strong reaction, Yuan Rou sighed. “I’m not lying, sister-in-law, it’s true. You know how much my brother loves him. When he returns, what place will you have left?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Qiao Qingyun finally composed herself. “Even if he wants countless beauties, it has nothing to do with me. We agreed from the start to keep to ourselves.”

She smiled, taking a sip of the osmanthus wine she had taught them to make. “This is brewed from osmanthus flowers. In the future, there’ll be fruit wines too. If you’re ever unhappy, come have a drink—there are private rooms upstairs.”

Trying to change the subject, Qiao Qingyun’s words only made Yuan Rou more anxious. But then she reconsidered—perhaps their separation would be better for Qiao Qingyun.

“Sister-in-law, I know what you mean, but I still have to say it: in half a year, Bu Sheng Lian will be back.”

Yuan Rou had already heard that Bu Sheng Lian’s man wouldn’t live more than half a year. Around that time, Bu Sheng Lian would surely find a way to return and replace Qiao Qingyun. When that happened, there would be no turning back.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be all right,” Qiao Qingyun reassured Yuan Rou, though it was unclear whether she meant it for Yuan Rou or for herself.

“Oh, sister-in-law, you should be worried! If you want to secure your position, you should try to get pregnant soon!”

“Let it be. Such things should happen naturally, not by force,” Qiao Qingyun replied, the corner of her mouth twisting in a cold smile. Pregnant? How absurd.