laughing awkwardly

Zhong Lüping's expression instantly became extremely ugly, her lips trembling as she couldn't speak. She looked at Chi Ying and then Baili Zan, as if she had become meat in someone else's pot, and the faces in front of her seemed to become sinister.

 

"Don't be nervous, sister. Mr. Baili was just joking," seeing her fear nearly suffocating her, Chi Ying hurriedly said, "How could Uncle Zhong bear to send you into the tiger's mouth? In my opinion, after Xie Yuchan's death, the conspiracy between the Ye and Xie families would have failed, and their plan to install Prince Jing on the throne must have fallen through. Otherwise, those privately made arrows wouldn't have been so easily deceived by Mr. Shan."

 

Before Zhong Lüping could say anything, Baili Zan clicked his tongue, showing an uninterested expression: "Why did Lady reveal my intentions so quickly?"

 

Chi Ying was puzzled for a moment, and then Baili Zan winked and glanced aside. Suddenly understanding, she realized—Baili Zan was deliberately scaring Zhong Lüping, hoping Yang Qiong would say what she had just mentioned, to win the favor of the Zhong family's daughter.

 

Baili Zan considered Zhong Lüping as a hostage brought back under duress! Chi Ying was momentarily at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Facing Zhong Lüping, she couldn't explain it well and blamed herself for not mentioning this in her letter. Previously, she had half-jokingly urged everyone to "make contributions," and Baili Zan naturally assumed she had brought Zhong Lüping back to coerce the Zhong family into service. Plus, yesterday when she asked about Yang Qiong at the Wangfu gate, Baili Zan arranged today's hero-saving-the-beauty scene to give these two a good start.

 

Unexpectedly, this usually harmonious duo misinterpreted each other. Baili Zan misunderstood, and Chi Ying inadvertently revealed too much. Zhong Lüping's expression eased, while Yang Qiong remained oblivious to their signals.

 

"Um, ah... this..." Chi Ying patted her forehead, laughing awkwardly, unsure how to continue.

 

Using marriage to bind the Zhong family wasn't just her idea; even Cui Yi thought similarly. If Zhong Lüping and Yang Qiong could marry, it would lock both sides together, making it easier to use them without worry.

 

Baili Zan's arrangements weren't wrong, but she hadn't cooperated well. Chi Ying felt regretful.

 

Fortunately, Baili Zan had another move. Before the two parties could react, he immediately asked, "Who is responsible for patrolling the city today?"

 

"It's me," Yang Qiong replied.

 

"That's perfect. Since Miss Zhong has traveled far and isn't familiar with Yan Prefecture, why doesn't General Yang show her around the city later?" Baili Zan used a question, but it was essentially a confirmation. Yang Qiong sought Chi Ying's approval with his eyes, and she nodded, "That's fine. There are many things to arrange in the mansion, and I really can't spare time to accompany Sister Lüping. Thank you, General Yang."

 

Yang Qiong readily agreed, and Zhong Lüping was both surprised and delighted. Maintaining her ladylike dignity, she didn't show her eagerness on her face, but her eyes sparkled with joy. "Would this... bother the general?"

 

"No problem," Yang Qiong responded frankly, "Recently, the city has been peaceful, but we patrol to prevent any unexpected incidents. If Miss Zhong doesn't mind my clumsy words..."

 

Zhong Lüping shook her head vigorously, "Not at all!"

 

Yang Qiong's eyebrows twitched slightly, sensing something from her enthusiastic tone, but before he could ponder further, Baili Zan changed the subject. Knowing he had more to discuss with Chi Ying, he stood up to leave. Zhong Lüping suppressed her joy and followed him out.

 

After the two left, Baili Zan asked, "Lady, weren't you trying to matchmake Miss Zhong and General Yang?"

 

"Yes, but not entirely as you think," Chi Ying explained Zhong Lüping's thoughts to him. After listening, Baili Zan nodded, "If that's the case, it might be counterproductive. But..."

 

Chi Ying knew what he meant and sighed, "Sister Cheng is now in the hands of the Northern Di people, and her fate is uncertain. Even if we save her in the future, given her character, she won't remarry General Yang. Lord Wang and I don't want him to live alone for the rest of his life. Miss Zhong is beautiful, virtuous, and from a good family. Maybe after spending time with her, he'll gradually let go of Sister Cheng."

 

Baili Zan stroked his beard and sighed, "True, this situation can't go on forever. If it works out, it would be a good thing."

 

Meanwhile, the two protagonists on the streets of the city were unaware of the schemes behind their backs. Yang Qiong ordered a gentle horse to be brought, led by a soldier, and he himself rode a warhorse. As they patrolled the city, he pointed out the sights.

 

Though Yan Prefecture was remote and desolate, it had once been the capital of a dynasty, so its architecture was grand. Unlike the humid south, many ancient buildings still retained their original appearance. "This Liangyuan Tower was built during the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Huan. His sister, Princess Jinluan, once threw a silk ball from the tower, hitting a newly crowned top scholar riding a horse, thus forming a golden match." Yang Qiong pointed his horsewhip towards a three-story tower to the right.

 

"General Yang is truly knowledgeable, remembering events from the Northern Huan period," Zhong Lüping followed his gaze to look at the Liangyuan Tower—it was now a restaurant, with patrons dressed elegantly coming and going. It seemed that even in such a desolate place, there were still wealthy people.

 

Yang Qiong replied, "It's not that I'm knowledgeable, but the Liangyuan Tower erected a stone tablet at its entrance with this story engraved on it. Seeing it repeatedly makes it hard not to remember."

 

Zhong Lüping was taken aback by his honesty and quickly pointed to another building ahead, "What's over there?"

 

Yang Qiong answered, "That's the ruins of the imperial palace from the Later Zhou period."

 

The old palace walls had collapsed, revealing mostly damaged palaces and pavilions. From the ruins, one could still vaguely see the former luxury. Yang Qiong led her through the crowd into the site. The palace pond was full of water, with nearly a hundred ducks quacking and swimming among the lotus leaves.

 

Zhong Lüping: "..."

 

Yang Qiong explained with a smile, "Lady said the pond was empty anyway, so she had people plant lotuses and raise ducks. This way, we get duck eggs and duck meat; there's also a larger pond where fish are raised—red, white, and black. Would you like to see?"

 

Zhong Lüping was momentarily confused but nodded reluctantly, "Let's take a look."

 

The once colorful imperial garden was no longer vibrant. Soldiers had been ordered to rebuild flower beds and plant mulberry trees. In three years, they could supply silkworms and silk production for the entire city. The ponds either raised fish or ducks, with soldiers feeding them. When they approached, the soldiers stopped working and saluted. Yang Qiong waved them off and continued showing Zhong Lüping around.

 

Several palaces had been repaired, and Zhong Lüping asked from afar, "Does Lord Wang plan to move in here? Or will he relocate the capital here after achieving success?"

 

Yang Qiong glanced at her indifferently, "When Lady had the palaces repaired, Lord Wang indeed asked if he should move in, but Lady believed it was inappropriate to be extravagant before completing their great task. Moreover, since the Later Zhou fell, these palaces were considered inauspicious. Rather than demolishing them, she had them repaired to raise livestock."

 

Zhong Lüping was again stunned. A once-imperial palace had been completely transformed under Chi Ying's management. Palaces that once housed concubines now housed pigs and cattle. Their manure fertilized the mulberry trees and alfalfa, which in turn fed silkworms and horses.

 

"Unbelievable... Lord Wang actually allows Lady to do this," Zhong Lüping surveyed the busy soldiers, feeling deeply moved, "If it were someone else, they certainly wouldn't agree."

 

Yang Qiong smiled, "Lord Wang and Lady are a match made in heaven. Others can only envy them, but it's impossible to insert oneself between them."

 

His words carried a hidden warning to the "cousin" not to harbor improper thoughts. However, Zhong Lüping didn't catch the warning and instead felt he was hinting at something. She blushed and teased, "Does General also envy Lord Wang and Lady's deep love?"

 

Yang Qiong gazed straight ahead, his eyes reflecting the clouds, "Lord Wang and Lady complement each other—one skilled in civil affairs, the other in military matters. Their deep bond and shared hardships make others envious."

 

Zhong Lüping smiled sweetly, probing further, "Has General ever thought about finding someone like them?"

 

Yang Qiong laughed self-deprecatingly, "The happiness of Lord Wang and Lady is beyond my reach."

 

Zhong Lüping stepped closer, her voice soft as water, "General is mistaken. I've heard Lady say you inherited your family's spear techniques, are highly skilled, and are young. Following Lord Wang to expand territories and stabilize the country, you will surely achieve glory and fame. Then, finding a wife who understands and loves you, how could you not be happier than Lord Wang and Lady?"

 

"Thank you for your kind words, but..."

 

Yang Qiong frowned, pain flashing in his eyes, "If I could have such happiness in this life, I would gladly give it up to ensure her safety and well-being. Fame, wealth, and honor mean nothing compared to her peace and comfort."

 

Zhong Lüping was greatly shocked, blurting out, "Does General already have someone in mind?"

 

Yang Qiong remained silent. The "ideal husband" label on his back suddenly became "taken," leaving Zhong Lüping devastated. Realizing his heart belonged elsewhere, she felt sorrow and lost interest in sightseeing, claiming exhaustion and returning to the Wangfu.

 

Back at the Wangfu, Baili Zan had already left. Chi Ying was playing with her daughter in the courtyard. Seeing Zhong Lüping return listlessly, she handed Little Cui Xian to the nanny and greeted her, "Why did you come back so early? Didn't you explore more?"

 

Zhong Lüping felt dejected and wronged but didn't blame Chi Ying, in case she didn't know about Yang Qiong's feelings. She feigned tiredness, played with Little Cui Xian for a while, and then retired to her room.

 

Over the next few days, Chi Ying and Baili Zan created many opportunities for them to meet, but despite their efforts, Yang Qiong remained unmoved. His eyes saw only Cheng Fuyi. Zhong Lüping, repeatedly disappointed, grew disheartened and lost interest. She spent her days playing with Little Cui Xian or helping Chi Ying with needlework.

 

"Are you giving up so soon? Don't you want to marry a famous general anymore?" one afternoon, Chi Ying spun yarn in the courtyard while Zhong Lüping sat peeling lotus seeds. Noticing her lack of enthusiasm, Chi Ying laughed and asked.

 

Zhong Lüping lowered her eyes, "Don't mention it... There are plenty of good men in the world. I don't have to marry him."

 

Chi Ying chuckled, "True, no rush. Take your time. You'll find someone suitable eventually."

 

Zhong Lüping handed the peeled lotus seeds to a maid, washed her hands, and sat under a tree, daydreaming. After a while, she asked, "Sister, do you know the girl he likes? What kind of person is she?"