Chapter 70: Would you like to smile for me, Lord Yanyang?

  Yanling Jun wore a crimson official uniform and stood at the end of the corridor.

  That color, which was often seen on those stereotypical old ministers in the past, made Chu Xiangyang subconsciously feel that it was tacky. However, he didn't know if it was because of the snowy scenery as a foil, but today when this person wore it, it seemed to have another flavor.

  Reserved yet outstanding!

  Chu Youyang thought for a moment, then smiled and walked over.

  "When are you coming back? I didn't even get a message beforehand?" Chu Jiu Yang asked, and between them, there was no hint of unfamiliarity.

  "It's been several days already." Yanling Jun smiled and waited for her to approach, thinking that he suddenly added a sentence, "My affairs are not always good at all times, asking people to go to the East Palace to report to you."

  Chu Youyang burst out laughing and jokingly said: "What's this, Lord Yanling? Are you blaming me for not being attentive enough to your affairs?"

  Yanling Jun just smiled and didn't speak, diverting the topic: "Young Master Jian won't be back until New Year's Eve. The elderly mother of Liu Yuanzhai from the Imperial Medical Office suddenly fell ill, so he took leave to return home. I happened to come back ahead of schedule."

  "Huh?" Chu Nanyang was quite surprised. "So, that means the current Imperial Medical Office is now under your management?"

  Marquis Yanling smiled and did not commit himself one way or the other.

  At that time, the snow outside was even bigger, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it was a goose feather snow. The snowflakes fluttered and fell from the sky, and the north wind picked up, so that even if the two of them were under the eaves, they would occasionally get splashed with a whole body.

  "In my memory, the capital city has never had such a big snowfall before." Chu Jinyang sighed, and unconsciously stretched out his hand to catch the snowflakes outside the corridor, muttering with a somewhat distracted expression, "I wonder how things are going on brother's side?"

  The military camp in Chu State is often heavily snowed every winter day, which can last for several days without stopping, until the entire mountain and field are buried in a piece, as if heaven and earth blend together, time and space will no longer have an end.

  Chu Nanyang got off the bus at dawn, and at that time the snow was still falling sporadically like scattered salt, so she didn't pay much attention to it. When getting off the bus, she only wore a half-thick crane cloak.

  A bright red cloak, with a circle of snow-white fox fur at the collar, half-concealing her delicate jawline, making her skin tone even more radiant and smooth.

  Her fingertips were slightly red.

  Yanling Jun furrowed his brow, turned over his hand and covered it with his broad palm, blocking a snowflake that was floating gently in the air. Then, with a slight movement of his fingers, he hid her fingertips in his palm and brought them back.

  His movements were as smooth and natural as flowing clouds and water.

  The two girls' faces changed color strangely and they quickly shifted their gaze, pretending not to see.

  Yanling Jun's clothes were thinly worn, and in such weather, they would even reveal a few points of thinness, but the temperature of his palms was scorchingly hot.

  Chu Youyang was startled and hurriedly tried to withdraw his hand.

  Yanling Jun felt the temperature of her fingertips and frowned even more tightly, saying: "In such cold weather, how can you not bring a hand warmer?"

  As she spoke, she clenched her hand in her palm again, as if trying to pass on her body heat.

  Chu Nanyang tried to pull her hand back, but it was no use. The temperature from his palm seemed to have transmitted to her face, making her feel a subtle burning sensation. However, she couldn't bring herself to rebuke him like a virtuous lady would, and instead found herself at a loss for how to react, leaving her fingers in his grasp for a while.

  Yanling Jun didn't have any other thoughts, she just felt that her hand was too cold, so she asked the two maids, "Are there still clothes in the carriage?"

  "Yes!" Almost instinctively, Qingteng hastily responded loudly and didn't wait for Yanling Jun's further instructions before quickly saying, "The large cloak and hand warmer are both on the carriage, I'll go get them now."

  As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed afraid of being stepped on by someone, and pulled Qingluo's hand to turn around and run.

  Qing Luan didn't want to leave, but was also mentally tortured by the brazen hand-holding of the two people in the corridor, and silently followed Qing Teng away.

  The snow on the outside road had accumulated a thick layer, and two children ran over it, leaving behind only a string of deep and shallow white footprints.

  Chu Youyang looked at him, and couldn't help but smile. He turned his head to suggest to Yanling Jun: "Let's go for a walk in the garden, it's such good weather, hiding here seems like a waste."

  Marquis Yanling didn't respond, and the frown on his forehead remained: "Wait for them to bring you your clothes before leaving."

  "I'm not that weak, it's just a bit of snow." Chu Nanyang couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. Chapter 70: The Same as Chu Lingyun slightly nodded her head: "Anle Princess!"

  As soon as he finished speaking, he shifted his gaze sideways, seemingly without even intending to exchange pleasantries.

  Chu Lingyun saw his perfunctory attitude, and thinking of his conversation with Chu Muyang earlier, she suddenly felt a lump in her throat.

  "It's quite a coincidence, I can see your shadow everywhere." Chǔ Líng Yùn said with a suppressed tone, her voice clearly unfriendly, and it was directed at Chǔ Jiǎo Yáng.

  Is there an implied meaning?

  She glanced at Chu Muyang and walked up the steps, saying to Yanling Jun: "Lord Yanling, it's a coincidence to meet you here. I don't know why, but I've been feeling unwell for the past few days. When are you free? Can you take a look at me?"

  "Is that so?" Yanling Jun's smile to outsiders was always unchanged, and upon hearing this, he had a good attitude and said: "However, I have just taken over the Imperial Medical Office, and now it is also during the New Year's holiday, there are many trivial matters to attend to, I'm afraid I will disappoint the young lady."

  Does he have something on his mind? It's just that he can't spare time to go and see the ailing Princess Anle of Jinxiu.

  This is polite—

  Isn't that a bit too much?

  Chu Youyang smiled secretly as he gazed at the two of them, finding it very amusing and almost bursting out laughing.

  Yanling Jun kept pinching her fingertips and didn't dare to move, fearing that Chu Lingyun and others would see through it. As a result, she maintained a position, neither leaning nor inclining, with half of her body blocking Yanling Jun and Chu Lingyun, as if intentionally preventing the two from coming into contact.

  Chu Lingyun's face changed slightly, and it was impossible for her not to be angry.

  The scene was about to become awkward, but then Yanling Jun suddenly changed the subject and continued, "However, my Shibo has been quite leisurely lately. His medical skills are far superior to mine. He wouldn't mind making a trip to the South River Wang Fu, and he can definitely guarantee that the county master will recover from his illness and hold a grand wedding without any worries."

  Yanling Jun may have been unintentional, but this sentence just happened to step on Chu Lingyun's sore spot.

  Especially when he said it, it was like adding fuel to the fire.

  Chu Lingyun's face turned slightly pale, and she bit her teeth, remaining silent for half a day.

  She didn't know what was wrong with herself either, as if chapter 70 had suddenly disappeared, and she vaguely felt a few points of discomfort.

  Yanling Jun saw her suddenly change her face, and was startled in her heart, feeling a little flustered amidst the confusion.

  "Xīn bǎo!" He hastily took a step forward, subconsciously wanting to explain something, but as soon as he started, he suddenly realized that he himself didn't know the crux of the problem, and his voice got stuck in his throat.

  A sentence that had been lingering in Chu Nian's mind for a long time almost slipped out, but when he turned back to meet his gaze, he also felt at a loss for words.

  What's the question? Why ask questions? What right does one have to ask questions?

  She didn't have any dislike for him, that's undeniable, but what does this prove? It can only be said that she happened to meet someone who suited her taste.

  The two of them sat facing each other, neither speaking for a long time.

  Qīng Téng and Qīng Ruò, who had been gazing out at the distance with their arms around each other for a long time, were now jumping up and down to warm themselves up.

  Qing Luan's observational skills were keen, and she felt a faint sense of unease, so she went over: "I don't know why, but I feel like something is off with the county princess's situation."

  "Hey!" Qingteng hastily pulled her back and pressed her down onto a fake rock, warming his hands with hot air while saying nonchalantly: "What's the hurry, let's wait a bit longer!"

  "But—" Qing Luan was still worried, but couldn't say why, and finally could only make an excuse, "This palace has many people coming and going, and our young mistress is also a careless one. If someone happens to see us..."

  "Alright, are you still trying to deceive me?" Qingteng heard this and saw Lao Da unwillingly pouting his mouth, again forcibly pressing her down.

  "What have I wronged you for?"

  "Did you think I didn't know?" Qingteng said, raising his chin high and humming, "What's the deal with that umbrella in the county lord's room?"

  Qing Luan was taken aback for a moment, then immediately reacted and furrowed his brow again.

  Qingteng couldn't help but laugh and said, "Actually, that day on the way back from Wangjiang Tower, the county master went to see Lord Yanling, right? You thought you could keep me in the dark by working together to get rid of me? Do you really think I'm stupid?"

  Qing Luan's face changed color.

  Qīng Téng then smiled and went to hold her hand, looking from afar at the two people in the plum forest, saying with a sly tone, "Anyway, our young mistress is probably feeling a bit uncomfortable again, chapter 070."

  Chu Nuo Yang! Chu Nuo Yang again!

  What is she relying on!

  Yanling Jun is such a refined and elegant person, how did he end up getting mixed up with her?

  She was young and had never thought about romance before, but now seeing the two of them walking together from afar, it's really annoying to look at!

  What's so special about Chu Nanyang? Everyone was born with the same status, but her birth is even more noble than that dead girl. Her maternal grandfather is a prominent figure in the imperial court, and her family background is impressive, yet she was surpassed by a lowly maid like Chu Nanyang. Not only did she monopolize their father's favor, but now she has also snagged Yanling Jun, an outstanding new noble!

  What reason? What reason did all the good things under heaven fall into her, Chu Mo's, hands?

  Chu Yu Yan bit her lip tightly and didn't speak, the gloomy look in her eyes was clear to Su Wei.

  Su Youwei smiled and took her hand back to the small path beside them.

  The maidservants waiting in the distance hurried over to follow.

  Two people walked back and forth, each with their own thoughts. Su You looked sideways at Zhuo Yueyan's face and deliberately smiled: "Your third sister is also fifteen this New Year, right? Looking at it this way, after the new year, they might start discussing marriage, who knows if Lord Yanling has what it takes to be the first choice and make things happen?"

  In this case, it's generally something that shouldn't be discussed privately.

  Su Yu's words were clearly intended to provoke Chu Yueyan, and as she spoke, her tone suddenly shifted, and she laughed, saying, "However, the Crown Prince is extremely fond of her, and everyone knows about this. Looking at her behavior, it's likely that she and Lord Yanling are a match made in heaven! If she's willing, I'm sure the Crown Prince won't object either. After all, Lord Yanling's character and talent are exceptional, and he's already taken charge of the entire Imperial Hospital at such a young age - who knows what heights he'll reach in the future?"

  Chu Yuanyan heard this and became even more jealous, gritting her teeth and saying: "A shameless and worthless woman!"

  Su Wu smiled and lightly changed the subject: "What about that thing I told you last time? Have you thought it over?"

  Chu Yu Yan's thoughts were suddenly pulled back, and after thinking for a moment with a flash of evasiveness in her eyes, she opened her mouth with a difficult expression, "That dead girl is detestable, but after all, she is Father's flesh and blood. I mentioned it to Big Brother, but he——"

  Chu Qi Hui refused to intervene, and she was also helpless.

  "Chang Sun's residence is kind and considerate, and it is reasonable to think of the feelings of brothers and sisters." Su Wei was not surprised by this, and let out a regretful sigh.

  Chu Yu Yan was afraid that Su would be unhappy, so she hastily pulled her sleeve and said, "Sister Su, don't worry, I'll look for another chance to talk to Big Brother later—"

  "What's with the tension? I won't blame you." Su Wan smiled and patted her hand reassuringly.

  Chu Yu Yan saw that her smile was genuine and slightly relieved, stuck out her tongue and said: "I'm afraid you think I'm not doing my best, she dares to hurt you, don't worry, I'll definitely help you get revenge."

  Su Wu heard this and suddenly reddened at the corners of her eyes, grasping her hand with emotion: "With your words, it's not in vain that I regard you as a kindred spirit."

  Chu Yu Yan's heart relaxed for a moment, but the next instant she furrowed her brow again, full of worry, and let out a sigh. "However, I'm not telling you all this just for my own sake. Since you called me 'sister', I should also be considerate of your feelings. You said earlier that Long Sun didn't dare to lay a hand on her because he cherished their blood ties, but when you treat others like family, they may not necessarily think the same way."

  Chu Yu Yan's heart suddenly hung in mid-air, her face pale as she said: "You're talking about my second brother -"

  "After all, they are not born of the same mother." Su Wei nodded slightly, but in order not to make her intention of sowing discord too obvious, she immediately changed the subject and said: "I'm not instigating you to fight each other, but the Crown Prince is indeed biased towards Chu Junyang. In the future, when it comes to deciding who will inherit the throne, she will definitely side with her own brother. Once the Crown Prince is influenced by her decision, think about it, where will the eldest grandson be placed?"

  Chu Yu Yan tightly held onto her hand warmer, her face pale.

  Chu Qi Hui and Chu Qi Feng both rose to power, but for her, the meaning was vastly different. She had already been suppressed by Chu Mo Yang for half her life, would she still be held back by him in the future? The mere thought made her feel indignant!

  "But my elder brother is right, if we move her, Father will definitely not let us off lightly —" Chu Yuexuan hesitated.

  Su Yu couldn't help but laugh: "Silly sister, where did you think I was going? Even if I don't get along with her, you two are still blood relatives. Can I really ask you to take action against her? What I meant is, can we think of a way to win her over? If she can join the camp of the eldest grandson, it would be equivalent to eliminating the greatest help of the Duke of Kang, this is a deal that kills two birds with one stone!"

  Chu Yu Yan's face suddenly fell, and she walked to the side, saying: "You want me to go win her over? I find her disgusting at first sight, do you also want me to put on a flattering smile for her?"

  "Who said you had to go and humble yourself in front of her? Can't you just change your approach and make her come crawling back to you instead?" Su Wan's expression changed, a cold smile spreading across his face as he revealed a confident and triumphant air.

  Chu Yu Yan looked back at her with a suspicious expression.

  Su Yu mysteriously smiled and walked over, whispering something in her ear for a while.

  Chu Yu Yan listened, first her face tensed up, but towards the end she was visibly moved.

  "What's with this method?" Su Wei took a step back.

  Chu Yu Yan's eyes sparkled with excitement, but she felt that being seen was not good, so she lowered her head in a covering manner, pretending to be hesitant and uncertain, stammering: "The method is feasible, it's just that if..."

  "It's always better to try and know whether it works or not," said Su Wei.

  Chu Yu Yan had already made up her mind, just waiting for Su Wei to persuade her a bit more before she would agree. But unexpectedly, Su Wei didn't say another word, only sighed and said: "Forget it, I'm also fated to have spoken more than two sentences with you, just listen and that's all, hurry up and go, if we're late the banquet in the palace will start soon."

  As he spoke, he took the lead and walked ahead.

  Chu Yu Yan bit her lip and thought for a moment, the maid beside her didn't know what kind of idea Su Wei had given her, but felt that this situation was strange, with a heart that kept pounding.

  All the way, she went to the front hall where the banquet was set up with a distracted mind, and sat there until the end, still looking absent-minded.

  At this time, Chu Lingyun was already seated on the seat, and Su Wei was facing each other from a distance.

  The empress's sedan chair had not yet arrived, and the atmosphere in the palace was lively. All kinds of high-ranking officials' wives were chatting and laughing with each other.

  Before long, Chu Yuening and Chu Xiangyang walked in hand in hand, beaming with joy.

  Chu Lingyun and Su Wei suddenly exchanged a knowing glance in an unguarded moment, Su Wei nodded slightly with a hint of meaning, and Chu Lingyun calmly shifted her gaze away with a smile.

  By the way

  Yeah, that poor guy Yanling finally confessed!

  Then I went to prepare for battle with a satisfied heart...