Chapter 123: Chapter 122: All Efforts Wasted at the Last Moment_1
Yingshuang remembered that Chun Yan criticized the water for being too cold the first time and too hot the second time. It wasn’t until the eighth time that Chun Yan was satisfied.
Chun Yan glared at Yingshuang, her eyes red as she looked at Nanny Tong, “Nanny, look at her!”
Nanny Tong almost couldn’t hold back her laughter, thinking that Yingshuang had just pushed Chun Yan and was about to complain. But it turned out Yingshuang was just correcting Chun Yan, saying she had poured the water eight times, not once.
However, discipline was still necessary. Nanny Tong scolded Yingshuang with a stern face, “If you need to speak, use words, not your hands! How could you act so improperly in front of Miss Bai? Enough, no more rule-learning here. I heard from Chun Tao that you’re quite strong, so come help me. Let’s go!”
Chun Yan watched as Nanny Tong took Yingshuang away without assigning her any tasks. She felt even more uneasy. How could she be left here right after returning to Qinghui Courtyard?!
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Chun Yan wanted to follow them, but her injury from Yingshuang’s slight push hurt too much for her to stand straight.
“Chun Yan, someone at the door says you left something behind when you returned this morning, and they brought it for you,” said one of the girls sharing the bunk with Chun Yan, smiling.
Seeing Chun Yan silently holding her waist and walking out without even saying thanks, the girl’s face dropped immediately. She angrily picked up the basket for embroidery and spat in Chun Yan’s direction, “Hmph, still acting like the head maid serving Miss Bai!”
As Chun Yan stepped outside, she saw an unfamiliar woman by the door, her eyes wary. “What did I leave behind?”
“Miss Chun Yan!” the woman said warmly, bowing to Chun Yan, “I was sent by the guard from King Liang’s residence. He says there’s an urgent matter to discuss with you.”
Chun Yan was stunned, trembling as the pain from her previous punishment returned. But it was her heart that ached more. She bit her lower lip, her eyes instantly turning red. These days, His Highness of King Liang must be very worried since he couldn’t reach her!
But she had just been brought back to Qinghui Courtyard. If she were to be caught meeting someone from King Liang’s side now, Nanny Tong would surely kill her.
“I… I’ve been recuperating and have fallen behind on many tasks here at Qinghui Courtyard. I truly cannot leave. Please convey any message,” Chun Yan hurriedly pulled out a few silver coins from her sleeve and stuffed them into the woman’s hand.
The woman weighed the coins and smiled, “Very well, I’ll deliver the message for you.”
Gao Sheng, who had been waiting outside, had not seen Chun Yan. The woman said to him, “Miss Chun Yan has been recuperating, and Qinghui Courtyard has many pending tasks waiting for her to return and manage. She truly cannot get away. Please tell me what needs to be conveyed; though I am illiterate, I can certainly relay messages accurately!”
Gao Sheng pursed his lips and returned to King Liang’s residence without a word, explaining to King Liang, “I fear there may be Hidden Guards in the Duke’s residence. As it could alert them and ruin His Highness’s plans, I did not force my way in.”
Although Gao Sheng didn’t meet Chun Yan, the trip to the Duke’s residence was not entirely fruitless. At least now they knew Bai Qingyan had allowed Chun Yan to return to Qinghui Courtyard, which would make it easier for Chun Yan to act.
Gao Sheng saw King Liang’s pale face and said in a low voice, “This matter cannot be delayed any longer. Liu Huanzhang has heard of his family being imprisoned and couldn’t stay outside the city. He has already returned in disguise. If Liu Huanzhang gets caught before these letters are delivered to the Duke’s residence, it will all be for nothing.”
King Liang, dressed in a purple robe with a diagonal lapel, sat behind the writing desk, crushing a piece of ruined calligraphy and throwing it aside. Anger towards Liu Huanzhang’s recklessness caused him to cough twice, aggravating his chest wound.
“Your Highness?!” Gao Sheng’s face tensed, “I’ll call for the doctor!”
King Liang raised his hand to stop Gao Sheng, placing one hand over his heart. After a brief pause, a pair of ominous dark eyes stared at Gao Sheng, and he spoke in a hoarse voice, “The person guarding Liu Huanzhang—whoever it is—let him be punished.”
“Yes!” Gao Sheng cupped his fists in acknowledgment.
King Liang placed both hands on the desk, unable to quell his anger, and smashed the white jade paperweight on the table.
Chun Yan’s unfamiliarity with Gao Sheng was likely because they had no past interactions. So, only Tongji could be sent. Being his personal servant, Chun Yan would surely meet him.
With this in mind, King Liang’s expression darkened. He shouted toward the door, “Summon Tongji!”
Shortly after, Tongji, busy personally brewing medicine for King Liang, rushed in, “Your Highness, you called for me!”
“Give the letters to Tongji!” King Liang ordered.
Upon hearing this, Gao Sheng handed the sealed letters to Tongji.
Tongji, confused, took the sealed letters and looked at King Liang.
“Tomorrow…” King Liang began, but paused. Since Gao Sheng had already sought out Chun Yan today, sending Tongji again might be too conspicuous. He corrected himself, “Tomorrow, during the funeral procession at the Duke’s residence, take these letters to find Chun Yan.”
King Liang explained his plan to Tongji. Tongji, holding onto the letters tightly, felt deep sympathy for his master.
“Tomorrow, during the Duke’s funeral, the place will be busy and chaotic. Tell Chun Yan not to miss this opportunity, as such a chance won’t come again for at least half a year. She must place the letters in the Duke’s study!” King Liang saw Tongji’s furrowed brow and sternly asked, “Did you hear what I said?!”
“Your Highness! Last time, Miss Bai said you were a vile person. She said she would rather marry a cat or dog than you. Why insist on her?! Miss Bai has nothing but her looks. Why her?! You are a prince of Jin; you could have any woman you want!” Tongji pleaded quietly.
“Are you trying to be my master now?” King Liang, already furious over Liu Huanzhang’s unauthorized return to Dadu, spoke harshly.
“Master!” Tongji immediately knelt, “I dare not! I am merely feeling wronged for you! You, a noble prince…what arrogance does Miss Bai have in front of you?! I fear that if you humble yourself to marry her, she will become even more insufferable!”
King Liang hardened his heart towards Tongji, who had loyally stayed by his side since childhood, “If you’re truly loyal to me, get this done! Fail, and you can pack your things and leave the residence!”
Tongji’s face turned pale. Holding back tears, he clenched his lips, too aggrieved to cry.
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“Leave!” King Liang’s voice softened as he looked at Tongji.