Cheng Yujin rarely got sick since she was a child. She didn't expect this illness to be so aggressive. Although the fever was under control, her forehead was hot for several days, and her whole body was dizzy.
Soaking in the river for so long in the winter was not a joke. Cheng Yujin was in low spirits, and she didn't have the energy to do anything. The servants in the courtyard didn't dare to disturb Cheng Yujin's recuperation, so they deliberately spoke and walked quietly. The courtyard was so quiet that even a feather falling could be heard.
After seven or eight days, Cheng Yujin's spirit slowly improved, and the people in the courtyard became lively.
Cheng Yujin was sick these days, and she didn't have the appetite to eat anything. The two servant girls, Dugeaux and Lian Qiao, and the small kitchen tried to make Cheng Yujin happy. The dishes were changed day by day, and they tried to make her eat more. Today, Cheng Yujin felt refreshed when she woke up. Even her tired body was much more relaxed, as if she got rid of some invisible burden. The servant girls noticed the changes in Cheng Yujin, and they were overjoyed. The small kitchen sent a plate of food every two hours, and they couldn't wait to make up for all the food that Cheng Yujin missed a few days ago.
Cheng Yujin hugged the hot water woman, leaned on the arhat bed, and drank almond and job's tears porridge. She didn't know how many meals she had today, but she didn't eat much anyway. Cheng Yujin ate the porridge while letting the servant girls tell her something new.
She didn't pay attention to the world for seven or eight days. She didn't take the initiative to send people out, so people outside couldn't contact her. She stood aloof from worldly affairs, and could quietly recuperate. At first, Cheng Yujin didn't have enough energy, but later, she was too lazy to care. She didn't see Cheng Yuanjing for several days. He didn't come, and Cheng Yujin didn't ask, and focused on recuperating.
Although she said that she was recuperating, in fact, Cheng Yujin had been very comfortable these days. Everyone in the house revolved around her. She only needed to say what she wanted to eat and the small kitchen would send it over in a short while. She didn't need to deal with anyone she didn't like. She didn't need to brace herself to deal with the elders and visitors. She also didn't need to report to others what she wanted to do.
This was something that had never happened before in her life. Although she had an independent courtyard in the Cheng Family, her actions were basically no secret. She was the adopted eldest daughter, so she didn't have a biological mother to shield her. She also didn't dare to act like a spoiled daughter to her mother and ask for things from Qingfu without restraint. Old Lady Cheng and Princess Qingfu arranged people for her. Cheng Yujin knew that they were spies, but she could only accept them and put them in important positions.
The only people she could trust were the two personal maids who had been with her for more than ten years. In fact, the Dugeaux and Lian Qiao weren't originally her people. It was just that after a long time, their hearts were on her side.
No matter what happened to Cheng Yujin, as long as she was still alive, she had to deal with her brothers and sisters who had different intentions. She had to thank Princess Qingfu and Old Lady Cheng for their kindness. If she wasn't careful, she might even become the scapegoat for the Nguyễn Clan to attack Princess Qingfu. In short, it was extremely annoying. Cheng Yujin didn't dare to get sick these past few years.
However, after staying in Cheng Yuanjing's private residence for a few days, she finally understood what it meant to be surrounded like an iron bucket. These people were naturally Cheng Yuanjing's people. However, Cheng Yuanjing wasn't here, so everything was decided by Cheng Yujin. It was rare for Cheng Yujin to have such a comfortable day. This time, she was very focused on recuperating.
The porridge in her hand became warm after being stirred. It was just right for her to eat. Cheng Yujin scooped up an almond and ate the porridge while listening to the maids. The maids deliberately joked to make Cheng Yujin happy. Cheng Yujin couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh softly. The maids were overjoyed. Just as they were about to continue, the sound of firecrackers suddenly came from outside.
The sound of firecrackers was quite loud. Everyone in the room was startled. Even Cheng Yujin put down the bowl and looked outside. A fair-skinned man who was in charge of the courtyard was very angry. He shouted with a sharp voice, "The first lunar month is almost over. Who is setting off firecrackers outside? Who can bear the responsibility for disturbing the young lady's recuperation? "
This person was dressed as an ordinary man. Cheng Yujin didn't think too much about it. However, when he spoke at this moment, he had a strong royal accent. Cheng Yujin pretended not to know and asked, "What's going on outside?"
"I don't know. Maybe it's a happy occasion." The Dugeaux didn't know either.
Cheng Yujin didn't think so. "I heard that it was more than one family setting off firecrackers. Today is not an auspicious day. There's no need for so many people to hold a happy occasion together. "
Cheng Yujin called Lian Qiao over and ordered, "Go outside and see what's going on."
"Yes."
Lian Qiao took the order and left. Cheng Yujin thought it was just a matter of going back and forth. However, after a long time, Lian Qiao came back.
When she came back, the expression on her face … was very indescribable. It was not enough to say that she was surprised. It was as if she was in a trance, but it seemed to be mixed with great joy.
What was going on?
With that in mind, Cheng Yujin asked, "What's wrong? You don't even know how to speak properly."
Lian Qiao didn't talk nonsense. She moved closer to Cheng Yujin and couldn't suppress the excitement between her eyebrows. "Young Lady, this time you can't blame this servant for being ignorant. Two big things happened outside!"
"Hm?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince, who had been missing for fourteen years, has just been found! His Majesty is overjoyed and has pardoned the world. He has decreed that this year's taxes will be waived. "
Cheng Yujin was really shocked. It turned out to be this matter. No wonder the people outside set off firecrackers to celebrate. Cheng Yujin was absent-minded for a moment and murmured, "So fast?"
These words were taboo. The Crown Prince had been wandering among the people and had been missing for fourteen years. Now that he was found, it was a joyous occasion and should be celebrated. She didn't say that the Crown Prince was found too early. She thought that Cheng Yuanjing would wait a little longer.
After all, Cheng Yuanjing had sent someone to ask about her condition yesterday. It was too sudden for this person to disappear overnight.
Of course, he was no longer Cheng Yuanjing. She should call him by his real name, Li Seung-kyung.
Lian Qiao was so excited that her face was red. She deliberately stopped at an important point. However, after holding it in for a long time, Cheng Yujin didn't continue to ask. Lian Qiao was very disappointed. "Young Lady, why don't you ask who His Highness the Crown Prince is?"
"Who could it be?" Cheng Yujin also looked at Lian Qiao with a strange gaze. "The Crown Prince's name is Li Seung-kyung. He is the eldest legitimate prince in the palace. Who else could it be?"
In fact, if it was someone else in front of her, or if Lian Qiao knew more, they would realize that Cheng Yujin didn't hesitate when she said the Crown Prince's name. It was as if she already knew. The Crown Prince's real name was taboo. Moreover, he had been missing for fourteen years. Cheng Yujin was a lady of the boudoir. How could she say the Crown Prince's name without thinking?
However, Lian Qiao didn't understand these things. She was stumped for a moment and found that she couldn't refute Cheng Yujin's words. Lian Qiao gave up keeping her in suspense and hurriedly shared the gossip she heard with everyone. "Young Lady, guess where the Crown Prince was found?"
Cheng Yujin suddenly had a premonition. At the same time, Lian Qiao couldn't help but say the answer. "It was our mansion's Ninth Masters!"
Cheng Yujin was absent-minded. Even the Dugeaux, who had always been calm and collected, was shocked. It took a long time for her to recover. "Wh-what's going on?"
"It was when we were at Xiangji Temple. His Majesty happened to meet Marquis Jingyong and Second Aunt in the garden. He found Second Aunt's family, the Ninth Masters, familiar. His Majesty went back to investigate and found that it was the missing Crown Prince. Later, His Majesty met with the Ninth Masters in private and asked about the Ninth Masters' childhood and his experiences over the years. When the Ninth Masters went missing, he was still young and didn't remember much. He only remembered that he got lost in the rain and was taken in by a kind-hearted woman when he woke up. The woman saw that the Crown Prince was alone and had no one to rely on, so she adopted him and treated him like her own son. Later, that woman moved to the capital with her husband and the Crown Prince also moved to the capital. He was registered under the name of the Cheng Family of the Marquis of Yichun and became the ninth son of the Cheng Family. "
Lian Qiao spoke like she was pouring beans. The others couldn't get a word in. It could be seen that she was really holding back. Noticing the change in Cheng Yujin's expression, Lian Qiao nodded vigorously, confirming that Cheng Yujin's guess was right. "That's right. That kind-hearted woman was Old Marquis's mistress, Xiao Xue. Oh, she's no longer a mistress. I heard that the Marquis Household has already promoted Xiao Xue to a noble concubine. She can be buried next to Old Marquis. "
Old Lady Cheng hated Xiao Xue so much, but in just a short moment, her attitude had completely changed. Cheng Yujin was too lazy to pay attention to the previous generation's rotten debts. She realized that the current trend was completely different from what she saw in her previous life in her dream!
At least in her previous life, she was very sure that her Ninth Uncle, Cheng Yuanjing, had accidentally caught an illness and passed away. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had been found by a secret agent.
Now, why was it different?
Cheng Yujin was still lazy at the beginning, but now she was sitting up straight and her attitude was extremely serious. "Lian Qiao, tell me in detail what you heard from beginning to end."
Lian Qiao saw that Cheng Yujin's expression was serious, so she didn't dare to be careless. She hurriedly told her everything in order. Cheng Yujin listened carefully and asked questions when she was confused. In the end, she roughly understood the bizarre story of the Crown Prince's disappearance.
The first half of the story was exactly the same as Cheng Yuanjing's experience. However, the Crown Prince claimed that he was young and didn't remember things. He had already forgotten everything that had happened that year. It was doubtful whether he really didn't remember. Cheng Yujin even thought that he was lying through his teeth. Looking at his performance, he clearly remembered everything clearly.
Later, at the Xiangji Temple, the Emperor met Huo Changyuan in the garden. Out of concern for his subjects, he asked a few more questions. By chance, he found that the Marchioness, Cheng Yumo's maternal family, looked familiar. After the Emperor returned, he thought about it and secretly sent people to investigate. They found that all kinds of traces indicated that this was the Crown Prince who had been missing for many years.
Huo Changyuan, this chess piece, was really conscientious. In both lifetimes, he was used thoroughly.
The Crown Prince that the imperial court had been looking for for many years had actually been living in the capital all this time. Under the circumstances that no one knew about, he passed the Jinshi exam and became an official. This was simply more bizarre than a folk opera. It was full of legends. The common people took delight in talking about it. In half a day, it had already spread everywhere.
Cheng Yujin repeatedly thought about the differences between the two lifetimes. She found that all the tracks were the same at the Xiangji Temple. However, in her previous life, she wasn't led to the garden by Zhai Yanlin. She wasn't able to witness the "chance encounter" between the Emperor and the Crown Prince.
After that, things were different. In her previous life, after the Xiangji Temple incident, Cheng Yuanjing received a transfer order and went to another place to take up a post. He never returned. After another half a year, the Emperor's secret agents found the Crown Prince who had been missing for many years.
In this life, Cheng Yuanjing also went out after the Xiangji Temple incident. However, the reason he used was to visit a friend, not a transfer order. Perhaps the father and son had some differences, so they chose a vague and neutral reason. Logically speaking, Cheng Yuanjing should have faded out of the sight of the people in the capital. However, on the second day of the New Year, he appeared in front of the Cheng Family.
After that, he rescued her during the Spring Lantern Festival. Following that, the Emperor announced to the world that the Crown Prince was Cheng Yuanjing.
Cheng Yujin thought about this for a long time and sighed. If she had to compare, it was obvious that the Crown Prince's appearance in this life was much more dazzling. The imperial examination was like a thousand soldiers and ten thousand horses crossing a single log bridge. The Crown Prince was able to pass the Jinshi exam without anyone knowing. Obviously, he was very well-liked by the common people, especially the scholars. And he had been an official for a few years. His performance was commendable, and he had won a great reputation. This was much better than in her previous life when he was silently found by the secret agents.
Of course, he had to sacrifice some things in order to win the favor of the common people. For example, the Yang Family's feelings. Right now, she was afraid that the Empress Dowager Yang in the palace would not be in a good mood.
However, they were enemies. From the beginning, the Crown Prince and the Yang Family's positions determined that only one of them could survive. There was no difference between being disliked by the enemy and being disliked very much. Compared to the popularity that Li Seung-kyung had gained from this operation, the Yang Family's attitude was not even worth mentioning.
Cheng Yujin sighed. No matter what, she had to congratulate him for getting what he wanted. Watching the birth of a legend with her own eyes, it really could not be compared to the lucky feather that she had glimpsed in her previous life.
Lian Qiao saw that Cheng Yujin was first surprised, then became serious. After a moment of deep thought, she seemed to sigh and be happy. She was immersed in her own thoughts for a long time. Lian Qiao stood quietly and did not disturb her. She suddenly remembered that when Eldest Miss heard that the missing Crown Prince was the Ninth Uncle, she was not surprised at all. Instead, she was surprised, as if all of this should not be like this.
Lian Qiao could not help but recall that when Marquis Cheng was still alive, Cheng Yujin had secretly jumped into Marquis Cheng's window to eavesdrop on the conversation between Old Marquis and the Ninth Masters. Could it be that Eldest Miss already knew something …? Lian Qiao quickly stopped thinking and did not dare to think too deeply about it.
After Cheng Yujin finished thinking, she suddenly thought that Cheng Yumo was really lucky. In this life, the Crown Prince had acknowledged the Cheng Family. Presumably, Cheng Yumo would be able to live very comfortably in the future. She was really lucky.
However, benefits were mutual. Cheng Yujin would also be able to enjoy the benefits brought by the Crown Prince in the future. She was also a vested interest, so she would not be jealous of Cheng Yumo.
Lian Qiao watched as Cheng Yujin dug out the Crown Prince's experience in detail and then lowered her head to eat the porridge. Lian Qiao deliberately hid a piece of super gossip. She had been holding it in for a long time. Seeing that Cheng Yujin had no intention of asking again, she could only reveal it in grievance. "Miss, this servant just said that I brought back two pieces of news. Don't you care about the second one at all?"
"Ah?" Cheng Yujin was very surprised. "With your temperament, you can hold it in for so long? I thought that it was fine. "
Lian Qiao revealed a complicated expression of grievance and complacency. Her whole body exuded a strong hint that "you will regret it if you don't ask". Cheng Yujin could only support her and asked, "What else is there?"
After Cheng Yujin finished speaking, she lowered her head to stir the almonds again. Lian Qiao felt a headache coming on when she saw this. She couldn't help but think about who made this bowl of almond porridge today. Did this miss like to eat it this much?
But Lian Qiao's excitement still suppressed everything else. She excitedly said, "Miss, following the general amnesty for the world to be exempted from taxes, there was also a marriage decree! The two decrees left the palace together and there were notices posted all over the city gates. His Majesty has bestowed you the title of Crown Princess and has chosen a date for your marriage. "
After Lian Qiao finished speaking, the Dugeaux clearly sucked in a cold breath. Lian Qiao was very satisfied with this effect. She stared at Cheng Yujin, waiting for Cheng Yujin's reaction.
However, Cheng Yujin's reaction was very calm. She made an "oh" sound and put the somewhat cold porridge into her mouth. She thought to herself, as expected, Cheng Yuanjing, oh no, Li Seung-kyung would choose the Crown Princess after he regained his identity. The Yang Family didn't seem to have a girl of the right age, but there were still many candidates. There were also many daughters of the officials in the court. She didn't know who Li Seung-kyung would choose …
Cheng Yujin didn't realize that she actually hated this topic. She couldn't concentrate and didn't catch the key words in time. After a moment, she suddenly realized that something was wrong.
Wait, what did she just hear?
Cheng Yujin suddenly coughed. A grain of rice got stuck in her trachea and she coughed until tears came out. Cheng Yujin didn't have time to pay attention. She grabbed Lian Qiao and asked with difficulty between coughs, "Who are you talking about? Who is the emperor bestowing marriage to? "
It was too exciting to listen to a commotion and suddenly hear about it.
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