Hearing the familiar voice, Shen Qingtang quickly lifted the curtain to look outside.
It was indeed Lu Rongyu standing there.
His fair complexion, high nose bridge, and pale lips complemented his slender figure, accentuated by a dark-patterned blue round-collar robe, making him resemble a snow-dusted green bamboo.
Unlike Xiao Chengyu, whose striking handsomeness and imposing presence commanded attention, Lu Rongyu exuded a quiet, gentle strength. Simply standing there, he seemed to calm the surrounding chaos.
Seeing Shen Qingtang, a warm smile touched Lu Rongyu’s gentle eyes. “I was out on business and just heading back to the Hanlin Academy when I happened to recognize the Marquis Estate’s carriage.”
From hearing the Crown Prince’s terrifying inner thoughts in the palace to suddenly discovering that Jinshu, whom she had trusted since childhood, had been bribed by the Crown Prince, Shen Qingtang had been anxious throughout the journey, unsure of what awaited her back at the Marquis Estate.
Now, seeing her trusted fiancé, her nose tingled with emotion, and her eyes instantly reddened.
Noticing Shen Qingtang’s state, Lu Rongyu’s composed expression shifted to concern. He hurried closer. “Tangtang, why are you crying? Did something happen?”
With Jinshu nearby, Shen Qingtang couldn’t elaborate. She quickly held back her tears, her voice trembling softly. “No, it’s nothing. I just had a nightmare last night and didn’t sleep well.”
Lu Rongyu seemed unconvinced, his gaze filled with worry. “Are you sure you’re alright? Tangtang, I’m your fiancé. You can tell me anything.”
Jinshu watched Shen Qingtang with concern, surprised by the chance encounter with Lu Rongyu. She opened her mouth, intending to interrupt their conversation and urge Shen Qingtang to return to the estate sooner. But seeing her red-rimmed eyes, she hesitated.
[It’s rare for Miss and Young Master Lu to meet, but the Crown Prince’s men are watching nearby. If His Highness finds out Miss spoke with Young Master Lu, he’ll surely be displeased…]
[If His Highness gets angry, Miss might not face punishment, but Young Master Lu certainly will.]
Hearing Jinshu’s inner thoughts, Shen Qingtang’s heart trembled, and she snapped back to reality. Though she had much to say to Lu Rongyu, now was not the time, and she didn’t want to worry him excessively.
She sidestepped the issue lightly. “Brother Rongyu, why haven’t you visited the Marquis Estate to see me in so long?”
Lu Rongyu looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, Tangtang. The Hanlin Academy has been swamped with work lately, and I haven’t had a moment to spare. I attended your coming-of-age ceremony, but before I could speak with you, I was summoned to the palace by a eunuch delivering an imperial decree.”
Shen Qingtang lowered her lashes.
She now knew it was the Crown Prince who had deliberately called Lu Rongyu away.
No wonder their meetings had grown fewer since Lu Rongyu joined the Hanlin Academy…
Lu Rongyu asked again softly, “Have you been wronged?”
His gaze deepened as he looked at Shen Qingtang, filled with tenderness. [It’s my fault. If only I could marry Tangtang sooner, I could protect her and ensure she never suffers the slightest grievance.]
Hearing Lu Rongyu’s inner thoughts, Shen Qingtang’s emotions gradually settled.
A year ago, Lu Rongyu’s grandmother had passed away. According to the customs of Sheng Country, he had to observe a three-year mourning period, which delayed their wedding. It wasn’t his fault.
Shen Qingtang said softly, “I know Rongyu Gege is busy with official duties, and I don’t blame you. You should hurry back to the Hanlin Academy and not delay your work. When you have some free time, we can have a proper talk.”
Lu Rongyu gently reminded her, “If anything happens, send someone to the Hanlin Academy to find me at any time. No matter how busy I am, I will rush over.”
“Tangtang, remember, no matter what happens, I will always be your support.”
Shen Qingtang nodded, a faint smile finally appearing at the corner of her lips.
Two quarters of an hour later, the carriage stopped at the main gate of the Marquis’ residence.
Upon entering Fangfei Courtyard, Huaping immediately came forward with a smile: “Why has Miss returned so early today? This servant thought Miss wouldn’t be back until at least after noon.”
After returning to her room, Shen Qingtang quickly changed out of that set of crimson dress, finally relieving some of her discomfort.
She said casually, “I didn’t sleep well last night, so I came back early to rest.”
Jinshu promptly asked, “It’s almost noon now. Would Miss prefer to have lunch before drinking the Tranquility Soup, or should this servant go prepare it right away?”
Shen Qingtang deliberately avoided Jinshu by rubbing her temples and feigning exhaustion. “Go prepare the Tranquility Soup first,” she said.
Jinshu acknowledged the order, instructed Huaping to take good care of her mistress, and headed to the kitchen.
Huaping looked concerned. “Do you have a headache, Miss? Shall I massage your temples?”
Shen Qingtang glanced at her and shook her head. “It’s not exactly a headache, just…” She trailed off with a soft sigh, observing Huaping’s reaction.
Huaping grew even more anxious. “You’re always so cheerful after returning from the palace, Miss. Why are you so downcast today? Did something happen at the palace?”
“But Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness the Crown Prince dote on you so much. It shouldn’t be…”
At the mention of the Crown Prince, Shen Qingtang’s heart tightened.
She replied calmly, “Nothing happened. I’m just worried because Auntie always looks troubled over my cousin’s marriage prospects.”
Huaping laughed. “Is that all? Their Majesties will decide the Crown Prince’s marriage. There’s no need for you to worry about it, Miss.”
“In my opinion, you should focus on your own engagement with Young Master Lu. Though the wedding is two years away, time flies!”
Huaping was straightforward and always spoke her mind.
Seeing that Huaping didn’t appear to have been bribed by the Crown Prince, Shen Qingtang finally relaxed.
If both of her most trusted maids were secretly monitoring her, she wouldn’t know whom to trust in this vast marquis’ residence.
As she pondered this, Yang Shi, having learned of Shen Qingtang’s return, sent someone to summon her to Yulan Hall.
Earlier at the palace, Shen Qingtang hadn’t lied to Xiao Chengyu—a cousin really was visiting today.
It was Yang Shi’s niece, Ding Ru Shan, who came to stay at the marquis’ residence every year. Being similar in age, the two girls got along well.
Shen Qingtang brought Huaping to Yulan Hall and heard laughter from inside even before entering.
Lifting the curtain, she saw Yang Shi chatting with Madam Ding. Beside them sat a young woman in a light blue ruqun—her cousin Ding Ru Shan.
Noticing Shen Qingtang, Yang Shi smiled and beckoned. “Tangtang, you’re finally back! Come here and see who’s waiting for you!”
Ding Ru Shan stood and approached Shen Qingtang with a warm smile. “Cousin Tang, it’s been a long time.”
Shen Qingtang smiled back, first greeting her with “You must be tired from the journey, Cousin,” then turned to Yang Shi and Madam Ding to pay her respects properly.
Madam Ding immediately praised, “Tangtang grows more beautiful every day.”
She then instructed her maid to present a brocade box to Shen Qingtang.
“I couldn’t attend your coming-of-age ceremony in time, so I prepared a Ji Ji gift for you.”
The maid opened the box to reveal a pearl necklace. Each pearl was round, lustrous, and milky white, emitting a soft glow, with a small gilded lotus pendant attached.
Madam Ding explained, “These are Jiangnan freshwater pearls. I specially picked them for you—they’re quite valuable.”
The necklace’s style was suitable for a noble young lady’s daily wear and made a respectable gift.
However, most of Shen Qingtang’s jewelry came from the Empress and Crown Prince, each piece being a top-tier treasure, so this necklace seemed ordinary to her.
Still, she appreciated Madam Ding’s thoughtful gesture.
At this moment, Ding Ru Shan also took out an exquisite embroidered pouch and said softly, “Tang Meimei, this pouch was embroidered by your cousin herself. I hope you won’t find it unworthy.”
Shen Qingtang showed a sincere smile: “Both the necklace and the embroidered pouch are exquisitely made. Tangtang likes them very much. Thank you, Aunt Ding and Cousin.”
She instructed Huaping to accept the gifts, planning to prepare a return gift for Ding Ru Shan later.
Seeing that Shen Qingtang had accepted the gifts, Madam Ding’s smile deepened, and she quickly invited both her and Ding Ru Shan to sit down for tea.
Just as Shen Qingtang picked up her teacup, Madam Ding couldn’t wait to speak: “Tangtang, the reason for my visit this time is actually to ask a favor of you.”
Leaning slightly forward and lowering her voice, she continued with eager enthusiasm, “Since you often move about in the palace, you must be well-informed. Has the Crown Prince’s selection of a crown princess not yet been finalized?”