Jiang Rongyin of course knew that Chu Qingyin had poor health—people said a gust of wind could blow her over.
If she took her out and something happened, she would surely be blamed for it.
At this thought, Jiang Rongyin gave a slight shake of her head. "Father and the others should be arriving soon. If Miss Chu wishes to stroll, I can take you after the banquet ends."
By then she would slip away early, and when Chu Qingyin couldn't find her, there would be nothing she could do.
Having spent so long in the palace, Jiang Rongyin had always understood the principle of keeping out of trouble.
What's more, her current situation was precarious, and she did not want to stir up complications on the eve of her escape.
"The banquet is still a while away. Let me join you both for a stroll."
The moment Jiang Rongyin's words fell, she heard Jiang Xueping's voice from behind her.
She turned around, her brows knitting together. Why was Jiang Xueping haunting her like a ghost?
A smile plastered on her face, Jiang Xueping walked over to Chu Qingyin's side. "Once night falls, you won't be able to see the flowers in Yuhuayuan clearly. Ninth Sister, don't you agree?"
Last time she and Jiang Rongyin had fought at Xuezhiguan.
She had gone crying to Crown Prince Brother to complain, expecting Jiang Rongyin to be punished. Who would have thought that the very next day, Crown Prince Brother would take Jiang Rongyin to Jianting to practice archery?
It had infuriated Jiang Xueping.
She still hadn't swallowed that grievance to this day.
Just now at the entrance, hearing Chu Qingyin's words, Jiang Xueping hatched a plan. If Chu Qingyin were to be injured by Jiang Rongyin, the Chu family would not let Jiang Rongyin off easily.
Then she would like to see how Jiang Rongyin could escape.
Looking at the scheming in Jiang Xueping's eyes, Jiang Rongyin felt somewhat exasperated.
When Jiang Xueping did bad things, she really did write her intentions plainly on her face, as if afraid no one would know what she was thinking.
After a long moment with no reply from Jiang Rongyin, Jiang Xueping spoke again. "Or is it that Ninth Sister has other ideas in mind, and refuses to tour the garden with Miss Chu?"
What other ideas could there be, besides Qin Shiyan?
"Fine."
Jiang Rongyin did not want to let Jiang Xueping keep talking—if this reached Jiang Yun's ears.
If he thought she was avoiding being alone with Chu Qingyin because of Qin Shiyan.
Ten of her wouldn't be enough to withstand Jiang Yun's torment.
Seeing Jiang Rongyin agree, Jiang Xueping linked arms with Chu Qingyin and led her outside.
"Baoyin…"
Jiang Rongyin gave Baoyin a few instructions, then followed after them.
The sun was fine today, casting dappled layers of light and shadow upon the wisteria climbing the walls.
The waters of Luchi rippled in emerald waves, shimmering with light.
Jiang Xueping and Chu Qingyin walked ahead, while Jiang Rongyin followed behind them.
"Why is Ninth Princess lagging so far behind?"
Chu Qingyin paused her steps, pulled her arm free from Jiang Xueping's grasp, and turned to look at Jiang Rongyin.
"The sun is a bit harsh here. Let's go sit over there."
Jiang Rongyin frowned as she watched Chu Qingyin walking along the edge of Luchi.
When Luchi had been built, for the sake of the scenic view, the railings had been made very low—one careless step and you could tumble right in.
Yet Chu Qingyin was leaning so close to it.
Unease stirred in Jiang Rongyin's heart. She did not dare approach Chu Qingyin, yet she feared something might truly happen to her in Yuhuayuan.
She could only suggest they head toward the pavilion—once they were resting in the pavilion, surely nothing could go wrong.
Jiang Xueping glanced at Chu Qingyin without betraying any expression.
"Ninth Sister, come over here quickly."
Listening to Jiang Xueping's words, Jiang Rongyin felt as though they were a summons to death.
She took a step forward, and Jiang Xueping suddenly reached out to pull her. In that instant, Chu Qingyin was knocked down by Jiang Rongyin and fell toward Luchi.
The sudden turn of events made Jiang Rongyin's eyes widen. She pulled her hand free and fell into Luchi along with Chu Qingyin.
Jiang Xueping had no intention of saving them. It would be best if Chu Qingyin drowned, and Jiang Rongyin died with her.
Fortunately, when leaving Qinghui Dian, Jiang Rongyin had Baoyin make preparations. As soon as Baoyin heard cries for help from this direction, she hurried over with people.
At that very moment, the emperor came walking this way with Jiang Yun and Qin Shiyan and the others.
Hearing the clamor, Qin Shiyan looked up, then ran over in a panic.
Jiang Yun narrowed his eyes slightly and walked over as well.
At Luchi, everyone scrambled to pull Chu Qingyin and Jiang Rongyin out of the water.
Chu Qingyin had Jiang Rongyin protecting her, so she had not choked on water, but her constitution was too frail. The moment she was pulled out, she looked as if she were about to die.
Breathless and barely alive, her breathing faint.
Jiang Rongyin lay on Baoyin's lap, coughing uncontrollably. Chu Qingyin was too frightened, thrashing and clutching at Jiang Rongyin, dragging her downward.
The water she had not choked on all went into Jiang Rongyin's mouth and nose.
When Qin Shiyan arrived and saw this scene, he lifted his foot to go toward Jiang Rongyin.
"Rongyin…"
"Qin-gongzi, Miss Chu is over there."
Jiang Yun's words from behind stopped him in his tracks. His expression turned somewhat awkward, and he could only head toward Chu Qingyin.
Before long, in Qinghui Dian, the Chu family also rushed over upon hearing the news.
Everyone surrounded Chu Qingyin and took her to the side hall of Qinghui Dian to change clothes and see the imperial physician.
Jiang Rongyin, who had just regained consciousness, watched this scene, a hint of envy showing in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it.
"You did this?"
Jiang Rongyin had just been about to get up when an outer garment was thrown over her head. She looked up, revealing a pair of eyes.
The young woman was soaked through, her graceful figure truly eye-catching.
Otherwise, Jiang Yun would not have used clothing to cover Jiang Rongyin's body.
"It wasn't me. If I had done it, why would I bother saving her? Besides, why would I do such a thing?"
Jiang Rongyin lowered her head, the bitter ache in her heart growing more pronounced.
It was always like this. No matter who she quarreled with, Jiang Yun would always think she had struck first.
In his heart, did he hate her that much?
"Go change your clothes."
Jiang Yun's gaze was deep. After watching her for a while, he finally said this.
After Jiang Yun turned and left, Baoyin helped Jiang Rongyin to her feet. The outer garment was draped over Jiang Rongyin, shielding her from many gazes.
In the side hall of Qinghui Dian, Chu Qingyin lay on the bed, the imperial physician kneeling beside her to check her pulse.
"Miss Chu only choked on a bit of water. Coupled with her frail constitution, that is why she remains unconscious. This humble physician will prescribe her a dose of medicine. Once she takes it, she will be fine."
The emperor, sitting in the outer hall, nodded upon hearing the imperial physician's words. "Go ahead."
"Your Majesty, have pity on this humble official's daughter. Her constitution was already poor, and now she has suffered such a calamity."
Chu Yuansheng knelt down, wiped his tears, and lamented to the emperor. He cherished this daughter like a pearl, yet who would have thought that a single trip to the palace would nearly cost her her life.
The emperor frowned. Before he could speak, he heard Jiang Xueping's words.
"Father, I saw it. Miss Chu was pushed in by Ninth Sister."
"You know, Ninth Sister and Qin… perhaps she harbored resentment and that's why she pushed Miss Chu."
Jiang Xueping stepped forward and spoke to the Emperor, but when she mentioned Qin Shiyan, her tone paused, leaving ample room for speculation.
Jiang Rongyin, who had just arrived at the doorway, overheard Jiang Xueping's words. She truly spared no effort in trying to bring about her demise.
"Sixth Sister, are you suggesting that because I was once betrothed to Young Master Qin, I now can't bear to see Miss Chu marry him, and thus wanted her dead?"
"How ridiculous. If that were the case, then I'd be a fool indeed—to act right in front of you, Sixth Sister, and in the palace, under everyone's watchful eyes. Wouldn't I be afraid that Father would have no trouble finding me afterward?"