Cai Qing couldn't help but fantasize about returning to the capital after being away for so long, imagining that life there would be so much better than her current one.
She truly missed the food at the manor, and also Yu Yan Fang. She wondered how the business of Yu Yan Fang was doing after being away for so long.
"Madam, what do you think the business of Yu Yan Fang has been like these days? Will it be alright under the Princess of Jing's management?"
After all, the Princess of Jing had never managed a business before. What if she messed up Yu Yan Fang, a shop that was so hard to get going? When they were there, how booming the business was; if it failed, wouldn't that be a pity?
"It should be fine. The Princess of Jing should have the capability to manage a shop."
Feng Jin was very confident in handing over Yu Yan Fang to Lin Yu Wei for management. As an legitimate daughter of a marquis, Lin Yu Wei would have been taught how to manage manor affairs since childhood, and she would surely have many knowledgeable people around her regarding business operations.
"Madam has a discerning eye. Since Madam says there's no problem, then there truly won't be any problem."
Cai Qing's trust in Feng Jin was absolute and required no thought, a completely blind trust. The main reason was that everything Feng Jin said was categorized as correct, without the slightest doubt.
Chu Qing was completely clueless about what the two were discussing, but she still listened attentively to everything, trying to remember it in her mind.
"When we return to the capital, I must take Chu Qing to Yu Yan Fang. You can pick out whatever you want then, and it will all be my treat."
Cai Qing patted her chest and guaranteed it. She had promised Chu Qing long ago that when they returned to the capital, she would take her around properly, and of course, she would take Chu Qing to Yu Yan Fang.
"I'll listen to everything Sister Cai Qing says." Chu Qing raised her eyes and replied obediently, her innocent eyes full of pure sincerity.
Compared to before, Lu Shi's attitude towards Cai Qing was worlds apart, completely like two different people.
Feng Jin couldn't help but smile inadvertently as she watched the two interact.
"You all seem to be getting along quite well these days. Chu Qing, when we return to the capital, have Cai Qing take you around. Buy whatever you want; Madam will pay."
"Madam, no... this won't do. I've already promised Chu Qing and agreed that I would buy it for her when we return to the capital. You're snatching it so quickly."
Cai Qing knew Feng Jin's personality well, which was why she dared to openly speak ill of Feng Jin.
"You're starting to criticize me now. How about this, you take Chu Qing to buy things together, and it will count as your contribution. I'll pay for everything..."
"As for your money, keep it for your dowry."
"Madam... what dowry, what dowry? I'm not getting married."
Cai Qing's face flushed, and her voice was slightly shy.
"Sister Cai Qing, are you getting married?" Chu Qing asked innocently.
"Don't be ridiculous, don't listen to what Madam says. I've never said I was getting married."
It was true that she liked Lu Shi a little, but she had never said she wanted to marry Lu Shi.
These words were all Madam talking nonsense, trying to trick her into marrying Lu Shi.
"Is that so?" Chu Qing asked with some doubt. If she wasn't getting married, why would she blush at the mention of it?
"Of course!" Cai Qing's voice was a little excited out of fear.
Chu Qing was startled by the sudden exclamation, couldn't help but tremble, and nodded diligently with a somewhat dazed expression.
"Don't scare Chu Qing any further. If you don't want to get married, then don't. If you end up an old maid, don't blame me for not letting you get married."
How does the saying go? Girls who are kept too long turn into enemies. She was afraid that in the end, Cai Qing would become an enemy.
And then she wouldn't be able to get married and would end up regretting that he kept her back and didn't let her get married back then.
"Madam, please rest assured, I will definitely not let you become an enemy."
Cai Qing patted her chest confidently and guaranteed it. She had long ago made up her mind not to get married.
She had carefully considered it. If she didn't get married, she would stay by Madam's side to serve, and life would be so much more comfortable. If she got married, she would have to serve her husband's family. If that were the case, she might as well not get married.
Feng Jin sighed helplessly. What was all this about? She hoped Cai Qing wouldn't really end up as an unmarriageable old maid.
When she got old, she would have to bring an old maid with her when she went out. The thought of that scene was quite amusing.
"Alright, you should think about when it's more appropriate for you to get married. I think Lu Shi is a really good person. Look at the candied fruits on the table; aren't they also from Lu Shi..."
Feng Jin tried her best to speak well of Lu Shi, just wanting Cai Qing to take it to heart.
"Or else, should I go return those things to him? I feel really bad just receiving his things. Madam, do you think it's alright for me to send them back now?"
"If you send them back now, it will only make Lu Shi feel awkward. How about you prepare something else and send it to Lu Shi as a return gift?"
"Send something else? What would be good?"
Seeing that the fish had taken the bait, Feng Jin continued with a faint smile, "When you give something to someone, you should give them what they need. I noticed that Lu Shi's shoes are a bit worn. Why don't you give him a pair of shoes?"
"That sounds about right..." Cai Qing said innocently, completely unaware of Feng Jin's plan at the moment. She felt fortunate that Feng Jin had come up with an idea.
"But I don't know Lu Shi's shoe size."
"The mouth below your nose isn't just for eating and breathing. Can't you just open your mouth and ask?"
Feng Jin truly felt speechless. Did she really have to go ask Lu Shi for his shoe size again?
"Then I'll go ask." Cai Qing said in a low voice, lowering her head.
"Bang... bang... bang..."
There were a few knocks from outside the carriage. Cai Qing, who was closest to the window, lifted the curtain and looked out, meeting Lu Shi's eyes outside the carriage.
Instantly, the atmosphere became ambiguous. Cai Qing's eyes went blank for a moment. When she came to her senses, she directly lowered the curtain and sat back abruptly in the carriage, her body temperature soaring.
Feng Jin saw Cai Qing's unusual behavior and reached out to lift the curtain. Upon seeing the person standing outside, she immediately understood what was going on.
"Greetings, Madam."
"What is it, Lu Shi?"
"The Young General sent a subordinate to buy some pastries in the town ahead and bring them to Madam. We won't be passing through any towns for a while, so Madam can have a snack."
Seeing this, Chu Qing quickly took the food box from Lu Shi's hand.