Chapter 416
The sound of fighting echoed from the carriage, but Si Lan and Li Jin pretended not to hear, continuing their own conversation.
In contrast to the tense atmosphere on their side, the mood with Lu Qing Wan was much more pleasant.
Both Lu Qing Wan and the Crown Princess's statuses were sufficient for them to confidently discuss the trends in the imperial court.
However, what truly captivated them were the things that young girls enjoyed.
Lu Qing Wan, like a child who had finally made a friend, rummaged through the jewelry, clothes, and various peculiar trinkets in the carriage's hidden compartments, showing them all to the Crown Princess.
Among the many treasures, the Crown Princess could always find Lu Qing Wan's favorite piece and offer the most insightful evaluation, making Lu Qing Wan chuckle repeatedly.
Outside the carriage, Si Han drove, while Ru Yue and Li Yang sat on the shafts. Listening to the laughter from inside, Li Yang was filled with worry.
"It's over, I feel like our Prince hasn't made our Princess laugh so happily in a long time. Is our Prince going to be out of favor?"
Ru Yue deliberately tried to scare him, "You really can't say for sure. The Princess said she's a true believer in 'beauty is everything.' The Crown Princess is so beautiful, and so delicate and pitiable..."
Her head was tapped, and Lu Qing Wan poked her head out with a stern face, "Have we reached Bu Ye Zhou? Are you talking bad about me right in front of me? Am I the kind of person who changes loyalties easily?"
Li Yang jumped off the shaft, covering the back of his head, and chuckled dryly, "Princess, wait a moment. Your subordinate will go find a ferry."
After speaking, he ran out like a bolt of lightning.
Lu Qing Wan turned and grinned at the Crown Princess, "I've spoiled these fellows too much. Imperial Sister-in-law, please don't mind!"
The Crown Princess shook her head, "When we're out, you can call me Ruo Zhao, and I'll call you Sister A Wan."
After reminding Lu Qing Wan to change her address, she said enviously, "My father is a Censor, always emphasizing rules. After entering the Crown Prince's mansion, and being watched by so many eyes, I'm most worried about making mistakes and causing trouble for His Highness. The mansion has strict rules, and not even laughter can be heard. It's much better with you and Feng Wu, so fun and lively. I'm so envious!"
Lu Qing Wan smiled sympathetically and comforted her, "Every household has its own way of life. If your servants were as disrespectful as these brats, your first reaction wouldn't be ease and joy, but rather a feeling of domestic unrest and a need to discipline the household."
"That's really true!" The Crown Princess couldn't help but laugh.
She envied Lu Qing Wan's easy and joyful way of interacting with Feng Xi Wu, and even with those around them. However, as she herself said, she was born and raised in the Censor's mansion, and those strict rules, seen by the world as harsh, were ingrained in her bones. While she occasionally envied the easy and carefree lives of others, if she were truly placed in such an environment, she would feel unaccustomed to it. She would only feel out of place.
Li Yang quickly found a ferry, and Li Jin had already gone ahead to Bu Ye Zhou to make arrangements. When Feng Xi Wu and his brother arrived, the ferry was ready.
A beautiful small painted boat served as the ferry, taking them across. The Crown Princess, visiting such a place for the first time, was almost mesmerized by the scenery.
"This is Bu Ye Zhou, which has recently become famous in Zhongzhou?" She said with great surprise, "I've long heard that this painted boat called Bu Ye Zhou, upon arriving in Zhongzhou, overshadowed many old restaurants and painted boats, becoming the cream of the crop among Zhongzhou's establishments. I used to wonder what was so special about just a painted boat, but seeing it today, I want to live here!"
"That won't do!" Lu Qing Wan laughed as she held the Crown Princess's wrist, "Imperial Sister-in-law, if you stay out all night, my brother-in-law will blame me for corrupting you. However, Bu Ye Zhou has a tailor shop and a jewelry store on the second floor. Since you've both come all this way, would you like to come with us to take a look?"
As soon as Lu Qing Wan finished speaking, Yuan Niang, who had specifically come out to greet them, said enthusiastically, "Are the two madams looking for clothes? Bu Ye Zhou just put out the last batch of summer clothes for this year this morning. After this period, it will be replaced with autumn clothes? The clothes and jewelry at this time of year are the finale. Shall I take the two madams to see them?"
Lu Qing Wan let go of the Crown Princess and flitted like a butterfly to Feng Xi Wu's side, her eyes curved, "Yuan Niang, you're mistaken. It's not just the two madams who want to see clothes; the two lords do too..."
Yuan Niang, seeing the helpless expressions of Feng Xi Wu and his brother, suppressed a smile, "It is my fault, Madam, please forgive me. I will now take the two lords and the two madams to see the clothes, to show you the most fashionable ones this summer, as my apology to the two lords!" Saying that, she led them towards the tailor shop. Lu Qing Wan, however, was insatiable.
"Just showing us the most fashionable clothes won't do. Today I'm entertaining distinguished guests. All of Bu Ye Zhou's best dishes have been prepared. Snacks and wine must not be missing. Prepare a take-out meal later; I want to take it back for my elders at home to try..."
Yuan Niang thought to herself that Lu Qing Wan had married and moved to Zhongzhou alone, and Lu Zhenting had died on the battlefield. Who were the elders at home? However, this was not something a subordinate should worry about, so she only kept agreeing repeatedly. "Alright, as Madam wishes!"
Speaking, she gently waved her hand, and a female shop assistant beside her hurried off to help Lu Qing Wan make arrangements. The Crown Princess, unaware of the details, looked dumbfounded, "A Wan, is this really your first time in Zhongzhou?" Does it feel like you, an outsider who just arrived, are more connected than I am, a native of Zhongzhou? Is this my illusion?"
Lu Qing Wan was bewildered by the Crown Princess's nonsensical question. Feng Xi Wu chuckled, "Sister-in-law, there's no need to be surprised. She's the type who feels that all under heaven is her home. The more you interact with her in the future, the more you'll get used to it."
The Crown Prince and Princess chuckled at this. Lu Qing Wan, realizing belatedly, pinched Feng Xi Wu's tender flesh on his arm, "You still have the nerve to say that! If I didn't have this ability, you would have to go out and conquer everywhere with your spear. I've saved you so much effort, and you're actually laughing at me instead of thanking me. Where's your face?"
This time, it was the Crown Prince and Princess who were confused, "No, we don't quite understand! Why would Feng Wu have to go conquering everywhere if you were a bit more reserved?" The Crown Prince spoke, his curious eyes darting between Lu Qing Wan and Feng Xi Wu, seriously suspecting if his younger brother's wife, whom he had married at great cost, had some kind of ailment in her head.
Feng Xi Wu put his arm around Lu Qing Wan's waist and explained helplessly, "Brother and Sister-in-law, you may not know, but your sister-in-law is not someone who can be wronged. She's now so open-minded that it's like a sieve, and all under heaven is her home. If she didn't have this magnanimous mindset but still wanted to be wronged by no one under heaven, wouldn't I, your brother, have to work hard to make the entire territory of the four seas her home?"
The Crown Princess pondered for a while, her brow furrowed, before finally understanding the riddle these two were speaking.