The carriage departed from the back gate of the Prince Mansion, and at this hour, it was already quieter outside than during the day. In the dim light, the carriage prepared by the talisman appeared even more inconspicuous.
The steward and Mrs. Zhao were reluctant to part and intended to accompany them all the way to the gate, but Zhu Yu naturally refused this idea.
"Everyone, please take good care of yourselves. Tomorrow, soone from the palace will co. Regardless of whether it’s a search or a closure, do not argue with anyone or bring trouble upon yourselves. Take good care of yourselves." Zhu Yu stopped them and earnestly reminded them once again.
"Hmm." Mrs. Zhao wiped her eyes, nodding repeatedly, looking at this exceptionally kind mistress with reluctance. "Madam, rest assured, you and the Prince should also take good care of yourselves. I’ll be waiting for your return, eager to continue serving you!"
Zhu Yu and Mrs. Zhao reluctantly said their goodbyes. Just as the carriage was about to leave, the royal kitchen’s cook ran out, eyes red, pushing a food box into the carriage.
"Madam, your marriage hasn’t been long, and I haven’t had the ti to learn your tastes and preferences, which I deeply regret!" The head cook spoke with a heavy nasal tone, as if he had just cried secretly. "I hastily prepared a few dishes that the Prince used to love... Not knowing when you might return, and being outside can’t compare to ho; the food might not be to your liking...
These things won’t last long, and I can only give you and the Prince this little bit for the ti being...
When you and the Prince return, no matter what you fancy eating, I’ll change the nu daily for the two of you!"
Zhu Yu had previously heard from Mrs. Zhao that this head cook was a victim, having inadvertently offended a well-connected scoundrel in the Capital, nearly resulting in a ruined household, with family separated. It was Lu Qing’s kindness that saved him. Seeing his exceptional cooking skills, he kept him in the mansion as the cook, providing him a safe haven, thus ensuring the stability of his entire family.
Since then, the head cook had harbored deep gratitude towards Lu Qing.
Most likely, this is why he felt even sadder and more reluctant than the others.
And so, under the watchful eyes of the reluctant mansion staff, the carriage finally passed through the back gate.
"Madam, where are we headed now?" the rune raised the curtain from the front and asked Zhu Yu.
"Yunyin Pavilion," Zhu Yu replied to him.
It was just after nightfall, the ti when the lights were first lit, and Yunyin Pavilion was beginning to bustle. Magnificent carriages occasionally stopped at the entrance, from which erged several well-dressed noble youths, fanning themselves with paper fans as they walked inside.
There were also so modestly dressed scholars, who ca in small groups, hoping to showcase their talents at Yunyin Pavilion and have their poems displayed inside for so literary fa.
Outside the main gate of Yunyin Pavilion, the bustling staff moved in and out, greeting guests warmly with smiles on their faces, their cordial voices incessantly rising and falling.
anwhile, on the other side of the bustling main entrance of Yunyin Pavilion, it was quiet outside the back gate. The shadowy alley was deserted until the sound of a carriage approached, prompting a doorkeeper to push the door open to investigate.
"Who goes there?" the doorkeeper asked quite alertly, seemingly wary of anyone approaching this back gate unreasonably.
There was no answer from the carriage. As it drew closer, in the dim light of the lantern in the doorkeeper’s hand, he saw the rune and talisman sitting at the front of the carriage.
Upon recognizing them, the doorkeeper promptly turned around to open the door without another word.
Thus began another series of ins and outs. After the carriage ca to a full stop, the front rune hopped down, circled to the back, and lifted the curtain for Zhu Yu: "Madam, you may step down now."
Zhu Yu had frequently co here with Lu Qing in the past, sotis in disguise to listen to music and drink, other tis directly heading to the back, discreetly entering their secret chamber to et Lu Chao.
So, the mont she got off the carriage, she thought she’d be in the familiar small courtyard, only realizing she was wrong after jumping down from the carriage and looking around.
Liu Yueyao was already there, seeming quite composed and not surprised at all by Zhu Yu’s arrival.
"Miss Liu greets Madam." Once Zhu Yu had steadied herself, Liu Yueyao approached unhurriedly, gracefully greeting Zhu Yu with a calm smile on her pretty face. "I originally thought you and the Prince might arrive tomorrow, but I didn’t expect you would co tonight.
I’ve prepared a secluded wing room for the two of you, suitable for convalescence and decocting dicine, without worrying about disturbances.
I have also prepared so clothing and supplies. If Madam finds anything lacking, feel free to instruct the rune and talisman to let know."
Zhu Yu nodded: "Thank you, Miss Liu."
"No need for thanks, Madam, it’s my duty." Liu Yueyao maintained her composure, giving a slight bow. "The two of you have likely suffered quite a bit lately; I’ll ensure that als vary daily. If Madam has any other instructions, don’t hesitate to ask, for Yunyin Pavilion has no shortage of ingredients.
For now, take good care here, and when the Prince is well-rested, I’ll co to update you on the situation."
Zhu Yu nodded in agreent. Liu Yueyao then called people to help the rune and talisman carry Lu Qing off the carriage and carefully into a room, setting him down on the bed before everyone withdrew.
After everyone left, Lu Qing briefly awoke, and upon seeing they had reached the secluded courtyard behind Yunyin Pavilion, a relieved smile appeared on his face.
"Yan Daoxin was right, you truly are the person in this world who understands my intentions the best," he said to Zhu Yu.
Hearing Yan Daoxin’s na made Zhu Yu anxious again, but Lu Qing was still gravely injured, and the wounds on his back had started bleeding again after all the commotion, so she didn’t want to add to his burdens at this very mont.
Before long, the talisman ca to the door, saying that a servant had brought a tub of hot water, which he and the rune helped Zhu Yu pour into the bath behind the screen.
Zhu Yu, having worn dirty and foul-slling clothes for many days and with her heart in suspense due to everything happening earlier in the South Study Room, and later attending to the grievously injured Lu Qing, had no ti for anything else.
Now, seeing a large tub of warm, clear water, and the clean clothes prepared nearby, she couldn’t hold back. Taking advantage of Lu Qing’s stable condition and seeing he didn’t need her imdiate help, she hurriedly washed herself thoroughly from head to toe.
Without the binding fabrics constraining her chest, even her breathing seed to beco much easier.
Liu Yueyao was very considerate, having prepared clothes in advance for both males and females, suitable sizes for both Lu Qing and Zhu Yu.
Although here there was nothing to worry about, Zhu Yu still chose to wear n’s clothing, as she needed to take care of the injured Lu Qing. The short-sleeved, narrow-sleeved attire was also more convenient for movent.
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