34. Chapter 34: Trouble Arises Again, Part 4

"You may return now."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Magpie beamed, vanishing into the bamboo grove in an instant.

Yu Qingyan toyed with the thin blade in her hand, curling her lip in dissatisfaction. She had polished it herself, but it was nowhere near the quality of the custom-made weapons she was used to.

As dawn approached, Yu Qingyan returned to her room. She washed away the exhaustion of the night and sat on the bed, silently practicing the breathing exercises Gu Jinshi had given her.

Chu Yuchuan did not come.

The second day, the third day... days slowly drifted by, and Chu Yuchuan remained absent. The entire Prince Xian’s estate knew that the Princess had fallen into disfavor for pushing Lady Rou into the water, but Yu Qingyan enjoyed the peace. Aside from Gu Jinshi, who would occasionally slip in quietly, no one else stepped foot in the Bamboo Garden.

Half a month later, Yu Qingyan had fully recovered. Her body had a solid foundation; although this era lacked the modern medicine used to enhance physical constitution, the benefits of internal energy training were substantial—a credit she owed entirely to Gu Jinshi.

"My Lady."

Yu Qingyan looked at Cui'er, who had walked in looking quite displeased. "What is it?"

"Lady Rou is here."

Yu Qingyan frowned. Lin Wanrou? What did that woman want again?

"Refuse her."

"I cannot, my Lady!" Cui'er urged. "Even though she has come with ill intent, if you do not show yourself, won't it only fuel more gossip within the estate?"

"Let them talk as they please."

"My Lady!" Cui'er looked at her with a mix of frustration and exasperation.

"What?"

"Regardless of everything, you are now the Prince’s woman..."

"I said refuse her. Say no more."

Yu Qingyan cast a chilling glance her way, and Cui'er immediately fell silent.

She truly could not be bothered to argue with such a woman. In fact, she ought to thank her; this half-month of tranquility had allowed her to recover.

After Cui'er retreated, Yu Qingyan arched a brow. "You're here?"

Gu Jinshi materialized. "Your senses are becoming sharper."

"I have you to thank for that!" Yu Qingyan poured him a cup of tea.

"Qingyan."

"Hmm?" Yu Qingyan looked up at him. "Speak your mind."

Gu Jinshi met her gaze. "The Prince has not visited. Does that not trouble you?"

So that was it.

Yu Qingyan curled her lips slightly. "I don't care."

"But the estate, and even all of Nandu, are misunderstanding you..."

"What does it matter?"

Gu Jinshi sighed softly, reached into his robe, and produced an object, handing it to her.

"For me?" Yu Qingyan toyed with the bracelet in her hand.

"I saw it while out in the city yesterday and thought it would match the ring you wear, so I bought it. Do you like it?"

Gu Jinshi’s dark eyes were fixed steadily upon her. Yu Qingyan smiled. "I love it."

A flash of joy crossed Gu Jinshi’s eyes. "As long as you like it."

With that, he pulled a package from his robes.

"And what is this?"

"These are osmanthus cakes from the west side of the city; they are quite famous. Have a taste." Gu Jinshi opened the paper bag, and the aroma immediately wafted out.

Yu Qingyan took a piece and placed it in her mouth. The fragrance instantly enveloped her taste buds, followed by a subtle sweetness. "Delicious. You should have some too."

"If you like them, I will bring you more next time."

"Is it still convenient for you to come and go from the estate?" A spark appeared in Yu Qingyan’s eyes, as if she were contemplating something.

"Yes. I will fulfill the tasks the Prince has entrusted to me, and he will not interfere with anything else."

"Then I shall go with you next time!"

Gu Jinshi was startled. "You want to go out?"

"Yes." Her health had recovered, so it was naturally time to attend to serious matters.

Gu Jinshi frowned. "But you are Princess Xian. How can you leave without the Prince’s permission?"

"Do you really think there is anyone in Prince Xian’s estate capable of stopping me?"