Chapter 25: Mother Understands Her Well

Hengyang was indeed the man she admired.

He possessed a poised, gentle, and humble demeanor, always embodying the conduct of the most noble and virtuous gentleman in the world. Xiao Yixi felt nothing but appreciation and affection for Chu Hengyang.

Chu Hengyang breathed deeply for a long time, suppressing a sense of shameful disgrace in the depths of his eyes.

What echoed repeatedly in his mind was the image from the dim carriage: Xiao Yixi’s eyes, which seemed to have fallen into a field of stars; her skin, appearing even fairer in the low light; and her slightly glistening, moist, crimson lips.

He... was on the verge of losing control over his own lecherous thoughts toward the Princess.

...

Chu Manor.

"La la la, la la la, I’m a little expert at selling sweets~" Chu Ying giggled, looking proud and smug.

She wondered how her sister-in-law was doing with "hooking" her big brother.

That scene... it must be so ambiguous and enough to make one swoon with delight!

Thinking of it made Chu Ying excited, and she quickened her pace.

"My Lady." Seeing Chu Ying walking tirelessly toward the kitchen, A-Yu couldn't help but remind her, "Uh... the Madam should be in the main hall right now, not... the kitchen."

Chu Ying’s smile froze, and her expression soured in an instant.

Oh, A-Yu!

If only you had a poor memory for just a moment and forgot what your mistress was doing, I wouldn't blame you at all!

A-Yu gave an awkward smile, having read the meaning behind Chu Ying’s expression.

It couldn't be helped.

Even if there were no such thing as the young mistress "enrolling in the Imperial Academy," she would still have to stop her from going to the kitchen.

For some reason, the Madam had changed her ways; instead of letting her secretly bring meat to the young mistress, she now insisted that she supervise her to ensure she didn't eat too much.

She claimed it was for the sake of the young mistress’s brain.

"Sigh~" Chu Ying exhaled, feeling helpless. "Let’s go, accompany me to see Mother."

"Yes." A-Yu bowed and followed Chu Ying.

Chu Ying walked with heavy steps and a stiff body, stopping every few paces in deep reluctance.

Although she had long since prepared herself to sacrifice her pure little brain for the sake of her brother and sister-in-law’s romance, actually having to go through with it still made her heart ache.

Ah!

Her pure little brain!

Ah!

Her clean soul!

From now on, it would all be filled with wicked studies!

With tears in her eyes, Chu Ying arrived at the main hall.

Liu Shuang’er was sitting behind a desk, handling the household finances. She was fully aware of Chu Ying’s arrival and everything that had transpired at the manor gates.

She did not look up, remaining focused on the accounts. In reality, a smile had been tugging at the corners of her lips ever since Chu Ying arrived.

[My silly daughter, to foster the union between her brother and the Princess, she went as far as to claim that she wanted to tell me she wished to enter the Imperial Academy to study. Truly...]

Liu Shuang’er desperately suppressed the urge to laugh out loud.

[Truly silly beyond measure, and cute beyond measure.]

"!?" Chu Ying’s eyes lit up instantly.

They were filled with an excitement akin to a puppy seeing its beloved owner.

Mother...

Did Mother actually realize that she said and did all that for the sake of her brother and sister-in-law’s marriage?

Ah, ah, ah, ah!

Mother understands her so well!

[However...] After her silent laughter faded, Liu Shuang’er felt a touch of worry. [My daughter told such a lie to bring Hengyang and the Princess together; how will she ever smooth it over? Although she has become much sharper since she stopped eating so much meat, the Imperial Academy is filled with many students, mostly talented individuals aiming for official positions. I fear she will not be accustomed to the environment there.]

Chu Ying’s eyes welled up with tears.

Moved.

Mother really cared for her so much.

And worried for her, too.

However...