Chapter 635: Matters of the Heart

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

In the General’s Mansion.

In the small study room, Lu Yichen pushed the door open and entered. “You seemed quite happy when I left earlier. Why the long face now?”

Tang Jinghong, leaning back in his chair, tossed a document onto the table, “Qingzhi won’t be able to join me this afternoon.”

“Did she tell you why?”

Tang Jinghong’s gaze dropped, concealing his emotions, yet he sighed softly, “She mentioned she had something to do but didn’t go into details.”

Lu Yichen took a seat, observing Tang Jinghong, “And that’s got you down?”

Tang Jinghong shook his head slightly, “I’m not unhappy, just feeling a bit low in spirits.”

Lu Yichen said casually, “A man should aim high and wide. Why let affairs of the heart bring you down?”

Tang Jinghong looked up, “Would you still say that if Wu Yaqing ignored you?”

“I’m trying to comfort you.”

“Your comfort is rather weak.”

Lu Yichen was speechless.

He tried to comfort him again. “Actually, I think that a girl like Chu Qingzhi is rational, calm, smart, and wise. Her martial arts skills far exceed yours and mine. She’s like the sun in the sky. It’s normal for you to feel like you can’t control her.”

Tang Jinghong felt a sting at those words.

Lu Yichen added, “Do you feel like Chu Qingzhi might not be that into you?”

Tang Jinghong remained silent, feeling the comment hit even closer to home.

Indeed, he sometimes felt unworthy of Qingzhi, who was exceptionally brilliant. Whenever she was out of sight, he couldn’t help but feel anxious about losing her.

“Brother Tang, it’s the first time I’ve seen you so lacking in confidence,” Lu Yichen thought, realizing his friend was deeply entangled in his feelings.

Tang Jinghong slowly said, “Qingzhi… is the most extraordinary woman.”

After a moment of thought, Lu Yichen reassured, “I don’t think you need to be so pessimistic. A girl like Chu Qingzhi wouldn’t have agreed to the engagement if she had no feelings for you.”

That struck a chord with Tang Jinghong, who nodded, “You’re right.”

“Since you’re free, why not come to my horse ranch for a bit?”

“Let’s go.”

At Ning’s Residence, in the Second Branch.

Ning Shuangshuang returned home, “Mother, I saw Chu Qingyue visiting her family.”

“So what if she did? Is there a problem?” Fang Yuying leisurely scattered fish food into the koi pond, her movements elegant and unhurried.

Ning Shuangshuang, watching the swirling waters, said anxiously, “If Chu Qingzhi, with her exceptional medical skills, notices something, what will we do?”

Fang Yuying was dismissive, “You’re overestimating her. Even if she discovers something, what evidence could she possibly have?”

Ning Shuangshuang insisted, “Mother, don’t underestimate Chu Qingzhi; she’s truly something.”

Fang Yuying tossed another handful of fish food into the pond, watching the koi scramble for it, “Then I look forward to witnessing her capabilities.”

Seeing her mother not taking it seriously, Ning Shuangshuang urged, “Mother, don’t make any moves for now. It would be bad if they discover anything.”

Fang Yuying glanced at Ning Shuangshuang, “Go back to your place and don’t come back for a few days.”

Ning Shuangshuang felt helpless, “Mother, did you take what I said to heart?”

“I know what I’m doing.”

Ning Shuangshuang still went back.

Fang Yuying sat down on a stool, placing the fish food aside, her gaze lingering on the koi in the pond. The food was limited, and only those that fought for it grew plump, while the thin ones at the edges were left to be bullied.

A maid approached, “Second Madam, Chu Qingyue has returned, and Chu Qingzhi and Chu Qingning came with her.”

Fang Yuying paused for a moment, “Did they seem unusual in any way?”

“No, the three sisters were chatting and laughing together. The eldest young master went to see his grandfather upon his return, looking quite normal.”

Fang Yuying waved her off, “You may go.”

“Yes.”

As Fang Yuying resumed feeding the fish, she smiled to herself, “No matter how skilled she is, she’s not a deity…”

Chu Qingzhi and Chu Qingning toured Chu Qingyue’s room, which was adorned with several bouquets of fresh flowers, elegantly arranged, exuding a subtle luxury.

Chu Qingning retracted her gaze, complimenting, “Second sister, your room looks great.”

Chu Qingyue smiled softly, “Yuting arranged it himself.”

“A good brother-in-law.”

Chu Qingyue poured tea for her sisters, “Fourth sister, fifth sister, please sit down and rest for a while.”

“Alright.” The two sisters took their seats at the table.

Chu Qingzhi whispered, “Second sister, call in the maid who brought you the medicinal porridge this morning. I have some questions for her.”

“Okay.” There were only three sisters in the room. Chu Qingyue went to open the door and let Xia Mei in.

Xia Mei entered, greeted the three, and then said, “If the young ladies need anything, just let me know. The young master insisted that we take good care of you.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Xia Mei’s face, noting her broad forehead and open brows, signs of an open-hearted person, “I was wondering where the medicinal porridge served this morning came from. Second sister mentioned that the porridge from Ning’s mansion is delicious, and I’d like to learn to make it ourselves.”

Xia Mei smiled slightly, “The porridge is prepared by the chief cook in the main kitchen. Since we don’t dine together, it’s distributed to each household in the morning. If fifth miss wants to learn, I can inquire with the chief cook.”

“Could I see the recipe for the porridge first?” If the porridge naturally contained cottonseed…

“That might be difficult,” Xia Mei appeared troubled, “The recipe is the chief cook’s secret, and he probably wouldn’t want to share it casually.”

“Understood.” Chu Qingzhi then asked, “How long has the chief cook been with the Ning family? Is he related to anyone here?”

“The chief cook is a relative of the third madam’s maternal family, having been with us for seven or eight years. He’s quite chubby and well-liked for his good nature.”

The third madam?

“Where does the chief cook usually gather herbs?”

Xia Mei thought for a moment, “He’s always gone to Rong’s Pharmacy. Fifth miss, are you planning to study medicinal cuisine yourself?”

Rong’s Pharmacy? Is that related to Rong Shiyu’s family?

Chu Qingzhi whispered to Chu Qingning, “Go to Rong’s Pharmacy and ask if the chief cook has been ordering cottonseed.”

“Right away.” Chu Qingning stood up and left.

After Chu Qingning departed, Chu Qingzhi finally responded to Xia Mei, “Yes,

I’m considering it. Thankyou for your help.”

“It’s no trouble at all. I’m glad to be of assistance.”

Chu Qingzhi pointed to Chu Qingyue’s sachet, “Mei, do you have another sachet like the one you gave my second sister? I’d like one too.”

Xia Mei inquired with a smile, “Does fifth miss also like sachets?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “I do, but I’ve been too busy to make one. Seeing the one second sister wears made me want to ask for one.”

“I’ll go get one for you right now. Please wait a moment.”

“Sorry to trouble you.”

Xia Mei smiled and waved her hand. She immediately went to get a sachet for Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingyue waited for Xia Mei to leave before asking nervously, “Fifth Sister, Xia Mei doesn’t pose any problem, does she?”