Chapter 667: Too Hard to Please

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

Nanny Han pondered for a moment before Chu Qingzhi added, “I don’t want young maids; I prefer someone of your age.”

Young maids might develop inappropriate feelings, especially around Ning Yuting, a man of talent and wealth, potentially inviting trouble.

Nanny Han chuckled, understanding what Chu Qingzhi meant, “I can’t make any promises on the candidates, but there’s a group of palace maids being released soon. You could take a look at them.”

“Thankyou, Nanny.”

Nanny Han waved off the thanks, “No need for formalities with me.”

“I’ll go out and gather some information.”

“Okay.”

As Chu Qingzhi turned to leave, a savory aroma of braised meat wafted into her nose. She looked around and spotted a package on the chopping board. “Nanny, what’s this?”

“This is braised meat I bought,” Nanny Han explained as she opened the package. “I tried it before buying. It’s really tasty.”

Upon closer inspection and after tasting a piece, Chu Qingzhi recognized it as the braised meat made by the people from the orphanage. “Nanny, is the braised meat stall doing well?”

Nanny Han nodded, “Yes, there’s always a line. I had to wait quite a while to get it. It would have been sold out if I’d been any later.”

Knowing the orphanage was thriving brought relief to Chu Qingzhi. “If you like it, feel free to buy it often.”

“Ok.”

In the General’s Mansion.

Tang Jinghong handed over a list of palace servants about to be released to Chu Qingzhi. “I’ve gathered all the information for you. Take a look, and we can recruit whoever you like.”

Chu Qingzhi appreciated Tang Jinghong’s effort and took the list.

The list contained twenty-five names: five eunuchs, five nannies, and fifteen palace maids due to be released due to their age.

Chu Qingzhi focused on the nannies, noting their experiences in the palace, including their backgrounds, personalities, and how they conducted themselves.

After careful consideration, she chose two nannies named Song Qingfen and Zhao Siqin.

Both had served the Empress Dowager, were in their forties, and sought to leave the palace following the Empress Dowager’s death, having no children or other attachments. Their smooth personalities and protective nature made them excellent candidates.

Chu Qingzhi informed Tang Jinghong of her choices. “Jinghong, I’ve decided on these two.”

Tang Jinghong agreed with her selection, “I’ll send someone to inform the Empress. We can have these two nannies leave the palace now and come directly to you.”

“I think it would be better if I went with my second sister to meet them. They served the Empress Dowager, so we should show some respect. It will also ensure they are more dedicated to taking care of my second sister.”

Having such top-tier caregivers would completely alleviate any concerns for her second sister’s well-being.

“That’s a good idea, but I’ll still send someone ahead to inform them, to avoid any awkwardness for you.”

“Okay.”

The Empress, upon learning of Chu Qingzhi’s request, immediately spoke to the two nannies about the matter and praised Chu Qingzhi highly.

They had also heard of Chu Qingzhi’s name in the palace. They were already very impressed, and hearing the empress’s high evaluation, they were very tempted. After weighing the pros and cons, they agreed readily.

Chu Qingzhi and Chu Qingyue personally went to the palace gate to welcome them and took them to Tainan Restaurant for a splendid welcoming feast. The warmth and respect shown by Chu Qingzhi warmed the nannies’ hearts, and they were already favorably disposed towards Chu Qingyue.

After the meal, Chu Qingzhi escorted them to the Ning family’s gate. “Nannies, I entrust my sister to your care.”

Nanny Song was a straightforward person. She smiled and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of Young Madam.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and said to Chu Qingyue, “Second Sister, we’re going back in the next two days. Take good care of yourself.”

Chu Qingyue was extremely reluctant. “You’re all gone. I’m the only one left.”

“Yuting is by your side. You’re not alone.”

“It’s not the same. You’re different,” Chu Qingyue grasped Chu Qingzhi’s hand. “Sister, if you ever come to the capital, you must visit me.”

“Aren’t you heading south?”

“Grandpa is ill, so we’re postponing the trip until he’s better.”

“That’s fine then. Sister, I should head back now.”

Chu Qingyue watched reluctantly as Chu Qingzhi merged into the crowd and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

“Second Sister, I’m leaving.” Chu Qingzhi’s figure blended into the crowd. In the blink of an eye, she had already walked far away.

Nanny Song said, “Young Madam, let’s go back too.”

“Alright.” Chu Qingyue slowly turned around with some sadness and led the two nannies towards the residence.

In the evening, the river was gilded with golden light, fragmented into countless shimmering pieces by the gentle breeze.

A charming girl in orange attire strolled leisurely ahead, followed by a man in black robes, his gaze fixed on her.

These two were Wu Yaqing and Lu Yichen.

Wu Yaqing stopped under a weeping willow and turned to face Lu Yichen, “I’m going back.” She looked at him expectantly, hoping he would say something.

Lu Yichen, however, turned to look at the river, ”You’ll be safe with Qingzhi.”

Is that all? Wu Yaqing’s face fell immediately, “That’s it?”

Lu Yichen, who had spent years focused on revenge and had no experience with romance, was at a loss for words. After a pause, he suggested, “There’s a good restaurant ahead. How about I take you there for something tasty?”

Wu Yaqing, frustrated and feeling unappreciated, retorted, “I’m not hungry. Who cares about eating right now?” Her cheeks puffed out in annoyance, too upset to even think about food.

Lu Yichen inwardly lamented, finding her difficult to appease, “Then tell me what you want to do. I’ll accompany you.”

After a moment, Wu Yaqing decided to change her approach, realizing getting angry at Lu Yichen for not understanding her feelings was pointless. “See those flowers over there? Pick one for me.”

Lu Yichen spotted a vibrant bloom among the season-round flowers by the river, perfectly suiting Wu Yaqing.

He picked the flower and approached Wu Yaqing, his expression slightly awkward, but he carefully placed the flower in her hair.

Wu Yaqing touched the flower in her hair, her smile radiant, “Does it look nice?”

“Beautiful,” Lu Yichen admitted, his heart racing at the sight of her bright and cheerful demeanor.

Wu Yaqing patted Lu Yichen on the shoulder, “You have good taste.”

Lu Yichen couldn’t help but smile. Wu Yaqing’s lively spirit was the polar opposite of his own reserved nature, yet she unexpectedly stirred his heart, “I’ll come to find you after I settle things in the capital.”

Finally, he said something that pleased her. Wu Yaqing looked at him with a hint of delight, “When will you be done?”

“I’m not sure, but I’ll make it as quick as I can.”

“Alright, then I’ll wait for you. If you need help, write to me, and I’ll help you.”

“Okay.”