latelenovela Chapter 348 Just settle for the next best thing
Chapter 348 Just settle for the next best thing
It's a nice day today.
It's perfect for a trip.
However, I left home a bit too early.
I thought there would be very few people.
As a result, chrysanthemums bloomed like a sea at Chunjiang Pond, and crowds thronged the area.
Many people who were preparing to climb the mountain had started even earlier than them.
They would first admire the chrysanthemums by the Spring River Pond before heading up the mountain.
There is a temple on the mountain, which attracts many worshippers.
The main reason is that Princess Yuqing and Miaomiao are too eye-catching, and they are even more eye-catching when placed together.
So they didn't go to crowded places.
Lu Qingyao led her daughter for a walk among the chrysanthemums, then found a patch of grass, spread out a mat, and sat down.
The location was chosen by Miaomiao; it was quiet and secluded with few people.
There are probably fewer chrysanthemums here, so fewer people come.
Actually, this isn't the best time to appreciate chrysanthemums; the flowers are almost gone.
Xi'er returned after sitting for a while.
They were empty-handed.
"What about chestnut pastries?" Lu Qingyao asked.
My daughter said she went to buy chestnut pastries, but she didn't bring anything back.
Xi'er's expression was a little strange. "I went to the pastry shop, to Yu's Pastry Shop, but I saw someone while I was queuing."
"Who is it?" Xiuxiu asked.
"Yu Ji, why did you go so far?" Lu Qingyao asked, puzzled. Yu Ji was located in the inner city, and she only bought food there when she went back to her parents' home.
I almost never make a special trip to buy it.
Xi'er glanced at her young mistress and said, "It was Miss who sent me. However, I saw the Jiang family's carriage next to the shop, and the person sitting in the carriage was Miss Jiang the Third."
"Jiang Zijin?" Xiuxiu thought it was someone else. The Yu family's residence wasn't far from the Jiang family's, so it wasn't surprising to see her there.
But what Xi'er said next surprised her.
"I also saw a handsome young man sitting next to her. I had never seen him before, so I didn't buy any chestnut pastries. I secretly followed him all the way here, and somehow I ended up at Chunjiang Pond."
Xiuxiu's mouth dropped open. "Sister, how old is she? Could she be having an affair with a man?"
Princess Yuqing glanced at them and muttered to herself that they were making a fuss over nothing.
Jiang Miaomiao's eyes widened in surprise.
Wow! Jiang Zijing is so open-minded, does her scumbag father Jiang Yunze know?
She must be only thirteen, but in ancient times that would be an age to propose marriage.
Jiujiu said Jiang Zijin had an appointment today, and I thought she was meeting with the Princess Consort of Chen, but it turns out she was meeting with a man.
Perhaps she saw that Prince Jing's uncle disliked her and that the Qi family had fallen into decline, so she settled for second best.
Hmm! Very likely.
But who would be the person she was settling for as a second choice? Jiang Miaomiao was very curious.
Lu Qingyao didn't want to get involved in other people's business, but after hearing from Granny Feng that Jiang Zijin was quite a capable young girl.
Her words and actions far exceeded her age.
Whether in Jiangzhou or the capital, Qi Caiwei was nominally in charge of the household, but in reality, it was this young girl.
She's incredibly skilled at managing her servants, far more so than her mother.
If it were any bigger, it would be even more incredible.
And I always have a feeling that Sister Yun's recent rumors are inextricably linked to her.
I heard that the Jiang family owns a cosmetics shop, and their customers are all wealthy and powerful ladies from the capital. The products they sell are all made from beauty secrets.
It's expensive, but often has remarkable effects.
As a result, the young girl became acquainted with many ladies.
Lu Qingyao asked, "Xi'er, where is Jiang Zijin right now?"
"This servant will take you there."
“I want to go too.” Jiang Miaomiao tugged at her mother’s sleeve.
"You're not allowed to go. Stay here with your mother." How could you let a child see something like this?
You'll get a sty.
Princess Yuqing: ...
How did she end up being assigned to take care of the child?
Actually, she really wanted to join in the fun, but she was a little too embarrassed to ask.
After Mother and Aunt Xiuxiu left.
Jiang Miaomiao tugged at the princess's sleeve, revealing a sweet and obedient smile, and snuggled into the princess's arms like a kitten. "Mother, just one look, let's sneak away, okay?"
Oh my! Who could stand this?
That's so cute.
Princess Yuqing readily agreed, "Alright, I'll go secretly, just for a quick look!"
If Madam Lu asks later, just say that Miao Miao insisted on going.
It's normal for kids to be curious.
"Okay!" The little girl nodded like a chick pecking at rice.
Granny Feng's brows twitched.
No one would believe these two are not mother and daughter.
Lu Qingyao, with her sharp eyes, spotted the people on the boat from afar while standing behind a tree.
Although the small boat was covered by a thin veil, there was a gentle breeze.
The gauze curtain was occasionally lifted by the wind, but people's faces were still clearly visible.
"Sister, who is that man? Do you know him?" Xiuxiu asked curiously.
Jiang Zijin must have taken after her father; she actually dared to meet a man in secret, alone with him.
Of course I recognize it!
"He looks like Zhou Mu, Lu Wan's brother-in-law." Lu Qingyao wanted to get closer to take a look, but she was afraid of disturbing the two of them.
Zhou Mu enjoyed visiting teahouses and restaurants, and was a regular at Yipinju.
Lu Qingyao had seen him several times, so she recognized him at a glance.
Xiuxiu clicked her tongue. "Tsk tsk! Isn't he currently arranging a marriage with the Shen family's daughter?"
While trying every means to marry the legitimate daughter of the Duke, he was also boating on the lake with other women.
It’s really fun to play.
Lu Qingyao watched the small boat row towards the center of the lake, calculated the time, and realized she would make it in time.
She said slowly, "Xiuxiu, what do you think would happen if the Zhou family and the Shen family found out that Zhou Mu was having an affair with a woman?"
"He'll break off the engagement? And then marry Jiang Zijin?"
In late autumn and early winter, the weather is clear and crisp.
The lake surface shimmered.
A perfect couple is boating on the lake.
Steam rose from the small boat, where hot tea was bubbling away.
Jiang Zijin wore a light pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) with a white fur-trimmed shawl draped over her shoulders; she was truly more beautiful than the flowers.
Pink complements the skin tone, making the little girl's fair skin look rosy and delicate, almost glistening in the sunlight.
The man opposite stared blankly.
Suddenly realizing he had been impolite, he quickly lowered his eyes.
Zhou Mu had met quite a few young ladies from prominent families.
They either have a beautiful appearance but lack knowledge and understanding.
They are either knowledgeable and cultured, but plain-looking.
They might have both, but be arrogant and aloof, or perhaps spoiled and willful.
A girl like Zijing, who is knowledgeable, polite, understanding, and beautiful as a fairy.
Very few indeed.
The key point is that Miss Zijing is not only beautiful, but also has very unique insights.
Many of the things he says are simply astonishing.
Jiang Zijin's tea-brewing movements were very skillful, her actions flowing smoothly as if she had brewed it countless times.
She handed a freshly brewed cup of tea to the man opposite her, saying, "Brother Mu, I heard that you are engaged to Miss Shen Jiu. I would like to congratulate you in advance."
"Miss Zijing, why are you mocking me? It was all arranged by our parents and the matchmaker. I had no intention of marrying her. I admire you, Miss Zijing. If you feel the same way, I will go back and ask my father and mother to cancel the marriage with the Shen family and have my father propose to the Jiang family." Zhou Mu looked at the girl opposite him with affection in his eyes.
He reached out to pull her.
The girl quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushing red, seemingly surprised by his words.
“Brother Mu, how could you say such a thing? I only regard you as my brother, and besides, I am still in mourning.”
Zhou Mu: ...