Cui Xiang's eyes were swollen like a goldfish, his face pale, looking like a miserable young girl.
Zhong Lüping sat opposite him, ladling a bowl of ginseng stewed old hen soup, placing it before him, patiently coaxing: "They say foster care surpasses birth. Wu Wang was raised by the Empress Dowager for twenty years, longer than you've known her. Even Wu Wang couldn't bear to abandon her."
"But he did," Cui Xiang bitterly smiled, staring at his reflection in the yellowish soup, feeling infinitely desolate.
"Wu Wang may not have intended to. He explained he would return to rescue her. Why don't you trust him?"
Cui Xiang slumped, silent.
Zhong Lüping picked up clean chopsticks to serve him: "I know you're heartbroken. The Emperor is far away in the capital, you can't blame him. Your grievances towards Wu Wang and the princess are understandable, but everything has limits. If you cross the line, Wu Wang might lose patience. By then, regret will be too late."
Cui Xiang slammed his fist on the table: "I'm useless! I couldn't protect or avenge our mother!"
"Stop blaming yourself. Focus on recovering and working with Wu Wang to avenge her," Zhong Lüping gently placed her hand on his arm, soothing him. "Our mother in heaven wishes to see you and Wu Wang united, not divided over this."
Cui Xiang lifted tearful eyes, and Zhong Lüping handed him a handkerchief: "Don't cry anymore. Eat something. Shall I ask the kitchen to reheat your meal?"
Cui Xiang shook his head: "No need. I'll eat this." He finally picked up his chopsticks, taking a bite of fish.
Seeing him finally eating, Zhong Lüping felt relieved, personally seeing him through dinner, then leaving with her maids.
At the welcoming banquet the next day, not only did Cui Xiang attend, but Zhong Lüping also appeared. Chi Ying noticed Cui Xiang stealing glances at Zhong Lüping over twenty times during the meal, wondering if he had fallen in love with her at first sight.
Although Cui Xiang was destitute, he was still a prince. Compared to Yang Qiong, the Zhong family would prefer him—but Cui Xiang was already married to a lady from the Rong family, meaning Zhong Lüping would only be a concubine. Better to follow Yang Qiong.
Miles away in Yanzhou, Yang Qiong patrolling the city walls sneezed violently.
Cui Xiang kept stealing glances at Zhong Lüping, who seemed oblivious. Chi Ying tested her feelings by inviting her for a garden stroll after dinner. Zhong Lüping, gentle and polite, naturally accompanied her.
In April, Jiangzhou was in full bloom. The Zhong family garden was colorful, beautiful beyond words. Zhong Lüping pointed out: "This path is called Dream Path. Now only plum, apricot, and peach blossoms are blooming. In another two weeks, hibiscus, cypress, and cyclamen will bloom, creating a dreamlike scene. Walking here feels like being in paradise."
"Really?" Chi Ying smelled a red plum branch.
"Of course! If you and the prince stay till mid-April, you'll see its beauty."
Zhong Lüping picked a plum blossom, tucking it behind Chi Ying's ear: "Red plums suit your fair skin perfectly."
Zhong Lüping blushed as Chi Ying complimented her: "You look like a celestial maiden with white plum blossoms. You're clever and dexterous. Whoever marries you will be blessed."
Zhong Lüping shyly turned away: "Don't tease me."
"That day, Aunt said you weren't betrothed yet, and Uncle mentioned your marriage should respect your wishes," Chi Ying hugged her arm. "Do you have someone in mind? Shall I be your matchmaker?"
Zhong Lüping blushed deeper, giggling: "Many suitors came, but none impressed me. I want a warrior, not a scholar."
Chi Ying teased: "Like the prince?"
Zhong Lüping paled, kneeling: "Forgive me! I didn't mean that. The prince and you are inseparable. I admire your bond, never wanting to interfere!"
Chi Ying helped her up: "I was joking. Don't worry. Since you prefer warriors, why not join us in Yanzhou? One of the prince's generals is young and handsome. Would you like me to arrange a meeting?"
Zhong Lüping blushed further: "You're teasing me again!"
Chi Ying pinched her cheek: "Look how happy you are talking about a suitor."
Zhong Lüping shyly pulled her hand: "Sister!"
Chi Ying laughed: "Alright, no more teasing. Since Cui Xiang is found, we'll return to Yanzhou soon. Pack your things and come with us."
Zhong Lüping happily agreed, and Chi Ying felt glad to have a companion in Yanzhou.
A few days later, Cui Yi discussed everything with Zhong Yuanshan, preparing to return to Yanzhou. Zhong Lüping begged her parents to let her join, and surprisingly, Cui Xiang insisted on going to Yanzhou, citing his mother's wish for him to support his brother. Chi Ying saw through it; he wanted to follow Zhong Lüping.
From Jiangzhou to Yanzhou, the land route would pass through Xuanzhou, controlled by the Xie family. With Cui Jie setting up blockades, Zhong Yuanshan proposed taking the water route.
"If we think of avoiding land by sea, the Emperor will too. What if he sends naval forces to intercept us?" Chi Ying asked, worried.
Cui Yi, sitting cross-legged in the carriage, explained: "Uncle knows the Emperor will guard against the sea route, so we need a plausible reason to sail. Fortunately, we have an opportunity."
Chi Ying, not involved recently, asked: "What opportunity?"
Zhong Lüping interjected: "Is it the Dongchang merchant fleet coming to Jiangzhou for trade?"
Cui Yi nodded: "Exactly. Every October, Dongchang merchants sail south to Jiangzhou, returning in April. Uncle suggests we board their ships, sailing north along the coast to Ma County in Xuanzhou, then continuing by land to Yanzhou."
Chi Ying exclaimed: "Uncle's idea is brilliant! Dongchang is a small but wealthy country. The Emperor won't risk damaging relations, ensuring safe passage."
Zhong Lüping asked: "What if the Emperor inspects the ships?"