Reborn as a Happy Wife in a Rural Family
Chapter 221 Annoying Jiang Lile 1

Chapter 221: Chapter 221 Annoying Jiang Lile 1

Xiao Yunjing returned very late that night. By the time he arrived, Gu Qingli was already asleep. After freshening up, he quietly slipped into bed, embraced her, and fell into a deep sleep.

When Gu Qingli woke up the next day, she reached for her side; it was still cool. Had Xiao Yunjing not returned? she wondered, frowning.

"Wuqing."

"Miss, you’re awake." Wuqing entered, carrying a basin of water.

"Yunjing didn’t come back last night?"

"He did return. Didn’t you know, Miss? The Young Master left early this morning."

"Oh, I must have slept too soundly."

"Wuyou said that pregnant women are often like this. Please don’t worry, Miss. Yun No. 2 and the others are with the Young Master; he’ll be fine," Wuqing reassured her. "Wuyou also mentioned that pregnant women tend to be more sensitive and prone to overthinking, so she advised me to be extra attentive."

Indeed, what Wuyou said was true.

Wuqing became even more careful, afraid that Gu Qingli would dwell on things and become unhappy.

"Miss, it hasn’t snowed today. Shall we go for a walk in the city?" Wuqing quickly thought of an idea to distract her mistress. They had been there for quite a few days but hadn’t gone out once.

Gu Qingli hadn’t realized Wuqing was thinking so much, but when Wuqing suggested it, she did feel like going for a walk. She had been cooped up in the small courtyard ever since they arrived.

"That sounds lovely. After breakfast, let’s call Wuyou and go out for a stroll."

Hearing her cheerful voice, Wuqing immediately agreed.

After their meal, the mistress and her two servants headed towards the commandery office’s entrance.

Just as they reached the gate, they heard Jiang Lile asking the yamen runner at the door where Xiao Yunjing had gone.

"Ma-Madam."

The yamen runner, spotting Gu Qingli and her servants standing not far behind Jiang Lile, hastily called out.

Jiang Lile turned and saw Gu Qingli with her servants. Not feeling the least bit embarrassed at being caught, she said sweetly, "Cousin-in-law, are you going out? What a coincidence, I was just about to head out too. Let’s go together!"

Gu Qingli merely said indifferently, "Let’s go."

Wuqing and Wuyou shot Jiang Lile a disdainful look before supporting Gu Qingli out of the commandery office.

There was still snow on the streets outside, and some people were sweeping it away. Gu Qingli took note of the houses in the city. Most were single-story brick and stone structures; there were no wooden houses in sight. Their tiled roofs were blanketed with thick layers of snow.

Jiang Lile walked slightly ahead of Gu Qingli and turned back to ask, "Cousin-in-law, you’ve never been to the Capital City, have you?"

"No, I haven’t."

"You must visit it someday! The Capital City is so prosperous and beautiful. It’s not as cold as here, and certainly not as poor. By this time of year, the snow there would have already melted, and all the shops would be open. The goods sold in the Capital City are so exquisite and valuable, and..."

Jiang Lile prattled on endlessly about the various merits and splendor of the Capital City, completely oblivious to Gu Qingli’s expression, which was growing colder by the minute.

Gu Qingli was growing irritated. Why is this woman so infuriating? Does she really think that by sticking to me, Xiao Yunjing will pay her any mind when he returns?

"Wuqing, Wuyou, I’m tired. Let’s go back."

"Alright, Miss, let’s return."

Without a word to Jiang Lile, the mistress and her two servants turned and headed back.

Jiang Lile, who had been chattering away enthusiastically, was caught off guard when they abruptly left without a word. Her mouth hung open, unsure what to say. She had no choice but to turn back and follow them.

Back in their rooms, Gu Qingli took a sip of water and looked at Jiang Lile, who had trailed after them. "Cousin Lile, if you have nothing else to do, please head back. I’m tired and wish to rest. By the way, why don’t you have a maidservant with you?"

Jiang Lile pouted. "She’s in her room."

She certainly didn’t want a maidservant following her around, spying on her, only to report back and earn her a scolding from her brother.

"It’s better to have someone accompany you when you go out. Please return," Gu Qingli urged her again.

Jiang Lile reluctantly departed.

A few days passed in this manner, with Xiao Yunjing incredibly busy each day, so much so that his feet barely touched the ground.

「Meanwhile, in the Capital City.」

Qingchen stood gazing at the magnificent and imposing Imperial Palace. I’ve finally, legitimately, earned my place here, free to come and go as I please, he thought.

"Young Master, let’s go in. It’s getting late," Secret Guard No.1 reminded him.

Tonight, the Daqian Emperor was hosting a welcome banquet for his master. All the high-ranking officials were to attend with their families.

"Let’s go." Qingchen nodded.

When Qingchen and Secret Guard No.1 were led to Changle Hall by a eunuch, it was evident that all the expected guests had already arrived.

Qingchen followed the eunuch to his designated seat, scanned the crowd, and then sat down.

Numerous young ladies from noble families were in attendance. Upon seeing Qingchen’s peerless face, they all gasped in admiration.

What an incredibly handsome man!

The young ladies’ ardent gazes were fixed on Qingchen, each fervently wishing that such a devastatingly handsome man could be her husband.

Qingchen, however, was long accustomed to such stares from women. He sat quietly in his seat, awaiting the Emperor. The Emperor was always the main event, customarily the last to arrive.

"Master, look at the woman across from us," Secret Guard No.1 whispered in his ear at that moment.

Qingchen looked up. Directly opposite them sat Gu Xicheng and Ms. Su.

When Qingchen saw Ms. Su’s face, his eyes narrowed. The resemblance is uncanny, he thought.

Ms. Su took a delicate sip of tea, her mannerisms strikingly similar to Gu Qingli’s.

"Investigate," Qingchen murmured, his voice so low only he and Secret Guard No.1 could hear.

Secret Guard No.1 nodded, turned, and left the main hall. He returned shortly thereafter.

"It will take one stick of incense at most, Young Master."

"Mm," Qingchen responded casually. He was aware of Gu Xicheng; as the Senior Grand Secretary of Daqian, it was difficult not to know of him.

Both surnamed Gu... Could there be such a coincidence in the world?

"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived! Her Highness Concubine Mei has arrived!" Just then, a eunuch at the entrance of Changle Hall announced their arrival.

Chu Xiong, leading Concubine Mei, entered the grand hall and took their places at the head of the room.

Instantly, everyone in the hall knelt. "We respectfully welcome Your Majesty the Emperor and Your Highness Concubine Mei!"

Qingchen glanced up at Chu Xiong, seated high above. That throne will be mine sooner or later, he vowed silently. One day, these same people will be prostrating themselves at my feet.

"You may all rise," Chu Xiong said with a wave of his hand.

"We thank Your Majesty and Your Highness Concubine Mei."

The people in the hall rose and returned to their seats.

At this point, Chu Xiong turned his gaze towards Qingchen. When Chu Xiong’s gaze fell upon Qingchen’s face once more, his eyelids twitched.

This man is truly a peerless beauty, Chu Xiong mused. Even as a man, I feel a flicker of... agitation. Still, such a devastating beauty has its uses... Heh. Chu Xiong thought, glancing at the young ladies in the hall with a smirk before giving a subtle signal with his eyes.

"This evening’s banquet is to welcome the King of Qing! Let everyone enjoy themselves to the fullest!"

No sooner had Chu Xiong spoken than a beauty in a pink dress stepped into the center of the hall. She first curtsied to the Emperor and Concubine Mei, then turned to Qingchen with a graceful bow, her eyes brimming with affection. "This humble one, Qiu Xue, congratulates the King of Qing and wishes to offer a dance in your honor. I hope it pleases Your Highness."

"Hahaha... King of Qing, that is the daughter of the Minister of Revenue! Your charm truly knows no bounds..." Chu Xiong laughed heartily from his high seat.

A faint smile touched Qingchen’s lips. He rose and offered a cupped-hand salute to Chu Xiong. "Your Majesty overpraises me; this subject is undeserving."

"Thank you, Miss Qiu Xue," Qingchen then said to her, signaling that she could begin her performance.