When Ye Jiayao returned to their courtyard, Xia Chunyu was just sending the physician off.
“What did the physician say?”
“It’s just a little sprain. She just has to rub it with some ointment and she’ll recover in a couple of days.”
Ye Jiayao sighed with relief. “Good. What do you want to eat? I’ll make it.”
Xia Chunyu took her hand and led her into their room, saying, “Get the servants to make it. I know you’re tired too.”
Although he really wanted to eat her cooking, he’s not going to sacrifice her health just to satisfy his cravings.
Qiao Xi took the initiative to make some fragrant shredded chicken noodles. She’s been learning a few things from Jiang Yue and she wanted to put it to the test. It was just a pity that Jiang Yue has been spending most of her time in the pastry shop and couldn’t come back every day.
Chunyu took a bite of the noodles and praised, “Not bad.”
“Thank you, Heir-son Lord,” Qiao Xi responded, pleased.
Ye Jiayao smiled and said proudly, “Qiao Xi’s quite talented.”
“Why don’t you just teach all of them so when they leave, they have something to brag about. It’d look bad if they can’t even make a decent dish after serving you for so long.”
Ye Jiayao smiled meaningfully at Qiao Xi. “That’s a good idea. When the time comes, the maids in our courtyard would be highly sought after.”
Qiao Xi ducked her head shyly and ran out.
Xia Chunyu laughed out loud.
Ye Jiayao contemplated telling him about the warning that Reverend Ji Ren issued, but after giving it more thought, she figured that it’s not such a good idea. She’d just have to be extra careful from now on.
The couple turned in early and the next day, they both went to the Helian Prince’s mansion.
When they got there, Ah Ruan has yet to arrive so Yu De pulled her aside to talk, leaving Xia Chunyu to visit the Old Ancestress alone.
“What do you think of Princess Ah Ruan?” Yu De asked. The way she phrased her question revealed her intentions.
“I think she is good. Kind, innocent, and adorable. She’s also very lively,” Ye Jiayao told her truthfully.
Yu De seemed to have a lot on her mind when she said, “His Majesty intends for Little Jing to marry Ah Ruan. I’ve met Ah Ruan and I have no problem with her. The only thing I’m worried about is if Little Jing would agree to this. I don’t want my son to marry someone he doesn’t like. They can’t have a successful marriage if they don’t have at least some sort of feelings toward each other.”
Ye Jiayao was surprised that Elder Princess Yu De would say something like that. In this era, love isn’t the basis of marriage. They put more emphasis on whether the union would be an advantage for both families, especially the wealthy ones. Mothers usually consider their interests rather than their children’s. Yu De’s attitude might be why Helian Xuan has gotten away with being unmarried in his age.
“Elder Princess, have you asked Little Jing?”
“I’ve tried to ask him indirectly but it seems that he doesn’t think of her that way.”
“Why don’t I try to sound him out?” Ye Jiayao offered.
“That would be great. Little Jing listens to you the most. Talk to him,” Yu De pleaded.
Her words made YeJiayao feel guilty. The only reason he listens to her was that he’s in love with her and Yu De doesn’t know about it.
“Alright. I will have a chat with Little Jing then.” She was going to make sure this goes well. She wanted Little Jing to be happy and Ah Ruan seemed to be the right girl for the job.
Helian Jing was busy reviewing some documents in his study. He’s been spending so much time with Ah Ruan recently that his work has gotten delayed.
“Young Royal Highness, Second Young Mistress is here,” Ping An reported.
Helian Jing was immediately overjoyed and he quickly put his documents down. “Where is she?”
“Little Jing,” Ye Jiayao called out as she walked in.
Helian Jing ushered her in and ordered Ping An to prepare some tea.
“When did you get here? Where is Brother Chunyu?”
“I’ve been here for a while. Chunyu’s chatting with the Old Ancestress right now.”
After serving them some tea, Ping An retreated and left them alone.
Ye Jiayao surveyed his office. The study has cow horns and bow and arrows as decorations. It was so easy to tell that this study belongs to someone who practices martial arts. Chunyu also practices martial arts but his study consisted mainly of books.
“Aren’t you going to come and get Ah Ruan?” Ye Jiayao asked after taking a sip of her tea.
“Why would I need to do that? She knows the way here.”
“You really don’t know how to protect girls. This is her first time coming here. You should know better,” she reprimanded with a glare.
Helian Jing was confused. “She’s just here to visit. What’s the big deal?”
Ye Jiayao frowned. Does he not have any interest in Ah Ruan?
“Little Jing, what do you think of Ah Ruan?”
“She’s nice!” Little Jing answered casually.
“Have you ever thought about why His Majesty tasked you to accompany Ah Ruan?”
He grumbled, “Don’t even get me started on that. His Majesty was all out of princes and noblemen, and I’m the only one who’s ‘idle’. How am I idle? I have a lot of big responsibilities in our military! He also refused to reimburse me all the money I’ve spent entertaining Ah Ruan. I’m going broke!”
She stared blankly at him. She wasn’t sure if he’s just slow or he’s just deliberate ignoring all the signs.
“But you know why Ah Ruan’s staying in Jin Ling, right?” she clarified.
“Marriage,” he answered. He was just about to drink his tea when he suddenly paused. He eyed her warily and asked, “Yaoyao… do you think His Majesty wants me to marry Ah Ruan?”
I know, marriage!” Little Jing says casually, bringing the tea to his mouth, then pausing all of a sudden, putting the teacup down. He watches Ye Jiayao hesitantly.
“Yaoyao… do you suppose His Majesty wants me to marry Ah Ruan?”
Ye Jiayao raised a brow. Duh.
Helian Jing’s mouth dropped open. “No, no. Ah Ruan is nice but I have never thought of marrying her!”
“If you like her enough, then why not marry her? I think that you guys are getting along fine. Besides, you can develop deeper feelings for her overtime. I know that Ah Ruan’s already harboring romantic feelings for you.”
He was silent for a while but when he spoke, his eyes were trained on her. “If I had met her first, I probably would have married her in a heartbeat. But I met you first.”
Her eyes widened. When and where did he get the courage to say straightforward things like that?
He raised a hand and gave her a sad smile. “Don’t feel burdened. I won’t say stuff like these anymore. I just need you to know what I’m feeling. I know that I have to let you go, but I need some time. At least for now, I can’t commit to Ah Ruan.”
The windows on all four walls were open and there was a chilly breeze blowing on them, but Ye Jiayao’s chest still felt tight and stuffy. She recalled the crestfallen look on Little Jing’s face when he asked her if she’s Ye Jinxuan and her heart ached for him. Of all people, why does it have to be her? She wanted to erase his pain but there was nothing she could do.
She licked her dry lips and with difficulty, started, “But Ah Ruan might not be able to wait. And even if she does, His Majesty wouldn’t. If you’re not willing to marry her, His Majesty would look for someone else. Think about it. Wouldn’t you regret it if Ah Ruan goes to someone else?”
Helian Jing has never thought of it like that. Up until now, he was convinced that the only woman in his heart was Yaoyao. However, the mere thought of Ah Ruan marrying someone else fills his heart with great discomfort.
“Just think about it, okay? For yourself,” Ye Jiayao persuaded before leaving.
He stared blankly at Yaoyao’s retreating figure, his mind filled with Ah Ruan’s smiling face, her bright eyes, and those deep dimples.
He recalled her sweet voice…
‘Little Jing, do you think this looks nice? No? Then I don’t want it…’
‘Little Jing, come and chase me. Let’s see who runs faster…’
‘Little Jing, I want to visit your mother and grandmother…’
Could Yaoyao be right? Does Ah Ruan have feelings for him?
Yaoyao asked him if he’d regret it if she married someone else. Would he? He doesn’t know!
Helian Jing ran a frustrated hand through his hair. This was too difficult!
Ye Jiayao joined Xia Chunyu and the Old Ancestress.
When the old woman was turned away, Chunyu surreptitiously whispered to her, “Have you talked to Little Jing?”
“That kid is slow.”
After a while, Ah Ruan arrived with a huge pile of gifts in tow.
“I don’t know what the Elder Princess and Old Ancestress like, so I could only prepare gifts that I feel that you’d like. I hope you don’t hate them, Elder Princess and Old Ancestress,” Ah Ruan said nervously, her pretty face flushed red.
“You shouldn’t have bothered with gifts, child,” Yu De told her with a smile. “It’s enough that you took the time to visit us.”
The Old Ancestress beckoned her over. “Ah Ruan, come and sit here.”
Ah Ruan obediently sat beside the Old Ancestress.
The Old Ancestress took her hand and studied her pretty features. The child was extremely beautiful and she couldn’t help but like her. The Old Ancestreses also thought about how she came here in Huai Song all alone for the peace of her land, and couldn’t help but sympathize with her.
“Good child, are you used to staying in Jin Ling yet?”
Ah Ruan smiled. “I am. This place is more bustling than Nanyue and has a lot of good food. It also helps that I have friends like Sister Yaoyao and Little Jing.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Feel free to come by more often, we’d love the company,” the Old Ancestress said benevolently.
Tears welled up in Ah Ruan’s eyes and her answering smile was bright. “As long as you want me, Old Ancestress, I’d be visiting you often.”
Ye Jiayao could understand how Ah Ruan’s feeling more than anyone. She’s also alone in a different world and craves for familial love. She hoped that Little Jing sorts his feeling out soon and not let such a good girl go.
“Young Royal Highness has arrived,” a servant called from outside.
Ye Jiayao looked up and saw Little Jing walked in, his head hanging low.
Xia Chunyu and Ye Jiayao exchanged glances.
Everything depended on Little Jing’s decision.
