Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Can I Sleep With You Tonight?

Chun Zhi answered with a straight face: “I cook very well.”

The Princess Royal of Anyang burst out laughing and said: “No wonder Seventh Lord likes you. You really are a delightful person.”

Chun Zhi did not know what part of her was “delightful,” but being praised by Aunt Anyang had to be a good thing.

There was plenty to eat and enjoy in the Princess Royal Manor. Huo Qiong Hua took Chun Zhi to snack, drink, stroll, and look around. The afternoon passed quickly. The sun set behind West Mountain, and the clouds turned red.

Thinking of Little Xing Hui at home, Chun Zhi took the lead and said her goodbyes. Seeing it was about time, the Princess Royal of Anyang did not keep her and told Yu Zhu to walk her out.

Yu Zhu answered softly and escorted Chun Zhi to the gate. As they walked, Chun Zhi asked: “What are your plans?”

Yu Zhu was of marrying age and could not be a maid in the Princess Royal’s service forever. Chun Zhi had wanted to ask the Princess Royal for Yu Zhu, but she herself was the daughter of a convicted official and did not know how the emperor would handle her case. For now, she dared not bring Yu Zhu to her side in case it caused trouble.

Yu Zhu said: “Sister, don’t worry about me. I’m doing well in the Princess Manor and don’t want to leave for now. Also…” She paused.

Chun Zhi did not press her, waiting quietly.

Yu Zhu said in a low voice: “The Gu Family’s eldest young master has arrived in the Capital too. Right now, there is no place safer than the Princess Royal’s manor.”

The Princess Royal of Anyang loved handsome men and had a poor reputation in the Capital. Young men with talent and looks kept their distance from her. Someone like Gu Yuan Jia would never go near the Princess Royal’s manor. So when Yu Zhu said it was safe here, she was right.

Chun Zhi wanted to ask about the child, but the Princess Manor had too many maids and attendants coming and going. She feared being overheard, so she held back.

They reached the gate. The Song Manor carriage was waiting outside. Yu Zhu knew what Chun Zhi wanted to ask and she also had much to say, so she whispered: “When I have time, I will come to Song Manor to see you.”

“This isn’t the place to talk,” Chun Zhi agreed: “All right.” She gently told Yu Zhu to take care of herself, and if she needed anything, she could come to Song Manor anytime.

Yu Zhu nodded and said: “Sister must take good care too.”

At the side, Qing Ye set the footstool and lifted the curtain. Chun Zhi said: “All right, go back now,” then stepped into the carriage. Yu Zhu stood at the gate watching until the carriage rolled away, then turned back into the manor.

Because the Princess Royal of Anyang still visited the Song family, half the ladies and young misses in the Capital began sending invitations to Song Manor again for banquets and spring outings. Chun Zhi knew they were not sincere. They saw the emperor had not yet canceled her marriage to Prince Chang’an and guessed she could still become the Princess Consort of Chang’an, so they wanted to keep in touch. She accepted the invitations but did not go, and only went out now and then with Song Wan’er.

In a blink, more than half a month passed. After all the arguing in the Imperial Court about Mu Qing Shan, a decision finally came.

Huo Zheng brought the news to Song Manor at once. At sunset, Chun Zhi was having dinner with the Song brother and sister in the flower hall. Huo Zheng came in and sat beside Chun Zhi, then said: “Father Emperor’s men who went to the Northern Frontier to investigate Official Mu have returned to report.”

Chun Zhi put down her chopsticks at once and asked: “What did they say?”

Song Wan’er and Song An Lan also set down their chopsticks and looked at Huo Zheng, waiting.

Huo Zheng said slowly: “They said Official Mu has held no resentment after years of exile in the Northern Frontier. He labors every day and keeps to himself.”

Chun Zhi had never been to the Northern Frontier, but she had heard it was a bitter, cold place. Ordinary people could hardly bear the wind, frost, rain, and snow. Many exiled there died in that land.

Huo Zheng went on: “Today, in front of all the civil and military officials, Father Emperor ordered Official Mu and his family to return to the Capital. It will not be long before you see them.”

Joy burst in Chun Zhi’s chest. She grabbed Huo Zheng’s hand and asked: “Really?”

Huo Zheng answered: “Of course.”

Song Wan’er exclaimed: “That is wonderful news, the best news!”

Song An Lan added gently: “Your Highness has worked hard these days.”

Huo Zheng had run around and argued for Mu Qing Shan day after day, and Song An Lan had seen it. Huo Zheng only told Chun Zhi the emperor had given the order; he said nothing of the effort behind it. He simply said: “Bringing Official Mu back is good for both you and me. This small effort is nothing.”

Chun Zhi ladled him a bowl of chicken soup and handed it to him, saying: “Have some soup.”

He answered with a quiet “mm,” took the bowl, and drank slowly. Then he said to Chun Zhi: “The Mu family will need a place to live when they return. In two days, come look at a house with me.”

Chun Zhi was about to agree, but Song Wan’er quickly said: “Let the Mu family live in Song Manor. The house is big, and several courtyards are empty anyway.”

“Wan’er is right,” Song An Lan said warmly: “Empty courtyards are better filled. More people will bring more life.”

Chun Zhi did not speak at once. She felt that she and the child already troubled the Song siblings enough. If the Mu family also moved into Song Manor, it might be improper.

Huo Zheng glanced at Chun Zhi and guessed her thoughts. He said at once: “Earlier, some in the Imperial Court accused the Song family and the Mu family of joining hands to deceive the throne. To avoid suspicion, it is better to arrange a separate residence for Official Mu’s family.”

Since Prince Chang’an had put it that way, Song An Lan did not argue. Song Wan’er also yielded and said: “All right then.”

After the meal, Huo Zheng walked Chun Zhi back to her small courtyard. He said: “I have another residence one street over from the Prince’s Manor. When the Mu family returns, they can live there.”

Chun Zhi asked: “The Song siblings must avoid suspicion. Shouldn’t you avoid it too?”

Huo Zheng smiled, pulled her into his arms, and said: “You are my wife. If I try to avoid suspicion, I still cannot cut my tie to the Mu family.” He added calmly: “Since I cannot cut it, I might as well let everyone see clearly that I am their son-in-law.”

So in the Imperial Court he did not hide his personal feelings at all. In fact, it left those who wanted to accuse him of favoritism with no angle to use.

Chun Zhi brushed her fingers over Huo Zheng’s brow. He had been truly worn out these days, and he had grown thinner. She felt a soft ache for him in her heart.

Huo Zheng held her close, and they walked into the room. The child was still asleep. Huo Zheng lowered his head and kissed her lips, then asked in a low voice: “Can I sleep with you tonight?”