The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 180 - 179

Chapter 179

"The weather is starting to get colder. If you stay out in the dew like this, you’ll catch a cold..."

A gentle voice brought Mu Yingying back to her senses. She looked up and met his eyes with a smile spreading across her face.

"You’re back?"

"Yes, Miss. I’m back," he replied with a slight smile, his once cold eyes now showing signs of warmth and gentleness.

Even though it was just a short sentence, the hidden meaning within it made Mu Yingying feel an inexplicable warmth in her heart. She reached out and lightly touched the right side of his cheek, and the young man did not think to stop her at all.

"The scar has healed, hasn’t it? So, from now on, you don’t need to wear the mask anymore," Mu Yingying said with an unconcealed playful smile.

This man was none other than Lu Jiu!

As soon as the two of them met eyes, Mu Yingying immediately recognized that the young man was Lu Jiu, who had been by her side for many years. Even though he no longer wore the silver mask and the scar on his face had completely healed, revealing a handsome and chiseled face, Lu Jiu’s eyes remained unchanged. The warmth and gentleness in his gaze were just as before.

This allowed Mu Yingying to recognize Lu Jiu the moment he walked into the banquet.

"I didn’t expect you to be the Crown Prince of the Basui Region. So, you must have been handling affairs in the region all this time,"

Mu Yingying said in a casual manner. Despite not seeing each other for nearly three years, she showed no signs of estrangement or coldness. She continued to speak to him with the same familiarity and ease, which made Lu Jiu feel even more warmth in his heart.

"Are you angry, Miss, that I didn’t tell you the truth about who I was from the beginning?"

Lu Jiu asked with curiosity. He had many chances to tell her the truth, but he never did. In the end, she found out on her own today. When Mu Yingying heard the question, she raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Why would I be angry with you? I understand that you had your reasons. Besides, you must have gone through a lot."

Mu Yingying could still remember how miserable he looked the first time she met him. Even though he was a royal of the Basui Region, he had to suffer far away in Qingzhou. Without much need for investigation, she could guess that the power struggles in the Basui royal court were probably no better than those in Qingzhou. Perhaps they were even worse.

She didn’t want to think about the things he must have gone through while handling affairs in his homeland, to reach this point where he was recognized as the Crown Prince of the mighty Basui Region.

Mu Yingying knew that one of the reasons he endured such hardships was to return to her side, to help her deal with her enemies as he had promised three years ago. Realizing this, Mu Yingying couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude towards him.

"I couldn’t make it back in time for your hairpin ceremony, so here’s a gift I prepared for you. I hope you don’t mind."

Lu Jiu handed her a carved wooden box. When Mu Yingying received it and opened the box, she found a precious jade amulet intricately carved with cloud patterns. Her delicate hand reached out to caress the smooth surface of the jade before sincerely thanking Lu Jiu.

"Thank you so much for the gift. I love it."

"I’m glad you like it, Miss. This jade amulet was an heirloom specially ordered to make by my mother herself. There are two of them in total. I keep one with me, and the other I wanted to give to you as a gift," Lu Jiu explained at a measured pace, taking out the matching jade amulet hanging at his waist to show her.

Upon hearing that the jade amulet was made as a pair, Mu Yingying felt a bit surprised. "This jade amulet, why are you giving it to me? Isn’t a pair of jade amulets meant to be given to your future wife?"

"Before, I carried one with me while the other stayed with my mother. Now that she has passed, I felt it right to give it to someone important. To me, you are that important person, so I wanted to give it to you,"

Lu Jiu said with a gentle smile. He used his mother as an excuse to ease her mind, which worked as expected. Mu Yingying understood that Lu Jiu saw her as an important person who had saved his life when he was young, making him want to give her this significant item, not as a wife, but as a benefactor.

"So that’s how it is..."

Mu Yingying muttered to herself before accepting the jade amulet without further questions. Unbeknownst to her, a fleeting playful smile appeared on Lu Jiu’s face before disappearing.

"What will you do next, Miss?"

Lu Jiu asked curiously. Now that he had settled matters in the Basui Region, he was ready to stay by her side.

"In a few days, I’ll be traveling to the Daliang Region,"

Mu Yingying answered truthfully. She had planned this for some time, and now everything was ready. All that remained was for her to set off.

"In that case, I’ll accompany you."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yingying turned sharply to look at the young man beside her in surprise. "You’ll come with me?" 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Yes," Lu Jiu nodded before she questioned further, her face puzzled. "And you don’t need to go back to your duties? You’re now the Crown Prince of Basui Region, do you really have that much free time?"

"Even though I’m the Crown Prince of Basui, don’t forget that I’m still Lu Jiu,"

His response made Mu Yingying’s heart flutter strangely. She immediately understood that he wanted to stay by her side to help her just as he had in the past. Even though he had been away for nearly three years, Lu Jiu remained the same.

"Alright, then we’ll travel to the Daliang Region together."

Mu Yingying said with a broad smile, her big round eyes shining brightly, captivating anyone who looked. Lu Jiu, who always thought he could control his emotions, suddenly found himself unable to contain a certain feeling that had been growing in his heart. When this feeling started, he did not know.

By the time he realized it, he had begun to miss her every night, worrying about her well-being. In the end, Lu Jiu could not bear these feelings any longer and hurriedly settled matters in Basui to return to her side...

Two years later.

In the heart of the bustling commercial district of the Daliang Region’s capital, all the main streets remained lively as always. People were out shopping continuously, leaving no vendor or stall idle even for half of fifteen minutes. Particularly in front of the Ma Feng Restaurant, luxurious carriages bearing the crests of noble families were parked in a never-ending line.

At that moment, five large carriages lined up in front of the Ma Feng Restaurant entrance. Each carriage was uniquely beautiful, yet the second and third carriages exuded a different aura. Just looking at them here, one could feel their majesty and unattainable grandeur. This aura was inherent to royalty, something not easily possessed by others.

To the townspeople, those inside must either be a royal consort or a high-ranking Wang. Seeing who stepped out of the first carriage, they could guess the status of those in the second carriage with almost complete certainty.

The person who alighted from the first carriage was none other than Shizi[1] of the Guogong Manor, a young master renowned throughout the capital. There was no one who didn’t know him, especially among high society. Those who usually accompanied him were either the Crown Prince or the Third Prince.

In an instant, the figure of Shizi of the Guogong Manor had descended from the carriage. The waiter, who had been waiting to greet guests, quickly hurried over to welcome the new arrivals with a broad smile.

"May I ask if there is anything I can assist you with, esteemed guest?"

The Ma Feng Restaurant had become very famous over the past year, especially among the upper class, young misses yet to be married, the Furens, and idle officials’ descendants. With its diverse menu, unique dishes, exquisite preparation, and distinctive flavors, along with its luxurious and beautiful room decor that gave off a sense of modern, not too old-fashioned. Each day, the special rooms were always fully booked.

Even the group of high-ranking Crown Prince frequently visited this restaurant, further enhancing its reputation. As a result, the Ma Feng Restaurant became widely known and talked about.

"I require the best room you have here,"

Declared Shizi of the Guogong Manor, named Ben Yanggong, in a flat tone. He did not even spare a glance at the waiter, his face slightly raised, displaying his arrogance.

"I’m terribly sorry, sir, but our special rooms have already been reserved..."

The waiter replied softly. Suddenly feeling the dangerous aura from the new guest, his face showed immediate fear, and sweat began to bead across his forehead.

"Do you think a mere special room is something Shizi of the Guogong Manor cannot afford!?"

"N...no, sir."

The waiter’s legs suddenly felt weak. He lowered his head to avoid the fierce gaze of the noble guest before him. As a commoner, how could he dare to stand up to Shizi of the Guogong Manor?

Meanwhile, not long after, a sudden thud resounded, as if something had fallen by his feet. When the waiter looked, he saw a money pouch revealing dozens of gold taels. Shocked, he quickly looked up at the new guest who had walked up to Ben Yanggong’s side.

"I want the best private room. If anyone has an issue, they can take it up with me!"

Declared the Third Prince, his voice firm and sharp. His cold piercing gaze bore into the waiter, and his expressionless face emanated a pressure that ordinary people could hardly withstand.

The Third Prince had been waiting in the carriage with his elder brother, the Crown Prince. Seeing that his friend, Ben Yanggong, had been out for a while without returning, he grew impatient and decided to go out and handle the situation himself. This approach proved effective, as it usually did when a prince intervened personally.

The waiter was at a loss for words to dissuade the prince. This time, the Third Prince himself had issued the command. As a commoner, he dared not defy a royal command. In the end, he had no choice but to comply with the order.

"I will take care of it immediately, Your Highness," the waiter bowed clumsily before retreating.

At that moment, the curtain of the second carriage was drawn aside from within, revealing a strong, smooth hand typical of a man. A deep, powerful voice emanated from inside the carriage. This was none other than the Crown Prince of the Daliang Region.

"What is going on?"

"There was a minor issue with booking the private room, Brother," the Third Prince quickly responded to his brother. The Crown Prince then asked further, "Is it resolved?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Mm..."

The Crown Prince replied with a calm voice before gracefully alighting from the carriage. His handsome face was calm and expressionless, exuding an aura of nobility akin to a celestial being. As he descended, others from the carriages behind followed suit.

The first was Fu Tianma, the eldest young master of the Hou Manor. Behind him was Hao Mingye, the second young master of the Chancellor Hao’s manor. Both were friends of the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, just like Ben Yanggong. The five of them often gathered together, forming a formidable group that no one dared underestimate.

Once they were all inside the private room, they ordered a variety of exquisite dishes and fine brewed wine. While they were still giving their orders to the waiter, the door suddenly burst open, admitting five new guests, three of whom were women.

Leading this group was the Fifth Prince. Beside him was the eldest young master of Chancellor De’s manor, De Chaikun. The three women were the Seventh Princess, De Qianqing, the eldest young miss of the Chancellor De’s manor and sister to De Chaikun, and lastly, Qian Minmin, the eldest young miss of the Royal Tutor Qian’s manor.

"Greetings, Crown Prince Brother, Third Brother..."

The Fifth Prince paid respects to the two seated princes. The Seventh Princess inevitably had to greet her two older brothers according to the etiquette, her face briefly showing signs of irritation.

"Greetings, Crown Prince. Greetings, Third Prince," the rest of the group paid respects to the two royals with full ceremony. The Crown Prince nodded and gestured to tell them that:

"No need for formalities, you may rise."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"It’s no big deal..."

Although he said this, his sharp eyes were fixed on the delicate figure of De Qianqing. The Fifth Prince, noticing the hidden meaning in his gaze, couldn’t help but softly remark to remind him.

"Crown Prince Brother..."

"Fifth Brother, do you have some business with me?"

The Crown Prince responded with a warm, courteous smile befitting an elder brother and a gentleman. However, if one looked closely, they would notice that the smile did not reach his eyes. His gaze remained cold, as if shrouded in a veil of ice.

"This room was reserved in advance by my people. There must have been some misunderstanding."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince turned to his younger brother of the same mother beside him. "Is it as Fifth Brother says, Third Brother?"

"Earlier, the waiter mentioned the room was already reserved. However, since this is the best room, I offered double the price to secure it. I didn’t expect the previous reservation to be Fifth Brother’s, leading us to be questioned as if we were at fault,"

The Third Prince responded, his tone slightly sarcastic at the end of the sentence, aiming a subtle jab at his half-brother. The tension in the room immediately heightened, making the atmosphere uncomfortable. Those around them fell silent, wary of the changing situation.

Just as the Fifth Prince was about to speak to defuse the situation, a knock on the door interrupted them, followed by the fearful and respectful voice of the waiter. "I apologize for interrupting, esteemed guests. There is something I need to explain."

The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze from the delicate figure of the beauty before him and spoke, "Let him in. And you all, please sit down. No need to remain standing."

[1] Shizi (世子) means the heir or crown prince; in this context, it means the heir of Guogong (equivalent to Duke).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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