Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 219 - 218: Restless Nights and Uneasy Sleep

Since the important matters have been settled, Zhu Cheng asked everyone else to go back and rest. People gradually began to leave.

Miao Shi and a few other concubines followed behind Pang Yuzhen, turning their heads every few steps, visibly slower than the others, yet not daring to speak.

Zhu Yu watched from the side, feeling compassionate. Taking advantage of Zhu Cheng not stepping out the door yet, she called out to him.

"Father," she said politely to Zhu Cheng, "I haven’t seen Mother in a long time, and seeing her today, I’ve missed her so much. Could I ask for her to stay a while longer so we can talk and relieve our longing?"

Zhu Cheng turned to look at Miao Shi, seeing her eyes still red, holding back tears, sighed, and nodded, "Then you stay and talk with your daughter. If it gets late, spend the night at Li Garden."

He hesitated slightly and then added, "While they are staying in the mansion, you may come and see Zhu Yu whenever you wish."

Miao Shi was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked Zhu Cheng, her voice choked with emotion.

Pang Yuzhen didn’t look pleased as she pulled up Zhu Ning, who was kneeling on the ground, dusted off her dress, and walked out, taking a good look at Lu Qing as they passed by.

Lu Qing stood there as if he had noticed nothing.

As Zhu Ning was being dragged away by her mother, her eyes remained glued to Zhu Yu’s dress, seeming in poor spirits.

After everyone had left, only Miao Shi, Lu Qing, and Zhu Yu were left in the guest hall. Miao Shi seemed somewhat apprehensive toward Lu Qing, perhaps because she was used to being mistreated at the Prince Shuo Mansion, and now she unexpectedly faced her noble son-in-law, even more respected by Zhu Cheng. This made her, as the mother-in-law, feel quite at a loss.

Her emotions were obvious, and Lu Qing could see them clearly. So to help Miao Shi feel at ease, he said to Zhu Yu, "You haven’t seen your mother in a long time. I will have Fu Lu prepare a vacant room for you two to talk as long as you like."

"Okay." Zhu Yu smiled and nodded, indeed wanting to talk to Miao Shi, not only due to the long separation but for other reasons as well.

Fu Lu was efficient and, upon receiving the command, immediately prepared an empty room. He also called for servants from the Prince Shuo Mansion to bring a pot of sweet tea and some pastries over to the guest room.

They hadn’t finished their meal earlier due to the ruckus caused by the eldest Miss of the Zhu Family, so by now, his Mistress must be hungry too.

After preparing everything, Lu Qing returned to his room, leaving Zhu Yu and her mother to speak, while Fu Lu stood guard outside the door to allow them to talk without concern.

Holding the bundle of clothes, Miao Shi entered the room. Once left alone with her daughter, tears started to fall as she carefully placed the bundle on the table, as if even a slight movement might damage it. She then gently caressed Zhu Yu’s cheek and said, "I thought I might never have the chance to see you again...

But you came back, and with your husband too.

Your complexion is so rosy, and you look so spirited, it’s like a heavy stone has been lifted from my heart."

"Mother, rest assured, I am doing well in Jin Country. Life is comfortable and my husband treats me exceptionally well." Zhu Yu gently helped Miao Shi to sit down and affectionately sat beside her, holding her hand, "But you, Mother, how have you lost so much weight in just a few months?

If you don’t take good care of yourself, your daughter won’t be able to eat or sleep well in Jin Country either."

"No, no," Miao Shi quickly wiped her tears, as if making a promise, "seeing you so well, Mother will eat heartily from now on. I’ll soon gain back the weight I’ve lost!

When the Holy Emperor decreed your marriage, the Princess cried not wanting to send Zhu Ning off, saying that Prince Xiaoyao’s reputation was disgraceful. She didn’t keep it to herself; I heard everything from the side.

Later, the Prince indeed softened from her tears and wanted you to marry by decree. Being of humble origin, I had no say like the Princess and couldn’t stop it, thinking I’d have to watch my daughter be pushed into the fire pit...

But now, it seems Heaven has opened its eyes, unwilling to let my daughter suffer. The rumors about Prince Xiaoyao were baseless, and he turns out to be such a handsome and dignified man, perfectly matched with my daughter!

As a mother, my heart is finally at peace!"

After speaking, she glanced toward the door, as if there were words she dared not utter.

"Mother, Lu Qing’s personal guard is outside. They are trustworthy, and with them guarding the door, you can say anything without worry of being overheard," Zhu Yu reassured, seeing Miao Shi’s hesitation.

Miao Shi seemed even more excited upon hearing this, "Prince Xiaoyao permits you to call him by name? It really seems my daughter is well-loved in her marriage! This is wonderful!"

Had it been earlier, Zhu Yu might have reacted indifferently to such a statement, but upon hearing Miao Shi’s sigh, she suddenly recalled a conversation she had with him one night, making her feel inexplicably flustered, her cheeks warming.

Her reaction did not escape Miao Shi’s notice. Feeling at ease, knowing her son-in-law’s people were guarding outside and not having to worry about Pang Yuzhen’s prying eyes, Miao Shi relaxed considerably, yet she slightly lowered her voice and said to Zhu Yu, "You’ve been in Jin Country all this time, unaware of the happenings at home.

The Princess has been worried and sleepless lately because of Zhu Ning’s marriage arrangements.

She couldn’t bear to send her to Jin Country back then, as she wanted to find a more reliable and respectable marriage for her.

Everyone thought it wouldn’t be difficult, but while many hoped to marry Zhu Ning, the Princess didn’t find them suitable, and those she approved did not accept Zhu Ning.

In this way, unable to find a match, even though you’ve been married for months, Zhu Ning’s marriage is still undecided, and the Princess’s anger falls upon the Prince."

"Why does she blame Father?" Zhu Yu asked.

"She blames the Prince for not being ambitious, for managing the title of Prince Shuo poorly, not gaining favor or respect.

Prince Lan is of royal blood, and his legitimate daughter is a Commandery Princess. The Jie King is highly capable, causing the emperor to be wary, and his legitimate daughter is also a Commandery Princess. Besides, she was granted marriage to Prince Yi, known for his power.

It’s only us who, despite Zhu Ning being the only legitimate daughter, only earned the title of County Princess, lower in rank than others, making it hard to find a suitable husband."

Miao Shi tried hard to hide her emotions, but facing her own daughter, having endured Pang Yuzhen’s spite many times, she couldn’t suppress her grin and finally couldn’t resist saying something Schadenfreude-like, "Seeing Prince Xiaoyao is so dignified, imposing, and noble, she must be tearing herself up with regret.

It’s just unfortunate for your father, who’ll be blamed again."