The ladies looked at each other, bewildered.
They watched Qu Mianke’s receding figure with varying expressions.
They had originally thought Qu Mianke’s marriage into the Prince Rui Residence was a done deal, but it turned out that Prince Rui didn’t give Qu Mianke a second glance.
In that case, did that mean they also had a chance?
Even if not as the principal wife, becoming a concubine was also possible!
Qu Mianke chased out of the Wang Residence, only to find Chu Yu’s figure long gone. Stamping her feet in frustration, Qu Mianke felt utterly wronged.
"Commandery Princess!" Simei called out softly.
Qu Mianke felt scared and worried with such a situation.
"This servant is here!"
"If mother comes to Capital City, would cousin agree to marry me for the sake of mother’s dignity?"
Upon hearing this, Simei’s heart skipped a beat, "He will!"
Prince Rui had spent two years with Princess Ning’an when he was younger, and there was still some affection there, perhaps with Princess Ning’an’s intervention, Prince Rui might agree.
Qu Mianke, looking at Simei, smiled, "Let’s go write a letter to mother quickly. Have her come to the Capital City after the New Year!"
She was already of age to get married, and if she didn’t, she would become a laughingstock.
Simei responded eagerly.
Chu Yu rode out of the city just as the sky began to snow.
It was light at first but gradually grew heavier, eventually turning into a blizzard.
The roads were busy with people entering and leaving the city, all heading home.
Chu Yu stopped at Shili Pavilion. There were several paths ahead, and not knowing which one Yun Jinnian would come from, he decided to wait there.
From noon until evening...
Snow had accumulated on him.
"Prince, it’s getting dark. Let’s go back," a voice suggested.
When it appeared there really were no carriages coming from afar, Chu Yu responded indifferently, "Let’s go back."
He turned his horse around to head back to the city, but then he heard the sound of horse hooves.
And a crisp yet unfamiliar shout, "Hyah!"
Chu Yu quickly looked back and saw Han Tianci wearing a blue cloak, riding his horse at full speed, followed by a group of riders and carriages.
A smile suddenly appeared on Chu Yu’s face.
His eyes reddened slightly.
Upon seeing Chu Yu, Han Tianci called out loudly and swung his horsewhip.
Yun Jinnian abruptly sat up straight, his calm eyes suddenly shining like stars.
Seeing this, Mrs. Han also smiled, "He’s quite considerate!"
In this kind of weather, under the snow, who knows how long he had been waiting at Shili Pavilion!
"Mother..." Yun Jinnian called softly,
Her cheeks turning red.
"Mother understands your feelings. Since he is willing, mother certainly won’t oppose!" Mrs. Han said, taking Yun Jinnian’s hand.
At Chu Yu’s status and position, it wasn’t really about schemes or manipulation.
Her Jinnian was stronger than her, more tenacious, more thoughtful when it came to emotions, more serious, and more forgiving.
He would definitely not lead a life like hers.
Chu Yu got off his horse, waiting for Han Tianci to approach, looking at his tall figure and thin, elegant face, "Tianci!"
Han Tianci called out, disembarked from his horse, and approached Chu Yu, now only half a head shorter than Chu Yu.
"How did you get so tall?"
"Hehe, good food, that’s why I grew!" Tianci chuckled naively and enthusiastically.
Chu Yu ruffled his hair, "What about your Martial Arts? Any progress?"
"Why don’t you try me and see, Chu brother!" said Han Tianci, attacking Chu Yu swiftly and without holding back.
Chu Yu countered quickly, and the two of them began to spar on the spot.
Despite only a year’s time, Tianci had improved remarkably fast. With his agility and Chu Yu giving him some leeway, the fight was evenly matched.