TFSRITA Chapter 176

Mu’s sentence remained unfinished as Ji Jiacun coldly glanced at her, his eyes filled with undisguised disdain. “Plenty of people like me,” he said sharply. “Does that mean I should keep them all by my side?”

Liu Tong clutched her chest, finding it difficult to breathe. Her face turned pale as she struggled to respond but ultimately covered her mouth and ran out in tears.

The moment she left, Ji Jiacun’s proud, upright demeanor instantly disappeared. He mumbled under his breath, “Finally, she’s gone!”

Honestly, he wasn’t the patient type. If it had been anyone else, they would have been dealt with long ago. But since this was someone his grandmother adored, he held back again and again.

However, bullying Yan Qing? That was unacceptable.

“Hmph!” he snorted with a final note of defiance.

“Pfft…” Yan Qing couldn’t help but laugh.

Ji Jiacun instantly turned red, his confidence shaken. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly and asked, “You saw all that?”

Yan Qing tilted her head, her smile as pure and sweet as ever. “I sure did!”

Looking at her, Ji Jiacun felt a twinge in his heart and subconsciously stepped closer. His feet moved on their own.

After a few steps, Yan Qing suddenly opened her arms wide. “Come here for a hug?”

“Huh?” Ji Jiacun’s face lit up with joy. He immediately moved forward, wrapping her in his arms before asking, “Is this a reward?”

Yan Qing nodded, patting his back. “Alright, go take a bath. Afterward, I’ll apply some medicine for you.”

“Okay,” Ji Jiacun replied, grinning ear to ear as he happily headed toward his room.

Yan Qing and Ji Jiacun spent a day at the Pingwu Marquis’ residence. During this time, the old lady behaved herself. Although she still didn’t like Yan Qing, she limited her hostility to silent indifference and refrained from causing trouble.

This was thanks to Ji Jiacun’s earlier warning. The old lady couldn’t bear to reprimand her grandson and, realizing his newfound assertiveness, decided to start arranging matches for Liu Tong after they left.

She feared that if she didn’t act, her grandson might make rash decisions, just like that princess consort of his father’s.

As for Liu Tong, she fell ill for two days after returning home. Once recovered, she finally settled down and behaved.

When Yan Qing and Ji Jiacun returned to the capital, the old lady didn’t see them off, nor did Liu Tong appear, which suited everyone just fine.

However, as they arrived at the Princess’ Mansion, they unexpectedly encountered the Crown Prince, Xu Cheng’an, just as they were about to enter. He was walking out.

Their timing was impeccable, and the three of them ended up face-to-face.

Xu Cheng’an’s initially somber expression transformed into a warm smile as he greeted them cheerfully.

Ji Jiacun gave a casual nod, while Yan Qing asked with an air of curiosity, “Was the Crown Prince here to see my father?”

Xu Cheng’an’s smile deepened, and he nodded. “Indeed, I had a pleasant conversation with the Marquis. Time always flies by too quickly, though—I still have other matters to attend to.”

Yan Qing’s gaze shifted thoughtfully toward the mansion before she frowned slightly and asked, “Why didn’t my father come out to see you off? When General Wang was here, Father personally escorted him out. That doesn’t seem right.”

Her voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear clearly.

Her words seemed to question the Marquis’ lack of courtesy, implying that he treated a mere general with more respect than the Crown Prince.

Xu Cheng’an’s expression stiffened briefly before he quickly composed himself and waved dismissively. “The Marquis must be very busy. There’s no need to make a fuss over it.”

“That’s no excuse!” Yan Qing protested, raising her voice in apparent dissatisfaction. “Father could find the time to see off a general, but not the Crown Prince? That’s simply unacceptable. No matter how busy he is, he shouldn’t act like this! Crown Prince, please wait—I’ll go speak to Father right now. This just won’t do!”

Before Xu Cheng’an could stop her, she had already rushed inside.

Ji Jiacun, still confused by her sudden outburst, hesitated briefly before following her.

This left Xu Cheng’an standing awkwardly at the entrance of the Princess’ Mansion, his smile faltering as he looked toward the house. After a few seconds of indecision, he sighed and walked back in.

By then, Yan Qing had already reached her father-in-law’s courtyard.

Ji Jiacun quickly grabbed her arm, worried she might say something reckless and provoke her father. He had been disciplined enough times to know better.

Yan Qing shook her head reassuringly, her earlier irritation replaced by a calm and composed demeanor.

Approaching the Pingwu Marquis, she softly asked, “Father, why didn’t you see the Crown Prince off just now?”

The Marquis frowned and replied curtly, “That’s none of your concern. Don’t trouble yourself with such matters.”

Yan Qing shook her head again, listening intently to the faint sounds outside. In a low voice, she said, “Father, I’ve often seen the Crown Prince visit here. Each time he leaves, he’s smiling as if he’s in an excellent mood…”

Her words caught the attention of everyone present. Even the usually composed Princess Consort turned to look at her in surprise.

The Marquis, equally taken aback, asked with a furrowed brow, “Are you saying he always looks pleased when he leaves?”

Yan Qing nodded quickly. “Yes, Father. Are you and the Crown Prince on such good terms that he’s delighted even when you don’t see him off?”

The Marquis’ expression grew increasingly complicated, as though he had just realized something.

Ji Jiacun, still clueless, tugged at Yan Qing’s sleeve, his exaggerated expressions drawing a sharp look from the Marquis, who smacked him on the back of the head. “What are you making faces for? Straighten up!”

Ji Jiacun pouted but obediently stopped.

Yan Qing, turning back to the Marquis, said softly, “Father, the Crown Prince should have returned by now.”

The Marquis nodded, his tone serious. “Go speak with your mother.”

With that, he strode out of the courtyard, his face dark with contemplation.

Watching him leave, Yan Qing breathed a sigh of relief, only to find herself meeting the Princess Consort’s knowing gaze. The breath she had just released caught halfway, leaving her momentarily speechless.