Chapter 070: Matriarchy 9

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingyun turned to look at Prime Minister Liu, his face clouded with confusion. The latter’s expression remained unchanged as she spoke to her husband, “Qingyun and I have something to discuss over there. We’ll look at the fabrics together later.”

Liu’s husband found it odd but said nothing more, simply nodding. Prime Minister Liu led her son away to a place out of her husband’s sight, her face suddenly drawn and troubled. “You don’t know, but your father is suffering inside. He’s only pretending to be cheerful for our sake—he doesn’t want us to worry.”

Liu Qingyun frowned, believing her words. “What is father troubled about?”

“Well,” Prime Minister Liu gave a mysterious look, “don’t concern yourself. I’ll handle it.”

“As children, we ought to help relieve our parents’ worries,” said Liu Qingyun.

Prime Minister Liu sighed. “The clan is urging your father to help me conceive a daughter.”

“Mother, you’re already the clan leader and have stated not to force the matter. Why?”

“You should understand. The Liu family is vast and prosperous. As clan leader, I can’t let the lineage die out. They wouldn’t dare approach me directly, so they’ve gone behind my back to your father. He now believes my inability to bear a daughter is his fault and has been brooding ever since. The peach blossoms in the manor are in full bloom, so I want you to accompany your father and help him relax.”

After listening, Liu Qingyun nodded. “Mother, rest assured. I’ll go with father.”

“Good child. Go pack your things—we’ll depart soon. I’ve arranged the carriage.”

“So urgent?”

“I’ve arranged a meeting with the clan elders later. If your father sees, it’ll only upset him further.”

Liu Qingyun nodded in understanding and went to his room to pack. Prime Minister Liu watched his retreating figure and nodded to herself—this child was wonderful in every way, except for his frail health and innocence.

He’d been fooled with just a few words.

After standing there reflecting for a while, Prime Minister Liu hurried off to explain matters to her husband. Upon hearing that the Crown Princess was watching their son, Liu’s husband naturally agreed to move to the country manor for a time.

Before leaving, Prime Minister Liu reminded him, “Remember, you’re going to clear your mind because you’re unhappy.”

“Don’t worry,” Liu’s husband replied.

Xiao Liu looked at the packed luggage and asked Liu Qingyun, “Young master, where are we going?”

“To accompany father at the manor outside the city for a while.”

“But young master, didn’t you say you had plans tomorrow?” Xiao Liu was confused. Only yesterday, the young master had told him to remind him.

---

Liu Er: “…”

That’s right. After the banquet ended yesterday, that person had invited him to view the peach blossoms at Guanshi Temple outside the city. Though he hadn’t agreed, would she foolishly wait for him?

He imagined her standing alone at the edge of the vast pink peach blossom grove, while others enjoyed themselves in groups. From dawn’s first light to sunset’s rosy glow, she would wait in vain, finally leaving with a lonely silhouette…

“Bang!” Liu Er slammed the table, startling Xiao Liu.

“Xiao Liu, you needn’t come with me. Tomorrow, go to Guanshi Temple and deliver a message for me.”

“Yes, sir!”

Prime Minister Liu watched as her husband boarded the carriage and it rolled away, feeling a weight lift from her heart.

It wasn’t easy to avoid becoming a member of the imperial family.

There was no other official as upright as she in the Red Star Kingdom.

---

The next day, Le Yixian stood before Guanshi Temple, hoping to meet the one she longed for, but instead saw a familiar attendant.

“Your Highness, my young master entrusted me to deliver this,” he said respectfully, handing her a letter.

Le Yixian was surprised to hear that her little darling wouldn’t be coming. After all, when she’d invited him to see the blossoms, his eyes had shone with excitement, and he hadn’t refused.

Not refusing meant agreeing.

She opened the letter and recognized the bold, familiar handwriting: “Occupied these days. Let’s meet another time.”

“What happened to your young master?” Le Yixian’s lips curved slightly. Clearly, he’d worried she might wait in vain and sent his attendant to deliver the message.

Xiao Liu hesitated but told her about Liu Er accompanying his father to the country manor.

The manor east of the city?

Le Yixian rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

The following day, the Crown Princess fell ill. The imperial physician advised a period of rest, and the Empress excused her from lessons and political duties, allowing her to recuperate.

Prime Minister Liu heard the news and breathed a sigh of relief.

So long as they didn’t meet.

---

The Liu family manor lay near the royal gardens outside the city, surrounded by tranquil mountains and clear waters—a most pleasant setting.

Liu Er, wearing a straw hat and carrying a basket and hoe, dressed simply for ease and durability, walked up the mountain.

Suddenly, the sound of horses’ hooves approached from behind, growing nearer.

He stepped aside, unconcerned, as many people had come to view the peach blossoms in recent days, whether riding or driving.

The blossoms reminded Liu Er of the person who had originally invited him to see them. He wondered whether, upon returning to the capital, the peach trees would still be in full bloom.

“Young man, how do I get to the Liu manor?” a familiar female voice called out.

Liu Er finally noticed the horse had stopped beside him and looked up to meet a familiar face.

“Hmm? Young Master Liu Er? What a coincidence!” Le Yixian gazed at the fair, straw-hatted little darling before her, her eyes bright with delight at his novel attire.

With his hair in a bun, straw hat on his head, grass shoes and grey clothing, carrying a basket, and his face flushed and sweaty from the sun, he seemed even more innocent and alluring.

In both this world and the real one, she’d never seen him dressed like this.

It stirred a strange urge to throw herself to the ground—Le Yixian thought privately. She now understood the feelings of those rogues in storybooks who teased charming village girls.

“You… why are you here?” Liu Qingyun was startled to see her.

“Ahem, I caught a cold and my mother allowed me to rest and recuperate,” Le Yixian replied, covering her mouth to cough.

“A cold? Did you consult a physician?” Hearing she was ill, Liu Qingyun was immediately concerned.

Then he realized—the Crown Princess would surely have the imperial physicians tend to her.

“Ahem, the imperial physician prescribed medicine, but I forgot the prescription when I came to the manor to recover. I brought only a few attendants, and now it’s nearly noon. If they return to the capital, they won’t be back until tonight,” Le Yixian said, looking troubled.

“…I know a little medicine. If Your Highness doesn’t mind, I could examine you,” Liu Qingyun hesitated before offering.

Le Yixian, hearing this, secretly celebrated—she knew her little darling was stubborn but soft-hearted.

But her joy was short-lived.

“Come down, let me check your pulse first!” Liu Qingyun called to Le Yixian on horseback.

The smile on Le Yixian’s face froze instantly, for she had feigned illness merely as an excuse to seek his presence.

“There’s… really no need to rush,” she stammered.