Chapter 441: Luring the Princess
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Chu Qingzhi earnestly advised, “Your medical skills may be an achievement in your careers, but what about your personal lives? Truly successful men excel in both their careers and their love lives. You can only consider yourselves half successful.”
Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang looked at Tang Jinghong at the same time.
Tang Jinghong straightened his back. According to Qingzhi, he could indeed be considered a successful man. Yes, he was a little proud.
Yuan Hongjun thought about what Chu Qingzhi said and suddenly felt that his master was right. “Master, I will try.”
Bao Linjiang was not to be outdone and hurriedly said, “Master, I’ll try too.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Alright, let’s eat. I hope to hear good news from you as soon as possible.”
Bao Linjiang pinched his chopsticks and hesitated. “But Master, you’re not married yet. If we get married first, will…”
“I didn’t ask you to get married. You’re too young now. It’s not suitable for you to get married. Win her first and get engaged. Do you understand?”
“Oh, I see. You scared me.” Bao Linjiang heaved a sigh of relief. He thought that his master was in a hurry to see his grand-disciple.
If Chu Qingzhi knew what he was thinking, she would definitely give him a good scolding. After all, he was still just a child himself. Why would he want a child at this point?
Dinner ended happily. Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang bade farewell and left.
Chu Qingzhi watched the two of them leave before turning to look at Tang Jinghong. “Jinghong, how’s the matter I asked you to do previously?”
Tang Jinghong didn’t immediately understand and asked, “What matter?”
“I asked you to ask if there’s anyone around you who wants to get married. I’ll introduce a good girl to him.” Chu Qingzhi sized up Tang Jinghong, wondering if he had forgotten about it.
Tang Jinghong had wanted to ask about it, but he was too embarrassed to do it. “Give me another night. I’ll definitely ask.”
Chu Qingzhi thought to herself that Tang Jinghong was usually quite efficient, but this matter had been postponed for a while. Could there be some other reason behind it?
After some thought, she realized that Tang Jinghong was a true straight shooter, and asking him to do something like a matchmaker’s job was probably making him uncomfortable.
“Let me ask. Arc your subordinates in the capital?”
Tang Jinghong walked to the courtyard and clapped his hands. After a few seconds, Wen Shaoyuan appeared in the courtyard.
Chu Qingzhi sized him up. The man was dressed in a black robe and had a tall figure. His face was resolute and handsome, and his posture was straight. Were all secret guards so outstanding now?
Wen Shaoyuan cupped his hands. “Greetings, Miss Chu.”
Chu Qingzhi hurriedly said, “No need for formalities.” Then, she said, “I have something to ask you.”
Wen Shaoyuan had already heard their conversation. He felt a little embarrassed, but he still said respectfully, “Miss Chu, please speak.”
Chu Qingzhi turned around and looked at Tang Jinghong. Tang Jinghong nodded. Shaoyuan had been with him for ten years. He was almost 30 years old and should have gotten married long ago.
“I know a very beautiful girl with a good personality. She knows how to make wine. Do you want to get to know her?”
Chu Qingzhi told him everything about Hong Yujun. If Wen Shaoyuan could not accept her history, then forget it.
As for hiding it…
When two people lived together, it was very difficult to hide their family background. Instead of that, it was better to make it clear from the beginning so that Hong Yujun would not suffer in the future.
Wen Shaoyuan did not answer Chu Qingzhi. Instead, he turned around and cupped his fists at Tang Jinghong. “I’ll listen to you, General.” With that, he ran away.
Chu Qingzhi watched as Wen Shaoyuan ran away. “What does he mean?”
Tang Jinghong smiled. “It means he agreed.”
So he was being shy. A smile appeared in Chu Qingzhi’s eyes. “Then I’ll arrange for the two of them to meet when we go back.”
Tang Jinghong supported her. “I’ll leave Shaoyuan’s marriage to you.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled and sat on the stool. “Jinghong, tell me about Guard Wen’s situation. I’ll tell Hong’er when I get back.”
“Okay.” Tang Jinghong’s low and gentle voice continued…
Wen Shaoyuan was from the border. When he was in his teens, he lost his parents and lived with his sister. Later, when his sister got married, he lived alone making a living from farming.
Tragically, his sister’s husband turned out to be abusive, often beating her and flaunting his affairs with other women in front of her.
Once, when his sister rebuked one of these women, her husband brutally attacked her, resulting in both her and her unborn child’s death.
Upon learning this, Wen Shaoyuan, consumed by grief and anger, killed the man.
He didn’t flee but went to the local magistrate’s office and confessed, requesting to be conscripted into the army as punishment.
The magistrate, sympathizing with his situation, granted his wish.
In the military camp, Wen Shaoyuan faced bullying due to his status as a convict. He was frequently beaten and had his food stolen.
At that time, Tang Jinghong had already made a name for himself and had become a centurion.
Despite his hardships, Wen Shaoyuan remained kind-hearted. He tearfully recounted his story to Tang Jinghong, who felt deep sympathy for him.
Tang Jinghong took him under his wing, teaching him literacy and martial arts.
To Wen Shaoyuan, Tang Jinghong was not just a mentor but also a friend, a benefactor, and a savior.
When the bordc eventually became peaceful, Wen Shaoyuan became Tang Jinghong’s personal guard.
Wen Shaoyuan was a man of intricate thoughts and unwavering loyalty; even death wouldn’t make him betray Tang Jinghong.
Chu Qingzhi sighed at his story. She recognized that although such a man might lack sweet words, he would be responsible, reliable, and a worthy lifelong partner.
“Jinghong, the people around you are all commendable,” she observed.
Tang Jinghong responded thoughtfully, “They’ve been with me through battles and shared life-and-death experiences. Our bond is extraordinary.”
Having shared life-and-death situations indeed creates a unique bond.
As the night deepened, Chu Qingzhi suggested, “Jinghong, it’s late. Shall we rest?”
Tang Jinghong nodded. “Okay.”
In Changle Palace, a palace maid, different from the usual ones, entered the princess’s chamber.
Approaching the princess’s bed, she bowed, “Your Highness.”
The princess’s irritable voice came from behind the bed curtains, “Get out, I want to sleep.”
The maid stood her ground, calmly stating, “I know what troubles Your Highness. If I can offer a solution, would you listen?”
However, the princess was not easily persuaded, “No need to say anything. Go kill Chu Qingzhi for me, then come back and talk.”
The maid hesitated for a moment, not sure how to proceed, “Your Highness…”
The princess snapped, “Get out!”
The maid took a deep breath to calm her anger, “Your Highness, you will miss a great opportunity if you don’t hear me out..”