The Aloof Prince Chapter 125 - Give this back to you!

Translator: Rize

Editor: Larkspur

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mu Yunjin’s words echoed the thoughts of the many in Xiang Fu. No one doubted her. After chatting for a while, she excused herself to return to Huangzi Fu. As she bid her goodbyes, she sensed the changes in the air. She could clearly feel that her position in the Fu was rising.

As they walked along the streets, Zi Xiang was also particularly happy for her mistress. After all, the changes hadn't gone past her. 

“Young Miss, it could be said we’ve left behind our hard times, the good times are only beginning.”

“En.” Mu Yunjin nodded, she pursed her lips, unable to conceal her good mood.

♚

Mu Yunjin had just stepped into the main doors of the Fu when a green figure rushed towards her. She reflexively dodged, and before she could turn to check, heard an ‘ouch’. Looking back she saw Chu Qingyuan sprawled on the floor howling in pain.

“Qingyuan, how is it you?” Mu Yunjin tugged the corners of her mouth. 

How many times has this happened now? Would this girl ever learn?!

Zi Xiang hurriedly helped Chu Qingyuan up to her feet. She too was in wonderment about this little princess’ antics. She was so unlike her cold and stiff brother.

Chu Qingyuan patted the dust of her clothes and pouted. All she wanted to do was embrace! How many times did she have to fall like this?!

“Sixth Sister-in-law, you didn’t even catch me.” She felt wronged.

“……”

Yet again Mu Yunjin pulled the corners of her mouth. She decided not to pursue the matter as that would mean she'd have to explain her quick reflexes and with that her martial arts prowess. She sighed inwardly. 

“How come you’re here?” She deftly steered the conversation in a new direction. Avoidance was the best approach after all. 

It looked like her little ruse worked as the question immediately affected a change in Chu Qingyuan's mood, she smiled coquettishly and pulled Mu Yunjin aside. 

“Sixth Sister-in-law, let’s talk…,” she said as she blushed. Without waiting for a response, she started chirping. 

“Yesterday, Emperor Father called for me to say that in the future Fifth Jiejie will marry into Dong Lin Country, Seventh Jiejie into Nan Ting Country or Bei Ming Country. Only I, his dearly beloved daughter, am still young. Therefore, it is possible that I will be betrothed to Brother Munan.”

Chu Qingyuan was beaming. Ever since the conversation with her father the emperor, she had been itching to run to her sister-in-law with the news. Thus, in her joy, she failed to notice the other's gradually altering look.

Mu Yunjin was stunned, this was absolutely unexpected. When she saw the little girl's untainted happiness, her heart twitched. She lowered her gaze, then she looked at the pure and childlike Chu Qingyuan and sighed. 

“You really like Major General Qin?” she asked.

She wanted to ascertain if this was a fleeting infatuation or something else. If it were the 'something else'...

“Of course!" she said without a second thought. 

Afraid that her sister-in-law would term her lack of actions in the regard as apathy, she hurriedly explained. 

"Sixth Sister-in-law, you do not know… there are many prominent Young Miss pulling strings just to be able to have a referral to Brother Munan. The tactics they use are just… but Xiao Jiu is a Princess, I don’t need to compete like them.”

Her eyes as she spoke were a mixture of emotions- pride, anger, disgust, and helplessness could all be seen in succession. Pride for the man who caught her fancy was exquisite, anger because he attracted too many bees and butterflies, disgust at the ways the other girls tried to capture his attention, and helplessness at her own position in society which restrained her from openly pursuing him. 

As she listened, Mu Yunjin walked inside. She could understand the little princess' naïve heart that had thus far escaped the clutches of the ruthless power struggles of the imperial family. But how long would the bliss last? She’s afraid this beautiful flower would soon wilt into oblivion.

But she could not downright talk her out of it. Not to mention hurting her, it could even severe their ties. It was not worth it. She had to be tactful.

“This matter, have you already discussed with your Sixth Brother? she asked.

If there was anyone who could quash this matter it had to be him. Who knew the intrigues better than him?!

Chu Qingyuan stilled in her steps. She stared at the floor, furtively clenching the sides of her dress.

Mu Yunjin also stopped and looked back. “What’s the matter?”

“Xiao Jiu heard the news about the Qin family, so this matter I dare not tell Sixth Brother.” 

Chu Qingyuan remembered the day she’d asked about this matter and how she was met with a frosty look. Just thinking about it made her shiver all over though not cold. And now if she had to actually talk...

“You are already thinking of marrying Major General Qin, you should listen to your Sixth Brother's opinion. After all, you have the same mother, he will absolutely do you no harm.” 

Chu Qingyuan naturally understood, she pursed her lips and pulled Mu Yunjin’s sleeve, her tone was miserable and gloomy. 

“I came today to let Sixth Brother know. But I dare not go alone, therefore Sixth Sister-in-law, help me okay?”

Mu Yunjin sighed, she felt sorry for Chu Qingyuan. She was literally caught between the devil and the deep sea. Well, the devil being her brother of course.

“Qingyuan, it’s not that I won’t help you, but your Sixth Brother's natural disposition, even I don’t understand…”

“Sixth Sister-in-law…”

♚

Dejectedly, the two walked all the way to Glass Spring Pavilion, each lost in her own thoughts.

However, as soon as the pavilion’s name plaque came into view, Chu Qingyuan instinctively hid behind Mu Yunjin, afraid to go in.

Mu Yunjin took her time. She crossed her arms and stood right outside considering her own standpoint. The Qin Family was a hot potato that was scalding people rampantly. Let alone her personal gripe, it’s a bane to the country in general. That said, she’s ill-disposed to explain the intricacies to this lovestruck girl and naturally couldn't stop Chu Qingyuan from liking the man in question. The girl wouldn’t heed to her persuasions and she was in no position to coerce her. But Chu Li should be able to find methods. 

She originally would’ve brought Chu Qingyuan in but for the fear of being discovered that Chu Li and her sleep in separate rooms. Thus, she took her to the Garden Pavilion and asked her to wait.

Chu Qingyuan, who’d her own interpretation, cleverly nodded in assent. It was better like this, going in felt like she was walking into the beast’s lair. 

Mu Yunjin walked into the Glass Spring Pavilion and towards Chu Li’s doors. She had just taken a few steps when Ding Xian’s figure emerged from one side.

“Huangzi Fei, are you looking for His Highness?”

“Yes, is he inside?” she asked.

Ding Xian nodded and replied with deep meaning. “But it seems that he is still in the middle of a bath…”

"Okay."

Ding Xian originally thought that Mu Yunjin would wait outside the door for a while. But who would have imagined that she would directly push the door open and enter!

Ding Xian the Scaredy Cat immediately went to the side to avoid getting burned.

Mu Yunjin looked back and saw the man vanish in a flash, her jaw dropped. 

It’s just bathing not as if she will look at Chu Li bathe…. 

She shrugged and went inside. Then, she called out from outside the small door in his bedroom. 

“Chu Li, are you inside?”

After a while, a sound of acknowledgment came from within.

“I have something to tell you, and it’s not convenient for me to come in.” Despite saying so, her hands were already on the door.

“Come in.” Chu Li’s indifferent voice sounded.

She pushed the door open without hesitation. She was used to the hot spring pond, she had used it before as well. But just that, now this pond was shrouded in mist. She could vaguely see Chu Li’s figure leaning on the side.

“In broad daylight, you’re really living it up.” She teased but did not approach. 

“What’s the urgent matter?” Chu Li smiled and turned his back towards her.

Her face sank somewhat, she sighed. 

“Xiao Jiu likes Qin Munan.” Without mincing words, she dropped the bomb.

When her words fell, she saw him lean back against the pool wall, but not a word came out for a while... his staid eyes were pensive. 

“You should go out first.” Chu Li finally opened his mouth.

“En, you should come out quickly. Xiao Jiu is waiting for you in the garden.”

She turned to leave but not before cushioning her feet and craning her neck forward. Alas, the fog was too dense, she could see nothing. 

[TL: Hahaha Yunjin (˵¯͒⌄¯͒˵)]

Mu Yunjin walked away feeling bored.

♚

Before long, Mu Yunjin and Chu Qingyuan, sitting in the garden, finally saw Chu Li slowly approaching.

When she saw her brother, her breath stilled, she nervously held her companion’s hand looking miserable.

Mu Yunjin held her hand back, hinting her to be at ease.

As Chu Li entered the pavilion, his pair of slender eyes narrowed slightly at Chu Qingyuan’s figure, it was extremely cold but he wore a faint smile.

“Xiao Jiu, you fancy Qin Munan?” He cut to the chase, shedding all cordialities.

His cold tone sent a tremor down Chu Qingyuan’s legs. She was glad that she was sitting beside Mu Yunjin or, she would have dropped to the floor even before he’d finished his words. She gradually relaxed, there was no way out now after all.

She took deep breaths and courageously started to speak. 

“Yes, Sixth Brother. The other day, Brother Munan saved me. Xiao Jiu felt that he is a worthy person to entrust one’s life. What’s more, he’s won so many battles and is a national hero of Xi Yuan country. Xiao Jiu likes this kind of great man.” The more the little princess spoke, the more her head and voice lowered.

Liu Ge’s face is really very scary, ah!

“Not allowed!” Chu Li icily spat two words, mercilessly rejecting his little sister’s enthusiastic views.

Chu Qingyuan was flabbergasted. She knew it would be difficult to speak to her brother, but never had she expected he would directly oppose. And this ruthlessly at that. As much as it was hard for her to accept his dissent, she was still unreconciled. God knows from where the last bit of courage surfaced, she stood up with an air of defiance. 

“Sixth Brother, why is it not allowed?” She demanded.

Chu Li looked at Mu Yunjin.

Mu Yunjin met his gaze and immediately understood, she pulled Chu Qingyuan to sit down. 

“Qingyuan, your brother is doing it for your own good. You also heard that the Qin family is not exactly peaceful. If in the future, they were to really rebel, it would endanger your Emperor Father's country.”

“I…” 

Mu Yunjin’s words directly pierced Chu Qingyuan’s heart. For a moment she couldn’t speak. The more she thought, the more painful it felt. She couldn’t help but sob as she stood up feeling wronged. However, her words when she did manage to speak, were quite profound for the carefree princess she was.

“Then, what if he does not rebel?! Wouldn’t I have missed the opportunity…”

Met with Chu Qingyuan’s miraculous loophole, Mu Yunjin marveled in surprise. For a moment she did not know how to console her, she looked at Chu Li for help.

A helpless Chu Li sighed. He knew he was being harsh, but he did not have a choice. He had to nip this bud right here, right now. And his next words were exactly so.

“If you do not want to marry into another country, then give up on the idea of being with Qin Munan.”

“Sixth Brother, you…” Chu Qingyuan angrily stomped her foot as if doing so would change things. However, she knew best that her brother would always do what he said, so she did not dare continue to speak. 

Forget it, Sixth Brother and Sixth Sister-in-law do not make sense, she will find an opportunity to talk with Brother Munan….

Thinking up to here, Chu Qingyuan pursed her lips and bowed her head. She had best withdraw now in order to advance later. 

“Qingyuan knows her wrong. Then, Xiao Jiu will go back first. In a few days, I will return to visit Sixth Brother and Sixth Sister-in-law.” 

Saying so, the naïve Chu Qingyuan hurriedly left without waiting for Chu Li and Mu Yunjin to reply. 

When she was well out of earshot, Chu Li called Ding Xian, his eyes immersed in deep thought. “Have someone watch Xiao Jiu, do not allow her to get close to the Qin family.”

"Yes, Your Highness. "

Mu Yunjin sighed and poured herself a cup of water. She drank it and weakly rested on the table.

“The Qin family has been troublesome for some time now, it would be better if they go back to the border to fight and never return.” 

As she considered the recent happenings, it was clear as day that most of them were caused by the Qin family. As such, it was better to keep a distance from them for a few could rein them in.

Chu Li swept a glance at Mu Yunjin, then he shook his head helplessly.

♚

Nightfall.

There she was thinking of keeping them at bay, and here they were actively seeking her.

Look here, Qin Munan came to the Fu.

Mu Yunjin and Chu Li were having their dinner when they heard that Qin Munan had arrived. They did not have much reaction, their eyes squinted at the figure entering the dining hall.

“Liu Huangzi, Liu Huangzi Fei,” Qin Munan bowed to Chu Li and Mu Yunjin and said his greetings.

Mu Yunjin immersed herself in eating and acted as if she heard nothing.

Chu Li drank a mouthful of tea before speaking in a light tone. “Major General Qin is a rare visitor, what is the purpose of your visit?”

“I’m looking for Yunjin.” Qin Munan smiled and pointed at the girl who refused to acknowledge his presence.

Chu Li furrowed his brows. Hearing the word ‘Yunjin’ from Qin Munan’s mouth, he felt it was particularly ear-piercing. He cast a side glance at Mu Yunjin.

Mu Yunjin saw that pretending to be a dead person was a failure, so she impatiently asked, “Major General Qin, why are you looking for me?” 

“Today, while I was cleaning my house, I found this. I had thought of getting rid of it but I still think it is better to give it back to you.” As Qin Munan spoke, he took out a brocade box and held it in front of Mu Yunjin. 

Mu Yunjin could obviously sense the cold air that suddenly surrounded her, she reached out for the small box and opened it.

Inside the box was a pair of pearl and bluish-green jade earrings.

When Mu Yunjin saw the earrings, the corner of her mouth pulled, this is such an ambiguous thing…

After a moment, Mu Yunjin coldly laughed and took out the earrings from the box. She held it in her hand, then crushed them and threw them on the ground.

“Shen Momo, remember to clean.”

Qin Munan’s expression turned stiff.

“Since you have finished delivering things, Major General Qin may leave. If such a thing were to arise in the future, just find a person to send it, no need to trouble yourself.” Mu Yunjin continued to speak.

Qin Munan looked at the pulverized earrings on the ground, his eyes deep, before turning around to leave.

Mu Yunjin’s line of sight stayed on his retreating figure.

Mu Yunjin inwardly scolded Qin Munan. On his trip today, it was very clear that he was deliberately publicizing their previous relationship!

These earrings matter really put her in deep trouble.

“I’m done eating.” Mu Yunjin did not explain, she just put down her chopsticks and walked outside, stepping on the powder on the ground as she did.

Chu Li looked at the departing figure, his eyes chilly.

♚♚♚

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