Time Is Slow - Chapter 22
All of his parents and family perished in a great fire, yet Young Master Qiao still had the mind to visit old family friends. That was clearly not normal.
“Thirteen received a message from his subordinates that Young Master Qiao entered the capital three days ago and is currently staying at the home of his maternal family, the Minister Kou’s residence. For now, news of his arrival in the capital has not yet spread.”
Jiang Tang nodded and turned to Jiang Yuanchao, saying, “Keep someone watching him. The intelligence we gather doesn’t always need to be reported to His Majesty immediately, but we must keep track of things. Otherwise, we might be caught off guard one day.”
“Foster father, rest assured. Thirteen understands.”
Jiang Tang smiled.
“I’ve always trusted your work. We can’t suppress the matter of the Qiao family any longer, it’s time to report it to the Emperor.”
Meeting Jiang Yuanchao’s questioning gaze, he explained, “The Champion Marquis has returned. He is now highly influential, and his wife has sacrificed her life for the nation. If His Majesty remains completely unaware of the Qiao family’s situation, he might be displeased in the future. Moreover, that old fox Kou Xingze has been keeping quiet. He’s probably waiting for this moment.”
Jiang Yuanchao maintained a gentle smile, but his focus lingered only on one phrase: “sacrificed herself for the nation.”
“Those few words felt like a dagger, stabbing into his chest, leaving him both in pain and stifled.”
“What’s wrong?” Jiang Tang noticed his foster son’s unusual behavior and asked.
Jiang Yuanchao snapped back to reality, his smile faint.
“It’s just the first time I’ve heard of a woman sacrificing herself for the nation.”
Jiang Tang found his reaction somewhat peculiar, but Jiang Yuanchao had already composed himself.
He stood up respectfully and said, “Foster Father, after several days of traveling, Thirteen is covered in dirt and would like to go back to bathe and change clothes before returning to listen to your teachings.”
“Go back? No need. I’ve already had a courtyard prepared for you. Stay there for now. Your own place has been empty for too long, have it properly renovated before moving back in.”
Jiang Yuanchao nodded in agreement without protest.
Jiang Tang chuckled.
“This will certainly make Ranran happy.”
Jiang Yuanchao’s lips twitched slightly, but he said nothing in response.
—
At a teahouse overlooking the street, Chi Can lounged against his chair, lazily sipping his tea.
The wide street below was now empty. Earlier, crowds had lined the roads to welcome the returning Northern Expedition Army, but they had long since dispersed, leaving behind a mess of trampled flowers and discarded silk handkerchiefs. The remnants of the celebration had lost their initial splendor.
“Who would’ve thought Shao Mingyuan would be this popular?”
Yang Houcheng chuckled.
“It’s rare to see Young Master Chi sounding jealous.”
Chi Can kicked him.
“What nonsense. Now that he’ll be handling most of the troublesome affairs, I should be thanking him instead.”
Zhu Yan, who was sitting nearby, smiled and suggested, “Speaking of which, it’s been years since we last gathered with Tingquan.”
Shao Mingyuan’s courtesy name was Tingquan.
The four of them had been close friends since childhood, their bond were unlike any ordinary friendship. However, ever since Shao Mingyuan donned his armor at fourteen and marched off to war, their opportunities to meet had grown scarce. Over time, the remaining three naturally became closer.
Even so, with their old friend finally back in the capital, they couldn’t help feeling excited.
Yang Houcheng thought for a moment and said, “The last time we gathered was at his wedding. We didn’t even get the chance to tease him in the bridal chamber before he ran off to war again. Do you think Tingquan is really okay? His wife…”
At this, all three of them fell silent.
Finally, Chi Can spoke first.
“Why wouldn’t he be? Didn’t you see how well-loved he is today? Soon enough, all the noble ladies and princesses will be lining up for him to choose from! Enough with the gloomy talk, let’s just get him out for a drink when he’s free.”
Zhu Yan and Yang Houcheng exchanged glances, both looking helpless.
This guy was clearly saying one thing but feeling another. Among the four of them, Chi Can and Tingquan were the closest. He had rushed over early this morning, drinking several pots of tea while waiting.
Chi Can stood up and leisurely made his way downstairs. Halfway down, he suddenly turned back, grinning.
“In that shower of flowers, I think I saw a cactus flying through the air. Did you see it?”
“I saw it! I saw it!” Yang Houcheng’s eyes lit up.
“It was thrown by that girl Li!”
Chi Can and Zhu Yan both stared at him.
What was this guy so excited about?
“Looks like she’s recovered from her illness, her aim was pretty good,” Chi Can said, waving a hand dismissively.
“Alright, time to disperse. Everyone, go home.”
—
The Princess Changrong’s residence was located in the most prosperous district of the capital, occupying a vast estate with gardens filled with exotic flowers and rare plants.
Amidst the vibrant floral scenery, a stunningly beautiful woman reclined lazily on a bamboo chaise lounge. She rested her chin on one hand while holding a round fan in the other, idly waving it back and forth.
At her feet, a man in dark robes knelt on one knee, gently massaging her legs. In front of her, another man dressed in luxurious robes carefully peeled grapes.
The man’s fingers were long and well-manicured, his nails neatly trimmed. With practiced ease, he peeled a grape and brought it to the princess’ lips.
She took the grape straight from his fingers, then casually spat the seeds into his palm.
The grapes from the heated conservatory lacked much flavor. After eating a few, the princess lost interest and waved her hand. She turned to a nearby, delicate-featured lady-in-waiting and said, “Dong Yu, go fetch that woman.”
Understanding immediately, Dong Yu answered, “Yes, Your Highness,” and left. Before long, she returned with a woman in tow.
The woman wore a pale gold satin robe, her hair arranged in an elaborate cloud bun adorned with four pairs of glittering golden hairpins and a golden step-shake ornament. Her attire was opulent, yet her complexion was even more sallow than her jewelry. She looked so aged that it was difficult to guess her true years.
As soon as she reached the princess, she knelt straight down.
“This servant greets Your Highness.”
Princess Changrong lazily tossed aside her fan, raised her chin, and spoke unhurriedly, “Haven’t I told you many times not to call yourself a servant in front of me?”
“Come here.” The princess beckoned her closer. As the woman knelt and inched forward, the princess extended her smooth, fair foot, lifting the woman’s chin with her toes. Though her tone remained gentle, a deep-rooted disdain seeped through.
“Heh, I don’t keep servants like you.”
Footsteps echoed as Dong Yu leaned in and whispered into the princess’ ear.
“Your Highness, the young master has returned.”
The princess glanced briefly at the approaching Chi Can before withdrawing her attention. She brushed the woman’s cheek with her bare foot and said, “Wipe it clean and put my shoes on properly.”
The woman cradled the princess’ foot with utmost care, as if handling a rare treasure. Meanwhile, the men and maids surrounding the princess seemed entirely accustomed to the scene.
By then, Chi Can had stepped closer and greeted her, “Mother.”
He spared the kneeling woman a glance, an unexplainable emotion stirring in his heart.
The first time he had seen this woman, he had wanted nothing more than to cut her down with his sword. But his mother had stopped him. Now, he felt nothing at all, nothing except pity.
His mother had never deprived her of fine silks, gold, or jewels, yet she had aged at least ten years beyond her peers.
The princess acknowledged Chi Can’s greeting with a slight nod but didn’t pay him much mind. Instead, she lightly kicked the woman’s face with her now-shod foot, smiling as she said, “Well? Staying by my side, you and your children enjoy endless wealth and luxury. That’s far better than being with that short-lived fool, who could only stash away a little private money in secret, isn’t it?”
“Yes, yes,” the woman nodded repeatedly, not daring to dodge.
“So, women shouldn’t be so shortsighted. Not everyone gets lucky like you,” the princess said, amused by her own game. Once satisfied, she waved her hand.
Dong Yu immediately escorted the woman away.
The princess didn’t dismiss the handsome men attending her. Instead, she turned to Chi Can with a casual look and asked.
“Did you touch my collection of paintings by Master Qiao?”