Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1138: Chapter 1135: Going Out on a Date

This time, surprisingly, Duke Zheng didn’t pressure the Emperor to keep the Fourth Prince in the capital, and the situation within the court became more intricate and unpredictable.

But the Chu family wasn’t greatly affected.

Although Chu Heng had received a reward, he didn’t get a promotion and thus wasn’t very conspicuous in court; besides going to the yamen, he followed Grand Scholar Huo Zhengming daily.

Once everything in the mansion was settled, after breakfast, the two children went to their separate schools, one with a female teacher, the other with a male one—both from prestigious families with profound knowledge. They received a monthly salary of sixty taels, which included board and lodging; holiday bonuses and expenses for paper, ink, brush, and inkstone were covered by the Chu family.

“Lady, the master has returned.”

Ye Muyu was selecting fabrics, preparing to make new clothes for the family.

Turning her head, she saw Chu Heng walking in from the outside. The awarded residence was spacious, with two courtyards; she and Chu Heng lived in the main room, which was large enough to hold all their personal belongings.

Chu Heng walked in with large strides, standing beside her, “What are you doing?”

His gaze fell on the fabric in Ye Muyu’s hands, a blue material with a pattern of plum blossoms—quite common in Yanjing.

“Choosing some fabrics for winter clothes, it seems like you’ve grown taller.” Ye Muyu casually took out a measuring tape and looked at him, “Let me take your measurements.”

Chu Heng’s gaze rested on her smooth cheeks, his Adam’s apple slightly shifting, and his voice deep and strong, “Alright.”

As Ye Muyu measured him, she asked, “Why did you come back so early today, did you not go to the yamen?”

“I forgot that today is a rest day.” There were two rest days each month, at the beginning and in the middle.

Now it was mid-October, a rest day.

Ye Muyu laughed, finding it hard to believe that Chu Heng, who was so meticulous, could make the mistake of forgetting the date; it felt almost inconceivable.

“Right, Ah Heng, I have something to discuss with you. Now that we have settled down in the capital, shouldn’t we arrange for someone to go back home and bring father and mother here?” Ye Muyu sought his opinion.

Chu Heng nodded, “Naturally, we should.”

Hearing this, Ye Muyu already had a plan to arrange the matter. After taking Chu Heng’s measurements, she selected some suitable fabrics.

First, send a letter back home instructing a merchant caravan to bring it directly to Nanchang County, and then have the elders follow the caravan to the capital. This way, the journey would be safer and not too bumpy.

“Ah Yu, shall I take you for a stroll in the capital?” Chu Heng didn’t leave; standing beside Ye Muyu, a fleeting smile graced his lips, his tender gaze resting upon her.

The maidservants such as Su Mei at the side caught the hint, and upon receiving their orders, quickly made themselves scarce, giving space to the lady and the young master.

Soon, only the two of them were left in the room.

Chu Heng walked over and sat down next to the soft couch, picking up a teacup and pouring her a cup of red dates and goji berry water.

“I’ve heard there’s a Xuanyang Mountain outside of North City in the capital. In winter, there’s a grove of plum trees there, and the scenery is even more magnificent after it snows. Ah Yu, do you have some free time to go together?” Chu Heng invited her.

“Shall we go today?” Ye Muyu looked at him in surprise; Chu Heng’s eyes were deep and affectionate, making one feel immersed just by meeting his gaze.

Ye Muyu felt her face grow warm and let out a light cough, “I’ve checked, and I’m not too busy today. If you don’t mind, we could go hiking together.”

“Good,” Chu Heng answered with a pleased sound in his throat, stood up, and ordered Lu Chuan to ready the carriage and hand warmers, along with all necessary items.

Thinking it might be inconvenient to eat on the mountain, Ye Muyu went to the kitchen.