freenovelworld Chapter 501 Sneaking Out!
Chapter 501 Sneaking Out!
The heavy rain outside gradually subsided, but it didn't stop for long before it started drizzling again.
The rain continued intermittently, and then there was no more heavy rain, only a constant drizzle. This kind of weather lasted for two days in total.
In the past two days, Mu Xin Nuan has not been able to step out of the inn, or more accurately, she has not even stepped out of her own room.
Even the hot water was brought in by Rong Yue and others. Mu Xin Nuan didn't even have the strength to wash her hands. Every time, Duanmu Chu Ze would take a bath for her with great care, and every time, without exception, he would help her. The two of them would stick together again.
That night, Mu Xin Nuan was almost fast asleep, and no matter how much Duanmu Chu Ze tried to wake her, she seemed unable to wake up, which finally made him let her go.
Because it had rained for two consecutive days, we would have to wait another day or two after the weather cleared up before continuing our journey. Otherwise, the roads would be too muddy, and if the carriage got stuck again, it wouldn't be worth it.
Finally, the weather cleared up for two consecutive days. Although it was no longer as humid as before, Qianxia still felt listless and didn't want to move.
"Here, have a slice of watermelon." Inside the carriage, Duanmu Chuze very patiently offered her a slice of watermelon. Mu Xin Nuan glared at him before opening her mouth.
"Tired? Rest for a while. Once we get to Huayang County, I'll let you sleep as much as you want, okay?"
Mu Xin Nuan turned her head away irritably, "You still dare to say that! If it weren't for you, would I be so exhausted?"
Duanmu Chuze seemed to realize his mistake and smiled awkwardly, touching his nose before trying to appease him, "I had Wang Zhao find a clean house. It's a property that the Xu family previously owned in Huayang County. However, the Xu family doesn't seem to have come to Huayang County much since then, so it's been empty. I heard that he chose a good place, warm in winter and cool in summer."
Mu Xin Nuan was listless and just leaned back lazily, not wanting to move.
They finally entered Huayang County, and after the group was settled, it was getting late.
"Your Highness, uh, Madam, the young master said he has to go out on business tonight and won't be back for dinner. Please eat first. There's no need to wait for him; just rest." Rongyue almost called out "Princess" again, but quickly corrected herself.
"Okay, it's good that he doesn't come back tonight."
Mu Hua chuckled softly, "If Your Highness truly doesn't return all night, I'm afraid you won't be able to sleep either."
Mu Xin Nuan grabbed a small cushion from beside her and threw it at Mu Hua, laughing and scolding, "You little brat, you've even learned to tease me now? Looks like I'll have to talk to the Prince later and find someone whose martial arts and physical strength are superior to yours, and see how he deals with you!"
Mu Hua smiled and caught the cushion. "Madam, my marriage is a small matter. If I leave, who will serve you and protect you?"
"Hmph! Don't I still have Mu Qing and Chun Yu by my side?"
Just then, Aunt Fang came in. "Madam, would you like to take a bath first, or have dinner first?"
After thinking for a moment, I decided to have dinner first. Taking a bath on an empty stomach is not good; it can easily make you dizzy and it's not good for your stomach either.
"Yes, Madam. Then this servant will have dinner brought in."
After taking a bath that evening, Mu Xin Nuan lay down on the bed and suddenly thought of Lu Shao Feng. She frowned slightly and said, "Mu Hua, go and see Lu Shao Feng's residence. I heard that Liu Shi has arranged two concubines to serve him. She's gotten smart. If she only arranged one, I'm afraid that if Lu Shao Feng stays here for a few years, when he goes back, his mansion will have an extra concubine and a son born out of wedlock."
"Yes, ma'am."
About an hour later, it was already pitch black. Duanmu Chuze still hadn't returned, and Mu Xinnuan was wide awake.
The candlelight flickered, and a figure quickly darted into the room. "Madam, I've found out everything."
"how?"
"Young Master Lu treats his two concubines equally, and so far, neither of them shows any signs of pregnancy. I've heard that Young Master Lu, like the Prince, takes medicine every month. Moreover, Young Master Lu seems to be very cautious; the medicine is always brewed at the yamen and he never brings it back to his residence."
Mu Xin Nuan nodded, feeling slightly relieved. In this way, Liu Shi's devotion to him was not in vain.
But is Lu Shaofeng doing this out of genuine affection for the Liu family, or is he also considering Mr. Liu's feelings?
"As long as they behave themselves, that's fine. Lu Shaofeng is currently highly valued by the Prince, and I don't want her backyard to catch fire."
"Reporting to Madam, it seems that Young Master Lu doesn't go back to his residence to sleep very often, only about four or five days a month. Most of the time, he stays at the yamen. In addition, I have also discovered that one of these two maids was given to him by Madam Lu before."
Mu Xin Nuan frowned slightly. "Hmm, then let someone keep an eye on things. Bribing a few maids here shouldn't be too difficult. Let Rong Yue handle it tomorrow."
Mu Xin Nuan read for a while longer, but finally couldn't help but doze off. As she drifted off to sleep, she seemed to feel someone approaching her. A familiar scent wafted over her, and Mu Xin Nuan turned over and mumbled something. Duanmu Chu Ze, who was extremely tired, actually chuckled softly.
The next day, the sky was slightly overcast. On a whim, Mu Xin Nuan changed into a set of men's clothing and, taking advantage of Duanmu Chu Ze's absence on business, sneaked out through the back door with a few people.
Although Aunt Fang did not agree with the princess's actions, she could only let the princess have her way when she thought about the purpose of the two masters' visit. However, Aunt Fang still gave a few more instructions and sent several guards in plain clothes to secretly protect the princess from the shadows.
After turning a couple of corners, Mu Xin Nuan and her companions arrived at a slightly more bustling street. Although it wasn't as lively as Yanzhou City, it was vastly different from her last visit. Back then, this entire street was filled with homeless people sleeping on the streets. In just half a year, it had been transformed into this place, demonstrating the remarkable abilities of that county magistrate!
Although there were some stalls on both sides of the street, there weren't many. After walking a few steps, Mu Xin Nuan saw a little boy calling out at the door. As she got closer, she realized that this courtyard was a place for shadow puppet shows. Shadow puppet shows are better watched at night, and since it was daytime, they could only be performed indoors. That's why they sent a little boy to hawk the puppets here.
Upon hearing that it was a shadow puppet show, Mu Xin Nuan became quite interested. She had heard Duanmu Chu Ze mention it before; it was a craft that most children enjoyed watching, and the shadow puppetry in Yan was the best in Dayong, with Huayang County being the best among them.