Chapter 174

Chen Guanlou took Yaya around the temple fair, bought various trinkets, and specifically purchased a diagonal cloth bag to carry them.

He heard the plum blossoms on the mountain behind the temple stretched in vast patches, with especially beautiful scenery, so he took Yaya there.

Fewer people were on the back mountain—a rare quiet place.

Yaya was still young, busy eating candy figures; as long as she was with her uncle, anywhere was fine to play.

After wandering around, he began descending the mountain. He had planned to eat vegetarian dishes, but too many people meant he didn't know when he'd get a turn, so he gave up.

On the way down, Chen Guanlou paused, staring at a young woman approaching him. She wore a veil, escorted by two maids who helped her step by step up the mountain.

He recognized her—it was Liu Dahong's widow, Liu Shi.

His gaze lowered slightly, noticing her slightly rounded abdomen—was she pregnant?

She clearly recognized him too, gave a slight nod, and greeted him openly, "Happy New Year! Are you here to burn incense too, Chen Tou?"

"Yes! You…"

Liu Shi waved her hand, and the two maids instinctively stepped back several paces.

Liu Shi seized the chance to sit on a stone bench, looking perfectly at ease, unbound by any formalities.

"Chen Tou must have many questions."

"I did have many. But seeing you well, all my questions have been answered."

Liu Shi slowly removed her veil, revealing a face as beautiful as spring wind in March. She smiled faintly and confessed frankly, "After my husband passed, I soon became the Prince's companion. The Prince is now in a difficult position, with no one close to comfort him."

"Congratulations!" Chen Guanlou didn't know what else to say—only those two words.

Liu Shi gently touched her abdomen. "This child came at just the right time. My heart is full. Actually, I stopped you to ask about Da Lang's condition?"

The Da Lang she mentioned was naturally Liu Dahong's son.

"No news yet."

Hearing this, sorrow darkened Liu Shi's brow. She lowered her head slightly and said anxiously, "I don't know where Da Lang has gone. As a woman, I can't help much. I beg you, Chen Tou, to help find Da Lang and give my husband some closure. I'll be eternally grateful!"

"Don't worry. Liu Dahong was my colleague—I've always kept his case in mind. If there's news about Da Lang, how should I inform you?" Chen Guanlou asked casually, not expecting an answer.

To his surprise, Liu Shi gave her address: "I live in Shifang Alley, ninth house on the left. Just tell the gatekeeper you're from Tianlaomiao with news, and I'll receive it."

"I've noted it. You're pregnant now—still climbing the mountain to burn incense? Isn't that too much?"

"I'm burning incense for the Prince. This incense must be burned. I only pray he proceeds smoothly and remains safe."

Chen Guanlou truly wanted to ask: Do you know the Crown Prince slept with a palace maid last night during his bath?

Never mind—he had no business stirring up trouble.

Let go of the urge to help—respect others' fates!

Learning Yaya was his niece, Liu Shi generously slipped off her jade bracelet to give as a gift.

Chen Guanlou refused outright—it was too valuable, and Liu Shi's jewelry must all have been gifts from the Prince. The Prince's jewels were surely imperial-made.

He only wished Yaya would grow up safely; imperial-made treasures were unsuitable for an ordinary little girl.

Right now, the Prince was in a precarious position; neither his family nor his elder sister's household could afford any connection—even indirect—to the Prince.

Seeing his firm refusal, Liu Shi sighed softly. "I didn't think it through. I have nothing else to offer. Very well—I'll keep it in mind and make it up next time."

Chen Guanlou felt relieved. "You're too kind! A child shouldn't receive such a precious gift—she'd break it and get beaten."

Liu Shi smiled faintly. "Thank you, Chen Tou."

They bid each other farewell.

As they passed, Liu Shi suddenly turned back. Chen Guanlou felt the air around him suddenly sweet—sweet but not cloying, increasingly intoxicating.

"Chen Tou, if I ever face hardship and come begging to you, will you help me?"

Chen Guanlou hesitated slightly. "You're with the Prince now—what hardship could you have that requires help from a lowly jailer like me?"

"Don't mock me, Chen Tou. Life inevitably brings moments of helplessness. I don't understand politics or court affairs—I just feel uneasy, for no reason. I fear that one day, I might still have someone to turn to."

She opened her clear, dark eyes, staring straight at him—pure, innocent, so fragile he longed to pull her into his arms and cherish her fiercely.

Chen Guanlou sighed inwardly. "Even if hardship comes, they won't trouble women and children. You can rest easy."

Liu Shi lowered her gaze, sounding disappointed. "If the pillar falls, how can women and children survive? Don't comfort me with such words—I know better than anyone what the palace is like. Even if the pillar doesn't fall, I'm just a woman without status—others hold the knife, I'm the meat. What can I do? I only lament my unborn child—I only beg for a chance to see my child grow up."

Before her words ended, tears welled in her eyes. Finally, one tear fell, landing softly on Chen Guanlou's heart.

He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "If you truly face hardship, you know where I live."

Hearing this, Liu Shi's sorrow instantly turned to joy. "Thank you, Chen Tou! Kindness will be rewarded. I wish you a hundred years of life and all your wishes fulfilled!"

"All your wishes fulfilled" was acceptable. "A hundred years of life"? Not necessary.

Let that blessing go to someone else!

Down the mountain, Chen Guanlou took Yaya home.

Yaya licked her lollipop and asked curiously, "Uncle, who was that beautiful lady?"

"Was she beautiful?"

"Mm-hmm!"

"She's just a friend."

"Will you marry her and bring her home? I want her to be my auntie!"

"Little brat, what do you know about marriage? Where did you learn this?"

"Hmph, I know everything! Mama says you won't marry because you're determined to cut off the Chen family's lineage."

"Your mother talks without a filter—she tells you everything. Do you even know what 'lineage' means?"

"Having a son." Yaya giggled. "Mama's going to have a little brother too."

Chen Guanlou was startled, then delighted. "Is your mother pregnant?"

"Uncle, what's pregnant?"

"Is your mother carrying a little brother?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Did you see it?" Chen Guanlou was intrigued. Old tales said young children could see things others couldn't—accurately naming the fetus's gender. He'd always half-believed it.

Now it concerned his elder sister, Chen Xiaolan—he had to take it seriously. He knew well that because Chen Xiaolan had never borne a son, Su Pozi held resentment, constantly giving her cold looks and sarcastic remarks. If she truly bore a son, it would fulfill Chen Xiaolan's wish and silence Su Pozi.

"The brother said he'll play with me," Yaya said with serious earnestness.

Hahaha…

Chen Guanlou burst out laughing. "Come on, go call your mother home to rest. I'll send a physician to confirm it. Tell your father to manage the teahouse himself."