Chapter 430 - 424_1
Just ahead lies the artificial lake, quite large in area. Lin Yue plans to plant lotuses and introduce fish and shrimp into the water later on, also constructing a few small boats. In leisure moments, boating and admiring lotuses can be a delightful pastime, yet the lake is currently in disarray, truly not offering much of an attraction. Moreover, since the water is rather deep and preparations have not been arranged in advance, with so many people present, it’s inevitable that some aspects might be overlooked. Should an accident occur, it would be most unfortunate. Besides, Chen Ruyu and Zhang Peilan are also here, ever scheming to set traps and cause mischief, prompting her to be even more vigilant. With both the Princess and Commandery Princess in attendance, not the slightest error is permissible, especially upon witnessing the sinister expressions that Chen Ruyu inadvertently reveals, causing Lin Yue to be even more wary.
Upon hearing that there was an artificial lake ahead, Chen Ruyu’s face lit up with delight, thinking that her chance had arrived. Falling into water is a common accident, and should the Princess or Commandery Princess fall in by accident, that peasant woman would be out of luck.
Chen Ruyu was not particularly clever, focusing only on the possibility that Lin Yue would be punished should an accident befall someone, never considering that if the true instigator was discovered, it would amount to a grave crime of attempted murder. It wouldn’t be just her, but the entire Chen Mansion that would be implicated by her actions. Now, with her mind clouded by the bacon grease stirred up by Zhang Peilan, she was fixated solely on revenge against Lin Yue without any consideration for the consequences.
"If that is the case, let us not proceed any further then. When everything is properly arranged, you can take me there for a look. We have been wandering around for quite a while now; perhaps we should head back," Princess Yongle said indifferently. She wasn’t insistent on visiting the lake in the first place; it was just a casual stroll that brought her here, and upon Lin Yue’s suggestion, she stopped in her tracks.
Chen Ruyu had already planned to seek an opportunity by the lake to carry out her scheme, but when she heard the Princess agree to Lin Yue’s suggestion, leading the group back, she became anxious. However, in front of the Princess, her influence was negligible and the Princess would not heed her words; any attempt to intervene would be in vain, so she had no choice but to watch a golden opportunity slip away.
A couple of days after the banquet ended, Princess Yongle, as expected, sent someone to bring Lin Yue to the Imperial Palace. Zhao Erhu, although concerned for Lin Yue’s safety, could not object to the Princess’s invitation. He knew that his wife actually wanted to see the Imperial Palace, the place of utmost wealth and power in the land. So, after seeking advice from Jiang Ziqi on important matters to be mindful of, he carefully instructed Lin Yue and saw her off, following the Palace Attendant sent by the Princess.
"Your Excellency, my wife is a country girl, unfamiliar with the palace etiquette. I hope you will take good care of her," said Zhao Erhu as he handed a purse to the Palace Attendant. The attendant, Wang Gonggong, weighed it and found it unexpectedly heavy, considering the man’s humble origins as a peasant. He noted the family’s surprising generosity.
Zhao Erhu was not one to spend lavishly just because his household had grown wealthy. In fact, he had always maintained a habit of frugality, even loath to waste leftover food. However, when it came to necessary expenditures, he was not stingy at all, especially when dealing with matters concerning Lin Yue, where Zhao Erhu was indeed willing to spend silver.
"Brother, rest assured. I have been commanded by Her Highness the Princess to escort Madam Lin to the palace for a two-day stay. As a guest of Her Highness the Princess, Madam Lin is a person of distinction. Even if I had multiple heads, I dare not slight the guest of the Princess. You just go about your business with peace of mind," the attendant reassured.