1269: Swallowed Her Shyness

Swallowed Her Shyness

Lu Tingchen's mind was filled with nothing but the image of Chu Jiu walking toward him, dressed in women's clothes.1

Just then, he let out a sneeze.

He rubbed his nose in bewilderment. Was there someone bad-mouthing him?

He picked up his running pace.

He needed to finish his laps quickly if he wanted to join his mother and Chu Jiu in the city.

…

After exiting the camp, Ling Lihua and Chu Jiu fetched a horse each and rode to the city.

When they reached the city gates, they tied their horses to a tree and entered the city on foot.

Once they stepped through the gates, they were greeted by a bustling atmosphere.

Unlike the solemn military camp, the city was teeming with life and activity.

Ling Lihua was finally able to unwind after such a long period of tension. Emotion welled in her as she watched the people hurry to and fro on the street, and she said to Chu Jiu with a smile, "I've been at the frontier for so long, but it's my first time visiting the city."

Chu Jiu's expression softened, and she said sincerely, "It's because you've been hard at work all this time, Madam."

Ling Lihua smiled. "I don't mind having to work hard, as long as it helps to control the soldiers' conditions."

"It's all thanks to you and the other physicians," Chu Jiu said admiringly. It was truly a blessing for Great Shang to have both the Duchess and the Empress, who were equally skilled in practicing medicine. 

"Let's go and explore that area." Ling Lihua had not been this relaxed in a long time as she had been busy treating the soldiers.

Right now, she was itching to buy everything she laid her eyes on.

"You look amazing in women's clothes, Jiu. Don't dress like a man anymore—I'll get you a few more dresses." Recalling her son's stupefaction when he saw Jiu in women's garb back in the camp, she felt both amused and excited to add more dresses to the young woman's wardrobe. It would be so much fun to see Chu Jiu drive her son wild.

Without waiting for Chu Jiu's reply, she grabbed her hand and strode into a clothing store.

Chu Jiu tried to refuse. "The Empress has already bought me a dress when we were in the Yan Kingdom, so I have enough to wear. You don't have to waste money on me anymore, Madam…"

"I wouldn't call it a waste of money at all! Chen's decided that you're the one for him, so that makes you my future daughter-in-law. Isn't it natural that I buy clothes for my future daughter-in-law?" Ling Lihua interrupted her, beaming.

Mortified by her enthusiasm, Chu Jiu could not stop herself from turning beet red as she protested, "Madam, I'm not your daughter-in-law, please don't—"

Ling Lihua patted her hand and gazed at her with the warmth and kindness of an older woman. "I know it's still a little too early to say that, but Chen's never cared so much for a girl before. If you don't detest him, I suggest you give him a chance.

"Chen's my son, so maybe you'll think I'm just sticking up for him no matter what I say, but I still have to say this very shamelessly—he's a wonderful young man who's absolutely capable of giving a woman a happy life. He's neither arrogant nor impetuous, he leads an honest and clean life, and he also has a great sense of responsibility. For young men his age, a specimen like him is hard to come by. If you marry him, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. He'll treat you well and shower you with all his affection."

Chu Jiu listened awkwardly as Ling Lihua praised Lu Tingchen to the heavens.

However, she could not deny that Lu Tingchen was truly a good man—the Duchess had not exaggerated things at all.

A flurry of mixed emotions instantly arose in her heart.

"He may have upset you a few times, but it's because he's never pursued a girl before. He doesn't have any experience in this area, so he ends up being pushy, which I understand will be unpleasant for you. But he means no harm—he just wants to marry you really badly," Ling Lihua explained in slight frustration.

Despite Chu Jiu's embarrassment, she had to admit that the Duchess had just perfectly described Lu Tingchen's behavior for the past few days.

After thinking for a moment, she swallowed her shyness and said softly, "I understand what you mean, Madam. I don't blame the Heir Presumptive. As for your suggestion… I'll think about it."

Hearing this, Ling Lihua knew that her explanations had not been in vain.

Besides, Chu Jiu was different from other young women. Although she was shy, she did not avoid the subject.

Ling Lihua was very much impressed by her personality.

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