Chapter 497: 446

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio     Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Since Madam Ma was avoiding Zhao Chuchu, the latter naturally did not encounter her.

Zhao Chuchu and Madam Ma had the same idea. It was best to be strangers to one another.

Zhao Chuchu could not bring herself to treat Madam Ma the way she treated the members of the Chen clan.

She could not forget how Madam Ma previously treated the original owner of her body. She also did not forget that she had personally killed Zhao Zhizhi.

In short, the two of them had the tacit understanding to not appear before each other unless it was necessary. They maintained a delicate balance.

Xie Jun returning to Lengshui Village was like a duck returning to water. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there.

However, he was very disciplined. After he had fun with his friends, he would go home to study and practice his calligraphy. He did not abandon his studies just because he met up with his old friends. Even Zhao Chuchu was impressed by his immense self-control.

Usually, children at Xie Jun’s age were playful. Few could be as disciplined as he was.

As expected, a person was influenced by the company he kept. Xie Jun resembled Xie Heng, who also had a high level of self-control.

After they finished their meal, Zhao Chuchu asked Xie Jun, “Tomorrow, I will make a trip to the town. Do you want to follow me?

“Sis, I’ll stay here. A round trip to the town takes a long time. I’ll stay in the village and study diligently. Don’t worry.” Xie Jun added thoughtfully, “I’ll go to Grandma Gan’s house with you during the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Zhao Chuchu advised, “Studying is important, but you must also find time to relax. Don’t get too fixated on studying, alright?”

“I know. Bro said that we should strike a perfect balance between work and rest.”

“Hmm. Rest early. Don’t stay up too late reading at night. It’s not good for your eyes.”

“Alright. ”

After Xie Jun showered, he went into his room without being asked. Zhao Chuchu did not need to worry about him at all.

Besides that, he even washed his own clothes now and did not ask for Zhao Chuchu’s help.

The next day, Zhao Chuchu left for the county town early in the morning.

On the other hand, the Third Prince came to Lengshui Village in his carriage.

He came here as a merchant to avoid bringing any trouble to the village.

The chief was very polite towards this young master who demonstrated a noble temperament.

After learning in depth about the tofu skins, the Third Prince ordered a batch of them from the watermill workshop.

Then, he told the chief, “This place is marvelous with flowing rivers and lush mountains. Can you bring me around? It’s been a long time since I last took a breather at such a peaceful place.”

The chief found no reason to turn him down. Regardless of whether he was here for business or other hidden agenda, the Third Prince appeared very sincere. The chief had a great impression of him, so he agreed to the latter’s request.

The Third Prince did not have any ulterior motive.

He just wanted to stroll around the place where his younger brother grew up and see what kind of lifestyle the latter had here.

Just when the Third Prince and the chief left the watermill workshop, they saw Xie Jun and his friends frolicking on the ground. They were covered in mud and appeared filthy, but Xie Jun looked very happy. He had a bright smile on his face.

The Third Prince stopped in his tracks and looked at Xie Jun with a smile.

The chief immediately said, “The kids in the village all behave like this. They will roll around in the mud for fun. Mister, please do not mind them.” “They are very happy. Children should be carefree like this. Don’t you agree?

The chief agreed, “Indeed. When they grow up, they won’t get the chance to play like this anymore.”

The Third Prince lamented, “I envy them.”

He had been sick since young. Let alone playing with friends like this, he didn’t even have many chances to take a stroll at the park in the palace.

When he saw that Xie Jun had so many friends in Lengshui Village, the Third Prince was gratified.

Although his younger brother had had a difficult life, he was at least happy.

As for himself, what use were riches and a life of luxury?

He had no freedom, was always ill and did not have any friends. Aside from Qiao Heting, the Third Prince was always alone.

However, the Third Prince soon recalled that previously Xie Jun was also in the same situation as him. His mood turned sour once again.

Those people had enjoyed peaceful days for too long. He had to let them taste some pain.

Otherwise, how could he make up for the suffering he and Xie Jun had faced all these years?

The chief suddenly felt the Third Prince’s killing intent. The former could not help but feel a shiver down his spine. He carefully cast a sideways glance and discovered that the Third Prince was still smiling at the kids. His smile was like a spring breeze. There was no killing intent visible at all.

He was overthinking things. The chief told himself this.

The Third Prince did not linger for too long before continuing on again.

Lengshui Village was far different from how it was before.

Since the establishment of the watermill workshop, the business of tofu skins thrived. Aside from the Zhao clan, the living standards of everyone in the village had significantly improved. Those with more money had all built new houses.

Now, most of the houses in Lengshui Village were made of bricks and roof tiles. They appeared majestic. The youngsters here became popular marriage candidates for people from other villages. The matchmakers frequented the village, and the villagers did not need to worry about not being able to find a spouse.

After taking a tour around the village, The Third Prince left with Qiao Heting.

After they boarded the carriage, Qiao Heting asked, “Third Brother, why did you order so many tofu skins? Did you plan to give them to someone? If you distribute them to the shops under your name, wouldn’t it arouse suspicion?

The Third Prince replied, “I plan to send them to the Duke’s residence. They should be enough to last you for a year.”

Qiao Heting was momentarily speechless before he retorted, “Even though tofu skins are tasty, I will get bored eating them daily.”

The Third Prince was amused by Qiao Hetings rigidity. He suggested, “Don’t you know that you can ask your butler to distribute them to the servants as rewards? Tofu skins are still a rare commodity now in the capital. I don’t think

anyone will reject them.”

Qiao Heting scratched his head. He also realized this. He said, “Your suggestion is better. However, since you have come to Lengshui Village, why don’t you find a reason to stay?”

“Then what about when others spread gossip about me and Zhao Chuchu?” asked the Third Prince rhetorically.

The corner of Qiao Heting’s mouth twitched. He asked, “Who would know that it is you, Third Brother?”

“Xie Heng would. I have said that I will not do anything that might cause misunderstandings.”

The Third Prince was clearly aware that he could not protect Xie Jun for his entire life. However, Zhao Chuchu and Xie Heng could.

No matter what, he would not cause Xie Heng to be suspicious of him and thus ruin his relationship with Xie Jun.

Paving the way for Xie Jun was the last thing the Third Prince could do for him!

Qiao Heting sighed. How great would it be if Xie Jun could grow up under the Third Prince’s wing?

The Third Prince saw through Qiao Heting’s thoughts and calmly said, “Our current arrangement is for the best.”

No matter how well he treated Xie Jun, he was not able to treat the latter’s illness.

However, after Xie Jun left the palace and was taken in by the Xie clan, he met Zhao Chuchu and was saved.

Moreover, Xie Jun did not have to face those evil people that were up to no good for the time being. With Xie Heng’s protection and guidance, he could live a carefree life for a long period of time.

This was what the Third Prince wanted.

The Third Prince said, “You know how scary of a place the palace is.”

Qiao Heting agreed, “Hmm, indeed. I did not think about that.”

The Third Prince lamented, “Cousin, sometimes I wonder what would happen if I was also this fortunate back then…”

“Third Brother…”

“Never mind. I was just ranting..”

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