Chapter 550: Chapter 537: Come Back Earlier

“The rest of them…”

Chu Jinnian pointed out each lantern to Chu Jinzhou according to their delicacy, from low to high, “This one is for Mingli, this one is for Qingsui, and this big one, is for your Big Sister Ning.”

There are indeed people more important than his little brother!

A mistake, a mistake…

Chu Jinzhou was disappointed that Chu Jinnian would give nicer lanterns to others and not to him. But once he heard Chu Jinnian’s explanation, he immediately accepted it.

It made sense that the best lantern was for Zhuang Qingning, and the other two were for Zhuang Qingsui and Zhuang Mingli, respectively.

After all, he was the oldest among the three of them. How could an elder brother snatch things from his younger siblings?

Chu Jinnian had divided it this way, and even if he had divided it himself, he would have done the same.

Chu Jinzhou suddenly cheered up and nodded, “So, are you going to deliver the lanterns now, brother? Can I go with you?”

“We just delivered the lanterns today, so we’ll wait until tomorrow. Let’s take these lanterns and go to the temple fair and admire the lanterns together.”

Although, the lantern he was holding was a bit ugly…

But it was made by Chu Jinnian himself and he liked it!

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to go admire the lanterns with you all tomorrow. I received a letter from the capital city last night. There are some issues with the Fourth Prince and I need to go back to handle it. I’ll be setting off this afternoon.”

Chu Jinnian explained, “That’s why I made these lanterns and plan to send them to Ning, as an apology.”

“I see…” Chu Jinzhou felt a little disappointed.

But over the years, Chu Jinzhou had become accustomed to Chu Jinnian not always being by his side. He also understood how busy Chu Jinnian was and how hard his life was. He shrugged, saying, “It doesn’t matter. There will be another Lantern Festival next year. We can celebrate it then.”

“We should hurry and deliver the lanterns to Big Sister Ning and the others.”

Chu Jinzhou pulled Chu Jinnian and walked out.

Chu Jinnian raised an eyebrow.

Who said he was taking you along?

He had to be stuck to him all the time, and there was no time to rest…

Chu Jinnian was a bit annoyed. But seeing the current situation, he knew he wouldn’t be able to shake him off. With no other options, he took him along. After finishing a quick breakfast, they headed to Zhuang Qingning’s house.

Zhuang Qingsui and Zhuang Mingli were waiting for Chu Jinzhou at home. When they saw Chu Jinnian brought them lanterns, they were overwhelmed with joy and said thank you, before disappearing off to play.

“I made this by hand for Miss Zhuang.” Chu Jinnian handed the largest and roundest lantern to Zhuang Qingning.

“Thank you, Master Chu.” Zhuang Qingning thanked Chu Jinnian, took the lantern, and examined it closely.

Chu Jinnian’s lantern making skills were not bad. Except for the bamboo strips at the edges that were no longer confined and had expanded, overall it really did look like a lantern!

“We had agreed to go to the county town and enjoy the lanterns and temple fair on the Lantern Festival. Unfortunately, I received a letter from the capital and there are some issues that I need to handle. I’ll be setting off this afternoon, so I won’t be able to enjoy the lanterns with Miss Zhuang. I came to apologize and to say goodbye.” Chu Jinnian spoke softly.

“The incident was sudden; it’s certainly not your fault, Master Chu.” Zhuang Qingning responded with a slight smile, “Given your return to the capital now, I assume it will be a few months before we see you again.”

Over this period of time, Zhuang Qingning had gotten used to having Chu Jinnian around every day to help with chores. If he suddenly had to go back to the capital and could no longer come around often to help with chores like sweeping the floor and chopping vegetables, it would be an adjustment.

“Yes,” Chu Jinnian nodded. “If it’s fast, two or three months. If slow, half a year.”

If Chu Yunzhao can avoid dealing with the bandit problem in Lu, that would be ideal. But if he could not avoid it and had to go, Chu Jinnian would also need to go for Chu Yunzhao’s safety.

No matter what, he could not repeat the same mistakes.

Fortunately, the time was not very long.

Zhuang Qingning nodded slightly, “Then, Master Chu, you should come back soon.”

Return soon, come back early to help her chop vegetables, sweep the courtyard, and let her see his handsome face sooner – just thinking about it made her feel comfortable.

Return soon?

Chu Jinnian was taken aback at first. He felt a warm feeling in his heart, which surged up to his brain and exploded.

For a moment, he pictured a beautiful scene of a woman longing for the return of her man.

Such words and such a scene should only occur between a husband and wife.

Yet they were spoken by Zhuang Qingning…

A smile spread across Chu Jinnian’s face, covering his entire face. He nodded solemnly, “Don’t worry, I will.”

Seeing the handsome man’s dazzling smile, Zhuang Qingning couldn’t help but laugh and added some hot tea to the cup beside Chu Jinnian.

The sun rose to its zenith and Chu Jinnian and Chu Jinzhou ate lunch at Zhuang Qingning’s house.

Fried rice with egg, double-cooked pork, sesame and cabbage, stir-fried winter bamboo shoots, braised tofu skin, plus a bowl of white radish soup. Comfort food, but full of flavour.

Jing Zhao had already packed up and was waiting outside. Chu Jinnian didn’t linger and bid them farewell.

Chu Jinzhou stayed until sunset before he returned home. Before he left, he made plans with Zhuang Qingning and the others to explore the county town on Lantern Festival and enjoy the lanterns at night.

Once Chu Jinnian was gone, he would be the man of the house in Qingzhuyuan. Many things had to be arranged by him.

With the Lantern Festival here, many things needed to be done. And after a year, many everyday items and food were running low. Zhuang Qingning also wanted to go to the county town to buy some items.

The enrollment exam for the women’s academy had been announced to be held on the 26th of February. During this time, Zhuang Qingsui would have to study harder, and there would likely not be too many opportunities for leisure until the exam.

It was a good chance for her to relax and enjoy herself too.

Considering all these things, Zhuang Qingning agreed to go to the county town during the Lantern Festival.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning agree, Chu Jinzhou happily went home.

The next morning, before Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui had finished their breakfast, Chu Jinzhou arrived, accompanied by Fan Wenxuan.

The smile on Fan Wenxuan’s face was particularly bright, so bright that his beard seemed to curl up from joy.

Being cooped up in Qingzhuyuan all this time, he was excited to finally get out now that Chu Jinnian was gone.

Zhuang Qingsui and Zhuang Mingli hadn’t seen Fan Wenxuan for more than ten days since they visited him on New Year’s Day. They were also excited to be going to the county town with him.

A carriage filled with laughter and chatter slowly headed towards the county town.

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