After being away for so long, Cai Qing couldn't help but fantasize about returning to the capital, which would surely be much better than her current life.
She truly missed the food at the manor, and also the Imperial Beauty Workshop. She wondered how business was doing there after being away for so long.
"Young Madam, what do you think of the business at the Imperial Beauty Workshop during this time? Will it be alright with the Jing Wangfei overseeing it?"
After all, the Jing Wangfei had never managed a business before. What if she messed up the Imperial Beauty Workshop, which had been doing so well? When they were there, the business was booming. Wouldn't it be a shame if it failed?
"It should be fine. The Jing Wangfei should have the ability to manage a shop."
Feng Jin was very relieved to entrust the Imperial Beauty Workshop to Lin Yuwei's care. A noble daughter like Lin Yuwei would have been taught how to manage household affairs since childhood, and she surely had many people around her who understood business.
"Young Madam has a discerning eye. Since Young Madam says it's alright, then it must truly be alright."
Cai Qing's trust in Feng Jin was absolute, requiring no thought. It was completely unthinking trust, primarily because everything Feng Jin said was categorized as correct, without any room for doubt.
Chu Qing was completely clueless about what the two were discussing, but she still listened attentively to everything, trying to remember it.
"When we return to the capital, I must take Chu Qing to visit the Imperial Beauty Workshop. Then you can pick whatever you want, all on me."
Cai Qing patted her chest and promised. She had promised Chu Qing long ago that she would take her around the capital when they returned, and of course, she would take Chu Qing to the Imperial Beauty Workshop.
"I'll listen to Sister Cai Qing," Chu Qing replied obediently, her eyes lifted. Her innocent eyes were full of purity.
Compared to before, Lu Shi's attitude towards Cai Qing was a world apart, completely different people.
Feng Jin watched their interaction and couldn't help but smile.
"You've been getting along quite well these days. Chu Qing, when we return to the capital, let Cai Qing take you around. Buy whatever you want, and I'll pay for it."
"Young Madam, no... this won't do. I've already promised Chu Qing that I would buy her something when we return to the capital. You're really snatching my thunder."
Cai Qing knew Feng Jin's personality well, which was why she dared to openly criticize Feng Jin.
"You're starting to find fault with me now. How about this, you take Chu Qing shopping together, and it will count as your contribution. I'll pay for everything..."
"As for your little bit of money, you'd better save it for your dowry."
"Young Madam... what dowry, what not. I'm not getting married."
Cai Qing's face flushed, and her voice was a little shy.
"Sister Cai Qing, are you getting married?" Chu Qing asked, not understanding.
"No, don't listen to what Young Madam says. I never said I was getting married."
It was true that she liked Lu Shi a little, but she had never said she wanted to marry Lu Shi.
All these words were spoken by Young Madam, who was trying to trick her into marrying Lu Shi.
"Is that so?" Chu Qing asked doubtfully. If she wasn't getting married, why would she blush whenever this topic came up?
"Of course!" Cai Qing exclaimed, a little scared.
Chu Qing, startled by the sudden outburst, shivered and nodded blankly.
"Don't scare Chu Qing anymore. If you don't want to get married, then don't. If you become an old maid when we get back, don't blame me for not letting you get married."
As the saying goes, a girl kept too long becomes an enemy. She was afraid that in the end, Cai Qing would become an enemy.
If she couldn't get married later and then blamed her for not letting her marry earlier.
"Young Madam, don't worry, I will absolutely not become an enemy that you kept around," Cai Qing guaranteed with full confidence, patting her chest. She had long prepared herself for a life of not getting married.
She had carefully considered it. If she didn't get married, she could stay by Young Madam's side and serve her, living a much more comfortable life. If she got married, she would have to serve her husband's family. In that case, she might as well not get married.
Feng Jin sighed helplessly. What was all this about? What if she really did become an old maid who couldn't get married?
When she was old, she would have to bring an old maid with her when she went out. The thought of that scene made her laugh.
"Alright, you'd better think about when it would be more appropriate to get married. I think Lu Shi is a really good person. Look at the candied fruits on the table, aren't they also from Lu Shi..."
Feng Jin tried her best to speak well of Lu Shi, just to make Cai Qing take it to heart.
"Or should I return those things to him? I really feel uneasy just accepting his gifts. Young Madam, do you think it's okay for me to send them back now?"
"If you send them back now, it will only make Lu Shi feel awkward. How about you prepare something else as a return gift for Lu Shi?"
"Send something else? What would be good?"
Seeing that the bait had been taken, Feng Jin smiled faintly and continued, "When giving gifts, it's best to give something the recipient needs. I noticed Lu Shi's shoes are a bit worn. Why don't you make him a pair of shoes?"
"That seems alright..." Cai Qing said, not understanding. She was completely unaware of Feng Jin's plan and felt fortunate that Feng Jin had given her advice.
"But I don't know what size shoes Lu Shi wears?"
"Isn't the mouth below your nose for more than just eating and breathing? Can't you just open your mouth and ask?"
Feng Jin truly felt speechless. Did she really have to go and ask Lu Shi for his shoe size?
"Then I'll go and ask," Cai Qing said softly, lowering her head.
*Bang... bang... bang...*
Several knocks came from outside the carriage. Cai Qing, closest to the window, lifted the curtain and looked out, her eyes meeting Lu Shi's outside the carriage.
Instantly, the atmosphere became ambiguous. Cai Qing stared blankly for a moment, then snapped back to reality and pulled the curtain shut, sitting back abruptly in the carriage, her body temperature soaring.
Feng Jin took in Cai Qing's change and lifted the curtain, and upon seeing the person standing outside, she immediately understood what was going on.
"Greetings, Young Madam."
"What is it, Lu Shi?"
"The Young General sent me to buy some pastries in the town ahead and bring them to Young Madam. We won't be passing through any towns along the way, so Young Madam can have a treat."
Seeing this, Chu Qing quickly took the food box from Lu Shi.