"Oh, you wicked girl, your mouth truly is formidable. I can't win against you."
Cai Qing said helplessly, for Chu Qing's words were too sharp, and she was utterly defeated in their verbal sparring.
Chu Qing couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, playfully remarking, "Not at all, it's just that what I said struck a chord with you, hitting the nail on the head, leaving you speechless. So, my dear sister, tell me, aren't you just eager to get married? If you truly feel that way, I'll ask Madam to put in more effort and arrange your marriage sooner."
"It will also save Lord Lu from waiting day and night so arduously. Let's fulfill your good fortune early, and we can all share in the joy."
Cai Qing's fair face grew even redder. Chu Qing's words were truly potent, leaving her utterly unable to retort, forcing her to sulk silently.
"You... if you dare to spout more nonsense, I'll... I'll tear your little mouth to shreds, so you can never get married and remain an old maid."
Cai Qing reached out as if to pinch Chu Qing's incessantly chattering mouth. This mouth was truly both loved and hated. When angered, she genuinely wished to sew Chu Qing's mouth shut with a needle, preventing her from speaking another word.
Otherwise, she would only utter infuriating words, yet in a way that left no room for rebuttal.
"Good sister, I dare not... I truly dare not..."
Seeing that Cai Qing seemed genuinely angry, Chu Qing quickly covered her mouth and pleaded for forgiveness, not wanting Cai Qing to actually tear her mouth.
"You're quick to beg for mercy, but it's too late. Today, I will tear your little mouth apart."
Cai Qing deliberately put on a ferocious act, chasing Chu Qing, appearing as though she would truly tear her mouth.
"Good sister, I truly dare not anymore... please be magnanimous and don't hold it against me."
After much pleading, Cai Qing finally relented, ceasing her teasing. She placed her hands on her hips, her voice laced with a hint of anger, "If there's a next time, you'll see if I let you off."
"Alright, alright, I understand. There will definitely not be a next time." Chu Qing stepped forward, draped her arm around Cai Qing's, and pulled her to sit on a chair, fawningly offering her a cup of tea.
"Seriously, Sister Cai Qing, have you really thought about marrying Lord Lu?"
Cai Qing lowered her eyelids, a shadow clouding her eyes. "It's not that I haven't thought about it, but... but I'm afraid that after marriage, everything will change. Lu Shi will become different from now, perhaps very distant. I also worry that married life will be filled with trivial squabbles, endless arguments."
"If that were to happen, wouldn't it be better for me not to marry? It's quite good to continue like this."
From the bottom of her heart, she was somewhat afraid of marriage and worried that life after marriage wouldn't be smooth sailing. It would be better to live as she was, there was no need to insist on marriage.
A trace of shock crossed Chu Qing's face. She hadn't expected the usually carefree Cai Qing to be so thoughtful about marriage, even contemplating future possibilities. It was truly unexpected.
"But the things you mentioned are, after all, rare occurrences. I believe Lord Lu is a good man. After you marry, it certainly won't be as you imagine..."
Cai Qing sighed softly, her tone tinged with helplessness. "I wish that were so. But no one can predict the future. These things are too far off, let's not talk about them anymore..."
Who knew what would happen in the future? She didn't want to dwell on these distant possibilities anymore, preferring to let things take their natural course.
"But what are you thinking about such things for, a young girl who has just come of age..."
How old was she to be considering such matters? The more she thought about it, the more it felt amiss. Her gaze fell upon Chu Qing as she examined her. After a moment of contemplation, she suddenly asked, "Do you have someone you like, which is why you're thinking about this?"
Chu Qing's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly waved her hands, denying it. "No... no, that's absolutely not true."
"Pfft..." Cai Qing couldn't help but stifle her laughter, covering her mouth, amused by Chu Qing's nervous and flustered demeanor.
"Look at how scared you are. Even if you did have someone you liked, what of it? Isn't that normal? You're so terrified."
Realizing she had been teased, Chu Qing's little mouth immediately pouted. "I'm not talking to you anymore. I'm going to check on Madam to see if she needs any help. Sister Cai Qing, you stay in the room and rest well."
"I'll go with you."
She had been taking care of Lu Shi all day and hadn't visited Madam. Instead, she had troubled Madam to run errands. Now that Lu Shi was fine, she could take the opportunity to help Madam.
"Sister Cai Qing, please don't trouble yourself anymore. You've been taking care of Lord Lu all day. Lord Lu might still call for you later. Just rest comfortably in the room and take good care of Lord Lu later. Madam has me looking after her, and nothing will go wrong. You just rest well."
Leaving Cai Qing in the room, Chu Qing immediately stood up and walked out.
...
"Madam, please rest for a while. This servant will watch over the young general."
Chu Qing pushed open the door and tiptoed in, carefully placing the meal tray on the desk, not daring to make a sound.
Feng Jin opened her eyes, which had been half-closed in slumber, upon hearing the sound. She stretched and stood up, leaning on the table.
"Madam, I've made some lotus seed soup. Please have some to fill your stomach."
Madam had stayed up all night watching over the young general since last night. Even a person made of iron couldn't endure such hardship, going without food and water. She would collapse sooner or later.
Feng Jin was indeed hungry. She sat in a chair, picked up the bowl, and began to eat the porridge with large mouthfuls.
"Madam, after you finish the porridge, you should go and rest. This servant will stay here and watch over the young general. If anything happens, I will call you immediately, and nothing will go wrong."
She was also worried that if Madam continued like this, her body wouldn't be able to take it. What if, in the end, the young general recovered, but Madam fell ill?
Feng Jin placed the empty bowl on the desk. "No, I'll stay here."