Knowing that Jiang Ning'an was having lunch, Chu Yu took this opportunity to leave the Princess Mansion and went straight to the Hidden Bamboo Pavilion.
As soon as Shopkeeper Zhou saw Chu Yu, he quickly greeted her. "Miss Chu, why have you suddenly come here?"
"Shopkeeper Zhou, can you help me contact Young Master Fu? I have something extremely urgent to discuss with him."
Shopkeeper Zhou quickly nodded, first settled Chu Yu in a private room, and then went to deliver the message himself.
Today, Fu Qingya was not at home, so Shopkeeper Zhou went to the Imperial College instead.
Fu Qingya served as an assistant teacher at the Imperial College. Although he was the son of the Director of the Imperial College and had a cold personality, he never bullied others by relying on his family background. His coldness was applied equally to everyone and not specifically targeted at anyone, so he was quite popular at the Imperial College.
When Shopkeeper Zhou arrived at the Imperial College, Fu Qingya had just finished his class. As soon as he heard that Chu Yu was waiting for him at the Hidden Bamboo Pavilion, his eyes lit up. He immediately asked for leave and followed Shopkeeper Zhou.
He rushed to the Hidden Bamboo Pavilion in a hurry and finally saw Chu Yu in the familiar private room.
Chu Yu was still wearing a plain - colored dress. Such a color that would seem dull on others only made her look noble and otherworldly, like a celestial being who had descended to earth.
However, today Chu Yu's face looked faintly haggard.
Fu Qingya unconsciously put away the smile on his face. "Yu'er, what's wrong?"
Chu Yu looked at him, and slowly a glimmer of tears appeared in her eyes. "Young Master Fu, I really have no other choice but to come to you. I..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Chu Yu was already sobbing uncontrollably.
Fu Qingya handed her a handkerchief. "Don't be in a hurry. Take your time."
Chu Yu sobbed as she told him about the assassination attempt. At the end, she added, "The princess not only drove me to the servants' quarters but also wanted to get rid of me completely. If I hadn't been vigilant and managed to hide last night, I wouldn't even know where I'd be now!"
Fu Qingya was shocked. "How dare she do such a thing?!"
"Young Master Fu, I really don't know what to do. I was lucky this time to escape, but I can't be lucky every time. Maybe one day I'll meet my end there. So, Young Master Fu, I'd like you to help me buy and choose a place in a good location. Don't worry, I won't take advantage of you. I'll give you the silver. Can you help me find a decent place in the capital?"
Chu Yu looked at him with tear - filled eyes.
Fu Qingya pursed his lips tightly, and the hand hidden in his sleeve had already been clenched into a fist.
He had known Chu Yu for so long, but this was the first time he had seen her so aggrieved.
He had grown up in the Fu family, a family with strict etiquette. From childhood to adulthood, he had always been unable to act freely. Before speaking or doing anything, he always had to think carefully. Even a small inappropriate action might lead to a very severe lecture.
In major matters, he had to follow the family's arrangements and had no choice at all.
However, all his friends were in the same situation, so he didn't think there was anything wrong with it.
It wasn't until Chu Yu appeared.
After getting to know Chu Yu, Fu Qingya learned that it was okay to talk while eating, and there was no need to strictly abide by all the rules when walking, sitting, or lying down.
Chu Yu said that in this world, being happy was the most important thing, and as long as one was true to oneself, it was enough.
This had a great impact on him, who had always followed the rules since childhood.
Since then, in his eyes, Chu Yu had become a real celestial being.
But now, the celestial being in his heart had been bullied like this.
Fu Qingya took a deep breath and said, "Yu'er, don't worry. I'll arrange a mansion for you as soon as possible."
Chu Yu nodded while crying. "Thank you, Young Master Fu. The accommodation doesn't have to be too good. I can endure hardships."
"No way!" Fu Qingya didn't even think for a moment. "When you were in the Princess Mansion, I couldn't do anything. But once you leave the Princess Mansion, I will never let you suffer any more grievances!"
He frowned and thought for a while. "By the way, Lord Wu and his family just moved out of the capital two days ago. He was well - known for his enjoyment of life, and his mansion is very elegant and quite popular. Don't worry, I'll arrange everything properly as soon as possible and let you move in."
Hearing this, Chu Yu was really touched.
Fu Qingya's words showed that he really took her affairs to heart.
"Young Master Fu, it's really good to have you. Thank you."
Only now did she know how important it was to have someone to rely on.
Fu Qingya was a bit unhappy. "Do we still need to say such things to each other?"
Chu Yu broke into a smile through her tears.
---
After having lunch at the Hidden Bamboo Pavilion, Fu Qingya had to return to the Imperial College, while Chu Yu went back to the Princess Mansion.
She got off the carriage in front of the Princess Mansion. When she looked up, she saw a familiar figure. "Brother Linchuan?"
Xu Linchuan turned his head.
Seeing his red - rimmed eyes, Chu Yu was secretly shocked, and the steps she had taken towards him stopped. "Brother Linchuan, what's wrong with you?"
Xu Linchuan didn't say a word. He just turned his head and looked at the gate of the Princess Mansion.
What's wrong?
He had received an imperial edict yesterday.
He had originally thought it was an edict appointing him to an official position, but unexpectedly, it was an edict stripping him of his official title.
After years of hard study and all his efforts to obtain the title of third - place finalist in the imperial examination, it was all gone.
All of this was because of Jiang Ning'an!
If it weren't for Jiang Ning'an, he should have been smoothly appointed to an official position, entered the court, and then fully displayed his ambitions!
But now... all was gone!
The imperial edict had been issued and couldn't be changed, but Xu Linchuan still thought that Jiang Ning'an must have a way to let him enter the court through another channel.
As long as he could enter the court, he was willing to do anything!
But he had been standing here for a long time. The doorman had only delivered a message for him once, saying that Jiang Ning'an didn't want to see him. After that, no matter what he said, the doorman refused to go again.
But it didn't matter. He would just stand at the door.
He knew that Jiang Ning'an must know that he hadn't left.
As long as he stood for a long enough time, Jiang Ning'an would understand his feelings.
Chu Yu was also very surprised to see that he ignored her.
This was the first time.
She also looked at the Princess Mansion. Recalling what had happened to her last night, an idea popped into her mind.
She took two steps forward and lowered her voice. "Brother Linchuan, I have a way."
Only then did Xu Linchuan look at her.
"This is not a place to talk. Let's go somewhere else."
Xu Linchuan hesitated for a moment but finally followed Chu Yu.
As soon as he left, the doorman heaved a sigh of relief and quickly went to report to Jiang Ning'an.
Jiang Ning'an was lying by the lake, sunbathing. After hearing the news, she couldn't help but say, "I've said several times that I don't want to see him, but he just doesn't understand. As soon as Chu Yu said something, he left. These two are really a perfect match."
Meng Chun said with a smile, "I didn't expect that Chu Yu would be so kind - hearted. She actually led Young Master Xu away."
"Kind - hearted?" Jiang Ning'an sneered. "They might be plotting something. Lin Ji, send someone to follow them."
"Your Highness, don't worry. There have always been people following them."