The Emperor’s Beloved Ugly Girl

26. Chen Qingxuan

Translator: Iris Guo

Chen Qingxuan was amused by A’Chou: “Miss, what can I do for you?”

“Oh, could you please tell me how to get to the market?” A’Chou hastened to ask, paused, and then said, “Forget it if it’s too far away. Sir, is there a clinic nearby?”

“Actually, the market is not very far,” said Chen Qingxuan. He walked A’Chou out while showing her the direction: “See? Just go along the road, and you’ll get there in an hour. There is a clinic in the market.”

“Got it. Mr. Chen, thank you so much.” A’Chou hastened to bow with gratitude. However, when she was about to leave, he stopped her and said:

“I still haven’t got your name,” He saw her sharp vigilance and explained hurriedly, “I hope you won’t take any offense. It’s just rare to see a stranger in Chen Village.”

“I… I moved here with my family…” A’Chou was a little nervous and blushed, so she stopped talking and left.

Chen Qingxuan looked at her receding figure and didn’t ask more. He almost figured out A’Chou’s situation. Prisoners were often condemned to exile to NingGuTa. If they were lucky, they would get a place to stay and live a normal life. If they were not, they would do heavy chores in handcuffs and shackles every day. The girl was probably from a guilty government official’s family. However, he wasn’t an inquisitive person, so he wouldn’t ask about the secrets that she didn’t want to share.

Chen Qingxuan couldn’t stop sighing and went back to the courtyard.

“Qingxuan, who were you talking to?” An old woman walked out.

“Just a person asking for directions,” said him while taking the broom in her hand hurriedly, “Grandma, how many times have I told you that you don’t need to do the cleaning! Just rest!”

“Come on! I enjoy cleaning for my dear grandson!” Mrs. Chen passed the broom with a smile, “Qingxuan, we need to get the heated bed repaired. I just saw a crack in the chimney outside.”

“Sure, grandma, I’ll keep that in mind,” Chen Qingxuan answered immediately, “I’ll ask Uncle Chen to take care of that in a few days.”

“By the way, Qingxuan, I’ve never asked what’s on your mind,” Mrs. Chen suddenly paused and goggled at him with arms akimbo, “Lao Wang has such a nice daughter, and I’ve known her since she was a child. Why don’t you want to marry her? Are you planning to marry a fairy or something?”

Chen Qingxuan got bored and hastened to bow repeatedly: “Grandma! I’m still trying to study! I finally passed the first round of imperial examination and was certified as Xiucai, and I naturally want to go further. It’s not the right time to think about marriage.”

“I see. After getting your scholarly honor, you began to despise the girls in our village.” Mrs. Chen humphed, but her tone eased a lot. She sat down, paused, and said seriously: “Qingxuan, I’m not trying to intervene in your marriage. Your parents died early, and I brought you up alone. But I’m getting old, and I might not be able to get up one day. Only when I find you a wife will I meet your parents in heaven without regrets.”

“Grandma! What are you talking about? I will definitely repay your love in the future, and I still count on you to look after my children!” Chen Qingxuan couldn’t bear listening to her. He squatted in front of her and held her legs: “Grandma, you will certainly live to 100!”