The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 257 Repaying kindness

The weather was fine today, and most of the snow had melted. Jing Anle was also feeling much better, and she let Afang help her with her washing and dressing while she rested at home.

“Princess, you’ve just recovered, why are you leaving the palace so soon? Why don’t you wait a few more days?” Afang said hesitantly as she combed Jing Anle’s hair.

Jing Anle slowly opened her eyes. In the mirror, Afang looked worried and troubled. She smiled and said, "Knowledge should be repaid. Miss Zhao was injured while saving me that day. Although Father Emperor rewarded the Zhao family, I still need to go and see for myself to feel at ease."

Seeing that Afang was still sullen, Muping chimed in, "You don't need to worry, His Majesty has sent guards to protect you closely."

Ever since Jing Anle was injured, Afang has been like a frightened bird, afraid of everything, especially the possibility of Jing Anle getting hurt.

"See, even Mu Ping said so, so you don't need to worry."

Afang had no choice but to obey.

Actually, Jing Anle's trip wasn't just to thank Zhao Yayi for saving his life; he also wanted to take the opportunity to see Zhao Xun, the Grand Secretary who had just returned from the border. He'd heard that Zhao Xun was meticulous and rigid, only concerned with political affairs and not skilled in officialdom; perhaps this man was worth employing?

Although it was a sunny day, the roads were wet and slippery from the snow, so the carriage moved very slowly. By the time they arrived at the Zhao residence, it was already past noon.

Jing Anle helped Afang out of the carriage. At first glance, the gate looked like it had been installed recently, standing out from the weathered old walls around it. Apart from the two characters "Zhao Mansion" on the plaque, there were no other decorations. It was really simple and desolate.

Standing at the door were a woman in her thirties and a boy in his teens, who looked like mother and son. Behind them were several servants. At first glance, the two leading servants were dressed very simply, with no adornments to be found.

"Your subject, Zhao, and her son, Zhao Yan, pay their respects to Your Highness the Princess." The speaker was Wu Da, Zhao Ya Yi's mother. She was completely different from the noble ladies in the capital. Not only was her voice full of energy, but although her face was wrinkled from the hardships of the frontier and she could not be considered a great beauty, she was radiant and elegant.

The young man looked sturdy and rugged, and his expression didn't seem like Zhao Yayi's younger brother, but rather like her older brother.

Jing Anle had tried her best to dress simply today, but she still looked radiant in front of them.

“Madam Zhao, there’s no need for such formalities,” Jing Anle said gently.

Looking at the beautiful and elegant Jing Anle, Wu Da felt as if she were a celestial being, perhaps because she had been at the border for so long.

"It's cold outside, please come inside, Princess."

Jing Anle smiled and nodded. She was dressed warmly and wasn't cold, but the maids and servants were dressed lightly, so she didn't want to burden them.

Stepping inside, the house was even more dilapidated, one could even describe it as run-down. However, the items inside were neatly arranged and the house was kept very clean. In particular, the four large characters "Loyalty to the Emperor and Serving the Country" hanging above the main hall were especially eye-catching.

Madam Zhao invited Jing Anle to sit down, and then ordered tea to be served. "My home is simple, I hope the princess will not find it offensive."

Seeing the hostess's apologetic expression, Jing Anle smiled and shook her head, "This is what is meant by 'this is a humble abode, but my virtue makes it fragrant.'" She looked around and sighed inwardly, thinking that Lord Zhao had endured hardship guarding the frontier for many years.

At this moment, a young woman walked in. She was dressed in a light yellow dress, with delicate features. Although her skin was pale, there was a kind of intelligence in her eyes. The person who came in was Zhao Yayi.

"Greetings, Princess!" Zhao Yayi said, about to bow, but Jing Anle personally stopped her, saying, "No need for such formalities."

The two are about the same height. When they last met, Zhao Yayi looked healthier than Jing Anle, but now she is even thinner than Jing Anle, which shows that Zhao Yayi has suffered a lot.

Feeling guilty, Jing Anle said, "I am deeply grateful to Miss Zhao for saving me and protecting me that day. I will always remember this kindness and repay it with all my might."

"Afang, bring everything up." Jing Anle waved his hand, and the servants carried in seven or eight boxes. When they were opened, they contained not only silks and satins, jewelry, but also gold and silver.

Jing Anle had previously inquired about Zhao Xun, who had been away for many years. He was from a collateral branch of the Zhao family and was stubborn, so no one in the capital helped him. He probably didn't have much savings, so Jing Anle planned to send him gold and silver treasures directly.

"This is the duty of a subject. My father is loyal to the emperor and loves his country, and I, your daughter, am also loyal to the princess. The princess need not be so polite."

Looking at the many boxes, Madam Zhao showed no greed in her eyes. She simply said, "My husband often says: 'One should not expect anything in return for a favor.' Moreover, the princess is the emperor, and it is only right for a subject to fight for his lord."

"Since military orders are absolute, then this princess commands you to accept them! No refusal is permitted!"

“Princess…” Zhao Yayi and Madam Zhao still wanted to refuse.

Jing Anle deliberately put on a stern face, "What? Does my word not carry weight?"

"My wife dare not."

"My daughter dare not."

The two said in unison.

"That's good. I'll take them all. Not only will I take them, but I'll use them all up." Jing Anle looked around and continued, "This house is very nice, but there's some rotten wood hidden in the beams. Madam Zhao should check it out."

Madam Zhao understood Jing Anle's meaning; she wanted her to repair the house.

"Thank you for your guidance, Princess. I will certainly obey your command."

Just then, a young maid stumbled in, "Madam!"

"How dare you be so rude!" Madam Zhao's shout was incredibly intimidating.

Jing Anle waved her hand, "It's alright." She knew that these maids were probably only recently purchased and hadn't had time to be taught etiquette yet.

Seeing that Jing Anle didn't blame her, Madam Zhao asked with a stern face, "What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

"There's someone at the door claiming to be Young Master Xie requesting an audience with the Second Young Master," the maid said, her head bowed in fear.

Zhao Yan's face lit up with joy, and he said, "It's Brother Xie! Brother Xie has arrived!"

Huh? Jing Anle was taken aback. Who would come to visit the neglected Zhao family at this time?