Xiao Chengyu’s audacious inner thoughts pierced Shen Qingtang’s ears, instantly setting the tips of them ablaze with redness, nearly making her unable to remain seated.
Fortunately, at that moment, Huaping entered quietly. After curtsying, she reported in a soft voice, “Miss, your cousin has arrived and is waiting outside the courtyard.”
Upon hearing the words “cousin,” Xiao Chengyu frowned tightly. Just as he was about to speak to send her away, Shen Qingtang, as if grasping a lifeline, quickly interjected, “Please invite Cousin in right away!”
Soon, Ding Ru Shan entered, carrying a gold-traced guqin.
She had clearly dressed meticulously, wearing a lilac embroidered gown that draped elegantly to the floor, accentuating her gentle and graceful figure.
Upon entering, she first noticed Xiao Chengyu seated in the main position, a flicker of obvious surprise crossing her face. She promptly set down the guqin and curtsied.
In a soft and refined voice, she said, “Your humble servant, Ding Ru Shan, greets the Crown Prince. I was unaware of Your Highness’s presence here. I originally intended to visit to discuss music with my cousin, Tang. I apologize for the disturbance.”
As she spoke, she bowed slightly again, making as if to retreat. “If I am interrupting Your Highness and my cousin’s time together, I shall return at a later hour.”
Shen Qingtang, fearing that Xiao Chengyu might truly send her away, quickly smoothed things over. “Cousin, there’s no need for such formality. The Crown Prince is amiable and won’t mind the interruption.”
After saying this, she turned to Xiao Chengyu, her tone carrying a hint of testing. “Isn’t that right, Cousin?”
Xiao Chengyu had not once glanced in Ding Ru Shan’s direction, his gaze fixed solely on Shen Qingtang’s face. His tone held an indescribable nuance. “No wonder Tangtang has been so distant with me these past couple of days. So it’s because you have your cousin to keep you company now and no longer need me.”
Shen Qingtang was momentarily speechless at his words. Just as she was about to explain, she heard Xiao Chengyu’s cold inner voice:
[The news of my visit to the Marquis’s residence must have spread throughout the household long ago. She pretends not to know and deliberately chooses this moment to come. Her intentions are so obvious—does she think I can’t see through it?]
[Could it be that Tangtang has been led astray by this scheming cousin of hers?]
At that moment, Ding Ru Shan’s gaze discreetly swept over Shen Qingtang, a barely perceptible plea hidden in her eyes.
Shen Qingtang cleared her throat lightly and turned to Xiao Chengyu, striving to keep her tone natural. “Cousin, my cousin’s musical skills have always been exceptional. Why not let her play a piece, and you can offer your critique?”
Ding Ru Shan quickly seized the opportunity, her voice tinged with respectful anticipation. “I’ve heard that the Crown Prince is profoundly learned and also well-versed in music. My own skills are but rudimentary. If I could receive even a word of guidance from Your Highness, it would be my greatest fortune.”
Xiao Chengyu’s fingers idly traced the rim of his teacup, his fingertips gliding over the cool porcelain surface. He appeared noble and detached, yet his heart was filled with impatience.
[Knowing your skills are crude, you still dare to show off in front of me?]
[If it weren’t for Tangtang’s sake, I would have had you dragged out long ago, saving us the eyesore and the disruption of my conversation with Tangtang.]
His gaze remained fixed on Shen Qingtang as he replied in an even tone, devoid of emotion. “I have never been skilled in music and cannot offer any critique. If Tangtang enjoys listening, let her play. If Tangtang finds it pleasing, I will naturally grant a reward.”
Shen Qingtang subtly furrowed her brow. Although she knew the Crown Prince had always kept his distance from women, she hadn’t expected him to show Ding Ru Shan not even the slightest courtesy.
What did he mean by “if she likes it, she gets a reward”?
Ding Ru Shan was a young lady from a noble family, not some musician who performed for rewards. The condescension in his words was barely concealed.
Perhaps too nervous, Ding Ru Shan clearly failed to detect the sarcasm in Xiao Chengyu’s remark, mistaking it for the Crown Prince’s approval.
Hastily clutching her qin, Ding Ru Shan gently placed it on the instrument table against the wall, carefully smoothed her skirt, and then cautiously took her seat.
Her fingertips gently plucked and stroked the strings, releasing a stream of clear, melodious notes that flowed like a spring stream, carrying the soft grace of the Jiangnan region, yet remaining bright and pleasant to the ear.
After listening for a moment, Shen Qingtang spoke up at the right time, her tone filled with sincere admiration: “Cousin, your zither skills have truly become more refined over the years.”
Xiao Chengyu turned to look at her, warmth spreading in his eyes: “Tangtang, if you enjoy listening to the zither, I’ll select a few of the most skilled musicians from the palace to play for you specially, so you won’t be bored staying in the Marquis residence.”
“No need!” Shen Qingtang quickly waved her hand.
She originally wanted to say that she didn’t actually care much for zither music, but since Ding Ru Shan was still playing at the table, such words would inevitably embarrass her cousin.
Changing her tone, she smoothly covered with a smile: “If I want to listen, I can just trouble cousin. We sisters can speak freely with each other, no need to specially bother the palace musicians.”
At that moment, Ding Ru Shan’s zither music happened to conclude.
She rose and walked over to Xiao Chengyu and Shen Qingtang, curtsying gracefully as she said softly: “My humble skills have made a fool of myself before Your Highness and Cousin Tang.”
“What are you saying, cousin? The music was so delightful, how could it be foolish?” Shen Qingtang turned to look at Xiao Chengyu, smiling as she reminded him: “Didn’t cousin say earlier that you would reward cousin?”
Hearing this, Ding Ru Shan’s eyes instantly lit up with anticipation, secretly glancing up at Xiao Chengyu.
Xiao Chengyu leisurely sipped his tea, though a trace of helplessness flashed through his heart.
[Ungrateful little thing. I clearly said I would reward her only if you enjoyed listening. Now it’s become me actively wanting to give rewards.]
He casually set down his teacup, speaking in a calm tone: “The Imperial Chef prepared numerous dishes today, more than Tangtang could finish alone. Since Cousin is here, you may stay and dine together, to avoid wasting ingredients.”
Though it sounded like a “reward,” it actually placed Ding Ru Shan in a “supporting” position – she was merely benefiting from Shen Qingtang’s favor to gain this opportunity.
Yet Ding Ru Shan acted as if she had received a heavenly blessing, her face instantly blooming with a smile as she quickly curtsied again, her voice tinged with excitement: “This humble girl thanks Crown Prince for your reward!”
Xiao Chengyu’s gaze, however, didn’t fall on her, remaining fixed on Shen Qingtang instead.
Originally, he had specifically brought the Imperial Chef to dine alone with her, but now with Ding Ru Shan present, his enthusiasm had largely dissipated.
“I have government affairs to attend to, so I shall return to the Eastern Palace now.”
He stood up, his eyes resting on Shen Qingtang’s face: “Tangtang, you must eat properly from now on. If the residence lacks anything or you crave any particular food, send someone to the Eastern Palace to inform me. If you act willfully and skip meals like yesterday again, I will bring you to live in the Eastern Palace and personally supervise your eating.”
Though Xiao Chengyu’s tone was gentle and seemingly concerned about Shen Qingtang, she felt a start of alarm upon hearing his words.
In the past, she had indeed frequently visited the Eastern Palace to play with Tuantuan and often stayed for meals, but “moving in” and “occasionally visiting” were entirely different matters!
She was already betrothed and had a fiancé. If she truly moved into the Eastern Palace, what would people say if word got out?
She quickly responded: “Cousin, rest assured. Tangtang will definitely not act willfully anymore. I will eat properly and absolutely not worry you or Aunt.”
She deliberately emphasized the words “aunt” to remind Xiao Chengyu that she was his cousin and already betrothed.
They had grown up together since childhood, and she had always regarded him as an elder brother—he truly should not harbor romantic feelings for her!