Shen Qingtang said softly, “If I stay here, after meeting Cousin, Sister will at most pay respects and greet the Crown Prince, and won’t be able to say much more.”
“But if I’m not here, Sister can say that I went out on business, using that as an excuse to talk more with Cousin.”
Hearing this, Madam Ding immediately felt that Shen Qingtang losing her earring was absolutely brilliant!
Although Shen Qingtang was dressed simply today, her striking beauty still made her stand out.
During the short walk from the Rouge Shop, many men had cast admiring glances her way.
Madam Ding had been secretly worried that with Shen Qingtang present, the Crown Prince might not notice Ding Ru Shan.
Now that Shen Qingtang was leaving, it couldn’t be better!
Madam Ding’s face immediately broke into a smile: “Since it was bestowed by the Empress, it must indeed be precious and absolutely cannot be lost! Tangtang, hurry back and look for it. No need to rush, take your time searching.”
Shen Qingtang nodded slightly and left the second-floor private seating area with Huaping, exiting directly through the back door of Lanting Pavilion.
Not far from Lanting Pavilion, they spotted the green bamboo sign of Qingfeng Tea House.
As soon as they stepped inside, the aroma of Longjing tea wafted towards them.
Before Shen Qingtang could inquire about Lu Rongyu, a waiter in blue short-clothes quickly approached, smiling broadly: “Are you Miss Shen?”
Shen Qingtang nodded, and the waiter immediately said: “This morning, an exceptionally handsome young gentleman came looking for you, saying he had an appointment with you. He’s currently waiting in a private room on the second floor. Shall I take you up?”
Huaping exclaimed happily beside her, “Miss, it must be Young Master Lu who has arrived.”
Shen Qingtang also breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried that something might go wrong with Madam Ding’s side, or that Lu Rongyu might be delayed by official business. Unexpectedly, he had already arrived!
“Thank you,” she said to the waiter, following him up the wooden stairs.
The waiter courteously escorted Shen Qingtang upstairs to the private room door, then said respectfully: “The person you wish to see is inside. I won’t intrude.”
Knowing that her young lady and Young Master Lu had matters to discuss, Huaping quickly added: “Then I’ll wait outside too.”
Shen Qingtang nodded, pushed open the door, and entered alone.
The private room was quiet, with only the soft rustling of bamboo shadows outside the window.
Several pots of emerald bamboo were placed by the window, and the wind blowing through the half-open wooden window made the bamboo curtain sway gently.
Through the semi-transparent landscape screen, she could vaguely make out a man sitting with his back to her, drinking tea.
Shen Qingtang had been worried it might be another wasted trip, but she hadn’t expected to meet him so smoothly today.
A smile spread across her face as she called out cheerfully: “Brother Rongyu!”
With that, she lifted her skirt and lightly stepped around the screen.
But before she could get close, the figure slowly turned around.
Familiar handsome features, thin lips pressed together below a tall nose bridge, and deep, unfathomable dark eyes—this was definitely not Lu Rongyu, but clearly Xiao Chengyu!
Shen Qingtang’s smile instantly froze, her steps halted, her fingers unconsciously clutching her skirt as she stared in disbelief: “Cousin? H-how is it you?”
Xiao Chengyu’s gaze rested on Shen Qingtang’s face, his eyes obscure but his tone gentle: “Tangtang, aren’t you happy to see your cousin?”
Shen Qingtang quickly replied, “Not at all, how could that be? Tangtang was just a bit surprised. Cousin, you’re so busy with official duties—what brings you here?”
Summoning her courage, she added, “And how did you… know I would be here?”
Xiao Chengyu smiled faintly. “Come, sit first. Tangtang, when did you become so distant with your cousin?”
Suppressing her nervousness, Shen Qingtang sat down opposite Xiao Chengyu.
Xiao Chengyu unhurriedly picked up the teapot and poured her a cup of tea.
As the Crown Prince, his every word and gesture exuded nobility; even the act of pouring tea was a pleasure to behold.
Yet Shen Qingtang distinctly heard his inner thoughts: Brother Rongyu? Tangtang actually calls Lu Rongyu so intimately. But when it comes to me, she only ever addresses me politely as ‘Cousin.’
Though Tangtang can’t call me ‘husband’ just yet, it would be nice if she could at least call me ‘Chengyu Brother.’
Hearing this, Shen Qingtang’s ears instantly turned red, and she nearly stood up to flee!
What “husband,” what “Chengyu Brother”… how absurd!
She glanced at Xiao Chengyu, unable to comprehend why someone who appeared so dignified and pure on the surface could harbor such thoughts inwardly…
Xiao Chengyu idly traced the rim of his teacup with his fingertips, his tone casual as if discussing an ordinary matter: “Earlier, someone reported that Lu Rongyu was on duty today but neglected his responsibilities, leaving the Hanlin Academy without permission for a private meeting. I’ve already sent someone to warn him and have him return.”
He lifted his gaze to Shen Qingtang, a faint, elusive smile playing on his lips. “Thinking that my cousin might be waiting for him here, I came to inform you so you wouldn’t wait in vain.”
“But let this be the last time. Lu Rongyu has just entered the Hanlin Academy—this is the age when he should be striving to make an impression before the Emperor. Cousin, you mustn’t always distract him. If he were truly caught in a mistake and impeached, even I might not be able to protect him.”
He paused, his smile fading as his tone grew heavier with pressure: “If that happens, his brilliant future would be completely ruined.”
Shen Qingtang’s heart sank abruptly.
Lu Rongyu was a renowned young prodigy in the capital, dazzlingly successful from the imperial examinations to his official career.
If his future were truly ruined because of her, how could she ever face him?
She clenched her skirt, her fingertips turning white, her voice trembling: “It’s—it’s not his fault! I was the one who asked him to come. Cousin, I know I was wrong. I won’t be so willful in the future.”
A flicker of satisfaction passed through Xiao Chengyu’s eyes, though his expression remained gentle. “I know you didn’t mean any harm, Cousin, but from now on, you must be more mindful of his future.”
Yet Shen Qingtang clearly heard his inner voice: Why has Tangtang been so eager to see Lu Rongyu lately? Could it be that Lu is being improper, secretly enticing Tangtang?
Xiao Chengyu openly studied Shen Qingtang, his dissatisfaction rising again: She actually dressed so beautifully to see him. I should have Lu Rongyu’s eyes gouged out!
Unable to sit still any longer, Shen Qingtang said softly, “Today, I was too willful, troubling Cousin to make a special trip. In the future, if there’s anything, you can just send a servant to relay the message.”
“Huaping is waiting for me outside. I’ll take my leave now.”
Xiao Chengyu suddenly remarked, “I recall you used to always have Jinshu accompany you when you went out. Why have you suddenly changed to someone else recently?”