Zhu Ruoyi was an awkward person. Although she liked Zhu Xingxu in her heart, because they did not share the same birth mother, she always treated her with a cold face.
Madam Xu had told her that only Can’er was truly her own younger sister.
Yet whenever she went looking to make trouble for Zhu Xingxu, Zhu Xingxu never reacted much, and would even pick up the jewelry or clothes she demanded and place them directly into her hands.
“If you like it, take it.”
As Zhu Ruoyi watched the painted pleasure boat drift farther and farther away, the doubts in her heart deepened.
Was she not supposed to have gone traveling out of town with her distant cousin? Why was she here now?
However, that woman was rather dark skinned, nothing like her.
Zhu Xingxu’s skin was as white as snow.
Zhu Ruoyi frowned, but still decided to take Can’er to play first.
The pleasure boat cut ripples across the shimmering lake, scattering the sunlight that slanted over the water’s surface.
Occasionally a breeze would drift past, brushing lightly against Zhu Xingxu’s cheeks.
Aside from the earlier crowding on the road, it was quite comfortable aboard the boat. She had always disliked crowds before and had never come.
Meng Chunhe sat in the assigned room with the gauze curtains tied up so she could admire the flowers directly.
Li Ke, having just endured the fatigue of being jostled in the crowd, was now lying on the low couch fast asleep.
Meng Chunhe watched him with affection before turning back to sip tea and enjoy the flowers.
While attending to her, Zhu Xingxu repeatedly glanced toward the scenery outside.
Knowing that Zhu Xingxu was still young and easily distracted, Meng Chunhe said, “You may walk around if you like. Su Lan can attend to me.”
Su Lan nodded as well.
She had already followed Meng Chunhe to admire such scenery many times, and in her heart, Madam Li was more important than any view.
Zhu Xingxu did not think much of it. After receiving permission, she ran toward the deck.
As she walked, she looked at the scenery beyond the boat.
There were similar botanical gardens in the modern world, though they were usually visited by elementary school students on spring outings. In the name of innovation, they even added things like space sand and space plants.
Perhaps entertainment in ancient times was simply too scarce. Looking at these fresh flowers, Zhu Xingxu found it rather interesting.
Yet she had almost walked around the entire boat without spotting any other guests.
Had Pei Xie not said that this boat was shared with others? Why was there no one here?
When she reached the stern, she saw Pei Xie.
Facing her direction, he had shed the ingratiating manner he displayed before Li Ke, his brows tightly drawn as he spoke to the man before him.
The man standing opposite Pei Xie wore luxurious robes embroidered with gold thread, clearly someone of immense wealth and status.
However, with his back to Zhu Xingxu, she could not see his face.
A noble young master conversing with Pei Xie…
Zhu Xingxu’s mind turned, and she guessed that this person was most likely the Third Prince.
So he had arranged this boat mainly to report the situation to the Third Prince?
As she stared blankly at them, Pei Xie noticed her.
He lowered his voice and said to Pei Yan, “That is the Eldest Miss Zhu I mentioned to you.”
Pei Yan turned around. Seeing the two of them look over, Zhu Xingxu nervously averted her gaze.
She had been caught peeking.
Pei Xie found her feigned composure somewhat amusing, though he did not show it on his face.
Pei Yan looked at Zhu Xingxu. “She is quite special.”
After speaking, he thought of the woman he had encountered in recent days, and a smile curved at his lips.
Pei Yan and Pei Xie did not leave immediately.
Continuing to stand there under their gaze felt awkward, so Zhu Xingxu gathered her courage and walked toward them.
Pei Yan smiled as he watched her approach.
Strictly speaking, Zhu Xingxu was already someone on the same side as them.
Having heard Pei Xie speak of her, he had wanted to meet her as well.
However, Pei Yan was well aware that Zhu Xingxu was Zhu Xingxu, and Zhu Mingli was Zhu Mingli.
Zhu Mingli had not yet chosen a side and remained in a wait and see stance.
He would not assume Zhu Mingli’s position simply because Zhu Xingxu had helped them.
Of course, it would be best if Zhu Mingli supported them.
The current situation was extremely unfavorable to him.
The Crown Prince had been personally appointed by the Emperor as heir and was supported by many officials. Every step he took had to be carefully planned.
He could not afford even the slightest mistake.
Zhu Xingxu gave a small curtsey. “This subject’s daughter, Zhu Xingxu, greets Your Highness the Third Prince.”
It suddenly occurred to her that she had never paid her respects to Pei Xie.
She stole a glance at him, and seeing no reaction, finally felt at ease.
Pei Yan said kindly, “Rise. There is no need for such formality.”
Zhu Xingxu stood without hesitation.
At first, following these complicated rituals had felt like playing a game to her.
But after some time, it had grown rather irritating.
Pei Yan looked at her gently. “Since you have helped us, feel free to speak if you ever need anything in the future.”
Zhu Xingxu’s heart leapt to her throat.
That token belongs to a member of the imperial family…
She faltered. A token was a personal item. By presenting it, one could obtain privileges equal to those of the imperial family.
If she rashly asked him for it, it would not only be strange but might also place her in danger.
After pondering for a moment, she glanced at Pei Xie.
His gaze was not on them but on the scenery outside.
His profile was striking, his fair skin and sharply defined features evident.
Yet his eyes seemed to be looking at the flowers, and yet not quite.
Coming back to her senses, Zhu Xingxu lowered her gaze obediently. “Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness. I will remember it.”
She wanted to learn Pei Xie’s speed in changing expressions.
It seemed very useful.
Pei Xie looked back without drawing attention, but could see only her forehead and eyes.
He lowered his eyelids, hiding the emotions in his gaze.
At that moment, Su Lan’s voice came from the other side.
“Cuihua, are you there?”
Her voice grew closer.
Afraid that she might see Pei Xie and the Third Prince, Zhu Xingxu immediately went to meet her.
“I’m here.”
As she walked, she glanced back and gave them a meaningful look.
Pei Yan smiled and withdrew with Pei Xie into the nearest room.
“Miss Zhu is truly interesting.” Pei Xie gave no comment.
The two continued discussing the plan they had yet to finish.
Zhu Xingxu hurried over and found Su Lan. Su Lan was delighted to see her as well.
“Where did you go? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
Su Lan lightly tapped the back of her hand.
Zhu Xingxu shrank her shoulders. “I went over there to look at the scenery.”
Su Lan glanced in the direction she mentioned but found nothing particularly special.
Madam Li saw that you had not returned for some time, so she asked me to come find you.”
The two linked arms and returned to Meng Chunhe’s room.
Li Ke had already woken up and was sitting there in a daze.
He muttered, “Where did Ah Gui go?”
Zhu Xingxu’s heart tightened.
The next moment, Pei Xie lifted the curtain and entered carrying green bean soup.
He placed the tray on the table and took out a bowl for Li Ke.
“This servant asked the boat’s cook to make green bean soup just now. It has only just been prepared.”
Li Ke’s eyes lit up and he immediately began drinking.
Zhu Xingxu also brought a bowl to Madam Li.
The sun outside grew increasingly harsh.
Zhu Xingxu stared at Li Ke and Meng Chunhe as they drank their green bean soup, so tempted that she nearly drooled.
The boat suddenly lurched.
Pei Xie, who was holding cooled tea, accidentally spilled it onto Zhu Xingxu.
The same chill seeped through her skirt into her body.
Pei Xie hurriedly apologized. “I’m sorry, Sister Cuihua.”
Zhu Xingxu was about to say it was fine when she suddenly saw Pei Xie wink at her.
Not understanding what he meant, she still said, “Be more careful.”
Su Lan pulled her over to check. “Fortunately it’s only wet. There are spare clothes next door.”
Zhu Xingxu had no choice but to go change, unsure of Pei Xie’s sudden intention.
Upon opening the door, she saw a bowl of green bean soup placed on the table inside.
Ice had even been thoughtfully added, and a faint chill rose from it.
Zhu Xingxu smiled, quickly walked over, sat down, and picked up the spoon to eat.
The moment the green bean soup entered her mouth, she felt as though she might float with happiness.
Thinking of Pei Xie’s earlier wink, she finally realized this bowl had been specially left for her.
“This Pei Xie… he’s quite thoughtful.”
As she ate, she smiled, not finding anything strange in calling the Fifth Prince thoughtful.
After finishing quickly, the summer heat in her body faded considerably.
After changing her clothes, Zhu Xingxu returned to the room.
The painted pleasure boat drifted leisurely until it finally reached the shore.
At the shore stood a restaurant named Zuo Tian, an enterprise under the imperial merchants of the Great Rui Dynasty.
Imperial merchants were as wealthy as a nation, and the restaurants they built were magnificent yet elegant.
The only drawback was the high prices.
Ordinary commoners simply could not afford it.
Many people walked along the shore to this place, only to feast their eyes before turning back.
Naturally, Li Ke begged Meng Chunhe to eat inside.
Meng Chunhe smiled and agreed.
The group walked in.
The deeper they went, the more resplendent it became.
No seating was arranged in the first floor hall. Instead, various plants and artfully designed ornaments formed an almost celestial scene.
Above were private rooms designed like heavenly palaces.
From within, one could see the scenery winding upward from the hall below, while the rooms were spaced far apart, allowing both privacy and a view.
Aside from occasions such as the Flower Festival, many officials and nobles came here on ordinary days to converse freely.
The attendants all wore uniform clothing and treated guests warmly, creating a feeling of being at home.
Zhu Xingxu had never come before.
Standing within, she felt as though she had returned to the grand restaurants of the modern world.
It seemed that later generations had borrowed wisdom from their predecessors.
The attendant bowed respectfully. “Please follow me.”
They climbed the stairs.
Meng Chunhe and Li Ke walked ahead, while Pei Xie, Zhu Xingxu, and Su Lan followed behind.
After hesitating, Zhu Xingxu nudged Pei Xie with her elbow.
Without turning his head, he gave a slight response.
“About the green bean soup, thank you.”
She spoke softly, like a breeze brushing past his ear before fading away.
Pei Xie did not reply. But Zhu Xingxu knew he had heard.
Su Lan, focused on Meng Chunhe, did not notice their exchange.
The attendant led them to a private room.
After ordering some dishes, Meng Chunhe and Li Ke sent the three of them next door to eat.
“You have worked hard today. You need not attend to us for now.”
The three saluted and closed the door.
As soon as they stepped out, Zhu Xingxu raised her head and straightened her back.
Remaining hunched for so long had left her waist sore.
Once she returned to the Zhu residence, she would have to find a female physician for a massage.
Su Lan pressed her lips together with a smile.
Pei Xie, however, still maintained the slightly hunched posture of a servant.
Zhu Xingxu wanted to speak with Pei Xie but refrained due to Su Lan’s presence.
The three entered the next room.
It appeared to be a place for the servants of distinguished guests, with relatively plain furnishings.
A dark glint flashed through Pei Xie’s eyes as he sprinkled some powder onto Su Lan.
When her body swayed and she was about to collapse, he pulled a chair over and caught her smoothly.
After finishing all this, Pei Xie straightened his back again, his expression returning to its usual distant calm.
Zhu Xingxu stared wide eyed at everything that had just happened.