Banxian Ju sat by the lake, a three-story building of rustic elegance. Seated by the window, one could enjoy the scenery of the lake—tranquil and refined. The chefs in the establishment excelled at capital cuisine, renowned as second to none, and it had always been a favorite among scholars and literati.Shen Bingwen led her to a corner seat by the window. Without waiting for the waiter to speak, he deftly ordered several dishes. Su Zheyun, meanwhile, widened her eyes and looked around. This spot offered a clear view of the entrance while also commanding a view of half the restaurant—truly a quiet, excellent location.They arrived right at mealtime, and with tonight being Qixi, the establishment was packed with men and women. Several gauze curtains separated the guests, and the lake breeze swept through, lifting the sheer fabric. Sandalwood fragrance permeated the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled their ears—especially lively.The dishes were soon brought out. Shen Bingwen placed the honey-glazed crab before her and poured her a cup of clear wine."Crab is at its fattest this season. This dish leans toward sweet and sour—it should suit the palate of someone from Fang County." He introduced it with a smile, a faint aroma of wine wafting through the air. "This is Golden Osmanthus Floating Snow—a rice wine brewed with osmanthus. It's hard to get drunk on it. Try some.""Mmm, it really does have a burst of osmanthus fragrance, with a hint of sweetness in the aftertaste," she savored it carefully, then picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the crab. The fresh tang melted on her tongue—tender, smooth, and refreshing."It really is delicious!" Her eyes lit up with genuine praise. "Even better than what the cooks at the residence make! I've truly been enlightened."He smiled and placed food on her plate, then opened the latticed window beside them. A damp, cool breeze swept in. Su Zheyun looked up—boats crowded the lake, lantern lights dotted the water, and faint strains of music drifted to her ears.A crisp bell chimed from the entrance. Su Zheyun turned to see a carriage stop before the Half-Leisure Pavilion. A woman in white, a pipa cradled in her arms, stepped gracefully inside. Though a veil covered her face, Su Zheyun could still imagine the exquisite beauty hidden beneath.The woman moved with light, lotus-like steps up to the second floor. Su Zheyun reluctantly withdrew her gaze. Shen Bingwen leaned forward as he refilled her wine. "Those are singing girls from Shuyu Pavilion. When the capital hosts banquets, they usually invite singers and dancers to perform—Shuyu Pavilion is the most renowned among them."Su Zheyun took a slow sip of wine, a hint of heat rising in her throat."How do you know who they are? You don't frequent Shuyu Pavilion, do you, Bingwen? Have you made acquaintances there?"He gave a wry smile, his tone innocent. "I'm in mourning, so I can't go there. I recognized them from a previous banquet where someone had hired them. Look," he gestured toward the entrance, "the singing girls and maids in their establishment all wear a silver bell at their waists—that's how I can tell."Su Zheyun understood, a smile spreading across her face. "So that's it. I misjudged you."More and more boats gathered on the lake, and people on the shore had begun releasing river lanterns. The two chatted for a long while until fireworks suddenly burst across the sky, their brilliance reflected in the water, dazzling and full.Another wave of guests entered the pavilion with considerable fanfare, making a racket at the door. Su Zheyun looked over and saw two young women in ornate dresses at the center of the crowd—one with a face like a silver moon, the other cool and strikingly beautiful. She froze, then nudged the person beside her with her elbow."That's Princess Qingyue, isn't it? And the one next to her?"Shen Bingwen glanced over, then lowered his lashes, not wanting to be noticed."Lin Yuxin, the daughter of Minister Lin." A thought struck him, and he suddenly fixed his gaze on Su Zheyun, his tone light. "Come to think of it, you should know her.""Why?""Consort Rong was selecting a princess consort for His Highness, and she set her sights on Lin Yuxin."After watching the two noble ladies ascend to the private seats on the third floor, Su Zheyun turned back around, her mind working."His Highness is taking a wife? I haven't heard a whisper of this.""The Lin family holds great power—with such in-laws, His Highness would gain tremendous support. The match was essentially settled two or three years ago, but His Highness has been away on campaigns, so it's been delayed."Su Zheyun nodded, making an effort to memorize the future princess consort's appearance: a high-bridged nose, vivid red lips, slightly upturned beautiful eyes, and a haughty expression.She didn't seem easy to deal with. But Su Zheyun wasn't going to Jiang Weixu's inner courtyard anyway—why bother worrying about it?"Shall we leave?" The pavilion was growing crowded, and Shen Bingwen made the timely suggestion."Sure." Su Zheyun rose swiftly, but just as she reached for her money pouch, Shen Bingwen stopped her. He placed a silver ingot in the waiter's hand and smiled at her. "Today's on me."Su Zheyun didn't stand on ceremony, accepting his kindness as they left the pavilion together.A bright moon hung overhead, and the iron-black sky was divided into fragments by the treetops.On the main street, lanterns of every shape dazzled the eyes. Vendors' cries mingled with songs drifting from the buildings on either side. Su Zheyun was squeezed so tightly she could barely move; stars twinkled in the night sky amid the roaring crowd.The two made their way with difficulty through the market, then strolled along the riverbank. Su Zheyun took a deep breath of the lakeside air. Golden osmanthus trees flourished on both sides, sending waves of fragrance their way.With no one around, she straightened up and spoke seriously. "Arranging for me to see Lin Yuxin—was that your doing?"Shen Bingwen was taken aback. "Why would you think that?""When you saw those two earlier, you seemed a bit tense." Su Zheyun fixed her gaze on him. "Am I right?""Yes." He lowered his head with a soft laugh, and when he looked up again, his eyes were clear and candid. "I knew in advance they would come. In fact, their appearance was arranged by me.""And then?" Su Zheyun kicked at a pebble by her feet, her tone casual. "I've seen Miss Lin now. What's next?""Nothing. I just wanted you to see her." He paused, his voice as warm as ever. "Zheyun, I only wanted you to pay more attention to Prince Duan. I mean no harm."Su Zheyun stopped walking, a smile curving at the corners of her lips. "I asked him once before, and he told me himself that he's not inclined toward men." She turned to face him, her eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny. "I believe him, Bingwen. What I don't understand is you."Shen Bingwen's expression grew complicated, and panic stirred within him. He was about to explain when a voice with an oppressive weight cut through the air."Su Zheyun—"The voice wasn't loud, but it landed like a stone thrown into a lake, sending ripples through everything.The two turned around. A few steps away, Jiang Weixu stood in flowing robes and a ceremonial crown beneath the lantern light, fine threads of red gold glinting. His face was hidden in shadow, only his sharp gaze resting calmly upon them.The clamor around them seemed to recede into the distance, and the bustle at the lake's center came to an abrupt halt. On the tower by the shore, Zhao Jing furrowed his brows, while He Xinli and the others stood by the window, silent.Despite the dazzling lights before him, Jiang Weixu felt like a lone boat adrift on a vast sea—dark, lightless, battered by torrential rain, his body rising and falling with the towering waves.His heart skipped a beat, his shadow swaying faintly at his feet. Before he could even react, his body was already moving toward that person of its own accord.So even a sage harbors greater selfishness than most.
Chapter 18: Deep-Seated Selfishness — Even Sages Harbor Deeper Selfishness With the prince's residence swamped with affairs, Su Zheyun was so busy her feet barely touched the ground, all sorts of worries cast to the back of her mind. It wasn't until she returned home one day and saw the crape myrtle in the corner standing quietly bathed in the evening glow, with a colorful butterfly briefly alighting upon it, that she suddenly realized—time had been slipping away imperceptibly.Recently, the epidemic had been gradually receding, and the refugees were slowly settling down. Su Zheyun could clearly feel this change—not only in the dwindling official duties, but also in the increasing frequency of her encounters with Jiang Weixu.In the study, Su Zheyun was bent over the desk drafting documents, sunlight streaming through the paper window panes, illuminating the entire room.Her long lashes cast shadows as she lowered her gaze, the hand holding the brush steady and slender. A shadow fell across the desk, and Su Zheyun looked up to find Jiang Weixu standing before her, looking down at her with an expression as calm as ever, a faint, barely perceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips."Fang County—a letter from your younger sister.""Is that so?" The person in her eyes curved into a smile, her brows and eyes brimming with warmth."She can write letters now? When I left, she could only write a few characters!"Su Zheyun was overcome with emotion, setting down her brush to open the letter. Red wax sealed the flap completely. She carefully tore it open, laughing out loud as she read."What did she say that made you so happy?" Jiang Weixu was affected by her mood, his tone unconsciously softening."She said her tutor is teaching her to read and write, and she can already recite several poems. She said she'll recite them for me when she sees me." Her expression was lively, her excitement evident. "She also said she just started learning painting, and once she finishes one, she'll send it to me…"All trivial family matters, yet Jiang Weixu's heart gradually warmed. Listening to her chatter on beside him, she sounded like the orioles outside the window—crisp and pleasant."By the way, today is Qixi. The palace is hosting a banquet inviting all the young talents of the capital. Would you like to come with me?""It's Qixi already? Time flies so fast." Su Zheyun folded the letter and placed it on the desk, pondering for a moment before saying, "I'll pass, then. My position is rather awkward. Please go ahead, Your Highness."He nodded at her words, a faint, barely perceptible disappointment stirring within him. "The Qixi festival in the capital is the most lively. The long streets host oil lamp fairs, and the common folk release river lanterns to pray for blessings. You could go join in the festivities.""Alright, rest assured, Your Highness," she said, propping her head on her hand, already planning to send some clothes to Su Wenyu. "Your Highness, I'd like to send some things back home. I should go see Steward Zhou, right?""Mm, if you need anything, just go to him. It's getting late—you should leave work early today." He looked down at her, the stray hairs at her temples drifting gently in the breeze, a tiny teardrop mole beneath the corner of her right eye."Thank you, Your Highness!" Su Zheyun was in excellent spirits. The burden of these past days had finally been lifted, and she felt instantly lighter.Riding the prince's carriage home, she saw young women along the way dressed in bright, vivid attire, and the pedestrians on the streets numbered more than double the usual.As the carriage turned into the blue-tiled alley, Su Zheyun jumped out and saw Shen Bingwen waiting at the door."Bingwen, why are you standing at the entrance?"Seeing her surprise, Shen Bingwen stepped closer, his expression warm and gentle. "Today is Qixi—shall I take you out for a stroll through the streets?""That would be wonderful!" Su Zheyun raised an eyebrow. "His Highness just told me to enjoy myself, and I run into you the moment I reach home. What a coincidence!"He didn't comment on the coincidence, instead latching onto another piece of information. "His Highness told you to enjoy yourself?""Yes, he even invited me to the palace banquet, but I declined. Why, is something wrong?""Nothing." His expression remained unchanged, but she still caught the flicker of displeasure that crossed his face."Then go bathe. At the hour of you, I'll take you to Banxian Ju to try their dishes.""Come to think of it, I've been in the capital for half a month and haven't gone out to explore even once." Su Zheyun lamented, truly—work really did get in the way.
Plotting with My Wife