Mu Yao withdrew her gaze and glanced at the seal carved on the wooden box, a flicker of emotion passing through her eyes.
Uncle Wang had been by Mu Yao’s mother’s side since childhood and was all too familiar with the carved patterns. “Miss, this incense shop’s products are nearly impossible to come by in the capital—available only at prices beyond the market.”
“I know.”
Mu Yao withdrew her hand. “Uncle Wang, I recall the Youlanxiang my mother once blended was quite good. Send it to Chuwangfu as a return gift.”
The clear, crisp scent of the orchid matched Yan Xun rather well.
Yan Xun had just returned to the residence after finishing business outside when he saw Changqing grinning in that insufferable way. He raised an eyebrow and tossed his whip at him.
“Your smile is uglier than your cry.”
Changqing’s smile froze, then he pursed his lips and hurriedly brought over the wooden box set aside.
“Your Highness, Miss Mu sent a return gift. Would you like to look at it now or later?”
The moment the words left his mouth, he felt the man’s cold gaze shoot over.
“Are you that idle?”
Changqing quickly waved his hands. “This subordinate is not idle at all—this subordinate will get to work right away, right away!”
Before leaving, he made sure to place the wooden box in front of the man, then closed the door behind him.
Yan Xun reclined on the couch, wiping a dagger he carried with him, yet his gaze unconsciously drifted toward the wooden box on the table.
After a long moment, he used the dagger to pry the box open.
A faint fragrance wafted out from within, and a figure immediately surfaced in his mind.
Yan Xun’s eyes darkened. He picked up one of the incense sticks and brought it to his nose, gently inhaling. A smile slowly curled at the corner of his lips. “Quite fragrant indeed.”
He placed the incense stick into the burner and lit it. As the scent gradually filled the room, the weariness that had plagued Yan Xun for days seemed to ease somewhat.
He drifted off to sleep without even realizing it!
When he woke the next morning, Yan Xun’s eyes snapped open, his gaze sweeping the surroundings with vigilance before returning to his usual languid demeanor.
But he looked at the incense burner, lost in thought.
Had she noticed he hadn’t been sleeping well lately?
Or was it merely a fortunate coincidence?
“Changqing, what time is it?”
The door was pushed open immediately, and Changqing reported respectfully, “Your Highness, there are still two hours until the boat gathering. Would you like to rest a while longer?”
“No need.”
Yan Xun rose and pointed at the wooden box on the table. “Keep it safe. From now on, switch to this incense.”
Upon hearing this, a flicker of shock passed through Changqing’s eyes, and he blurted out, “Your Highness, has the Anshenxiang that Divine Physician Liao made for you stopped working?”
Yan Xun glanced at the wooden box on the other side and gave Changqing a look.
The latter said nothing more and quickly stepped forward to take away the previous box of incense for disposal.
After Changqing left, Yan Xun changed into a light purple robe embroidered with deep blue patterns, then leisurely made his way toward the boat gathering location.
Although it was called a boat gathering, it was now the spring equinox, and the weather was not particularly warm.
After much deliberation, Mu Yao had Ningzhu change into a slightly thicker light purple gown with gold-threaded patterns, draped over with a soft rabbit-fur cloak embroidered with a small rabbit. It softened her sharpness, making her appear merely endearing.
“Miss, this servant heard people outside say that both young masters of the Lu family will attend today’s boat gathering. You should be careful to avoid them.”
Ningzhu said worriedly from inside the carriage, but Mu Yao didn’t seem concerned at all.
“Ningzhu, which of the two Lu brothers do you think is more outstanding?”
Ningzhu thought carefully. “This servant believes the Second Young Master Lu is more outstanding. It’s a pity he’s the eldest son of a concubine—had he been born of the legitimate wife, he would surely have made a name for himself!”
A dark glint passed through Mu Yao’s eyes, but she didn’t continue the conversation.
If even a little maid like Ningzhu could see this clearly, how could Pingyang Hou not?
It must be because of Zhang Shi’s maternal family.
Otherwise, Pingyang Hou would have long since elevated his beloved concubine, Madam Liu, to the position of legitimate wife.
Speaking of which, Lu Zhi’s treatment of her was truly cut from the same cloth as Pingyang Hou’s.
Indeed, like father, like son.
“Miss Mu?”
The carriage suddenly came to a halt, and a man’s lazy voice drifted in from beyond the curtain.
Mu Yao snapped back to her senses, and through the hazy curtain, she could vaguely make out the man’s attire on horseback. “Chu Wang, peace and good health.”
“Since you’re heading to the boat gathering as well, this king shall accompany you.”
Mu Yao was taken aback, not expecting Yan Xun to say such a thing.
The thought of how many eyes would be drawn to her if she arrived with this prominent figure of the capital gave her a headache.
She immediately declined. “Your Highness, this young lady needs to stop by a jade shop. You might as well go on ahead.”
Was she refusing him?
Yan Xun tugged at the reins and cast a cold glance at Changqing, who was stifling a laugh behind him. “Miss Mu, don’t misunderstand. It’s just that this king was quite fond of the incense you sent yesterday. I was wondering if Miss Mu has the formula—this king would be willing to pay handsomely for it.”
Youlanxiang?
Though she didn’t know why he wanted the incense, Mu Yao remembered what her mother had said.
The secret formula for Youlanxiang must never be passed on!
“Your Highness, my mother left instructions before her passing that the formula for Youlanxiang must never be shared outside. If Your Highness runs out in the future, you may come to Mu Fu to purchase more. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.”
Seeing this, Yan Xun didn’t press further.
“In that case, this king shall not disturb Miss Mu. I’ll take my leave first.”
The sound of hoofbeats gradually faded into the distance, and only then did Mu Yao let out a sigh of relief. Still, she was puzzled as to why Yan Xun would suddenly want the formula.
She didn’t recall Youlanxiang having any effects beyond calming the mind.
Moreover, the incense produced by various spice shops all had the effect of calming the mind—it was hardly a unique formula.
“What does he want the formula for?”
Mu Yao furrowed her brows and murmured softly. Before she could recall the image of her mother preparing incense back then, Ningzhu’s voice came through.
When they arrived at the boating location, Mu Yao slowly descended from the carriage.
The moment she stood steady, she felt countless gazes fixed upon her.
Many of them were filled with ridicule and mockery.
Mu Yao paid them no mind, leading Ningzhu through the crowd to stand before Zhang Gongzhu and present her gift.
“Miss Mu, hold a moment—today you shall stay and converse with me.” Zhang Gongzhu Yun You’s voice rang out, instantly silencing the whispers around them.
A flicker of surprise crossed Mu Yao’s heart. She knew she had little prior interaction with Zhang Gongzhu.
Still, she quickly walked over and took her seat properly beside Zhang Gongzhu.
“I have already heard of yesterday’s events at the princess’s residence. That Lu man is unworthy of someone as fine as you. I see you have a good temperament—how about you call me Aunt Yun from now on?”
Zhang Gongzhu was twenty-eight this year. Having been injured in her health by a Jianqie in her early years, she had only one son and one daughter, both now sent to the palace for upbringing, leaving her to enjoy a leisurely life.
“Your Highness, this humble one would not dare.” Mu Yao hurriedly replied with respect, truly unable to discern the intent behind the woman’s words.
Seeing how proper and well-mannered she was, Zhang Gongzhu’s eyes grew even more pleased. She then glanced at a figure in pale purple not far away and gently patted Mu Yao’s shoulder.
“Very well, there is no need for so many formalities today. If you are unwilling to call me Aunt Yun, then you may continue to address me as Zhang Gongzhu.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Mu Yao breathed a sigh of relief and followed behind Zhang Gongzhu as they boarded the boat.
Unexpectedly, the moment she stepped onto the deck, a sharp gaze shot toward her.
Mu Yao followed the gaze and met Lu Zhi’s resentful eyes directly—though the next second, he averted his look, as if deliberately avoiding her.
For some reason, seeing Lu Zhi’s calm and composed demeanor today,
Mu Yao felt a vague sense of unease rising in her heart.