As night fell, Yan Boxi had dinner with Li Longjing at Bishuiyunju, and then returned alone to the quiet villa where he lived.

Crossing the towering threshold and stepping into the bluestone-paved courtyard, you are greeted by gusts of fresh breeze, mixed with the fragrance of flowers, lingering in the shadows of clouds.

This villa was personally selected by Yan Boxi. It can be said that it reflects the extraordinary courtesy that King Linjiang showed him, which was far better than the treatment he gave to ordinary staff or guests.

Although it is located in the northeast corner of the palace and the terrain is slightly lower, it has a unique charm. Looking up, the pavilions with flying eaves and pointed corners are looming among the swaying flowers and trees, adding a bit of elegance.

What attracted Yan Boxi was the pond in the courtyard that was fed by mountain spring water. The water was gurgling, and the hot spring water brought down from the mountain ran through it. This was also the reason why he chose this place as his residence.

When Yan Boxi stepped into the inner room, the maids carefully arranged by Li Longjing immediately came forward and considerately helped him change his clothes and put on a soft bedclothes.

These maids have delicate features. In addition to their daily services, Li Longjing's other intentions are also obvious.

"All of you step back." Yan Boxi ordered softly.

"Yes, sir." The maids answered in unison with sweet voices, a hint of disappointment flashed across their faces, and then several graceful figures retreated lightly.

These maids have been trained since childhood in the Linjiang Palace. The palace steward has repeatedly instructed them to serve Yan Boxi wholeheartedly.

However, over the past month, Yan Boxi had always maintained a humble and polite distance. Except when the prince summoned him to handle affairs, he spent most of his time sitting quietly in the courtyard or by the pond, reading the books in his hands.

When Yan Boxi was rescued from the imperial prison, he looked extremely haggard, and could even be described as as miserable as a ghost.

In such a situation, the maids who were sent to serve him couldn't help but wonder what kind of charm this seemingly down-and-out person had to win such favor from King Linjiang?

However, his talent soon became apparent. The obscure Western Rong language sent by some secret agents, which had once left many of the prince's confidants helpless, became easy to handle in Yan Boxi's hands.

Such talent and ability are amazing, and he mastered this complex language in a short time.

Despite this, Prince Linjiang never relaxed his control over Yan Boxi. He was well aware of the importance of this aide and the potential danger he posed. He sent people to secretly monitor Yan Boxi's every move every day to ensure that everything was under control.

By the pond in the villa garden, Yan Boxi sat as usual on an exquisitely carved lounge chair. The towering candlestick beside him cast a soft light, just illuminating the ancient book in his hand.

The cool evening breeze brings the freshness of the pond water and the faint fragrance of peach blossoms in the distance.

During dinner, Li Longjing warmly invited him to go to Taohua Mountain tomorrow to experience the fun of driving around, but Yan Boxi politely declined.

Deep down in his heart, he felt that he had long been like a living dead walking on the border between yin and yang, and this courtyard was nothing more than a gorgeously decorated coffin.

Of course, there are other reasons. Once outside the palace, every word and action will inevitably reveal flaws. Only in Li Longjing's territory can he be unnoticed and hide safely without leaving any trace.

"Let's change to a cup of Qingxi Xueya," Yan Boxi said calmly to the maids standing nearby, his eyes still on the book, "This tea is too strong, I'm not used to it."

"Yes, sir."

One of the maids agreed obediently and was about to turn around to make tea, but was beaten to the punch by another.

Yan Boxi rarely asked them to do things on weekdays, so they all wanted to take this opportunity to show off. At this moment, they were all distracted.

Yan Boxi leaned forward slightly and calmly brushed off a speck of dust from the hem of his clothes.

At the same time, a small roll of tightly bound brown paper quietly fell into the pond. Along with the mountain hot springs that flowed through the entire palace, it slowly drifted downstream and disappeared into the night.

…

Spring passed quickly. Inside the Baiyun Temple outside the capital, carriages from the Xingyuan Marquis Mansion were quietly parked in front of the back hall and villa.

The accompanying maids and servants were busy and orderly moving the luggage of the fourth girl Xue Huichun onto the carriage one by one, their movements showing that they were well-trained.

During the morning ceremony, Master Zhixin of Baiyun Temple personally presided over the ceremony and ended Xue Huichun's secular practice.

Xue Huichun took off her Taoist robe and put on the dress that her mother Hong Yingrong had carefully prepared for her. She took off her hair crown, and her beautiful hair flowed down like a waterfall. The hairdressing nanny skillfully tied her hair into a Chaoyun Jinxiang bun, and then gently inserted a Lantian jade plum blossom hairpin. The plum blossom on the hairpin was carved vividly, and the jade was crystal clear, as if you could smell the fragrance of plum blossoms.

Paired with a green and blue skirt, Xue Huichun looks even more elegant and refined, with eyebrows like spring mountains and eyes like autumn water, and her whole body exudes a charming temperament.

Nanny Zhao stood by, her eyes filled with admiration and joy. She said to Hong Yingrong, "Old Madam, I've finally put my worries to rest. Look at the Fourth Young Lady, she's as beautiful as a painting."

Upon hearing this, Hong Yingrong showed a relieved smile on her face. The unspoken marriage with the Liang family a few years ago had become a knot in her daughter's heart. Now, after all the hardships, the clouds have finally cleared and the moon has come to light.

Outside the back hall, the sound of hurried horse hooves suddenly broke the silence.

Jiang Lun dismounted quickly like the wind, his movements smooth and graceful, showing his elegance.

Although he was anxious, he immediately stopped and looked calm as soon as he entered the yard.

"Old Madam, be well." Jiang Lun bowed to Hong Yingrong first, his voice gentle and respectful. Then, he turned to Xue Huichun, a flash of surprise in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and said with a smile, "Fourth Sister, be well."

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