Chapter 18 Behave Yourself

Chapter 18 Behave Yourself

The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is the Dragon Boat Festival.

All branches of the Meng family gathered together for a reunion dinner today.

Several younger relatives surrounded the old lady, chattering excitedly.

Shen Tang was sitting to the side, feeling rather bored, when she heard a maid call out that Prince Meng had arrived.

Shen Tang subconsciously looked up.

Unexpectedly, their eyes met.

Shen Tang was taken aback, then turned her gaze away without making a sound.

Meng Huaiyan greeted everyone in the hall.

Once everyone had arrived, Old Madam Meng announced the start of the banquet.

Since we're all family, there aren't many formalities.

The meal was lively and cheerful, with the younger generation taking turns pouring drinks for Meng Huaiyan.

Meng Huaiyan seemed to be in a very good mood, welcoming everyone who came.

Shen Tang ate quietly to the side.

After the banquet, Meng Caiwei insisted that Meng Huaiyan go to the lantern festival with her.

He has never liked those lively occasions, and besides, he had official business to attend to, so he declined.

Meng Caiwei naturally wouldn't let him go, and she tugged at his arm, trying to stop him from leaving.

Hearing the commotion, the old lady said, "It's rare for the whole family to get together, let's go out and have some fun."

"Yan'er, you are the eldest, so you must keep an eye on them."

Since his grandmother had spoken, Meng Huaiyan could no longer refuse and nodded in agreement.

The streets were bustling with activity, with a constant flow of traffic and crowds of people.

There were countless lanterns of all kinds, and Shen Tang stared at them intently.

In no time, Meng Caiwei excitedly dragged Meng Huaiyan to the riddle-guessing area in front of them.

Meng Huaili, Meng Huaishu, and Meng Caiyun followed closely behind.

Shen Tang frowned slightly as she looked at the crowd of people three layers deep in front of her. Instead of pushing her way forward, she headed towards East Street.

Meng Caiwei looked around, pointed to a carp lantern in the upper right corner, and said coquettishly, "Brother, I want that one."

Meng Huaiyan looked over and saw the riddle written on the lantern: "One in a thousand, one in a hundred."

Without hesitation, Meng Huaiyan replied, "Uncle."

Seeing how quickly he answered, the riddle shopkeeper exclaimed, "Young master, you have excellent literary talent!"

He then reached out and took the carp lantern down: "This lantern is yours."

Meng Caiwei, who was standing to the side, happily accepted it.

Then Meng Huaiyan easily guessed a few more riddles until all his younger siblings had a lantern in their hands.

When she turned around to ask Shen Tang which lamp she liked, she couldn't see her.

Where is Shen Tang?

Meng Huaili looked around but didn't see Shen Tang: "Hey, wasn't she just here?"

Seeing that her brother's attention was drawn to Shen Tang, Meng Caiwei frowned: "He's such a grown man, how could he possibly get lost? He's probably gone off to play somewhere else."

Meng Huaiyan frowned and summoned Qingyang: "Go find him."

Shen Tang walked to the pastry shop where she had arranged to meet Wang Xi.

However, Wang Xi failed to appear at the appointed time.

He couldn't help but wonder if Wang Xi had forgotten.

Just as he was wondering whether he should go to the manor to look for her, Wang Xi arrived.

Why are you so late?

Wang Xi took her hand and whispered mysteriously, "I'll take you to a nice place."

Shen Tang asked curiously, "What?"

You'll know when you get there.

Seeing Wang Xi's mysterious and highly interested demeanor, they couldn't help but become even more curious.

There were too many people on the street, so Wang Xi carefully pulled her to avoid the crowd.

As I turned the corner, I wasn't paying attention and accidentally bumped into a man's shoulder.

Shen Tang quickly apologized, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

The man's voice was gentle, polite, and magnetic.

She was about to look up to see what the man looked like when Wang Xi hurriedly pulled her away.

The man watched her receding figure, rubbing his unusually fast-beating heart, and fell into deep thought.

Shen Tang followed Wang Xi to the riverbank, where a boat that could accommodate four or five people was moored.

Upon seeing them arrive, the guards bowed and said, "Miss, everything has been arranged."

"good."

Wang Xixian boarded the ship first, followed closely by Shen Tang. As soon as they entered the cabin, they were surprised to see a man inside.

Shen Tang was startled and quickly tried to back out, but Wang Xi stopped her.

"Don't go! This is tonight's surprise."

What a surprise, it's a man!

This is not a surprise.

This must be shocking!

She couldn't help but look up at the man, who was dressed in white and looked frail.

Holding a pipa, she curtsied to them, saying, "Awan greets the two young ladies."

The voice was so soft it was almost sweet.

Shen Tang exclaimed in surprise: "You invited a male prostitute?!"

Wang Xi quickly stepped forward and covered her mouth: "Keep your voice down."

Shen Tang pulled her hand down and whispered, "Are you crazy? What if others find out? What about your reputation?"

Wang Xi acted as if she were completely unfazed: "What's there to be afraid of? If you don't tell me and I don't tell you, who will know?"

"Besides, what good reputation do we have left?"

Shen Tang: "..."

That makes so much sense; she was speechless.

Wang Xi put his arm around her shoulder and found a place to sit down: "This Awan is an exceptional pipa player. I paid a high price to have her. I guarantee you'll like her."

Then he said to Awan, "Play your best piece."

Awan nodded obediently, and soon the clear, melodious sound of a pipa filled the cabin.

Shen Tang stopped struggling. Since she was already on this pirate ship, she might as well enjoy herself while she could.

Indeed, as Wang Xi said, Awan played the pipa exceptionally well, and her humming was gentle and tender, like a spring breeze caressing the lake, making people feel relaxed.

She had only glanced at him briefly, but now, upon closer inspection, she realized that the man was extremely handsome, with fair skin, delicate features, and an androgynous beauty.

Especially the mole at the corner of her eye; it seemed to add a touch of charm to every smile and frown.

Shen Tang was attracted to good-looking people or things, and couldn't help but be captivated by them.

Seeing this, Wang Xi chuckled mischievously.

When Shen Tang heard this, he felt both ashamed and angry, and made a move to hit her.

Wang Xi quickly dodged, and the cabin was filled with laughter and chatter.

Fine wine and delicious food, accompanied by the music of handsome men.

The two were so engrossed in playing that they didn't realize it was almost midnight when they finally came to their senses.

Wang Xi was already quite drunk, and she was staggering as she walked, almost causing Shen Tang to lose her balance.

When I got off the boat, I stumbled and almost slipped.

Awan, who was standing nearby, quickly reached out and gently supported Shen Tang's arm, saying, "Be careful."

Seeing this, A-Yun and Fu-Liu on the shore quickly reached out and took Wang Xi away.

Awan withdrew her hand and stood politely to the side.

"Thank you." After regaining her balance, Shen Tang looked at A-Wan and asked, "Are you sure you can get back by yourself?"

"Can."

"Okay." After saying goodbye to Awan, Shen Tang turned and walked towards the General's Mansion.

Completely oblivious to the icy gaze behind him.

Meng Huaiyan looked at Shen Tang's departing figure, and thinking of the intimate scene just now, he couldn't suppress the anger in his heart.

He was worried that she might be in some danger, but it turned out she had run off to this place to fool around with men.

That's absolutely wonderful!

Qingyang glanced at the prince's gloomy face, then looked at Shen Tang, who was completely unaware of all this.

Silently, I lit three incense sticks for her in my heart.

After seeing Wang Xi off, when Shen Tang returned to the mansion, the servants were already asleep, and the entire courtyard was completely silent.

She tiptoed and carefully pushed open the courtyard gate.

But they were startled by a sudden sound.

"Miss Shen is really having so much fun that she doesn't want to leave."

Meng Huaiyan emerged from the shadows, his lips pressed tightly together, his dark eyes icy cold.

Shen Tang patted her chest, terrified; she thought she had encountered a ghost.

"What is the young master doing here?"

Meng Huaiyan's gaze swept over her arm almost imperceptibly: "Miss Chen, shouldn't you have informed me before leaving so suddenly?"

Shen Tang instinctively retorted, "I'm a grown woman, I'm not going to fall..."

The last few words gradually faded away after meeting Meng Huaiyan's unfriendly gaze.

"I'm sorry, I promise it won't happen again next time." Shen Tang immediately changed her tune, realizing the situation was more pragmatic.

Oh, she wants a next time.

Meng Huaiyan stared at her intently, without saying a word.

Shen Tang felt a little guilty under his direct gaze. After all, she had indeed done something wrong. The old lady had told him to keep an eye on them, but she had run off to the side without telling him.

I didn't expect him to come looking for me.

Shen Tang touched her nose, trying to change the subject: "How is the young master's health?"

It had been almost a month since they last returned to Beijing.

His injuries should be fully healed by now.

"Very good." Two cold, impersonal words.

Shen Tang: "......"

The atmosphere was really awkward.

Shen Tang hesitated before speaking, "If Your Highness has nothing else, I'll proceed..."

Meng Huaiyan suddenly interrupted her: "Give me your hand."

"What's wrong?"

Shen Tang reached out her hand, and a beautiful rabbit lantern was placed in her palm.

The rabbit lantern has a unique design, with long, drooping ears and large, round eyes, making it look adorable.

Holding the lantern, Shen Tang couldn't hide the joy in her eyes. She exclaimed happily, "What a beautiful lantern! Is it for me?"

Meng Huaiyan hummed in agreement.

Seeing Shen Tang's smiling face, the anger in my heart dissipated a little.

As if afraid she would misunderstand, he added, "Everyone else has it too, it's not fair to favor one over the other."

Shen Tang didn't think much of it. This is how aristocratic families have always been taught: even if you dislike someone, you still have to maintain appearances and not break off relations openly.

Just like the pastries she gave me, I wouldn't embarrass her to her face; I would only deal with them secretly behind her back.

Shen Tang wouldn't turn down something beautiful, and happily said, "Thank you."

Meng Huaiyan's gaze quietly fell on her dimples, which were faintly visible, and he said somewhat stiffly, "I am going to Jiangnan tomorrow. It will take at least half a month, and at most one or two months."

Shen Tang was a little confused. Why was she telling him this? She wasn't interested in his whereabouts.

Meng Huaiyan seemed oblivious to her gaze, his mind replaying the image of her tugging and pulling at that male prostitute earlier.

His tone carried a hint of disapproval: "While I'm gone, you'd better behave yourself."

Shen Tang: "?!"