Chapter 141: A Stole of Spring, Heaven on Earth

Ever since the Crown Prince's death, Xuanye's expression had become more gloomy. After Xiuyu suggested that Yinzhen learn business in her own shop, the gloominess on Xuanye's face grew even deeper.

That evening, Xiu Yu set up a large table of food in a small boat on the Changchun Garden Lake. She changed her clothes, took off her hairpins and earrings, let her long hair hang loosely behind her head, and gave up her Manchu dress. Instead, she put on the clothes of Han women from the Ming Dynasty, looking like a fairy in a painting.

Xuanye was brought aboard by Liang Jiugong. He hadn't wanted to come, thinking it would be fine to immerse himself in state affairs. At least when he was busy, he could think of nothing else and avoid many worries. However, Xiuyu's invitation was so kind, so he had to accept it.

Xuanye and Xiuyu were the only two people on the black-sailed boat. When he saw Xiuyu, Xuanye was quite surprised and asked with a smile, "Where did you get this dress?"

Xiu Yu sat opposite Xuan Ye and poured wine for him while saying, "It's just a set of Han Chinese clothes. It's not that difficult to get."

Xuanye nodded. With Xiu Yu's ability, he was more than qualified to be a prime minister in the previous dynasty, let alone just getting a set of Han Chinese clothes.

A gentle breeze blew into the cabin. Xiu Yu raised her glass to toast Xuan Ye: "Today, Yu Er dares not to be the imperial concubine, and Your Majesty will just be the third brother. Is that okay?"

Xiu Yu's voice was soft and gentle, and Xuanye naturally picked up the wine glass: "Since we are here, whatever you say is what I will do."

"I cooked all the dishes on this table. Third brother, would you like to try Yu'er's cooking skills and see if they have deteriorated?" Xiu Yu said as she served the dishes to Xuanye.

Xuanye had not had such peace and quiet for a long time. He picked up the chopsticks, picked up the dishes and tasted them, praising them while eating. Sometimes he said the steamed fish was delicious, and sometimes he said the dishes were fried to perfection, giving Xiu Yu enough face.

Soon, the pot of wine was empty. Xiu Yu was slightly tipsy, and Xuan Ye was also a little tipsy. "Yu'er, your wine may not be much, but it is intoxicating."

Xiu Yu's cheeks were already red. She smoothed her long hair and said, "The wine sent by the merchants from the north is a bit strong, but it is indeed good."

"It's good wine." Xuanye observed Xiuyu's expression. With so much going on lately, it had been ages since the Emperor and his wife had enjoyed such a leisurely moment without discussing others. "Yu'er, I'm drunk, and you've made me even more drunk." The boat docked, and Xuanye took Xiuyu's hand and led them ashore. The night was already deep, and palace lanterns illuminated the stone path along the shore. At the end of that path was an elegant residence that Xiuyu had long ago ordered Xiao Tao to decorate.

No servant dared to disturb them. As soon as they entered the bedroom, Xuanye put his arms around Xiuyu's slender waist. "You are tempting me, not bullying me."

Xiu Yu wrapped her arms around Xuan Ye's neck, raised her head and looked into his eyes, saying, "Yes, it was Yu Er who seduced Third Brother today."

As if in the clouds, Xuanye pressed the tip of his nose against Xiuyu's, and his thin lips gradually touched her cherry lips. It was a spring breeze, a heaven on earth.