Chapter 59 Daring to make a one-year commitment with another man

At night, Yunxi slept on a soft couch.

With her back turned, she didn't even want to glance at Xiao Shenjing out of the corner of her eye.

Staring at her resolute back, Xiao Shenjing thought of what Yunxi had done with other men in the booklet when he came.

He narrowed his eyes, suppressing a deep sense of darkness.

Yunxi was so angry that she couldn't sleep well all night. She finally managed to close her eyes when it was getting light, but she was woken up again a short while later.

She frowned and noticed that there were two girls. "Miss, your servants will help you wash and change your clothes."

Yunxi suppressed her anger and subconsciously looked towards the culprit, only to find that Xiao Shenjing was not on the bed.

Thinking she was going to a prison like the Forbidden City, she silently let them do as they pleased.

After having breakfast, she went out of her room and saw her godmother standing outside.

“Godmother.” The dejection on her face vanished instantly, replaced by radiance.

Even a light layer of powder couldn't hide the dark circles under her eyes. Hongxiu asked, "Didn't you sleep well last night?"

Yunxi quickly brushed it off, "Godmother, what brings you here?"

Hongxiu shook her head. "These people brought me here."

Yunxi's expression darkened for a moment.

What trick is Xiao Shenjing up to now?

She stepped out of the red-sleeved pavilion, where a carriage was already waiting.

Yunxi was led to the first vehicle.

When the curtain was lifted, she saw that Xiao Shenjing was already sitting inside.

A ray of morning light perfectly framed his face, making his expression even more enigmatic in the interplay of light and shadow.

Yunxi pursed her lips and looked away.

I don't want to look at it for even a moment longer.

As the carriage started moving, she finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Didn't you say you were going back to the capital today? Where are you taking my godmother now?"

Xiao Shenjing glanced at her dismissively. "You only think of asking now that you're already in my carriage?"

"Are you telling me that it would have been helpful to ask earlier?" Yunxi looked at him.

Xiao Shenjing: "What do you think?"

Yunxi smiled slightly.

The smile was so fake it was unbearable to look at.

Xiao Shenjing didn't seem angry, perhaps because he was in a good mood.

He raised his arm, tucked in his sleeve, and poured himself a cup of tea.

After the rain, a celadon-glazed cup filled with emerald-green spring tea was held loosely by his three fingers, as if cradling a pool of crystal-clear mountain spring water.

He lowered his eyes and slowly began to drink.

The spring sun shone through the curtains, bathing his profile in a glaze of white.

Horses hooves thundered outside the sedan chair, yet his brow remained untouched by the clamor of the world.

Calm and unassuming, naturally noble, and exceptionally elegant.

Sheng Deyunxi rolled her eyes thoroughly, and without hesitation lifted the curtain to look out of the sedan chair.

It feels like looking at him for even a minute is a waste of time.

Throughout the journey, Yunxi did not speak to Xiao Shenjing again.

She tried to stay as far away from him as possible, closing her eyes listlessly.

However, my mind was in turmoil yesterday, and I was sleeping on a soft couch, so I naturally didn't sleep well.

So, in the dull carriage, she soon drifted off to sleep.

However, there wasn't even a soft pillow against the wall, so I naturally slept in a daze.

His head would occasionally sway from side to side with the occasional bumps of the sedan chair.

Xiao Shenjing looked up from the secret report and saw Yunxi nodding her head like a chick pecking at rice.

A few streaks of spring light, like scattered gold, peeked through the sedan curtain and landed right on her hair, which slipped down with the swaying of the carriage.

Xiao Shenjing saw Yunxi's head hit the cloud and thunder pattern carved in boxwood on the side wall again; this was the third time in half an hour.

He turned his head and glanced at the lotus-patterned pillow beside him, then tapped the sandalwood tea tray with his finger.

Startled, Yunxi's eyelashes trembled wildly, like butterflies drawn to a flame.

She woke up with a frown, and groggily opened her eyes to see Xiao Shenjing's face. She curled her lip in disgust and cursed, "You dog emperor."

Xiao Shenjing.

Yunxi scratched the back of her neck, which was marked with red marks, and fell asleep again.

She was awakened by the noise outside the carriage.

He rubbed his eyes and opened them to see Xiao Shenjing still sitting opposite him, holding a folded document in his hand.

She looked away, and just as she lifted the curtain, her godmother's voice rang out from outside, "Yunxi."

"What's wrong, godmother?" she replied immediately, lifting the curtain to take a look, then staring blankly at the familiar scenery outside the window.

At noon, the Longkan Wharf was filled with a thick layer of city noise, the aroma of sesame cakes mingling with the copper bells of the caravans.

In the distance, the spring sun baked Erhai Lake into a piece of green jade, and the snowmelt from the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain melted into the blue waves, creating several swirling circles of peacock blue in the heart of the lake. Bai ethnic fishing boats dragged their nets across the water, startling the purple swamp chickens among the water lilies.

Yunxi turned around with a puzzled look and asked, "Xiao Shenjing, why did you bring me here to Erhai Lake?"

Xiao Shenjing glanced at it indifferently and said nothing.

He got up, lifted the curtain, and got off the carriage.

Judging from his appearance, Yunxi assumed he had come to do some political business.

But when she boarded the pleasure boat arm in arm with her godmother, she finally realized that something was amiss.

The wooden planks of the gangway emitted pine resin under the spring sun. After Xiao Shenjing stepped through the cracks in his black cloud-patterned shoes, he braced his hands on the railing. As his wide sleeves billowed, the moon-white lining with its intertwined floral pattern was revealed, giving him a leisurely appearance as if he were brewing tea on a spring day.

Yunxi couldn't help but ask, "Are you here for sightseeing?"

What's the point of bringing her along?

What exactly is this damned emperor up to now?

"Can't I come here for sightseeing?" Xiao Shenjing said with a half-smile, "Not only am I going to tour Erhai Lake today, but I also want to taste what grilled sea fish tastes like."

Upon hearing his words, Yunxi's forehead twitched involuntarily.

She had clearly just visited with Ding Xian a few days ago.

They even grilled seafood on the boat.

As she pondered, she stared at the mocking smile on Xiao Shenjing's lips and suddenly understood something.

"You keep sending people..."

Are you spying on me?

Before she could finish speaking, Yunxi suddenly shut up.

Xiao Shenjing tilted his head slightly, calmly waiting for her to continue.

Yunxi looked at Hongxiu beside her and said with a smile, "Godmother, this painted boat is so beautiful, shall we go up to the second floor for a stroll?"

“Cowardly as a mouse.” Xiao Shenjing raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically.

With her godmother around, Yunxi had no choice but to endure it.

She had just turned around with her godmother when Xiao Shenjing behind her said, "Come down and grill fish for me in a quarter of an hour."

Yunxi knew he was doing it on purpose, that he knew her concerns about her godmother and wanted to manipulate her.

How can there be such despicable and treacherous people?

She could sense her godmother's worry, and Yunxi turned around with a smile, saying, "Alright, since His Majesty likes to eat it, I will naturally grill it. However, the sea fish must be fresh, preferably just caught from the sea to taste even better."

At this point, she covered her mouth and smiled, "I also want to eat fish that His Majesty personally caught."

It was clearly an intentional pose, yet it was exceptionally lively and charming.

Xiao Shenjing stared at her, a smile playing on his lips, and deliberately said, "Such a small matter, I will naturally satisfy my beloved concubine."

The words "beloved concubine" almost made Yunxi's smile falter.

How could she possibly miss the opportunity to get revenge on Xiao Shenjing? She and her godmother had only been on the second floor for a few moments before they came down to the first floor.

Xiao Shenjing was leaning against the Xiangfei bamboo couch, with an ironwood fishing rod across the entire shell-carved window sill.

Yunxi watched as someone set up a grill for grilling fish next to her.

It's hard not to think about the many hardships I went through with Ding Xian on the boat that day.

Staring at the empty bucket at Xiao Shenjing's feet, he said with a smile, "Not everyone can catch sea fish. After all, some fish would rather rot in the mud than bite the hook."

"I do have a particular fondness for catching fish with such backbone; they must taste quite unique when eaten." Xiao Shenjing held the fishing rod and glanced at her sideways.

"Let's catch it first and then talk about it," Yunxi said with a fake smile.

Too lazy to look at Xiao Shenjing, Yunxi pulled Hongxiu around and wandered around.

However, the undercurrents and mutual antagonism between the two could not escape Hongxiu's notice.

"Yunxi, you and he seem to be at odds," Hongxiu asked. "Tell your godmother, do you not like him?"

Yunxi's heart skipped a beat, and she shook Hongxiu's arm coquettishly, "Godmother, you don't understand. My relationship with him is different from that with other people. Hitting him is a sign of affection, scolding him is a sign of love."

“But no matter what, he is still the emperor. You know how ruthless the imperial family is. If he changes his mind, even a small mistake can cost him his life.” Hongxiu was still worried.

"It's alright, godmother, he spoils me rotten." Yunxi couldn't keep up the lie, so she could only pretend to be shy and bury herself in Hongxiu's shoulder.

Hongxiu, seemingly having thought of something, patted her back and said, "If you don't like it, just tell your godmother. Even the emperor can always find a way."

If this method puts her godmother and everyone at Hongxiuzhao in danger, she would rather not have it.

One day, she will definitely leave Xiao Shenjing, and she will never be so careless as to be found again.

But for now, she has to feign compliance and wait until she can come up with a solution that satisfies both sides.

When Yunxi returned, she found that the bucket next to Xiao Shenjing's feet was still empty.

She burst out laughing without any restraint.

Xiao Shenjing's expression froze for a moment.

"I told you, some fish would rather rot in the mud than bite the hook. Does Your Majesty understand now?"

She kindly suggested, "I think you should let the boatman help you."

His words were full of mockery.

"I love eating fish like this," Xiao Shenjing threw down his fishing rod and, looking displeased, ordered Dao Yi behind him, "Go, cast the net for me and catch all those ungrateful fish."

After he finished speaking, he slowly looked at Yunxi and said, "How much my beloved concubine wants to eat, I will make her that much."

“Yunxi”

In the end, Xiao Shenjing didn't catch a single fish, but he waved his fan and directed people to cast the net, and soon they caught quite a few fish.

Standing beside the pile of fish, Xiao Shenjing smiled slightly at Yun Xi, pointed to the fish thrashing around his feet, and said one word: "Roast."

"What's there to be so smug about? It wasn't you who caught the fish." Yunxi curled her lips.

Yunxi Grilled Fish doesn't have the same patience as Ding Xian.

Anyway, it's not like she's eating it, so it doesn't matter if the fish is burnt.

The maids brought the food to the table.

After someone tasted the dishes, Yunxi presented the fish she had grilled to Xiao Shenjing and said solicitously, "Your Majesty, please try the fish I grilled for you. It smells so good."

Looking at the charred, blackened fish, Xiao Shenjing...

The two men behind him, Dao Yi and Dao Er, were both trying to suppress their laughter.

"My beloved consort has worked so hard, so naturally you should eat first." Xiao Shenjing pushed the food back with a look of disdain.

How could Yunxi let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? She smiled and handed the fish to Xiao Shenjing, saying, "Your Majesty, why are you being so polite? I specially grilled this for you."

Eat it, you'd better get poisoned.

Spring sunlight drifted in through the Xiangfei bamboo curtain and the glass porthole, falling into her eyes and brows.

Xiao Shenjing glanced at her and suddenly said, "In that case, let's eat together."

He glanced at the fish he had grilled with disdain.

Yunxi thought even dogs wouldn't eat it.

She certainly wouldn't eat it.

So she rolled her eyes, tore off a piece of fish, and quickly stuffed it into Xiao Shenjing's mouth.

Eat up.

He then took a few steps back, admiring Xiao Shenjing's appearance, and said, "This is something I specially baked for His Majesty. His Majesty certainly won't let me down, right?"

Xiao Shenjing stared at her without saying a word, his mouth still smelling of burnt fish.

Just as Hongxiu was filled with apprehension, she heard him chuckle softly, a laugh that burst forth from his nose, its meaning particularly enigmatic.

Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, he stared at Yunxi and slowly chewed and swallowed the fish.

Amidst Yun Xi's shocked gaze, a smile spread across his lips. "My beloved concubine, aren't you going to eat? Or are you waiting for me to feed you myself?"

If he says it, he absolutely does it.

Yunxi pouted, "You're really shameless."

Then he tore off a piece for himself, and frowned as soon as he put it in his mouth.

It tastes awful.

It's so fishy and burnt that even a dog wouldn't eat it.

Xiao Shenjing had initially enjoyed seeing her suffer, but when he saw her lively and spirited expression, he was slightly taken aback, and then a hint of pleasure appeared in his eyes.

Just like the mountains, seas, and lakes that were frozen throughout the winter, now have a touch of lively spring.

The sunlight turned Erhai Lake into a hazy mirror, reflecting the deep, inky blackness in the emperor's eyes.

Suddenly, it seemed as if it contained affection.

Yunxi thought that today's torment should end here, until Xiao Shenjing actually agreed to let Hongxiu eat with him during lunch.

She had a vague feeling that something was wrong, but she couldn't think of anything at the moment.

When Xiao Shenjing travels, his food, lodging, and transportation are naturally of the highest quality.

The eight-immortal table was laden with seasonal fresh produce and delicacies.

Yunxi naturally didn't stand on ceremony and diligently served Hongxiu some food, saying, "Godmother, try this milk fan."

Xiao Shenjing sat opposite him.

As Yunxi filled Hongxiu's small bowl with food, Xiao Shenjing, sitting opposite her, glanced at Hongxiu.

Her phoenix eyes, though seemingly devoid of anger, could instantly instill fear in people.

"You eat quickly, I can do it myself." Hongxiu said several times before Yunxi finally stepped back.

She had just sat down when she heard Xiao Shenjing across from her say, "Yunxi, come and serve me the dishes."

After saying that, he raised an eyebrow.

Yunxi immediately wanted to scold him for not having hands, but the words were on the tip of her tongue as she simply brushed the stray hairs behind her ear.

She walked over shyly and timidly, just like Zi Shu had been back then.

Seeing Yunxi's indignant actions, Xiao Shenjing knew she was cursing him in her heart. He held back for a moment, but in the end, he couldn't help but curl the corners of his lips into a smile.

Yunxi naturally dealt with Xiao Shenjing in whatever perfunctory way possible.

"Did you know that the silverfish in Erhai Lake are the best at playing dead?" Looking at the green peppers and garlic cloves on his plate, Xiao Shenjing slowly scooped up a spoonful of snow-white fish brain. "Once you loosen the net rope, they'll dart out faster than the whistling arrows from Longshou Pass."

Yunxi pretended not to understand and gently suggested, "Then Your Majesty should eat more, since you'll only be able to eat one bite of vegetables a day after you go back."

The two exchanged veiled barbs, which actually put Hongxiu at ease.

If the emperor were truly heartless, Yunxi would have been punished long ago for speaking in such a manner.

The weather was fine and sunny.

The painted railings of the pleasure boat gleamed with a light like scattered silver.

With nothing to do on the pleasure boat, Yunxi borrowed a fishing rod from the boatman and dragged her godmother to the side of the boat to fish.

"Godmother, how about we have a competition to see who catches the most fish today?" Yunxi said confidently, hands on her hips.

“Alright, your godmother is a master at fishing.” Hongxiu rolled up her sleeves, showing no intention of letting her have her way.

"I caught one!" Soon, Yunxi was the first to catch a fish.

"Another one!" Yunxi exclaimed excitedly as she lifted the bamboo pole, the silver scales drawing an arc in the sunlight.

Water droplets splashed onto the apricot-red dress, like a handful of stars scattered. Her embroidered shoes had long been kicked to a corner, her ten toes dangling on the blue waves, shattering the reflections of clouds in the pond.

As the warm breeze of late spring swept by, Xiao Shenjing gazed at her swaying, snow-white ankles, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

The distant green mountains were reflected in Erhai Lake. She hummed an unknown fishing song and continued casting her line, completely unaware of the gazes from not far away.

Yunxi is really good at fishing; he caught several fish in a row.

Hongxiu glanced at the few fish scattered in her fish bucket and smiled, "Yunxi, if you keep fishing like this, you're bound to catch the Dragon King's grandson with golden scales."

"Hahaha," Yunxi turned her head, the coral pendant at her temple swaying as she laughed, "Then I'll tear it up and make soup for my godmother."

The girl's bright smile was like a thousand shimmering waves.

Bright and dazzling.

Xiao Shenjing's fingers, which were holding the jade fan, paused slightly. The silver cloud pattern on the gauze curtain of the painted boat swept across his chin, but could not hide the glint in his eyes.

In haste, the young emperor unfolded a folding fan to cover half of his face.

On the way back from Erhai Lake, Yunxi got into Hongxiu's carriage.

He held her and started to doze off again.

Even though a full day and night had passed, her body still felt uncomfortable.

After a whole day of wits and acting with Xiao Shenjing, she was utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

So he slept on Hongxiu's lap the whole way.

She thought she could finally get some rest after going back, and as she rubbed her eyes and yawned, she was about to go upstairs when Xiao Shenjing called out to her, "Stop."

"What are you going to do now?" Yunxi's forehead veins throbbed, and she seemed to have reached her limit of patience.

Xiao Shenjing took a step and walked towards the backyard.

Yunxi could only clench her fists and follow.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Shenjing led her to the cherry tree in the backyard.

Yunxi crossed her arms and couldn't help but yawn again. "I've already finished the cherries, what are you doing here?"

Under the moonlight, Xiao Shenjing stood with his hands behind his back and glanced at her sideways.

Soon, the guards brought the hoe to Yunxi.

Just as she was puzzled, Xiao Shenjing said one word: "Dig".

"What are you digging for? Are you still going to farm at night?"

That madman.

Yunxi really wanted to smash a hoe over his head.

Xiao Shenjing gave her another dismissive look. "Since you don't want to dig, how about we call your godmother over?"

Without saying a word, Yunxi picked up the hoe and started.

When I struck the soil with the hoe, I found it to be loose and soft, as if it had already been dug up.

Was it dug out?

As the second hoe struck, Yunxi abruptly stopped.

When he insisted she grill fish at Erhai Lake, she could only guess that Xiao Shenjing had been having people monitor her every move.

But she also found this kind of thing a bit unbelievable, after all, even if she went to Erhai Lake with Ding Xian to grill sea fish, he shouldn't remember it so clearly.

But now, he's actually asking her to dig up what's under the cherry tree.

Holding the hoe, she still couldn't believe that the emperor would be so petty, so she asked, "What do you want me to dig?"

A crescent moon, shaped like a sickle, fell behind Xiao Shenjing.

He lowered his eyes and looked down at her, saying, "You're asking a question you already know the answer to."

Staring at his matter-of-fact manner, Yunxi was shocked and incredulous. "You even have to meddle in such a trivial matter?"

"A trivial matter?" Xiao Shenjing stared at her and smiled slightly. "As my woman, you dare to make a one-year agreement with another man. Tell me, is this a trivial matter?"