Chapter 33 If tonight, she does something bad to him…

The afterglow painted the evening sky with a layer of vibrant pink.

A group of people had been waiting outside the palace gates for a long time. At the head of the group was a handsome young man, sitting high on a fine horse, dressed in a blue casual outfit. He gently stroked his hips, dismounting the restless horse, his figure gradually elongated by the setting sun.

This man was none other than the King of Yan.

Xiao Luo arrived at the palace gate earlier than the agreed time, and waited like this until nightfall yesterday.

At that moment, footsteps sounded at the palace gate.

Xiao Luozhi looked up and saw that it was a eunuch who had come out of the palace to make purchases. Just as he was about to lower his eyes, a figure stepped in from the corner of his eye.

At the end of the palace path, a woman in purple robes walked gracefully towards them, the jade pendants at her waist making a clear, melodious sound with each step.

She seemed to have spotted him too, and from afar, she waved her sleeves and ran towards him, lifting her skirt. The golden light of the sunset bathed her in its glow.

Xiao Luozhi immediately dismounted to greet him.

She stopped three steps away from him, slightly out of breath, the pearl hairpin at her temple swaying gently, occasionally brushing against his vivid face, making her appear even more alluring under the fine beads of sweat.

“Your Highness, I apologize for keeping you waiting,” she said, her breath still uneven and her words broken. “I am truly sorry for breaking our appointment yesterday.”

Xiao Luozhi said, "I am not angry, but Miss, there is no need to be in such a hurry."

“But I want to see Your Highness.” She placed her hand on the Prince of Yan’s arm, and her body finally calmed down. “Your Highness is really not angry? If it were me, I would feel terrible to be stood up.”

Xiao Luozhi smiled and said, "It was I who invited you first, so please don't feel guilty, Miss. For me, it's just a matter of waiting a few moments earlier or later."

Her eyes crinkled into a smile: "Your Highness is truly exceptional."

Although Xiao Luo had only met her a few times, he had already noticed that due to her childhood experiences, she had developed an overly cautious nature, even afraid of offending others over such trivial matters.

His gaze fell on the scroll on her back and the small wooden box in her hand, and he softened his voice: "What is this?"

Yuan Chaolu glanced back and smiled, "Your Highness will know later. By the way, where are we going today?"

Under that expectant gaze, Xiao Luozhi slightly turned his face away, "Let's go first."

Last night, he had prepared a painted boat on the Luo River and hung it with famous paintings he had acquired from the Wu region. He planned to enjoy the paintings and chat with her when they crossed the river in a light boat. However, he waited outside the palace until the moon set, but she did not appear.

This afternoon, he was summoned to the palace by his mother again.

"When your royal brother arranged the marriage for you, he never asked me about it."

"How about we annul this marriage? What does the Prince of Yan think?"

Xiao Luozhi was surprised at the time and told Empress Dowager Lu not to do so for the time being.

The Empress Dowager said, "Yanzhou, you have always been unwilling to let your imperial brother make decisions for you in every situation, so why are you hesitating now?"

Xiao Luozhi frowned and said, "Your subject is naturally grateful for the Emperor's grace and has never felt unwilling, but..."

Unlike his father and brothers, he never entered or left the military camp, enduring countless hardships to temper his character. Since his youth, the Xiao family had already established their rule over the world, and most of the time he was a prince in fine clothes and jade belt, obeying his elder brother's arrangements in everything. His current official position was also specially chosen by his brother to allow him to accumulate prestige.

But he felt quite constrained, as if he were surrounded by layers of cocoons, unable to escape.

His elder brother was thinking of himself, but he really didn't want to...

He has never made any major decisions on his own.

As he left the palace, Xiao Luozhi was still pondering the Empress Dowager's words.

Last night I prepared a boat trip for Yuan Chaolu, but since we've already missed it, let it go. There's no need to go through any more trouble for her.

“Let’s go to Tianzhen Pavilion,” he said, looking at the person before him, “the place where we first met.”

A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. "I thought Your Highness would take me somewhere new."

Xiao Luozhi did not answer, but only raised his hand to signal the servant to bring over a horse: "A mount has been prepared for you, let's go now."

Yuan Chaolu stepped forward to stroke the horse, then suddenly turned back to stare at the horse beneath him and said, "Actually, Your Highness Prince Yan doesn't need to go to the trouble of preparing a special horse for me. Perhaps we could..." She paused, then said, "ride together."

The fact that the young man and the young woman rode together on horseback suggests they were extremely close lovers. Since they were engaged, it wouldn't be unreasonable for them to do certain things.

The wind carried her words to his ears, but such a bold invitation made Xiao Luozhi's ears burn slightly.

She seemed to sense his embarrassment, turned around and took the reins, "Let's each ride one horse."

Feeling even more uneasy that she had seen through his thoughts, Xiao Luozhi quickly mounted his horse and said, "Let's go."

However, when Yuan Chaolu mounted the horse, Xiao Luozhi realized that she had not thought things through. Her elaborate skirts made it difficult for her to mount the horse. While Xiao Luozhi was pondering her suggestion, Yuan Chaolu struggled for a while before finally getting into a stable position.

That topic was not mentioned again.

Suddenly, she pulled her horse closer, a subtle fragrance wafting from her clothes. Xiao Luo's heart skipped a beat as he met her smiling eyes.

She seemed to be really looking forward to today's meeting.

Xiao Luozhi let her go first, then lagged behind, gazing at her retreating figure in a daze.

A moment later, he turned to the side and whispered to the people around him: "Change course to the Luo River, and immediately prepare the boats, just like last night."

Ye Shudao replied, "I understand."

As dusk settled, the two strolled through the bustling city of Luoyang, chatting and laughing all the way.

By the time we reached the banks of the Luo River, it was already dark. The painted boats on the river gradually lit up with colorful lights, making the water shimmer. Faint sounds of music and laughter from the guests drifted over, creating a scene of bustling prosperity.

Since last night, a two-story ship has been moored in the middle of the river. Its vermilion railings and carved eaves are extremely luxurious, attracting the attention of distinguished guests on passing pleasure boats.

Despite such extravagance, the owner never appeared, which aroused the curiosity of the distinguished guest.

At this moment, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yuan Chaolu lifted her skirt and stepped into the painted boat with the Prince of Yan.

On a summer day, the riverbank is shimmering with light, and the clear water flows gently.

Upon entering the second floor of the barge, one can see landscape paintings hanging on the four walls, depicting towering mountains and flowing water, exuding a free and unrestrained spirit. These paintings complement the unique rocks and bonsai plants displayed inside, forming a natural painting.

Yuan Chaolu gently stroked the edge of the scroll, "These are all rare treasures. No wonder His Highness specially invited me to appreciate them together."

Xiao Luo asked, "Does the Second Miss like it?"

These paintings, from the moment they were presented to Xiao Luozhi to the moment he personally hung them in the cabin yesterday, have been repeatedly examined. He doesn't care about anything else, only whether she likes them.

Seeing her puzzled expression, he leaned down and pointed to the misty waves on the scroll: "It's a painting from the Wu region, depicting Hanshan Temple." He stood behind her, bending down slightly to show her the details of the painting.

Yuan Chaolu had never seen a map of the South, and didn't even know where Wu was. Only after hearing his introduction did he realize that it was in Jiangnan. He just smiled and agreed, "So it is the scenery of Jiangnan."

The two stopped in front of a painting, and Xiao Luozhi said, "My favorite is this painting of a river. The vast river flows eastward, boundless and limitless."

Yuan Chaolu looked at the raging torrent that seemed to break through the painting and praised with a smile, "A painting can reveal a person's state of mind. I feel that Your Highness's temperament is similar to this surging river, unrestrained and unrestrained."

These words were merely meant to please him, yet they seemed to resonate perfectly with him. His eyes flickered slightly. "Do you really think so?"

“Yes, Your Highness Yan acts with a free and decisive spirit, like a free-flowing river, while I am always restricted in the academy.” Seeing that the Prince of Yan’s brows were slightly furrowed, she quickly said, “Thank you for bringing me here today, Your Highness. After hearing your words, I feel that the world is vast.”

The young girl smiled and said, "Your Highness has chartered a boat for me, and there is also music playing. This is the first time I have ever experienced such treatment that only nobles can enjoy."

“And these,” she whispered in his ear, standing on tiptoe, “I like them all.”

A gentle river breeze lifted the hair at her temples. These words, like a pebble, stirred ripples across the lake of Xiao Luo's heart.

The pleasure boat was suddenly tilted by a wave, and Yuan Chaolu staggered backward. Without thinking, Xiao Luozhi grabbed her wrist, and with a little force, she crashed into his arms.

He froze, clearly feeling her slightly warm arms wrap around his waist.

Once the ship was stable, she stepped back half a step from his embrace, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with her fingertips: "Actually, I also prepared a gift for Your Highness."

She seemed quite embarrassed, turned around and went to the table, keeping her back to him.

The intimate embrace just now made the air inside the painted boat suddenly become enchanting.

Xiao Luozhi pressed his fingertips against his brow, paused for a long time, and finally looked at her back, saying gently, "Are you free to leave the palace tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow? I'm afraid tomorrow is not an option. I must see His Majesty this evening."

Yuan Chaolu slowly unfurled the scroll she had brought with her on the table, revealing a blank silk surface. This was the gift she intended to give to the Prince of Yan; she was going to paint a portrait of him.

A hesitant question came from behind: "Why does His Majesty summon you so frequently?"

“Because I am not good at my studies, my teacher always complains to the emperor,” she said, stroking her silk handkerchief and taking out a paintbrush from her toolbox. “It must be because His Majesty values ​​Your Highness that he takes such good care of me.”

She didn't notice the slight change in the expression of the person behind her upon hearing these words.

"His Majesty... has taken good care of you?"

“Of course.” She turned and smiled. “If it weren’t for His Highness Prince Yan, how could someone as insignificant as me be worthy of His Majesty personally inviting a renowned teacher?”

Xiao Luo remained silent.

Yuan Chaolu said, "This time I met with the Prince of Yan on a painted boat. How about we go to the forest garden next time? I've heard that Your Highness enjoys hunting. I wonder when I'll be able to witness Your Highness's heroic figure?"

He gazed at her and said softly, "I haven't told you this, but I don't actually like hunting."

Yuan Chaolu was taken aback and said, "Really?"

"Hunting is what my brother enjoys. I practice riding and archery day and night, just to please him."

And this Miss Yuan Er in front of me...

A strange feeling stirred in Xiao Luozhi's heart. He suddenly recalled the time he had searched for a painting for his mother. It was clearly a treasure he had carefully selected, but he had lost all interest because of someone else's comment that "His Majesty will surely be pleased." That painting was still sealed away in the royal palace's treasury, never presented to his mother.

He has always hated being told what to do.

Tonight was no different. Her words just now were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, making him feel as if her bright smile was shrouded in a layer of haze.

Her elder brother, the Emperor, favored her marriage into the royal family, and therefore held her in high regard.

As the painted boat swayed gently, Yuan Chaolu walked towards him. But the image of his mother's question echoed in his ears: "Haven't you always disliked your brother making decisions for you?"

Xiao Luozhi said, "Miss Yuan the Second."

Yuan Chaolu stopped in front of him, smiling, and said, "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

She was about to explain that she wanted to paint his portrait.

But Xiao Luozhi's expression was solemn, and the light in his eyes dimmed slightly.

After a moment, as if he had made up his mind, he let out a long sigh: "Let's leave it at that for tonight. There are important matters to attend to in the military camp, and I have to go back to the camp."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the deepening night outside the window, and said, "The palace gates are about to close. I have ordered someone to arrange accommodations outside the palace for you, Miss. I apologize for the inconvenience of the night."

Having said that, without waiting for Yuan Chaolu's response, he turned and strode out of the cabin.

Yuan Chaolu stood there, the words "I want to paint for the Prince of Yan" stuck in his throat, swallowed back down, as if an invisible wind swept across his face.

A gust of wind blew in from outside the cabin, causing the scroll spread out on the table to be rolled up and fall to the ground with a loud thud.

**

A sudden downpour caused white waves to surge on the river, the music from the pleasure boat abruptly stopped, and the guests returned to their cabins.

The next day, Yuan Chaolu entered the palace under the escort of Ye Shu. The carriage swayed and bumped as it passed through the many palace walls and entered the palace gate.

"Second Miss, we've arrived at the academy."

The curtain was lifted from the outside, letting in a flood of sunlight that bathed the woman sitting quietly inside.

As Ye Shu helped her out of the carriage, he said softly, "His Highness the Prince of Yan will enter the palace in the evening. There are some very important things to say to you outside the palace at that time."

Yuan Chaolu thought it was just a regular invitation, but when she looked up, she saw Ye Shu's tense jawline and solemn expression.

After Ye Shu left, she went to her bedchamber to change her clothes, and a strange sense of foreboding instantly rose from the bottom of her heart.

She found the Prince of Yan's departure without saying goodbye to be extremely rude.

The situation took a sharp turn for the worse last night, something must have gone wrong, and the fault lies either with me or with the King of Yan.

Tonight's rendezvous is unlikely to be a romantic rendezvous under the moon, nor will it involve any tender words. Upon closer reflection, could it be that he has grown weary of me and wishes to sever all ties with me?

But this marriage... was arranged by her eldest sister. Yuan Chaolu let out a soft breath.

The bronze mirror reflected the young woman by the window, her delicate eyebrows furrowed with sorrow.

**

As dusk approached, the Prince of Yan rushed into the palace before the gates were locked. He rode his horse all the way to the depths of the Forbidden City, dismounted, and rode for a while before finally entering the Emperor's bedroom.

Incense filled the hall, and after the emperor listened to his words, the hall fell silent.

The Prince of Yan knelt on the ground and slowly raised his head. “I have spent several days with the Second Miss, but I always feel that we are not compatible. The Second Miss is pure, kind and straightforward. I do not want to delay her, so I have offended Your Majesty to request an audience to dissolve the engagement. There are many young men in the academy, and they will surely be able to find her a good match.”

The gilded floor tiles reflected the emperor's slowly rising figure. The sound of his boots stepping over the golden tiles was like a heavy hammer blow to Xiao Luo's heart. The snow-white robe finally stopped beside him.

"Prince Yan," the Emperor's voice came from above, "what did I say when you knelt here last time for this matter?"

Xiao Luozhi's Adam's apple bobbed slightly: "Your subject remembers."

At that moment, the Emperor clapped his hands and laughed, "The Prince of Yan is quite the shrewd strategist. So, does this mean the Prince of Yan can change his mind so easily? Does he think that because he holds a high position, everyone should look up to him?"

The Prince of Yan slowly raised his head, meeting the Emperor's deep, condescending eyes. He gritted his teeth: "This time, I will never regret it. There is absolutely no possibility between me and the Second Miss."

“All the blame lies with me, and has nothing to do with her,” he said, his back ramrod straight. “Please punish me, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor suddenly chuckled and tapped the Prince of Yan's shoulder firmly with his fingertips: "Prince of Yan, how could I not know your thoughts? Why use her as a raft?"

The voice seemed to see right through him, saying, "You're just dissatisfied with my arrangements."

The King of Yan was suddenly jolted.

The moment the emperor withdrew his hand, he staggered and almost lost his footing.

"You have your own ideas, and I can grant them," the Emperor said, his eyelashes thick and long. "But after today, there will be no turning back for your marriage to Miss Yuan Er—have you thought it through?"

Xiao Luozhi lowered his eyes, panting. Yuan Chaolu's smiling face lingered in his mind, and a thousand words seemed to be stuck in his throat. After a long while, he finally squeezed out from between his teeth: "Your subject will definitely find a good match for her."

The emperor said, "Agreed."

The moment he uttered those words, Xiao Luozhi felt as if all his strength had been drained away, and he could barely support himself by bracing himself with his hands on the ground.

Suddenly, a hand with distinct knuckles reached out in front of me, its jade thumb ring reflecting a clear light.

Xiao Luozhi supported himself with the gold brick with his left hand, and with his right hand trembling, he placed it on the emperor's palm, using the leverage to slowly stand up.

"Your Majesty, I have another request." His voice was hoarse, but seeing the Emperor raise an eyebrow, he continued, "I don't know how to tell Miss Yuan about this. I have wronged her first, but I have never refused a young woman."

The Prince of Yan changed his tone and said softly, "No, but I will not refuse Miss Yuan Er."

The emperor asked, "So?"

"Tonight, may I ask Your Majesty to go to the meeting with Miss Yuan Er on my behalf and inform me that the marriage is off."

He was terrified to see her beautiful eyes filled with tears.

Xiao Luo's annulment of the engagement was more like an attempt to break free from his elder brother's control and get rid of a certain obsession.

He knew how awkward he was...

But he insisted on doing it this way.

Upon seeing his elder brother nod, almost instantly, an indescribable feeling of bitterness welled up inside him, making his whole body stiffen.

**

As night falls, a cool breeze drifts from Taiye Pond, passing over the small hills in the lake, over flowerbeds and groves, and into the tall buildings and towers.

Yuan Chaolu walked alone along the long corridor, heading to keep his appointment with the Prince of Yan.

Passing through the dense vegetation, we finally came into view of the lakeside pavilion. Half of the pavilion's curtains were drawn, and a slender figure could be seen standing inside.

Her steps were a little unsteady, and she leaned on a tree for support before slowly walking to the outside of the pavilion.

The place was dimly lit, and although the gauze curtains were only half-drawn, they obscured the view, making the figure of the Prince of Yan appear even more hazy behind them.

Yuan Chaolu couldn't see his face clearly. She stood outside the pavilion, feeling the gauze curtain brush against her cheek.

She had to do something to change the Prince of Yan's attitude towards her.

A young woman's voice rang out in the darkness: "Your Highness, Prince Yan."

Behind the light veil, Xiao Zhuo's eyes reflected the swaying moonlight. Hearing this, he slowly raised his eyes and looked at the girl outside the curtain.

The wind carried the smell of alcohol from her.

She seemed to be drunk.

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Author's note: Prince Yan: I'm already starting to regret it.