Chapter 46 The Feast Ends [VIP]

Chapter Summary: I'm politely declining~ (10,000 words update upon release!)

Fifteen minutes ago, Wei Jingshan rode his horse from Wanshe Palace.

Upon reaching the gates of the Prince of Guangcheng's residence, he reined in his horse and gazed into the distance, hesitant to dismount. The newly arrived gatekeeper, seeing the Marquis of Shangming arrive, also dared not approach easily; he stood on the steps, his mind filled with unease.

A powerful and influential princess arrived first, and then the powerful and influential Marquis Shangming followed suit. What's going on at this year's Cold Mountain Banquet? What curse has been committed?

Before he could think any further, Wei Jingshan dismounted and strode towards the Prince's residence. The gatekeeper, seeing his fierce face, dared not stop him and could only watch as Wei Jingshan stormed into the Prince's residence.

Following the hustle and bustle towards the South Garden, Wei Jingshan had barely stepped inside when he heard Liu Shuangshuang speaking from the high platform.

Before Wei Jingshan could find Liu Shiyu, he received Yangfei tea from a maid. When he looked up again, he saw Liu Shiyu standing in the garden, about to take the Yangfei tea from Xu Luchuan.

In a moment of desperation, Wei Jingshan pushed through the crowd and handed his Yangfei tea to Liu Shiyu.

Two Yangfei tea blossoms, equally beautiful.

Liu Shiyu could only accept a meal as compensation. The outcome was obvious. However, she was still shocked by Wei Jingshan's arrival. Looking at him in surprise, she asked, "My lord, what brings you here?"

"Why can't I attend the grand feast at Cold Mountain?"

Wei Jingshan remained calm. He noticed Liu Shiyu's surprise but showed no unease.

Liu Shiyu remained silent.

She didn't want to answer his question, but her outstretched hand inadvertently leaned towards Xu Luchuan.

Xu Luchuan stood before Liu Shiyu, his resolve unwavering from beginning to end. He never took his eyes off her. He trusted Liu Shiyu's choice, just as she trusted him.

In this round, Wei Jingshan is destined to be the loser.

The onlookers, always eager for a good show, started chattering amongst themselves.

"Wow, is that the fierce and bloodthirsty Marquis Shangming? I didn't expect the Cold Mountain Banquet to be so lively today! I'm so glad I came!"

…

"After being rejected by Miss Liu, this young master Xu dares to compete with Marquis Ming for the title of Princess? Could he have suffered some kind of trauma?"

…

"Huh? Isn't that Brother Lu Chuan? Has he gone mad? Inviting the Princess, does he have a death wish?"

Encouraged by the crowd, Liu Shiyu no longer hesitated or remained silent. She readily accepted the Yangfei tea from Xu Luchuan and said to Wei Jingshan, "The Hanshan Banquet is open to the Marquis, who is free to come. I have no objection. However, this Yangfei tea was first offered by Supervisor Xu, so there should be a proper order. Therefore, I apologize, Marquis, but I will accompany Supervisor Xu on this garden tour."

Liu Shiyu politely declined Wei Jingshan's invitation, then turned to Xu Luchuan and exchanged a knowing glance. The two of them turned and left without saying a word.

Wei Jingshan stood there, gazing at her departing figure, and slowly put down the Yangfei tea in his hand.

First come, first served? Liu Shiyu… do you really understand the concept of first come, first served…?

Everyone was surprised by Liu Shiyu's choice. This rumored perfect match was nothing more than a dream fabricated by the world. Those who finally understood couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy.

The same goes for Wei Jingshan.

But he wouldn't simply disperse after the story ended, like the onlookers. He wanted to change the ending and become the ultimate victor.

If he wants to participate in the garden tour, he must choose one person to accompany him.

So, Wei Jingshan looked around the crowd and casually handed the withered Yang Guifei tea to Liu Qinglan, who was being fawned over by everyone.

Liu Qinglan looked up at the man before her, whose scars covered his still imposing presence, and felt nothing but fear.

Wei Jingshan brought the Yangfei tea closer to Liu Qinglan, his domineering presence overshadowing everyone else. He said in a deep, commanding tone, "Follow me."

As soon as Wei Jingshan opened his mouth, the people around him dared not speak out in anger.

Liu Qinglan was not someone who could be easily threatened. But she had her own plans. Since Xu Luchuan dared to invite the Princess, she dared to go with Shangming Marquis as well.

She wanted to win to show Xu Luchuan.

Liu Qinglan suppressed her fear, took the Yangfei tea from Wei Jingshan's hand, and said, "Then I hope that Qinglan and the Marquis can win this victory together."

Wei Jingshan and Liu Qinglan were surprisingly in sync; they looked at each other, each more resolute than the other.

Wei Jingshan didn't reply to her, but turned and stood next to Liu Qinglan. Seeing no hope of teaming up with Liu Qinglan, the others dispersed to find their own companions.

Not far away, Liu Shiyu and Xu Luchuan stood under a pine tree in a corner, shoulder to shoulder, looking ahead and talking secretly.

"Your Highness, why not choose him?" Xu Luchuan stood with his hands behind his back, while Liu Shiyu lowered his eyes. "You know perfectly well why."

Xu Luchuan suppressed a smile and did not reply.

The two stood quietly together, not in the light, yet they were content.

Wei Jingshan and Liu Qinglan, standing together, both turned their gazes towards Songxia. Wei Jingshan looked at Liu Shiyu, filled with resentment. Liu Qinglan stared at Xu Luchuan, crushing the Yangfei tea in her hand.

Their resentment and anger were hidden beneath their eyes.

Seeing that the time was right, Liu Shuangshuang climbed back onto the high platform and announced to the crowd, "It seems that all of you gentlemen have found your ideal ladies. So, let's officially begin our garden search."

"The gates in all places have been opened; the treasures belong to the victors."

At Liu Shuangshuang's command, the garden was opened, and couples who had met through Yangfei Tea dispersed to various places.

Amidst the crowd, Xu Luchuan and Liu Shiyu exchanged a smile and tacitly set off.

After Liu Shuangshuang finished speaking, Wei Jingshan left Nanyuan before Liu Qinglan could react. Liu Qinglan dared not complain and could only hurry after him.

…

Outside the South Garden, Wei Jingshan arrived a step too late. He looked around but couldn't find Liu Shiyu.

At the end of a covered walkway a few dozen steps away, Liu Shiyu and Xu Luchuan chased against the flow of people, avoiding their gazes. They stopped, panting, and Liu Shiyu, supporting her aching back, laughed incessantly at the person in front of her.

Xu Luchuan stood upright opposite him, his eyes full of doting affection, without saying a word.

At this moment, all treasures and victories seemed meaningless to them. Only the tender affection beneath the corridor was the most precious thing in the world.

Liu Shiyu, tired of laughing, walked to the railing and gazed at the crowds chasing victory in the distance.

She didn't turn around, nor did she look at Xu Luchuan. She simply joked, "Right Supervisor, is there a lady you fancy at this Cold Mountain Banquet?"

"Yes." Xu Luchuan looked at Liu Shiyu and answered decisively. Upon hearing this reply, Liu Shiyu turned her head back with feigned reproach, "Yes? Then I wonder which family's young lady is so fortunate to have caught the eye of the Right Supervisor?"

"Good fortune? Does Your Highness really think it's a good fortune to be chosen by me?" Xu Luchuan smiled and walked over to stand next to Liu Shiyu. "The lady I've taken a liking to is naturally the best lady in Jinling City."

Liu Shiyu leaned lightly against the railing, turned to Xu Luchuan and continued to feign ignorance, saying, "Who is the best lady in Jinling City? The Right Supervisor is talking about... could it be the third daughter of the Liu family?"

“It’s you. No matter what the world says, you are the best woman in Nanjing, and even in this world, in my heart.”

Xu Luchuan's words resonated deeply. He suddenly turned around and met Liu Shiyu's gaze. The two were deeply in love, and at this moment, a passionate kiss was fitting to do justice to the beautiful winter scene.

Xu Luchuan tentatively approached, but Liu Shiyu placed her fingertips against his chest. "Stop, let's talk about it when we get home."

Xu Luchuan was speechless at her words and dejectedly retreated to his original position. He turned around and asked, "By the way, didn't you say you never attend the Cold Mountain Banquet? Why are you here today?"

"Naturally, I came to see which handsome young men are in our Jinling City. I'm tired of looking at those people in the court all day long." Liu Shiyu said, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the grain of the wood on the railing. "But I didn't expect that there are so few who can compare to you, Xiao Lü! It's truly disappointing..."

Upon hearing this, Xu Luchuan suddenly grabbed Liu Shiyu's hand, which was resting on the railing, and said with a hint of jealousy, "You're not allowed to look at the handsome young man anymore. From now on, I'll let you look to your heart's content."

Liu Shiyu murmured subconsciously, "Look enough? How can I look enough?"

But Liu Shiyu quickly regretted it; her lustful face betrayed her instantly. Her flushed cheeks seemed to radiate the chill from all sides.

Xu Luchuan sensed something was amiss and immediately asked, "Liu Shiyu, what exactly are you thinking...?"

"I didn't," Liu Shiyu quickly explained.

Unexpectedly, someone from afar found their way here and happened to see Xu Luchuan gently squeezing Liu Shiyu's hand.

Fortunately, Xu Luchuan reacted quickly. He pretended to pinch Liu Shiyu's fingers, then turned around and pointed to the beam of the corridor before letting go and loudly saying, "Your Highness, do you see something here?"

Following a gesture to Liu Shiyu, who had his back turned, Liu Shiyu immediately understood and continued, "Oh? Is that so? Hahaha, the Right Supervisor is indeed amazing. It seems there really is something there. Then I'll trouble the Right Supervisor to go and investigate. Hahahaha."

Xu Luchuan deliberately raised his voice, but unfortunately Liu Shiyu's pronunciation was so poor that the people who came from afar to look for the item stood there bewildered.

The two glanced again at the two strange-behaving figures at the end of the corridor, then hurriedly turned and left.

Seeing this, Xu Luchuan gently pressed Liu Shiyu's hand down and said, "Alright, the person is gone. Put your hand down."

To everyone's surprise, Liu Shiyu raised her hand again. "No, Xiao Lü. Look, there really seems to be something on that beam!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Luchuan looked carefully in the direction Liu Shiyu was pointing, and to his surprise, Liu Shiyu was right. There, nestled quietly in the corner of the beam, was an exquisite wooden box.

"Xiao Lü, hurry up and see what it is!" Before Xu Luchuan could speak, Liu Shiyu excitedly patted him on the shoulder.

Now that Liu Shiyu had spoken, how could he refuse? Xu Luchuan casually tossed out a sentence: "Wait here." Then, stepping on the railing, he leaped onto the crossbeam and retrieved the wooden box that Liu Shiyu wanted.

It floated down again, landing in front of Liu Shiyu. Xu Luchuan reached out and gently placed the wooden box in her palm, saying softly, "Here you go."

Holding the wooden box that Xu Luchuan had easily taken down, Liu Shiyu exclaimed with admiration, "Our Xiao Lü is so amazing!"

Xu Luchuan pretended to be unmoved, and replied with his chin held high, "Open it and take a look."

Liu Shiyu nodded upon hearing this and carefully opened the wooden box. However, the box was empty, with only a thin piece of paper on which the words "sandalwood" were written sparsely.

Liu Shiyu was in a dilemma. After handing the note to Xu Luchuan, she closed the wooden box tightly.

"Sandalwood? Where can I get sandalwood?" Xu Luchuan took the slip of paper and pondered it carefully. "Before the Buddha? At the shrine? Or perhaps in the family hall?"

Liu Shiyu did not answer. She crossed her arms over her chest, pondering the deeper meaning.

In her opinion, the word "sandalwood" must be more than that. Suddenly, as if struck by a flash of inspiration, Liu Shiyu said to Xu Luchuan, "It doesn't necessarily have to be burning sandalwood; it could also be potted sandalwood."

"Why?" Xu Luchuan looked back in confusion. Liu Shiyu smiled slightly. "Those places you mentioned that often use sandalwood incense are all places that cannot be offended. No matter how willful and reckless Shuangshuang is, she wouldn't hide clues in these places."

"Moreover, sandalwood and sandalwood trees are also related to the word 'sandalwood.' But sandalwood trees are extremely precious and difficult to grow in a place like Jinling. So, only sandalwood is left. I remember that Uncle Jiu has a hobby of collecting bonsai. Let's go to the greenhouse and see if we can find what this note is trying to point to."

"What is your opinion, Right Supervisor?"

Liu Shiyu was in high spirits, and Xu Luchuan simply kept her company. He smiled and said, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."

Liu Shiyu's eyes crinkled as she gazed at Xu Luchuan, taking in his vast, starry vision. Then, she turned and gathered her white fox fur robe, gracefully disappearing into the distance along the other side of the veranda. Xu Luchuan followed closely behind, and together they went to the flower room.

As soon as the two stepped out of the corridor, they immediately reverted to their usual aloof demeanor.

This caused those searching for their belongings nearby to back away.

As they walked to the outside of the greenhouse, Liu Shiyu and Xu Luchuan were about to climb the steps when they turned around and bumped into Wei Jingshan and Liu Qinglan, who were walking towards them.

The four people looked at each other, the atmosphere of which was self-evident.

Wei Jingshan stared intently at Liu Shiyu and called out, "Your Highness."

Upon seeing this, Liu Qinglan bowed slightly to Liu Shiyu in greeting.

“Miss Liu, there’s no need for such formalities.” Liu Shiyu put down the hem of her skirt and stood steadily on the first step in front of the flower room, turning to look at Wei Jingshan. “Having known you, Lord Marquis, for so many years, I never imagined that you would have the leisure to participate in this game.”

As soon as Liu Shiyu finished speaking, Wei Jingshan suddenly sneered, "I never expected Your Highness to accept the Yang Guifei tea from the Right Supervisor."

"My choice is none of your business, Lord Marquis. But since I've entered this game, I will not lose to you," Liu Shiyu said, turning her head. After uttering those words, she stepped into the flower room.

Wei Jingshan stood there and murmured, "Your Highness, I will certainly not lose to you either."

Xu Luchuan and the people below remained silent, he only gave Wei Jingshan a meaningful look before turning and following Liu Shiyu. Liu Qinglan subconsciously called out behind him, "Second Young Master," but Xu Luchuan didn't pause for a second, nor even respond.

Looking at Xu Luchuan's resolute figure, Liu Qinglan's eyes instantly turned sharp.

Wei Jingshan keenly sensed her unusual behavior towards Xu Luchuan. He glanced back at the person beside him and said in a sinister voice, "If you want to win, stop standing there like an idiot."

After speaking, Wei Jingshan turned and left.

Liu Qinglan clutched the slip of paper, also inscribed with sandalwood, and turned to say, "Of course Qinglan wants to win, but the Marquis is going to hand over the clues in this flower room to someone else."

Wei Jingshan stopped in his tracks at her words, but still spoke with his back turned: "Go ahead and take it if you want, I won't stop you. As long as you have the confidence and courage to snatch this clue from her, otherwise, stop talking nonsense and come with me, and we still have a chance."

Clearly, no matter how aloof and proud Liu Qinglan was, she did not have the confidence or courage to snatch food from Liu Shiyu's mouth.

She said no more. She caught up with Wei Jingshan and left the flower room with resentment and unwillingness.

...

The greenhouse was empty, yet filled with warmth, unlike the chilly atmosphere outside.

Liu Shiyu stood by the window watching Wei Jingshan and Liu Qinglan walk away before she finally relaxed. Xu Luchuan then lifted the curtain and entered, walking to her side and rubbing her cold shoulders, saying, "I will find the treasure with you, don't worry."

"Hmm." Liu Shiyu smiled and gently reached out to cover Xu Luchuan's cold hand.

Xu Luchuan was the only one who could understand Liu Shiyu; he understood her sharp edges and her helplessness.

He understood even more that what seemed like a playful game of searching for lost items in the park was actually a contest for them.

But what if they win? What if they lose? The facts can never be changed, and they don't even know what they are trying to prove. But everyone's entanglements and bonds are secretly unfolding at this moment.

Liu Shiyu took Xu Luchuan's hand, which was resting on her shoulder, and looked around at the flowers and plants filling the room. She was carefully searching for the sandalwood plant.

Suddenly, on the shelf to the left, Liu Shiyu spotted the sandalwood she was looking for. She quickly said, "Xiao Lü, look there! I didn't expect there to actually be sandalwood in this greenhouse."

"I'll go look for it, you wait here."

Xu Luchuan gently removed Liu Shiyu's hand and walked in the direction she had indicated. Liu Shiyu obediently stood still, quietly waiting for Xu Luchuan to return with the lost item.

Xu Luchuan reached the shelf and began to feel around the sandalwood bonsai. Suddenly, the sensation under his fingertips alerted him. He looked up and vaguely saw a corner of a wooden box peeking out from behind the bonsai.

Xu Luchuan immediately reached out and took the wooden box from the shelf, but he didn't open it. Instead, he walked back to Liu Shiyu and handed the box to her, saying, "You're right, sandalwood is not just something flammable. Open it and take a look."

Liu Shiyu smiled, took the newly found wooden box, and said nothing.

The wooden box was opened again, and it was empty just like before. The thin piece of paper was once again in front of him. But this time, instead of "sandalwood," it read "yellow fungus."

Turning back to stand by the window, Liu Shiyu placed the wooden box on the windowsill. Gazing intently at the paper, Xu Luchuan peered out from behind, also staring intently.

"Yellow ear? Could it be a yellow fungus?" Upon hearing the name "yellow ear," Liu Shiyu immediately thought of the edible yellow fungus, but she quickly dismissed it. "No. This isn't from Jinling, and it's not the right season for it. So... what exactly is this yellow ear?"

Xu Luchuan shook his head, clearly clueless.

After a long while, he seemed to have thought of something and suddenly said, "The Record of Strange Things!"

"Why *Shuyi Lu*?" Liu Shiyu turned around, full of doubt. Xu Luchuan looked at her and said, "When Lu Ji was young, he was quite fond of hunting. In Wu, a guest presented him with a fast dog named Huang Er (Yellow Ear). Zu Chongzhi's *Shuyi Lu* describes it this way. So this Huang Er is very likely..."

"Fast Dog!"

"Fast Dog!"

Surprisingly, they answered almost simultaneously. They looked at each other and smiled, just like they had back in Yongzhou. They had been through so much together, and they were always grateful to have each other by their side.

Looking back, Liu Shiyu folded the white paper in her palm and tucked it into her sleeve. She gazed at the scene outside the greenhouse, about to speak.

Before I knew it, snow was falling outside the window.

The snowflakes, from scattered fluff to a gentle downpour, all fell into Liu Shiyu's eyes. She turned around: "Xiao Lü, it's snowing."

"This should be the first snow we've ever seen together."

She was excited and amazed. She took the snow as a memento and ran outside.

Xu Luchuan followed and stepped out of the door. He stood under the eaves, gazing quietly at Liu Shiyu, who was holding up her reddened hands in the snow. At that moment, he suddenly felt that life was enough.

The pain of the past has become insignificant.

"Xu Luchuan, let's grow old together."

There was no one around, only the silent falling snow. Liu Shiyu's sincere words were clear and touching. She withdrew her hand, put it behind her back, and smiled brightly at Xu Luchuan.

Xu Luchuan gladly stepped down the stairs and stood side by side with Liu Shiyu in the swirling snow. The snow had turned their fur robes white, their eyebrows white, and their hair white.

"Liu Shiyu, do you believe it? We will definitely grow old together."

Xu Luchuan lowered his gentle eyes and looked at the white-haired woman beside him. He found it hard to imagine what she would look like when she grew old, but in his heart, Liu Shiyu would always be just as beautiful.

Looking back with deep affection, Liu Shiyu finally understood what love truly meant to her. It wasn't too late for her. She was confident she could grow old with him.

So she replied, "I believe you."

As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Shiyu stepped onto the shallow snow on the bluestone slabs and walked out of the courtyard. Standing under the hanging flower gate, she said softly, "Let's go, Right Supervisor. The heavy snow has arrived, we must hurry and find that Yellow Ear."

Xu Luchuan smiled slightly, stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

…

Leaving the greenhouse, Xu Luchuan followed in Liu Shiyu's footsteps, the two strolling one after the other in the snow. They had no destination, nor did they know where the fast dog was. They could only try their luck in the garden.

As Liu Shiyu walked, he suddenly turned to Xu Luchuan behind him and asked, "Do you think this yellow-eared cat is domesticated or a guard cat?"

Xu Luchuan replied simply, "Domesticated."

Liu Shiyu was puzzled and asked again, "Raised at home? How do you know, Right Supervisor?"

“If Princess Ningzhen chose to hide the clues on this yellow dog, she wouldn’t have chosen the guard dog first. All those who came to the manor to attend the Cold Mountain Banquet were nobles. Guard dogs are fierce, and Princess Ningzhen wouldn’t let these nobles take risks. Therefore, this yellow dog must be her own pet.”

Xu Luchuan stopped stepping in her footprints as he spoke.

Liu Shiyu stopped when she heard the noise and nodded: "That makes sense. Does the Right Supervisor know where Huang Er is?"

"Where it's supposed to be." Xu Luchuan shrugged, feigning indifference. Liu Shiyu pursed her lips upon hearing this, "So, the Right Supervisor means you don't know either?"

Xu Luchuan silently resumed his journey.

Seeing that no one was around, Liu Shiyu casually picked up the fallen snow from the stone carving and tossed it onto his shoulder.

"you"

Xu Luchuan feigned annoyance and retaliated. Back and forth they went, the two of them so engrossed in their game that they completely forgot about their search for Huang Er. Just then, a small, entirely yellow puppy strolled past them as if joining in the fun, occasionally glancing back.

Seeing this, Liu Shiyu grabbed Xu Luchuan's sleeve and whispered, "Wait! Wait! Little Green, doesn't it look like a yellow ear fungus...?"

What does it resemble? It is!

Xu Luchuan, quick-witted and agile, led Liu Shiyu towards the puppy. But the puppy was more nimble than Xu Luchuan and evaded his pursuit in a flash.

Liu Shiyu couldn't withstand Xu Luchuan's torment.

So she let go of his hand before she had taken two steps and stood there panting.

Liu Shiyu put her hands on her hips and looked up. It really was a yellow-eared fast dog; despite its small size, it was exceptionally agile.

She began to worry about Xu Luchuan's safety, but Xu Luchuan was no pushover. He found a shortcut, climbed over a distant bluestone, and stood firmly in front of the puppy.

"Little Yellow Ear, let me see where you can run now?"

The puppy was completely stunned by Xu Luchuan's sudden appearance. Upon seeing this, Xu Luchuan reached out and hugged the puppy.

Liu Shiyu finally breathed a sigh of relief when he successfully won over "Huang Er".

Xu Luchuan walked over carrying the puppy and, as usual, handed all the things he had found to Liu Shiyu.

Liu Shiyu took the tiny, stove-like puppy from her and happily rubbed its head, saying to Xu Luchuan, "Little Green, it's so adorable. How about we keep one at home someday?"

"Okay." Xu Luchuan said, reaching out to gently rub Liu Shiyu's head.

Liu Shiyu tilted her head and smiled at him in response.

Xu Luchuan then lowered his hand.

Xu Luchuan casually fiddled with the silent bell around the puppy's neck, and finding it suspicious, he opened it. To his surprise, a tiny, rolled-up piece of paper bounced out of the bell and fell to the ground. Xu Luchuan bent down to pick it up. Unfolded, it still bore only two short words: "Evergreen."

"What is it this time?" Liu Shiyu asked, holding the puppy and looking down. Xu Luchuan straightened up with the note in his hand and replied, "Chang Qing."

"Evergreen? This is a very common plant. Is it pine or holly?"

Liu Shiyu racked her brains trying to think of anything that signified evergreen, but could only come up with these two. Xu Luchuan glanced up casually and then blurted out, "Not only these, but also privet."

Liu Shiyu looked back and saw that the privet in the garden was covered with white snow but was still green.

However, there were four or five privet trees within her sight. Not to mention the countless pines, cypresses, and holly bushes in the Guangcheng Prince's mansion.

So when will we be able to find what Liu Shuangshuang has hidden?

Liu Shiyu was in a dilemma.

"With so many tree species, how long would it take us to find them one by one?"

"Then we have no choice but to take a gamble." Xu Luchuan gazed into the distance, the snow gradually subsiding. Liu Shiyu, cradling the puppy in her arms, looked at his profile. "A gamble? What kind of gamble?"

Liu Shiyu was puzzled, but she soon understood the meaning of the bet Xu Luchuan mentioned.

"Are you talking about that one?"

Xu Luchuan withdrew his gaze, and the two understood each other without saying a word.

Liu Shiyu gently brushed the light snow off the puppy's head, held the puppy in front of Xu Luchuan, and asked, "Since that's the case, let's take a gamble. Before you leave, would you like to pet it one more time?"

Xu Luchuan shook his head and did not answer.

Seeing this, Liu Shiyu said nothing more and gently put the puppy down. As soon as the puppy's paws touched the ground, it darted away into the depths of the garden.

Liu Shiyu stood up, shaking off the white mist that covered her. But for some reason, she quietly approached Xu Luchuan, "Xiao Lü, actually... it doesn't matter if we bet wrong. Just being able to play this game with you makes me feel like I've already won."

She retreated a few steps from his side.

Seeing people passing by, Liu Shiyu deliberately raised her voice and said, "Let's go and solve the final mystery. I hope the Right Supervisor and I can bet on it correctly."

After speaking, Liu Shiyu turned around and walked briskly back to the South Garden she had come from.

...

Unexpectedly, on their way back to Nanyuan, Liu Shiyu and Xu Luchuan encountered Wei Jingshan and Liu Qinglan once again. The two stood silently amidst the dense holly bushes.

It seems they have found this last clue.

Everyone is just one step away from victory.

They looked at each other, but neither of them spoke. They simply passed each other by indifferently.

After the person had gone far away, Liu Qinglan raised his hand and broke off a holly leaf from beside him, saying with a smirk, "My lord, be careful not to get caught in your own trap when you are so deeply in love."

"Mind your own business. Go tell Xu Luchuan all that pretentious nonsense. I don't have time to waste on you." Wei Jingshan turned around and glared at him fiercely.

Liu Qinglan clenched her fists as if a sore spot had been touched, and for the first time, she dared to return the look with anger.

Wei Jingshan ignored him and turned to walk away towards the other end of the garden.

Liu Shiyu and Xu Luchuan returned to the South Garden, where there weren't many people. Liu Shiyu looked around and saw someone already heading towards the pine tree where they had once stood side by side. But after searching, that person found nothing.

Did they make the wrong bet?

Unwilling to give up, Liu Shiyu continued walking. When the two arrived at the pine tree, they found it completely empty.

"It can't be that simple... But there's no connection between sandalwood, yellow fungus, and evergreen. So the word 'evergreen' must have another meaning, we just didn't think of it."

As Liu Shiyu spoke, she looked up and scanned everything in the South Garden, but finally her gaze fell on Liu Shuangshuang.

She noticed that the osmanthus hairpin on Liu Shuangshuang's bun looked as if it had just landed on her hair, and then she looked at the osmanthus embroidery pattern hidden in the folds of her skirt.

Liu Shiyu suddenly understood.

Turning to Xu Luchuan, Liu Shiyu said, "Osmanthus. The flowers fall and the leaves remain green, that's osmanthus."

“But we haven’t seen any osmanthus trees along the way. The only evergreen plants we’ve seen are pines, cypresses, holly, and privets. Could it be…” Liu Shiyu fell into deep thought again, but Xu Luchuan spoke up, “I have seen them.”

"Where?" Liu Shiyu asked, puzzled.

Xu Luchuan smiled. "I could clearly see an osmanthus tree right behind you where you were standing along that deserted corridor."

"Then let's go take a look together."

Liu Shiyu, in high spirits, and Xu Luchuan headed back in the same direction from the South Garden. Passing through a secluded covered walkway, the afternoon sunlight dappled the shadows of the people beneath it.

They enjoyed each other's company and the sweetness of their relationship. The outcome of the game had long been overshadowed by the joy in their hearts.

However, it's just a game.

Only those who cannot live without it would be so obsessed with this game.

They stopped on the bank of the covered walkway and found the hidden osmanthus tree. Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps it was destined that they would meet.

Xu Luchuan climbed over the railing and indeed found the real treasure beneath the dense osmanthus branches. He handed the wooden box, different from the others, to Liu Shiyu.

Liu Shiyu gently opened the wooden box, and a pair of jade discs appeared before her eyes.

Xu Luchuan had just climbed over the railing and returned to the veranda when Liu Shiyu grabbed him, excitedly saying, "Little Green, I told you we're the best!"

"Stop, let's talk when we get home." Xu Luchuan, mimicking Liu Shiyu's earlier actions, gently pushed her away from his embrace.

Liu Shiyu pouted and looked at Xu Luchuan, complaining, "What? Is the Right Supervisor angry? He really is the most petty young man in the world!"

Xu Luchuan, having no time for flirting, quickly slammed the wooden box shut in Liu Shiyu's hands and turned to say, "Alright, let's hurry and take this treasure back so this Cold Mountain Banquet can end sooner. I have other matters to attend to."

"Right Supervisor, is there anything else? What is it?" Liu Shiyu, carrying the wooden box, caught up with Xu Luchuan. Xu Luchuan glanced at Liu Shiyu with feigned indifference. "I have to go to the east of the city to buy the osmanthus-flavored glutinous rice lotus root that I promised someone. After I buy it, I need to get home as soon as possible."

Seeing this, Liu Shiyu stopped talking and just secretly smiled as she followed Xu Luchuan.

The two returned to Nanyuan. Liu Shiyu parted ways with Xu Luchuan and placed the wooden box in front of Liu Shuangshuang with an air of authority.

Liu Shuangshuang looked at Liu Shiyu with wide surprise and said, "Cousin, you found it! Cousin, you're amazing!"

Liu Shiyu sat back down in the Rushuang Pavilion, next to Liu Shuangshuang. She didn't respond to her comment. Liu Shuangshuang turned to the maid beside her and instructed, "Go and announce to all the courtyards that the search is over."

The maidservant turned and left upon receiving the order.

Liu Shuangshuang quickly picked up the winter wine on the table and offered it to Liu Shiyu. Upon seeing this, Liu Shiyu expressionlessly picked up the wine cup and drank it.

Before long, the maidservants spread the news throughout the gardens, and people began to return one after another.

Once most of the people had arrived, Liu Shuangshuang picked up the wooden box and climbed back onto the platform. The crowd below watched with curiosity, wondering who had obtained Princess Ningzhen's treasure.

Standing on the high platform, Liu Shuangshuang scanned the expectant faces and said, "This princess said that whoever finds this item will own it. Therefore, this pair of jade discs in my hands is given to Her Highness the Eldest Princess and the Right Supervisor."

After he finished speaking, everyone was surprised.

No one could have imagined that the treasure would be won by this seemingly unrelated group, and Xia Xubin and his friends, who were traveling with Xu Luchuan, were even more surprised. However, they dared not ask any further questions.

Then look towards the Frost Pavilion.

Liu Shiyu replaced the winter brew with hot tea and gently blew on the steam. Without even raising her eyes, she said in a deep voice, "This entire item is to be given to the Right Supervisor. My share can be omitted."

Xu Luchuan understood Liu Shiyu's meaning. This item would belong to both of them regardless of who took it, saving them the trouble of dividing it at the banquet and avoiding unnecessary controversy. He immediately cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Your Highness, this humble subject thanks you for your kindness."

Liu Shuangshuang didn't care how the treasure was divided; she simply handed the wooden box to her maid, who then gave it to Xu Luchuan below the stage.

Seeing that Xu Luchuan had accepted the jade disc, Liu Shuangshuang spoke again, "Thus, the Cold Mountain Banquet has come to an end. Thank you all for participating in today's garden tour and treasure hunt. This princess wishes you all good health and happiness year after year, and looks forward to having a great time at next year's Cold Mountain Banquet."

Upon hearing this, the crowd cheered and dispersed.

Wei Jingshan and Liu Qinglan had been standing outside the South Garden gate. Looking at the commotion inside, Wei Jingshan turned away coldly.

The oblivious Liu Qinglan once again spoke up sarcastically at an inopportune moment: "It seems that the Marquis will not only hand over the clues, but even the person sitting under the Frost Pavilion. Why are you stopping Qinglan from coming to the South Garden? Is it simply because His Highness chose the South Garden?"

Liu Qinglan's words completely enraged Wei Jingshan. He grabbed her neck and said viciously, "Liu Qinglan, you really are being clever by half. Tell me, if I were to ruin your beautiful face today, would you throw yourself off a high building in resentment tomorrow?"

Wei Jingshan's eyes were like those of a bloodthirsty wolf, ready to tear Liu Qinglan, the white rabbit, apart at any moment.

Liu Qinglan was scared.

She never expected that Wei Jingshan, who was usually aloof and taciturn, would be so angry.

But Liu Qinglan couldn't utter a word. Her rapid breaths fell on Wei Jingshan's hand, but Wei Jingshan remained unmoved. He didn't understand what it meant to cherish a beautiful woman, and even his love and admiration for Liu Shiyu were cold and rigid.

A group of people came out of Nanyuan together, and Wei Jingshan released his grip on her hand because he didn't want to make a big fuss.

Wei Jingshan coldly looked at the red handprint left on her neck and sneered, "Liu Qinglan, not everyone will submit to you. You should also take a good look at yourself."

His words were harsh and deeply wounded Liu Qinglan's proud self-esteem.

Tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

Seeing this, Wei Jingshan sneered and turned to leave, leaving Liu Qinglan leaning against the courtyard wall, still shaken. Just then, some of her admirers came out of the South Garden and saw her, and stepped forward to help her up. But Liu Qinglan immediately shook off the man's hand, and angrily turned and left.

The man was completely bewildered.

Inside the South Garden, Xia Xubin and his group prepared to leave. Xu Luchuan and Liu Shiyu, who was seated there, exchanged a knowing glance.

After Xu Luchuan left, Liu Shiyu noticed that most of the people in the garden had also left. She then got up to say goodbye to Liu Shuangshuang. Liu Shuangshuang quickly rose to see her off, but Liu Shiyu politely declined.

Liu Shiyu walked out of Nanyuan and out of the gate of the Prince's Mansion.

Unexpectedly, just as Liu Shiyu was about to board the carriage to return home, Wei Jingshan, who had been waiting outside the door, grabbed her wrist as she lifted the cotton curtain. Liu Shiyu turned around. Looking at Wei Jingshan's angry eyes, she felt a sharp pain in her wrist from his grip.

"Let go of my hand!" Liu Shiyu shouted angrily, but Wei Jingshan showed no intention of letting go. "I will not let go."

"Whether it's Liu Shiyu, Xu Luchuan, or anyone else, I don't care. But I will never allow you to be with anyone else. You will always belong to me. Only I can stand by your side and protect you. Only I know what you truly want."

"You can't escape..."

[Author's Note]

Xu Luchuan: Whatever I get, I have to hand it over to my wife, hehe~

Hey everyone! Little Monument is back! Love you all! Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants between 20221225 20:19:11 and 20221230 09:10:00!

Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: ZY, 55523066 (1 bottle);

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!