Chapter 87: Domineering White Moonlight 6 Yurongzhai

Ali looked towards the palace gate, but Chen Yizi was no longer there.

She turned around and said, "It's Chen Danzhi's brother. He said he was a member of the Imperial Guard..."

Ah Li couldn't remember it immediately, and Ming Shuang beside her quietly reminded her: "Captain of the Imperial Guards."

"Oh yes, it's the captain of the imperial guards." Ali nodded and looked at Xie Jingchuan.

After not seeing each other for a few days, he still looked so dignified and gentle, but with a hint of fatigue in his eyes. He raised his slender and handsome hand to block the glaring sunlight for her.

"Chen Yizhi?"

"He passed the military examination this spring and entered the government. He is currently serving in the Imperial Guards. I've read his memorials. Although a military officer, he possesses excellent literary talent. He is truly a rare talent."

Xie Jingchuan lowered his head and cast a cold glance at him: "What did Ali say to him?"

Ali hid under his wide sleeves and found that under the scorching sun, there was a cool air around him, which was very comfortable.

She couldn't help but move closer, but Xie Jingchuan dodged.

Ah Li looked up and saw him whispering, "What does it look like?"

If you don’t want to give it to me, then don’t give it to me.

Ali straightened up as if unconcerned, and immediately caught Xie Jingchuan's mistake: "We agreed to wait for half an hour, how long have I been waiting?"

"If you don't want to go with me, then I'll go find someone else..."

Before he could finish his words, a carriage stopped in front of them.

Xie Jingchuan stepped forward, his voice gentle and pleasant: "Who are you looking for, Ali? The carriage is right in front of you, why go so far?"

Ali snorted and acted like a spoiled brat, refusing to get in the car.

Mingshuang, who was watching from the side, was terrified and wanted to tie up her own princess and put her in the car.

This is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. How could anyone dare to offend him?

Although she had been by the princess's side for these years and often saw this scene, Mingshuang still couldn't help but feel nervous, fearing that the Crown Prince would suddenly change his attitude one day. What would the princess do then?

Xie Jingchuan tilted his head to look over, his eyes filled with worry. "I heard that Miss Chen Danzhi is the apple of the Chen family's eye. Her brother loves her very much. If he knew what happened that day, he would surely fight for justice for his sister."

He didn't say it in full, but he knew that Ali already understood what he meant.

She cleared her throat unnaturally and raised her hand: "Mingshuang, help me get in the car."

He who knows the times is a hero, and a real woman can bend and stretch.

Besides, her goal is to leave the palace, so it doesn’t matter who can take her out.

Xie Jingchuan raised the corners of his lips.

Everyone in the palace said that the princess was stupid and unreasonable, but only he knew that as long as she was explained the truth to her, she would listen.

Just like those things that she feels constrained by, as long as it is made clear, she will do it voluntarily.

Just like what she did to Chen Yizi, it was just a spur of the moment action, and once she made it clear, she would quickly forget about it.

In the car, Ali finally got close to Xie Jingchuan, the big ice block, as he wished, and felt cool and comfortable.

*

The carriage moved slowly along the way, and soon arrived at Yurongzhai, a famous rouge shop in the capital.

Ali stopped in front of the door and looked up at the tall plaque: "Is this the shop of Madam Rouge?"

"Well, this is it," Xie Jingchuan stood shoulder to shoulder with her, "Let's go in."

As a few people walked forward, they were greeted by the sweet fragrance of orchids, which lingered on their noses. Before they even entered the door, they were already a little drunk.

Behind the vermilion lacquered carved counter, there is a whole glazed shelf, which is filled with various rouges, all packed in different porcelain boxes and cases, which look like flowing clouds under the sunlight.

There were not many people in the shop. Several noble ladies in brocade and embroidered skirts were leaning in front of a mirror inlaid with mother-of-pearl and various gems, trying out colors.

The lady in the shop took out some rouge from a jade dish with a silver hairpin and dotted it onto their wrists, spreading it evenly. "This is a new rouge made by our shopkeeper today. It's called Dusk Dye. Do you think it suits your taste?"

A lady in yellow took a closer look and praised: "It's really good!"

Her companion beside her was also quite satisfied: "It's good, but I want the sandalwood heart prepared by your shopkeeper more."

The lady smiled apologetically and said, "Tan Xin was sold out at the beginning of the month. If you ladies want to buy it, you will have to wait until next month. Why don't you take a look at the other rouges in the shop? They are all top-notch."

As they spoke, several people walked towards the back hall.

Seeing A-li and his group enter, another woman in plain clothes came forward to greet them: "Dear guests, please come this way. All the rouge in the shop is here."

"I want to see your boss, Madam Yanzhi." Ah Li said straight to the point.

The plain-clothed lady was stunned for a moment, then smiled and replied, "The shopkeeper is not in the shop. If there is any rouge you would like to try, please let me know and I will get it for you."

Ali shook his head and said firmly: "I want to see your shopkeeper. If she is not here, we can go find her."

This sandalwood rouge was so popular that Ali sent people out of the palace to buy it many times, but they came back empty-handed every time. They could not compete with others and had money but nowhere to spend it.

Today she insisted on meeting the shopkeeper. She didn't believe that there was anything in the world that money couldn't buy.

Madam Su Yi seemed accustomed to such naughty guests, and the smile on her face gradually faded: "Our shopkeeper does not see guests. If you have anything to say, just tell me and I will pass it on."

Xie Jingchuan raised his eyes and caught a glimpse of several figures flashing in the back hall of the shop. They were all servants from Yurongzhai who were practicing martial arts.

Hearing this, Ali became even more unconvinced. Even in the palace, she was rarely rejected like this: "Do you know who we are?"

Madam Su Yi remained neither humble nor arrogant: "Please forgive me, young lady. This is the rule of Yurongzhai. Even if the emperor and the imperial concubine come in person, if the shopkeeper says they won't see them, they won't be seen."

Seeing that A-li was about to argue with the lady, Xie Jingchuan spoke up in time: "I speak my mind frankly and mean no harm. I hope the lady will not mind."

Lady Su Yi's expression softened a little, and she shook her head: "Sir, you are too kind."

Xie Jingchuan looked at A Li, his eyes filled with gentleness. "My little sister has always loved Yanzhi and admired Madam Yanzhi very much. I came here today just to meet her and fulfill a lifelong wish. I wonder if you can be flexible?"

His face is clean and handsome, and his demeanor is as gentle as the breeze. He is like an older brother who only cares about his younger sister, and he can easily make people like him.

A hint of hesitation flashed across Lady Su Yi's eyes, but she still refused them: "This is the rule of the pavilion. I'm sorry, I can't break this rule."

Xie Jingchuan didn't show any anger when he heard this. He just nodded regretfully and said, "I understand. We were a little rude."

"In that case, we will not disturb your business any longer. Goodbye."

"Let's go." This sentence was said to Ali.

But Ali hasn't achieved the purpose of this trip yet, so how can he be willing to leave?

"No……"

Xie Jingchuan turned around, and taking advantage of the cover of their sleeves, he suddenly grabbed her curled hand and pulled her out.

Ali slowly opened his eyes, forgot to struggle for a moment, and followed him out of Yurongzhai with stiff movements.

Although the two grew up together, Xie Jingchuan has always strictly abided by etiquette and has never done anything inappropriate.

Ali only felt that his entire arm was inexplicably hot.

Halfway through the journey, Xie Jingchuan suddenly stopped and looked at a painting hanging in the pavilion.

This painting of white plum blossoms is hung in the most conspicuous place in the hall, but because the ink color is very light, it is often ignored by passers-by.

Xie Jingchuan stood in front of the painting for a long time, so long that A-Li felt uncomfortable all over, and so long that the plain-clothed lady also looked over and asked, "Sir, are you looking at this painting?"

"Yes, madam, may I ask who created this painting?" Xie Jingchuan asked softly.

The lady in plain clothes replied, "It was done by my shopkeeper."

Xie Jingchuan continued to look at the painting, his eyes clear: "So that's it."

“Although the sky in the painting is gloomy and the snow is raging, this frail white plum blossom stands tall and proud, blooming in the snow.”

"The plum tree branches are vigorous and powerful, with a hint of light yellow on the tips, like a butterfly about to flutter and fly."

He spoke slowly.

Ali also looked at the painting, wondering: How could there be butterflies in this severe winter?

"The painter must have been extremely full and determined in his heart at the time, and was not afraid of the wind and snow." Xie Jingchuan continued.

Ali took a closer look and said casually, "Look, the white plum blossoms and the butterfly seem to be leaning against each other. The painter must have had his beloved by his side at the time..." Using the white plum blossoms and the butterfly as a metaphor for himself?

There was surprise in Xie Jingchuan's eyes, but he didn't say anything, just staring at Ali's expression quietly.

She took another step forward, her fingertips hovering half an inch above the painting: "It really is a butterfly."

Suddenly, a figure moved behind the curtain. It was not the people holding swords just now.

Xie Jingchuan calmly held Ali's hand and said goodbye to Madam Suyi.

After they left Yurongzhai, Ali immediately withdrew his hand and hid far away.

Xie Jingchuan felt helpless when he saw this, and walked over to try to coax her like he usually did.

But Ali was like a cat whose tail was stepped on, and refused to let him get close. He really looked like an older brother trying to coax his grumpy younger sister.

The two men were in a stalemate, advancing and retreating, when a frail middle-aged man walked out of Yurongzhai.

He called out to the two of them: "This young man, this young lady."

When Ali looked over, he felt that the aura of this person was somewhat familiar at first sight, but the face was ordinary and he had no impression of it at all.

Seeing that they were a little confused, the man took the initiative to introduce his family: "I am the husband of the owner of this shop, you can just call me Uncle Tan."

No one in the capital had ever heard that Madam Rouge was married, and everyone looked a little surprised.

Xie Jingchuan's expression remained unchanged, and he nodded slightly: "Uncle Tan."

Uncle Tan smiled, appearing very kind. "The reason I followed you out is because you two were the first to decipher the meaning of that painting."

As he spoke, he glanced back with some nostalgia: "That painting was made by my wife at the beginning of our marriage. Your guesses are both correct."

Considering that Xie Jingchuan was still nearby, Ali couldn't get too close. Just watching Uncle Tan's words and actions made her feel inexplicably safe and comfortable.

It was strange; she didn't know him.

Ali had this feeling when he was looking at the painting just now, and those words suddenly popped out of his mind.

On the other side, Xie Jingchuan and Uncle Tan were still being polite.

"...My little sister and I are fortunate to be able to view this painting."

Uncle Tan waved his hand, touched his sleeve, and then walked towards Ali mysteriously and stuffed something into her hand: "This is a gift from my wife to you, young lady."

Ali looked at the palm of his hand. It was an exquisitely carved Yue Kiln celadon box, which was quite heavy.

Before she could ask, Uncle Tan turned and left.

He paused for a moment, then stood in front of Yurongzhai and said to Ali, "My wife said, I hope you take good care of yourself, young lady."

This incoherent sentence made Ali unable to figure out the reason until he got on the carriage.

She leaned on the soft satin, with the small box given by Uncle Tan spread out on the table in front of her, and inside was the "Tanxin" rouge.

Such a big box was enough to make her happy for a long time, but because of Uncle Tan's words, she was a little unhappy.

Ali felt that today's journey was particularly strange. He wanted to ask Xie Jingchuan what he thought, but he seemed to be in a trance.

This is something that Ali particularly admires about him.

Perhaps it was due to the strict royal upbringing since childhood, Xie Jingchuan was meticulous in walking, sitting and lying down even when he was alone, and he was never seen in a sloppy posture.

The four words "future crown prince" were like a square frame that trapped him inside. He couldn't get out and others couldn't get in.

But Xie Jingchuan seemed to have found a way to entertain himself during these ten years.

That is, he cast his gaze, which had nowhere to go, on the lazy Ali, and even wanted to bring her into that frame.

And when she was in it in the past, she didn't seem to feel forced.

Ali held her face with her hands. It was not until recently that she realized that she was becoming more and more like him.

As if noticing that Ali was looking at him, Xie Jingchuan slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Ali's distressed face, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Ali bit his lip and said, "It's still early. I want to go around the capital and have a look. I don't want to go back to the palace so early."

As a royal princess, she has lived in the palace since she was a child and rarely has the opportunity to go out of the palace like today. How can she not take advantage of this good opportunity to play for a while longer?

"Is this enough to make you so distressed?" Xie Jingchuan couldn't help but laugh and cry. "If you want to go, go ahead. I'll accompany you."

After receiving his assurance, Ah Li threw away his previous thoughts: "I don't want you to come with me, and Ming Shuang shouldn't follow me either. I'm going to play alone."

The car was quiet for a moment.

Xie Jingchuan repeated her words, with a hint of genuine doubt on his face: "A-Li, do you really want to go alone?"

Ali nodded heavily, leaning against the car window, his heart already flying away.

The faint smile on Xie Jingchuan's lips seemed to disappear for a moment, then quickly gathered together.

Seeing that he hadn't said anything yet, Ali became anxious and turned around to look at him: "Are you going to agree to me or not?"

Being stared at like this by her, Xie Jingchuan seemed to compromise and sighed softly: "When have I ever refused you... Come back before dusk, I will wait for you at the palace gate."

"good!"

Ali agreed quickly, grabbed Xie Jingchuan's purse and ran away.

There was no time to express my concern.

The curtain of the carriage in front of him fluttered and soon returned to calm. The jade pendant on Xie Jingchuan's waist shone brightly, and his eyes were deep.

Several secret guards appeared outside the car. He lifted the curtain with his backhand and said with a slight movement of his thin lips: "Follow the princess."