Chapter 22 Flower Appreciation Banquet: Removing Chen Yun's Waistband

When the time came for the banquet to officially begin, the wisteria-covered tables on both sides were filled with people.

Princess Changning sat in the pavilion at the head of the table, with a six-panel folding screen displaying a hundred flowers and butterflies on each side behind her.

Changning glanced at everyone present with a polite smile. "Just now, Madam Ji said that my flower-viewing banquet today is quite innovative."

Zhao Mingzhu met her gaze, smiled, and nodded.

Changning replied, then looked away, her chin slightly raised, and said with considerable pride, "That's because I've found a wonderful person."

She deliberately dragged out her words, and seeing the curiosity rise on the faces of the women, she finally took pity on them and clapped her hands lightly to call the man out.

A few claps rang out, and a woman dressed in a lake-green dress gracefully emerged from behind the curved screen beside Changning.

Everyone craned their necks in curiosity.

The woman walked to the table and bowed directly to Princess Changning, saying, "This humble woman greets Princess Changning."

He then bowed to both sides, saying, "Greetings, ladies and young ladies."

Changning raised her hand. "Get up."

The woman stood up and stepped aside to wait, but everyone's eyes remained fixed on her.

Although this flower-viewing banquet was innovatively organized, the fact that Princess Changning was specifically asked to praise it suggests that this woman might have some extraordinary talent.

"This woman is named Yingchun, which perfectly suits the purpose of today's flower appreciation banquet. I met her at the flower shop. She is very skillful. Even though she only sets up a stall by the roadside, the flowers she cultivates are bigger and more vibrant than those in the shops."

"Unfortunately, her life was full of twists and turns. Both her parents died, leaving her all alone. She could have made a living in the flower shop with her skills, but her competitors bullied her because she was a woman and ganged up to suppress her. I valued her talent, so I brought her to my side."

Changning gave a brief introduction to the woman's background.

Everyone nodded in understanding.

Some say, "The princess is kind and benevolent; it is a blessing for our dynasty."

After that, everyone stood up and curtsied to Changning, saying, "The princess is benevolent; she is a blessing to our dynasty."

Changning gestured for someone to sit down. “It was nothing more than a small favor for me. I can’t bear to call such a wonderful person a maid. I will keep her registered status as a good person. I will grant her permission to go wherever she wishes in the future.”

Changning glanced at Yingchun, who was standing to the side.

Yingchun immediately stepped forward and knelt down at the foot of the mat. "Your Highness's great kindness will never be forgotten."

"Yingchun, now that you have successfully hosted the flower-viewing banquet, I will grant you a favor. Tell me, what do you want? I will do everything I can for you."

Yingchun raised her head from her arms and tilted it slightly to look to the left.

Somewhat apprehensive, she said, "I have heard that the Crown Prince's wife is kind-hearted and benevolent, and the Princess often praises her for her thoughtfulness and noble character. I have long admired her, and now, thanks to the Princess's kindness in allowing me to find my own place, I, being from Qingzhou, wonder if I might have the opportunity to serve the Crown Prince's wife?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked and immediately turned their gazes to Lin Shutang.

My mind was as clear as a mirror, and I instantly understood.

This isn't really about staying by the Crown Prince's side; it's about having ulterior motives. The person she truly wants to keep by her side is the Crown Prince himself.

The crowd's expressions changed, recalling the scene of Princess Changning following behind Prince Shen years ago, and they couldn't help but feel like they were watching a show.

The princess was thwarted halfway, and naturally she couldn't let this go unpunished.

This tactic wasn't particularly clever, but since the target was a princess, they wouldn't think she was petty or still hung up on Prince Shen. Instead, they saw it as an inviolable act of imperial power. Now that they had the chance, they naturally wanted to teach Lin Shutang a lesson.

Don't think that just because you've climbed up to the Duke's mansion and become the wife of the heir, you can challenge the princess.

No one dared to speak, waiting only for Lin Shutang's reaction.

The princess has put her on the hot seat. She has already done enough foreplay. If Lin Shutang does not agree, she will not only gain a reputation for being cold-hearted, but also offend the princess's golden promise.

Lin Shutang had no choice but to accept the offer.

Princess Changning gracefully picked up the celadon teacup in front of her and took a sip, concealing the smile that was about to spill from the corner of her lips, and did not rush to speak.

Zhao Mingzhu turned to look at Lin Shutang, her brows furrowing slightly. She couldn't help but feel a little guilty for what she had just said, mentioning the flower viewing banquet.

Although she knew that this was a scheme set up for Lin Shutang in advance, whether or not she mentioned it, it wouldn't change anything.

Sensing the gazes from all directions, Lin Shutang slightly raised her lowered eyes and looked at Yingchun kneeling in the middle. "Since you have such skills, I will find you a shop in the flower industry to help you establish yourself in Yujing."

"No, this humble woman only wishes to serve Madam, please grant my request!" Yingchun kowtowed sharply towards Lin Shutang, her words earnest and sincere.

...

After the flower viewing party ended, Zhao Mingzhu let Lin Shutang leave first.

Ji Huaiyi was on patrol duty today, so she waited a while before returning to the mansion with him.

Lin Shutang then declined to invite him further.

Just as Zhao Mingzhu was about to look away from the Duke's carriage as it drove away, Ji Huaiyi's voice suddenly rang in her ears, "What are you looking at?"

Startled, Zhao Mingzhu elbowed Ji Huaiyi in the stomach.

Ji Huaiyi immediately took a light breath and bent over.

"My husband!"

Upon seeing that it was Ji Huaiyi, Zhao Mingzhu quickly stepped forward to help him.

Ji Huaiyi clutched his stomach, his brows furrowed. "Madam, are you trying to murder your own husband? Everyone says you are virtuous and gentle, but they have no idea what kind of hardship I've endured."

"Come on! Do you think I could cripple you, General?" Zhao Mingzhu slapped Ji Huaiyi's hand as he clutched his stomach.

Ji Huaiyi chuckled and stood up. He glanced in the direction Zhao Mingzhu had been looking and asked curiously, "What were you looking at just now? I called you many times but you didn't hear me."

Zhao Mingzhu turned around, but the carriage had already turned the corner and disappeared without a trace.

"You were right to tell me to wait for her by the roadside today."

"But something happened to her?" Ji Huaiyi immediately dropped his nonchalant attitude and lowered his arms.

Zhao Mingzhu shook her head and walked in the opposite direction. "I just feel that Yujing is not suitable for her."

Ji Huaiyi took a few steps forward to her side, but didn't hear clearly.

-

Lin Shutang ultimately took Yingchun away with him.

Lin Shutang only spoke after they had left the princess's residence, "Now that you have left the princess's residence, your official status is in my hands, and you can leave."

Yingchun, who was already feeling uneasy, immediately knelt down upon hearing this. "Please, Madam, don't send me away. I truly want to stay by your side."

"By my side, or by Shen Yun's side?" Lin Shutang looked down at her.

Yingchun's eyes widened, clearly not expecting Lin Shutang to be so direct. She hesitated for a moment, "...Yes, yes, husband..."

"I'm only giving you one last chance. If you really want to stay by my side, there's no turning back." Lin Shutang interrupted her, looking down at her with an air of authority that wasn't angry.

Green Willow, who was serving nearby, couldn't help but shiver, and for a moment she seemed to see the appearance of the young master.

"This humble woman wishes to stay by the young master's side!" Yingchun trembled with fright and hurriedly kowtowed.

"This servant once saw the young master from afar at the flower shop. He was so handsome and elegant that I admire him greatly!"

Lin Shutang stared at her trembling back and slowly leaned back into the soft pillow. "Sit down."

Her voice softened, and she seemed a little tired. She didn't say anything more and closed her eyes for a light nap.

Green Willow massaged Lin Shutang's calves, glanced quickly at Yingchun, and pursed her lips.

Back at Jingyuan Residence, Lin Shutang arranged a room for Yingchun and assigned someone to bathe her, draw her eyebrows, and help her change her clothes.

"After the young master returns to the manor, he will go to the west wing first. You will take care of that room for me today." Lin Shutang said this and then turned and left.

Seeing that it was almost time for Shen Yun to return, Lin Shutang instructed someone to carry Shen Yan to the old lady's place.

Today, the recipient of the title "Baihua Girl" is Zhao Yinghuan, a young lady from the Zhao family and Zhao Mingzhu's cousin.

That is, the lady who stood beside Princess Changning and offered her advice.

Lin Shutang also carefully observed the other women in the painting given to him by the old lady.

They were all virtuous and gentle, and came from excellent families.

No matter who Shen Xiuyan chooses, the two are a perfect match.

As for arranging a concubine for Shen Yun...

Lin Shutang also had his own plans, and prepared to go to Heyuan to discuss it with the old lady.

-

After finishing her shift, Shen Yun returned to the Duke's mansion.

Zhao Mingzhu, the daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, was known for her impeccable manners. It was Lin Shutang's first time attending a banquet, and she, usually quick to anger, was now much more docile. Shen Yun, however, feared she might be bullied.

Therefore, Zhao Mingzhu took care of him.

After a few years of relative calm, West Vietnam has recently shown signs of making a comeback.

Shen Yun barely rested today. First, the Emperor kept him in the palace to discuss the situation, and then he discussed countermeasures with several generals.

I've been so busy all day, my feet haven't even touched the ground.

After finishing his duties, Shen Yun returned to the Duke's Mansion without stopping.

I wonder, after learning to manage affairs for so many days, is today my first time graduating and if it went smoothly?

Thinking this, Shen Yun raised her hand and pushed open the door to the west room.

The sun had set outside the window, and the room was silent and without candles. Shen Yun walked into the inner room, but the scene of the beautiful woman with her eyes lowered and holding a pen, which she could usually see by turning around the screen, did not appear.

The desk with its upturned corner is empty.

Haven't returned home yet?

Footsteps sounded behind him. Shen Yun stared at the approaching flames on the ground and raised an eyebrow slightly.

Yingchun wore light spring clothes, with a lake-green strapless long dress underneath and a light blue wide-sleeved long shirt on top.

She carried a lamp into the room without greeting Shen Yun.

Instead, he slowly walked to the tree lamps in the corner, bent down, and carefully lit them one by one.

The dark room gradually brightened as the flickering firelight illuminated the woman's half-drunk, radiant curves, which were slowly and clearly outlined in the dispelling gloom.

The slight shaking finally subsided once everything was completely ignited.

The tree lamps crackled and popped, and the warm glow of the firelight filled the room.

Yingchun straightened up, turned her head, and saw Shen Yun standing there silently staring at her.

She lowered her eyes, secretly pleased, but a blush rose just right on her cheeks. She breathed softly and walked towards Shen Yun, but brushed past him as she stood in front of him, slowly heading towards the upturned desk behind him.

The evening breeze from the slightly ajar window lifted her sleeves, revealing her fair skin, and the fragrance of flowers silently filled the room.

Yingchun bent down and lit the glass lamp on the stage again.

The interior is bright and refreshing.

Yingchun then spoke, bowing gracefully to Shen Yun, her voice sweet and charming, "This servant Yingchun greets the young master."

"All the lamps have been lit. I have prepared some tea. Please, Your Highness, sit down and enjoy it."

Shen Yun stared at her, and spoke before she could take a step, "Who sent you?"

Yingchun looked up, somewhat puzzled, but her expression changed quickly. She lowered her eyes and said softly, "It was Madam who saw that I was all alone and helpless, so she gave me a place to stay. I am extremely grateful."

Yingchun's words revealed both her helplessness and vulnerability, as well as her sensible and obedient side.

Yingchun believed that the prince had already taken pity on her.

Their palms were sweating as they clasped hands together, and their hearts were beating a little faster.

She came to Yujing when she was a child. The prince's reputation was widespread, and all the noble ladies in Yujing longed for him.

She had once seen the prince from afar on the long street after the army's triumphant return. The young man sat atop a tall warhorse, clad in cold iron armor, with a long sword at his waist. His cold brows and bright eyes resembled an unattainable moon.

Yingchun wasn't one to indulge in wishful thinking; she knew she would never have anything to do with such a person in her life.

She was of lowly status and didn't even have the qualifications to become a maid in the Duke's mansion.

But who could have imagined that such a man would eventually marry a woman from a poor place in Qingzhou?

She is no different from him in the slightest!

Yingchun felt extremely unwilling.

If he were to marry a noblewoman like Princess Changning, she would not harbor any delusions.

But why Lin Shutang?

She also comes from Qingzhou. If Lin Shutang can do it, why can't she?

From the day Yingchun saw Shenyun again at the flower shop, this thought took root in her heart.

Now that the princess has given her this opportunity, she will certainly seize it.

Yingchun walked in, mustered her courage, and raised her hand to untie Chenyun's waist sash.

Shen Yun didn't back down, and Ying Chun seemed to gain more confidence. Just as her fingertips were about to touch him, Shen Yun's seemingly teasing voice came from above her head, "Are you sure you want to undo it?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the window slammed open with a loud "bang".

Yingchun shivered suddenly and looked up to meet Shen Yun's dark eyes. Several candles in the room went out, and the flickering light on Shen Yun's face made his expression appear unpredictable.

Yingchun trembled, unsure of Shen Yun's meaning. His tone was strange, sounding both questioning and coercion.

Yingchun swallowed hard, and suddenly felt an urge to run away.

Shen Yun strode forward, his tall figure enveloping Yingchun. He tilted his head slightly, a strange smile appearing on his face, as if he were full of patience. "I'll ask you one more time, who sent you?"

A note from the author:

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The next chapter will be available for purchase!

Let me recommend my upcoming novel, "You Know I Have a Husband," which tells the story of how my brother, after being forced to lose his memory, still couldn't change his true nature!

"You may have lost your memory, but you still remember your dick. You'll still force yourself on others. That's terrifying!" (Du Fei's face)

[Synopsis] It wasn't until the real heiress came knocking on her door that Que Shang realized she had been living a sixteen-year-long dream of being the legitimate daughter of a marquis's family.

Overnight, however, the merchant lost everything.

Only her brother continued to treat her the same way.

But Shang desperately tried to grasp this one and only ray of warmth.

It wasn't until her shoulders were bound under the curtains that Que Shang looked up and met her brother's dark eyes, only then realizing that the person she had relied on as a lifeline was the one who would drag her into the abyss.

Her brother, whom she revered like a god, was actually an absolute demon...

Que Shang suffered greatly, but fortunately, Heaven had eyes. His elder brother lost his memory due to an accident. He remembered everyone but forgot Que Shang.

He forgot the nightly pleasures he shared with her and secretly committed adultery with her.

However, he seized the opportunity to quickly marry his childhood sweetheart, thinking he had severed his ill-fated relationship.

Unexpectedly, on the day she returned home, she bumped into her amnesiac brother staying in her boudoir. The moment he looked up and saw her, he pulled her into the bed curtains without saying a word.

His long, slender fingers traced a deep line down her neck, his eyes burning with lust. "Shangshang, I regret it."

At that moment, her husband was standing outside the door...

*

Could you water this lazy person's plants? [Pity][Shy]