Chapter 36 You Don't Need to Be in Such a Hurry
Chu Siheng sighed softly again and tightened his grip on Lu Zhaoxue's arm.
Chu Siheng rested his chin on the top of her head, his voice low and suppressed, every word carrying solemnity, "I am still your husband, Xue, I will protect you."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaoxue's heart tightened, and she finally loosened her tightly clenched fist. Then, she gently wrapped her arms around Chu Siheng's strong waist, buried her face in his chest, and felt his steady and powerful heartbeat.
Lu Zhaoxue closed her eyes, thinking wearily: Let her lean on it quietly for a while; she really didn't have the energy to delve into anything else.
...
The night was as dark as ink, and most of the candles in the room had gone out. Lu Zhaoxue went outside to bring over the herbal medicine that had been brewed long ago. Chu Siheng's health had never been very good, and he needed to take medicine to regulate his body year-round.
Lu Zhaoxue watched as Chu Siheng tilted his head back and drank the bitter medicine in one gulp before turning around to blow out the last remaining candle flame.
"Siheng, it's late, go to sleep early." After giving a few words of advice, Lu Zhaoxue lay down on her side on the edge of the bed, her back to Chu Siheng.
Chu Siheng closed his eyes, but Lu Zhaoxue's image kept appearing in his mind. He thought about it again and again, and finally forced himself not to think about it anymore, but he still couldn't fall asleep.
Chu Siheng felt that he and Lu Zhaoxue were always so close yet so far apart; their bodies were so close, but their hearts were so far apart.
"Ah Xue." Chu Siheng called out softly to Lu Zhaoxue, his voice sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet night.
"Siheng, what's wrong?" Lu Zhaoxue's tone was still a little groggy from just waking up. Actually, she was almost asleep, but as soon as she heard Chu Siheng's voice, she woke up slightly.
Under the dim moonlight, Chu Siheng gently sat up and looked at Lu Zhaoxue's face. After hesitating for a long time, he finally asked, "Ah Xue, why...why did you fall in love with Chu Huaiyu back then?"
As soon as he asked the question, Chu Siheng felt it was somewhat inappropriate, and his face began to flush slightly. However, he really wanted to know what kind of past his beloved woman had with Chu Huaiyu.
Lu Zhaoxue remained silent for a long time after hearing this before turning around to look at Chu Siheng and slowly telling him about that long-gone past.
The late spring breeze carried a hint of warmth and fragrance, making people feel comfortable. After strolling in the peach blossom garden, Lu Zhaoxue and her friend Zhao Lingxi went to a famous restaurant in the west of the city for a meal.
Zhao Lingxi was the daughter of the Vice Minister of War. She was known for her free-spirited and bold personality. As soon as she and Lu Zhaoxue sat down by the window, Zhao Lingxi nudged Lu Zhaoxue's arm with her elbow. "Zhaoxue, look! Isn't that the Fourth Prince Chu Huaiyu in the private room across from us?"
Lu Zhaoxue followed Zhao Lingxi's gaze and saw a man in a white brocade robe with cloud patterns in the private room. He had an elegant and timeless appearance, with long eyebrows that reached his temples like distant mountains shrouded in mist, and eyes that shone with the cold light of the moon, as if the essence of heaven and earth was hidden on his face.
Lu Zhaoxue was slightly startled. She had only heard of the Fourth Prince's reputation, but had never met Chu Huaiyu in person. It was rumored that he was aloof and disliked interacting with others.
"Zhaoxue, it really is him, isn't it!" Zhao Lingxi's eyes lit up, and disregarding the difference between men and women, she grabbed Lu Zhaoxue's wrist and led him to the private room.
"Let's go and pay our respects to the Fourth Prince. This is a rare opportunity."
Lu Zhaoxue was caught off guard by Zhao Lingxi's sudden pull and staggered a couple of steps. Just as she was about to advise Zhao Lingxi not to act rashly, she was already pulled to the private room by Zhao Lingxi.
Zhao Lingxi was usually bold, but when she actually stood in front of Chu Huaiyu, she was still a little shy. She slowly curtsied to Chu Huaiyu and said, "This humble woman, Zhao Lingxi, greets Your Highness, Fourth Prince. The lady beside me is Lu Zhaoxue, the daughter of the General Who Protects the Nation."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaoxue quickly curtsied and followed, saying, "This humble woman, Lu Zhaoxue, greets Your Highness."
Chu Huaiyu looked up at the sound and his gaze fell on Lu Zhaoxue. He paused slightly, and a barely perceptible ripple flashed in his eyes.
The girl before him had a face as clear and pure as snow, lightly made up, and a pair of almond-shaped eyes that were clear and bright. Unlike other young ladies in the capital who would become coy and shy when they saw him, she had a hint of helplessness in her eyes, as if she had been dragged here by her friend, which made her seem particularly lively and interesting.
This was the first time Chu Huaiyu had ever seen Lu Zhaoxue so vibrant. His heart felt as if it had been gently bumped, and a subtle itch rose within him.
Chu Huaiyu smiled and said softly, "Miss Lu, Miss Zhao, there's no need for such formalities."
Seeing that Chu Huaiyu was completely unpretentious, Zhao Lingxi asked softly, "Is Your Highness also dining at this restaurant? I've heard that their crab roe soup dumplings are a specialty of the capital."
Chu Huaiyu's gaze remained fixed on Lu Zhaoxue, a faint smile playing on his lips: "I only heard by chance that this place has good food, and since I happen to be off today, I came to take a look. Miss Lu..."
Chu Huaiyu paused for a moment, then continued, "I have long admired Miss Lu's reputation, and seeing her today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved."
Lu Zhaoxue was surprised that Chu Huaiyu would suddenly mention her. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she said awkwardly, "Your Highness is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise."
Zhao Lingxi watched the interaction between the two, her eyes darting around. Since Chu Huaiyu had no interest in her, she didn't need to force it; she might as well go with the flow.
Zhao Lingxi found an excuse to say to Lu Zhaoxue, "Zhaoxue, I suddenly remembered that my mother asked me to go to Qibaozhai to buy some jewelry for her. Why don't you have a meal with His Highness today? I'll head back first, and we can make an appointment another day."
After saying that, Zhao Lingxi winked at Lu Zhaoxue, turned around and slipped away quickly, leaving only the two of them in the private room, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Chu Huaiyu showed no embarrassment whatsoever. He pointed to the chair opposite him, indicating that Lu Zhaoxue should sit down. "Miss Lu, please sit down first. It's too restrictive for you to be standing like this."
Lu Zhaoxue hesitated for a moment, but still sat down as instructed. The conversation between Chu Huaiyu and her thereafter was just right. He treated her as if it were a normal matter, and there was not a trace of the arrogance of a prince in his tone.
During the meal, Lu Zhaoxue was distracted. She had originally thought that Chu Huaiyu must be a weak and frail person who only knew poetry and songs, but she was surprised to find that he was very knowledgeable and insightful about matters big and small.
As Lu Zhaoxue was chatting, she inadvertently met Chu Huaiyu's starry eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. Seeing her flustered appearance, Chu Huaiyu smiled and took the initiative to pick up the teapot and pour her a cup of tea.
"This is freshly picked pre-Qingming Longjing tea, it's at its best right now, Miss Lu, please have a taste."
"Thank you, thank you." Lu Zhaoxue said softly, and immediately picked up the teacup, but forgot that the tea was still hot, and was caught off guard and burned her hand.
"Hiss—" Lu Zhaoxue gasped in pain and instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but Chu Huaiyu was one step ahead, reaching out to grasp her wrist and carefully examining her reddened fingertips.
Lu Zhaoxue tried to shrink back, but Chu Huaiyu held her tightly. She was both angry and embarrassed, so she puffed out her cheeks and glared at him with her beautiful eyes.
Seeing Lu Zhaoxue's sullen expression, Chu Huaiyu's smile deepened, and he said softly, "The tea is still hot, you don't need to be in such a hurry."
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