Chapter 104 Beautiful Scenery of Jiangnan
Since recovering his spirits, Lu Zhaoxing's complexion has improved significantly, and his overall condition has gradually improved.
In the side hall of Chengqian Palace, Lu Zhaoxing could often be seen sitting by the window.
In her spare time, she often browsed through ancient books, letting the long hours pass by.
When the mood strikes, Lu Zhaoxing will also stroke the guqin on the table. The clear and melodious sound of the guqin washes away the loneliness within the palace walls.
After Princess Jinde provoked the incident, Chu Huaiyu transferred Shen Minghe, a bodyguard of the emperor, to Chengqian Palace.
He was assigned to be the full-time protector of the Lu Zhaoxue and Lu Zhaoxing sisters.
Shen Minghe is calm and composed, with a gentle temperament. Although he is responsible for guarding, he is never rigid or inflexible.
When he had nothing to do, Lu Zhaoxing would invite him to play chess under the eaves.
On the chessboard, black and white pieces intertwine, and the Chu River and Han Border conceal hidden strategies.
The two would sometimes ponder deeply, and sometimes talk in hushed tones, which added a touch of interest to their otherwise dull days in the palace.
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting golden dappled patterns on the chessboard, which swayed gently in the breeze.
The two were engrossed in their game when Shen Minghe casually mentioned that he had traveled to Jiangnan in his youth.
Once the conversation started, he and Lu Zhaoxing began to chat freely.
"Zhaoxing, you may not know this, but springtime in Jiangnan is the most lively and extraordinary."
Shen Minghe tapped the edge of the chessboard with his fingertips, a faint smile appearing in his eyes.
“Every year on the second day of the second lunar month, when the dragon raises its head, colorful pavilions are erected along the riverbank.”
Young men and women would carry lanterns and walk along the river, exchanging sachets with those they clicked with.
If you already have someone you love, make a wish on a river lantern and let the flowing water carry your wish away.
Lu Zhaoxing paused slightly in his hand holding the chess piece, his eyes filled with curiosity: "Can those river lanterns really grant people's wishes?"
"It's not exactly some kind of magic pill," Shen Minghe chuckled.
"It's just a rumor from the countryside."
When I was a child, my friends and I would take colored paper from home and try to make river lanterns. I didn't know what to write on them, so I drew a rice plant, hoping for a bountiful harvest so the farmers could return home with a full load.
These words made Lu Zhaoxing chuckle, his eyebrows and eyes warming with warmth.
"It turns out that Guard Shen was so interesting and kind-hearted when he was young."
“There are even more absurd things.” Shen Minghe recalled the past with a gentle tone.
"In the summer, the lotus pond outside the Jiangnan Pavilion was full of lotus flowers. My neighbor, the son of Minister Li, and I secretly ran out and walked barefoot on the ridges of the field. We even had a competition to pick lotus pods."
In my attempt to pick the plumpest branch, I accidentally slipped into the lotus pond, getting completely soaked and covered in red welts from aphid bites on the lotus leaves.
When I got home, my father made me kneel all day as punishment. Looking back now, it's truly an unforgettable experience.
His vivid description made Lu Zhaoxing feel as if he were seeing the boy covered in mud, yet smiling broadly while holding a lotus seedpod.
Her longing for Jiangnan grew stronger.
She couldn't help but ask, "What interesting things happen in Jiangnan during autumn and winter?"
"Osmanthus flowers bloom in autumn, and every household brews osmanthus wine," Shen Minghe explained in detail.
"I would climb the osmanthus tree and shake off the petals, so that the osmanthus blossoms that landed on my hair and clothes would fill me with their fragrance."
If it snows in winter, I build a snowman and chase and play in the snow with my friends.
When I got tired, I would crawl into the warm room and eat sweet dumplings with my younger brother around the stove.
"Then if you have the chance in the future, you can take me to see it," Lu Zhaoxing said softly.
A hint of surprise flashed across Shen Minghe's face, then he nodded, his ear tips turning slightly red.
The two chatted for a whole day, and the black and white chess pieces on the board were long forgotten.
As dusk deepened, the palace lanterns were lit.
In the dim light, Lu Zhaoxing gazed at the deep night outside the window. The misty, rainy Jiangnan region in his heart was made even more vibrant and lively by these vivid and interesting events.
That is no longer a distant scene from ancient books, but a Jiangnan region filled with laughter and warmth.
It also became her gentlest hope in the deep palace.
——
“Zhaoxing…” came Lu Zhaoxue’s soft voice from outside the hall.
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaoxing immediately turned around, the pearl hairpin at her temple swaying gently with her movements.
A bright smile lit up her eyes: "Sister, you've come!"
Lu Zhaoxue stepped forward, her gaze lingering on her face for a moment before she suddenly covered her lips and chuckled softly.
With a hint of deliberate teasing in her tone, she said, "You look much more vibrant than usual. I've heard from the palace servants lately that you often chat and play chess with Guard Shen, and the two of you seem to be quite close?"
"Sister!" Lu Zhaoxing's cheeks flushed instantly, and she quickly waved her hand, her voice filled with urgency.
"Don't listen to other people's nonsense. Shen Minghe and I are just chatting and playing a few games of chess occasionally when we have nothing to do!"
We were just passing the time in the palace, nothing more.
As Lu Zhaoxing spoke, his gaze unconsciously drifted into the distance, and his tone revealed a hint of panic that he himself was unaware of.
Seeing her like this, Lu Zhaoxue's smile faded a little.
She reached out and grasped Lu Zhaoxing's slightly cool hand, her tone becoming serious.
"Zhaoxing, I'm serious."
Shen, the Imperial Guard, is the eldest son of Lord Shen, the Minister of Works. I had already sent people to inquire about him. He is an upright and humble man, skilled in both literature and martial arts.
His parents are a loving and harmonious family. If you two are truly sincere, I will plead with His Majesty to grant you marriage. It would be far better than you staying in this deep palace, enduring these bitter years with me.”
Lu Zhaoxing looked down at their clasped hands; her sister's palm was warm and strong.
She was silent for a moment, then spoke in a low voice, tinged with worry:
“Minghe... he really is a very, very good person.”
But sister, you are all alone in this harem. Although you are now the Empress, the inner palace is full of intrigues, not to mention His Majesty...
If I leave, who will stay with you? I worry about you, sister.
Lu Zhaoxue felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing this.
She raised her hand and gently stroked Lu Zhaoxing's head, her fingertips softly caressing the top of her hair, gently rubbing it as she did when she was a child.
"Silly sister, you're overthinking it."
"My sister is now the mistress of the harem, favored by His Majesty. Why would she need you to constantly worry about her?"
She paused, her gaze gentle yet firm.
"My only wish now is to see you get what you want, marry someone who truly loves you, and live a peaceful and happy life."
For me, nothing is more important than your happiness.
Lu Zhaoxing looked up and saw the undisguised love and expectation in her sister's eyes, and her nose suddenly tingled with emotion.
Just as she was about to say something more, a gentle and polite voice suddenly came from behind her.
"Your subject Shen Minghe pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress."
The two sisters turned around at the same time and saw Shen Minghe wearing a dark blue guard's robe with a jade belt around his waist, his posture as upright as a pine tree.
His face held just the right amount of respect, but when his gaze swept over Lu Zhaoxing, a fleeting, almost imperceptible tenderness flashed in his eyes.
Then it landed steadily on Lu Zhaoxue and performed a standard cupped-hand salute.
Lu Zhaoxing's cheeks suddenly turned slightly red, and she subconsciously took half a step back to avoid Shen Minghe's gaze.
Seeing this, Lu Zhaoxue smiled knowingly.
She raised her hand gently in a gesture:
"Guard Shen, no need for formalities. What brings you to Zhaoxing's place so late?"
"Your Majesty, I have something I wish to give to Zhaoxing."
Shen Minghe answered calmly, but his gaze couldn't help but glance at Lu Zhaoxing again.
Lu Zhaoxing had his head bowed very low, and his ears were flushed.
Shen Minghe's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.
"I see." Lu Zhaoxue's smile deepened, and she deliberately softened her tone.
"I was just talking about you with Zhaoxing, praising you for your integrity, talent, and beauty, making you a rare and excellent match for a woman."
"Sister!" Lu Zhaoxing was both anxious and embarrassed, her cheeks burning hot.
Upon hearing this, Shen Minghe's eyes first flashed with surprise, then welled up with undisguised joy.
He looked up at Lu Zhaoxing, his eyes sincere and burning.
Lu Zhaoxing felt exposed under his gaze and could only raise his head sharply to meet his eyes.
Their eyes met, and the little seeds in their hearts had already quietly sprouted.
"Since Your Majesty the Empress is here, then this humble subject shall take his leave."
After speaking, Shen Minghe took out a brocade pouch from his sleeve, placed it on the purple nanmu wooden table beside him, and then bowed and withdrew.
After Shen Minghe left, Lu Zhaoxue smiled gently, took Lu Zhaoxing's hand and led her to sit down on the soft couch. She chatted with Zhaoxing for about a quarter of an hour before leaving.
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