Chapter 37 A mirage, all for naught
After finishing her meal, Lu Zhaoxue was still somewhat embarrassed by what had just happened and just wanted to escape this awkward situation as soon as possible, so she bid farewell to Chu Huaiyu.
Chu Huaiyu nodded and said softly, "I'll take you back."
Lu Zhaoxue's pupils widened slightly, and she was about to refuse when Chu Huaiyu, wanting to tease her, continued, "Miss Lu, is there something you dislike about Huaiyu?"
Lu Zhaoxue had no choice but to agree.
The two walked side by side, yet there was an inexplicable strange atmosphere. Lu Zhaoxue kept her head down, feeling both ashamed of the little incident that had just happened and uneasy about the silence of the person beside her.
Upon finally arriving at the Lu residence, Lu Zhaoxue forced herself to remain calm and casually asked, "Your Highness must be tired from escorting me back. Would you like to come in for a cup of hot tea?"
Lu Zhaoxue was just being polite, but she didn't expect Chu Huaiyu to agree so readily. She was stunned for a moment. Seeing her expression, Chu Huaiyu understood and couldn't help but chuckle.
"No need," Chu Huaiyu said, turning to leave. "It's getting late, and I should return to the palace." He then stopped and looked back at Lu Zhaoxue.
"Miss Lu, the Hundred Springs Garden will be in full bloom on the sixth day of next month. Would you be willing to accompany me to admire the flowers?"
Lu Zhaoxue was taken aback by what she heard. Before she could reply, Chu Huaiyu had already left in a hurry, his figure gradually disappearing from Lu Zhaoxue's sight.
That night, Lu Zhaoxue tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep, her mind filled with unsettling thoughts.
The next day, Lu Zhaoxue told her mother about it. Her mother was overjoyed and immediately agreed to let her go out to admire the flowers with Chu Huaiyu.
After hesitating for a long time, Lu Zhaoxue still did not go to Baichun Garden on the sixth day of the following month. She guessed that Chu Huaiyu might have just mentioned it casually.
Five days later, Lu Zhaoxue accompanied her mother to the palace to attend a banquet. During the banquet, Emperor Mingwu asked about Chu Huaiyu, and Consort Rong replied softly, "Your Majesty, Huaiyu went to Baichun Garden to admire the flowers a few days ago, but somehow caught a cold and is still recuperating at home."
Upon hearing the name Chu Huaiyu, Lu Zhaoxue listened intently. After hearing Consort Rong's words, her heart sank and she was slightly distracted.
Did Chu Huaiyu wait for her for a long time at Baichun Garden that day?
Lu Zhaoxue wanted to personally visit the Prince's residence to apologize, but men and women are ultimately different. After much thought, she had no choice but to write a letter, full of apologies, and secretly send it to the Fourth Prince's residence through someone.
Unexpectedly, Lu Zhaoxue received a reply from Chu Huaiyu that very day. The handwriting on the letter was strong and powerful, and it contained only a few words: "Miss Lu need not feel guilty. On the sixth day of next month, I will still be waiting for you in Baichun Garden."
On the sixth day, Lu Zhaoxue went to Baichun Garden to keep her appointment. However, as soon as Lu Zhaoxue arrived there, it started to rain. The rain was fine and damp, and it soaked all the flowers.
When Chu Huaiyu saw Lu Zhaoxue arrive, he immediately smiled and ran towards her, holding an oil-paper umbrella.
Chu Huaiyu leaned most of the umbrella towards Lu Zhaoxue, but his own shoulder got wet. Lu Zhaoxue looked at the wet patch on his shoulder and felt a warmth in her heart. She couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, the umbrella is a little tilted."
Chu Huaiyu looked down and simply chuckled, "It's alright. I'm really happy that you came to keep our appointment. Getting a little rain won't bother you."
Chu Huaiyu's gaze fell on Lu Zhaoxue's face. Raindrops slid down the edge of the umbrella and dripped onto the ground. Chu Huaiyu suddenly reached out and brushed a fallen flower from Lu Zhaoxue's hair.
Lu Zhaoxue was slightly taken aback, lowered her head, and her cheeks became even hotter.
Looking at her shy appearance, Chu Huaiyu's eyes softened even more, and he said in a low but very serious voice, "Zhaoxue, I beg Father to grant us a marriage, okay?"
Lu Zhaoxue suddenly raised her head and met Chu Huaiyu's tender eyes. At that moment, Lu Zhaoxue felt as if time had stood still.
After a long while, Lu Zhaoxue's lips unconsciously curved into a smile, and she said softly, "Okay."
...
When Lu Zhaoxue told Chu Siheng about these things, she used a calm tone as if she were telling someone else's story, as if Chu Huaiyu could no longer stir any waves in her heart.
Those youthful emotions have long been worn away by time, leaving not a trace. Looking back now, they were nothing but a mirage.
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