Tianyun knew nothing of what had happened here. Yesterday, Yu Shanlai sent her an invitation to meet at noon, saying that he had important matters to discuss.
"The place Miss Yu chose is indeed quiet and elegant," Lingqi said as she helped the young lady down from the carriage.
This place is called Lan Garden.
The second floor is filled with private rooms, which are less crowded and have a quiet environment.
Looking down from the window, one can see street vendors hawking their wares, hurried pedestrians rushing about to make a living, and children playing in groups. Everywhere one looks, there is a simple yet warm and ordinary atmosphere of everyday life.
The Second Prince was sitting by the window. When he saw her arrive, his handsome face lit up with a gentle smile: "Miss Shangguan, please have a seat."
"How could it be him?" Tianyun's pupils widened slightly in surprise. The invitation from Yu Shanlai—was it Xiao Ziyan who was supposed to be there?
After a moment's thought, she understood and became somewhat annoyed.
This Yu Shanlai probably sees herself as a tool for currying favor!
"Greetings, Your Highness." Though annoyed, she couldn't disregard etiquette. When she finished bowing and looked up again, she saw Xiao Ziyan chuckle as he rose from his chair, walked around the table, and made as if to come over and help her.
Seeing this, Tianyun quickly stood up, leaning on Lingqi.
Xiao Ziyan took in her swift movements and smiled enigmatically, "It was my presumption to have Sister Shanlai send an invitation to you without prior notice. I hope you will forgive me."
Using such a deceptive tactic is indeed very presumptuous!
She inwardly grumbled, but showed no sign of it on her face. She lowered her eyes and said respectfully, "Your Highness is joking. Tianyun dares not say anything, please forgive me."
She said she dared not, not that she couldn't, which suggests she harbored resentment.
Xiao Ziyan didn't find it offensive at all; on the contrary, he found her quite interesting, and his smile became more genuine: "Sister Tianyun is straightforward, which makes it easy for people to like her. Please sit down; there's no need to be so formal in front of me."
If such a wonderful person were to fall for Xiao Ziwu, it would truly be a waste of talent!
"Just a few words, and I've gone from Miss Shangguan to Sister Tianyun?" Tianyun scoffed again, sitting down awkwardly, her eyes fixed on the Ru kiln ink plum blossom patterned porcelain cup on the table, not wanting to look up at him.
The young eunuch serving her wanted to step forward to serve her food, but Xiao Ziyan stopped him, saying, "I'll do it myself."
The young eunuch bowed and returned to his original position, his tone full of surprise, as if he had never seen such a scene before: "This servant has served Your Highness for many years and has seen all kinds of women, but none of them have ever been treated with such courtesy by Your Highness. Only you, young lady, have such an honor!"
Hearing this, the little voice inside her elegantly rolled her eyes. This trick had been used on countless "younger women" before; just listen to it and let it go, but to take it seriously would be utterly foolish.
On the surface, he was even more respectful: "His Highness is gentle and considerate, and naturally has many followers. How can Tianyun bear such a responsibility? I will do it myself."
Xiao Ziyan laughed and scolded, his affectionate eyes fixed on her, saying, "Don't listen to that scoundrel's nonsense. There are no other women here. Sister Tianyun, please try this steamed pork with rice flour. It's the signature dish of this restaurant."
The meal was eaten with great care and caution.
During this time, Xiao Ziyan seemingly casually brought up the topic: "A few days ago, I had a long talk with your father and was amazed by his outstanding talent! It is truly a waste of his abilities to appoint him as the Director of Studies."
If given an opportunity to shine… your father will surely be able to realize his ambitions and rise to great heights!
Tianyun gently wiped her lips with a handkerchief, listening intently, and realized that this was the real purpose of inviting her this time.
She gently stroked the ink plum blossom pattern on the teacup with her fingertips and asked softly, "Your Highness speaks so highly of my father; he would surely be pleased if he knew. But I wonder... what does Your Highness mean by 'opportunity'?"
The young eunuch stepped forward and poured him a cup of pear blossom wine. He said, "Sister Tianyun's painting skills are superb. If she could paint a portrait of me, so that I could treasure it, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
He took a small sip of wine and smiled, "Of course, it's a barter system, and I will naturally try to ensure that your father benefits."
I wonder what expression Xiao Ziwu will have when he sees this painting?
"How exciting!" Xiao Ziyan chuckled and downed the strong liquor in one gulp.
He came, and he walked towards her with a big pancake.
With a slight frown, Tianyun's mind raced. He recalled that day in the outhouse when he had made the same solemn promise to Mu Yaozhi that he would grant her the position of empress when she ascended the throne.
Now that you're trying to barter with me, it's probably just empty talk. Do you really think I'm as foolish as Mu Yaozhi?
You like to make empty promises, don't you? Well then, I'll make one for you too, so you can taste what it's all about!
Tianyun stood up, bowed respectfully, and said with a look of delight, his eyes sparkling as if coated with icing sugar, "Is what Your Highness said true? If Your Highness is willing to give my father a chance to fulfill his great wish to serve the court, then Tianyun can paint as many as he wishes!"
Xiao Ziyan's smile froze for a moment. How could she have gotten things backwards?
How come this woman is completely different from the others? He has never failed with this trick before, but now it's ineffective against her?
His face darkened, and he said in an unhappy tone, "Does Sister Tianyun not trust me? If so, I will not force you." He was so angry that he even changed how he addressed himself.
So you're already angry and embarrassed? This is nothing!
Tianyun quickly shook her head, the stray hairs by her cheeks swaying slightly, as if she were also a little flustered.
"How could Your Highness think that way? How could I not believe Your Highness? It's just unfortunate that the brushes I used for painting yesterday were ruined by that careless servant. Now I can only disappoint Your Highness's kindness."
Xiao Ziyan gave a cool smile: "How could it be such a coincidence?"
She lowered her head even further, as if she were somewhat frightened: "If Your Highness does not believe me, you may come back to the manor with me to see for yourself. However, it will be troublesome for Your Highness to make this trip."
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