Jiang Luoluo walked up to a stall selling lanterns and her eyes were drawn to a delicate and cute rabbit lantern.
Just as she was examining it closely, a slender hand suddenly reached out, picked up the rabbit lantern, and handed it to her. "This rabbit is clever and cute, and it's a perfect match for Miss Jiang."
Jiang Luoluo smiled slightly and accepted the lantern. The vendor, with his sharp eyes, immediately smiled and approached, saying, "Young master and young lady, you are a perfect match, truly a match made in heaven!"
Hearing this, Xie Yizhi's lips curled up slightly beneath his mask, seemingly in a particularly pleasant mood. He paid the money leisurely, while Jiang Luoluo's cheeks flushed slightly at the vendor's words.
Holding the rabbit lantern, she casually fanned her burning cheeks with her hand and whispered in protest, "Boss, don't talk nonsense, we're not..."
Xie Yizhi, however, said nonchalantly, "Boss, you do have a good eye."
After saying that, he raised his slender hand, as if he wanted to take Jiang Luoluo's hand.
But she couldn't suppress her nervousness, and in the end she just gently tugged at Jiang Luoluo's sleeve, her tone soft, "Let's go, Miss Jiang."
Jiang Luoluo lowered her head and hummed in response, appearing absent-minded, but still took a step forward.
The two strolled along until they stopped in front of a grilled meat stall. Jiang Luoluo's eyes were drawn to the lamb skewers on the stall; the aroma was irresistible, and she couldn't help but swallow.
Xie Yizhi looked at her with a half-smile and casually said, "Since you've come out, Miss Jiang, would you like to try the lamb skewers here?"
Jiang Luoluo's eyes lit up instantly, and she nodded emphatically. Smelling the aroma of cumin and chili, she couldn't contain herself any longer, "Great!"
The owner quickly brought over the grilled lamb skewers, and Jiang Luoluo eagerly picked one up and took a small bite.
The aroma of mutton and the rich flavor of cumin intertwined in her mouth, along with a slight spiciness, making her feel warm from the inside out on this chilly winter night.
She squinted, revealing a satisfied expression, like a well-fed kitten.
Xie Yizhi lowered his head and slowly took a bite of the lamb skewer, seemingly deep in thought. After a moment of silence, he tentatively spoke, "Miss Jiang, I have a favor to ask."
Jiang Luoluo was immersed in the happiness of the delicious food. She took a bite, and the meat juice melted on her tongue.
She waved her hand casually, a bit of cumin powder still on the corner of her mouth, and mumbled, "Hmm? Your Highness, what is it?"
Xie Yizhi looked down at the lamb skewers in his hand, hesitated for a long time, and then slowly spoke, "Miss Jiang, do you have a way to treat Zhichen's lips?"
Jiang Luoluo was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then put down the lamb skewers in her hand, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and showed a confident smile on her face.
She said righteously, "Oh, Your Highness, it's nothing! Leave this to me!" Her tone was full of righteous indignation.
Xie Yizhi couldn't help but chuckle softly. Looking at her beaming face, his eyes softened slightly. "Alright, then I'm relieved!"
This was the first time Jiang Luoluo had seen a genuine smile on the usually aloof Prince Yi's face. Suddenly, the lamb skewers in her mouth lost their flavor. Today he was giving her gifts, and tonight he was taking her shopping. It seemed he was waiting for her here!
She had been deluding herself into thinking that Xie Yizhi had feelings for her, but now it seemed that Xie Yizhi, such a cunning and calculating person, had done all this just to get her to treat Xie Zhichen's lips.
Jiang Luoluo suddenly felt a pang of sadness in her heart. She seemed to have misunderstood. But then again, how could Xie Yizhi so easily forget his beloved princess?
Jiang Luoluo barely finished the skewer of lamb in her hand, but she could no longer muster any appetite, and felt inexplicably choked up.
Xie Yizhi noticed that her expression was different and immediately asked with concern, "Miss Jiang, are you feeling unwell? Is your stomach full?"
Jiang Luoluo shook her head and forced a smile: "No, I'm just full."
Xie Yizhi chuckled softly and shook his head gently, saying, "Your appetite is really like a kitten's, so small."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Luoluo lowered her head and fiddled with the lantern in her hand, showing little interest.
She inwardly mocked herself: What was she even doing arguing with Xie Yizhi? She hadn't intended to do anything with him; they were just allies. Now, she was acting as if she had really suffered some injustice.
Thinking of this, Jiang Luoluo's grievances gradually dissipated, and a smile returned to her face.
It was late at night, and she couldn't help but yawn, looking a little tired but also a bit adorably lazy.
Seeing this rare display of naivety on her face, Xie Yizhi couldn't help but smile slightly.
His heart, which had always been as cold and desolate as ice, seemed to be touched by some soft ripples at this moment. It was as if peach blossoms were quietly blooming, rippling with a touch of warmth, dispelling some of the chill in his heart.
Xie Yizhi rode a tall horse, escorting the carriage all the way to safely deliver Jiang Luoluo back to the Weiyuan General's Mansion.
Although today is Yao Shiyu's wedding banquet, Jiang Luoluo did not go to add to the wedding dress.
Su Cuirong only dared to curse behind her back; she no longer dared to be as arrogant and domineering as before.
Back at her residence, Jiang Luoluo took a relaxing petal bath, letting the warm water wash away the day's fatigue, before falling into a deep sleep.
While Jiang Luoluo's side was peaceful and serene, the Gu residence was in complete chaos. After a quick dinner, the guests left one after another, unwilling to linger.
Madam Gu pulled Gu Boyuan aside and launched into a tirade, listing all of Yao Shiyu's faults.
Gu Boyuan was already filled with anger, and now he had nowhere to vent it. The wedding banquet was ruined by the joke of using stones as dowry, which made the Gu family lose face. He was even more dissatisfied with Yao Shiyu.
Yao Shiyu, still wearing her red veil, sat upright on the bed, waiting for Gu Boyuan's arrival. Her heart pounded faster and faster as time passed, filled with anticipation, hoping that Gu Boyuan would lift her red veil.
Unexpectedly, Gu Boyuan staggered in, reeking of alcohol. Hearing his footsteps, Yao Shiyu's face flushed involuntarily. However, instead of a gentle touch, she was met with a rough hand that ripped off her red veil.
Fueled by alcohol, Gu Boyuan questioned in an unfriendly tone: "Shiyu, why did you take it upon yourself to use stones as part of your dowry at our wedding banquet? Do you know that today you've made the Gu family a laughingstock in the capital!"
Yao Shiyu was stunned, tears instantly welling up in her eyes. With a sob in her voice, she defended herself: "Brother Boyuan, I'm just afraid of being looked down upon by outsiders."
But we don't have enough money at home to prepare a decent dowry, so I resorted to this drastic measure. I did it so as not to embarrass you!
Looking at Yao Shiyu's tearful face, Gu Boyuan felt a complex mix of emotions. After a moment of silence, he sighed softly.
He didn't say anything more, but sat down helplessly, and the two silently drank the nuptial wine that symbolized their marriage.
The atmosphere in the room gradually eased. Gu Boyuan looked at Yao Shiyu, who was so close to him, his drunkenness intensifying, and his gaze became intense.
He pulled her into his arms, the quilt fluttering in the breeze, the night enchanting. The two lingered until late into the night before finally falling into a deep sleep.
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