handsome
Zhao Youyi rarely dreams about the past. Her mother passed away when she was young, and her father was away fighting. She and her brother lived with their maternal grandparents, while Chu Chanyin lived next door.
She didn't remember ever seeing Chu Chanyin's other family members. She secretly asked her older brother, who just patted her head and told her that children shouldn't ask so many questions. She got angry and ran to steal the carrots that Chu Chanyin was feeding to the little horse.
She woke up with a start and saw a blue gauze curtain above her head. She reached out and rubbed her temples, only to realize that she hadn't had a good night's sleep in a long time.
She called her maid in to wash up, and Xiao Qing said as she combed her hair, "Miss, His Highness the Prince of Chu has arrived."
"Why didn't you wake me up?" Zhao Youyi's brow twitched. Making her guest wait until the sun was high in the sky, and that person was her only hope for leaving the capital, was really not a good sign.
Xiao Qing said softly, "His Highness said that you haven't been sleeping well these past few days, so please don't disturb you. Uncle Zhao is entertaining you right now, so please don't worry."
Perhaps she was dreaming about her childhood. She remembered how Chu Chanyin had spoiled her when she was young, and she didn't want to care too much about these formalities. She just asked Xiao Qing and the others to hurry up and help her with her makeup.
"Cousin Cong." Hearing the gentle female voice, Chu Chanyin subconsciously put down his teacup and looked towards the door. She was wearing a white dress today, and even without makeup, she was still stunningly beautiful.
"Cousin, did I disturb your peaceful sleep?" Chu Chanyin smiled somewhat embarrassedly. Last night, the young master of the Gu family suddenly came to visit the Chu Prince's Mansion. After thinking it over, he felt that he should tell Zhao Youyi about this.
Zhao Youyi shook her head, smiling broadly: "It wouldn't be considered a dream, but I did dream about you."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chanyin unconsciously lowered his head to avoid looking at her, his ears turning slightly red. Zhao Youyi, seemingly unaware that there was anything wrong with what she said, continued, "Do you remember, cousin, that I stole the carrot you were feeding the pony in my dream?"
"I remember." Chu Chanyin picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea.
Zhao Youyi found his reaction somewhat strange, so she asked him about the purpose of his visit today.
“Cousin, Young Master Gu came to the Chu Prince’s mansion last night.” Chu Chanyin observed her expression while carefully choosing his words. When Zhao Youli asked him to take care of his younger sister, he did not mention that his younger sister had a childhood sweetheart. If the two were in love, wouldn’t it be a cruel joke to break up a loving couple if he rashly proposed an engagement?
Zhao Youyi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. What was he doing at the Chu Prince's residence?
Seeing that she looked normal, Chu Chanyin continued, "It's also my fault for not asking my cousin if she had someone she liked. At the time, things were urgent and I only thought of this method. I forgot to ask for your opinion. It was my fault."
Zhao Youyi was intelligent from a young age. His sudden arrival and strange tone, along with his claim to be his older brother, suggested that Gu Zeyu had probably said something inappropriate to him. "Cousin, I agreed to the marriage agreement back then. Cousin saved me from a terrible situation, and Nianwan is extremely grateful. How could it be your fault?"
"Cousin, don't overthink it. I have no one in my heart. All I want now is to avenge my brother." Zhao Youyi lowered her eyes. She had no time to think about such romantic matters. As long as the dog emperor lived, she would not have peace of mind.
Seeing her sorrowful expression, Chu Chan sighed. The young master of the Gu family had suddenly come to the door last night, which was obviously an impulsive act after getting drunk.
"Your Highness, I have a question for you!" Upon seeing that it was the young master of the Gu family, the servant hurriedly sent someone to inform the prince, fearing that he would make a fool of himself outside the mansion.
Gu Zeyu was invited into the mansion, where he met the King of Chu.
It must be admitted that the King of Chu was handsome, tall and slender with a face like jade. Just sitting in the pavilion brewing tea with snow, his long hair unbound, and his snow-white cloak made him look like an orchid, as if he were the only beauty in the icy and snowy world.
"Your Highness, the person has been brought." The attendant bowed and reported. The King of Chu waved his hand, dismissing the attendant.
The King of Chu did not look away from the tea that was being brewed, and asked in a calm voice, "What is it, Young Master Gu?"
"Your Highness, do you really like Sister Zhao? Does Sister Zhao like you? What makes you think you can marry her?" In his drunken state, he asked these questions without any regard for others, speaking very bluntly.
The King of Chu chuckled and placed the freshly picked plum blossoms into his tea, appearing quite leisurely. Seeing his indifferent expression, Gu Zeyu became even more furious. "Your Highness! If you don't love her, why are you forcing her to marry you?!"
Hearing him spout so much about love and affection, Chu Chanyin found it laughable. He picked up his tea and took a sip. "And on what grounds does Young Master Gu ask me this question? In terms of status, setting aside the engagement, I am General Zhao's close friend. He entrusted his cousin Zhao to me when his life was in danger. In terms of affection, even if I have no feelings for my cousin, does Young Master Gu have feelings for her? If you do, why don't you dare to ask for her hand in marriage?"
"From the time General Zhao died to the time I held a banquet in the palace to propose marriage, nearly half a month has passed. May I ask what Young Master Gu has been doing?" Chu Chanyin put down his teacup, his sharp gaze sweeping over Young Master Gu's entire body. "Young Master Gu, have you been living a life of debauchery all this time?"
"No...no! I'm studying! Once I pass the imperial examinations, I'll ask Miss Zhao for her hand in marriage..." Gu Zeyu felt uncomfortable under his sharp gaze. "Miss Zhao and I grew up together, she knows that..."
Upon hearing "childhood sweethearts," Chu Chanyin unconsciously raised an eyebrow, a smile appearing in his eyes. "Young Master Gu, what does that mean? Since you don't dare to stand up for her and protect her from the storm, then don't pretend to be so deeply in love."
After saying this, Chu Chanyin said no more, and beckoned someone to come and help Gu Zeyu, "Send Young Master Gu back to his residence."
"Your Highness, do you love her?" Gu Zeyu, who had been pulled halfway, reacted and shouted desperately.
Chu Chanyin: ...
He really wanted someone to gag Gu Zeyu!
The King of Chu stood up, his elegant figure rising amidst the snow-covered plum blossoms. "I can protect her for life. Whatever she wants, I will give her. What can you give her?"
After listening to Chu Chanyin's vivid description, Zhao Youyi's expression turned strange. She really wanted to say that she didn't know Gu Zeyu!
“Cousin, I was only acquainted with Sister Gu when we were young. We played together occasionally. As we grew older, the difference between boys and girls came into play. My relationship with Young Master Gu can only be described as a family friendship.” Zhao Youyi explained after a moment of thought.
She doesn't acknowledge that they were childhood sweethearts. According to Gu Zeyu, wouldn't Chu Chanyin also be her childhood sweetheart?
Upon hearing this, Chu Chanyin nodded. Remembering Gu Zeyu's words, he still said, "Once we arrive in Fuzhou, I will help you with whatever you need. If you want to marry a good man and live out the rest of your life in peace, I will recognize you as my sworn sister. As for the marriage contract, you don't need to worry about it. If you want, it won't reach Fuzhou."
When it came to future arrangements, Zhao Youyi's expression turned serious. He hesitated for a moment, then took out an item and placed it in front of him with his palm open.
"This is...?" Chu Chanyin's gaze followed, and he saw a golden token in Su's hand with a small character "Zhao" on it.
This is the general's order.
"Cousin, you should keep this safe. Why did you take it out?" Chu Chanyin was at a loss for words. After all, this general's token could summon the Zhao family army, and it was rumored that it would only appear in the hands of the family head.
Zhao Youyi lowered her eyes, her voice devoid of emotion: "My brother was poisoned by the emperor, and I must avenge him. I hope to use this order to get my cousin to join the army for me."
She knew that the King of Chu harbored great ambitions and that rebellion was only a matter of time. She knew that she alone was not enough to avenge Zhao Youli. "With this order, the Zhao family army will obey my cousin. Although the general is now dead, the Zhao family's glory still remains. I wonder if my cousin is willing?"
Zhao Youyi wasn't very confident. After all, it was just a token. The Zhao family army was ultimately the imperial army. Although they had always obeyed the Zhao family, their loyalty to the emperor and their country was deeply ingrained. She could only take a gamble.
After a long silence, Chu Chanyin took the token and felt its warmth. He couldn't help but say, "Cousin, swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield. I may not be able to protect you."
Zhao Youyi remained silent. Chu Chan knew he couldn't persuade her, so he simply said, "I promise that if that day ever comes, I will make you avenge your enemies. Is that alright?"
"Alright, thank you, cousin." Zhao Youyi knew that her persona of feigning illness and weakness to avoid trouble over the years had deeply resonated with people. Chu Chanyin probably wouldn't agree to let her go to the battlefield anytime soon. Anyway, there was plenty of time to prove her strength, so they would just wait and see.
Chu Chanyin glanced at the sun outside. "It's still early. Would my cousin be willing to accompany me to have a meal outside?"
Zhao Youyi looked up at him with some surprise, only to see him smiling calmly, "I don't know how long it will be before you can come back after leaving the capital. Cousin can go and try the dishes she wants to eat. If we can invite those chefs to Florida, it will also prevent her from missing the taste of her hometown in the future but not being able to eat it."
Zhao Youyi stood up and nodded. "Please wait a moment, cousin, while I change my clothes."
The city was still bustling with activity. Zhao Youyi, wearing a veiled hat, walked beside Chu Chanyin, the two of them a few steps apart, neither too close nor too far. The streets were bustling with traffic, so Chu Chanyin let her walk on the inside.
"Cousin, what's Virginia like?" Zhao Youyi asked when the atmosphere became silent.
Chu Chanyin turned his head slightly to look at her, pondered for a moment and said, "In the spring of Fuzhou, hundreds of flowers bloom, and the young men and women in the city go on outings to enjoy the spring scenery, fly kites and catch small fish. In the summer, when the fruits and vegetables ripen, the manor will prepare sour plum soup and mung bean soup. You must not drink too much of the cold drinks. In the autumn, you can go to the forest to ride horses and hunt. Fuzhou has an autumn hunt every year. There are not many other animals, but there are many rabbits and deer. It doesn't snow much in winter, but it rains occasionally. Remember to keep warm when you go out."
Hearing the wonderful descriptions in his words, Zhao Youyi couldn't help but feel longing, "It seems my cousin has governed Virginia very well."
Chu Chanyin was a little embarrassed by the sudden praise, "It's not all my achievement."
As they walked, they arrived at Yuxiaolou, the most popular restaurant in the capital. Zhao Youyi liked its roast duck and four-happiness meatballs, and loved its sweet fermented rice balls the most.
She was a regular at Yuxiao Tower. As soon as she entered, the waiter greeted her, "Miss, are you here? The usual?"
Zhao Youyi turned her head to look at Chu Chanyin, "Take us to a private room and order some more."
The waiter also noticed the man beside her. Seeing that the man was handsome and had a face like jade, and that he was not the brother who usually accompanied her, he guessed, "Is this Miss's husband? He is very handsome and a perfect match for Miss!"
Because of the veil, Chu Chanyin couldn't see Zhao Youyi's expression, but he heard her chuckle: "Yes, this is my fiancé, Brother Cong. He's praising your good looks, why don't you thank him?"
Chu Chanyin: ...
Seeing her laughing heartily, Chu Chan gave the waiter a polite smile. When they arrived at the private room, Zhao Youyi took off her veil and, noticing his dazed expression, asked in confusion, "Cousin, what's wrong?"
"I remember you used to call me 'Brother Cong' when you were little." Chu Chanyin's gaze fell on her, it was unclear whether he was reminiscing or something else.
Zhao Youyi sat down with a smile, resting her chin on her hand: "I thought he was praising my cousin's good looks and that my cousin was shy."
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