Chapter 16 Going Out
A moment later, an ordinary-looking green-canopied carriage silently drove out from the side gate of the East Palace. Inside the carriage, Su Jingyu was dressed in a lotus-colored, high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a moon-white gauze outer garment. Her black hair was simply tied up with only a plain silver hairpin. Although she was dressed in the simplest of styles, her natural beauty, her refined and otherworldly appearance, and her overall aura still could not conceal her radiance.
Xiao Jingzhan frowned slightly as he looked at her outfit, seemingly still finding it too flashy, but ultimately said nothing, only holding her hand tightly in his palm.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the most bustling street in the capital, the East Market. Xiao Jingzhan got out of the carriage first, then turned around and carefully helped Su Jingyu down.
Stepping onto the bustling street, listening to the vendors' shouts, smelling the aromas of various snacks, and looking at the dazzling array of goods, Su Jingyu's eyes suddenly lit up with an unprecedented brilliance, like a bird released from its cage, curiously looking around.
Seeing her happy, Xiao Jingzhan's lips unconsciously curved upwards. He waved for the guards to disperse and protect her secretly, while he held her hand tightly and they blended into the crowd.
"Ah Zhan, look at that sugar figurine!"
"Wow, the scent of this rouge and powder is so unique!"
"What kind of magic trick is that? It's amazing!"
Her clear, sweet voice, tinged with surprise, drew the attention of passersby. Once they saw her, they couldn't look away. Whose young lady was this? She was so beautiful, like a fairy! Her entire demeanor was even more exquisite than any fairy in a painting!
Immediately, a self-proclaimed dashing playboy approached, fanning himself with a folding fan, and struck up a conversation with feigned nonchalance: "This young lady looks unfamiliar. Are you new to the capital? I would be happy to show you the way..."
Before he could finish speaking, he met a pair of icy, murderous phoenix eyes. Although Xiao Jingzhan did not reveal his identity, the oppressive aura of someone accustomed to a high position was instantly released, like solid ice, causing the纨绔子弟 (a spoiled young master) to turn pale instantly, break out in a cold sweat, and become unable to speak properly. He scrambled away.
Similar situations occurred several more times. Although Su Jingyu found it amusing, Xiao Jingzhan's expression grew increasingly grim, and the cold aura emanating from him almost froze the surroundings.
He regretted it! He shouldn't have brought her out! Did these swarms of admirers even deserve to covet his treasure?
He abruptly stopped, pulled Su Jingyu into a nearby clothing shop, tossed down a silver ingot, and said coldly, "A veiled hat, the best of all."
Intimidated by his imposing presence, the shopkeeper quickly brought over a veiled hat made of light gauze, with delicate orchids embroidered along the edges. Xiao Jingzhan personally put it on Su Jingyu. The thick white veil draped down, completely concealing her stunning beauty, and only then did he feel some relief from the pent-up anger in his heart.
"Your Highness..." Su Jingyu looked at his taut jawline through the gauze curtain and couldn't help but smirk, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart. So this is how... adorable he is when he's jealous.
Wearing a veil, while shielding her from prying eyes, also diminished much of the fun. Seeing that she looked somewhat dejected, Xiao Jingzhan couldn't bear it and took her to the pleasure boat he had already booked for a boat ride on the lake.
The painted boat was decorated in an elegant and unique style, with tea, snacks, and fruits laid out at the bow. After dismissing everyone around, the boat slowly sailed away from the shore, and the scenery of the lake and mountains, with its rippling water, instantly brought a sense of tranquility.
Xiao Jingzhan then removed her veil. Seeing her pouting, he couldn't help but chuckle and pinched the tip of her nose: "Are you feeling wronged? If you weren't so attractive, why would you need to act like this?"
Su Jingyu glared at him playfully: "It's clearly Your Highness who's being domineering."
"I am domineering." Xiao Jingzhan pulled her into his arms with a matter-of-fact air, sat on the soft couch by the window, and pointed out the scenery outside, explaining it to her in detail. A gentle breeze rippled across the lake, carrying the fragrance of lotus blossoms, and sunlight streamed through the carved wooden window, warming them both. Leaning against him, listening to his deep voice, Su Jingyu felt that nothing could be more peaceful and serene than this.
After swimming for a while, Xiao Jingzhan mentioned that there was chilled plum juice in the cabin and led her into the inner cabin. The inner cabin was extremely comfortable, with tables and chairs, and even a spacious soft couch with a cool mat and brocade quilt at the far end.
Su Jingyu asked curiously, "Why are there beds on this ship?"
Xiao Jingzhan's eyes darkened, and he pulled her to sit down on the couch. He said in a serious tone, "The sun is strong on the lake, and it's easy to get tired after swimming for a long time. I prepared this soft couch so that you might get tired and rest for a while." As he spoke, his hand had already restlessly wrapped around her waist, and his fingertips gently caressed her through her thin summer clothes.
Su Jingyu instantly understood, her cheeks flushed crimson, and she was so embarrassed that she tried to stand up: "Your Highness! It's broad daylight, and we're on a ship..."
"It's better on the boat," Xiao Jingzhan chuckled, gently pulling her down onto the soft brocade quilt, his hot breath brushing against her ear. "No one will disturb us, only the sound of water... Goodness, you just attracted the attention of those lecherous men, do you know how unhappy I was? Hmm?" The last syllable carried a dangerous allure and a strong sense of jealousy.
"I...I didn't mean to..." Su Jingyu was breathless from his kisses, her clothes half-undone, revealing a large expanse of her fair skin. The lake rippled gently, and the boat swayed slightly, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
In this secluded world, he cast aside the pride of a prince, leaving only a man's most primal desire and possession for the woman he loved.
"Even if it wasn't intentional, you still have to be punished..." He nibbled on her earlobe, whispering indistinctly, his movements tender and affectionate, as if he wanted to transform all the jealousy he had just accumulated into endless love and pour it all out on her.
The painted boat swayed gently on the water, masking the subtle, blush-inducing sounds inside the cabin. Only when the sun was setting did Xiao Jingzhan finally straighten Su Jingyu's clothes, her body limp and her fingertips too weak to move, and carry her out of the cabin.
The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the lake surface golden red. Su Jingyu leaned lazily against him, her cheek pressed against the cool silk fabric, half asleep. Xiao Jingzhan looked down at the contented and charming appearance of the person in his arms, his heart filled with an indescribable sense of fulfillment and happiness.
"If you're tired, take a nap. It's still early before we get back to the palace," he coaxed gently.
Su Jingyu mumbled a response, found a more comfortable position in his arms, and fell into a deep sleep. Xiao Jingzhan pulled over a thin blanket and carefully covered her, holding her as they watched the sunset slowly sink into the lake.
His world is vast, encompassing the entire country and its people.
But his world was also very small, so small that it could only hold the one person in his arms.
The sun had completely sunk behind the western mountains, leaving only a brilliant glow on the horizon. The towering shadows of the imperial palace gates stretched long, solemn and cold. Outside the side gate of the East Palace, however, the atmosphere was tense.
He Yong paced back and forth, occasionally craning his neck to look towards the end of the palace path, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The time for the palace gates to be locked was fast approaching, but His Highness and Consort Su had not yet returned! If they were late, alerting the palace guards, or even His Majesty and the Empress, it would be a huge problem!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com