Chapter 95 His eyes held a chilling...
In the eerie silence, Laiwang, a waiter, ran out of the kitchen and immediately spotted the white-clad young man standing at the door.
He was so shocked that his mouth gaped open for a moment and he forgot to close it.
The young master at the entrance was dressed in a very simple casual outfit, with wide sleeves and a moon-white fabric that was so beautiful it was dazzling, and under the sunlight it seemed to have a layer of cool, luminous glow.
However, this simple and elegant outfit did not diminish his imposing presence at all; on the contrary, it made his dignified aura even more awe-inspiring and imposing.
He simply stood there, and the bustling noise and lively atmosphere of the city seemed to meet an invisible barrier just a few steps away, the clamor automatically subsiding.
His face was as fair as jade, and his nose as straight as a hanging gall bladder, making one's heart pound and almost unable to look directly at his radiance.
It was as if even glancing at it was an overstepping of authority.
Sun Laiwang had spent five or six years navigating the market, honing his discerning eye through his experience of welcoming and seeing off patrons. The man before him exuded an air of authority far beyond that of a wealthy merchant; he seemed more like a figure from a play, a figure detached from the world! Sun Laiwang's legs went weak. He glanced at the head manager and the second manager, but neither reacted. Afraid of neglecting this distinguished guest, the young waiter rushed over, nearly stumbling with his hurried steps, "This, this gentleman, oh dear, please come in, please come in!"
Yunxi cautioned, "Laiwang, slow down, don't fall."
"Alright, shopkeeper," Laiwang replied, bowing obsequiously to Xiao Shenjing, "This gentleman, please take the seat of honor; it's quiet here!"
He didn't even dare to look up at the man's expression, feeling only a cold gaze on his back, as if a thousand-pound weight was pressing down on him. His once-familiar greetings vanished completely, his mind a blank.
All he knew was to repeatedly wipe a newly vacated table with a handkerchief, afraid that even a speck of dirt might stain the distinguished guest's robe.
Xiao Shenjing stood beside Laiwang without saying a word. But just by standing there, the warmth of the entire tavern seemed to vanish.
In that moment of deathly silence, Laiwang was brushed aside by Fushun behind him, who personally took out a silk handkerchief and carefully wiped the bench clean.
Only after Xiao Shenjing finally sat down did the stagnant air in the tavern begin to slowly move again.
Behind the counter, Yunxi glanced at Xiao Shenjing and happened to meet a pair of heavy, phoenix-shaped eyes.
Just then, someone passing by asked, "Sir, what would you like to order? Our shop has everything."
"Call your manager over," Xiao Shenjing interrupted Laiwang, staring at Yunxi.
Laiwang immediately fell silent and looked at the shopkeeper.
Yunxi also glanced sideways at Xiao Shenjing, who looked at her with deep phoenix eyes.
Laiwang wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt there was an undercurrent between the shopkeeper and this young nobleman.
Caught between the two, he didn't even dare to breathe.
Yunxi didn't move immediately; she wasn't sure what this person wanted to do.
"What, you're picking and choosing your customers just because you're in business?" Xiao Shenjing raised an eyebrow and asked in a deep voice.
His voice cut off the lively atmosphere that had just begun in the tavern. The noise receded rapidly, leaving only the soft clatter of bowls and plates.
In an instant, the entire store was plunged into a cold, deep pool.
If we don't go now, we'll be at a disadvantage.
Just as Yunxi was about to walk over, Xiaobei called out to her with concern, "Shopkeeper."
She shook her head at him.
He walked straight to Xiao Shenjing and asked, "Sir, what would you like to order?"
Should we just pretend we don't know him?
Xiao Shenjing chuckled, but his smile was tinged with sadness. "What do you have in the shop?"
Yunxi quickly recited it once.
It's unclear what she said that seemed to please the emperor in front of him, but he couldn't help but smile as he stared at Yun Xi.
His phoenix eyes seemed to hold deep affection; if other women saw them, they would blush and their hearts would race, and they would never forget them.
Seeing that he was in a good mood, Yunxi became in a bad mood and asked impatiently, "What exactly do you want to order?"
As it turned out, Xiao Shenjing didn't seem to notice anything amiss with her tone at all. He even propped his cheek up with one hand and said, "I didn't hear you clearly just now. Could you please repeat it, shopkeeper?"
"Xiao"
Be cautious and respectful.
Yunxi swallowed the two words back in time.
She stared down at him.
"You did this on purpose."
"Didn't you also deliberately not see me coughing at me?" he asked her without any attempt to hide his intentions.
"To be vindictive and petty is the act of a despicable person," Yunxi said with disdain.
I thought Xiao Shenjing would be angry and give me a cold shoulder, but he actually got happier after being scolded by Yun Xi.
Yunxi cursed him in her heart as a madman, then turned and left.
"Shopkeeper," he called out, staring at her retreating figure.
Yunxi quickened her pace.
But the shop was only so big, and his voice easily reached her ears: "Give me one of everything in the shop, including food and drinks."
Yunxi rolled her eyes, turned around, and asked in a particularly sarcastic tone, "Can you even eat that?"
Xiao Shenjing still didn't detect the blatant sarcasm. Instead, Yun Xi had a faint smile on her face. "What, is the shopkeeper going to tell me what to do?"
"He's sick." Yunxi felt like she was wasting her breath talking to him.
Chun Chun is sick.
She decided to ignore him and said to the waiter who was still standing there dumbfounded, "Laiwang, serve this guest his food."
She collected the money deftly, without even glancing at the door, and was immediately drawn to a driver at the next table who was urging for his food: "Xiao Bei, take the braised beef to table number three!" She called out loudly while deftly moving the abacus beads, her eyes and brows immersed in a focused busyness, as if the whole world consisted only of this noisy little shop and the customers in front of her.
Xiao Shenjing sat there, dressed in an undeniably imposing crescent-white robe, exuding an aura of authority. He watched her smile sincerely and warmly at the peddlers and laborers, watched her slender yet strong arms lift the heavy wine jar, watched her completely immersed in this vulgar world he wanted to avoid at all costs, so busy that she didn't even glance in his direction.
They completely ignored him.
Sensing the increasingly faint aura, Dao Yi and Dao Er exchanged a glance, feeling extremely uneasy. They both turned to look at the counter.
Everyone was hoping that Yunxi would come over soon to say hello.
Yunxi completely ignored her.
In order to get herself busy quickly, she needed to get the tavern open as soon as possible, which is why she sourced wine from large restaurants to sell.
But this is not a long-term solution. She still needs to obtain the brewing rights, since she enjoys brewing.
She also enjoys the sense of accomplishment she feels when others praise her wine.
Just as she was thinking about the flags of Peach Blossom Village waving everywhere, she heard Xiao Shenjing call out, "Waiter, come here."
The deep, mellow sound stood out particularly well in this small space.
Yunxi glanced at it subconsciously.
He sat there, looking out of place and quite conspicuous.
Seeing Yunxi looking over, Xiao Shenjing picked up a piece of beef and fed it to his mouth.
The next moment, the man frowned and said to the waiter with a look of disgust, "Why is your beef so tough and stringy?"
"Young master, this beef..." Laiwang was genuinely nervous upon seeing Xiao Shenjing. He stammered for a long time without knowing what to say, his forehead beaded with sweat.
Xiao Bei couldn't stand it any longer and walked over to Xiao Shenjing, saying, "Young Master, the guests who came today all said the beef was tender and flavorful, it's my young lady's signature dish."
"Who did this?" Xiao Shenjing interrupted him.
“My young lady,” Xiao Bei replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Xiao Shenjing put the beef in his mouth again and nodded. "After careful tasting, the flavor is not bad."
"Xiao Bei".
He then said to Fu Shun, "Go and buy all the beef for me."
Upon hearing Xiao Bei's relayed words, Yun Xi only uttered two words: "Not for sale!"
Then I couldn't even be bothered to look at him anymore.
I originally thought Xiao Shenjing would turn his back and leave.
Instead of leaving, he started constantly ordering people around.
"Bring me a pot of tea."
"The tea is too hot."
"The tea is too cold."
Laiwang finally mustered up his courage and said, "Grandpa, this was made with freshly boiled water."
"I said it's cold." Xiao Shenjing didn't even lift his eyelids, and tapped the table heavily with his knuckles, each tap clearer than the last.
The waiter dared not say anything more, and with a forced smile, replaced the cup with another piping hot one.
Yunxi endured it for a while and went to the kitchen to bring out the wine.
With slender wrists, she carried two jars, her forehead beaded with sweat.
Xiao Shenjing's voice rang out again, "Waiter!"
The waiter was so embarrassed he wanted to kneel down.
Yunxi wiped her hands clean, and, unable to bear it any longer, walked to his desk. "What are you going to do!"
The sight of the knife cutting him in two made his whole body tense with fear.
Her almond-shaped eyes glared angrily at Xiao Shenjing.
He was the only one there, shining brightly.
Xiao Shenjing subtly curled his lips. "This shop is small and noisy, and the location is terrible. The people who come to drink here are all sorts of people from all walks of life. How many copper coins can they earn in a day?"
"so what?"
Glancing at the thin layer of sweat on her forehead, Xiao Shenjing took out a clean white brocade handkerchief and handed it to her.
Yunxi confiscated the item and impatiently shooed the person away, saying, "Our small shop can't accommodate someone as important as you. Can you please leave now?"
Xiao Shenjing took back the brocade handkerchief, as if he hadn't heard her at all. "If you really want to open a tavern, I'll have them send over the land deed tomorrow and hire more people. Why would you need to do these dirty jobs yourself?"
He glanced disapprovingly at the people in the lobby. "Tell me what you need, and I'll give you whatever you need. If you don't like the shop near Zhengyangmen, just tell me which one you prefer."
"Eat it." Yun Xi was annoyed and grabbed the pumpkin shortbread from the table, stuffing it into Xiao Shenjing's mouth without any politeness. "You talk too much nonsense."
Xiao Shenjing, whose mouth was stuffed full.
The three men standing to the side—Dao Yidao Er, Fu Shun, and others—kept their eyes down, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings.
Try to minimize your presence.
"Stop talking nonsense, or I'll throw you out right now." Yun Xi waved her fist at Xiao Shenjing, threatening him mercilessly.
After making those harsh remarks, Yunxi strode away.
Laiwang, standing to the side, wiped the sweat from his forehead and glanced at Xiao Shenjing furtively.
Surprisingly, this distinguished guest, who seemed quite imposing, was not angry at all. He casually took the pumpkin shortbread off the table, smiled slightly, and slowly ate it bite by bite.
Laiwang discovered that his new manager was really amazing.
After a while, the wet nurse brought Yuanxiao to the tavern.
The first thing he did was ask Yunxi to hug him.
It was almost noon, the time when craftsmen and laborers would gather for lunch, and passing merchants would also need to have lunch and replenish their food and drinks.
In short, it's the busiest time.
Yunxi held him for a while, then hurried off to the kitchen to take care of things.
She hurriedly tried to hand the glutinous rice balls to the wet nurse, but found her hand suddenly light.
Turning her head, she saw that Xiao Shenjing was already holding Yuanxiao in his arms.
He wasn't very skilled at holding her, and Yuanxiao didn't cry when she saw him, but struggled to rush towards Yunxi.
"What are you going to do?" Yunxi asked, staring at him.
"Weren't you busy?" Xiao Shenjing raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you close this shabby shop and come back with me?"
"Shut up!" Yunxi glared at him.
Yunxi was already mentally prepared for Xiao Shenjing's desire to get close to Yuanxiao.
If he grows up a bit older and prefers the freedom of the martial world, she will do everything in her power to take him away.
But if he has more ambition for the power and territory, she will relinquish control appropriately.
In short, he has to walk his own path during the Lantern Festival.
However, she must first receive basic education, and Xiao Shenjing is more suitable for this than she is. He can find the best teacher for Yuanxiao so she can receive the best education in the world.
Seeing Xiao Shenjing carrying the child and about to leave, Yunxi instinctively instructed, "Don't carry Yuanxiao too far; she'll eat soon."
Realizing something, Yunxi shut her mouth in annoyance.
Despite the distance between them, Xiao Shenjing felt an indescribable warmth suddenly surge into his heart.
In that instant, he felt as if he had stepped into a vivid and passionate dream he had never imagined.
He witnessed the mundane routines of ordinary couples, and heard the bustling sounds of everyday life. Wives busily offered casual reminders, while husbands held and played with their children. Gone were the heavy burdens of official documents, the chilling intrigues of the imperial harem, and the deathly loneliness of a solitary person; only the sweet, everyday joy that washed over him.
In that instant, the emperor's heart seemed to be soaking in warm water, becoming extremely soft.
He unconsciously tightened his arms around the child, as if trying to lock in the sudden warmth.
He tasted that sweet flavor.
Some light, once seen, becomes torture in the darkness.
Some warmth, once possessed, can be fatally cold.
A person who has never tasted sweetness can endure a lifetime of bitterness. But once the tip of the tongue touches that real, warm sweetness, even for just a moment, it is like being addicted to the deepest addiction.
And he, this emperor who had tasted "sweetness," would rather burn everything than return to that boundless, lonely tomb.
No matter what happens ahead.
He and Yunxi will eventually be together.
Yunxi looked at Xiao Shenjing, whose unfathomable eyes were also looking at her, filled with a chillingly intense emotion.
She immediately turned away into the kitchen with a stern face and no warmth whatsoever.
She kept telling herself that she would pay attention next time.
Xiao Shenjing's method of coaxing children was simple and crude.
Cleverly holding the glutinous rice balls, I went on a shopping spree on the street.
Buy whatever you like for the Lantern Festival.
When they returned, even the guards behind them had their hands stuffed full of things.
Yunxi was displeased and said, "Take these things back."
“This is for the Lantern Festival,” Xiao Shenjing said.
“He’s still young, so it’s my decision,” she said matter-of-factly, not backing down at all. “Take it away.”
Given that Xiao Shenjing values imperial dignity above all else, Yunxi believed he would immediately turn away in a huff.
He casually pinched Yuanxiao's chubby little face, a smile playing on his lips, and said, "It seems your mother doesn't like these things. How about I send Yuanxiao a mechanical beast to ride or a miniature martial arts arena?"
"Get out of here! Get out of here!" Knowing that this madman was capable of anything, Yunxi was extremely annoyed.
Aside from today, she didn't think she would see Xiao Shenjing often.
He was, after all, the emperor, and there were so many things concerning the country and its people that required his attention.
So she endured it all, hoping to avoid seeing it altogether.
Xiao Shenjing finally managed to get away.
Just when Yunxi thought she could finally have some peace and quiet, another woman appeared at the door. She wore a simple, light blue dress, but the material was definitely not ordinary. What was most eye-catching was the light gauze hat on her head.
The light veil hanging from the brim of her hat reached her waist, as thin as a cicada's wing, yet it was enough to completely conceal her face. As she walked, the veil rippled like water, as if she were shrouded in a flowing cloud.
Even though she hasn't shown her face yet, you can tell from the two maids behind her that this woman is either rich or noble.
As many of the drinkers stared and scrutinized her, the maid behind the woman cursed and shouted, "What are you looking at?"
Behind the counter, Yunxi narrowed her eyes.
It's been a long time since we've seen this person.
But she looked away without much interest.
Laiwang greeted them while also feeling puzzled.
Although the capital city is under the emperor's nose and there are many noble people, their shop is not a place where wealthy masters would stay.
The visitor completely ignored Laiwang's greeting and went straight to the counter.
Yunxi was calculating the cost of today's purchases, writing and calculating without even lifting her eyelids.
The newcomer lifted his veil and called out, "Yunxi."
Yunxi was not surprised at all. She slowly looked at the familiar face behind the veil, raised a friendly smile and said, "Sir, the wine in our restaurant is very strong and not suitable for young ladies. You would be better off choosing another restaurant."
She greeted them skillfully, her tone even bordering on enthusiastic.
Princess Chong'an felt a tightness in her chest. After a moment, she finally said, "Yunxi, it's been a long time."
Yunxi stopped smiling and said slowly, "It has been a long time."
Years have passed since we parted, and everything has changed.
Princess Chong'an felt a pang of sadness and murmured, "I have so much to say to you."
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't have that time."
The maid beside Yunxi immediately frowned at Yunxi's treasonous words.
Princess Chong'an replied, "It's alright, I'll wait for you."
They waited and waited until night fell at the hour of Xu (7-9 PM).
No matter how good business is, Yunxi still has to go back to sleep with Yuanxiao.
Seeing that she was about to leave, Princess Chong'an chased after her and said, "Yunxi, take my carriage back."
Yunxi refused without hesitation, saying, "No need to trouble yourself, it's very close, I can walk back."
“Then I’ll go with you,” Princess Chong’an said, and immediately followed.
Knowing that nothing she said would make a difference, Yunxi didn't bother to say anything more and simply walked away.
The two remained silent for almost half a street before Princess Chong'an finally said, "Yunxi, I'm sorry."
His voice sounded somewhat hoarse.
She knew almost everything that happened to Yunxi in the palace.
He was injured by Cen Shi, demoted to a slave, and sent to the laundry department. In the end, he was framed by Cen Shi and sent to the cold palace.
Although she was a princess, she was of no help whatsoever.
Emperor Xiao Shenjing held absolute power. Although he implemented benevolent policies towards foreign countries, he relentlessly suppressed the imperial relatives.
If she hadn't knelt down so quickly back then, I don't know if she would still be alive today.
Now, only the ninth and eleventh princes remain from the late emperor's lineage.
They survived because their maternal families were not prominent, and they had almost no power that could pose a threat to Xiao Shenjing.
Yunxi didn't care at all. "Princess, there's no need to bring up the past."
Princess Chong'an immediately asked, "Are you still angry? Angry that I didn't stand up for you?"
Yunxi gave her a strange look and said, "Everyone has their own path to walk, and no one is obligated to stand up for others."
As a pampered princess, she couldn't help but get angry after being repeatedly rejected despite her humble attitude. She frowned slightly and said, "You weren't like this before."
They used to be friends.
Yunxi would call her by her nickname and would go to great lengths for her.
But now she calls her princess, her tone seemingly smiling but never as fervent as before.
This time, Yunxi simply remained silent.
He quickened his pace and walked towards his house.
Princess Chong'an realized that her tone was inappropriate, and she lifted her skirt and chased after her, saying, "Yunxi, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have spoken like that."
"So, don't come next time," Yunxi said without any mercy.
She walked with a powerful stride, leaving Princess Chong'an far behind in just a few steps.
After chasing for a few steps but realizing she couldn't catch up, Princess Chong'an had no choice but to stop, no matter how unwilling she was.
"How dare the princess treat you like this!" A maid whispered, expressing her indignation on behalf of Princess Chong'an.
"Shut up." Princess Chong'an glared at her fiercely.
Standing in the crowd, he stared at Yunxi for a long time before finally looking away.
The next day, as soon as Yunxi arrived at the shop, the air was filled with the mellow aroma of newly brewed wine and a faint, delicate fragrance of orchids.
Upon closer inspection, two elegant Cymbidium goeringii plants appeared on the cabinet. Their jade-like leaves were long and graceful, and several flower stalks stood tall and elegant. The pure white flowers, with their pale yellow and green hues, were half-open and half-closed, like shy ladies, exuding a refreshing and cool fragrance.
Such elegant and expensive items seemed rather out of place in her shop.
She raised an eyebrow at Xiao Bei, who had arrived first. Xiao Bei smiled and jogged over, handing her a piece of paper with subtle floral and bird patterns.
This orchid is a special gift to add to the elegant sentiment.
Even without a signature, the familiar handwriting immediately identifies the person.
Fan Zishi.
These two orchids, though not particularly opulent, surprisingly created a unique charm in this somewhat bustling tavern. Yunxi liked them very much and quickly watered them herself.
After finishing his business, Xiao Shenjing arrived at Peach Blossom Village around 3 PM.
As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Yunxi leaning over to smell the orchids, a faint smile playing on her lips.
He paused in his steps.
Yunxi noticed the gaze and looked up sharply, only to see Xiao Shenjing's eyes fixed on the orchid, his gaze showing absolutely no appreciation.
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