Chapter 10 The teahouse is so nice and so close
"Zhenxi, Zhenxi?" It was the Third Prince's voice in my ear. "What are you looking at?"
Following Yan Zhenxi's gaze, the Third Prince saw Jiang Zhiyao and the others.
"It's Wanqing." The Third Prince was overjoyed to see Ji Wanqing.
Yan Zhenxi withdrew his gaze and calmly said, "It's nothing, let's continue our discussion."
This is Tianxianglou, the largest teahouse in the entire capital, and it is also one of Yan Zhenxi's businesses.
This was also the place where he met the Third Prince most often.
There is a private room on the top floor of the teahouse specifically for them. From here, you can see almost the entire teahouse and most of the capital city, and it is also very private.
Just as the Third Prince was speaking, Yan Zhenxi unconsciously looked down and saw Jiang Zhiyao.
She was sitting with Ji Wanqing and Cheng Mingzhu in a semi-open private room, chatting and laughing. It was a relaxed state that Yan Zhenxi had never seen before.
Yan Zhenxi stared at it for a while.
She likes to look people in the eye when she listens to them speak. Now when she smiles, her bright almond-shaped eyes must be sparkling. It would be nice if we could get closer.
Realizing what she was thinking, Yan Zhenxi immediately frowned slightly, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
"Over at the General's Mansion..."
But the Third Prince interrupted him.
"Zhenxi, this is the first time I've seen you staring at a woman like this." The Third Prince's tone was full of teasing.
Having spent so much time with Yan Zhenxi, the Third Prince hadn't deliberately hidden anything. Knowing his personality, the Third Prince was naturally curious to see his somewhat unusual behavior.
He would never believe that Yan Zhenxi was paying attention to Jiang Zhiyao because of what he had said before.
"Your Highness is overthinking it," Yan Zhenxi said, denying the Third Prince's unresolved speculation and cutting off the conversation.
The Third Prince looked at Yan Zhenxi's expression, which remained as indifferent as ever. Although he addressed him as "Your Highness," there was no respect in his eyes, as if it were just a title to him.
"Alright, alright, let's finish this quickly so I can go find Wanqing later." The Third Prince pursed his lips, unable to glean anything from Yan Zhenxi's expressionless face, and had no choice but to give up his desire to hear gossip.
About half an hour later, the Third Prince came out of the side room and went downstairs.
"Wanqing, Wanqing." The voice sounded both urgent and joyful.
Ji Wanqing, who was chatting with Jiang Zhiyao and the others, looked over.
"Greetings, Third Prince." Jiang Zhiyao and Cheng Mingzhu stood up and bowed.
"It's alright." The Third Prince gestured for them to sit down, his eyes fixed on Ji Wanqing with the eagerness of a dog seeing a bone.
Helpless, Ji Wanqing went over and gently tapped the Third Prince, telling him to behave himself in front of others.
They had talked enough for the day, and after saying goodbye to Jiang Zhiyao, Ji Wanqing left with the Third Prince.
After they left, Cheng Mingzhu rested her chin on her hand and said, "Next time, ask Ji Wanqing how she did it. The Third Prince always acts like a big dog in front of her."
Because of his battles on the battlefield, the Third Prince looked more like a warrior than the other princes. He was big and much taller than Ji Wanqing. Despite his imposing physique, he was incredibly obedient in front of Ji Wanqing, which always gave Cheng Mingzhu goosebumps.
Following behind Ji Wanqing was like being a big dog being led by its owner.
However, Cheng Mingzhu only dared to say such things in private. Even if the Third Prince was not favored by the Emperor, he was still a prince. If someone with ulterior motives heard her, they would probably accuse her of disrespecting the imperial family.
Jiang Zhiyao didn't think there was anything wrong with what Cheng Mingzhu said. Sister Ji was so kind, it was normal for the Third Prince to listen to her.
"Yaoyao, let's go back," Cheng Mingzhu said.
"No, you should go home first today." Jiang Zhiyao shook her head.
Yan Ciying has recovered most of his health and has been frequently bringing his friends to and from the Yan residence lately. It's dinner time now, and Jiang Zhiyao is afraid of running into him.
But she didn't tell Cheng Mingzhu, so as not to worry her. Jiang Zhiyao made up an excuse: "I want to listen to the storytelling here a little longer."
Just then, the storyteller was telling the most exciting part of the story.
“Okay.” Cheng Mingzhu nodded without any suspicion, because Jiang Zhiyao had always enjoyed listening to storytelling and had even wanted to stay and listen again before.
Cheng Mingzhu sighed again: "Sigh, I also want to stay, I don't want to go back." But her mother has been a bit strict lately, and wants her to go back sooner.
"It's alright, it's alright." Jiang Zhiyao knew this. "It's good to go back early."
Cheng Mingzhu said with a hint of envy, "It seems like getting married is a good thing, since no one will interfere."
Jiang Zhiyao paused for a few seconds, then smiled and said, "It's pretty good."
After speaking, Jiang Zhiyao lowered her eyes. Since her mother passed away, no one had taken care of her.
After Cheng Mingzhu left, Jiang Zhiyao listened to the storytelling with a bit of boredom. Today's content was almost the same as the one she had heard last time.
Jiang Zhiyao lowered her head and lightly traced the tea droplets on the table with her fingers, thinking that she would stay for another half an hour before going back.
I wonder what good food will be available when I get back today.
"Madam?" A pleasant voice, tinged with a hint of doubt, came from above.
Jiang Zhiyao suddenly looked up and saw Yan Zhenxi.
"Husband?" Jiang Zhiyao's words carried a hint of surprise that she herself did not realize.
Yan Zhenxi's thin lips, hidden beneath the veil, curved slightly: "Awen just told me that Madam is here. I thought he was mistaken. Why haven't you gone back yet?"
Awen is the servant who is with him today.
"Want to go back together?" Yan Zhenxi asked Jiang Zhiyao.
“Okay.” Jiang Zhiyao stood up and walked to Yan Zhenxi’s side.
-
Jiang Zhiyao got into Yan Zhenxi's carriage and went back to the Yan residence together. The carriage had only been traveling for a short while when...
"Ouch." The carriage jolted, and Jiang Zhiyao, caught off guard, bumped her head against the window.
"Are you alright?" Yan Zhenxi's anxious voice rang out from inside the carriage.
Jiang Zhiyao was stunned by the knock and did not respond to his words.
The servant driving the carriage quickly apologized, saying somewhat nervously, "I'm sorry, young master and madam, I don't know why there are some small stones on the ground here. I didn't notice them because it was dark."
"It's alright, it's alright." Jiang Zhiyao quickly reassured the servant upon hearing his somewhat frightened tone.
The servant's tone became more reassuring: "Thank you, Madam. There are still some small stones behind us; I will be careful."
No one spoke again, and the carriage fell silent once more.
But for some reason, Jiang Zhiyao suddenly felt uneasy in the quiet.
Did she just forget something?
Jiang Zhiyao glanced at Yan Zhenxi, only to see that he was expressionless.
Compared to her usual smiling expression, it seems the corners of her mouth have lowered slightly?
Jiang Zhiyao suddenly remembered that Yan Zhenxi seemed to have said something, but she hadn't heard it clearly.
Jiang Zhiyao unconsciously gripped the cushion. Should she ask him? Was it too late to ask now?
"Madam, is it serious?" Yan Zhenxi asked softly while Jiang Zhiyao was still struggling with her question.
“No, it’s not serious,” Jiang Zhiyao replied immediately.
It would have been better if she hadn't asked. But as soon as she did, Jiang Zhiyao suddenly felt a dull ache in the spot where she had been hit. She had bumped into the corner of the window frame, and the impact had been quite severe.
After answering Yan Zhenxi, taking advantage of the fact that he couldn't see now, Jiang Zhiyao raised her hand and gently rubbed her forehead.
Ouch, it really hurts a little.
The physiological tears that had just stopped welled up again.
Yan Zhenxi sighed softly, "Come here."
Hmm? Jiang Zhiyao looked at Yan Zhenxi.
"Let me take a look. It must have been a big crash. I heard the sound," Yan Zhenxi said softly.
"Okay, okay."
The carriage wasn't very big to begin with, so Jiang Zhiyao leaned a little closer to Yan Zhenxi. Once her thighs were almost touching, she froze.
Good, very close.
Noticing Jiang Zhiyao's approach, Yan Zhenxi supported Jiang Zhiyao's body, letting her head lie half-reclined on his lap.
Because the bump was on the left side of her forehead, Jiang Zhiyao could only see Yan Zhenxi's upper body and face.
Even from this angle, Yan Zhenxi still looks so good.
"Is it here?" Yan Zhenxi gently touched the spot where Jiang Zhiyao had bumped her head.
Little liar, it's all swollen up.
"Yes," Jiang Zhiyao replied in a barely audible voice.
What should I do? My face must be burning hot right now.
Jiang Zhiyao's head rested on Yan Zhenxi's thigh, feeling the man's powerful thigh muscles, and her face burned even hotter.
Jiang Zhiyao started having random thoughts, wondering if she would burn herself.
Yan Zhenxi tapped the carriage wall twice with her fingers, and a small box popped out. Yan Zhenxi took out a small medicine bottle from inside.
Then he helped Jiang Zhiyao apply the medicine.
"Tell me if it hurts," Yan Zhenxi said to Jiang Zhiyao, looking down at her.
"Okay." But in fact, Jiang Zhiyao didn't hear what Yan Zhenxi said at all; she was too busy staring at Yan Zhenxi.
After applying the medicine, Yan Zhenxi gently massaged Jiang Zhiyao's back.
That's so unfair, Young Master Yan!
Jiang Zhiyao looked at Yan Zhenxi's neck and noticed the Adam's apple that she herself didn't have, feeling a little curious.
What will happen if I poke it?
Looking up further, Jiang Zhiyao saw Yan Zhenxi's rosy, thin lips. She wondered what it would feel like to kiss him.
Realizing what she was thinking, the shyness that had cooled on Jiang Zhiyao's face returned with a vengeance.
No, I've been reading too many storybooks lately.
Jiang Zhiyao immediately looked away from Yan Zhenxi, and this action caused Yan Zhenxi's fingers to slightly move away from the wound.
"Um, I feel much better, thank you. You should rest for a while." Jiang Zhiyao's throat was a little dry, so she quickly sat up.
"Okay." Yan Zhenxi withdrew her hand, which had been suspended in mid-air.
Jiang Zhiyao didn't dare to look at Yan Zhenxi at all. The pain on her forehead wasn't as bad now. Even though the ointment was slightly cool, Jiang Zhiyao felt that the place where Yan Zhenxi had touched was burning.
Jiang Zhiyao felt like she was being roasted alive.
"Young master and madam, we've arrived." The carriage stopped as these words came from outside.
Jiang Zhiyao felt as if she had heard heavenly music and immediately got up and got off the carriage.
The journey back to the courtyard was quiet. Yan Zhenxi didn't speak, and Jiang Zhiyao didn't initiate any conversation either.
Upon arriving at Jiang Zhiyao's room, Jiang Zhiyao said goodbye to Yan Zhenxi and then turned to return to her own room.
"Wait a minute." Yan Zhenxi called out to Jiang Zhiyao, "Here you go, remember to apply it."
In his large palm was a small medicine bottle that he had just brought down from the carriage and had been clutching in his hand the whole way.
Looking at the medicine bottle in Yan Zhenxi's palm, Jiang Zhiyao felt as if her heart had been soaked in lemon honey water.
"Thank you." Jiang Zhiyao took it and returned to her room as if nothing had happened.
After closing the door, Jiang Zhiyao couldn't help but stand there with her eyes tightly shut, disgusted with her own thoughts on the carriage.
What should I do? I'm really starting to like him more and more.
It's fine when we don't have any contact, but once we do, all the thoughts in my mind come out like a flood.
Jiang Zhiyao opened her eyes, her long, fine eyelashes trembling slightly.
Yan Zhenxi was only trying to be kind; if he knew what he was thinking, he would definitely hate him.
As the heat on her face subsided, Jiang Zhiyao bit her lower lip, deciding to try to minimize contact with Yan Zhenxi.
Otherwise, she really wouldn't be able to hold back.
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