A gentleman as beautiful as jade, unparalleled in the world.
That's probably what Zhu Xinning was thinking at that moment.
Is it pretty?
Jing Zhe looked up and said in a low voice.
Zhu Xinning did not answer, but her eyes, which were raised into crescent moons, were all too clear.
"It's so beautiful, young master!"
Xiangru, standing next to her, was less reserved and shouted loudly.
"Ah, great minds think alike! If you ask me, the reason they're so good-looking is 30% about their temperament and 70% about their appearance!"
Hearing this, Xiangru pouted, unable to resist saying a few words in defense of her young mistress, but Jing Zhe immediately added, "As for the remaining eighty or ninety percent, it all depends on this robe!"
Xiangru immediately beamed with joy: "I knew it! Miss stayed up all night to make this robe for Young Master, barely getting any sleep, and then personally delivered it early this morning. If Young Master doesn't appreciate Miss's kindness, Xiangru will be the first to object!"
"Xiangru!"
Zhu Xinning glanced at her and said with displeasure, "What nonsense are you talking about? It's my duty as an older sister to sew clothes for Zhe'er. Zhe'er can wear them, so why are you being sentimental? Wouldn't that make us feel distant?"
Xiangru pursed her lips and didn't say anything. Then, her mind raced, and she asked curiously, "Huh, three plus seven plus eighty-nine... isn't that only ninety-nine percent? How come it's still one percent short?"
"That one-tenth is because I'm afraid you'll become arrogant!"
Jing Zhe smiled, went over and took Zhu Xinning's hand, saying with affection, "Second sister, you don't need to go to so much trouble. The clothes you made for me the day before yesterday are still very clean, and you'll look great in them."
Zhu Xinning shook her head, "It's different. That outfit is fine for everyday wear, but today His Majesty, the Crown Prince, the Third Prince of Southern Qi, and civil and military officials are present. Zhe'er should shine a bit more!"
"Second sister, you've gone to a lot of trouble."
He added with some emotion, "I never imagined that my second sister was not only exceptionally talented, holding the official position of Imperial Secretary, but also so skilled at sewing. Whoever marries her in the future will be truly blessed!"
After speaking, he met Zhu Xinning's gaze. However, Zhu Xinning's eyes held a mixture of shyness and reproach.
Xiangru, standing nearby, said, "Does the young master think everyone is as lucky as you? My young lady's sewing skills are indeed unmatched by many tailors."
But Miss is so busy every day, she doesn't even have time to make her own clothes! She, however, makes time specifically for sewing for the young master; all the clothes she makes are for him!
Seemingly speaking up for her young mistress, Xiangru launched into a rapid-fire speech. Jing Zhe was deeply moved upon hearing this, and he held Zhu Xinning's hand with eyes full of tenderness.
...
"Let's pack up and get ready to go!"
At this moment, Liu Jinghong returned from outside.
Because the martial arts test required the Silver Thread Army to enter the city today, Emperor An was worried that if ordinary people saw them, it would cause panic. So he ordered Liu Jinghong and Sui Shouren to lead fifty Silver Thread Army soldiers into the city early in the morning when there were no people on the streets, and to guide them.
They claimed to be leading the way, but in reality, they were spying on us.
Liu Jinghong led them to the place and then returned.
Upon entering and seeing Jing Zhe and Zhu Xinning holding hands, she pouted again: "We agreed that I could have him during my time in Jingzhou, so why did you do this secretly again? I'm so annoyed!"
"Fifth Sister, look at the clothes Second Sister sewed for me overnight. What do you think? Do you think they look good?"
Liu Jinghong wanted to say "it doesn't look good," but the person wearing the clothes was her beloved younger brother, and at the same time, she genuinely felt that Jing Zhe looked gentle and radiant today.
"Yes, it looks good!"
"Look, even Miss Wu thinks it looks good!"
Xiangru said smugly, "My young lady's cooking skills are truly excellent!"
"..."
Liu Jinghong's lips curled up, thinking that it seemed it was time to put the matter of forging a room full of large swords and longswords for Jing Zhe on the agenda...
After having a quick bite to eat, the group came out.
Along with Liu Jinghong, a carriage sent from the palace also returned. Zhu Xinning and Jing Zhe got into the carriage together, while Xiangru went directly back to the Prime Minister's residence.
As for Liu Jinghong, who was clad in armor, she thought for a moment and finally mounted her horse alone to lead the way.
...
The carriage was moving very slowly, and Jing Zhe assumed it was because the driver was steady. But when he lifted the curtain and looked out, he was surprised to find that this was not the road to the palace at all.
"Second sister, isn't this the road to the palace?"
"Of course not."
Zhu Xinning said calmly, "Didn't you also tell His Majesty in court a few days ago that you wanted to find a secluded place for a martial arts contest?"
"What I mean is, the palace is so big, we can just choose any deserted spot..."
"Since it's a martial arts fight, some bumps and bruises are inevitable. The palace is the residence of the emperor; how can we fight there? We're heading to the royal hunting grounds on the outskirts of Jingzhou City, which is perfect for a martial arts fight!"
"oh."
Jing Zhe answered, then realized that if the competition were really held in the palace, he could easily blow it to smithereens, which seemed rather inappropriate…
After traveling for a while, the carriage finally stopped.
Jing Zhe lifted the curtain and got out of the carriage, only to find that they were in a field where grass was growing and birds were singing. On both sides were low, withered hills. Apart from a group of guards, there were not many people around. It was like a paradise, which made people feel great.
Liu Jinghong also jumped off his horse, and then someone came over to help lead the horse and carriage to the side.
"Let's go inside. His Majesty should be waiting there."
Jing Zhe and Zhu Xinning followed Liu Jinghong, walking on the soft lawn. Along the way, Jing Zhe noticed traces of birds and beasts passing through the surrounding woods and bushes, thinking to himself that this was indeed the royal hunting ground, with quite a few wild animals!
As an animal lover, Jing Zhe couldn't resist the urge to play. He was planning to ask Andi if he could beat up a few of his beloved animals as a reward after winning...
Further on, exquisite pavilions and towers appeared before the three of them, presumably used as resting places during hunting trips. Although not very large, they exuded a strong royal atmosphere. Soldiers were guarding the gates, indicating that Emperor An had arrived long ago.
With Liu Jinghong in front and Zhu Xinning behind, the guards naturally recognized them and called out "General Jinghong" and "Lady Zhu," when they heard Sui Shouren's voice coming from inside.
"Is that General Jinghong and Lord Zhu? Please come in with Young Master Jing!"
Upon entering the room, Jing Zhe was surprised to find that not only Emperor An, the Crown Prince, and the Prince of Xiang were there, but even Su Mochen had come.
Regardless of the outcome of today's match, she will no longer be affected. Perhaps because she was in a great mood, she was dressed in her finest attire, with light makeup, and stood there quietly, radiant.
When Jing Zhe looked over, Su Mochen was also looking at him, and seemed to give him a smug look.
She glanced at her two older sisters beside her. Although their looks were comparable to hers, Liu Jinghong was wearing armor and Zhu Xinning was wearing official robes, so they paled in comparison to her, who was dressed in finery.
Su Mochen's lips curled up even more.
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