Chapter 148 Who are you?
In early summer, the Western Hills are shrouded in a layer of soft mist, as ethereal as smoke.
In this royal garden, the Phoenix Pavilion stands among the green mountains, with its flying eaves and pointed corners like a phoenix about to spread its wings.
The ancient pines surrounding the pavilion are vigorous and powerful, and their newly sprouted branches are covered with clusters of lichen, which interweave with the late cherry blossoms all over the mountain to form a beautiful brocade.
Pink and white petals fluttered in the wind, covering the bluestone steps, like clouds falling into the world.
A clear spring gurgles beside the pavilion, fish swim in the water among the mottled shadows of the trees, and early-blooming water lilies float sporadically on the water, their pink stamens trembling and their faint fragrance floating in the air.
Xiyan followed Xiao Nanyan and climbed the stairs on the soft fallen petals.
Xiao Nanyan's black python robe fluttered, and the jade pendant on his waist made a clear sound when it collided with each other.
Fu Yunqing waved his folding fan, with his usual smile on his lips;
Han Xiao and Mo Ren followed closely, scanning the surroundings vigilantly.
A dozen guards followed closely behind with swords hanging from their waists.
Soon, they reached the Phoenix Pavilion.
Crown Prince Helian Feng was wearing an indigo brocade robe, leaning against the railing, gazing into the distance with his hands behind his back.
Until he caught a glimpse of the white figure on the mountain path, his eyes were instantly lit up.
His fingertips unconsciously stroked the jade pendant on his waist, and his sight seemed to be nailed to the ground, following the slender outline that was getting closer and closer. Even the conversation between Chu Jin and Xie Zhan behind him became a vague sound in his ears.
Beside the stone table, Chu Jin slowly turned the teacup, his half-smile reflected on the celadon glaze.
Xie Zhan, the second prince of Nanzhao, sat opposite him and asked him about the customs and culture of Tianqi.
It was not until Xiao Nanyan's black python robe swept across the pavilion that the two men stood up.
Helian Feng was the first to break the silence. As he quickly stepped forward, the pink and white petals flew up and touched his clothes.
"Nan Yan, Yun Qing, you're here!"
There was a hint of surprise in his voice, but his eyes passed Xiao Nanyan and fell on Xiyan behind him, and he softened his voice:
"Miss Xiyan, you are here too!"
Xi Yan bowed slightly, avoiding Helian Feng's burning gaze: "Greetings, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Xiao Nanyan raised his lips to a cold smile, his dark jade eyes flashed with a cold light:
"Your Highness the Crown Prince is in a good mood, choosing such an elegant place to hold the banquet."
Fu Yunqing walked forward, waving a folding fan, his peach blossom eyes full of teasing:
"Yes, Yun Qing is really looking forward to your invitation."
Then, he glanced at Chu Jin and asked, "Is the Imperial Master here too?"
Chu Jin snorted, the arc of his mouth rising but not reaching his eyes, he turned around and saluted Xiao Nanyan:
"The Regent has arrived, Chu Jin is honored!"
"No need to be polite, Imperial Master!"
Xiao Nanyan waved his hand, his eyes falling lightly on Xie Zhan beside Chu Jin, and looked him over:
"Who is this?"
Chu Jin introduced him: "He is Xie Zhan, the Second Prince of Nanzhao."
"I see!"
Xie Zhan cupped his hands, looking respectful and gentle:
"Prince Regent, I have long heard of your great name. It is truly a great honor to meet you today!"
Xiao Nanyan's lips curled up in a perfect arc:
"Your Highness, thank you for your kind words. Nan Zhao and Tian Qi have always been on good terms. It is an honor for me to have Your Highness come all the way here today."
He spoke in a gentle tone, raised his hand and gestured:
"Since you are a distinguished guest, I hope your Highness will have a great time in Tianqi."
At this time, Fu Yunqing came forward, waving a folding fan, with a smile surging in her peach blossom eyes:
"Second Prince, it's a great honor to meet you for the first time!"
When Xie Zhan saw it was him, he suddenly tightened his fist hidden under his wide sleeves, and his nails almost dug into his palms.
He remembered that a few days ago, it was this damned guy in front of him who almost killed him with the Reincarnation Powder, and this score had never been settled.
However, this was not the time to get angry, so he still managed a decent smile:
"Who is this young man?"
Chu Jin raised his eyebrows slightly when he saw this:
"Grand Master Mingyuan's son, Fu Yunqing."
Xie Zhan cupped his hands, a fleeting sinister glint flashing in his eyes:
"It turned out to be Master Fu!"
Fu Yunqing grinned, and the folding fan formed a beautiful arc at his fingertips:
"Excuse me! Your Highness, since you have just arrived in Tianqi, you must not have visited the famous scenic spots here yet. If you need someone to accompany you, Yun Qing is available at any time—"
He deliberately prolonged the ending tone, and the teasing in his peach-shaped eyes almost overflowed, which made Xie Zhan grit his teeth, but he could only hide his anger under a respectful smile and said lightly:
"Thank you!"
Helian Feng smiled and patted the stone table, causing ripples to form in the Biluochun tea in the jade teacup:
"Now that everyone has met, come, come, let's sit down and have a cup of fragrant tea. When the pleasure boat comes, we will go down to the lake to enjoy the scenery!"
Xiao Nanyan nodded, and when the black hem of his clothes swept across the stone bench, it brought with it a gust of cold fragrance.
Everyone took their seats one after another, and the aroma of tea mixed with the sound of pine waves gradually faded in the pavilion.
Just as Xie Zhan was about to sit down, his peripheral vision was suddenly startled by a flash of white.
He looked at the woman with her eyes lowered and her sword-like gaze standing beside Xiao Nanyue, and his feet seemed to be nailed to the spot.
The warm early summer sun shone over her lowered pink neck and her beautiful hair danced lightly. The profile of her face, half hidden in the shadows, suddenly overlapped with the face deep in her memory.
"This girl?"
His voice rose unconsciously, with a tremor that he himself did not even notice.
Xiyan was shocked. Could it be that when she rescued him that night, Xie Zhan recognized her with just a quick glance?
That shouldn't be the case. She clearly covered her face with a veil that night and made sure she didn't know him.
She subconsciously raised her eyes to look at Xie Zhan, and Xie Zhan's bright eyes were also looking at her.
In just a moment, their eyes met, and Xie Zhan felt his heart suddenly shrink, as if someone had grabbed his throat.
The woman in front of him had eyebrows as green as spring mountains, eyes as clear as autumn water, lips as bright as natural makeup, and skin as white as snow, and every contour of her eyebrows and eyes was exactly the same as the beautiful face deep in his memory.
The sourness in his throat almost made him lose his balance. He stumbled back two steps, staring intently at the familiar yet unfamiliar face, his fingertips trembling slightly.
"Who are you?"
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