Chapter 23 Cui Huai looked at the bouquet of vibrant flowers, speechless…
Shen Yunzhi was very fond of the bouquet of fiery red crape myrtle flowers.
She found her favorite white-glazed plum vase with lotus scroll design to use as a vessel for the flowers.
Everything seemed to have suddenly become clear and promising.
Having met Huo Ming and confirmed his feelings, Shen Yunzhi felt more confident.
Today, she did not hide her admiration for Huo Ming in front of Cui Huai, and Huo Ming gave her a beautiful crape myrtle flower.
Regardless, Cui Huai should consider that they are in love.
She was also genuinely considering her future with Huo Ming. Because she didn't want to hastily arrange a marriage and was worried about not finding a suitable husband, she had previously worried that getting close to Cui Huai would cause him to misunderstand. Now, she no longer needed to worry about this.
Even if it was later discovered that she and Huo Ming were not that compatible, it didn't matter.
Her actions have already proven her intentions.
Once Shen Yunzhi made up her mind, she didn't hesitate.
With Qixi Festival approaching, she began preparing a gift for Huo Ming, while at the same time becoming more proactive in dealing with Cui Xu.
Cui Xu deliberately plotted to ruin her reputation, while her relationship with Huo Ming grew closer day by day—Shen Yunzhi believed that after she and Huo Ming interacted more frequently, Cui Xu would find out about this and would most likely not remain indifferent.
She was not willing to sit idly by and wait for her death.
Therefore, she needs to make some preparations in advance.
Although the plum blossom sleeve arrow that Cui Huai gave her for self-defense was the worst choice, she would be ruthless and merciless as she was last time when she had no other choice.
These plum blossom-shaped hidden arrows might also come in handy.
Previously in Cui Huai's study, she was absent-minded and perfunctory.
Now I'm trying to figure it out myself, but I don't know where I went wrong. I've tried it two or three times, but the sleeve dart just won't shoot any short arrows.
The weapon meant for self-defense has become a mere decoration.
Shen Yunzhi stared at it for two days, but finally gave up and took the things to Qiyun Residence.
Upon hearing that the hidden arrow, which had only recently come into Shen Yunzhi's possession, had malfunctioned, Cui Huai was momentarily surprised and told her to leave the item behind before returning home. She didn't linger at Qiyun Residence, obediently bidding farewell to Cui Huai and returning to Yunxi Courtyard.
Since she had not been told when she could retrieve her belongings, Shen Yunzhi waited patiently.
She acted as usual, and as planned, she took the initiative to invite Huo Yuan to the theater to watch a puppet show for the first time.
Choi Yeo-joo had never been particularly interested in these things before.
But he was worried about Shen Yunzhi going out alone, so he took pity on her and accompanied her.
Cui Lizhu had assumed that only the three young ladies would be there today, so she didn't invite Chen Zhaoyu. She only realized this when she arrived and saw Huo Ming. Remembering Huo Ming's gesture of presenting flowers to a beauty last time, she belatedly realized her mistake—she had both praised Huo Ming needlessly and given him and Shen Yunzhi a chance to spend time together.
Huo Ming was especially considerate.
He arrived early and went out of his way to buy a lot of snacks that Shen Yunzhi liked, filling the table with them.
Cui Lizhu originally wanted to find fault with Shen Yunzhi, but she had to admit that Huo Ming, who came from a military family, was surprisingly thoughtful. It was clear that he cared deeply for Shen Yunzhi, which was why he had gone to such lengths.
He ultimately couldn't bring himself to voice his criticisms.
She swallowed those words back, then heard Shen Yunzhi exclaim in surprise, "It's the cherry pancake from my favorite place!"
Huo Ming then added, "I went to take a look on the way, and it just so happens that it's open today."
"I'm glad Miss Shen likes it."
“I was just saying it casually before, but Young Master Huo took it to heart.” Cui Lizhu looked at Shen Yunzhi and saw the emotion in her eyes. Her tone was incredibly touching. “Young Master Huo, thank you so much. This is the best cherry pancake I’ve ever had.” Huo Ming smiled shyly, his ears turning red quickly. He said it was nothing serious and not worth worrying about.
Their eyes met, and tender feelings flowed silently between them.
Even as an observer, one cannot ignore such a wonderful atmosphere.
Choi Yeo-joo inexplicably thought of her elder brother, Choi Hoe.
She had always thought that Shen Yunzhi coveted her brother and hoped that she would give up her thoughts as soon as possible. For this reason, she even tried to match Shen Yunzhi with Chen Zhaoyu. Before, when Shen Yunzhi brought back the crape myrtle flowers given to her by Huo Ming, she did not take it to heart, thinking that it was Huo Ming's own idea. She even teased Shen Yunzhi about it.
The truth is that both parties were in love.
Shen Yunzhi... actually has no feelings for her older brother?
Choi Yeo-joo felt a tightness in her chest.
It was exactly what she wanted to see, yet when it was presented to her, it only aroused an indescribable sense of irritation.
She had always firmly believed that Shen Yunzhi coveted her brother, and had warned her many times. But in Shen Yunzhi's eyes, was it all just a joke? She watched coldly as Shen Yunzhi jumped around and talked nonsense like a fool.
Cui Lizhu's low spirits were clearly written on her face, making it difficult for Shen Yunzhi not to notice.
She found an excuse to take Cui Lizhu out of the entertainment venue, but her words of concern went unanswered.
Cui Lizhu pursed her lips, her gaze towards her filled with sorrow. After a moment's thought, Shen Yunzhi guessed what was going on and tentatively said, "I know Lizhu is kind-hearted, always sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. I know that whatever Lizhu says is for my own good, and I have never held any resentment towards her."
"You always know how to fool me with nice words," Cui Lizhu complained angrily.
Shen Yunzhi knew she had guessed correctly and smiled slightly: "If it were a lie, why would I only ever say these things to Lizhu?"
She was very experienced in coaxing Choi Yeo-joo.
He said many nice things to Cui Lizhu and calmed her down. Then he took Cui Lizhu back to watch the puppet show happily.
After repairing the hidden arrow, Cui Huai went to Yunxi Courtyard.
Shen Yunzhi was not in the mansion. Her servants said that she had an appointment with Miss Huo today and left the mansion with Lizhu.
The temporary master of Yunxi Courtyard was not present, so Cui Huai did not go inside. He stood under the eaves, quietly listening to the report from the maid of Yunxi Courtyard, his gaze falling on a sweet white glazed plum vase with lotus scroll pattern on the flower table.
The small flower stand was specially moved out of the house and placed in a place where it could be exposed to sunlight.
The crape myrtle branches in the plum vase, which had been carefully tended, were still blooming beautifully.
Whether someone is putting their heart into something or not is always so obvious.
Cui Huai looked at the bouquet of vibrant flowers and sneered silently.
...
Shen Yunzhi and Cui Lizhu returned home in the evening after enjoying themselves.
The relationship with the Huo siblings was comfortable and pleasant; the snacks were delicious, the puppet show was wonderful, and everything brought me joy.
Upon returning to Yunxi Courtyard, she learned that Cui Huai had visited that afternoon. Although Cui Huai hadn't given any specific instructions, he wouldn't have come looking for her without a reason. Shen Yunzhi recalled the plum blossom hidden arrow that had been sent to Qiyun Residence earlier. Thinking it shouldn't take too long, she instructed her servants to prepare hot water and went to see Cui Huai.
"Did Your Highness come to see me today?" Upon entering Cui Huai's study, Shen Yunzhi immediately noticed a short arrow nailed to a target placed in the room.
She stepped forward to greet Cui Huai and then asked, "Your Highness, did you seek me out about the hidden arrow?"
"Hmm." Cui Huai responded faintly from behind the desk before looking up.
He lightly tapped the corner of the desk, gesturing for Shen Yunzhi to come and get the item herself. "It's fixed."
Shen Yunzhi then stepped forward.
She took the hidden arrow, fiddled with it for a moment, and then tried to shoot two arrows at the target in front of Cui Huai.
After thanking Cui Huai with a smile, Shen Yunzhi continued, "Your Highness, where did the problem with this hidden arrow occur? Did I accidentally break it? What should I be more careful about in the future?"
Cui Huai said, "Just cherish what you have."
Fu Tong briefly explained to Shen Yunzhi why the hidden arrow had suddenly become unusable.
Shen Yunzhi didn't quite understand the topics related to mechanisms, but she appeared to be listening attentively, nodding occasionally to indicate that she understood. It wasn't until they finished discussing the main business that she mentioned that she had gone to see a puppet show with Cui Lizhu and the Huo siblings that day.
Cui Huai listened calmly, without saying a word.
Shen Yunzhi knew he wasn't interested in these things; what was more important was letting Cui Huai know who she was going to see.
Cui Huai couldn't help but notice her aura once again.
It still had that light and comforting flavor, on this day, another day she went to meet Huo Ming.
"As long as Miss Shen is happy." Upon hearing this cold and indifferent sentence, Shen Yunzhi knew that Cui Huai was starting to lose patience. She knew when to stop, so she wisely withdrew and left with her hidden arrow.
Back at Yunxi Courtyard, hot water had already been prepared.
After bathing and washing up, Shen Yunzhi asked someone to open the window, and she sat on the daybed under the window, fiddling with a sugar box.
The palm-sized candy box was filled with candies of different flavors.
This is what Huo Ming gave her today.
Because she said she loved a certain shop's cherry omelet, he would make a special detour to buy it. Because she said eating candy would make her forget the pain she had experienced, he prepared a candy box for her to carry with her. Shen Yunzhi looked at the candy box and smiled, feeling a little reluctant to eat it.
The relationship between Shen Yunzhi and Huo Ming is progressing smoothly.
Even afterward, Choi Yeo-joo still felt depressed when she recalled what she had seen and heard at the entertainment venue.
These words could not be spoken to Shen Yunzhi, much less to her brother.
She eventually approached her second brother, Cui Hong.
“Lizhu is talking about my cousin and Young Master Huo…” Hearing Cui Lizhu mention Shen Yunzhi and Huo Ming, Cui Hong could not hide his surprise. Seeing Cui Lizhu nod, he softened his tone and comforted her, “Young Master Huo is a handsome and talented man. My cousin will have a good home. Mother will not have to worry about her every day in the future.”
"Second brother, how could I not understand?"
Choi Yeo-joo pouted, "But I used to warn her not to covet my older brother. Did she really not laugh at me in her heart? I don't believe it."
Cui Hong chuckled: "When did my cousin ever act like that kind of person?"
"Never mind." Choi Yeo-joo lowered her head in frustration. "It was just my overthinking."
Before Qixi Festival, Shen Yunzhi and Huo Ming met twice more.
As the Qixi Festival approached, everything proceeded more smoothly than expected. However, this time, Cui Lizhu accompanied her out but did not stay with her, leaving her alone with Huo Ming.
Under the dazzling lights and lanterns, Shen Yunzhi handed Huo Ming a sword tassel she had made for him herself. She smiled and said, "Young Master Huo is a skilled swordsman. This tassel may be fancy and useless, but it is a small token of my appreciation. I wonder if Young Master Huo would be willing to accept it?"
Huo Ming hesitated and did not reach out to take it.
How could he not know his own thoughts, and how could he not feel Shen Yunzhi's feelings?
When he went out today, his mother reminded him to be careful in everything he did and not to deceive anyone.
He wanted to help his brother uphold the Huo family's reputation, but this path to success was fraught with danger, a gamble with his life.
"Miss Shen."
Huo Ming spoke solemnly, "There is something I failed to tell you truthfully sooner, I apologize."
Shen Yunzhi asked in confusion, "What's the matter that makes you so serious?"
Huo Ming remained silent for a few moments before saying, "Actually, I intend to join the army and may leave the capital soon."
Earlier, he had restrained himself from getting too close to Shen Yunzhi. Seeing that she was troubled by the rumors, he finally couldn't help but write to comfort her. After that, it seemed like he couldn't stop himself, and he couldn't resist the joy and happiness he felt when he was with her, so he met her again and again. On Qixi Festival, she gave him a sword tassel.
All my thoughts and feelings are left unsaid.
He could no longer pretend to be confused; as his mother had said, he should be cautious.
After saying this, Huo Ming didn't dare to look at Shen Yunzhi.
Unexpectedly, a soft chuckle rang in my ears, followed by Shen Yunzhi's gentle yet firm words.
"For a true man, establishing merit and defending his country is a noble and upright act. Why should Young Master Huo apologize? Or do you think I am a person without a home or country in my heart, who is incapable of understanding and compassion and only knows how to make trouble?"
Huo Ming quickly turned to look at her: "I had no such intention!"
He met Shen Yunzhi's smiling eyes and looked back at her with a smile: "I believe that Young Master Huo will get what he wants, and I look forward to that day."
"If Young Master Huo does not mind, I am willing to patiently wait for that day to come." She still made a promise gently and firmly. Huo Ming looked at Shen Yunzhi's beautiful face under the lantern and saw that her beautiful eyes were only looking at him. Suddenly, he felt his blood surging and his heart was pounding wildly.
Cui Xu sat by the window in the teahouse, looking down at the beautiful couple under the lanterns with great interest.
He only looked away when the couple walked away together to another place, clicked his tongue lightly, and slowly took a sip of tea.
"What a pity."
...
Shen Yunzhi carried the lantern that Huo Ming had bought for her back to Yunxi Courtyard.
Lin Yue emerged silently from the shadows: "His Highness is at Lanting Garden."
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Author's Note: Thank you everyone for your support. A small red envelope will be given for comments. The next update will be tomorrow night after 11 PM, so please don't come back empty-handed! [Let me see]
Please recommend my upcoming historical romance novel, "The Third Year of the Substitute Bride." Feel free to add it to your favorites if you're interested! [Please!]
Copywriting:
Her older sister ran away from her arranged marriage, and Shen Yuan was forced to marry Xiao Heng in her place.
To outsiders, she was a wise and virtuous princess consort, but to Xiao Heng, she was a charlatan.
Three years later, her sister returned, and Shen Yuan, having successfully completed her mission, regained her freedom.
Xiao Heng also ascended the throne as emperor and wanted to establish a new empress.
Shen Yuan didn't care.
She has a cousin who has been waiting for her, and they will be getting married soon.
*
Wedding night.
Shen Yuan, dressed in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, sat upright on the edge of the bed, and heard the door being pushed open in the silence.
The familiar footsteps drew ever closer.
The red veil was suddenly lifted, and the candlelight flickered. What she saw was the face of the man she had disliked for three years.
Outside the wide-open door, her cousin was forced to kneel on the veranda.
Enraged by the ruined wedding night, Shen Yuan slapped Xiao Heng across the face, yelling, "You madman!"
Xiao Heng smiled, pressing her palm against her flushed cheek, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "Chen Yuan, the only person you can marry is me."
*
Xiao Heng: When A Yuan slapped me, the first thing that wafted over was a fragrance.
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