Chapter 82 "How many childhood sweetheart brothers do you have..."
Chapter 82: Princess Zilu
The lake shimmered with a silvery light at night. Lu Qingchen, who was standing with his hands behind his back gazing at the lake, was startled by what he heard and walked towards her. "Why is Wanwan out here?"
Xiao Yu was standing not far from them, and given his exceptional hearing, he heard the girl speaking in a soft, coquettish voice to the man opposite her, "It was too stuffy inside the palace, so I came out. Is Second Brother feeling any better?"
This made Xiao Yu narrow his eyes, and he couldn't help but look at her through the moonlight. When he first saw her, she was cunning and lively, and easily dealt with that playboy. When he saw her again, she was still as bright and charming as ever. But this childhood sweetheart brother of hers, she was acting so affectionately with him. Could it be that she liked him?
Lu Qingchen spoke in a gentle and refined voice, smiling as he looked at the girl in front of him, "Everything is ready."
Seeing that Xiao Yu had not returned to his seat, Crown Prince Qin Jue went out to look for him. To his surprise, he saw the elegant Xiao Yu standing with his hands behind his back, staring indifferently into the distance. Qin Jue was somewhat surprised, wondering what the other man had seen that made him seem a little unhappy. It wasn't until he saw Wanwan laughing and talking with Lu Er in the distance that Qin Jue fell silent for a moment, then smiled gracefully, "Your Highness Prince Cheng has been hard to find."
Xiao Yu withdrew his gaze and said in a calm voice, "I was too drunk to hold my liquor, so I came out to sober up."
"Then I'll accompany Your Highness Prince Cheng for a walk." Qin Jue smiled. This Prince Cheng was indeed as rumored, with unpredictable thoughts. However, Qin Jue was certain of one thing: this Prince Cheng was already paying attention to Wanwan.
Both were men of exceptional bearing, and intelligent people always speak their minds. Xiao Yu asked, seemingly casually, "Who was that just now?"
"The one who was speaking with my sister just now is the second young master of the Lu family, the prime minister of our dynasty, and also my study companion," Qin Jue said with a slight smile.
Halfway through the banquet, Xiao Yu returned to the inn. Mo Yu bowed as he entered and told his master what he had found out: "Your Highness, according to my investigation, the Second Young Master Lu has been a frequent visitor to the Prince of Nan's residence since his youth. He and Princess Zilu are childhood sweethearts and even share the same master, so their relationship is extremely close."
"Does she like Lu Qingchen?" Xiao Yu, with his handsome face and deep eyes, put down his teacup and asked slowly.
"That's not necessarily true," Mo Yu scratched his head and whispered, "I think Princess Zilu is in her prime and her feelings for Young Master Lu are more like those for an older brother."
Xiao Yu's eyes darkened. He closed his eyes slightly, and the image of the girl's charming smile appeared in his mind. For some reason, when he first saw her, he felt a long-lost flutter in his heart, as if they were destined to be together.
Since his youth, Xiao Yu has gotten whatever he wanted, and this time is no exception. Let alone one Lu Qingchen, even if there were a hundred Lu Qingchens, he would not give up the woman he wanted to someone else.
Seeing that his master had closed his eyes and was pretending to be asleep, as if deep in thought, Mo Yu was about to leave when he heard his master ask him how much West Lake Longjing tea was left. Mo Yu was stunned for a moment, and then quickly answered.
If he remembered correctly, during the banquet earlier, Prince Xiang said that Prince Nan didn't like drinking alcohol but preferred tea. It seemed that their master was planning to make a good relationship with his future father-in-law in advance.
"Go to the Prince of Nan's Mansion tomorrow."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Mo Yu felt a pang of emotion. Their prince had never been particularly interested in women, and his trip to Nanqiong was based on various considerations, but unexpectedly…
However, Princess Zilu is clearly closer to the second son of Prime Minister Lu's family, so it may not be easy for their prince to marry her.
The following morning, with a gentle spring breeze and the warm sun shining, Su Wanyue paid her respects to Princess Su Qingqing of the Southern Prince and then went to pay her respects to the Southern Prince. The Southern Prince noticed dark circles under her eyes and asked if she hadn't slept well the night before. The young woman rubbed her eyes; she had indeed not slept well because she had a bad dream.
The Prince of Nan was not the strict father. Seeing his daughter like this, he was about to tell her to go back and rest when the steward said to the Prince of Nan through the door, "Your Highness, Prince Cheng has arrived."
The Southern King paused for a moment, then the Northern King...
"Quickly invite His Highness Prince Cheng in."
Thinking of the man's unsettling gaze at the banquet last night, Su Wanyue's expression became somewhat unnatural. Her almond-shaped eyes welled up with tears, and she suddenly stood up. "Then I'll take my leave now."
The Prince of Nan felt sorry for her not getting enough rest last night, so he waved for her to go back first. Fortunately, there was a back door in the study, and Su Wanyue, clutching the hem of her skirt, left through the back door.
The moment she left, Xiao Yu walked in slowly. Today he was dressed in white, which made him look less imposing but more elegant and composed. For some reason, the Prince of Nan thought of Lu Qingchen. Lu Er was gentle and refined, and usually wore white most often.
“Your Highness, Prince Cheng.” The Prince of Nan stood up with a refined and gentle demeanor.
"Princess, why did you leave through the back door?" Meanwhile, Su Wanyue hurriedly returned to the Peony Garden, and Qin'er followed closely behind, her eyes filled with doubt and confusion.
Because of her anxiety, the girl's cheeks flushed red, as delicate and beautiful as the morning dew. She said, "It's because a distinguished guest has come to our mansion."
"Is the princess referring to His Highness Prince Cheng?" Qin'er had just seen it and asked tentatively.
Su Wanyue nodded gently.
Qin'er: "Does the princess not like His Highness Prince Cheng?"
Su Wanyue was taken aback. "Why do you say that?"
Qin'er smiled and said, "This servant just feels that the princess seems to dislike His Highness Prince Cheng."
To be precise, Qin'er felt that her princess's attitude towards Prince Cheng was somewhat strange.
Su Wanyue's heart skipped a beat. She cupped her cheeks in her hands and said that she hadn't.
Meanwhile, in the study, the Southern King and Xiao Yu were playing chess. As the Southern King played, he pondered the intentions of this Prince Cheng. Prince Cheng of Beili was indeed of noble birth and was very likely the future new emperor of Beili. Today, he was sending him expensive tea and visiting him. It couldn't be that he wanted to win over his forces to help him ascend the throne, since he didn't have any military power in Beili. Could it be... Wanwan?
Even though the King of the South was distracted in this game, he still won in the end. And at that point, the truth was revealed.
“Your Highness, I’ve heard that Princess Zilu is an excellent chess player. I wonder if I could learn a thing or two from her today?” Xiao Yu smiled gently, lowering his tone. It was not appropriate for the Prince of Nan to accept this, since the Prince of Beili was a distinguished guest in Nanqiong, and the Emperor had treated him with great courtesy. It would not be good for the Prince of Nan to refuse directly.
Moreover, he had already accepted the tea leaves from the other party. The Prince of Nan rubbed his forehead. His Highness Prince Beili Cheng was not yet of age, yet he was acting like an old fox. Helpless, the Prince of Nan had no choice but to send a servant to invite his daughter over.
"Daughter greets Father." Su Wanyue was about to leave the mansion when the steward called her back as she passed through the flower hall. She followed the steward to the study.
The Prince of Nan told Su Wanyue that Xiao Yu wanted to ask her for advice on chess. Su Wanyue looked at Xiao Yu with a puzzled expression, her thoughts written all over her face. Xiao Yu smiled slightly and said, "Princess Zilu, we meet again."
They had met three times in total, but this was the first time Su Wanyue had been so close to him and the first time she had seen his face clearly. His features were exquisitely sculpted, his profile sharp and deep, and his phoenix eyes held a hint of a smile. His expression looked extremely gentle, but Su Wanyue felt as if a wolf was staring at her. She lowered her eyes slightly and curtsied to him.
After everyone left, the study returned to silence. The Prince of Nan looked at the steward behind him and asked, "What do you mean by Prince Bei Li's feelings for Wanwan?"
The steward tentatively suggested, "Perhaps His Highness Prince Cheng really wants to learn a thing or two from the Princess."
The Prince of Nan rolled his eyes at him. He may be old, but he's not stupid. It's hard to believe that the Prince of Beili would go through all that trouble to come to their Prince of Nan's mansion just to learn chess from Wanwan.
In the following days, His Highness Prince Beili Cheng came to the Prince Nan's residence every day. Finally, on the fourth day, Su Wanyue easily won against her opponent. Xiao Yu looked at the chessboard and chuckled, "The princess's chess skills are superb. I admire her."
Su Wanyue stared at the chessboard in front of her. He could have won this game. She raised her eyes with clear eyes, not afraid of the man opposite her at all. "Your Highness is too kind. Will Your Highness come again tomorrow?"
“The princess doesn’t want me to come,” Xiao Yu raised a phoenix eyebrow. He liked that she could say whatever she wanted in front of him. He wasn’t cruel. A few days ago, she was too reserved. Or maybe she just liked gentle and refined scholars like Lu Qingchen.
Su Wanyue said, "Tomorrow is Madam Lu's birthday."
***
The Lu family was known for its integrity and uprightness. Prime Minister Lu had many students and was extremely prestigious in the capital city of Nanqiong. On Madam Lu's birthday, most of the officials' wives and the young masters and ladies of the family came. Prime Minister Lu and his son greeted the guests at the entrance, while Madam Lu received the ladies and ladies from various families in the backyard.
"Madam, the Princess has arrived." Her personal maid rushed over in a panic.
"Oh my, please invite Wanwan in quickly." Upon hearing that Su Wanyue had arrived, Madam Lu was overjoyed, and she looked expectantly towards the outside.
Su Wanyue gracefully approached Madam Lu, who excitedly grasped her hand, "Wanwan, you've finally arrived! My dear girl, I've been waiting for you for so long."
Su Wanyue smiled and begged for forgiveness, asking Qin'er to bring up the gift. Every lady present knew Su Wanyue; she was exceptionally beautiful and talented, poised and elegant, truly a model of a refined young lady. They were all very curious about what Su Wanyue would give to Madam Lu on her birthday.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived. His Highness Prince Cheng has arrived."
"His Highness Prince Cheng of Beili has arrived!" Madam Lu looked surprised and hurried to greet him, "This humble woman greets Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness Prince Cheng."
No need for formalities.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness Prince Cheng, this way please." Prime Minister Lu couldn't quite figure out why Prince Cheng of Beili would come to the Prime Minister's residence, but since he was a distinguished guest, the Prime Minister's residence certainly couldn't be negligent. Qin Jue and Xiao Yu were arranged to sit in the superior positions.
Qin Jue possessed a refined demeanor and an approachable personality. He noticed Su Wanyue and Qin'er behind her and asked with a smile, "What did you bring, little sister?"
All eyes turned back to Su Wanyue. Su Wanyue gave Qin'er a wink, and Qin'er opened the box. What came into view was a set of green jadeite jewelry, of excellent quality, crystal clear and lustrous.
Madam Lu's eyes lit up; she was truly delighted, especially since it was prepared by Su Wanyue. "Wanwan is so thoughtful."
She really does love everything about the house because of it.
Xiao Yu lowered his eyes, took a sip of tea, and remained noncommittal.
Su Wanyue exchanged a glance with Lu Qingchen in the main hall. As soon as she turned her head, she met the man's slightly deep phoenix eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and she lowered her head slightly.
Because of the arrival of the Crown Prince and the Prince of Beili, the opera performance at the Prime Minister's residence was scheduled for the morning. During the performance, a maidservant from the Prime Minister's residence's third young lady came to invite Su Wanyue to her courtyard, and Su Wanyue said she would go later.
Passing through the carved corridor and winding pavilion, Su Wanyue encountered someone: Yi Ling, the heir of the Qingjun Prince's Mansion and a friend of Chu Yao. She turned to leave, but Yi Ling rushed up to her and called out, "Sister Wan."
The Prince Qing's family and Su Wanyue's mother's family were related by marriage, so on the surface they got along quite well. Su Wanyue stopped and said, "Cousin Yi."
"How have you been lately, Sister Wan?" This greeting, "Cousin Yi," made Yi Ling feel completely at ease. His eyes were moist as he stared at Su Wanyue, his face flushed. He looked at Su Wanyue with great excitement and asked.
"I'm fine."
"That's good." Before coming here, Yi Ling had a lot to say to her, but when he was actually in front of her, he couldn't say a word. He just said something dry.
Seeing this, Su Wanyue said she was going to see Miss Lu and left with Qin'er. Yi Ling just stared at her back, unable to come back to his senses, looking at her with longing eyes.
Men and women do not sit at the same table. When dining at Prime Minister Lu's residence, beaded curtains are used to separate the seats for men and women. Both sides are very lively. One side is because the Crown Prince and Prince Beili are present, and the other side is because the ladies and young women gather together and inevitably talk about interesting things in the capital.
Madam Lu was very fond of Su Wanyue. After the meal, she refused to let her leave and talked to her for a long time. When she was about to return to the mansion, half of the distinguished guests at the Prime Minister's mansion had left. Qin'er tugged at Su Wanyue's flowing sleeves and asked, "Princess, isn't that the guard by Prince Cheng's side?"
Su Wanyue stopped in her tracks. Mo Yu was waiting for her here on his master's orders. He stepped forward and said, "Princess Zilu, our Highness invites you in."
A magnificent and luxurious carriage was parked at the corner of the Prime Minister's residence. Mo Yu bowed and said, "Your Highness, Princess Zilu has arrived."
Xiao Yu put down the book in his hand and got off the carriage. Su Wanyue lowered her eyes to look at the light green pearl-embroidered shoes, "I wonder what Your Highness Prince Cheng is like..."
Do you have anything to say?
Mo Yu and Qin'er consciously stepped aside, pretending to observe their surroundings. Xiao Yu stopped in front of Su Wanyue, took a deep look at the bright-eyed, white-toothed girl before him, and deliberately lowered his voice, "Princess Zilu, I'm very curious, just how many childhood sweetheart brothers do you have?"
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