Chapter 85: The Lost Princess Bai Yueguang 16: Imperial Garden
Summer is approaching, and before we know it, the leaves within the palace walls have grown lush and green, and the temperature is gradually rising.
Xuanping State is located in the south, and when summer comes, it is much more difficult to endure than Dayan.
Ji Hanlin thought so, but... as soon as the summer heat invaded the courtyard where he was, the palace servants brought ice basins into the palace early.
Thick ice cubes were placed in a large bronze basin, and the coolness spread out, diluting the summer heat.
Recently, relations between Dayan and Xuanping have been turbulent. Since the Spring Festival, news has arrived from the border that friction between the two countries at the pass is increasing. Many in the court have begun to discuss the possibility of another war soon.
Logically speaking, as a hostage of Dayan, he should have been restricted in every way as Emperor Xuanping gradually tightened his stance towards Dayan. At the very least, his expenses and daily necessities would no longer be so well-preserved.
Yet, his life was still meticulously taken care of. His chambers were always stocked with the freshest fruits and vegetables, the most seasonal soups and drinks, and even ice for those summer heat breaks.
If it weren't for Princess Zhaohua's insistence, how could he be safe? Ji Hanlin knew in his heart that this must be Wen Qianning's order.
He had never received such treatment and care before. When he was in the Dayan Palace, although he was a prince, the summer ice and winter charcoal would only be sent to his palace if there was any left over.
But now... Ningning is always like this, hard on the outside but soft on the inside. She speaks arrogantly, but when facing these things of his, she always gives careful instructions and gives meticulous care.
Ji Hanlin lowered his eyes, looked at the ice cubes in the bedroom, and sighed softly in his heart.
She will probably never understand that these actions, which may seem insignificant to her, are the most luxurious warmth in the world to him.
Princess Zhaohua's favor was already a source of jealousy, and if anyone were to see her showing him extra care, it would surely invite groundless speculation. Yet, she seemed completely unconcerned and continued to do as she pleased.
At the same time, in the Yaoguang Palace, Wen Qianning was leaning on the beauty couch and waving a round fan, while Zhuyue was fanning her.
"Your Highness, the ice you ordered has been delivered to Master Ji." Zhui Yunfa brought a plate of fresh bayberries and teased with a smile, "You are so kind to Master Ji. I am very envious of you."
Wen Qianning glared at her, her small, delicate face slightly reddened. "How could this princess be kind to him? I was just...rewarding him because he came from Dayan."
"Yes, yes, your highness is absolutely right." Zhuiyun nodded as if he understood, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up.
Feeling she had seen through him, Wen Qianning dropped her fan with a snap and said angrily, "Hate you, Zhuiyun, stop talking nonsense. Look at Zhuyue, she's never made the same joke about me and Ji Hanlin as you have."
Zhuyue, who was called out, just smiled and said nothing.
Zhuiyun saw through it but didn't say anything, so how could the attendants not understand? Her Royal Highness was just saying one thing and thinking another. If it was really just a courtesy, why would she personally inquire about everything Ji Hanlin did?
However...their princess is so charming, I'm afraid there are many people who like her. A few days later, a visiting card arrived from the Prime Minister's Mansion.
The invitation said that there would be an elegant gathering at the Prime Minister's Mansion, and the princess was invited to come and watch a play and listen to music, and to visit the garden with the other female relatives.
The handwriting is neat, the manners are perfect, and there is an undisguised courtesy in the words.
Zhuyue opened the invitation and read the contents carefully. Then she whispered to Wen Qianning, "The invitation from the Prime Minister's Mansion... Princess, will you accept the invitation?"
"No." Wen Qianning was very lazy, and she was not very familiar with the people in the Prime Minister's Mansion, so she refused without hesitation.
Zhuiyun was more thoughtful, his eyes rolled around, and he said hesitantly, "The Xie family...I'm afraid they want to match Master Xie with Her Royal Highness the Princess."
It is rumored that countless young ladies in the capital are deeply attracted to Xie Yunji, but Xie Yunji only wants to be close to them, the princesses.
As they talked, they both looked at Wen Qianning who was unfolding the letter. They saw that she still looked indifferent after reading it. She flipped her fingers and put the visiting card on the table.
"In a few days, Concubine Zheng will hold a banquet in the palace. She has already invited the best opera troupe to perform in the palace. Why would this princess go to the Prime Minister's Mansion?"
She said it lightly, and Zhuiyun laughed secretly in his heart. Even if the princess and Master Xie were a perfect match, His Highness didn't take Master Xie seriously at all.
Or perhaps it could be said that His Highness has already been cared for by someone, so naturally he has no interest in others.
"Alright, I'm going to take Mimi to the Imperial Garden later." Wen Qianning stood up and glanced at the invitation on the table. "Please reject the invitation from the Prime Minister's Mansion for me."
In midsummer, the scenery of the Imperial Garden becomes more and more beautiful, and the flowers on both sides of the path are in full bloom.
Wen Qianning carried Mimi to the imperial garden. The naughty kitten did not run around today, but nestled quietly in the girl's arms.
As she stepped into the imperial garden, butterflies fluttered up and landed among the flowers, making the girl's bright eyes shine, like a person in a painting.
There was a swing hanging under the flower stand. Wen Qianning's eyes lit up and she immediately felt like playing. She handed Mimi to Zhuyue and patted the cat's head soothingly: "Good girl Mimi, I'm going to play on the swing for a while. You just follow Sister Zhuyue obediently."
The kitten purred twice in response and curled up obediently.
After walking to the swing, Wen Qianning grabbed the rope and slowly sat down.
"Your Highness."
A clear voice suddenly sounded from behind.
Zhuyue and Zhuiyun were both startled and quickly turned around to salute: "Thank you, sir."
Xie Yunji walked quickly forward, his eyes fell on Wen Qianning on the swing, and he smiled slightly.
"It's such a coincidence that Your Highness the Princess is here to cool off." He bowed politely, a gentle smile on his face, his eyes never leaving Wen Qianning.
"Why is Master Xie also coming to the Imperial Garden?"
Wen Qianning was a little surprised that Xie Yunji would appear here. After all, the Imperial Garden was still the harem, and he shouldn't appear in the harem at this time.
"It just so happened that my father went to the palace to discuss matters with His Majesty, and I came along too. I didn't expect to meet Sister Zhaohua here." Xie Yunji answered with a smile, his eyes slightly narrowed, as if with deep meaning.
In fact, he had deliberately inquired about Wen Qianning's whereabouts and deliberately created an encounter.
How could such a coincidence happen? Zhuiyun and Zhuyue knew the truth, but they didn't say much and just stood by quietly.
Xie Yunji turned his gaze to the swing again and suggested, "It's so boring for Sister Zhaohua to swing by herself. Why don't I push it for her? Maybe it will be more fun."
Before she could refuse, Xie Yunji had already walked behind her, reached out and grabbed the rope, and pushed hard. The swing swung with his movement, causing Wen Qianning's skirt and hair to flutter.
"Hey, you don't have to--" Wen Qianning was about to speak, but Xie Yunji increased his strength again.
The swing swung higher, Wen Qianning's heart skipped a beat, and he grabbed the rope tightly, feeling a little scared.
"Xie Yunji!" She screamed, shouting urgently, "Stop, stop now!"
However, Xie Yunji misunderstood her meaning, thinking that she was just embarrassed to let him push her on the swing. He raised a smile and said confidently, "Don't be afraid, Sister Zhaohua."
The swing rushed high into the sky again, and the shadows of flowers around it passed by quickly. Wen Qianning's face turned pale and he closed his eyes nervously.
In the distance, a pair of eyes were watching this scene coldly.
Ji Hanlin, who was standing on the other side of the imperial garden, had a cold look in his eyes at this moment, as if he could stare a hole through Xie Yunji.
He hates Xie Yunji.
The Xie family repeatedly showed goodwill to Princess Zhaohua. Xie Yunji, despite his gentle smile, was actually a hypocritical person whom he detested. Furthermore, Xie Yunji had other ulterior motives in wanting to get close to Wen Qianning.
At this moment, she was clearly frightened on the swing, but the man didn't notice. Ji Hanlin couldn't bear it anymore.
“Stop!”
Hearing the sound, the swing suddenly stopped. Xie Yunji was stunned and looked back in the direction of the sound.
On the other side, the young man had frosty eyes, tightly pursed thin lips, and a cold look between his brows.
"Her Royal Highness just said to stop, didn't you hear me?"
Wen Qianning had not yet recovered from her shock. After hearing the familiar voice, she looked up at the figure and pouted her lips in grievance.
Xie Yunji's face froze for a moment, and after a long moment, he managed a forced smile, saying, "I'm sorry, sister Zhaohua. I wasn't thinking straight and disturbed you."
He withdrew his hand, bowed and took a step back, with a barely perceptible gloom flashing in his eyes.
Wen Qianning took a deep breath, trying her best to maintain her princess demeanor and not get angry, and gave Zhuiyun a subtle look.
Zhui Yun, having regained his composure, understood immediately and stepped forward, speaking in a perfectly timed voice, "Thank you, Young Master. The Imperial Kitchen's head chef just came to report that they've made some new summer snacks. Since you're visiting the palace today, why not come over and try some? The small kitchen is not far away. Let me take you there."
Xie Yunji was stunned, and obviously he noticed something. The smile froze at the corner of his lips, and he could only nod awkwardly.
"In that case, I will not disturb Sister Zhaohua's peace and quiet. Sorry for bothering her."
Zhuiyun and his figure gradually disappeared in the path. Wen Qianning slowly loosened the rope, glanced at Ji Hanlin quickly, then lowered his head and hummed softly.
"Ningning."
The young man's low voice came from her ear. Ji Hanlin had already walked in front of her, reached out to hold her wrist, and gently helped the girl up from the swing.
Wen Qianning's face turned slightly red and she struggled for a bit, but he held her waist firmly, as if he was afraid that she would make another mistake.
"How are you?"
He stared deeply into her eyes, the coldness in them gradually fading away, leaving only concern.
"It's okay..." The girl bit her lip and now she has calmed down.
"Then let's go back."
Ji Hanlin reached out and took Mimi from Zhuyue's arms.
It's strange to say, this cat's temperament is the same as its owner's. It has always been willful and capricious. Except for Wen Qianning and Zhuiyun Zhuyue, no one else can hold it or touch it without being scratched.
But when Ji Hanlin was in his arms, it was very obedient and didn't make any noise or make any noise.
The snow-white hair looked even purer between the boy's sleeves. His amber eyes were half-closed lazily, as if he was enjoying this peace.
Wen Qianning stared at the scene in front of him, feeling a little unhappy. Even the usually rebellious Mimi was willing to get close to him.
"Hmph, as expected..." she muttered softly, "Stinky cats are just lecherous."
"What?" Ji Hanlin heard the voice and turned to look at her.
Wen Qianning's eyes flickered, and she turned away, pretending nothing had happened: "Nothing."
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