Jiang Shuwan gave a forced smile. The snowdrift was just yesterday's old snow piled up haphazardly, without any shape or resemblance to anything.
When she said it was like a dog, she was actually implying that Pei Yanzhi was inhuman and deliberately kept her from going back to her room late at night.
If she couldn't tell now that Pei Yanzhi was deliberately slowing her down, she would be incredibly tactless.
“Husband, shall I carry the lantern?” she suggested deliberately.
"No, it's my turn to take care of you."
As expected, he refused outright.
only……
Where did you take care of me...?
You walk as slowly as a tortoise; anyone who didn't know better would think I'd offended you.
The three of them continued walking forward. Pei Yanzhi was still walking slowly. The Marquis's mansion was very large, and Jiang Shuwan was getting sleepy as they walked.
She walked slowly, and drowsiness gradually crept over her. Just as she was becoming somewhat drowsy, a gust of cold wind, as sharp as a sword, suddenly swept in. The cold wind, mixed with snowflakes and chill, pierced directly through her clothes, mercilessly pulling her back from her slumber.
Jiang Shuwan jolted awake instantly, her previously hazy consciousness snapping back to reality, and goosebumps rose on her arms from the cold air.
The next second, the cold wind was blocked by the people in front.
A cold wind howled, blowing up the boy's layers of robes, the fluttering hem rolling in beautiful arcs in the pale moonlight.
Bathed in moonlight, he looked as if he were about to fly away.
My pupils contracted, and my heart suddenly skipped a beat, like a drumbeat.
Before Jiang Shuwan could think it through, Pei Yanzhi quickened his pace.
"It's getting windy, let's hurry up."
"..."
I've always walked very fast; you're the one who's slow.
She silently complained to herself, but didn't say anything on the surface.
Time slipped away little by little. The two walked one after the other, with Qingxing following behind Jiang Shuwan. The three of them walked along the cobblestone path, their footsteps sounding particularly clear in the quiet night.
The withered grass and trees by the roadside cast strange shadows under the light of the palace lanterns.
Pei Yanzhi's shadow was also stretched long by the moonlight. Jiang Shuwan fell behind him, stepping on his shadow with every step, and he blocked out all the wind.
Taking a stroll at night with lanterns was quite interesting, even though it was a little chilly.
Thinking about it, Jiang Shuwan wasn't in a hurry to go back. Anyway, the wind wouldn't blow on her, and she still had a hand warmer in her hand.
She walked slowly, glancing at the people in front of her now and then, asking Qingxing behind her if she was cold. Occasionally, the maids and old women passing by would bow to them from afar, not daring to come closer.
And so, her journey became much more leisurely and enjoyable than before.
However, this road, which is neither too long nor too short, eventually comes to an end.
At the end of the path.
Just around the corner was Jiang Shuwan's courtyard. Granny Tao and her wet nurse were looking out at the gate because she hadn't returned so late.
Turning back, Jiang Shuwan looked at Pei Yanzhi and said softly, "Thank you."
The other party remained silent, only nodding slightly.
Jiang Shuwan took a step to leave, but was stopped by Pei Yanzhi.
"What's up?"
She turned back in confusion, but he shook his head and didn't say anything. He just watched Jiang Shuwan enter the courtyard and walk inside surrounded by maids and servants.
"Miss, the young master is still standing outside."
Suddenly Qingxing spoke, and Jiang Shuwan subconsciously turned around and saw Pei Yanzhi still standing at the courtyard gate, holding a paper palace lantern with several delicate magnolias painted on it.
The last time he waited for the old lady outside her house, he was carrying this palace lantern.
She was also waiting at the gate of the mansion for Pei Yanzhi, who was returning from Lotus Manor, and he was carrying this same lantern.
The design of the palace lantern is common and nothing new. What's special is the magnolia flower on it. The petals are delicate and smooth, with slightly curled edges and flowing lines, making it very lively.
The flowers, some graceful and some reserved, each possess a unique charm, with delicate beauty and lifelike appearance, as if they had just gently fallen from the branches of spring and been captured by the paintbrush in this small world.
The colors are just right: delicate pink and pure white, with a lively interplay of pink and white, making it extremely captivating.
Jiang Shuwan was captivated the first time she saw this palace lantern.
She later found out that Pei Yanzhi had made it by hand, and the magnolia flowers were also painted by him. Since they couldn't be bought anywhere else, she gave up.
And now, she sees the lamp again, and the lamp's owner is standing at the gate of the courtyard.
The boy stood silently, looking in her direction.
Separated by a courtyard gate, the moonlight was not very bright. She looked at him, as if there was a layer of mist between them. She could not see the meaning in his eyes, and the expression on his face was also dark and deep, making it difficult to understand.
In the darkness, all that could be seen was the hem of the boy's robe fluttering wildly in the cold wind, grand and beautiful.
However, the wind only ruffled his robes. He stood quietly, like a jade tree, with the demeanor of a gentleman, impartial and upright.
A gentleman's appearance, a devil's heart—she had witnessed his devilish heart once in her past life, and who knew when she would see it again this time… or how many times…
"Miss, does the young master have something he wants to say to you?"
Qingxing guessed.
Jiang Shuwan paused for a moment, just as she was about to say that she thought so too, when Granny Fang, who was guarding the gate, rushed in, carrying the palace lantern that Pei Yanzhi was holding.
"Young mistress, the young master said you like this palace lantern, and he specially asked me to bring it in for you," Granny Fang said respectfully.
"A gift from the Crown Prince?"
"Didn't the Crown Prince make this himself?"
"I heard that the young lady next door has asked the young master for it several times, but he hasn't given it to her..."
The maids and servants in the room were all amazed and circled around the palace lantern. Jiang Shuwan also took the lantern and examined it closely. When she got closer, she saw that the magnolias on it were pink and white, crystal clear and even more beautiful.
It's a bit of a waste to use such a beautiful painting to cover a lamp.
Thinking of this, she subconsciously looked towards the courtyard gate, and in the blink of an eye, there was no one outside.
The place was deserted except for the howling wind that whipped up countless snowflakes.
It looks like it will be even colder tomorrow.
"It's snowing, close the windows."
Jiang Shuwan sighed softly. The girl carried the lantern into the room, and Xiao Tao brought hot water for Jiang Shuwan to soak her feet.
Even in the depths of winter, she would soak her feet in warm water before going to sleep, even if it was just a heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed).
Qingxing was preparing jewelry and clothes for her to wear to the banquet the next day.
The banquet hosted by Princess Nan'an was naturally not to be taken lightly, especially since the little maid had heard from Pei Shushu that Princess Nan'an had been infatuated with Pei Yanzhi.
She was certain that this was a trap, and Jiang Shuwan couldn't refuse. She had to attend in full regalia, and if she showed weakness, she would only be looked down upon and suppressed by the other party.
"Miss, what do you think of this outfit? It's made of Shu brocade, with exquisite embroidery, but it's not fully embroidered. It's dignified and serene without being too extravagant. And this royal blue long dress is also elegant and graceful..."
With hot water soaking under her feet and a palace lantern twirling in her hand, Jiang Shuwan paid little attention to her attire, simply picking out a casual piece of clothing.
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