Chapter 16: The boat trip turns into a sinking lake, Yin Xing asks for help, Xuan Yi...
"Why isn't this boat moving?" Yin Xing paddled the boat patiently, looking around cautiously before realizing something was wrong.
The water gurgled, ripples spread, and the small boat spun in place. Forget about catching up with the big ship, it seemed to be getting further and further away?!
However, Yin Xing looked into the cabin with beautiful lacquer paintings and vaguely saw a beautiful figure, who vaguely resembled Xuan Yizheng.
It turned out that Xuan Yizheng came here for a boat tour today as scheduled, so I missed it.
At this time, another figure entered the boat. Yin Xing wanted to see the person clearly, but his vision was blurred by the curtain. Instead, it looked more like the two of them were having a vague and obscure secret meeting, which made people feel puzzled and puzzled!
Inside the cabin, Xuan Yizhen raised his hand to lower the gauze curtain, then turned his head slightly. His gaze shifted from the wisps of incense wafting from the table to the woman approaching and sitting down. He spoke slowly, "Miss Xiahou, you are so brave."
Xiahou Qing's eyes cast boldly and directly upon the beautiful and splendid face of Princess Zhanghua. He raised his hand to pour wine and said with a bright smile, "Princess, please do not be surprised. My brother Xiahou Shao has never been fond of women, but this time he has been bewitched and secretly interacted with her. Therefore, I was truly curious and thought of inviting you to see this beautiful woman."
"In that case, today's invitation ends here. Miss Xiahou, it's best not to do this again."
"Tsk tsk, the princess's cold reaction doesn't seem to favor Brother Xiahou Shao, so she must have other intentions."
Xuan Yizhen looked indifferently at Xiahou Qing, who was full of teasing and joking. He said in a clear and calm voice, "The Xiahou family often has intermarriages with the other two great families. I guess you are unwilling to be forced into a family marriage, and even more unwilling to see Xiahou Shao form an alliance with the royal family to consolidate the power of the heir. That's why today's farce has happened, right?"
After he finished speaking, Xiahou Qing stopped pouring his wine, his smug expression vanishing. His gaze returned to the beautiful face before him, and he suddenly found it even more interesting. He threatened, "I've heard that the Queen's only daughter has always been as quiet and secluded as a hermit crane, but now it seems she has many eyes and ears, and her mind is not simple."
In negotiation and manipulation, whoever reveals his cards first will be manipulated and ultimately defeated.
Everyone in the world is afraid of the Wanqi family, even the royal family. That's why the Wanqi family has been the leader for hundreds of years and no one has ever dared to challenge them. It's really curious.
Xuan Yizhen tilted his head slightly, his already delicate features becoming even sharper from the side profile. He cast a distant gaze, as if casually admiring the lake scenery outside the boat, and said casually, "Miss Xiahou, you think too highly of yourself. You are truly foolish and boring. Someone, please show me around."
Xia Houqing, who had been secretly admiring her beauty, suddenly changed his expression. He had never been treated so contemptuously and ignored before. He said in a slightly annoyed tone, "Princess, this is the boat I spent a lot of money on!"
"Is that so? But from the moment I boarded this ship, it no longer belongs to you." Xuan Yizheng turned his head slowly, his clear and bright eyes were quiet and cold, his expression had not changed much as before, but his whole body revealed a sharp edge, like a cold knife hidden in the misty rain, making it impossible to guard against.
Xiahou Qing was stunned and didn't dare to say a word. Endless fear surged from the bottom of his heart. He subconsciously wanted to get up, but his legs suddenly went weak and he fell to the ground. Only then did he realize that he couldn't move. He looked at the incense, full of disbelief.
Perhaps Princess Zhang Hua had already known that she was the one who pretended to be Xiahou Shao to invite him today, and that this was a game within a game.
Xuan Yizhen, who had been sitting quietly, stood up calmly. Xiahou Qing then discovered that her figure was much taller and slenderer than that of an ordinary woman. Her apricot-white skirt with silver patterns swayed like waves, sparkling brightly. She was as cold and noble as the moon in the sky, with an arrogant and frosty chill that made people tremble.
"Princess, are you going to kill me?" Xiahou Qing looked at Princess Zhang Hua who was looking down at him, his eyes moving across her cold face and the quiet dark eyes. He spoke with a tight throat, cold sweat oozing down his cheeks. He no longer had the arrogance and rudeness he had before, only sincere awe.
"I have no interest in seeing blood today, but if you can control the Xiahou family, there will be no point in meeting Xiahou Shao. However, I only give you this chance. If you cross the line again, I will never let you off easily." Xuan Yizheng lowered his eyes slightly and looked down at Xiahou Qing. There was nothing in his beautiful eyes. He took a light step and spoke in a clear and soft voice.
Xiahou Qing's heart pounded as he stared at Princess Zhang Hua, who looked down on everything with an icy disdain. He replied, "Understood, understood."
At that moment, Xiahou Qing thought that Princess Zhang Hua would break his neck, but she just walked past him without mercy, leaving only the hem of her gauze skirt brushing against his cheek, caressing him with the faint fragrance of licorice, which was fleeting, making people feel palpitating and a little lost.
It's no wonder that Xiahou Shao would be attracted to Princess Zhang Hua, who is so beautiful, intelligent, mysterious and dangerous. I'm afraid no one would not admire her.
"Come here, take Miss Xiahou off the boat to rest, and go buy her some clean clothes."
"yes."
Soon, Xiahou Qing was taken away, and the cabin returned to silence and quiet. The tea table and incense had been replaced, the gauze swayed slightly, and light and darkness alternated.
Xuan Yizhen sat alone in silence, letting the fleeting passage of time drift through his eyes, dissipating into thin air. His gaze fixed on a small boat in the center of the lake that seemed to be taking on water. He murmured with interest, "It looks like the stupid fish might be sinking."
Meanwhile, Yin Xing, frantically scooping water with his hands to save himself, his clothes soaked and his body in disarray, muttered, "Damn black-hearted boatman! How could they rent out such a junky boat?"
Earlier, Yin Xing was busy chasing Xuan Yizheng's ship and didn't notice the leak at all.
It was not until Yin Xing found that his feet were cool and moist that he discovered that water had entered the boat.
Yin Xing was scrambling to save his boat. He finally managed to block one side, but water came out of the small hole on the other side, gurgling like a spring!
Yin Xing immediately blocked the small hole with his other hand. Seeing that the water flow slowed down, the situation improved.
However, Yin Xing lay motionless on the boat, his face flushed as if he was doing push-ups.
But the lake water still slowly rose to his eyes, and Yin Xing discovered that there were many gaps!
"Help, help!" Yin Xing shouted for help with all his might.
Before he finished speaking, a rope dropped in front of him. Yin Xing grabbed it, looked up with joy, and saw a tall and cold figure standing on the deck of the ship with a frozen expression. Suddenly, he felt that sinking into the lake would not be a bad idea.
It's really not a good thing that Xuan Yizheng witnessed such an embarrassing thing.
Xuan Yizhen lowered his eyes to look at the stunned Yin Xing, and called out as if he didn't know what was going on, "Why are you here boating when you're not working at the Dali Temple?"
Yin Xing was too embarrassed to admit that he was following her, so he hesitantly explained, "Yizhen, today is a day off. I couldn't find you when I went to the other courtyard earlier."
As for why they came to the lake, Yin Xing didn't dare to respond and had to change the subject.
"So that's how it is. That's really unfortunate." Xuan Yizheng responded slowly, his tone soft and gentle, as if filled with regret, but his gaze fell coldly on Yin Xing, whose loose robe was floating because of the water. It was obvious that her boat was about to sink to the bottom of the lake.
"It doesn't matter. We have the chance to meet now!" Yin Xing responded with an optimistic smile.
Seeing this, Xuan Yizhen remained silent. His eyes fell on Yin Xing, who was struggling to hold the rope. He suddenly gave up the thought of teasing her. He pursed his lips and said in a deep voice, "Come on, get closer to the boat."
Not long after, Yin Xing looked at the boat sinking into the lake, and reached out to climb up the hanging ladder, following the familiar process.
After all, this is how Yin Xing was rescued from the water when he was ambushed and fell into the river.
The sound of water dripping was loud, and his clothes became heavy from being soaked by the water, making his feet creak as he walked. Yin Xing looked at his own disheveled appearance and glanced at the graceful Xuan Yizhen with embarrassment. He raised his hand and wiped the water droplets from his cheek. He said apologetically, "Yizhen, will it disturb you and others if I come on board like this?"
Xuan Yizhen paused slightly, looking meaningfully at Yin Xing's delicate eyebrows, which were dripping with water, as if she were in tears. He raised his hand and handed her the handkerchief, saying slowly, "Are you spying on me?"
"No, I just heard Yizhen was boating with someone by the lake, that's why I know about it." Yin Xing took the handkerchief and paused in wiping his cheek, shaking his head almost like a rattle, and hurriedly explained.
"Is that so? That person has already left. You can go in and change your clothes." Xuan Yizheng glanced at Yin Xing's expression and said lightly.
When Yin Xing heard this, he was a little surprised. The big ship was still in the middle of the lake. Could it be that Master Xiahou jumped off the boat and swam away?
This guy's physical fitness is too strong!
The two entered the cabin one after the other. It was a little dim inside, but much cooler. Yin Xing was busy holding clean clothes to change, and didn't pay attention to where the new clothes came from.
Not long after, Yin Xing hung up his shoes and socks to dry, and came out barefoot in wooden clogs. He saw Xuan Yizheng sitting beside him, with a graceful demeanor, his golden hairband fluttering slightly in the wind. The light reflected from the lakeside fell on his body, making him look like a golden jade Buddha.
Xuan Yizhen looked up at Yin Xing, who was motionless and in a daze, and asked in confusion, "Why don't you come over?"
"Oh." Yin Xing quickly gathered his thoughts and walked over to sit down, subconsciously avoiding looking at Xuan Yizheng to avoid being infatuated with him.
The words fell in silence, and there was a sense of coldness and awkwardness.
"How do you feel about working in the Dali Temple these days?" Xuan Yizheng's eyes fell on Yin Xing's body, finally stopping at her pink and white feet and asked.
I was so busy preparing clothes that I forgot about shoes and socks.
"It's great. Every day is very fulfilling." Yin Xing was a little thirsty and took the tea to drink, only to find that it was ginger tea for dispelling cold.
Xuan Yizhen frowned slightly, looking at the lying Yin Xing, his eyes darkened slightly, and said, "Really? It seems you are quite enjoying it."
According to the secret letter received, Yin Xing was ignored for half a day on her first day in office, and the officials of the Dali Temple basically did not interact with her.
It seems that his rejection and contempt for Yin Xing has reached the point where he has not concealed it at all.
After all, those who were awarded the golden signature by the prince consort or princess usually went to the Imperial College or the Shanglinyuan to take up wealthy and idle positions. There had been no precedent for them directly entering the Six Ministries to serve as fourth-rank officials.
It can be seen that some people want to make Yin Xing the target of public criticism, which is like adding fuel to the fire. This is obviously a blatant provocation to Xuan Yizheng.
Yin Xing didn't want to worry Xuan Yizhen, so he didn't mention anything bad. He just said, "Yizhen, I'm doing an errand at the Dali Temple recently."
"What errand do you mean?"
"Chang Shaoqing and Wu Sicheng from the Dali Temple asked me to be responsible for the investigative report on the fireworks accident on the Third Princess's boat."
After he finished speaking, Xuan Yizhen paused with his hand that was originally holding the teacup. His expression froze slightly as he looked at Yin Xing, who was open and sincere. He spoke calmly, "Why would they let you handle a case like this?"
There was not a single rumor about this incident. They really went to great lengths to conceal it.
Yin Xing finished his ginger tea and answered truthfully, "Chang Shaoqing said this case is simple and easier to investigate. It will also allow me to understand the paperwork process used by Dali Temple officials to close cases."
Xuan Yizheng said nothing, lowered his eyes slightly and looked at the tea, his face gradually becoming blurred.
"By the way, is Yizhen going to the invitation of the young master of the Xiahou family today?" Yin Xing asked with curiosity.
"I guess so." Xuan Yizheng blinked her beautiful eyes, came back to her senses and responded, drinking her tea and waiting for her test.
Seeing this, Yin Xing couldn't quite tell what Xuan Yizhen was thinking, and felt even more anxious, muttering, "I thought Yizhen didn't like going out to play."
After all, Yin Xing had heard many rumors about Princess Zhang Hua since he entered the capital, one of which was that she lived in seclusion and did not like to see people.
But Xuan Yizheng is so gentle and beautiful, there will definitely be many people who like to interact with her.
"Did Yizhen have a good time chatting with him?"
"generally."
After saying this, Xuan Yizhen put down his teacup, looked at Yin Xing, raised his hand and said, "You are appointed as the Minister of Dali Temple, so you should have an official seal. Do you have it with you?"
Without giving it much thought, Yin Xing took out a small seal from his pouch, held it out to him, and said with a smile, "Yizhen, I used to think that official seals were all very large."
"Seals are usually larger for higher-ranking officials, but no matter how big they are, they are no bigger than the imperial seal."
"That's true."
After he finished speaking, Yin Xing looked at Xuan Yizhen as he put his official seal aside and asked in confusion, "Yizhen, what are you doing?"
Xuan Yizhen met Yin Xing's clear eyes, which shone brighter than the shimmering lake, and said calmly, "The official seal is the foundation of an official's identity. If it is lost, it would be a serious crime. So I'm keeping it for you. What's wrong with that?"
Seeing this, Yin Xing was deeply moved, his eyes were filled with sadness, and he felt that he was too narrow-minded!
"I'm really sorry, I thought you didn't want to play with me, so you went out to play with others."
"Um."
Xuan Yizheng looked at Yin Xing's bright and moist eyes, which looked like a flowing spring. She was clearly telling the truth, but she apologized instead. He really didn't understand why. He raised his hand and gently touched the wet corner of her eyes. Seeing that she closed her eyes obediently, her thick eyelashes trembled slightly under his fingertips, and he suddenly hesitated.
If someone else became the chess piece in the game, Xuan Yizheng would only be interested and even add fuel to the fire.
But Yin Xing is so stupid that she will die if she is not careful.
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