Stargazing Tower
Zhao Jianxiao smiled and said, "Brother Wen, what was that just now?" He didn't finish his sentence, only saying half of it. Upon hearing this, Wen Youqing raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled slightly, saying, "The Wen family doesn't participate in factional struggles. Fifth Prince, do you not remember?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Jianxiao's expression changed, and he turned pale as he asked, "Then, Brother Wen, why did you come here?" Could it really be for that beauty? If this were said to others, it would be fine, but if it were said to him, he would definitely not believe it. He knew better than anyone what kind of people the Wen family were, after all, the one in the palace was a living example.
Upon hearing this, Wen Youqing smiled and said, "Your Highness, didn't you already guess that?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Jianxiao's face turned even paler, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He swallowed hard, thinking to himself, "It's over."
He originally thought that Wen Youqing's visit was to stand up for him and give him face, but he never expected that it was solely for a woman, a beautiful woman. What's worse, he had even harbored feelings for her in front of Wen Youqing.
He pondered for a moment before blurting out, "Young Master Wen, that wasn't what I meant to Miss Li just now." He then looked at Wen Youqing, who simply smiled faintly and asked, "What did Your Highness mean?"
As he spoke, he leaned closer and said in a voice that the two of them could hear, "Your Highness, you should really control your lower body in the future. Being driven by lust can easily make you confused."
Sweat dripped down Zhao Jianxiao's face, landing on the ground with a "plop." His heart pounded in the same rhythm, leaping into his throat before settling down hard. Wen Youqing's words served as a warning to him.
But he always felt that someone like Wen Youqing, with her scheming mind, deep thoughts, and sharp tongue, would never change or break the rules for a woman. The Wen family was powerful and cunning. In this chaotic situation, the Wen family must be waiting for the right moment to play a game of chess, making a move with the intention of winning and having no regrets.
Zhao Jianxiao stared blankly at the tree in front of him, his thoughts drifting. Wen Youqing smiled and gently patted Zhao Jianxiao's shoulder. Zhao Jianxiao quickly snapped out of his reverie and gave an awkward smile.
Wen Youqing withdrew her hand, walked around the person, took a step, turned around and left. As she passed the archway, a leaf fell and brushed against her shoulder. Wen Youqing raised her hand and gently brushed it away. She walked around the empty space for a while before the leaf fell to the ground.
The leaves are round, and from a distance, they look just like the big tree in the garden, swaying gently in the wind. Li Yin, who is in the garden, is looking up at the rustling tree, its shadows dappled on the ground, light and shadow overlapping, swaying gently.
Li Yin had only been waiting for a short while when a person rushed over in a hurry. Although her steps were swift and her clothes fluttered, her movements were impeccable and graceful.
Yu Shu hurried over to Li Yin's side, placed the clothes she was carrying on the table, and when she saw the wound on Li Yin's head that was no longer noticeable after being treated with medicine, she leaned closer to get a better look. She said, "Who is this blind fool who dares to bully a young lady? Is there anyone in the world more unruly than Dao Ping?"
She spoke quickly and urgently, her eyes revealing genuine concern. Li Yin's heart softened, and he gently patted Yu Shu's hand, saying, "I'm fine, just a minor injury."
Upon hearing this, Yu Shu grasped Li Yin's hand and said, "A minor injury? Miss, this is no minor injury. The Wen family is not someone that can be bullied by just anyone." Suddenly, she thought of something and whispered, "Was it Dao Ping who did it?"
Upon hearing this, Li Yin said, "I did it myself. It was all my arrangement. You don't need to worry about me knowing what I'm doing."
Yu Shu frowned slightly and muttered, "Miss, you've already hurt yourself, and you still call that knowing your limits?"
Li Yin raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. She gently patted Yu Shu's head and said, "There is a price to pay for hurting someone. If I want to hurt her, I must also pay a price. Every cause has an effect. If I want the effect, I must also sow the cause."
Yu Shu listened to Li Yin's roundabout way of speaking, and after sorting it out, she said, "Miss, Dao Ping has long been disliked by the Taoists here. Isn't that the reason?"
"This is the consequence, the consequence of her spoiled nature," she said, lowering her eyes to hide the complex expression in them. The cause of her relationship with Zhao Lianying could be traced back to just one sentence she uttered, but that one sentence resulted in the deaths of more than a hundred people.
Fingers curled into fists, nails seeping into flesh, leaving deep marks. Small crescent moons, tinged with red and stained with blood, seemed as if they would bleed through flesh if they were any deeper, like surging hatred covered by a thin shell, fragile and easily broken, as if the contents inside could burst forth at any moment.
The pain brought her to her senses, and Li Yin finally let go. Scattered sunlight filtered through the branches, falling quietly onto Li Yin, making her feel warm, like a silent comfort. She looked up and met Yu Shu's concerned eyes, and she smiled gently, "How could you be so easily fooled by me? I was just pretending to tease you."
Yu Shu remained silent and nodded. She had just noticed that Li Yin had clenched his fist, probably because he was thinking about something unpleasant. If something was unpleasant, it was best to let it fade away slowly. There was no need to mention it again or think about it anymore. Let it quietly slip away.
She took Li Yin's hand and, as if possessed, gently rubbed it, touching the crescent moons of her lower hand, which were of varying depths. She didn't say anything but said, "Your hands are so beautiful, they're perfect for sword practice and for writing. They're so precious, please don't hurt them."
Li Yin smiled and said, "Alright."
After Yu Shu finished speaking, she picked up the things on the table and said, "Young Master instructed that Miss should change her clothes and rest for a while."
Just as Li Yin was about to ask where to change clothes and rest, he saw Yu Shu carrying something in one hand and pushing open the door of the courtyard room with the other.
This is royal land. The Wen family also owns land here. It's probably a favor granted by a nobleman that they can stay here. If they don't frequently enter and leave the palace, they wouldn't need to use it. She followed them inside and asked, "Wen family, have you been frequently entering the palace these past few years?"
Yu Shu nodded and gently placed the items containing the clothes in her hand on the table carved from golden nanmu wood. On the table were also some jade trinkets. These items were highly ornamental and appreciated by those who played with them. Li Yin immediately thought of Wen Youqing.
She picked up a beautifully carved little walnut boat, tapped it twice with slight knuckles. Yu Shu watched Li Yin make the same gesture that Wen Youqing liked to do, and her eyes showed more admiration for Li Yin. Miss Li and her master are really alike. Thinking of this, she smiled softly.
Only after Li Yin put down the walnut boat did she say, "Miss, it's time to change your clothes." Li Yin let Yu Shu dress up. Originally, he said he was going to change her clothes, but Yu Shu felt that her clothes and hairstyle didn't match, so she put them up again.
Li Yin let Yu Shu take care of him, praising him from time to time, "You're so skillful." Yu Shu then worked even harder, carefully dressing Li Yin. It took her an hour to finish the outfit. Only when she saw that the sun outside was getting stronger did Yu Shu realize what was happening.
She said with a hint of apology, "Miss, it's almost time." Li Yin nodded and said, "I had no intention of resting anyway, so talking with you is quite relaxing."
Yu Shu combed the last strand of hair and handed over the bronze mirror. The person in the mirror had a face as beautiful as a lotus emerging from water, and her brows were both gentle and firm, as straight and pure as bamboo.
After Yu Shu finished packing, Li Yin got up and went out. A nanny was waiting at the door. The nanny was dressed in gorgeous clothes, with brocade and gold thread, and a pearl hairpin in her hair. She first looked Li Yin up and down, and then smiled and nodded with satisfaction, saying, "Miss Li, please."
His voice was strong and clear, his words carrying an air of authority without anger. He had a commanding presence and bright, intelligent eyes, suggesting he was a person of considerable status in the palace, most likely sent by a noble member of the Wen family in the palace.
Li Yin's suspicions became clear when the man sized him up: someone from the Wen family was in the palace, and held a high position, most likely a favorite of the emperor.
The old woman walked very slowly and deliberately. Yu Shu didn't dare to get angry. She only glanced at Li Yin and saw that Li Yin was not displeased at all before she looked away.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived. The first thing they saw was a tall building called the Star Gazing Hall, with gold-painted characters and a black plaque, displaying the dignity and arrogance unique to the royal family. They stepped over the threshold and entered the hall.
Inside the hall, the brickwork is made of jade, the curtains are adorned with pearls, and strings of beads intertwine. The tables are neatly arranged, and wisps of smoke rise from the ceiling. White gauze curtains sway gently, like clouds, quietly billowing and unfurling.
The old woman led Li Yin to the second floor, then personally showed him a seat and respectfully said, "Please." Only after Li Yin was seated did she turn and leave.
When Li Yin arrived, the floor was already occupied, leaving only three empty seats. What was originally a place where a few people chatted became so quiet that a pin drop could not be heard after the old woman arrived.
Upon seeing Li Yin, they were even more surprised; he seemed to look even better in light-colored clothes.
Zhao Lianying twisted the handkerchief tightly with her fingers. All the words that had been playing out in her mind were stuck in her throat. She couldn't be disrespectful in front of the nanny, but as a princess, she had no one to guide her here. Why did this person have to? Bitterness welled up in her heart as she gritted her teeth and stared at Li Yin's every move.
After Li Yin took his seat, he saw Zhao Lianying and simply smiled. Upon seeing this, Zhao Lianying tightened her grip on his hand.
"Dong—dong—" The rhythmic sound of bells and drums echoed around the Star Gazing Tower. Soon, palace servants carrying things slowly walked up.
Zhao Lianying sat on the high platform, watching the person beside Li Yin who was about to serve the dishes. After carefully placing the glass cups containing the food on the table, the person turned to leave and their eyes met Zhao Lianying's. The person nodded slightly, and Zhao Lianying smiled.
The real show is about to begin.
Li Yin, today I will surely ruin your reputation, kick you out of the Wen family, and make you leave, my Brother Wen.
Li Yin smelled a faint medicinal fragrance in his food, but it wasn't poison; on the contrary, it was an antidote. Li Yin raised an eyebrow slightly, wondering what was going on.
Zhao Lianying, what other tricks do you want to play?
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