The royal villa, Langhuan Pavilion.
It was early autumn, and the courtyard was deep and secluded.
The sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms mingles with the cool autumn breeze.
The leaves of the tall sycamore trees have been tinged with gold, shimmering like scattered gold in the afternoon sun.
The pavilions and towers are arranged in a well-organized manner, with vermilion-lacquered pillars, blue stone paths, artificial hills, and flowing water.
However, this tranquility and elegance were shrouded in an omnipresent sense of desolation:
The Imperial Guards, clad in black armor and with long swords at their waists, stood at every key corner, their eyes scanning the surroundings like hawks from time to time.
Deputy Commander Meng Jian personally oversaw operations near the moon gate of the main courtyard.
He was not wearing full armor, but only light chainmail.
Wearing a black, tight-fitting outfit in the style of the Imperial Guard, he appeared even more imposing with broad shoulders and a narrow waist.
One hand rested on the hilt of the knife at his waist, while the other casually rested on the stone lantern beside him.
He appeared casual, but his gaze was calm as he looked into the depths of the courtyard, radiating a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay.
After lunch, Princess Xiao Yunshuo of Shuofeng walked gracefully out of the main house.
After the audience, she changed into a moon-white brocade dress, with a light blue embroidered lotus-patterned gauze over it.
Her hair was loosely tied up with a single plain jade hairpin, restoring her previous elegant appearance.
His gaze swept across the courtyard, finally settling on Meng Jian, and he approached with unhurried steps.
"Commander Meng."
Upon hearing this, Meng Jian turned slightly to the side, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, his movements precise yet revealing a hint of aloofness: "Princess Xiao."
Xiao Yunshuo seemed oblivious, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at the other person with a frank expression.
"The autumn scenery of Fengjing is delightful. I have long heard of the prosperity of the capital and I yearn to go there."
"Would it be possible for the Commander to arrange for Yun Shuo to visit the villa?"
Meng Jian replied in a businesslike manner, "His Majesty has decreed that if Princess Xiao wishes to travel, she must be accompanied by an imperial heir to ensure her safety."
"I see." Xiao Yunshuo nodded knowingly, her smile remaining gentle.
"Then Commander Lao Meng, please convey my request to which prince would like to spare some time to accompany you?"
"yes."
Meng Jian agreed readily.
However, it seemed as if its feet were rooted to the ground, standing firmly in place, without moving an inch.
A brief silence fell over the courtyard, broken only by the rustling of the wind through the treetops, which added to the tranquility.
Xiao Yunshuo stared quietly at Meng Jian, who looked back at him calmly.
Meng Jian's task was merely to act as a guard.
This second princess held only a sinecure position in the Shuofeng Dynasty, managing the Yunhui Pavilion, and had little real power.
As for his influence in the literary world, what does that have to do with a military man like him?
Her personal qualities, her motives, and even the overall attitude of the Shuofeng Dynasty were all irrelevant to Meng Jian.
From any perspective, what happens to Xiao Yunshuo is unimportant; what matters is that she doesn't die.
Meng Jian had absolutely no interest in serving someone who was so troublesome, mentally and physically exhausted, and risky as to go out for a stroll.
Unless His Majesty summons you, just stay quietly in the separate courtyard.
So Meng Jian was very agreeable and readily agreed, but he just didn't do anything about it.
Xiao Yunshuo sighed almost inaudibly, a helpless smile on his face, a hint of understanding flashing in the depths of his eyes.
"Commander Meng... you really have no sense of romance."
Her tone was gentle, a mixture of reproach and sigh, carrying a touch of the unique, melodious charm of the North.
Upon hearing this, Meng Jian focused his attention inward, like an old monk in deep meditation.
His handsome, angular face remained completely still, as if he hadn't heard the probing and reproachful words at all.
If she doesn't want to talk, then she doesn't have to; it's like nobody wants to bother with her.
Just then, a clear and cheerful sound, like pearls falling onto a plate, pierced the silence of the courtyard.
"Where's Xiao Yunshuo? Come out, come out! Let's go shopping in this beautiful autumn weather."
Before long, a slender figure rushed into the moon gate.
The afternoon sun was shining brightly, pouring down from behind her and gilding her with a dazzling golden edge.
Backlit, the flowing skirt and the outline of her jet-black hair are clearly visible, like an elf emerging from a halo of light.
Once she stepped completely into the shadows of the courtyard, her face became clear; it was none other than the Sixth Princess, Qin Zhaoyue.
Her eyebrows were curved, and her smile was as bright as a blooming begonia in autumn.
He exuded a cheerful aura of "I am in a very good mood," which was completely out of place in this heavily guarded courtyard.
The moment he caught sight of Qin Zhaoyue, a faint glimmer of light seemed to flash in Meng Jian's deep, pool-like eyes.
Like a stone thrown in, creating ripples.
Her tightly pursed lips relaxed for a moment, and the taut lines of her jaw softened slightly.
Although the change was subtle, Xiao Yunshuo, who was standing close to him, keenly caught the fleeting change in an instant.
A slight thought stirred within her, but her face remained impassive, bearing a gentle and dignified smile.
Qin Zhaoyue did not come alone; she was accompanied by the Fourth Princess Qin Zhaoshu and the Fifth Prince Qin Jingzhan.
As for the Third Princess, she was unable to leave because she was in charge of the preliminary examination for the supplementary recruitment of women in the provincial examination.
Although it was a supplementary examination, it was no small matter when it came to the imperial examinations, and it was also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one's abilities in front of the Empress Dowager and the court officials.
With the two who came before her already being granted the title of Prince and not being in Fengjing, Qin Zhaowan was now full of energy.
The fourth princess, who was supposed to be her deputy, inexplicably followed along.
The three approached.
Qin Zhaoshu's expression was indifferent, as if he didn't care about anything.
Qin Jingzhan seemed somewhat absent-minded, his gaze casually sweeping over the scenery of the villa;
Only Qin Zhaoyue was like a walking little sun, radiating enthusiasm.
"How about it, want to go out for a walk?"
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