Chapter 488 Extra - Like a Breeze Pavilion
Shu Tong nearly dropped the teacup she was holding: "Who... did you say?"
"Ye Zhiyuan, the eldest son of the Minister's family."
Haitang said, "I heard he was handsome and refined, but unfortunately... he has already caused the deaths of two of his betrothed wives, one of whom was... Hey, my lady, where are you going?"
Shu Tong had already gotten up and was running quickly towards her bedchamber: "I'm going back to my bedchamber!"
"This servant will assist you in bathing and changing your clothes..."
"No need, you go ahead with your work, I'll do it myself today."
As Shu Tong spoke, she entered the bedroom and closed the door.
Haitang scratched her head in surprise, then sighed, "If it were me, I probably would also disagree. After all, the reputation of being a jinx to wives is quite frightening, especially since Princess Shuyun is a noblewoman."
Shu Tong naturally didn't hear it; she ran to the window and took in the two handkerchiefs that were drying in the sun.
If people found out that she actually had Ye Zhiyuan's handkerchief, she'd be in no position to explain herself.
Especially since this person is the future prince consort!
But in this era, accepting someone's handkerchief still seemed to have a certain meaning, as it was often interpreted as receiving a token of love.
The Crown Prince didn't care; she was, after all, his concubine.
But Ye Zhiyuan's debt must be returned.
She held the handkerchief under the lamp and examined it closely for a long time, but still couldn't see any difference between the two handkerchiefs.
They're exactly the same!
Fine, I'll just return one to anyone.
I doubt even he could tell the difference.
Having made up her mind, Shu Tong thought she should take some time to leave the mansion as soon as possible, not only to return the handkerchief but also to look for a part-time job at the etiquette shop.
Of course, at the same time, the calligraphy practice plan also needs to be accelerated.
Whether it's the flower arranging techniques Princess Shuyun wants or the planning proposals the etiquette shop needs later, they all need to be written down, and her scrawled calligraphy is clearly inappropriate.
Although I've been practicing for a while, it always seems to be lacking something.
Shu Tong felt that she lacked guidance from a renowned teacher.
After all, she always locked herself in her study and worked in isolation...
...
On the day the swing set was officially completed, Haitang fawned over Chen Shi and invited her to cut the ribbon. Chen Shi readily agreed and dragged Chen Ci over early in the morning.
When they arrived, Shu Tong was directing the palace servants to tie up the red silk cloth. She was still wearing a short purple shirt, her long hair was simply tied up, and she had a plain silver hairpin in her hair.
His silhouette was dashing and clean, exuding a particularly bold and unrestrained spirit.
Upon seeing the two enter, the palace servants hurriedly bowed. Shu Tong also turned her head leisurely. Her face was originally full of hearty smiles, but when she saw that Chen Ci had also arrived, her expression unconsciously stiffened.
Only then did he bow respectfully, his expression and demeanor naturally returning to a calm and reserved state.
Chen Ci was somewhat puzzled.
Is he a monster?
"Rise," he said loudly. "It was Ashi who insisted that I accompany her; I did not come uninvited."
Shu Tong's tone remained respectful: "It would be my great honor."
Chen Ci glanced at her clearly displeased face and chuckled softly, "That's good then. I will come here often from now on."
Shu Tong wanted to say "There's no need for that," but what came out were six words uttered through gritted teeth: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."
Chen Shi was too lazy to listen to their pleasantries. She quickly walked a few steps and directed the palace servants to hang up the red silk. Then she turned around and waved to Shu Tong: "Sister-in-law, come and cut the ribbon. I want to sit on your swing."
Shu Tong naturally wanted to go happily, but seeing the tall and elegant Crown Prince beside her, she still politely asked, "Would Your Highness like to go with Her Highness the Princess?"
She felt that the Crown Prince would definitely not agree, after all, his face was full of disgust when he looked at the swing set in front of him.
Unexpectedly, he took the scissors from her hand and strode over to stand next to Chen Shi.
Looking at her empty hands, Shu Tong began to not understand the Crown Prince's actions.
As the designer and builder of the swing, she could only watch helplessly as the prince and princess completed the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
I was initially heartbroken because I hadn't been a part of the most important part, but seeing the princess sitting excitedly on the swing made it all worthwhile.
Her swing set was inspired by some popular online designs. It features a sofa chair suspended from the swing, and she even sewed on soft sofa cushions, making it more comfortable than a regular swing.
Behind that was a small outdoor tent, about three meters square, shrouded in light gauze. Inside were a desk, writing brushes, ink, paper, and a vase of freshly arranged flowers from that morning.
Although she didn't know why the Crown Prince looked so disgusted, she herself was certainly very satisfied.
As she was admiring her masterpiece, the princess suddenly called out to her, "Sister-in-law, come and sit with me."
"I'm here." Shu Tong happily jogged over and sat down next to Chen Shi.
Chen Ci, who was standing diagonally behind the swing, then noticed the charming look in Shu Tong's eyes.
It seems that as long as she's not facing him, she can be vibrant and lively.
Whenever she's around him, she becomes incredibly respectful and cautious...
That's really strange.
Chen Shi and Shu Tong sat casually on the swing, swaying back and forth. The warm spring sunshine fell on them, and the fragrance of flowers from near and far filled the air.
These days are truly exceptionally pleasant.
A lyric came to Shu Tong's mind: "Free as the wind..."
The pleasant atmosphere was broken by Chen Shi's words: "Sister-in-law, every pavilion has an elegant name. I wonder what elegant name you have given this pavilion?"
Shu Tong paused for a moment: "Like the wind."
"A reunion?"
“No, it’s like the wind.” Shu Tong pointed to the empty air in front of her: “Like the wind, just like the wind.”
Chen Shi understood: "I really like this name... Sister-in-law, why don't you let your brother write the inscription for you? Then we can have the palace servants make it and hang up a plaque. This place will then be the proper Xiangfeng Pavilion."
Without even asking Shu Tong's permission, she turned to Chen Ci and said, "Brother, why don't you get some brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to inscribe a message for my sister-in-law's portrait pavilion?"
Chen Ci lifted his eyelids and glanced at her, then, noticing Shu Tong's still bewildered expression, nodded with amusement: "Okay."
Hey, if you don't make me happy, then none of us will be happy.
I cut the ribbons for your pavilion and I'll also inscribe some words on it.
You're trying to avoid me, but the more I try to infiltrate every corner of your life, the more I'll try to do so.
Then it becomes a habit, then a liking, and from liking it, it naturally turns into deep love.
In any case, he had noticed over this period of time that the more respectful he was to her, the more distant she became from him.
At this rate, he'll never be able to finish his mission in his lifetime.
The key to victory is to take things by surprise.
He strode to the table, where palace servants had already come over to grind ink for him.
After the ink was finished, he picked up the brush and was about to put pen to paper when Chen Shi suddenly spoke up again.
"Brother, since this is Sister-in-law's memorial pavilion, wouldn't it be more appropriate for you and Sister-in-law to inscribe the words together?"
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