Chapter 71 Meeting You heard you're going to be the prince consort?
The group at that table were clinking glasses and chatting animatedly. At Yu Man's table, Xue Han, with her keen ears, overheard their conversation. Her expression changed slightly, and she abruptly turned to look at Yu Man, her eyes filled with surprise and disbelief. Her lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to ask something but was afraid of being impolite.
But Yu Man remained calm and composed. He even slowly and deliberately picked up a piece of the glistening sweet and sour pork ribs from the plate in front of him, put it in his mouth, and savored it. Only then did he look up at Xue Han and say, "What are you staring at? Eat up. These ribs are cooked perfectly. They'll taste bad if they get cold."
"Master..." Xue Han couldn't help but whisper, her eyes full of worry.
Yu Man swallowed and smiled, "It's nothing, just some idle chatter. Let's eat first, the food's getting cold." She even put another piece of stir-fried vegetables on Xue Han's plate, "Try this."
Seeing her like this, Xue Han felt a little relieved. She silently picked up her chopsticks and ate without tasting anything.
Finally, the meal was over. As they went downstairs, Xue Han tried to change the subject. She looked at the shop signs lining the street and asked, "Master, where shall we stay tonight? Do you know any inns? I've heard that some old-established inns in the capital have very good homemade wine. We can rest for a while, relax, and then look for a suitable place to stay tomorrow."
Yu Man shook his head: "No need to stay at an inn." With that, he led Xue Han and Shan Chun through the bustling streets, turning into several relatively quiet alleys, finally stopping in the middle of Yangkou Street. Before them stood a white-walled, gray-tiled house, its entrance not grand but impeccably tidy. Above the black lacquered gate hung a small plaque bearing the three characters "Xi Lai Ju" (喜来居). The calligraphy was elegant and vigorous, the characters penetrating the paper—it was the very calligraphy Yu Man had commissioned Pei Ji to write and a craftsman to make before leaving the capital.
Yu Man looked up at the plaque, a barely perceptible curve appearing at the corner of his lips. Not bad, passed.
Shan Chun stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker. A moment later, the door creaked open a crack, and a servant, dressed in a clean blue cloth robe and appearing to be about thirty years old, peeked out. His gaze swept quickly but politely over the three women outside. Seeing that they were travel-worn but neatly dressed and composed, especially the woman in the lead with her clear and upright eyes, he cupped his hands and asked, speaking clearly and with neither servility nor arrogance: "May I ask, ladies, what brings you to my humble abode? Whom are you seeking?"
Yu Man stepped forward and said frankly, "My surname is Yu."
Upon hearing this, the servant's eyes flashed with surprise, but he did not immediately step aside. Instead, he cautiously asked, "Where do you come from, madam?"
Yu Man: "Laizhou, Dongqing County."
The servant's face immediately showed a respectful and relaxed expression. He quickly stepped aside to open the door completely and bowed, saying, "It really is Madam Yu! I was blind, please come in, Madam!"
The group entered the gate. Yu Man's gaze swept across the courtyard and saw the few osmanthus saplings that were bare when she left the capital and a few newly transplanted peonies in the corner. Now they were all lush and green, with some even bearing small flower buds, showing that they had been carefully cared for.
The servant who was leading the way, observing the situation, explained at the right moment: "The young master specifically instructed that these flowers and trees in the courtyard must be carefully taken care of. He personally does all the watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control, and never asks anyone else to do it, saying that he doesn't trust anyone else to do it."
Yu Man nodded without saying anything. Okay, this passes.
As she walked inside, she asked, "Are the west wing rooms at the back cleaned regularly?"
The servant hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, someone cleans and ventilates the room every day, and the bedding and curtains are regularly taken apart, washed, and aired out. They are absolutely clean and fresh."
Yu Man then said to Xue Han, "Come on, I'll take you there to settle in." She led Xue Han and Shan Chun through the moon gate and towards the west wing room in the backyard, which was specially prepared for guests. After taking a few steps, she stopped and turned back to ask the servant, "Where... is he?"
The servant bowed his head and respectfully replied, "My lady, the young master left this morning, saying he went to the South Garden, but he did not say when he would return."
Yu Man responded with a blank expression, then asked, "Besides you, are there any other maids in this courtyard responsible for sweeping and washing?" After all, Xue Han and the others couldn't do everything themselves.
The servant shook his head: "No. The young master doesn't like strange women walking around in the inner courtyard. All the trivial matters are handled by us servants."
Xue Han, knowing what Yu Man was thinking, said, "It's alright, we can all do it ourselves."
Yu Man still planned to find some maids. She nodded to the servants, "Thank you for your hard work. You can go ahead and do your work. We can handle things here ourselves."
The servants acknowledged and withdrew. Yu Man pushed open the door to a spacious and bright side room. Inside, the windows were indeed spotless, the furnishings simple yet elegant, and there was a faint scent of soapberry in the air. Xue Han followed her in, put down her small bundle, looked around, and finally couldn't help but ask the question that had been lingering all along: "Master, when you came to the capital before... did you stay here?" Although the house wasn't luxurious, its location was quiet, and its decor was thoughtful, far superior to any ordinary inn.
Yu Man was making the bed for her, and without looking up, she replied, "Yes. This place is...my residence." Her intention was to let Xue Han settle in comfortably and not feel constrained, since it was a place where she could make the decisions.
Unexpectedly, Xue Han stopped what she was doing upon hearing this, walked up to Yu Man, her expression turning serious. She looked Yu Man up and down, lowering her voice to say, "Land in the capital is incredibly valuable. I just looked at Yangkou Street; while it's not the most prestigious location, it's certainly not cheap either. This house is clean inside and out, with beautifully arranged flowers and trees; it's clearly worth a fortune… You…" She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Did you… embezzle the restaurant's funds?" She knew Yu Man had invested heavily in the restaurant, but she was also worried that Yu Man might have used funds she shouldn't have in order to settle down in the capital.
Upon hearing this, Yu Man was both amused and exasperated. She straightened up and glared at her, annoyed. "What are you thinking! Do I look like the kind of person who mixes public and private matters and embezzles public funds?" Does she really look that unreliable?
Seeing her reaction, Xue Han felt slightly relieved, but was still puzzled: "Then this house..."
“It was given to me by someone else,” Yu Man said vaguely, not wanting to elaborate on the matter. She then added, “Just stay here in peace.” Seeing that Xue Han was still uneasy, she deliberately tried to scare her, “What, are you afraid this house is of dubious origin? Or are you afraid that if Pei Ji didn’t give prior instructions, the servants won’t let us in?”
Xue Han nodded honestly: "That is indeed a concern."
Yu Man blinked, lowered her voice, and said in a volume that only the two of them could hear, "That's fine. If they won't let us in..." She gestured towards Shan Chun, who was standing quietly by the door, "then let Shan Chun lead us over the wall."
Shan Chun nodded immediately, saying succinctly, "Okay." His tone was serious, not at all like a joke.
Xue Han: "..." She stared in disbelief at the two serious-looking masters and servants before her, and it took her a long time to find her voice, "Is...is this so domineering?"
Yu Man finally couldn't hold back her laughter and tapped Xue Han's forehead. "Just kidding. I know what I'm doing." She took out a brass key from her purse and waved it in front of Xue Han. "Look, this is the key to the side door. I've been keeping it safe. Even if we can't go through the main door, we can still use the side door without any problem."
Xue Han finally breathed a sigh of relief, clutching her chest and giving Yu Man a reproachful look. She suddenly felt that Yu Man seemed more relaxed and... mischievous in the capital than when they were in Dongqing County.
After settling Xue Han in, the three of them ate a simple meal prepared by the servants in the small kitchen of the house. Seeing that Xue Han looked tired from her long journey, Yu Man told her to rest early and recharge her energy. Shan Chun, on the other hand, continued to follow Yu Man like a shadow.
With Shan Chun by her side, Yu Man leisurely strolled through the entire Xilaiju restaurant again. Every corner was familiar yet slightly different; the flowers and trees were taller, a new clump of bamboo had appeared in the corner, and there were several stacks of books in the study that were clearly newly purchased… Finally, she stopped outside the master bedroom on the east side of the main house. The door was tightly closed. She stood on the porch, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the door before quickly moving away.
Shan Chun stood slightly behind her, taking in her subtle movements. Suddenly, she stepped forward and, before Yu Man could react, pushed open the door with a creak. The room was simply furnished, the bed neatly made, the desk clean, and empty except for a few half-open magnolias in a white porcelain vase on a small table by the window, emitting a delicate fragrance.
Shan Chun looked at Yu Man and calmly stated the facts: "There is no one inside."
Yu Man: "..." She was rarely speechless because of this straightforward girl. She touched her nose and muttered softly, "Actually... I don't really want to see it either." After saying that, she turned around and walked outside, but her ears were slightly hot.
After touring the mansion, it was still early. Yu Man returned to the west wing where she had stayed before, spread out paper and pen, pondered for a moment, wrote a short letter, summoned a clever servant, and instructed, "Deliver this letter to Jinhua Hall and give it to Gu Chengling, the second young master."
After sending the letter, Yu Man waited in her room while reading. The sun was setting outside the window, dusk was falling, and lanterns in the courtyard were lit one by one. Until the night was deep and quiet, apart from servants quietly bringing hot water and late snacks, Pei Ji still did not return.
The next morning, Yu Man, along with Xue Han, who was refreshed after a night's rest, and the silent Shan Chun, went to Liuxia Fang according to the address on the reply sent by Jinhua Hall the day before. They asked for a quiet private room upstairs, ordered a pot of Yubing Shao tea, and several exquisite snacks.
A short while later, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Gu Chengling walked in. He was still dignified and composed, but upon closer inspection, one could see faint dark circles under his eyes, and a lingering weariness between his brows.
Yu Man rose to greet him, and after they exchanged pleasantries and sat down, she looked at Gu Chengling's appearance and, though somewhat presumptuous, couldn't help but ask, "Young Master Gu, have you... not slept well for several days? Is the shop too busy?"
Gu Chengling picked up his teacup and took a sip as if to cover his displeasure. "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Madam Yu. I've been preoccupied with household matters and am indeed a bit...tired of dealing with them." He clearly didn't want to talk about family matters, so he quickly steered the conversation to the main topic. "Madam Yu said in her letter that she has arrived in the capital and intends to discuss cooperation in detail. I am very pleased. May I ask who this is...?" He looked at Xue Han.
Yu Man introduced Xue Han to Gu Chengling: "This is Madam Xue Han, the manager of my restaurant in Laizhou, and also my right-hand woman. She is proficient in brewing and shop management. Madam Xue will also be involved in the new shop's affairs during this trip to the capital."
Xue Han stood up and gracefully bowed to Gu Chengling, speaking politely: "Greetings, Second Young Master Gu. I have long heard of your remarkable achievements at such a young age, and it is an honor to meet you today."
Gu Chengling returned the greeting: "You're too kind, Madam Xue. Madam Yu's subordinates are indeed full of talented people."
After exchanging pleasantries, the three got down to business and began to discuss in detail the various matters concerning opening a new restaurant in the capital. Yu Man slowly explained her thoughts over the past few days: "Living in the capital is not easy. The food industry is even more competitive. Established brands have deep roots, and for a new shop to gain a foothold, it needs to have something unique. I plan that the new shop will not pursue a large scale, but rather exquisite and distinctive features. First, it will focus on fusion and innovation, cleverly combining some of the special flavors of Laizhou and even the south with the tastes of the capital, and creating something new. Madam Xue has a lot of experience in mixing drinks, which can add a lot to the shop. Second, we will pay attention to the original flavor of the ingredients and the seasonality, and can launch seasonal banquets and seasonal dishes. Third, the environment will be elegant and the service will be attentive, not only for food but also for a leisure experience."
Gu Chengling listened attentively, nodding occasionally, and added, "Madam Yu's thinking is clear, and I agree. As for the location, although the East Market is bustling, the rent is high and the competition is fiercest. The West Market is slightly less desirable, but it has the advantage of attracting literati and merchants from all over the country, who are more receptive to novelty, and the rent is relatively reasonable. I have noticed that there are several shops near Yulin Lane in the West Market with suitable locations and sizes, and the surrounding environment is quiet, which is suitable for creating the elegant atmosphere that Madam Yu mentioned. In terms of funds, I can personally invest a sum first, and the percentage of shares can be decided by Madam Yu. In addition, I have been operating in the capital for many years, and some connections and purchasing channels can be shared."
Xue Han also offered some specific suggestions, such as how to adjust the wine recipes according to the climate of the capital, and how to design a menu structure that is both distinctive and not abrupt.
The three discussed details one by one, including shop location, decoration style, initial investment, staff recruitment, and food supply chain. Inside the private room, the atmosphere was focused and enthusiastic, with only the tea gradually cooling and the aroma of wine filling the air.
After nearly two hours of discussion, a preliminary framework was finally taking shape. Xue Han noticed that although Gu Chengling was forcing himself to participate, the weariness in his eyes was hard to conceal, and he seemed to hesitate several times, his gaze towards Yu Man carrying a hint of unspoken difficulty. She understood, so she found an excuse to stand up and said, "I just heard Young Master Gu mention Yulin Lane. I'm not very familiar with this place. Could Shan Chun accompany me to take a walk around the area and see the surroundings in person?" After saying that, she winked at Yu Man.
Yu Man understood and nodded: "Alright, you go and take a look first, and we'll discuss it again later."
Xue Han then quietly led Shan Chun out of the private room and carefully closed the door behind them.
The room fell silent instantly, with only the faint sounds of the city outside the window and the dripping of the water clock inside. Gu Chengling picked up the teapot and refilled the slightly cooled tea for Yu Man and himself, but did not speak immediately. He silently stroked the smooth rim of the porcelain cup, his gaze drifting to the window, clearly preoccupied.
Yu Man didn't urge him, but picked up his teacup and slowly drank it, patiently waiting.
Gu Chengling finally put down the teapot, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the smooth surface of the cup. He gazed at the bustling street outside the window, and after a long while, he let out a soft sigh. This sigh was unlike any of the deliberations he had made during the negotiations; rather, it seemed as a genuine expression of frustration that had inadvertently seeped from the depths of his heart.
"Young Master Gu seems to have something on his mind?" Yu Man put down his teacup and said in a calm tone, "Is there still a difficulty in what we just discussed? Please speak freely."
Gu Chengling turned back, finally managing only a slightly helpless smile, the smile not reaching his eyes: "The matter of cooperation, discussing with Madam Yu was like meeting a worthy opponent, very enjoyable, how could there be any difficulty? It is..." He paused, as if considering his words, and finally chose a relatively subtle way of saying it, "It is some private family matters that have disturbed my mind, I hope Madam Yu will forgive me."
"Oh? Family matters?" Yu Man raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, following his words, "Is there a new instruction from the old master of the mansion? Or is the affairs of Jinhua Hall particularly busy lately?" She knew very well that the family matters that could make someone like him show such an expression were mostly related to that cousin from the Luo family.
Gu Chengling rubbed his temples, lowered his voice, and said with a rare frankness, "To be honest, Madam Yu, it is indeed my father... who has considered Wanxi's marriage."
"Madam Luo's marriage?" Yu Man showed surprise at the right moment. "Sister Luo is in the prime of her life, and Young Master Gu and Sister Luo are very close. With Young Master Gu overseeing the process, the old master should be at ease. Why are you worried?"
“The bond between brother and sister is deep…” Gu Chengling repeated these four words, but his tone carried an indescribable complexity. “My father felt that as Awan grows older, it is not a long-term solution for her to stay in the Gu family. He believed that we should find her a suitable marriage to comfort my aunt’s spirit in heaven and to fulfill the Gu family’s duty of care.”
“Suitable?” Yu Man pondered the word, vaguely guessing what was going on. “I wonder which family the old man has his eye on?”
Gu Chengling's lips pressed into a straight line, a hint of coldness emerging from his previous composure: "Lord Zhou, Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices."
Yu Man quickly reviewed the information about this Lord Zhou in her mind—age, family background, harem… and immediately understood. This wasn't about finding a suitable marriage; it was clearly… She looked at Gu Chengling and saw that although his face was ashen, there was a suppressed undercurrent in his eyes. Suddenly, she understood something deeper: Old Master Gu had probably figured something out, which was why he was so eager to marry her off "properly," both to cut off certain possibilities and to clear obstacles for Gu Chengling's future marriage to a high-ranking family.
“Lord Zhou…” Yu Man carefully chose her words, “I’ve heard he’s a capable official.” She avoided sensitive points such as age and family background.
"Whether he is a capable official or not, what does it have to do with A-Wan?" Gu Chengling's voice remained calm. "The intricacies of the Zhou family's inner circle are far beyond what A-Wan's temperament can handle. My father's actions..." He paused, swallowing the rest of his words, and then said, "As his son, I should do my best to persuade him, but his attitude this time is quite resolute."
Yu Man nodded, then suddenly thought of another question: "Does Madam Luo herself know this? With her personality, I'm afraid..."
Mentioning Luo Wanxi, Gu Chengling could no longer hide his headache: "Of course she was unhappy and made a scene. But that's not the real problem." He took a deep breath, as if the next words were even more difficult to say, "But recently... she has become acquainted with a newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) and even... sent him some poems and snacks."
Yu Man was genuinely surprised this time: "I wonder which scholar you are?"
"...Zhang Jian."
"Zhang Jian?" Yu Man was taken aback, then almost burst out laughing, quickly picking up her teacup to cover it up. Zhang Jian? He really was an acquaintance.
Gu Chengling's tone was almost overflowing with helplessness. "Brother Zhang is of noble character and outstanding talent, which I have always respected. But he and Awan... are truly not on the same path. Her actions are mostly just childish whims. But in the current situation, the more she acts like this, the more the old man will probably feel that she needs to settle down as soon as possible, and the Zhou family... may also have other ideas because of this." He rubbed his temples, showing his genuine helplessness.
He looked at Yu Man and spoke, a rare occurrence for him: "A-Wan doesn't have many friends in the capital, and her personality has been somewhat naive due to being protected. She and you, Madam Yu, seem to get along quite well; she often mentions you after the last Qionglin Banquet. I wonder if you, Madam Yu, could find some time to invite her out for a chat? There's no need to mention these troublesome matters, just a casual conversation. If it could help her temper her temper a bit, act more steadily, or... perhaps... ease her feelings towards Brother Zhang a little, that would be even better." He spoke subtly, but his meaning was clear—he hoped Yu Man could help persuade Luo Wanxi not to cause any more trouble at this critical juncture.
Yu Man looked at him and chuckled inwardly.
"I see." Yu Man nodded and readily agreed. "Madam Luo is straightforward and lovely, and I feel we are destined to be together. I wouldn't mind having a private chat with her when the time is right. However," she paused, then added, "marriage is ultimately a matter of mutual affection, and family members must also respect the wishes of the couple. Forced marriages are never sweet, and I'm sure Young Master Gu understands this better than I do."
Gu Chengling relaxed upon hearing her agreement, but his smile turned slightly bitter upon hearing the rest of her sentence: "I understand. It's just that the situation at home is complicated, and sometimes... I have no choice. Thank you for your help, Madam Yu."
After exchanging a few more casual words, they agreed to discuss the specific details of the shop location another day, and then parted ways outside Liuxia Lane.
It was already afternoon when she returned to Xilai Residence. The house was still quiet, and the servants said that the young master had not yet returned. Yu Man dealt with some trivial matters, read for a while, and unknowingly waited in her room until dusk. She ate dinner with Xue Han and Shan Chun. During the meal, Xue Han noticed that she was somewhat absent-minded, so she only talked about what she had seen and heard in the capital and did not mention anything else.
As night deepened, Yu Man finished washing up, changed into a comfortable cotton nightgown, and reclined on the soft couch by the window. By the bright candlelight, she flipped through a storybook she had brought from Laizhou, which she hadn't finished reading yet. The words on the pages were somewhat blurred, and her fingertips unconsciously tapped the edges of the pages. Her gaze occasionally drifted to the half-open door, listening to the sound of the water clock outside.
Pei Ji, having received the message from his servant, immediately turned back, ordered his horse to be prepared, and rushed back to the city that very night.
This trip to Nanyuan was originally a spur-of-the-moment decision by the young emperor. He invited several close ministers, newly appointed scholars, and sons of noble families to ride horses and relax. Although the Empress Dowager did not attend in person, she sent the eunuch Geng to accompany her to show her concern. Pei Ji, as a newly promoted compiler in the Hanlin Academy and a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations, was naturally among them.
Just as he was pondering how to ask the young emperor for half a day's leave, a young eunuch quietly approached, bowed, and said, "Editor Pei, His Majesty has summoned you to the Qingliang Palace, saying that he wants to inquire about several details of compiling the Veritable Records of the previous dynasty. Prime Minister Zheng and Scholar Qi are also there."
Pei Ji paused slightly, but showed no sign on his face, and said gently, "Thank you for leading the way, sir."
The Qingliang Hall was brightly lit. The young emperor, dressed in casual clothes, sat behind his desk. To his left sat the white-haired and dignified Prime Minister Zheng, and to his right sat Scholar Qi. When Pei Ji entered and bowed, the young emperor waved his hand to remove the greeting and pointed directly to a scroll of historical materials spread out on the table, asking about a suspicious passage concerning the provisions for border garrisons.
This question couldn't be answered in just a few words. Pei Ji had no choice but to compose himself and recount the results of his previous research and analysis, citing classical texts and explaining them clearly. Prime Minister Zheng occasionally interjected with follow-up questions, while Scholar Qi supplemented and corrected his points. The young emperor listened attentively, sometimes nodding, sometimes raising his own questions. The candlelight in the hall gradually dimmed, the sound of the water clock became clearly audible, and the conversation gradually expanded from specific historical research to the merits and demerits of official governance, the circulation of funds and grain, and even current border defense strategies.
It wasn't until midnight that the young emperor showed signs of fatigue, at which point Prime Minister Zheng stopped the conversation and respectfully invited the emperor to rest. The young emperor then said, "That's enough for today, you may all leave."
The three bowed and left the Qingliang Hall. The night wind was chilly, but it invigorated them. Scholar Qi was old and could not stay up all night. He gave Pei Ji a few instructions on the documents that needed to be organized the next day, and then, supported by his servants, he left first.
Pei Ji was about to turn and leave when Prime Minister Zheng approached slowly, gesturing for him to wait. The Grand Secretary, bathed in the dim light of the palace lanterns in the corridor, appeared even taller and more imposing. He didn't look at Pei Ji, his gaze fixed on the deep night in the distance. His voice was low and calm, yet each word was clear: "Editor Pei is young and promising, with profound knowledge, which His Majesty greatly appreciates. The Hanlin Academy, a place of refined elegance, is precisely where talented individuals are honed. You should diligently perform your duties, be conscientious in your work, devote yourself to historical compilation, and offer insightful advice at the imperial lectures, so as not to fail His Majesty's grace and your own learning."
This was an encouragement. Pei Ji bowed and said, "This humble official will remember Your Excellency's teachings and will certainly do my utmost."
Zheng Xiang then turned his gaze to him, his eyes unfathomable, as if they could see into people's hearts: "Young people who achieve success easily attract attention. Their words and actions must be upright and dignified. For example..." He paused slightly, his tone seemingly casual, yet carrying an invisible pressure, "...for example, when making friends and attending banquets, one must be mindful of the bigger picture and know when to advance and retreat. The Emperor's favor is an honor, but also a matter of propriety."
This was a warning. Clearly, the young emperor's recent appreciation of him, as well as the matter concerning Princess Fu Ning, had caught the attention of the old prime minister. Pei Ji understood perfectly, but his face remained gentle and respectful. He bowed again, his tone sincere: "Prime Minister's words are invaluable. I will always reflect on my actions and dare not overstep my bounds."
Prime Minister Zheng stared at him for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Hmm. His Majesty is young and needs reliable people to serve him. I have business to attend to tonight and will return to my residence first. You may wait here so that you can respond promptly if His Majesty summons you again."
Pei Ji knew he would likely be unable to escape tonight, so he could only reply, "Yes, Your Excellency obeys."
So he stayed on guard in the side hall for nearly two more hours, until the sky began to lighten, and only after confirming that the young emperor was asleep and would not be summoned again, did he take his leave. Having not slept all night, and with his mind tense, even someone young like him could not help but feel tired. He politely declined the breakfast arranged by the South Garden, only hastily drinking half a cup of strong tea to refresh himself, and immediately ordered his horse to be prepared, heading straight back to the capital.
The closer he got to Yangkou Street, the clearer his urgency became. Upon reaching the gate, he practically leaped off his horse, tossed the reins to the approaching servant, and strode quickly toward the inner courtyard. Passing through the familiar courtyard, his gaze swept over the lush and verdant flowers and trees that he had personally tended after her departure, and his pace quickened involuntarily.
He stopped outside that familiar room, where warm candlelight shone and the soft rustling of turning pages could be heard. His hand was already on the door, but he suddenly stopped.
Looking down at himself—his indigo robes were wrinkled from a sleepless night's vigil and the morning's gallop, the lapel even stained with traces of morning dew and dust, the cuffs no longer as neat as usual. His hair ornament was perhaps slightly askew. He looked travel-worn and somewhat disheveled…
Almost subconsciously, he raised his hand to straighten his clothes, trying to smooth out the wrinkles, and then straightened his hair ornament.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging thoughts in his mind and the somewhat unbalanced heartbeat caused by his eagerness. Only then did he gently push open the door.
The warm yellow candlelight enveloped him, instantly warming his chilly body. He immediately spotted the person reclining on the soft couch, dressed in comfortable nightgown, their dark hair loosely tied up, their fingertips idly turning the pages of a book. Familiar features, languid posture—everything was exactly the same as before they left the capital, yet there seemed to be an added, indescribable allure.
He called her name, his voice softening unconsciously, with a hint of hoarseness: "Xiaoman."
Yu Man looked up from her storybook and turned to look at him. Her face showed no sign of excitement at their reunion; she remained reclining on the couch, simply closing the book and casually placing it on a small table beside her. Then, she sized him up, her gaze lingering on his casual clothes—clearly not court attire, but slightly disheveled from his travels. A slight smile played on her lips, and she spoke in a flat, even slightly casual tone:
"I heard you're going to be a prince consort?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com