Chapter 93
**Chapter 93: Jealousy?**
Zhaoyang quickly gestured for the guards to offer a seat, and Mo Shenshi, not one to be shy, sat down with ease.
Zhaoyang said, “The pleasure boat accidentally bumped into your light skiff, and I apologize on behalf of my royal self. I hope you won’t be upset.”
Her tone was genuinely apologetic, showing no hint of royal arrogance. Mo Shenshi appreciated this and waved his hand dismissively, “No harm done.”
Seeing Mo Shenshi’s brow relax, Zhaoyang eagerly extended an invitation, her eyes sparkling with hope: “Mo Shenshi, my elder brother, the Crown Prince, is unwell. I am willing to offer a generous reward—”
Mo Shenshi leisurely interrupted her, his slightly raised eyebrows landing on Zhaoyang’s face, a teasing smile playing on his lips: “As a humble commoner, I observe your expression and see the worry etched on your brow. It seems, Your Highness, that you’ve been feeling quite fiery lately. You might need to drink some cooling herbal tea to soothe your spirit.”
...
Not far away on the lake, on a small pleasure boat, Dantai Rou picked a pink lotus flower and, with a bright smile, handed it to Yan Yunting.
This morning, Dantai Rou had learned that Princess Zhaoyang was heading to Luoyue Lake. So, she intentionally sought out Yan Yunting, claiming that the scenery at Luoyue Lake was splendid and inviting him to join her for a boat ride.
Recently, Yan Yunting had received an edict from the Yan Wang, ordering him to the border to assist in military affairs, which would likely keep him away for three to five years. Though the border was tough, it was the fastest route for an official’s promotion.
With a long journey ahead, Yan Yunting wanted to spend as much time as possible with Dantai Rou in the limited days he had left.
Thus, he gladly accepted her invitation to the lake.
Dantai Rou’s eyes sparkled as she seemed to notice the princess’s pleasure boat not far away. Her delicate face showed surprise: “Brother Yunting, look! Isn’t that the princess... and who is that man beside her?”
Yan Yunting turned to look and indeed saw the luxurious pleasure boat weaving through the lotus leaves.
Zhaoyang’s vibrant long dress stood out against the emerald waters. What shocked him even more was the handsome young man in white sitting beside her.
The young man had his hand resting on Zhaoyang’s arm. They were engaged in lively conversation, and it seemed he had said something amusing, making Zhaoyang laugh heartily.
A surge of unnameable jealousy ignited within Yan Yunting.
In broad daylight, under the clear sky, Zhaoyang was actually flirting with a stranger.
The pleasure boat carrying Yan Yunting slowly approached the dock. He didn’t leave immediately but told Dantai Rou, “Rou’er, I have some matters to attend to. I’ll send someone to take you home first.”
Dantai Rou blinked her beautiful eyes and gently said, “Brother Yunting... you want to see the princess, don’t you?”
Yan Yunting’s heart was pricked, but he needed an excuse: “It’s inappropriate for a princess of noble birth to be seen in such close company with a man. As an official of the Ministry of Rites, I must intervene.”
Dantai Rou revealed a gentle smile.
She stepped closer, obediently leaning against Yan Yunting’s chest: “Brother Yunting, as long as you hold me in your heart, I won’t mind if you also have feelings for the princess. As long as I can be by your side, even if it means being a concubine or a servant, I’m willing.”
Yan Yunting’s heart swelled with deep emotion!
His Rou’er was always so tender and considerate. For him, she was willing to endure hardship without a word of complaint.
He gently wrapped his arms around Dantai Rou and softly said, “You go back first. I’ll come to see you tomorrow.”
Dantai Rou nodded obediently, reluctantly getting into the carriage. Once the heavy curtain was drawn, the warmth in her eyes faded away.
Dantai Rou pressed her rosy lips together, letting out a teasing laugh as she muttered to herself, “Going to the border for a few years... I can wait, but can your princess wait?”
...
Before long, the princess’s pleasure boat also docked at the pier.
Zhaoyang, Shen Wei, Lady Sun, and Mo Shenshi made their way to the princess’s villa one after another.
Zhaoyang spoke proudly, “This villa was granted to me by my father. Today’s lunch features Jiangnan cuisine, and Mo Shenshi, you must try it!”
Mo Shenshi, a wanderer at heart, had a great love for tasting the world’s delicacies. He clasped his hands and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.”
Just as Zhaoyang was about to enter the villa, her gaze drifted and caught sight of Yan Yunting at the entrance.
Their eyes met.
Yan Yunting strode up to Zhaoyang’s pleasure boat, his usually gentle face now shadowed with a hint of anger. His gaze swept over Mo Shenshi, as if trying to see through this unfamiliar man.
What right did this pretty boy have to catch the princess’s eye?
“Yan Yunting, what are you doing here?” Zhaoyang raised her brows slightly, feeling an inexplicable joy bubbling up inside her.
Yan Yunting replied coolly, “Your Highness, it’s inappropriate for you to be so close to a man in public. It could tarnish your reputation.”
Zhaoyang couldn’t help but smile, her lips curving upward as she deliberately said, “You can be all lovey-dovey with Dantai Rou, so why can’t I talk to a man?”
Yan Yunting’s expression darkened instantly.
Seeing this, Zhaoyang’s smile widened uncontrollably. She knew it! Yan Yunting must have feelings for her! Watching her talk to Mo Shenshi had made him jealous!
That feeling was delightful, as if the seeds she had nurtured for years had finally sprouted; like an ancient iron tree, at long last, blooming slowly.
Yan Yunting clasped his hands again and spoke in a calm tone, “Your Highness, I have matters to discuss with you. I hope you’ll come to the pavilion at the center of the lake.”
Zhaoyang was overjoyed. She instructed her maid, “Yun’er, take Shen Wei, Lady Sun, and Mo Shenshi into the villa and entertain them well. I have something to discuss with Yan Yunting and will return shortly.”
Yun’er replied, “Your Highness, do you need guards to accompany you?”
Zhaoyang shook her head, “No need.”
The pavilion was not far, within sight. Yun’er complied and led Shen Wei and the others into the lakeside villa.
As Shen Wei leisurely walked into the villa, she caught a glimpse of Zhaoyang and Yan Yunting leaving together.
The princess still had feelings for Yan Yunting; with just a few words, he could break down Zhaoyang’s defenses.
This was not a good sign.
Suppressing her worries, Shen Wei entered the lakeside villa. The garden was lush with flowers and plants, and a tall ancient tree stood in the center. The pavilions had green tiles and flying eaves, with rows of exquisite lanterns hanging on the walls.
The scenery of the villa was quite elegant. Yun’er led the three to a stone table in the garden: “The kitchen will serve the meal in about half an hour. You can enjoy the garden until then.”
Mo Shenshi was not one to sit still; he immediately jumped up and started exploring. While Shen Wei sipped her tea, she noticed Mo Shenshi had already climbed up the tall elm tree, perched at the top to enjoy the view.
Shen Wei, being pregnant, didn’t dare to wander around. She sat on a stone bench, sipping tea and fanning herself with a small fan, waiting for the meal.
Sun Qingmei was not one to wander either; she sat across from Shen Wei, her bright eyes gazing at Shen Wei’s belly: “Madam Shen, I’ve heard that women often experience morning sickness during pregnancy. How are you feeling?”
Shen Wei smiled and replied, “The morning sickness isn’t severe; I felt better after two days of vomiting.”
Sun Qingmei spoke with envy, her voice filled with longing: “When my husband returns, I hope to have my own child too.”
On their wedding night, her husband had been ordered to go to war, leaving Sun Qingmei to manage the vast marquisate alone. Though she often faced her mother-in-law’s scrutiny and her sister-in-law’s disdain, she silently endured it all for her husband.
She understood that every family has its struggles, and no life is perfect.
As long as her husband returned, her situation would improve.
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