Chapter 94
**Chapter 94: A Man's Words, Deceitful Spirits**
Shen Wei and Sun Qingmei were chatting in the courtyard. Meanwhile, in the pavilion at the center of Luoyue Lake, Zhao Yang was preparing for a heart-to-heart with Yan Yunting.
A gentle breeze caressed the rippling surface of the lake, tousling Zhao Yang's hair as sunlight poured down, filling her eyes with a joyful sparkle as she gazed happily at Yan Yunting.
"That man is full of the aura of the jianghu (rivers and lakes), definitely not a good match. You should be careful, Princess," Yan Yunting warned, frowning. The young man in the brocade robe gave him a strong sense of unease.
Mo Shenyi was strikingly handsome, dressed in flowing white, holding a paper fan—he looked like a dandy wandering through a garden of flowers. Yan Yunting couldn't help but worry; if Zhao Yang were to be deceived by Mo Shenyi's sweet words, the consequences would be dire.
Zhao Yang sat on a stone bench, her face beaming with a smile. "He's a doctor from the jianghu."
Yan Yunting snorted, unable to hide his jealousy. "Just a commoner."
How could a princess of such high status be interested in a mere commoner? If word got out, it would be a laughingstock.
Seeing Yan Yunting's jealousy, Zhao Yang felt a surge of happiness; she knew he cared for her.
With a smile, she said, "But he’s not just any common doctor; his medical skills are exceptional—Yan Yunting, who are you to meddle in my affairs? I’m going back to chat with the divine doctor, so don’t disturb me."
With that, Zhao Yang deliberately turned to leave.
But just a few steps away, her arm was firmly grasped by Yan Yunting. Frowning, he lowered his tone. "Princess, I have something to tell you."
To advance in his career, he needed to spend some time at the border. It could be as short as six months or as long as three to five years. With the journey ahead, Yan Yunting felt reluctant to part with Zhao Yang and didn’t want to see her entangled with other men during his absence.
Zhao Yang turned her head, her eyes crescent-shaped with curiosity. "What is it?"
Yan Yunting began, "I—"
Just then, a servant from the Yan family rushed over. After glancing at Princess Zhao Yang, he whispered urgently in Yan Yunting's ear, "Young Master, it’s bad news. Miss Dantai has suddenly fainted."
Yan Yunting was taken aback. Rou'er has fainted?
He stepped forward, ready to return and check on her.
But after taking a few steps, he turned back to glance at Zhao Yang in the pavilion. The sunlight was bright, the lake serene, and there stood Zhao Yang in her vibrant red dress, gazing at him with tender eyes.
Yan Yunting felt a tug at his heart.
Zhao Yang had pursued him for years, and even his iron heart had softened over time. Yet, he was merely a minister, far from worthy of the precious Zhao Yang.
His decision to volunteer for border duty was also to rise in rank quickly. Once he was a marquis or a high-ranking official, he would have the standing to marry Zhao Yang without fear of ridicule.
He cared for both Zhao Yang and Dantai Rou, unable to let go of either.
With a gentle smile, Yan Yunting took Zhao Yang's hand, his eyes revealing rare sincerity. "There’s an urgent matter at home that I must attend to. I’ll be waiting for you at the east pavilion tonight at the hour of the dog."
Zhao Yang's heart raced.
This was the first time Yan Yunting had taken the initiative to hold her hand!
She beamed, "You better not be late, or I’ll be very angry."
Yan Yunting bowed slightly, his tone warm. "I will arrive on time, come rain or shine."
He thought to himself that Dantai Rou had merely fainted; he would check on her and be back in no time. There was no way he would delay his meeting with Zhao Yang tonight.
Watching Yan Yunting's tall figure depart, Zhao Yang felt elated as she lifted her skirt and joyfully returned to the courtyard.
...
"The princess is back."
In the courtyard, Shen Wei, who had been chatting with Sun Qingmei, heard the voice of a palace maid from outside.
Turning around, she saw Princess Zhao Yang returning, her face radiant with joy.
Lunch was ready, and exquisite Jiangnan dishes were laid out on the table.
In a good mood, Zhao Yang had a hearty appetite and ate a lot.
At the lunch table, Shen Wei observed Zhao Yang's cheerful demeanor, secretly amazed. She wondered what Yan Yunting had said to make her so happy.
It was Mo Shenyi who bluntly interjected, "Your Highness, allow me to remind you. A man's words are not to be trusted."
Zhao Yang paused mid-bite.
Mo Shenyi seemed to recall his past, his painful experiences vivid in his mind. He couldn’t bear to see Zhao Yang go down the wrong path. With earnestness, he said, "A man's words are deceitful. I, too, have suffered greatly from this!"
His statement was so bizarre that Zhao Yang nearly choked, while Sun Qingmei's eyes widened in disbelief, and Shen Wei regarded Mo Shenyi with incredulity.
Mo Shenyi took a sip of fragrant wine, sighing, "Don’t look at me like that. I’m a man, and men know men best."
Zhao Yang chuckled, thinking Mo Shenyi was joking, and didn’t take his words to heart.
After lunch, Shen Wei and Sun Qingmei strolled by the lakeside to digest their meal.
The weather was slightly warm, and the cool breeze from Luoyue Lake brushed against their faces, bringing a refreshing sensation. Shen Wei secretly resolved that when she had money, she would build a villa by Luoyue Lake to escape the summer heat and enjoy the flowers.
A carriage from the marquis's residence sped toward the lake and came to a halt. The curtain was lifted, and a girl in a pink dress angrily jumped out. "Sister-in-law! I’ve been dying of anxiety at home, and you’re here leisurely strolling by the lake!"
The girl was fair-skinned and clearly displeased.
She glanced at Shen Wei, seemingly recognizing her. At Princess Zhao Yang's birthday banquet, Shen Wei had received a reward from the Empress, leaving quite an impression on many noble families.
The girl huffed, "You’ve become close friends with a concubine of the marquis's residence. Aren’t you afraid of tarnishing our Zhen Nan Hou's reputation?"
It was utterly embarrassing for the lady of the house to chat with a lowly concubine.
Sun Qingmei quickly interjected, "Qianqian, don’t speak carelessly."
This girl was the younger sister of Zhen Nan Hou, Shangguan Xuan, named Shangguan Qian.
Shangguan Qian pouted, "Sister-in-law, where’s the Luoshen flower lip balm I wanted? I have to attend the lotus banquet at the Xiang residence tomorrow, and without the best lip balm, I’ll be humiliated."
Sun Qingmei replied gently, "The Luoshen flower lip balm is expensive, and it’s all sold out in Yanjing. How about using another lip balm instead?"
Shangguan Qian's face fell. If other young ladies could use Luoshen flower lip balm, why couldn’t she have it?
She glared at Sun Qingmei in frustration. "Before my brother went to the border, he entrusted the entire household to you out of trust, and you’re treating it so carelessly! Sister-in-law, you’re being too much. When my brother returns, I’ll definitely tell him!"
Fuming, Shangguan Qian turned to leave. But in her haste, she stepped on her skirt, lost her balance, and fell into the icy lake with a splash.
The water splashed everywhere.
Sun Qingmei, skilled in swimming, immediately jumped in to save her. The water by the lakeside wasn’t deep, and Shangguan Qian wasn’t submerged, but she was terrified and kept screaming. Sun Qingmei tried several times to grab her, but Shangguan Qian nearly pushed her away.
After a long struggle, Sun Qingmei finally managed to pull Shangguan Qian out.
Soaked to the bone, Shangguan Qian cried in fear, and once on shore, she angrily complained, "It’s all your fault! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have fallen into the lake!"
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