It is well known that Emperor Changlong is a loving father to his children. He pities his daughter for not being able to participate in court, so he has bestowed upon her a considerable amount of estates and properties.
The Second Princess often holds banquets because she has many assets and feels no burden in hosting them.
When Hua Liuli arrived, not too early or too late, the servants in the Cherry Garden Estate treated her warmly due to her special status.
"Junzhu, there is a large cherry orchard behind the garden," the Second Princess warmly greeted Hua Liuli, "Jiamin and Miss Yao just said they wanted to pick cherries themselves, so they should be in the back garden now. If you also want to go cherry-picking, I can have someone take you there."
Her gaze swept over the red coral pearl hanging by Hua Liuli's temples, her eyelids trembled slightly.
"Then I will trouble you, Your Highness Second Princess," Hua Liuli curtsied and reached out to receive a delicate hand-held bamboo basket, "This is my first time picking cherries."
"The climate in Qinghan Prefecture is not suitable for cherries to bear fruit, so there's nothing that can be done," the Second Princess, who was quite versatile, explained. Although everyone knew that she belonged to the faction of Consort Xian and Ying Wang, she treated Hua Liuli, the future Crown Princess with affection, like an elder sister.
"That's true," Hua Liuli smiled, "Fortunately, I'm back in the capital now."
The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, and when other guests arrived, Hua Liuli took the opportunity to leave.
The Second Princess watched Hua Liuli's figure as she departed, her eyebrows lightly furrowing. The material used for the red coral pearl hairpin by her temples seemed to be the same as the one she had sent to Ying Wang a few days ago.
"The Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the Fifth Prince have arrived!"
The Second Princess looked at the energetic Crown Prince, a beautiful smile appearing on her lips.
Does the Crown Prince, who holds a superior position, know that his betrothed is wearing hairpins given by other men?
When the Crown Prince arrived at the Cherry Garden Estate, he heard that Hua Liuli had gone to pick cherries with her friends, so he lazily sat aside without making any movements.
When Ying Wang entered, he saw the Crown Prince and immediately wanted to sit as far away from him as possible.
"Eldest Brother," the Fifth Prince greeted Ying Wang and bowed, "Come and sit here."
Ying Wang looked at the enthusiastic Fifth Prince and glanced at the empty seat next to the Crown Prince. He had no intention of going over there. What's wrong with the Fifth Prince? Can't he see that he doesn't want to sit next to the Crown Prince?
The Crown Prince lifted his eyelids slowly and said, "Fifth Brother, Big Brother doesn't want to sit with me."
"Why?" The Fifth Prince, whether truly ignorant or pretending to be ignorant, asked.
"With our outstanding appearances, how could Eldest Brother be willing to sit with us?" The Crown Prince said in a pleasing voice, uttering words that could infuriate someone, "We are brothers, we should consider his feelings."
Ying Wang sneered in his heart. He glanced at the Fifth Prince and didn't expect the Crown Prince to turn the Fifth Prince into his lackey. He strode over and sat next to the Crown Prince, coldly snorting, "Crown Prince, you worry too much."
As a man, the most important thing is ability. What's there to be proud of when you look like a little pretty boy?
In the cherry orchard, Hua Liuli looked at the bright red cherries, glanced around, and swiftly picked some large, ripe cherries and put them into her basket when no one was paying attention.
From a distance, she heard voices of girls talking. She listened attentively and realized that Yao Jiamin was arguing with someone. She took a few steps closer and heard their conversation.
"When it comes to understanding the situation, who can compare to Jiamin Junzhu?" The girl in the red dress spoke with an unfriendly tone, "When Fushou Junzhu returned to the capital, you mocked her. And now that Fushou Junzhu is betrothed to the Crown Prince, you've become good friends with her."
"Jiamin Junzhu, who is straightforward, is indeed perfectly straightforward."
"Junzhu..." Yuan Yi thought this conversation was not proper at all. Wasn't it an intentional provocation and sowing discord? Even the best of friends can't withstand such provocation.
Hua Liuli handed the basket of cherries to Yuan Yi and picked out the biggest and ripest cherry from it, wiping it clean with a handkerchief before slowly putting it into her mouth.
"What does it have to do with you?" Yao Jiamin said with a stern face, "I just like to please Fushou Junzhu. What's wrong with that? If I don't please her, should I please you instead? And there's no need for you to pretend in front of me. Who can't see that you're jealous of Fushou Junzhu?"
"You're talking nonsense!"
"So what if I'm talking nonsense?" Yao Jiamin chuckled, "I heard that someone dreams of marrying into the palace as the Crown Princess but hasn't even taken a good look at themselves in the mirror. Wake up."
"You're spouting nonsense!" The girl in the red dress seemed to have been provoked by Yao Jiamin. She angrily shouted, "Yao Jiamin, are you shameless? You follow Hua Liuli like a dog. It's because of her that your mother was bestowed the title of Royal Princess and you were accepted into the palace by the Empress Dowager. For the sake of these honors, can you give up the man you like?"
"What is a man?" Yao Jiamin raised her chin slightly, "With status, what kind of man can I not get?"
The girl in the red dress wanted to say something more, but suddenly she noticed several people standing behind the bushes. They were... Hua Liuli's maids?
She felt delighted and continued, "So it turns out you have no real friendship with Fushou Junzhu, you're just using her."
Yao Jiamin frowned, "You meddle in everything, the heavens, the earth, and now you even want to meddle in people's friendships?"
"I'm just standing up for Fushou Junzhu."
Yao Jiamin sneered, "A person who dreams to become the Crown Princess is standing up for Hua Liuli? What's the difference between you and a cat crying for a mouse?"
"What's wrong? Did I hit the mark and make you feel guilty?" The girl in the red dress became even more aggressive when Yao Jiamin remained silent.
"If I were you, I would shut up," Yao Jiamin couldn't be bothered to talk to her anymore, "Your maternal family, the Xie family, has troubles of its own. And yet you still have the nerve to attend the Cherry Banquet and speak ill of me in front of me. The last person who used every means to marry the Crown Prince was your cousin. And now she's still locked up in the Ministry of Justice prison."
The girl in the red dress blushed under Jiamin's ridicule. Suddenly, she turned her head to the side and exclaimed, "Fushou Junzhu?"
Yao Jiamin's expression froze as she turned her head to look. She saw Hua Liuli standing under a cherry tree, holding a few cherries in her hand. She didn't know how long Hua Liuli had been standing there, listening to them.
Her lips twitched slightly, and she turned her head away with a soft snort, without explaining anything.
"Fushou Junzhu, I was just chatting casually with Jiamin Junzhu. She didn't intentionally use your feelings. Please don't blame her because of my foolish words," the girl in the red dress anxiously said, "Please don't let my nonsense words affect your relationship."
Hua Liuli glanced at the girl who spoke, leaning against the tree with a smile, "Please continue your conversation, don't mind me."
The girl in the red dress looked somewhat embarrassed. She glanced at Hua Liuli and then at Yao Jiamin, who looked uneasy but unwilling to speak. She lowered her head, appearing delicate and helpless.
"Why stop chatting?" Hua Liuli sighed, "If you'd like, I can move farther away so as not to disturb you?"
Yao Jiamin looked at Hua Liuli's expression, but couldn't figure out if she took what the other party said seriously or not.
"It's alright," the girl in the red dress quickly said, "As long as Fushou Junzhu doesn't misunderstand Jiamin Junzhu because of my words."
"Don't worry, I won't," Hua Liuli walked over to Yao Jiamin's side, took her arm, and smiled at the girl in the red dress, "But you did say some things wrong just now."
"W-What?" The girl in the red dress was dumbfounded, looking at Hua Liuli and Yao Jiamin holding arms together. Could it be that Hua Liuli really didn't mind?
"I am friends with Sister Jiamin not because she intentionally pleases me, but because I intentionally please her," Hua Liuli smiled at Jiamin, squinting her eyes, "Right, Sister Jiamin?"
Yao Jiamin: "???"
When did Hua Liuli please her? Hasn't she been threatening and intimidating her all this time?
Yao Jiamin felt a bit awkward, her cheeks slightly reddening, but her heart felt like it had been poured into a big bowl of sugar, sweet and content.
"The Empress Dowager summoned Yao Jiamin to stay in the palace because she is the Empress Dowager's granddaughter; Royal Princess Shuan'an was conferred the title of Royal Princess because she is His Majesty's sister," Hua Liuli tilted her head, appearing innocent, "Which family do you come from? How come I've never seen you before?"
"I... I..." The girl in the red dress didn't know why Hua Liuli was asking about her family, and for a moment, she couldn't say her true identity.
"You're quite audacious. I've been in the capital for so long, I haven't seen many people like you who dare to criticize the imperial family," Hua Liuli's eyes curved into a crescent moon as she smiled, "Rest assured, I will definitely speak highly of you in front of the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince. Now, tell me, what's your surname, your name, and what does your family do?"
The girl in the red dress was frightened by Hua Liuli's words. She stammered and couldn't find a coherent response. In the end, she hurriedly ran away, not even bothering to pick up the hairpin that fell from the cherry tree.
"She has great stamina, running so fast," Hua Liuli let go of Yao Jiamin's arm and crossed her arms, looking at her.
"What are you looking at me for?" Yao Jiamin felt somewhat uncomfortable. She wanted to tell Hua Liuli that the girl earlier was talking nonsense, but she couldn't bring herself to say it due to her pride.
"I think you're foolish," Hua Liuli said with frustration, "When we argue, you're so fierce. But now, in a situation where no one's watching, and someone talks nonsense, you let her go. You said you learned martial arts when you were young, what's the use of that if you just let others throw dirty water at you?"
"Aiyah!" Hua Liuli sighed, "After being friends with me for so long, you haven't made any progress."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Thinking about all the hidden losses she had suffered at the hands of Hua Liuli since they met, Yao Jiamin couldn't refute her.
"You didn't believe what she said?"
"Who is she? Why should I believe her?" Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow, "Besides, she spoke so highly of you, like you're so clever and understanding. Can I trust her?"
Yao Jiamin felt that the overwhelming gratitude in her heart had dissipated by half at this moment.
"Let's go. I picked a few big, red cherries. I'll give you a small portion later," Hua Liuli retook Yao Jiamin's arm and prepared to take her back to the courtyard.
"You picked so many, yet you're only giving me a small portion?" Yao Jiamin glanced at the cherries in the bamboo basket. She suspected that Hua Liuli only picked the best ones.
"There's nothing I can do. I still have to feed my dear betrothed," Hua Liuli openly stated her preference for her lover over friendship, "Although they say sisters are like limbs and men are like clothes, how can we go without clothes as human beings?"
Yao Jiamin remained silent for a moment, "The person just now is called Li Ru. Her father returned last month after being reassigned. Her mother's surname is Xie, the eldest sister of Xie Fuma."
"No wonder she chose to sow discord at this time," Hua Liuli handed two cleaned cherries to Yao Jiamin, "Next time you encounter someone like her, display the aura of being the daughter of the Royal Princess and scold her mercilessly. Don't leave her any face."
Yao Jiamin remembered when she first met Hua Liuli; Hua Liuli had the Crown Prince mistakenly think that she wanted to harm Hua Liuli. She couldn't help but laugh, "Her schemes are far inferior to yours."
Hua Liuli blinked, "Should I take that as a compliment?"
Yao Jiamin turned her head, "Whatever makes you happy."
Although Hua Liuli had criticized her a few times just now, Yao Jiamin couldn't help but smile when she looked at their intertwined hands. Despite knowing that Hua Liuli was fake and two-faced, since they were friends, she should be tolerant of her flaws. Sometimes, closing one's eyes and enduring would make things pass.
The two of them walked while eating cherries. Whenever they encountered big, red ones, they would pluck them. When they had eaten enough and picked enough, the courtyard was already filled with guests, creating a lively atmosphere.
Hua Liuli asked Yuan Yi to bring a few large leaves to cover the cherries in the basket.
"What are you doing?" Yao Jiamin didn't understand.
"With so many people here, not sharing would seem stingy. If we distribute them, we won't be able to give any to the Crown Prince," Hua Liuli justified herself, "These cherries were carefully selected, and besides, there's already a portion specifically for you."
Yao Jiamin was astonished by Hua Liuli's stinginess.
While the two of them were whispering, a eunuch in blue approached with a plate of beautifully red cherries. Hua Liuli casually remarked, "That eunuch seems somewhat familiar."
"That's a chief eunuch from Ying Wang's side," Yao Jiamin casually glanced, not paying much attention.
"Halt!" Hua Liuli called out to the blue-clad eunuch, "Come here."
The blue-clad eunuch hesitated for a moment before bowing in front of Hua Liuli, "This servant greets the two Junzhus."
"You are Ying Wang's attendant?" Hua Liuli noticed that the cherries on his plate seemed redder and bigger than the ones she picked, looking particularly delicious.
"Yes," the attendant eunuch stood respectfully before Hua Liuli.
"Let me see the cherries you picked," Hua Liuli noticed that his sleeves covered half of the plate and said, "Stand straight and answer."
The attendant felt a bit hesitant, "Junzhu, these cherries are for Ying Wang..."
"Who said anyone wants these cherries?" Hua Liuli laughed, "I want to know where you picked these cherries."
"Replying to Junzhu, this servant picked them in the forest to the west."
"The west?" Hua Liuli looked towards the western forest. That was the first place she went to, but she didn't see cherries this big.
"You're feeling hot?" Hua Liuli noticed a fine sweat on the eunuch's forehead and raised an eyebrow slightly, "Give me the cherries."
"Please forgive this servant, Junzhu. These cherries are indeed prepared for Ying Wang," The eunuch seemed to fear Ying Wang's anger, "Or should I have someone take the cherries to Ying Wang and accompany you to find that cherry tree?"
Yao Jiamin looked at Hua Liuli in surprise. Usually, Hua Liuli was gentle with servants. Why was she now giving a hard time to Ying Wang's attendant?
Even if she didn't like Ying Wang, knowing Hua Liuli's temperament, she wouldn't take it out on an innocent eunuch.
The power of love was truly great. It made a noble Junzhu stoop to the level of snatching cherries from others. Yao Jiamin covered her face, not wanting anyone to see her.
She had her dignity.
"Yuan Yi, go tell Ying Wang that I have taken a liking to the cherries in his attendant's hand," Hua Liuli stretched out her hand in front of the blue-clad attendant, "Don't be afraid. If anything happens, I will take care of it for you."
"Yes," the look of fear on the blue-clad attendant's face gradually faded as he handed the plate to Hua Liuli.
Just as Hua Liuli was about to take the plate, his hand accidentally trembled, and the plate fell to the ground. The bright red cherries rolled all over the floor, stained with dust.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Liuli: I thought you were silver, but it turns out you're just bronze.
Yao Jiamin: "..."
It is well known that Emperor Changlong is a loving father to his children. He pities his daughter for not being able to participate in court, so he has bestowed upon her a considerable amount of estates and properties.
The Second Princess often holds banquets because she has many assets and feels no burden in hosting them.
When Hua Liuli arrived, not too early or too late, the servants in the Cherry Garden Estate treated her warmly due to her special status.
"Junzhu, there is a large cherry orchard behind the garden," the Second Princess warmly greeted Hua Liuli, "Jiamin and Miss Yao just said they wanted to pick cherries themselves, so they should be in the back garden now. If you also want to go cherry-picking, I can have someone take you there."
Her gaze swept over the red coral pearl hanging by Hua Liuli's temples, her eyelids trembled slightly.
"Then I will trouble you, Your Highness Second Princess," Hua Liuli curtsied and reached out to receive a delicate hand-held bamboo basket, "This is my first time picking cherries."
"The climate in Qinghan Prefecture is not suitable for cherries to bear fruit, so there's nothing that can be done," the Second Princess, who was quite versatile, explained. Although everyone knew that she belonged to the faction of Consort Xian and Ying Wang, she treated Hua Liuli, the future Crown Princess with affection, like an elder sister.
"That's true," Hua Liuli smiled, "Fortunately, I'm back in the capital now."
The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, and when other guests arrived, Hua Liuli took the opportunity to leave.
The Second Princess watched Hua Liuli's figure as she departed, her eyebrows lightly furrowing. The material used for the red coral pearl hairpin by her temples seemed to be the same as the one she had sent to Ying Wang a few days ago.
"The Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the Fifth Prince have arrived!"
The Second Princess looked at the energetic Crown Prince, a beautiful smile appearing on her lips.
Does the Crown Prince, who holds a superior position, know that his betrothed is wearing hairpins given by other men?
When the Crown Prince arrived at the Cherry Garden Estate, he heard that Hua Liuli had gone to pick cherries with her friends, so he lazily sat aside without making any movements.
When Ying Wang entered, he saw the Crown Prince and immediately wanted to sit as far away from him as possible.
"Eldest Brother," the Fifth Prince greeted Ying Wang and bowed, "Come and sit here."
Ying Wang looked at the enthusiastic Fifth Prince and glanced at the empty seat next to the Crown Prince. He had no intention of going over there. What's wrong with the Fifth Prince? Can't he see that he doesn't want to sit next to the Crown Prince?
The Crown Prince lifted his eyelids slowly and said, "Fifth Brother, Big Brother doesn't want to sit with me."
"Why?" The Fifth Prince, whether truly ignorant or pretending to be ignorant, asked.
"With our outstanding appearances, how could Eldest Brother be willing to sit with us?" The Crown Prince said in a pleasing voice, uttering words that could infuriate someone, "We are brothers, we should consider his feelings."
Ying Wang sneered in his heart. He glanced at the Fifth Prince and didn't expect the Crown Prince to turn the Fifth Prince into his lackey. He strode over and sat next to the Crown Prince, coldly snorting, "Crown Prince, you worry too much."
As a man, the most important thing is ability. What's there to be proud of when you look like a little pretty boy?
In the cherry orchard, Hua Liuli looked at the bright red cherries, glanced around, and swiftly picked some large, ripe cherries and put them into her basket when no one was paying attention.
From a distance, she heard voices of girls talking. She listened attentively and realized that Yao Jiamin was arguing with someone. She took a few steps closer and heard their conversation.
"When it comes to understanding the situation, who can compare to Jiamin Junzhu?" The girl in the red dress spoke with an unfriendly tone, "When Fushou Junzhu returned to the capital, you mocked her. And now that Fushou Junzhu is betrothed to the Crown Prince, you've become good friends with her."
"Jiamin Junzhu, who is straightforward, is indeed perfectly straightforward."
"Junzhu..." Yuan Yi thought this conversation was not proper at all. Wasn't it an intentional provocation and sowing discord? Even the best of friends can't withstand such provocation.
Hua Liuli handed the basket of cherries to Yuan Yi and picked out the biggest and ripest cherry from it, wiping it clean with a handkerchief before slowly putting it into her mouth.
"What does it have to do with you?" Yao Jiamin said with a stern face, "I just like to please Fushou Junzhu. What's wrong with that? If I don't please her, should I please you instead? And there's no need for you to pretend in front of me. Who can't see that you're jealous of Fushou Junzhu?"
"You're talking nonsense!"
"So what if I'm talking nonsense?" Yao Jiamin chuckled, "I heard that someone dreams of marrying into the palace as the Crown Princess but hasn't even taken a good look at themselves in the mirror. Wake up."
"You're spouting nonsense!" The girl in the red dress seemed to have been provoked by Yao Jiamin. She angrily shouted, "Yao Jiamin, are you shameless? You follow Hua Liuli like a dog. It's because of her that your mother was bestowed the title of Royal Princess and you were accepted into the palace by the Empress Dowager. For the sake of these honors, can you give up the man you like?"
"What is a man?" Yao Jiamin raised her chin slightly, "With status, what kind of man can I not get?"
The girl in the red dress wanted to say something more, but suddenly she noticed several people standing behind the bushes. They were... Hua Liuli's maids?
She felt delighted and continued, "So it turns out you have no real friendship with Fushou Junzhu, you're just using her."
Yao Jiamin frowned, "You meddle in everything, the heavens, the earth, and now you even want to meddle in people's friendships?"
"I'm just standing up for Fushou Junzhu."
Yao Jiamin sneered, "A person who dreams to become the Crown Princess is standing up for Hua Liuli? What's the difference between you and a cat crying for a mouse?"
"What's wrong? Did I hit the mark and make you feel guilty?" The girl in the red dress became even more aggressive when Yao Jiamin remained silent.
"If I were you, I would shut up," Yao Jiamin couldn't be bothered to talk to her anymore, "Your maternal family, the Xie family, has troubles of its own. And yet you still have the nerve to attend the Cherry Banquet and speak ill of me in front of me. The last person who used every means to marry the Crown Prince was your cousin. And now she's still locked up in the Ministry of Justice prison."
The girl in the red dress blushed under Jiamin's ridicule. Suddenly, she turned her head to the side and exclaimed, "Fushou Junzhu?"
Yao Jiamin's expression froze as she turned her head to look. She saw Hua Liuli standing under a cherry tree, holding a few cherries in her hand. She didn't know how long Hua Liuli had been standing there, listening to them.
Her lips twitched slightly, and she turned her head away with a soft snort, without explaining anything.
"Fushou Junzhu, I was just chatting casually with Jiamin Junzhu. She didn't intentionally use your feelings. Please don't blame her because of my foolish words," the girl in the red dress anxiously said, "Please don't let my nonsense words affect your relationship."
Hua Liuli glanced at the girl who spoke, leaning against the tree with a smile, "Please continue your conversation, don't mind me."
The girl in the red dress looked somewhat embarrassed. She glanced at Hua Liuli and then at Yao Jiamin, who looked uneasy but unwilling to speak. She lowered her head, appearing delicate and helpless.
"Why stop chatting?" Hua Liuli sighed, "If you'd like, I can move farther away so as not to disturb you?"
Yao Jiamin looked at Hua Liuli's expression, but couldn't figure out if she took what the other party said seriously or not.
"It's alright," the girl in the red dress quickly said, "As long as Fushou Junzhu doesn't misunderstand Jiamin Junzhu because of my words."
"Don't worry, I won't," Hua Liuli walked over to Yao Jiamin's side, took her arm, and smiled at the girl in the red dress, "But you did say some things wrong just now."
"W-What?" The girl in the red dress was dumbfounded, looking at Hua Liuli and Yao Jiamin holding arms together. Could it be that Hua Liuli really didn't mind?
"I am friends with Sister Jiamin not because she intentionally pleases me, but because I intentionally please her," Hua Liuli smiled at Jiamin, squinting her eyes, "Right, Sister Jiamin?"
Yao Jiamin: "???"
When did Hua Liuli please her? Hasn't she been threatening and intimidating her all this time?
Yao Jiamin felt a bit awkward, her cheeks slightly reddening, but her heart felt like it had been poured into a big bowl of sugar, sweet and content.
"The Empress Dowager summoned Yao Jiamin to stay in the palace because she is the Empress Dowager's granddaughter; Royal Princess Shuan'an was conferred the title of Royal Princess because she is His Majesty's sister," Hua Liuli tilted her head, appearing innocent, "Which family do you come from? How come I've never seen you before?"
"I... I..." The girl in the red dress didn't know why Hua Liuli was asking about her family, and for a moment, she couldn't say her true identity.
"You're quite audacious. I've been in the capital for so long, I haven't seen many people like you who dare to criticize the imperial family," Hua Liuli's eyes curved into a crescent moon as she smiled, "Rest assured, I will definitely speak highly of you in front of the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince. Now, tell me, what's your surname, your name, and what does your family do?"
The girl in the red dress was frightened by Hua Liuli's words. She stammered and couldn't find a coherent response. In the end, she hurriedly ran away, not even bothering to pick up the hairpin that fell from the cherry tree.
"She has great stamina, running so fast," Hua Liuli let go of Yao Jiamin's arm and crossed her arms, looking at her.
"What are you looking at me for?" Yao Jiamin felt somewhat uncomfortable. She wanted to tell Hua Liuli that the girl earlier was talking nonsense, but she couldn't bring herself to say it due to her pride.
"I think you're foolish," Hua Liuli said with frustration, "When we argue, you're so fierce. But now, in a situation where no one's watching, and someone talks nonsense, you let her go. You said you learned martial arts when you were young, what's the use of that if you just let others throw dirty water at you?"
"Aiyah!" Hua Liuli sighed, "After being friends with me for so long, you haven't made any progress."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Thinking about all the hidden losses she had suffered at the hands of Hua Liuli since they met, Yao Jiamin couldn't refute her.
"You didn't believe what she said?"
"Who is she? Why should I believe her?" Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow, "Besides, she spoke so highly of you, like you're so clever and understanding. Can I trust her?"
Yao Jiamin felt that the overwhelming gratitude in her heart had dissipated by half at this moment.
"Let's go. I picked a few big, red cherries. I'll give you a small portion later," Hua Liuli retook Yao Jiamin's arm and prepared to take her back to the courtyard.
"You picked so many, yet you're only giving me a small portion?" Yao Jiamin glanced at the cherries in the bamboo basket. She suspected that Hua Liuli only picked the best ones.
"There's nothing I can do. I still have to feed my dear betrothed," Hua Liuli openly stated her preference for her lover over friendship, "Although they say sisters are like limbs and men are like clothes, how can we go without clothes as human beings?"
Yao Jiamin remained silent for a moment, "The person just now is called Li Ru. Her father returned last month after being reassigned. Her mother's surname is Xie, the eldest sister of Xie Fuma."
"No wonder she chose to sow discord at this time," Hua Liuli handed two cleaned cherries to Yao Jiamin, "Next time you encounter someone like her, display the aura of being the daughter of the Royal Princess and scold her mercilessly. Don't leave her any face."
Yao Jiamin remembered when she first met Hua Liuli; Hua Liuli had the Crown Prince mistakenly think that she wanted to harm Hua Liuli. She couldn't help but laugh, "Her schemes are far inferior to yours."
Hua Liuli blinked, "Should I take that as a compliment?"
Yao Jiamin turned her head, "Whatever makes you happy."
Although Hua Liuli had criticized her a few times just now, Yao Jiamin couldn't help but smile when she looked at their intertwined hands. Despite knowing that Hua Liuli was fake and two-faced, since they were friends, she should be tolerant of her flaws. Sometimes, closing one's eyes and enduring would make things pass.
The two of them walked while eating cherries. Whenever they encountered big, red ones, they would pluck them. When they had eaten enough and picked enough, the courtyard was already filled with guests, creating a lively atmosphere.
Hua Liuli asked Yuan Yi to bring a few large leaves to cover the cherries in the basket.
"What are you doing?" Yao Jiamin didn't understand.
"With so many people here, not sharing would seem stingy. If we distribute them, we won't be able to give any to the Crown Prince," Hua Liuli justified herself, "These cherries were carefully selected, and besides, there's already a portion specifically for you."
Yao Jiamin was astonished by Hua Liuli's stinginess.
While the two of them were whispering, a eunuch in blue approached with a plate of beautifully red cherries. Hua Liuli casually remarked, "That eunuch seems somewhat familiar."
"That's a chief eunuch from Ying Wang's side," Yao Jiamin casually glanced, not paying much attention.
"Halt!" Hua Liuli called out to the blue-clad eunuch, "Come here."
The blue-clad eunuch hesitated for a moment before bowing in front of Hua Liuli, "This servant greets the two Junzhus."
"You are Ying Wang's attendant?" Hua Liuli noticed that the cherries on his plate seemed redder and bigger than the ones she picked, looking particularly delicious.
"Yes," the attendant eunuch stood respectfully before Hua Liuli.
"Let me see the cherries you picked," Hua Liuli noticed that his sleeves covered half of the plate and said, "Stand straight and answer."
The attendant felt a bit hesitant, "Junzhu, these cherries are for Ying Wang..."
"Who said anyone wants these cherries?" Hua Liuli laughed, "I want to know where you picked these cherries."
"Replying to Junzhu, this servant picked them in the forest to the west."
"The west?" Hua Liuli looked towards the western forest. That was the first place she went to, but she didn't see cherries this big.
"You're feeling hot?" Hua Liuli noticed a fine sweat on the eunuch's forehead and raised an eyebrow slightly, "Give me the cherries."
"Please forgive this servant, Junzhu. These cherries are indeed prepared for Ying Wang," The eunuch seemed to fear Ying Wang's anger, "Or should I have someone take the cherries to Ying Wang and accompany you to find that cherry tree?"
Yao Jiamin looked at Hua Liuli in surprise. Usually, Hua Liuli was gentle with servants. Why was she now giving a hard time to Ying Wang's attendant?
Even if she didn't like Ying Wang, knowing Hua Liuli's temperament, she wouldn't take it out on an innocent eunuch.
The power of love was truly great. It made a noble Junzhu stoop to the level of snatching cherries from others. Yao Jiamin covered her face, not wanting anyone to see her.
She had her dignity.
"Yuan Yi, go tell Ying Wang that I have taken a liking to the cherries in his attendant's hand," Hua Liuli stretched out her hand in front of the blue-clad attendant, "Don't be afraid. If anything happens, I will take care of it for you."
"Yes," the look of fear on the blue-clad attendant's face gradually faded as he handed the plate to Hua Liuli.
Just as Hua Liuli was about to take the plate, his hand accidentally trembled, and the plate fell to the ground. The bright red cherries rolled all over the floor, stained with dust.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Liuli: I thought you were silver, but it turns out you're just bronze.
Yao Jiamin: "..."
