When Hua Liuli and the Crown Prince arrived at the pavilion, everything had already been prepared by the attendants. Every two steps around the pavilion stood a guard disguised as an ordinary person, indicating that the Emperor wasn't completely at ease with the Crown Prince's safety.
The stone table was filled with steaming and delicious dishes. After washing her hands, Hua Liuli couldn't help but exclaim, "These dishes are different from those in the palace, but they are cleverly made, arousing one's appetite at first glance."
"The greatest honor for this table of dishes is that the Junzhu likes them," the Crown Prince picked up his chopsticks, "Junzhu, please."
Just as Hua Liuli picked up her chopsticks, she saw Ying Wang approaching along with Lin Wan. She put down her chopsticks and stood up.
"Crown Prince, forgive Benwang for intruding," Ying Wang handed the umbrella to the guard stationed outside and walked into the pavilion with big strides, "The rain outside is getting heavier, so Benwang came in to seek shelter. Benwang hopes you don't mind."
The Crown Prince glanced at Ying Wang, then smiled ambiguously and put down his chopsticks, "Benwang had been feeling that there was a tail following Benwang all along. Benwang was actually planning to send the guards to check it out. Since it's Eldest Brother, Benwang doesn't have to worry anymore. Come, have a seat."
Ying Wang furrowed his brows. Why did it feel like Ji Yuansu was calling him a dog?
He shook off the water from his shoes and sat down on the left side of the Crown Prince. Hua Liuli glanced at Lin Wan - who was still standing outside the pavilion - and she turned around to sit on the right side of the Crown Prince, leaving the seat next to Ying Wang empty.
However, Ying Wang acted as if he hadn't seen Lin Wan at all. After being attended to by the eunuch, he washed his hands and prepared to have his meal.
Were these two having an unpleasant disagreement?
Hua Liuli didn't want to intervene in their personal matters, but she also felt that it was awkward for Lin Wan to just stand outside. So she spoke up, "Young Lady Lin, although the apricot blossoms are beautiful, it's more important to have a meal first and enjoy them slowly."
Following Hua Liuli's lead, Lin Wan lowered her head and walked into the pavilion, bowed to the Crown Prince, and quietly sat down next to Ying Wang.
"This Eight Treasure Bamboo Shoot Soup is made with the tenderest bamboo shoots of the spring season. It has the effect of nourishing the lungs and clearing the mind. Would Junzhu like to try it?" the Crown Prince, regardless of the tense atmosphere between Ying Wang and Lin Wan, ladled a bowl of soup and placed it in front of Hua Liuli as if the other two didn't exist.
Hua Liuli picked up the bowl and tasted it, "It's delicious."
"Benwang also enjoys this soup. The others can only be considered ordinary," the Crown Prince looked at the flowers around Hua Liuli. "But with flowers accompanying us today, even these ordinary dishes are satisfying."
"Hmm?" Hua Liuli turned her head to look. The flower petals fell like snowflakes and formed a thick layer on the ground. By tomorrow, these petals would mix with the soil, losing today's beauty.
She reached out her hand outside the pavilion and caught a few falling petals, placing them beside the Crown Prince, "Here, enjoy them while eating."
The Crown Prince paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Ying Wang looked up and saw the pearl earrings gently swaying from Hua Liuli's ears. He couldn't help but wonder how the Hua family managed to raise their daughter so fair and frail despite the harsh conditions on the border.
"Your Highness," Lin Wan picked up a tender bamboo shoot with her chopsticks and put it into Ying Wang's bowl, "Please try this."
"Young Lady Lin, leave the task of serving to the servants," Ying Wang picked up the bamboo shoot and placed it aside, "Besides, Benwang is not accustomed to eating food brought by others."
Lin Wan's face turned pale, "I apologize for my offense."
She subconsciously looked toward Hua Liuli and felt relieved when she saw that she hadn't noticed the situation. It eased her heart a bit.
Ying Wang frowned at Lin Wan, "When Benwang is talking to you, why are you looking at someone else?"
"Your Highness," Hua Liuli put down her chopsticks, "I am full. I'll go out and take a look at the flowers."
"Benwang will accompany you," the Crown Prince stood up and smiled at Ying Wang, then took an umbrella from one of the guards and held it over Hua Liuli's head.
Hua Liuli lifted her skirt and walked into the apricot blossom forest with the Crown Prince. She turned around and glanced at Ying Wang and Lin Wan, who were still sitting in the pavilion, and whispered, "The way Ying Wang and Young Lady Lin interact... it's quite unique."
Ying Wang obviously didn't like Lin Wan very much, so Hua Liuli couldn't understand why Lin Wan indulged Ying Wang's temper by compromising herself like this.
Men sometimes needed to be disciplined. Always yielding to them was useless; the more you yielded, the more they became unruly. One should find the right opportunity to discipline them a few times, and naturally, they would become obedient and considerate, at least knowing how to save face in front of others.
She heard from her Third Brother that when Lin Daren was young, he had silenced several officials in court, leaving them speechless. Corrupt officials would be afraid when they saw him. How did he raise his daughter to have such a soft personality?
Could it be that he only taught his daughter to be a good wife and mother, gentle and virtuous?
If that was the case, with Ying Wang's temper, one didn't know how much suffering she would endure after marrying him.
The Crown Prince reached out and plucked a flower, placing it in Hua Liuli's hairpin, "Everyone has different choices. Don't bother yourself with other people's affairs and make yourself worried."
"Your Royal Highness, a single flower belongs to the family of a whole apricot. Now you have separated them," Hua Liuli pretended to be serious, "What should we do about that?"
"In that case..." the Crown Prince plucked another flower and placed it next to the previous one, "Let its brother accompany it, so it doesn't feel lonely as a single flower."
"A single flower... would feel lonely?" Hua Liuli pondered, wondering if the Crown Prince was reminded of the girl he had liked but lost.
"Yes," the Crown Prince hinted, "Even the most beautiful flower would want another flower to accompany it. Being alone... a flower would feel too lonely."
"Perhaps this flower hopes that the flower it likes will stay on the branch and bear delicious fruits," Hua Liuli's heart skipped a beat, worried that the Crown Prince might have a tendency towards pessimism and world-weariness, "There are so many beautiful flowers on the tree. It's better to stay with the colorful flowers instead of leaving with just one."
"There are too many wonderful things in the world," Hua Liuli earnestly consoled, "Don't give up on anything, especially the prosperity and liveliness of life. Your Royal Highness, don't you agree?"
The Crown Prince handed the umbrella to Hua Liuli, "Benwang suddenly feels a bit cold. Benwang will go and get a cloak."
"Huh?" Hua Liuli held the umbrella, watching as the Crown Prince turned and walked in another direction. The wind was indeed strong today.
After a while, the Crown Prince still hadn't returned, but Lin Wan came over first. She had a calm expression, showing no happiness or anger on her face. It seemed that Ying Wang's behavior hadn't affected her mood.
"Junzhu, you are truly beautiful," Lin Wan suddenly turned her head to look at Hua Liuli, "Standing here in the apricot blossom rain, you look like a painting. As I sit in the pavilion, watching your figure, I almost lost myself."
Although it was a compliment, Hua Liuli detected a slightly sinister tone. She took two steps back, "Young Lady Lin, you praise me too much."
"Junzhu, there's no need to be modest. I'm just stating the truth," Lin Wan slightly curved her lips, "When you stood here, everyone couldn't help but look at you..."
Hua Liuli took a deep breath. How did she encounter another problem?
Just when she thought she had successfully dealt with Yao Jiamin's flaws, now this Lin Wan was also acting strange. Ying Wang's appearance alone couldn't be classified as a captivating beauty. Why did every one of his admirers act as if she was trying to steal Ying Wang from them?
Why make it difficult for other women? She had never met Ying Wang alone, they had barely even exchanged a few words. What did she do to give the impression that she was interested in Ying Wang?
When a woman couldn't handle her man, she would always feel that it was the fault of the other women. What kind of reasoning was this?
"Young Lady Lin," Hua Liuli smiled, her lips curving upwards, "I am not a tolerant person, especially when it comes to others insulting my judgment. I hope you understand."
Lin Wan looked at Hua Liuli with cold eyes.
Hua Liuli smiled back.
"Junzhu, you are awe-inspiring. I naturally can't afford to offend you," Lin Wan sneered, "I hope you always maintain such grandeur."
"Yuan Yi," Hua Liuli ignored Lin Wan and beckoned to her maid, "Did you remember Young Lady Lin's words just now?"
"Nubi has remembered them," Yuan Yi smiled, "Please rest assured, Junzhu. Nubi will remember them word for word."
"That's good," Hua Liuli's smile was radiant, "In a few days, we will visit Master Lin and Madam Lin and repeat Young Lady Lin's words. I believe Master Lin will surely be pleased with Young Lady Lin's eloquence and insight."
"What do you mean?" Lin Wan's face changed.
"It means we're going to lodge a complaint," Hua Liuli tilted her head and smiled mischievously, "Little girls who don't know how to speak, offend people recklessly. Who would treat an ignorant little girl on equal terms? Of course, they would go to her parents."
"Hua Liuli!"
"Young Lady Lin," the Crown Prince walked over expressionless, "You must have had a good appetite at lunch today."
Lin Wan didn't expect the Crown Prince to suddenly approach. Her expression became somewhat flustered, and she stepped aside, bowing, "I... don't understand Your Royal Highness's intentions."
"If you didn't have a good appetite and ate so much, how could you have the energy to argue with a titled Junzhu appointed by His Majesty himself?" the Crown Prince looked at Lin Wan coldly, his eyebrows and eyelids glistening with raindrops, making him appear like an unsheathed cold sword, causing people to avoid direct eye contact with him.
"Master Lin is a good official. Young Lady Lin, don't tarnish his reputation," the Crown Prince's eyes turned slightly cold, "As the future Ying Wangfei, if you don't know how to speak and act, then don't marry into the imperial family."
Hua Liuli noticed that the rain was getting heavier, but the Crown Prince was not holding an umbrella. She quickly lifted the umbrella to cover the Crown Prince's head. She realized there was a height difference between them, so she had to tiptoe to not obstruct the Crown Prince's line of sight.
His warm hand rested on the umbrella handle, "Let Benwang handle it."
Hua Liuli quickly let go, finding it too tiring for a kind and lovely girl to hold the umbrella for someone taller.
While holding the umbrella, Lin Wan felt a chill throughout her body. Her teeth lightly chattered, unsure if she was really cold or if she was just frightened. She feared that Hua Liuli would really go and complain to her parents. She also feared that the Crown Prince would report to the Emperor, revealing her lack of qualities and virtues befitting a Wangfei.
She couldn't accept that she would not become Ying Wang's Wangfei in the future, ending up with a humble fate like her father's.
Her eyes turned red, and she knelt down, softly sobbing, "I beg Your Royal Highness and Junzhu for forgiveness," her cries were desolate and heart-wrenching, it seemed as if she were a pitiful person who dared not voice her anger under a tyrant's rule.
"What's going on here?" Ying Wang walked over and saw his future Wangfei kneeling before Ji Yuansu. His expression turned somewhat unpleasant. Regardless, Lin Wan was his future legitimate consort and Ji Yuansu's future Eldest Sister-In-Law.
"It's all this humble servant's fault," Hua Liuli bit her lower lip, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. She looked as if she was hiding boundless grievances, but she remained resolute, "There was a misunderstanding in our conversation, and it made both of us unhappy. After the Crown Prince arrived, he spoke a few words to Young Lady Lin. Unexpectedly, Young Lady Lin felt so remorseful that she knelt down to apologize to His Royal Highness and me."
The delicate face of Hua Liuli turned pale, seemingly frightened by Young Lady Lin's actions. Nonetheless, she considerately addressed Ying Wang, "Fortunately, Your Highness, you have arrived. Please persuade Young Lady Lin to rise."
This blame was very significant. If the Crown Prince were to bear it, it would surely intensify the discord between the brothers. It would be better to let her shoulder it instead.
"So, it was just a misunderstanding," Ying Wang suddenly realized. He looked down at Lin Wan and said, "Then why are you still kneeling? It's not pleasant to be seen like this. Get up quickly, and later, go change your clothes. Mother Consort has invited you to the palace to stay for a couple of days."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your tolerance," Lin Wan's hand hidden in her sleeve clenched tightly, her nails sinking deep into her palm. She slowly stood up, glanced at the mud stains on her skirt, and said to Ying Wang, "Your Highness, may this humble servant return home to change clothes and then pay respects to Mother Consort?"
"Suit yourself," Ying Wang glanced at the Crown Prince. "The rain in the mountains is getting heavier. Since Junzhu's health is not good, it's not advisable to stay in the mountains for long. Moreover, if the rain continues, the mountain roads will become slippery and difficult to traverse. Junzhu should descend the mountain early."
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. This humble servant will remember," Hua Liuli noticed the cold gaze of Lin Wan falling on her once again.
She sighed inwardly, trying to hide behind the Crown Prince. It was advantageous to have someone tall by her side, at least providing a broader area of coverage.
Ying Wang glanced at Hua Liuli's little actions and bowed to the Crown Prince, "Crown Prince, Benwang shall take my leave."
"Take care, Eldest Brother," the Crown Prince said expressionlessly, then he gave Lin Wan a glance. Lin Wan didn't dare to meet the Crown Prince's gaze and lowered her head even further.
After Ying Wang left with Lin Wan, the Crown Prince said to Hua Liuli, "Let's descend the mountain too. There is a lake near the outskirts of the capital, the scenery there is beautiful in rainy weather. We can go there by carriage. Would you like to go?"
"Sure," Hua Liuli nodded. With a beautiful companion, whether it was enjoying the lake or flowers, it would be equally delightful.
On their way down the mountain, they encountered the Fifth Prince, who was holding a painting tube. The Fifth Prince's eyes lit up when he saw Hua Liuli. He respectfully greeted the Crown Prince and then looked at Hua Liuli with bright eyes, saying, "Fushou Junzhu, Benwang has painted a new artwork today. Benwang would like to have your opinion on it."
Hua Liuli: "..."
Young man, you look at me with such trusting eyes, it puts me in a difficult position.
"In that case, this humble servant will dare to take a look," she sighed. Well, since he was a prince, she had to show some appreciation.
As two young eunuchs carefully opened the scroll, the Fifth Prince quickly held his umbrella over the painting, afraid that the merciless spring rain would dampen his masterpiece.
Hua Liuli took a deep breath, gathering her courage to look at it.
What on earth was this painting?
A bunch of heavily inked blobs and lightly inked blobs mixing together as friends?
"Junzhu, what do you think of this 'View of the Green Mountains'?" The Fifth Prince eagerly asked Hua Liuli.
The Crown Prince smiled ambiguously and glanced at Hua Liuli, then he pretended to look at the sky and the ground, intentionally avoiding the Fifth Prince's painting.
"This painting..." Hua Liuli pondered for a moment, "When Your Highness wielded the brush, the depth and lightness greatly varied. The heavier parts resemble the majestic and magnificent green mountains, while the lighter parts depict the wind, mist, rain, and the intangible aura within the mountains. From observing the painting, this humble servant believes that Your Highness is like a mountain in character, yet your state of mind is as carefree and comfortable as the white clouds, truly embodying the qualities of an upright gentleman."
"Junzhu, your praise is excessive," the Fifth Prince blushed slightly, and he had the eunuch carefully collect the painting, "But you are right, Junzhu. Benwang wants to be like the clouds and wind in these mountains, unaffected by worldly ambitions."
Hua Liuli turned to the Crown Prince, "Your Royal Highness, does this humble servant's opinion hold true?"
At such times, she shouldn't be the only one struggling in praising someone.
"Junzhu is correct," the Crown Prince smiled, "Junzhu makes a valid point. Benwang fully agrees with your perspective."
"It's the Crown Prince that understands Benwang the best," the Fifth Prince became even happier, "After Benwang returns, Benwang will create two new paintings to present to both of you."
Hua Liuli: "..."
No, there really is no need for that.
"Thank you for your efforts, Fifth Youngest Brother," the Crown Prince said calmly, "You should return and continue your painting. Benwang will be looking forward to your paintings."
"The Crown Prince won't be disappointed," the elegant and flawless Fifth Prince, upon hearing the Crown Prince's encouragement, hurriedly descended the mountain, not even needing an umbrella.
From childhood to adulthood, the Crown Prince seldom praised him. Today, he praised him so gently and encouraged him. It must be because his painting was so artistic that the Crown Prince appreciated it.
Indeed, he had extraordinary talent in painting.
Watching the Fifth Prince's joyful figure, Hua Liuli felt a complex mood. Imperial family members... were truly unique. However, when the Fifth Prince spoke earlier about wanting to be like clouds and wind, was it sincere or intentionally said for the Crown Prince to hear? She stole a glance at the Crown Prince but couldn't discern his thoughts, so she gave up.
The rainy mountain road was indeed difficult to traverse. The Crown Prince slipped and nearly fell. Hua Liuli quickly reached out and grabbed his waist, pulling him back.
The Crown Prince looked at Hua Liuli's hand and suddenly smiled, "Concern can lead to chaos. Benwang never expected that Junzhu would exert such strength to save me."
"Cough, cough," Hua Liuli covered her chest, "This humble servant also didn't expect it. It shows that a person's potential is boundless," She took a pill from Yuan Yi and ate it, "As long as Your Royal Highness is fine, this humble servant can rest assured."
At the foot of the mountain, the two of them did not share the carriage. Hua Liuli breathed a sigh of relief once she lay inside the carriage.
The power of beauty was truly captivating. Why couldn't she control her own hand? With so many attendants by the Crown Prince's side, it was impossible for him to fall.
"It's fortunate that Junzhu is not the ruler of our Great Jin," Yuan Yi shook her head and teased, "If Junzhu were the ruler, Great Jin would inevitably decline due to Junzhu's penchant for beauty."
Hua Liuli replied, "Yuan Yi, you're being too straightforward. I feel embarrassed."
"Beauty comes first. What need is there for embarrassment?" Yurong chimed in with a smile, "Clearly, Junzhu doesn't care about it."
"Alas, I am merely showing mercy and cherishing precious jade. How can you understand my feelings?" Hua Liuli whispered softly, "Moreover, the person the Crown Prince likes has already passed away. He has not yet moved on from that emotional attachment, and I fear he may not be able to accept it. I can only advise him more."
If something were to truly happen to the Crown Prince, it would affect the entire country, and the people would suffer. Therefore, the person she saved earlier was not just a beautiful individual but the future of the Great Jin Dynasty as a whole.
That is why she was noble and great.
The carriage traveled for a while before coming to a stop. Hua Liuli lifted the curtain and glanced outside. The surrounding scenery was ordinary and there was no sight of a beautiful lake.
"Have we arrived?"
"Junzhu, just a little while longer," a guard said, "There is a quarry ahead, so the road is uneven. Please ensure that Junzhu and the maids attending to Junzhu are seated securely."
"Very well," Hua Liuli nodded, "Thank you."
"No need for thanks," the guard instructed the coachman to continue the journey.
After a while, the carriage indeed became bumpy. Hua Liuli curiously lifted the curtain and saw many bare stones lying on both sides of the road. A group of quarry laborers huddled under a rain shelter, standing in an orderly manner, afraid to make noise and disturb those passing by.
There was also a prisoner squatting outside the rain shelter, seemingly out of place compared to the other prisoners.
When that prisoner saw Hua Liuli, he suddenly stood up and exclaimed, "Junzhu, please save me!" He seemed to want to run in this direction but was whipped by a prison guard, causing him to stop in fear. However, he continued to call out to Hua Liuli with all his strength.
"Stop," Hua Liuli commanded the carriage to halt. She had the prison guard bring the prisoner closer and carefully looked him over.
With messy hair and a disheveled appearance, who was this?
"Junzhu, I am the qin player, Yunhan," the prisoner, wearing grass shoes on his feet, his emaciated body clad in dirty coarse clothes, looked like someone who hadn't eaten enough in a long time.
"You are... Yunhan?" Hua Liuli scrutinized him from head to toe. It's no wonder people always say that clothes make the man. This Yunhan, wearing tattered clothes, had lost all traces of the ethereal aura he had before, and his dirty face was far from the fair complexion he had a few days ago, lacking any trace of beauty.
"Junzhu, these prison guards are using excessive punishment. Please save my life," although he had only been in the Ministry of Justice prison dungeon for a few days, he couldn't take it anymore.
"Please understand, Yunhan, that the prisoners in the Ministry of Justice are meant to work to atone for their crimes," the prison guard, unaware of the identity of the Junzhu inside the carriage, didn't dare to be negligent, "This person is always scheming and cunning, doing little work but eating a lot, and he doesn't obey discipline. We whip him because there's no other way, not intentionally singling him out."
"Mr. Yunhan, the Ministry of Justice has its rules, and although I am a Junzhu, I cannot interfere in political matters. The officials of the Ministry of Justice are all geniuses at investigating and adjudicating cases, and I believe they will definitely uncover the truth and bring about a perfect resolution. The days in the prison might be harsh..." Hua Liuli glanced at Yunhan's dirty grass shoes. "...but they will pass."
A glimmer of hope rose in Yunhan's heart.
"But there are still many days ahead, so endure a little longer, and you will get used to it," Hua Liuli handed a plate of pastries out of the carriage window, "Here, eat more. Only when you've eaten enough will you have the strength to work."
Yunhan stared at the plate of pastries, his hands trembling as he took them. "Since it's Junzhu's words, I will believe in them."
"That's right," Hua Liuli nodded, "Reform yourself well and strive to be released soon," With that, she lowered the curtain and said to the guard, "Let's go."
Once Hua Liuli and her entourage left, the prisoners who had been obediently staying under the rain shelter swarmed around and snatched the pastries from Yunhan's hands, leaving nothing behind.
"I thought this pretty boy had the ability to save himself."
"But all he got was a plate of pastries."
"The Junzhu was right. Reform yourself well and strive to be released soon."
The group of prisoners laughed and joked, but they didn't dare to talk casually about the Junzhu. They were all prisoners with some knowledge of the Ministry of Justice's methods, so they know exactly what could be said and what couldn't. They were as cautious as mice.
The Crown Prince lazily leaned against the carriage wall, feeling good.
How to shatter the beautiful image of a person in someone else's heart?
一By fully exposing their ugliest side.
The most beautiful and captivating qin player?
Hmph.
When Hua Liuli and the Crown Prince arrived at the pavilion, everything had already been prepared by the attendants. Every two steps around the pavilion stood a guard disguised as an ordinary person, indicating that the Emperor wasn't completely at ease with the Crown Prince's safety.
The stone table was filled with steaming and delicious dishes. After washing her hands, Hua Liuli couldn't help but exclaim, "These dishes are different from those in the palace, but they are cleverly made, arousing one's appetite at first glance."
"The greatest honor for this table of dishes is that the Junzhu likes them," the Crown Prince picked up his chopsticks, "Junzhu, please."
Just as Hua Liuli picked up her chopsticks, she saw Ying Wang approaching along with Lin Wan. She put down her chopsticks and stood up.
"Crown Prince, forgive Benwang for intruding," Ying Wang handed the umbrella to the guard stationed outside and walked into the pavilion with big strides, "The rain outside is getting heavier, so Benwang came in to seek shelter. Benwang hopes you don't mind."
The Crown Prince glanced at Ying Wang, then smiled ambiguously and put down his chopsticks, "Benwang had been feeling that there was a tail following Benwang all along. Benwang was actually planning to send the guards to check it out. Since it's Eldest Brother, Benwang doesn't have to worry anymore. Come, have a seat."
Ying Wang furrowed his brows. Why did it feel like Ji Yuansu was calling him a dog?
He shook off the water from his shoes and sat down on the left side of the Crown Prince. Hua Liuli glanced at Lin Wan - who was still standing outside the pavilion - and she turned around to sit on the right side of the Crown Prince, leaving the seat next to Ying Wang empty.
However, Ying Wang acted as if he hadn't seen Lin Wan at all. After being attended to by the eunuch, he washed his hands and prepared to have his meal.
Were these two having an unpleasant disagreement?
Hua Liuli didn't want to intervene in their personal matters, but she also felt that it was awkward for Lin Wan to just stand outside. So she spoke up, "Young Lady Lin, although the apricot blossoms are beautiful, it's more important to have a meal first and enjoy them slowly."
Following Hua Liuli's lead, Lin Wan lowered her head and walked into the pavilion, bowed to the Crown Prince, and quietly sat down next to Ying Wang.
"This Eight Treasure Bamboo Shoot Soup is made with the tenderest bamboo shoots of the spring season. It has the effect of nourishing the lungs and clearing the mind. Would Junzhu like to try it?" the Crown Prince, regardless of the tense atmosphere between Ying Wang and Lin Wan, ladled a bowl of soup and placed it in front of Hua Liuli as if the other two didn't exist.
Hua Liuli picked up the bowl and tasted it, "It's delicious."
"Benwang also enjoys this soup. The others can only be considered ordinary," the Crown Prince looked at the flowers around Hua Liuli. "But with flowers accompanying us today, even these ordinary dishes are satisfying."
"Hmm?" Hua Liuli turned her head to look. The flower petals fell like snowflakes and formed a thick layer on the ground. By tomorrow, these petals would mix with the soil, losing today's beauty.
She reached out her hand outside the pavilion and caught a few falling petals, placing them beside the Crown Prince, "Here, enjoy them while eating."
The Crown Prince paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Ying Wang looked up and saw the pearl earrings gently swaying from Hua Liuli's ears. He couldn't help but wonder how the Hua family managed to raise their daughter so fair and frail despite the harsh conditions on the border.
"Your Highness," Lin Wan picked up a tender bamboo shoot with her chopsticks and put it into Ying Wang's bowl, "Please try this."
"Young Lady Lin, leave the task of serving to the servants," Ying Wang picked up the bamboo shoot and placed it aside, "Besides, Benwang is not accustomed to eating food brought by others."
Lin Wan's face turned pale, "I apologize for my offense."
She subconsciously looked toward Hua Liuli and felt relieved when she saw that she hadn't noticed the situation. It eased her heart a bit.
Ying Wang frowned at Lin Wan, "When Benwang is talking to you, why are you looking at someone else?"
"Your Highness," Hua Liuli put down her chopsticks, "I am full. I'll go out and take a look at the flowers."
"Benwang will accompany you," the Crown Prince stood up and smiled at Ying Wang, then took an umbrella from one of the guards and held it over Hua Liuli's head.
Hua Liuli lifted her skirt and walked into the apricot blossom forest with the Crown Prince. She turned around and glanced at Ying Wang and Lin Wan, who were still sitting in the pavilion, and whispered, "The way Ying Wang and Young Lady Lin interact... it's quite unique."
Ying Wang obviously didn't like Lin Wan very much, so Hua Liuli couldn't understand why Lin Wan indulged Ying Wang's temper by compromising herself like this.
Men sometimes needed to be disciplined. Always yielding to them was useless; the more you yielded, the more they became unruly. One should find the right opportunity to discipline them a few times, and naturally, they would become obedient and considerate, at least knowing how to save face in front of others.
She heard from her Third Brother that when Lin Daren was young, he had silenced several officials in court, leaving them speechless. Corrupt officials would be afraid when they saw him. How did he raise his daughter to have such a soft personality?
Could it be that he only taught his daughter to be a good wife and mother, gentle and virtuous?
If that was the case, with Ying Wang's temper, one didn't know how much suffering she would endure after marrying him.
The Crown Prince reached out and plucked a flower, placing it in Hua Liuli's hairpin, "Everyone has different choices. Don't bother yourself with other people's affairs and make yourself worried."
"Your Royal Highness, a single flower belongs to the family of a whole apricot. Now you have separated them," Hua Liuli pretended to be serious, "What should we do about that?"
"In that case..." the Crown Prince plucked another flower and placed it next to the previous one, "Let its brother accompany it, so it doesn't feel lonely as a single flower."
"A single flower... would feel lonely?" Hua Liuli pondered, wondering if the Crown Prince was reminded of the girl he had liked but lost.
"Yes," the Crown Prince hinted, "Even the most beautiful flower would want another flower to accompany it. Being alone... a flower would feel too lonely."
"Perhaps this flower hopes that the flower it likes will stay on the branch and bear delicious fruits," Hua Liuli's heart skipped a beat, worried that the Crown Prince might have a tendency towards pessimism and world-weariness, "There are so many beautiful flowers on the tree. It's better to stay with the colorful flowers instead of leaving with just one."
"There are too many wonderful things in the world," Hua Liuli earnestly consoled, "Don't give up on anything, especially the prosperity and liveliness of life. Your Royal Highness, don't you agree?"
The Crown Prince handed the umbrella to Hua Liuli, "Benwang suddenly feels a bit cold. Benwang will go and get a cloak."
"Huh?" Hua Liuli held the umbrella, watching as the Crown Prince turned and walked in another direction. The wind was indeed strong today.
After a while, the Crown Prince still hadn't returned, but Lin Wan came over first. She had a calm expression, showing no happiness or anger on her face. It seemed that Ying Wang's behavior hadn't affected her mood.
"Junzhu, you are truly beautiful," Lin Wan suddenly turned her head to look at Hua Liuli, "Standing here in the apricot blossom rain, you look like a painting. As I sit in the pavilion, watching your figure, I almost lost myself."
Although it was a compliment, Hua Liuli detected a slightly sinister tone. She took two steps back, "Young Lady Lin, you praise me too much."
"Junzhu, there's no need to be modest. I'm just stating the truth," Lin Wan slightly curved her lips, "When you stood here, everyone couldn't help but look at you..."
Hua Liuli took a deep breath. How did she encounter another problem?
Just when she thought she had successfully dealt with Yao Jiamin's flaws, now this Lin Wan was also acting strange. Ying Wang's appearance alone couldn't be classified as a captivating beauty. Why did every one of his admirers act as if she was trying to steal Ying Wang from them?
Why make it difficult for other women? She had never met Ying Wang alone, they had barely even exchanged a few words. What did she do to give the impression that she was interested in Ying Wang?
When a woman couldn't handle her man, she would always feel that it was the fault of the other women. What kind of reasoning was this?
"Young Lady Lin," Hua Liuli smiled, her lips curving upwards, "I am not a tolerant person, especially when it comes to others insulting my judgment. I hope you understand."
Lin Wan looked at Hua Liuli with cold eyes.
Hua Liuli smiled back.
"Junzhu, you are awe-inspiring. I naturally can't afford to offend you," Lin Wan sneered, "I hope you always maintain such grandeur."
"Yuan Yi," Hua Liuli ignored Lin Wan and beckoned to her maid, "Did you remember Young Lady Lin's words just now?"
"Nubi has remembered them," Yuan Yi smiled, "Please rest assured, Junzhu. Nubi will remember them word for word."
"That's good," Hua Liuli's smile was radiant, "In a few days, we will visit Master Lin and Madam Lin and repeat Young Lady Lin's words. I believe Master Lin will surely be pleased with Young Lady Lin's eloquence and insight."
"What do you mean?" Lin Wan's face changed.
"It means we're going to lodge a complaint," Hua Liuli tilted her head and smiled mischievously, "Little girls who don't know how to speak, offend people recklessly. Who would treat an ignorant little girl on equal terms? Of course, they would go to her parents."
"Hua Liuli!"
"Young Lady Lin," the Crown Prince walked over expressionless, "You must have had a good appetite at lunch today."
Lin Wan didn't expect the Crown Prince to suddenly approach. Her expression became somewhat flustered, and she stepped aside, bowing, "I... don't understand Your Royal Highness's intentions."
"If you didn't have a good appetite and ate so much, how could you have the energy to argue with a titled Junzhu appointed by His Majesty himself?" the Crown Prince looked at Lin Wan coldly, his eyebrows and eyelids glistening with raindrops, making him appear like an unsheathed cold sword, causing people to avoid direct eye contact with him.
"Master Lin is a good official. Young Lady Lin, don't tarnish his reputation," the Crown Prince's eyes turned slightly cold, "As the future Ying Wangfei, if you don't know how to speak and act, then don't marry into the imperial family."
Hua Liuli noticed that the rain was getting heavier, but the Crown Prince was not holding an umbrella. She quickly lifted the umbrella to cover the Crown Prince's head. She realized there was a height difference between them, so she had to tiptoe to not obstruct the Crown Prince's line of sight.
His warm hand rested on the umbrella handle, "Let Benwang handle it."
Hua Liuli quickly let go, finding it too tiring for a kind and lovely girl to hold the umbrella for someone taller.
While holding the umbrella, Lin Wan felt a chill throughout her body. Her teeth lightly chattered, unsure if she was really cold or if she was just frightened. She feared that Hua Liuli would really go and complain to her parents. She also feared that the Crown Prince would report to the Emperor, revealing her lack of qualities and virtues befitting a Wangfei.
She couldn't accept that she would not become Ying Wang's Wangfei in the future, ending up with a humble fate like her father's.
Her eyes turned red, and she knelt down, softly sobbing, "I beg Your Royal Highness and Junzhu for forgiveness," her cries were desolate and heart-wrenching, it seemed as if she were a pitiful person who dared not voice her anger under a tyrant's rule.
"What's going on here?" Ying Wang walked over and saw his future Wangfei kneeling before Ji Yuansu. His expression turned somewhat unpleasant. Regardless, Lin Wan was his future legitimate consort and Ji Yuansu's future Eldest Sister-In-Law.
"It's all this humble servant's fault," Hua Liuli bit her lower lip, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. She looked as if she was hiding boundless grievances, but she remained resolute, "There was a misunderstanding in our conversation, and it made both of us unhappy. After the Crown Prince arrived, he spoke a few words to Young Lady Lin. Unexpectedly, Young Lady Lin felt so remorseful that she knelt down to apologize to His Royal Highness and me."
The delicate face of Hua Liuli turned pale, seemingly frightened by Young Lady Lin's actions. Nonetheless, she considerately addressed Ying Wang, "Fortunately, Your Highness, you have arrived. Please persuade Young Lady Lin to rise."
This blame was very significant. If the Crown Prince were to bear it, it would surely intensify the discord between the brothers. It would be better to let her shoulder it instead.
"So, it was just a misunderstanding," Ying Wang suddenly realized. He looked down at Lin Wan and said, "Then why are you still kneeling? It's not pleasant to be seen like this. Get up quickly, and later, go change your clothes. Mother Consort has invited you to the palace to stay for a couple of days."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your tolerance," Lin Wan's hand hidden in her sleeve clenched tightly, her nails sinking deep into her palm. She slowly stood up, glanced at the mud stains on her skirt, and said to Ying Wang, "Your Highness, may this humble servant return home to change clothes and then pay respects to Mother Consort?"
"Suit yourself," Ying Wang glanced at the Crown Prince. "The rain in the mountains is getting heavier. Since Junzhu's health is not good, it's not advisable to stay in the mountains for long. Moreover, if the rain continues, the mountain roads will become slippery and difficult to traverse. Junzhu should descend the mountain early."
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. This humble servant will remember," Hua Liuli noticed the cold gaze of Lin Wan falling on her once again.
She sighed inwardly, trying to hide behind the Crown Prince. It was advantageous to have someone tall by her side, at least providing a broader area of coverage.
Ying Wang glanced at Hua Liuli's little actions and bowed to the Crown Prince, "Crown Prince, Benwang shall take my leave."
"Take care, Eldest Brother," the Crown Prince said expressionlessly, then he gave Lin Wan a glance. Lin Wan didn't dare to meet the Crown Prince's gaze and lowered her head even further.
After Ying Wang left with Lin Wan, the Crown Prince said to Hua Liuli, "Let's descend the mountain too. There is a lake near the outskirts of the capital, the scenery there is beautiful in rainy weather. We can go there by carriage. Would you like to go?"
"Sure," Hua Liuli nodded. With a beautiful companion, whether it was enjoying the lake or flowers, it would be equally delightful.
On their way down the mountain, they encountered the Fifth Prince, who was holding a painting tube. The Fifth Prince's eyes lit up when he saw Hua Liuli. He respectfully greeted the Crown Prince and then looked at Hua Liuli with bright eyes, saying, "Fushou Junzhu, Benwang has painted a new artwork today. Benwang would like to have your opinion on it."
Hua Liuli: "..."
Young man, you look at me with such trusting eyes, it puts me in a difficult position.
"In that case, this humble servant will dare to take a look," she sighed. Well, since he was a prince, she had to show some appreciation.
As two young eunuchs carefully opened the scroll, the Fifth Prince quickly held his umbrella over the painting, afraid that the merciless spring rain would dampen his masterpiece.
Hua Liuli took a deep breath, gathering her courage to look at it.
What on earth was this painting?
A bunch of heavily inked blobs and lightly inked blobs mixing together as friends?
"Junzhu, what do you think of this 'View of the Green Mountains'?" The Fifth Prince eagerly asked Hua Liuli.
The Crown Prince smiled ambiguously and glanced at Hua Liuli, then he pretended to look at the sky and the ground, intentionally avoiding the Fifth Prince's painting.
"This painting..." Hua Liuli pondered for a moment, "When Your Highness wielded the brush, the depth and lightness greatly varied. The heavier parts resemble the majestic and magnificent green mountains, while the lighter parts depict the wind, mist, rain, and the intangible aura within the mountains. From observing the painting, this humble servant believes that Your Highness is like a mountain in character, yet your state of mind is as carefree and comfortable as the white clouds, truly embodying the qualities of an upright gentleman."
"Junzhu, your praise is excessive," the Fifth Prince blushed slightly, and he had the eunuch carefully collect the painting, "But you are right, Junzhu. Benwang wants to be like the clouds and wind in these mountains, unaffected by worldly ambitions."
Hua Liuli turned to the Crown Prince, "Your Royal Highness, does this humble servant's opinion hold true?"
At such times, she shouldn't be the only one struggling in praising someone.
"Junzhu is correct," the Crown Prince smiled, "Junzhu makes a valid point. Benwang fully agrees with your perspective."
"It's the Crown Prince that understands Benwang the best," the Fifth Prince became even happier, "After Benwang returns, Benwang will create two new paintings to present to both of you."
Hua Liuli: "..."
No, there really is no need for that.
"Thank you for your efforts, Fifth Youngest Brother," the Crown Prince said calmly, "You should return and continue your painting. Benwang will be looking forward to your paintings."
"The Crown Prince won't be disappointed," the elegant and flawless Fifth Prince, upon hearing the Crown Prince's encouragement, hurriedly descended the mountain, not even needing an umbrella.
From childhood to adulthood, the Crown Prince seldom praised him. Today, he praised him so gently and encouraged him. It must be because his painting was so artistic that the Crown Prince appreciated it.
Indeed, he had extraordinary talent in painting.
Watching the Fifth Prince's joyful figure, Hua Liuli felt a complex mood. Imperial family members... were truly unique. However, when the Fifth Prince spoke earlier about wanting to be like clouds and wind, was it sincere or intentionally said for the Crown Prince to hear? She stole a glance at the Crown Prince but couldn't discern his thoughts, so she gave up.
The rainy mountain road was indeed difficult to traverse. The Crown Prince slipped and nearly fell. Hua Liuli quickly reached out and grabbed his waist, pulling him back.
The Crown Prince looked at Hua Liuli's hand and suddenly smiled, "Concern can lead to chaos. Benwang never expected that Junzhu would exert such strength to save me."
"Cough, cough," Hua Liuli covered her chest, "This humble servant also didn't expect it. It shows that a person's potential is boundless," She took a pill from Yuan Yi and ate it, "As long as Your Royal Highness is fine, this humble servant can rest assured."
At the foot of the mountain, the two of them did not share the carriage. Hua Liuli breathed a sigh of relief once she lay inside the carriage.
The power of beauty was truly captivating. Why couldn't she control her own hand? With so many attendants by the Crown Prince's side, it was impossible for him to fall.
"It's fortunate that Junzhu is not the ruler of our Great Jin," Yuan Yi shook her head and teased, "If Junzhu were the ruler, Great Jin would inevitably decline due to Junzhu's penchant for beauty."
Hua Liuli replied, "Yuan Yi, you're being too straightforward. I feel embarrassed."
"Beauty comes first. What need is there for embarrassment?" Yurong chimed in with a smile, "Clearly, Junzhu doesn't care about it."
"Alas, I am merely showing mercy and cherishing precious jade. How can you understand my feelings?" Hua Liuli whispered softly, "Moreover, the person the Crown Prince likes has already passed away. He has not yet moved on from that emotional attachment, and I fear he may not be able to accept it. I can only advise him more."
If something were to truly happen to the Crown Prince, it would affect the entire country, and the people would suffer. Therefore, the person she saved earlier was not just a beautiful individual but the future of the Great Jin Dynasty as a whole.
That is why she was noble and great.
The carriage traveled for a while before coming to a stop. Hua Liuli lifted the curtain and glanced outside. The surrounding scenery was ordinary and there was no sight of a beautiful lake.
"Have we arrived?"
"Junzhu, just a little while longer," a guard said, "There is a quarry ahead, so the road is uneven. Please ensure that Junzhu and the maids attending to Junzhu are seated securely."
"Very well," Hua Liuli nodded, "Thank you."
"No need for thanks," the guard instructed the coachman to continue the journey.
After a while, the carriage indeed became bumpy. Hua Liuli curiously lifted the curtain and saw many bare stones lying on both sides of the road. A group of quarry laborers huddled under a rain shelter, standing in an orderly manner, afraid to make noise and disturb those passing by.
There was also a prisoner squatting outside the rain shelter, seemingly out of place compared to the other prisoners.
When that prisoner saw Hua Liuli, he suddenly stood up and exclaimed, "Junzhu, please save me!" He seemed to want to run in this direction but was whipped by a prison guard, causing him to stop in fear. However, he continued to call out to Hua Liuli with all his strength.
"Stop," Hua Liuli commanded the carriage to halt. She had the prison guard bring the prisoner closer and carefully looked him over.
With messy hair and a disheveled appearance, who was this?
"Junzhu, I am the qin player, Yunhan," the prisoner, wearing grass shoes on his feet, his emaciated body clad in dirty coarse clothes, looked like someone who hadn't eaten enough in a long time.
"You are... Yunhan?" Hua Liuli scrutinized him from head to toe. It's no wonder people always say that clothes make the man. This Yunhan, wearing tattered clothes, had lost all traces of the ethereal aura he had before, and his dirty face was far from the fair complexion he had a few days ago, lacking any trace of beauty.
"Junzhu, these prison guards are using excessive punishment. Please save my life," although he had only been in the Ministry of Justice prison dungeon for a few days, he couldn't take it anymore.
"Please understand, Yunhan, that the prisoners in the Ministry of Justice are meant to work to atone for their crimes," the prison guard, unaware of the identity of the Junzhu inside the carriage, didn't dare to be negligent, "This person is always scheming and cunning, doing little work but eating a lot, and he doesn't obey discipline. We whip him because there's no other way, not intentionally singling him out."
"Mr. Yunhan, the Ministry of Justice has its rules, and although I am a Junzhu, I cannot interfere in political matters. The officials of the Ministry of Justice are all geniuses at investigating and adjudicating cases, and I believe they will definitely uncover the truth and bring about a perfect resolution. The days in the prison might be harsh..." Hua Liuli glanced at Yunhan's dirty grass shoes. "...but they will pass."
A glimmer of hope rose in Yunhan's heart.
"But there are still many days ahead, so endure a little longer, and you will get used to it," Hua Liuli handed a plate of pastries out of the carriage window, "Here, eat more. Only when you've eaten enough will you have the strength to work."
Yunhan stared at the plate of pastries, his hands trembling as he took them. "Since it's Junzhu's words, I will believe in them."
"That's right," Hua Liuli nodded, "Reform yourself well and strive to be released soon," With that, she lowered the curtain and said to the guard, "Let's go."
Once Hua Liuli and her entourage left, the prisoners who had been obediently staying under the rain shelter swarmed around and snatched the pastries from Yunhan's hands, leaving nothing behind.
"I thought this pretty boy had the ability to save himself."
"But all he got was a plate of pastries."
"The Junzhu was right. Reform yourself well and strive to be released soon."
The group of prisoners laughed and joked, but they didn't dare to talk casually about the Junzhu. They were all prisoners with some knowledge of the Ministry of Justice's methods, so they know exactly what could be said and what couldn't. They were as cautious as mice.
The Crown Prince lazily leaned against the carriage wall, feeling good.
How to shatter the beautiful image of a person in someone else's heart?
一By fully exposing their ugliest side.
The most beautiful and captivating qin player?
Hmph.
