He Had Investigated Her

Su Luoqian rode in the same carriage as Qin Shuning and Zhou Jingmi. The window was slightly open, offering a view of the lively street outside.

It was Zhou Jingmi's first time leaving the palace, and she couldn't help feeling excited.

Tugging at Su Luoqian's and Qin Shuning's sleeves, she exclaimed one moment, "Fourth sister-in-law, that acrobat is amazing!"

The next, she said, "Crown princess sister-in-law, that embroidery is so beautiful!"

Su Luoqian smiled. "I'll take you somewhere in a little while."

Zhou Jingmi turned around and looked at her with big, bright eyes. "Fourth sister-in-law, where are we going?"

Qin Shuning answered, "Somewhere fun, of course."

The three carriages stopped one after another at a junction east of Anning Ward. The group got out and walked ahead.

As soon as Lu Jingsi stepped out of his carriage, he saw Su Luoqian wiping pastry crumbs from the corner of Zhou Jingmi's mouth with a handkerchief.

She bent forward, her slender waist curving slightly, the dangling ornaments in her hair swaying gently.

She held the handkerchief in her slender fingers, her gaze impossibly tender. As she wiped, she said something that seemed to be teasing the girl.

Zhou Jingmi's little face turned red, and she nestled against her.

A radiant smile curved Su Luoqian's lips, doting yet tinged with amusement.

Lu Jingsi's gaze rested on the two of them, but when he saw where Zhou Jingmi was nestling, his expression abruptly chilled.

He strode toward them, but before he drew near, Zhou Jingmi had already left Su Luoqian's embrace. The two went hand in hand toward the lake, paying him no attention at all.

Meanwhile, Zhou Xuheng had already pulled Qin Shuning to his side and was holding her fast.

East of Anning Ward lay Bright Moon Lake. Its shores were graced with beautiful scenery, and pleasure boats cruised there every day amid lanterns and wine. It was a favorite haunt of scions from wealthy families.

Now, beneath the night sky, the lake rippled, its surface shimmering with a captivating silver glow, as though moonlight had been poured across it.

Quite a few pleasure boats were already gliding slowly over the water. Lights shone from them, and faint sounds of laughter drifted from the boats.

Lu Jingsi and Zhou Xuheng each hired a pleasure boat. As the five stood by the lake, the two men exchanged a knowing glance.

All five were dressed in fine clothes. Though the night was dim and the people around them couldn't make out their features, their attire alone marked them as exceptionally noble personages.

The vendors who had been soliciting customers by the lake hardly dared approach them.

Even so, there were plenty of visitors, and the place remained as lively as ever.

Ahead of Lu Jingsi and Zhou Xuheng, Qin Shuning had already broken free of Zhou Xuheng's hold and trotted over to Su Luoqian and Zhou Jingmi. It looked as though the three were about to board the same boat.

But before Lu Jingsi could speak, Zhou Jingmi, who was walking in front, seemed to spot something and cried out in delight, "Brother Pei Mu!"

At her cry, the others all looked to the side.

Pei Mu was also coming their way, accompanied by his household servants.

The youth wore a dark blue brocade robe. Though still somewhat slender, he stood tall and straight as bamboo or pine.

He noticed them too and came forward to salute them with cupped hands. Only then did he turn to Zhou Jingmi and ask gently, "Princess, have you come out for some amusement too?"

"Yes!" Zhou Jingmi moved closer to him and tilted her little head up, looking at him with eyes like dark grapes. "Brother Pei Mu, are you out having fun too?"

"Yes."

Zhou Jingmi looked expectantly at Zhou Xuheng. "Crown prince brother, may Mi'er go with brother Pei Mu?"

Pei Mu came from a family of generals, and his character could be trusted. He had also become Yan Bai's disciple, making him a fellow disciple of sorts to Lu Jingsi and Zhou Xuheng.

Besides, Zhou Jingmi had often seen him before, so the two were well acquainted.

They had also brought shadow guards with them, so there was no need to worry if Zhou Jingmi went out of their sight.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Xuheng nodded. "You may."

He looked at Pei Mu and said courteously, "Mi'er is lively by nature. Please bear with her, young master Pei."

Pei Mu cupped his hands once more and left with Zhou Jingmi.

Standing nearby, Lu Jingsi shifted his gaze slightly, and several shadow guards followed to protect them from the shadows.

With Zhou Jingmi off enjoying herself with Pei Mu, Lu Jingsi and Zhou Xuheng had gotten their wish.

Su Luoqian was still thinking of going with Qin Shuning when the man beside her gripped her waist and led her toward the other pleasure boat.

She gave a soft cry. "Aren't we going with them?"

Lu Jingsi led her onto the boat without looking aside. "Does the princess consort enjoy interrupting a husband and wife on an outing together?"

Su Luoqian was speechless.

She certainly didn't.

Understanding what he meant, she gave up the idea and went along with Lu Jingsi.

The boat was elegantly furnished and exquisitely decorated.

The curtains were slightly raised, and as the boat moved, a gentle breeze drifted in, carrying the delicate fragrance of lotus flowers.

At the sight of such beauty, an idea occurred to Su Luoqian. "I'll have Zelan bring up the green plum wine."

They had planned to come out for an outing, so they had brought some green plum wine in the carriage.

Lu Jingsi stopped her and turned her around by her slender shoulders. "I already had someone bring it up. It's over there."

Su Luoqian's almond-shaped eyes paused, and sure enough, she saw several small wine jars beside the round table, each bearing a mark she had printed herself.

Her eyes lit up, and she broke into a smile. Going to the table, she poured a cup for herself and another for Lu Jingsi.

"Lu Jingsi, would you like to try it?"

Watching her, Lu Jingsi swept aside his robes and sat down on a round stool. "After all this time, the princess consort is finally willing to let this prince taste the green plum wine she brewed herself."

As soon as he spoke, they both sensed something amiss.

The scene from that day in the waterside pavilion of the main courtyard rose unbidden in both their minds: Su Luoqian, tipsy, clinging to him and passing him green plum wine from her mouth.

Su Luoqian's cheeks turned red in a flash. She looked away, no longer meeting his eyes. "You... you should try it."

Lu Jingsi's expression remained natural, though his gaze grew deeper.

He had brought her onto the boat simply to enjoy an outing together, with no other thoughts in mind.

But now...

That simple, unintentional remark had stirred thoughts in him that were difficult to suppress.

Lu Jingsi raised his eyes to her.

Moonlight and candlelight streamed through the window onto Su Luoqian, bathing her in a soft glow that stirred the imagination.

Su Luoqian truly was a rare beauty.

Her lotus-like face needed no adornment. Her skin was fair and delicate, without the slightest blemish.

Her bright eyes glanced about, her lips were red, and her teeth white.

Below were fragrant, soft curves and a slender waist.

He had seen her, and he had possessed her, so he knew how intoxicating her allure could be.

Lu Jingsi's breathing grew heavier. His long fingers tightened around the cup, and he tipped his head back and drank the green plum wine in one gulp.

In fact, long before he had asked His Majesty to grant them a marriage, he had sent people to investigate Su Luoqian.