Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C046 pt2

She was not at all afraid, composed and calm. She picked up a brush and wrote a poem on the paper on the table. Just by looking at her posture while holding the brush, one could tell it was proper and neat, yet not lacking in feminine grace.

The table on which the paper was placed was directly facing the other pavilion, clearly intentional, so that both sides could see the appearance of the person who came forward to respond.

After she finished writing, a maid stepped forward to pick it up, fold it, and place it inside the lotus lantern at the bow of the small boat. Once the paper was placed, the opposite side slowly pulled the small boat over.

It is worth mentioning that the questions here were meant to serve as a starting point, meaning that if you wanted to test the other side with a couplet, you had to first present a couplet yourself. Similarly, if you wanted to pose a question about poetry, you had to first write a poem yourself.

What Mei Wuxia wrote was a poem. As for her skill in composing poetry, it was only so-so. But as mentioned earlier, those who stepped forward wanted to gain fame, and the first one to step forward would naturally attract everyone's attention.

In Wushuang's view, Mei Wuxia had achieved her goal.

Soon, the poem from the other side was completed. It was a young man with a refined appearance, who had been pushed forward by his companions to compose the poem.

The boat was pulled back.

Mei Wuxia's poem was related to the Qixi Festival, and to match her, the other side also composed a poem related to the Qixi Festival.

The poems were read aloud in public. Wushuang noticed that Mei Wuxia's face did not show any shyness, so she knew that she was probably not interested in the young man.

Wushuang did not know who the man was. Neither did Mei Chang nor Mei E. When they asked Lu Ruyu, she also did not know. It seemed that he was probably a young official from the capital who had been invited because of his talent.

In Wushuang's view, if one was truly seeking marriage, this Qixi  Festival banquet was actually a good place. At the very least, Princess Changhe had already set a threshold. Like the young man just now, he was an official, and so young, so his talent must be good, and his appearance was not bad either. If one's requirements were not high, he might not be a bad choice for a husband.

Wushuang saw that Mei E was secretly looking at the other side. It was not that Mei E was interested in him, but rather that the ideal husband in Mei E's heart was likely like this: talented and handsome, and most importantly, young. Although he was still in a humble position, his future was bright. It was just that after marrying, she would have to endure some hardship before he could rise to prominence.

After Mei Wuxia stepped back, another noble young lady stepped forward.

Then it was a back-and-forth exchange. For the time being, no one on the opposite side had failed to answer the questions. It seemed that everyone had their concerns and knew that the so-called matching of poems and lyrics was not the ultimate goal.

Wushuang had no interest in participating in this, nor could she participate. After watching for a while, she lost interest. At this time, she saw Linglong appear at the door, seemingly having something to say to her.

Her heart stirred. She explained to Mei Chang and Mei E, and then went out.

"His Highness Prince Wei has arrived."

***

As the lanterns were lit, a completely black carriage drove towards the outskirts of the capital.

Inside the carriage, Prince Wei sat upright, though his mind was in turmoil.

[It's nighttime now. As agreed, it's my turn to be out.]

The so-called agreement was that, after returning to the capital, Prince Wei was mostly occupied during the day, naturally leaving the nights free for the other. In truth, the other was not wrong to say so, but—

[Tonight's occasion is different. Prince Jin, Prince Qin, Prince Zhao, and others will be there.]

[They can come for their reasons, and I'll go for mine. What does it have to do with them?]

Naturally, it had nothing to do with them, but these people did everything with a purpose, never acting without aim. Since returning to the capital, Prince Wei had rarely shown his face in public. Prince Wei even suspected that the gathering of all the princes here was very likely aimed at him.

[Do you think I'm afraid of them?]

Prince Wei endured. He had expected the other to insist, but he hadn't anticipated such persistence. When asked why he was so insistent, he initially refused to say, but later revealed that he had promised that little girl he would accompany her on a stroll through the gardens tonight.

[I know you're not afraid, but tonight's occasion is different.]

[Wasn't it you who said that her status is not that of an ordinary woman, that you intend to marry her as your Princess Consort? To break a promise in front of your own Princess Consort, where is your face?]

Prince Wei felt like he was coughing up blood. He hadn't expected the other to use his own words to block him.

[You can come out, but don't block me. I must watch from the side.]

The other was silent for a few breaths before agreeing. He probably understood that if he didn't agree, this matter would not be resolved tonight.

***

Wushuang saw a figure standing with his hands behind his back under the moonlight from afar.

Tall and jade-like, with an extraordinary bearing.

He wore a purple robe, a jade belt cinching his waist, and over it, a large-sleeved black gauze cloak. A golden crown adorned his head. As if hearing her footsteps, he turned around. In that instant, Wushuang felt her heart was about to leap out of her chest.

Her steps quickened unconsciously, and she was already there.

"Your Highness."

He gave a soft hum, took her hand, and said, "Let's go."

By now, the sky was completely dark. A gentle night breeze stirred, causing ripples on the nearby lake. The moon hung overhead, its reflection shimmering in the water, interspersed with a few lotus lanterns, creating a serene and tranquil scene.

Ji Yang's face also showed a rare hint of languor as he walked slowly.

Wushuang secretly gazed at his profile, her eyes fixed on him.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing," she said, her face flushed as she turned away.

He raised his eyebrow. In the past, when he raised his eyebrow, Wushuang would feel fear, but now she was no longer afraid, only her face felt intensely hot.

She quickly changed the subject, "Where does Your Highness plan to take me?"

"Just to stroll around. If you wish to take a boat on the lake, we can do that."

"Then let's walk."

They continued to walk forward, Wushuang feeling her hand held in his. His hand was so large, completely enveloping hers. Wushuang looked at his hand, then at his height. She seemed to only reach his shoulder.

She then looked at their shadows cast on the ground ahead. Although the shadows made her appear a bit taller, his shadow was even longer, so she was still only at his shoulder. She sighed softly.

"What are you sighing about?"

Wushuang pointed at the shadows, saying, "Your Highness is so tall; I only reach here." She gestured with her hand.

"It is not that this Prince is tall, but that you are too short."

These words displeased Wushuang. "Where am I short? Women are all like this."

Ji Yang imitated her, also gesturing with his hand. As he moved, his shadow moved as well, also gesturing. Thus, Wushuang was indeed short, at least compared to him.

"You…"

Annoyed, she shook off his hand and walked ahead.

As soon as she shook him off, she regretted it. She wondered if he would be angry, then thought that he no longer lost his temper easily, so he probably wouldn't be angry.

Besides, if he was angry, she would coax him; if she was angry, he would coax her. Wasn't that how it should be? Before she could finish her thoughts, the back of her collar was pulled from behind.

Wushuang had not expected him to pull her collar, but having her collar pulled was like having her lifeline seized. Unless she was willing to abandon her clothes, she could only retreat, following the motion of his hand, falling back into his embrace.

He held her waist, asking, "Have you had your evening meal?"

Wushuang said with a touch of melancholy, "I have. I ate half a bowl of porridge before leaving."

"This Prince has not yet eaten. Come, accompany me to have something."

Ji Yang's so-called "having something" meant going to the kitchen.

Along the way, Wushuang watched him walk with practiced ease. She, on the other hand, was completely disoriented. Once they arrived, she couldn't help but ask him how he knew where the kitchen was.

According to Ji Yang, he often came here to play when he was young, so he knew the way.

Even late at night, there were still people guarding the kitchen, smoke rising from the pots. Ji Yang did not avoid them and walked right in.

"Bring this Prince some food."

The plump cook guarding the kitchen did not recognize Prince Wei, but judging by his attire, he was clearly no ordinary person. Seeing that the man entered the princess's courtyard kitchen as if it were his own home and referred to himself as "this Prince," he said nothing and brought out a pile of food.

There were pastries, noodles, and roasted chicken.

Ji Yang did not take it. Instead, he led Wushuang to a room next to the kitchen, where there were tables and chairs, seemingly a place where servants usually ate.

Without Ji Yang needing to give a look, the plump cook hurriedly used his sleeves to wipe the tables and chairs. After wiping them, he rushed back to the kitchen to bring the food.

Not only were the bowls and dishes complete, but there was also porridge and soup. He even said that if they were not in a hurry, he could fry two small dishes.

Frying dishes was unnecessary. Ji Yang picked up the porridge to eat, and seeing that he had started, Wushuang picked up a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup.

After a while, the two finished eating and left, leaving the cook to clear the dishes and bowls, still wiping his sweat. Wushuang had been a little embarrassed, but Ji Yang's attitude was so natural that she also became at ease.

She was a little too full, and the two walked back slowly.

Ji Yang said, "I will take you to stroll by the lake. During the day, there are places to play here, but at night, it is pitch black, and there are few places to enjoy."

The two walked back the way they had come.

As they were walking, a laugh came from ahead, "Unexpectedly, this third brother of this Prince has the leisure to enjoy a stroll with a beauty."

With the sound of the voice, the other party's group came into view.

Leading them was a man of about thirty, wearing a dark gold robe with coiled dragon patterns. This man was tall and imposing, with hawk-like eyes and a high nose. His gaze carried a hint of unyielding authority. Following him were two young men in luxurious clothing, along with several guards and chamberlains attending behind them.

Wushuang did not recognize who it was, but those who could address Prince Wei as 'Third Brother' should only be Prince Jin and Prince Qin.

While she was still pondering who the person was, she felt someone watching her. Following the gaze, what kind of look was that? It was filled with malice, mockery, and a chilling coldness.

It was as if the other party was a hunter, and she was merely a helpless little beast. Wushuang could not help but feel a chill run through her entire body, and she involuntarily leaned closer to Ji Yang. Ji Yang stepped half a step forward, blocking her from view, his eyes cold and indifferent: "Now that Second Imperial Brother knows, then please do not block the way."

Prince Qin did not take it to heart, and looked at Wushuang: "This must be this Prince's future Third Sister-in-law? She truly is charming and moving, a fine beauty indeed."

It was Prince Qin who had just looked at her with that malicious and mocking gaze. Wushuang did not take this as a compliment, only feeling the other party's ill intent. However, she still bent her knees slightly, giving a bow: "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Qin."

Prince Qin laughed: "Third Sister-in-law is too polite. Seeing that Third Sister-in-law is not of great age, truly a tender age like a flower. However, this delicate flower is not easy to nurture, who knows when it will wither and the leaves will fall, and when that time comes... tsk tsk..."

These two 'tsk tsk' sounds were truly filled with malice. Though he spoke with a smile, the malice was overwhelming.

Wushuang was still thinking that perhaps she should pretend not to understand, when she suddenly felt an icy chill beside her. She turned her head to look, and saw Ji Yang's face was cold and stern, his eyes sinister. His brow bones were lowered, and his eyes were filled with a blood-red hue, as if a sea of blood and mountains of corpses were overflowing from within.

"You are... seeking... death…"