Chapter 14

The satisfaction of venting frustration.

By the time Bai She brought Shi Mei back, it was already evening.

"Where are we going?" Shimei asked, noticing they were not on the usual route.

"To get some food," Bai She replied. "After riding all day, aren't you hungry?"

Shimei was about to admit her hunger, but stopped, recalling Bai She's recent teasing about her appetite.

Bai She kept his eyes fixed ahead. Shimei gazed at his back, his clothes so white they dazzled her eyes. She also felt a sore back and aching waist.

Rubbing her sore neck, Shimei tried to maintain a respectful distance from Bai She, though she feared falling off the horse. She held onto his garment, gripping it tightly, feeling exhausted by the journey.

"Tired?" Bai She asked, sensing her discomfort without looking back.

"Yes," Shimei nodded. "A bit, riding a horse is exhausting."

"You wouldn't be tired if you sat in front," Bai She suggested.

Shimei chuckled awkwardly, choosing not to respond, thinking how awkward that would be.

After spending some time with Bai She, Shimei concluded that he was an enigma; sometimes he seemed genuinely clueless, but other times he switched from being naïve to cunningly astute, making it hard to truly understand him.

Lost in her thoughts, Shimei was brought back to reality when Bai She spoke up, "Let's eat here."

Looking up, Shimei recognized the restaurant as somewhat familiar. On closer inspection, she saw its name—Fengxiang Pavilion, the same restaurant near the Wang Mansion.

Confused, Shimei asked Bai She, "Are we dining here?" Peering ahead, she indeed saw the Wang Mansion not far off.

Bai She, unfazed, simply said, "The Dragon and Phoenix pot here is quite good."

"Let's not... How about we go somewhere else?" Shimei was wary of trouble, especially since she had just freed herself from Qin Xianglian's clutches.

Bai She countered, "You've been followed the entire way. It doesn't matter where we go, so we might as well eat here."

Shimei was taken aback, already being lifted off the horse by Bai She.

"Someone's been following me?" Shimei was puzzled, as she hadn't noticed.

Bai She led the way into Fengxiang Pavilion, with the waiter welcoming them, "A private room on the second floor, and bring the Fengxiang Feast."

"Right away!" the waiter hurriedly escorted them upstairs.

Their arrival drew the attention of many patrons, especially the women.

Shimei felt somewhat embarrassed, remembering her past reputation as the infamous troublemaker from the Wang Mansion, known for her outbursts and lack of accomplishments beyond her knowledge of fragrances.

Feeling somewhat awkward, Shimei noticed Bai She's gentle arm support as they entered, helping her up to the second floor, even pulling out the chair for her to sit.

Puzzled, Shimei glanced up at Bai She.

Leaning close to her ear, Bai She whispered, "Watch your step."

Shimei found herself stiffly escorted by Bai She to their table, feeling confused about the sudden closeness in their relationship.

She couldn't remember when she and Bai She had become so familiar.

The entire room took note, realizing Bai She cared a lot about Chen Shimei, suggesting their relationship was more than it seemed.

The diners were puzzled. Wasn’t Chen Shi Mei a madwoman? Just divorced by the prince, how did she end up with Bai She?

Bai She, new to the capital and known for his wealth, high status in the martial arts world, and infuriatingly handsome looks, had caught the attention of many local women. They were shocked to see Chen Shimei, often dismissed as worthless, seemingly win his favor.

Most women dining at Fengxiang Pavilion, either wealthy or of noble birth, disdained Shimei for what they saw as a meteoric rise in fortune, envious and hoping their apparent closeness was a mere illusion.

Truth be told, Shimei herself doubted the nature of their relationship, especially after having suffered at Bai She's hands recently. She felt uneasy, like a chicken paying respects to a phoenix.

"Sir, would you like some wine?" The waiter came to serve tea. Bai She, fastidious as ever, requested a set of white jade cups, meticulously cleaning Shimei's with tea while ordering hot wine simmered with plums.

"Certainly," the waiter nodded and left.

Having prepared the cups, Bai She poured tea for Shimei.

Accepting the tea, Shimei quietly asked him, "What... are you up to?"

Bai She, elbow on the table in a graceful pose, sipped his tea elegantly. Hearing Shimei's question, he simply replied, "Venting."

Shimei's heart skipped a beat, wondering, 'Venting about what?'

While drinking tea, Bai She suddenly noticed Shimei's finely pointed fingernails, adorned with straight peony patterns, and inquired, "What's this?"

Shimei, surprised by Bai She's interest in such feminine details, explained, "Zhuang Yu painted them."

Bai She reached out, his fingers long and distinct, and held Shimei's hand up close. "Is this cinnabar? Doesn't it wash off with water?" he asked.

Shimei's ears turned slightly red, flustered by his directness. "Well, Zhuang Yu mixed fishbone glue into it. It needs pine resin to be washed off," she said.

Bai She raised an eyebrow, "And the pink color?"

"Uh... from rose flowers, and the purple is from wisteria," Shimei replied softly.

Bai She leaned in, bringing Shimei's hand close to his nose for a light sniff. "Indeed, it smells of flowers," he nodded.

Shimei's face flushed completely. Was Bai She teasing her, or what was he doing? She was clueless and felt awkward, especially as many envious women in the room watched their intimate interaction. Holding hands so closely seemed a clear sign of a romantic relationship.

It took Shimei a while to withdraw her hand and hide it under the table, staring at Bai She in confusion, "What are you doing?"

Bai She responded calmly, "I've heard many speak ill of you, and it's unsettling."

Shimei paused, feeling a surge of warmth, but then shook her head, reminding herself that the issue wasn't Bai She's discomfort but the negative talk about her. Yet, deep down, she was more curious about why Bai She was upset.

"Why?" Shimei finally asked.

With a neutral expression, Bai She said, "I think you're fine. Among women, you're the most beautiful I've seen, capable, with a good temperament, although a bit foolish..."

Shimei felt sweet hearing his compliments, but bristled at being called foolish. Annoyed, she glared at Bai She, "Where am I foolish?"

Looking at her, Bai She said, “You’re setting your sights on Qin Xiang Lian. Are you not being foolish?”

Shimei felt wronged and on the verge of tears, "Yes... falling for Qin Xianglian was foolish, but that wasn't my fault... How unfair."

At this moment, the appetizers for the Fengxiang Banquet were served, consisting of eight cold dishes.

Seeing the dishes being served, Shi Mei asked Bai She, “Why are they all cold? Aren’t there any hot dishes? Didn’t you mention the Dragon and Phoenix Pot? I want something spicy.”

Bai She glanced at Chen Shi Mei, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

Shi Mei, not noticing, picked up a duck tongue with her chopsticks and began to eat.

Looking up, she saw Bai She’s gaze had become more complex than before.

"What's the matter?" Shimei thought Bai She might find her eating manners unappealing, and considered covering her mouth a bit.

Bai She leaned over and gently wiped away the soup residue from Shi Mei's mouth corner, asking in a low voice, “I’m just curious, as a prince’s wife, how come you don’t even know that the Fengxiang Banquet consists of eight cold and eight hot dishes, with the Dragon and Phoenix Pot being the main dish among the eight hot ones? This restaurant is owned by the Four Princes.”

“Cough, cough…” Shi Mei choked, surprised. The slightly spicy duck tongue made her uncomfortable.

Bai She seemed apologetic and poured her a cup of tea.

Shi Mei held the teacup, sipping it, her mind racing. ‘Goodness, Bai She is even more astute than Qin Xiang Lian, noticing the problem right away. Indeed, he’s a man of the jianghu, and I thought he was dull-witted.’

Bai She watched Shi Mei for a while, and seeing her silent, didn't press further. When the hot dishes arrived, he carefully peeled shrimp and removed fish bones for Shi Mei.

Shi Mei felt overwhelmed by the attention. Accustomed to being neglected since childhood, she worried she might faint from his kindness and reminded herself to stay alert!

Unfortunately, she soon forgot all about staying alert, as Bai She, despite his usual reticence, was surprisingly funny. Shi Mei found herself laughing heartily at his jokes.

The other women eating there were envious. Chen Shu Mei was so lucky; Bai She, who usually spoke little, was making jokes to amuse her.

Just then, someone entered the restaurant from outside... it was Qin Xiang Lian.

Qin Xiang Lian, after hearing from his spies that Bai She had taken Shi Mei to Fengxiang Pavilion, frowned. He initially wanted to ignore it, but restlessness got the better of him, and he decided to come.

On the second floor, they saw Shimei and Bai She eating and laughing together.

Qin Xianglian was immediately taken aback, not so much by their intimacy, but because he never remembered Chen Shimei being able to laugh so heartily.

Shimei noticed him and her smile slightly faded.

Bai She continued to drink without glancing at Qin Xianglian.

Shimei, unable to pretend she didn't recognize Qin Xianglian, nodded at him.

Qin Xiang Lian’s arrival was somewhat awkward. He suddenly felt he shouldn’t have come, aware that his presence, seen by so many in the restaurant, might lead to rumors the next day. People might even speculate he was jealous of Bai She over Chen Shu Mei.

Qin Xianglian sat at a nearby table, ordering a few dishes casually. Shimei's actions became more constrained than before. She looked at Bai She with a gaze that seemed to say, "Isn't it enough? Shall we leave?"

However, Bai She's expression told Shimei that everything was just beginning.

Shimei gave up, praying silently for the best, hoping not to cause any trouble for others.

Bai She served Shimei a bowl of soup and started talking, "By the way, I'm sending someone to Guizhou in a few days. Do you want anything? I can have it brought for you."

Shimei was momentarily stunned, then quickly remembered the rare spices from Guizhou. "I'll make a list for you. There are quite a few spices I want!"

"Alright," Bai She nodded. Shimei cheerfully said, "I'll have Xiao Xi send the money over in a bit."

"No need," Bai She said indifferently, shaking his head. "I rely on myself, not on women."

Shimei glanced at Qin Xianglian, whose face had turned green with envy. He had indeed used Chen Shimei's status for self-preservation and ultimately abandoned her.

Shimei admired Bai She's audacity on one hand, and on the other, she felt quite exhilarated.

"Wouldn't that be too embarrassing?" Shimei whispered.

"I've seen a pot of Snow White Ziyu in your courtyard. Give it to me," Bai She said casually.

"Ah?" Shimei hesitated, reluctant to part with it. The Snow White Ziyu, a prized peony with purple and white edges, was a special request from the Empress Dowager. She muttered softly, "How about I give you the Pink White Jade instead? Or two pots of it?"

Bai She shook his head slightly, insisting, "I want the Ziyu..."

Sighing, Shimei thought it wasn't worth fussing over. After all, Bai She had gifted her a valuable silver incense burner, so she decided to let him have the peony if he liked it.

But then she heard Bai She say indifferently, "I don't ask for much, just the best. The quality of a good thing is evident upon comparison."

Shimei blinked, unsure, and stared at Bai She in surprise.

Bai She, seemingly satisfied, called the waiter to settle the bill. Shimei had the remaining dishes packed in two large boxes to be sent to the Xiangfen Residence for Zan Yue and the others to enjoy later.

Bai She escorted Shimei, walking past Qin Xianglian, down the stairs, and helped her mount the horse... This time, Shimei sat in front of Bai She as he lifted her onto the horse.

Her face flushed with embarrassment, Shimei felt the curious and strange gazes of many on the street.

Bai She rode with her back to Xiangfen Residence.

As the horse moved away into the distance, Bai She suddenly asked Shi Mei, “Feeling good?”

Shimei nodded and softly replied, "Yes, but I'm worried it might cause you trouble."

Bai She let out a cold laugh, "Feeling good is what matters. Trouble will come when it's meant to, sooner or later doesn't concern me."

Shimei smiled in relief and then inquired, "About that Ziyu you mentioned earlier, you were just joking, right?"

Bai She raised an eyebrow, "Who said so? The flower is mine now."

"How can you be like this…" Shimei, now familiar with him, nudged his chest with her elbow, "We are so close."

Bai She looked down at her with a smile, "How close? Close enough for a kiss?"

"That's not appropriate!" Shimei quickly covered her mouth, shocked.

Bai She nodded, "So, we are not that close. The flower still needs to be given."

Shimei felt disheartened, finding Bai She difficult to handle.