Chapter 29: Plum Grove

Chapter 29: Plum Grove

She returned to the residence listlessly. Before stepping into the main room, Qiu Shuiyi rubbed her face, putting on a cheerful expression, and walked in with a light step.

"Mother, I'm back."

After sharing the rouge and cosmetics she had bought with her mother and staying for dinner, Qiu Shuiyi returned to Chunhui Courtyard, her expression immediately falling.

"Are you unhappy, miss?"

Xin Tao asked.

"No."

Qiu Shuiyi sat at the table, resting her chin on the surface, she replied, listless.

After moping for a bit, she perked up.

This was only the first time; with more effort, she would surely encounter him again.

Nanny Cui walked in and, seeing Qiu Shuiyi's posture, instinctively furrowed her brows.

Her lips parted slightly, but before she could speak, Qiu Shuiyi straightened up. "Tao'er, time to wash up."

Then she said to Nanny Cui, "It's getting late, Nanny. You should get some rest too."

Nanny Cui glanced at the sky.

A faint white light lingered on the horizon; though the light had dimmed, it was far from late at night.

Shaking her head helplessly, Nanny Cui said nothing more, only replying, "This old servant will take her leave now."

Qiu Shuiyi: "You may go, Nanny."

After washing up and getting into bed, she pondered how to "coincidentally" meet Shen Yuchao next time.

It wasn't until the moon rose to the treetops and drowsiness set in that she fell into a deep sleep, clinging to the beautiful wish for a long life.

...

The festive atmosphere after the New Year still lingered.

Street vendors hawked their wares vigorously, children chased and played, young girls stood in front of stalls selecting jewelry, and three or four elderly people gathered under trees drinking tea and chatting to pass the time—all blending into a lively street scene.

Qiu Shuiyi stepped over the threshold and looked up to see a figure just a few steps away, exclaiming delightedly, "Your Highness, what a coincidence."

Not far off, Shen Yuchao and his two companions were striding briskly. Hearing this, they all stopped.

His gaze swept lightly over Qiu Shuiyi as Shen Yuchao greeted with a smile, "Second Miss Qiu, we meet again."

Behind him, Shang Ze muttered quietly, "What coincidence? Isn't this intentional?"

For the past few days, Shang Ze had noticed this Miss Qiu frequently appearing before his prince.

The first time was buying jewelry, the second was purchasing calming incense for Lady Yun'an, and the third was buying silk for embroidered sachets.

The first two could still be considered coincidences, but this was the fourth time. If he still couldn't tell that the young lady was doing this on purpose, then Shang Ze didn't deserve to be chief guard of the Duan Su Prince's Manor anymore.

"Hey, tell me," Shang Ze nudged Zuo Yi lightly with his shoulder, "what excuse will Second Miss Qiu use this time?"

Zuo Yi glanced at the shop ahead. "Buying pastries."

Qiu Shuiyi walked up to Shen Yuchao, pointing at the oil-paper package in Xin Tao's hand. "I came out to buy pastries. I didn't expect to run into Your Highness."

Xin Liu and Xin Tao curtsied in greeting.

Shang Ze winked at Zuo Yi, receiving an unceremonious elbow jab in return, making him grimace in pain.

Shen Yuchao shot him a sidelong glance, and he immediately shut his mouth, joining Zuo Yi in cupping their fists toward Qiu Shuiyi.

Unaware of their silent exchange, Qiu Shuiyi said, "The pastries from this shop are quite good. Would Your Highness like to try some?"

Shen Yuchao chuckled softly and shook his head, politely declining. "This prince has never been fond of pastries, though it seems I must disappoint the young lady's kind offer."

"Alright then." Qiu Shuiyi lowered her eyes halfway, looking dejected.

A moment later, she lifted her lashes. "Sister Meng mentioned that there is a garden called Tingzhi in the city, with a grove of plum trees inside. The plum blossoms are in full bloom now and are said to be extremely beautiful. I've been longing to see it, but unfortunately, my elder brother is preparing for the spring imperial examinations and cannot accompany me to admire the plums. I wonder if Your Highness would be willing to accompany me there?"

The young lady tilted her face upward, her gaze clear, as if holding bright lanterns within her eyes, sparkling and instantly captivating.

She gazed at him motionlessly, the corners of her lips slightly upturned in anticipation.

Seeing Shen Yuchao remain silent, Qiu Shuiyi slowly lowered her head in disappointment, her tone full of dejection. "I was being presumptuous. Your Highness is busy with official duties; how could you spare time to admire plums with me?"

She took a deep breath, feigning nonchalance. "It's alright. Admiring plums alone is something I'm used to anyway."

Noticing a flicker of emotion in Shen Yuchao's eyes, as if moved, Qiu Shuiyi comforted him instead. "Please don't worry, Your Highness. Even if I don't know the way, I can ask for directions as I go. Your Highness should return quickly. If official matters are delayed because of me, it would be my fault."

The young lady's face showed resilience, yet her downturned lips betrayed her true feelings.

Clearly feeling sad herself, she still considered others' emotions. How could such a thoughtful young lady not evoke sympathy?

Shang Ze felt for her and whispered to Zuo Yi, "His Highness isn't busy anyway. What's wrong with going with Second Miss Qiu?"

Shen Yuchao slightly turned his head and glanced at him.

Shang Ze immediately covered his mouth.

Just as Qiu Shuiyi was about to bid farewell, Shen Yuchao's gaze swept lightly over Xin Liu and Xin Tao before he slowly spoke.

"Second Miss Qiu."

Qiu Shuiyi turned around, her skirt brushing against her shoes, creating a graceful arc. She asked in surprise, "Does Your Highness have something else?"

Shen Yuchao's brows and eyes were gentle. "This prince has no pressing matters. May I boldly invite the young lady to Tingzhi Garden?"

Qiu Shuiyi's eyes curved, a delighted smile spilling from them.

"Really? Thank you, Your Highness. Your Highness is truly a good person."

Shang Ze and Zuo Yi twitched at the corners of their eyes.

Shen Yuchao remained expressionless. "Let's go."

Tingzhi Garden was far from the bustling market, located in a rather remote area, yet it attracted many visitors throughout the four seasons.

Before they even got close, they could hear the chatter.

After paying the fee, Qiu Shuiyi and the others entered the garden.

The garden was designed in the Jiangnan style, with small bridges over flowing streams, rugged rockeries, and pavilions all blending together along the way.

Beside the artificial hill stood two cedar trees, their canopies lush and dense. A thin layer of snow dusted their tops, and from a distance, they looked just like clumps of tightly packed tung flowers.

Crossing the arched bridge, the water on both sides was so clear one could see the bottom. The water gave off a visible chill, making Qiu Shuiyi hug her hand warmer closer.

Compared to previous dynasties, the Yin Dynasty was a lot more liberal in its customs. Just around the bend, a man and a woman could be seen standing in a hexagonal pavilion, talking with smiles on their faces, standing about a foot apart.

The Tingzhi Garden was huge. After walking for nearly half an hour, a splash of red appeared up ahead, and Qiu Shuiyi’s face lit up with joy. "We’re here," she said happily.

She darted out from behind Shen Yuchao, turned in a circle, and gazed at the endless plum blossom grove, her face breaking into a soft smile.

Recently, the capital hadn’t seen any snowfall. Old snow still clung to the branches, yet it couldn’t conceal the subtle fragrance and sparse shadows.

The air was thick with the rich scent of plum blossoms. Qiu Shuiyi touched the tip of her nose, handed the hand warmer to Xin Liu, stood on tiptoe, and plucked a branch of red plum blossoms.

Footsteps approached from behind.

She held up the branch and turned with a smile.

"Your Highness has taken time from your busy schedule to admire the plum blossoms with me. Shui Yi has nothing worthy to give, so please accept this humble gift—a branch of red plum blossoms."

Melting snow ran down the stem into her palm, icy and penetrating.

Qiu Shuiyi’s fingertips twitched slightly as she raised her hand higher. "Red plum blossoms and a gentleman—they complement each other perfectly."

Shen Yuchao’s lips curved into a smile. His long fingers closed around the stem, feeling the cold.

"My thanks, Second Miss Qiu."

It cost her nothing but a raised hand. Qiu Shuiyi beamed. "Your Highness need not stand on ceremony."

Off to the side, Zuo Yi lowered his head and picked up a pebble from the ground.

Shang Ze had been enjoying the scene when he noticed the movement from the corner of his eye. "What are you doing?" he asked, turning.

Zuo Yi didn’t answer. He raised his hand and flung the pebble.

The pebble spun rapidly through the air, disappearing into the plum blossoms without a trace.

All they saw was the branch shake, followed by a shower of snow fluttering down.

"Ah!"

A sudden chill on her neck made Qiu Shuiyi cry out. She jumped away like a startled rabbit, stomping her feet to shake off the snow.

"Where did this snow come from?"

Xin Tao hurried over, brushing the snow off Qiu Shuiyi.

Shen Yuchao’s brow furrowed slightly as he shot Zuo Yi a look.

Zuo Yi guiltily averted his gaze.

Shang Ze, puzzled, leaned in and whispered, "What did Second Miss Qiu do to you?"

Why bully her for no reason?

Getting his meaning, Zuo Yi rubbed the tip of his nose, covered his mouth with his hand, and murmured, "I just wanted to knock the flowers down."

He’d completely forgotten about the snow on them.

"Why knock the flowers down?"

Shang Ze was utterly confused.

Zuo Yi shot him a disdainful look. "With such a beauty, wouldn’t petals drifting through the air create a rare and stunning scene?"

His lord might be smitten if he saw it.

Shang Ze went "Ah...," giving Zuo Yi a complicated look. He wanted to say something but finally just said, "Good luck."

Inwardly, he thought, the Yun’an Marquis and his wife treasured Second Miss Qiu like the apple of their eye. For Zuo Yi to win her favor, he didn't stand a chance.

With a long sigh, Zuo Yi patted Shang Ze’s shoulder encouragingly.

Shang Ze looked utterly bewildered, even a bit disgusted, and silently took two steps back.

After finally removing all the snow from her clothes, Qiu Shuiyi wasn't about to stand under the tree again and moved away, sighing, "It seems beautiful scenery is best admired from afar, not up close."

Shen Yuchao chuckled softly and handed her a handkerchief. "Wipe your face."

His handkerchief bore no embroidery, only a subtle pattern that shimmered like flowing water under the light, rippling with a radiant glow.

Recognizing it as the extremely expensive "Fuguang Brocade," Qiu Shuiyi thanked him, marveling at the extravagance, and unceremoniously used the handkerchief to wipe her face.

After wiping, the icy snowmelt left not a trace of moisture on the fabric.

Just as she was about to return it, Qiu Shuiyi reconsidered. Keeping it could create an opportunity for their next meeting.

Taking two steps forward, she casually tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve and invited, "Your Highness, shall we walk further in?"

Shen Yuchao showed no sign of surprise, merely nodding with a smile.

Walking through the plum grove, snow occasionally slid from the branches.

Qiu Shuiyi was very cautious, almost looking up to observe with every step she took.

In contrast, Shen Yuchao, holding a branch of red plum blossoms, strolled as if in his own courtyard, leisurely and unfazed by the cold.

Approaching a particularly tall plum tree, a blossom on a branch teetered precariously.

Qiu Shuiyi stood on tiptoe, cupping her hand beneath the flower. After a moment, the blossom drifted down and landed perfectly in her palm.

Against her fair skin, that touch of red stood out vividly.

She lowered her head, her heart brimming with joy.

In her previous two lives, due to various reasons, she had never been close to nature.

Now, thinking about it, admiring plum blossoms, enjoying flowers, sipping tea, and listening to the rain—what a leisurely life.

She ought to savor life as well.

Gently closing her palm, Qiu Shuiyi smiled with relief.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of an exceptionally beautiful blossom and pointed it out to Shen Yuchao. "Your Highness, look at that… Ah!"

A woman bumped heavily into Qiu Shuiyi’s shoulder. She staggered sideways, stumbling backward several steps.

Shen Yuchao reached out to steady her.

"My apologies."

The woman kept her head down, muttered an apology, and hurried forward.

"Are you okay, miss?" Xin Liu quickly stepped forward.

Xin Tao glared at the woman. "What's wrong with her? Is she blind?"

"I'm fine."

Qiu Shuiyi moved her shoulder slightly, her gaze following the woman. "She probably didn't mean it."

"Still, she shouldn't have bumped into you..."

"Watch out!"

Qiu Shuiyi suddenly shouted a warning.