Chapter 46

In the midst of the refined and elegant atmosphere of the Jiangnan region, which rivals even the misty paradise, Ah Zhu, at just fifteen years old, had already grown into a graceful and elegant young woman. Her oval face, delicate and fair, looked as if it could bloom with a touch. Her eyes, not as slender as those of ordinary women, were somewhat round and sparkled with a lively spirit. Her lips curved slightly upward, carrying a hint of mischief and charm. Ah Zhu always wore a smile, and her radiant smile was like a blooming flower. Her beautiful and delicate features, every frown and smile, brought a sense of peace and joy to the heart.

The small boat docked at the pier, and Ah Zhu leisurely gazed at the towering painted pleasure boat. Could it be that the steward Zhu was causing trouble again?

Feeling annoyed, her eyes revealed a hint of disgust, but to the man, that moment of annoyance was merely a sign of her coquettishness. Facing such a beautiful and refined lady, Zhao Yougong naturally took a few extra glances. At this moment, Ah Zhu put down the bamboo pole and stepped onto the wooden bridge, lifting her red silk skirt. As she raised her head, she saw the man staring blankly from the upper floor of the pavilion.

In the face of his intense gaze, Ah Zhu showed no trace of shyness; instead, her lively eyes sparkled with a hint of boldness.

Indeed, she was an extraordinary woman. Though a servant, her demeanor and bearing were no less refined than those of noble ladies. If it were an ordinary young woman, she would either shyly avoid such a bold gaze or glare and scold. Few would face it as calmly and smilingly as Ah Zhu did.

Who was this handsome and elegant man? Ah Zhu tried to recall but could not remember. However, she recognized the painted pleasure boat, so she walked to the pavilion and, tilting her head, asked softly, "Is the steward Zhu here?"

"Ha ha, you are indeed clever. Is your Master Murong around? I have brought a distinguished guest for him!"

"Unfortunately, my master is at the Man Tuo Mountain Villa and should be back soon! Since you have a distinguished guest, please follow me, Steward Zhu. I cannot afford to offend the guest!"

Ah Zhu still wore her unperturbed smile, but her eyes scanned the area, searching for the so-called distinguished guest. Finally, her gaze settled on Zhao Yougong.

Clad in a brocade robe, with a jade face and a feather fan, he truly had a charming and graceful appearance. However, his smile and expression were rather provocative.

Zhao Yougong closed his fan and waved his right hand at Ah Zhu below, saying bluntly, "Miss Ah Zhu, this distinguished guest will not blame you..."

"Ha ha," Ah Zhu covered her mouth and laughed. This jade-faced young man was truly amusing. Who in the world would call themselves a distinguished guest? He was not ashamed, and from his brocade robe, it was clear he came from a wealthy family. How could he not understand basic manners?

Although Zhao Yougong was somewhat forward, Ah Zhu was not angry; she was merely curious, and there was a hint of teasing in her tone.

Ah Zhu entered the pavilion, and soon a few small dishes were placed on the table, containing osmanthus cakes, candied fruits, and red dates. A purple sandalwood tray held an ancient brown teapot. Ah Zhu extended her delicate hand and dropped a small paper packet into the teapot.

Zhao Yougong couldn't help but frown. If it was just tea, why add something else?

Ah Zhu, being quick-witted, noticed Zhao Yougong's expression and smiled sweetly as she slowly poured a cup of tea. "Sir, don't worry. I wouldn't dare harm anyone. The packet contains chrysanthemum and wolfberry, which, when mixed in the tea, have health benefits!"

"... Lady, you are just being silly. Who said I was afraid? It's just tea, and I will taste it too!"

He pinched the small teacup, tilted his head, and drank it in one gulp. His face turned slightly red from the heat.

Ah Zhu pursed her lips, her eyes full of amusement. Who drinks tea like that? It was like a bull chewing on a peony, a waste of a good thing.

After a moment of joy, Ah Zhu's delicate brows furrowed. She had just heard the words "Your Highness." Recalling Steward Zhu's attitude toward the young man, Ah Zhu suddenly thought of someone.

"Are you the Prince of Yongning?"

"Indeed, I am!"

This time, it was Ah Zhu's turn to be surprised. She took a step back and bowed, "I did not know your identity, Prince. I apologize for any offense!"

"Sister Ah Zhu, there is no need for such formality. Rise, rise. Ignorance is not a crime, and besides, how could I bear to blame such a beautiful lady?"

"Thank you, Prince!"

Ah Zhu was only sixteen, and despite her intelligence and quick wit, she still had a touch of girlishness. Though she knew Zhao Yougong was just flattering her, she couldn't help but feel a bit pleased. Who doesn't like to hear compliments?

Zhao Yougong found Ah Zhu truly unique. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, yet she maintained a sense of dignity. How did she manage that?

Perhaps it was innate. From a young age, Zhao Yougong's nose was particularly sensitive. Being close to Ah Zhu, he could clearly smell the faint, delicate fragrance of a young maiden, a scent as elegant as a blooming narcissus.

Prince Zhao, a seasoned womanizer, had deep and piercing eyes that seemed to see through Ah Zhu.

At first, standing there, Ah Zhu didn't feel anything unusual, but gradually, she felt a strange sensation. The prince's eyes were too intense, and standing before him felt like being stripped naked.

Steward Zhu pretended to cough and mumbled, "I know you want to take Ah Zhu to bed, but you don't have to be so obvious. This is still the Murong family's place."

As noon approached, a small boat docked at the shore. A man and a woman disembarked. The man, about seventeen or eighteen, wore a blue-green robe with a purple-gold belt studded with emeralds. He walked steadily, his hair falling like water over his shoulders.

Murong Fu of Gusu, indeed, lived up to his reputation. At first glance, he was truly a remarkable man.

Beside Murong Fu was a woman, plump yet not overweight, wearing a white silk blouse and small, delicate green embroidered shoes. Her skin was a unique milky white, typical of Jiangnan women, and felt soft just by looking at it. The woman was extremely beautiful, with a round, smooth face and a pair of alluring eyes, like a lotus blooming from the water.

A woman in her thirties, accompanied by Murong Fu, made Zhao Yougong guess her identity with some certainty.

Seeing Zhao Yougong's intense gaze, Steward Zhu thought he was going to take both young and old. He quickly whispered, "Prince, that woman is Lady Wang of the Man Tuo Mountain Villa, as I mentioned before!"

"Oh! I remember now!" Zhao Yougong feigned realization, "She is so beautiful, so beautiful. Steward Zhu, what is your relationship with Lady Wang?"

This time, not only Steward Zhu but even Ah Zhu frowned in displeasure. Was this lecherous man planning to make a move on Lady Wang?

Who didn't know that Lady Wang despised men the most? Not even men were allowed in the Man Tuo Mountain Villa. Zhao Yougong's intentions were sheer fantasy.

"Our relationship is not close, just some interactions. Does the Prince have any interest?"

"Cough, cough, interest in what? Steward Zhu, you are thinking too much. I just want to invite Lady Wang for a drink!"

He said this, but his eyes roamed freely, staring at Lady Wang without restraint.

Li Qingluo, known for her peculiar personality and sensitivity to men, felt his lecherous gaze even before entering the room. If not for his status, she would have turned him into fertilizer in the villa.

"Commoner Murong Fu and his wife Li Qingluo, we pay our respects to Your Highness!"

"Rise, rise, Lady Wang, please take a seat!" Zhao Yougong personally placed a chair beside him, leaving Lady Wang in a dilemma, unsure whether to sit or not. Fortunately, Murong Fu reacted quickly, stepping forward to shield Lady Wang, "Your Highness, why didn't you inform me earlier? I could have made preparations!"

"Murong, you are too kind. No need for preparations. With Sister Ah Zhu here, I am already content!"

Zhao Yougong frowned and sat down, seemingly displeased. Steward Zhu also looked embarrassed, as Zhao Yougong's words were clearly a request for Ah Zhu.

Steward Zhu never considered himself a good person; rather, he was a great villain. But even he couldn't be as shameless as Zhao Yougong. This wasn't a request; it was a blatant demand.

Murong Fu remained calm, wisely not responding to Zhao Yougong's words. Instead, he turned to Ah Zhu and smiled, "What are you standing there for? Go and prepare some wine and dishes!"

"Yes, Master!" Ah Zhu bowed and walked to the door, not even glancing at Zhao Yougong, who was staring at her.

What a lecherous prince! Though he looked good, his character was truly despicable. Ah Zhu, though naive, would not follow such a person.

Watching Ah Zhu disappear from sight, Zhao Yougong sighed in disappointment but wasn't too sad. After all, he still had Lady Wang to look at.

Li Qingluo was extremely annoyed. If she had known Zhao Yougong was so despicable, she wouldn't have come. But since she had a request, she couldn't afford to be too cold. Extending her hand, she presented a long, rectangular wooden box to Zhao Yougong.

"Upon our first meeting, I have nothing much to offer. Please accept this small gift, Your Highness!"

Zhao Yougong smiled and opened the box, revealing a jade ruyi of pure green, its color like flowing water, undoubtedly of the highest quality.

What a generous gift! No wonder Steward Zhu came to the Tingxiang Pavilion; he must have benefited from it before.

Whatever Lady Wang gave, Zhao Yougong would accept, as Emperor Zhezong approved of his actions.

"Lady Wang, you are truly kind. If you treat me well, I will treat you well!"

Though it was a kind statement, it carried a different connotation, especially coming from Zhao Yougong, who exuded a lecherous aura.