Lin Xiao pushed the Prince through the garden, when he suddenly heard Xiao Wangye say, "I haven't seen Ye Qingcheng much these past few days, what has she been up to?"
Lin Xiao shook his head, "This subordinate does not know."
Xiao Wangye fell silent. As they passed Cui Lake, he was drawn in by the conversation of two sweeping maids nearby.
Coincidentally, Xiao Wangye's location was obscured by several willow trees, so the two maids did not see the Prince and continued their chat.
"What do you think the Princess has been doing these past few days? Today she took Jing Xiu sister out again."
"What else? Haven't you heard what the Princess said? She's going to welcome new peach blossoms. Didn't she also attend the matchmaking event in the capital five days ago?"
"Ah? She really went?"
"Yes! I heard it from Jing Xiu sister. She even said she met a young man, but this young man is a bit peculiar in the head."
"Sigh~ Our Prince is such a perfect man, unmatched in strength, appearance, and power. How can the Princess not fancy him?"
"I don't know!"
Lin Xiao's back was slick with cold sweat. He quickly coughed to stop them from speaking further. If they continued, these two would be in big trouble.
The two maids then realized the Prince was listening nearby, and unsure how much he had heard, they quickly knelt to beg forgiveness, "Your Highness, your servants did not mean it, please forgive us." Xiao Wangye did not speak, merely waved his hand. Lin Xiao understood, "You may withdraw."
"Yes."
Lin Xiao expected the Prince to be furious, but was surprised by his composure. Yet, in a fleeting glance, he saw Xiao Wangye's clenched fists trembling and the veins on his temples throbbing. Lin Xiao realized then that the Prince was merely feigning calmness. It seemed the Princess was in for it.
"Lin Xiao."
The Prince's icy voice sent a shiver down Lin Xiao's spine, "Your Highness?"
"Regardless of where Ye Qingcheng is right now, you must tell her that if she dares to keep male favorites outside, she will die a terrible death."
Lin Xiao's forehead beaded with sweat, "This subordinate understands, I will go find the Princess now."
At this moment, the Princess found herself entangled.
Ye Qingcheng was quite exasperated.
This Liu Huai'an was like sticky rice paste, impossible to get rid of.
It was truly baffling how she had become entangled with him.
"Miss, do you want more tanghulu?"
Ye Qingcheng offered a polite and distant smile, "Sorry, I do not."
"Miss, I can go buy you some fruit from Shufangzhai."
Ye Qingcheng immediately stopped him, "No need, Jing Xiu will buy it for me."
"Miss, you still haven't told me your name! I've already told you mine."
Ye Qingcheng smiled without a word.
It was laughable. If she told him, and he continued to pester her, wouldn't that be troublesome?
Liu Huai'an circled Ye Qingcheng. Just then, a carriage stopped beside them. A woman in the carriage lifted the curtain, and Liu Huai'an looked closely, exclaiming in surprise, "Mother? Why are you here?"
Madam Liu chuckled, "If I didn't come, would you have pestered the young lady all the way home?"
Liu Huai'an's face flushed, "Mother, what are you talking about?"
Madam Liu ignored his pesky habit, "Get in the carriage, we're going home."
Liu Huai'an hastily refused, "No, I must escort Miss home."
"Hmph! Miss?" Madam Liu unceremoniously exposed her son, "Don't you see she completely ignores you? And you're still shamelessly following her. Hurry, get in the carriage."
Liu Huai'an shook his head and refused.
Madam Liu's eyes narrowed, "Fine. If you won't come with me, then I will escort this young lady. Miss, would you be willing to ride in this old woman's carriage home?"
Ye Qingcheng smiled and bowed respectfully, "Madam, there's no need for such courtesy. You are an elder, and I naturally accept the affection of elders. Why would I refuse?"
Madam Liu nodded with satisfaction. This young lady's demeanor and bearing were dignified, her appearance beautiful, and her etiquette impeccable. She must be from a scholarly and prestigious family. Madam Liu knew her son's temperament well; he was like his father – poor in character but with excellent taste in women. The girls he fancied were all exceptional.
Liu Huai'an was excited that the young lady was willing to get into their carriage. He quickly stepped forward, "Mother, let's escort Miss home together!"
As he was about to board, his mother pushed him away, "You didn't want to get into my carriage? Go home by yourself. I want to have a good talk with this young lady."
And so, Liu Huai'an watched as his mother and the girl he liked departed together.
Madam Liu sat in the main seat of the carriage, smiling as she spoke with Ye Qingcheng, "My rascal son is like this, he has no good qualities. He has caused trouble for you, Miss."
Ye Qingcheng shook her head and smiled, "It's no trouble. Your son..." As if remembering something, she paused awkwardly before continuing, "Your son is quite lively."
Madam Liu, recalling her son's constant hovering, also chuckled awkwardly.
"Um... May I know Miss's name?"
Ye Qingcheng lowered her head coyly, "This junior's name is Lu Xi'er."
"Lu Xi'er!" Madam Liu nodded, "That is a beautiful name. I imagine your parents must love you very much."
Ye Qingcheng's expression remained unchanged, but she scoffed inwardly. Would that old geezer cherish her? She only cherished herself. Still, she said, "I am the youngest in my family, and my parents dote on me the most. I came to the capital this time because my father needed to conduct business here. I had always longed to see the capital, so I told my father I wanted to come and witness its splendor. However... I never expected to meet your son."
Madam Liu's eyelids twitched. It seemed her son had completely ruined his impression with the young lady. "Ah... May I know where you are staying these few days, Miss? So I can directly escort you home."
Ye Qingcheng shook her head, "No need to trouble you, Madam. To be frank, our party will be returning tomorrow. We came out today simply to have a good stroll. As it is still early, perhaps Madam could drop me off ahead?"
Madam Liu was surprised, "Ah? You are leaving tomorrow?" What was to be done? Such a wonderful girl, to miss her just like that?
Madam Liu pondered for a moment and decided to try and promote her son.
"Miss, as you've seen, my son is very fond of you..."
Ye Qingcheng quickly interrupted, feigning panic, "Madam, please don't say that. To be honest, I..." Ye Qingcheng, a master of acting, struggled to hold back as her face flushed, showing a confused, nascent affection, "In my hometown, I have a childhood sweetheart. Our families are old friends and have a good relationship. A few months ago, our wedding date was set, so... your son will surely meet someone better."
Having said all that, Madam Liu felt it wasn't entirely believable. Whether that childhood sweetheart existed was still unknown, but her son had indeed given the impression of a dissolute rogue. If she had a daughter, she wouldn't want her daughter to marry such a son-in-law. It seemed her son and this young lady were destined to be apart, lacking fate.