The wine shop's location was finally decided upon, choosing West Lin Street.
It was a little pricier than other places, but the advantage lay in the wide street, convenient for transportation. After signing the sales contract, renovations began. Steward Ye had extensive connections and quickly found a construction team. I'd visit during the day to check on the progress and review the accounts every couple of days, which made my life considerably more leisurely.
So, I started taking A Xiu out to sightsee.
Mei City wasn't as bustling as the capital, but it had its own charm. The taste of its snacks was similar to those in the capital, yet they also possessed their unique flavors.
When we grew tired of being in the city, we could go for a horseback ride outside.
Tsk, this life without parents watching over me was truly too comfortable.
It would be even better if His Highness the Crown Prince didn't always appear and disappear so mysteriously.
As the wine shop began recruiting workers, the plum blossoms in Plum Garden gradually started to bloom.
Plum Garden was renowned, and Mei City was named after it. Every winter, crowds of people flocked to Plum Garden to admire the plum blossoms, and the area had developed into a thriving commercial chain. A Xiu spent two days and a high price to snatch up tickets. I excitedly changed into my newly made winter clothes and set off with A Xiu.
However, not long after entering the garden, we ran into Situ Yao.
"Miss Wang, what a coincidence."
I really wanted to roll my eyes at him. "Isn't His Highness the Crown Prince in Mei City on official business? How do you have time to admire plum blossoms?"
"If one comes to Mei City and doesn't admire the plums, wouldn't it be a wasted trip? Since we've met, shall we explore together?"
"Heh, as if you'd leave if I disagreed."
"That would be impossible, Miss Wang, this way please."
I stared at him for a while, genuinely suspecting that his soul had been swapped. His recent behavior completely overturned my perception of him. That day in the study, we spoke our minds, but neither of us convinced the other.
Yet, after that day, he began appearing by my side from time to time.
Be it at a teahouse, a restaurant, or even on the street, he would happen to pass by and run into me.
Although Mei City wasn't large, so many chance encounters being attributed to coincidence would surely make people laugh. But he managed to say it every time without a blush.
Perhaps my gaze was too direct, and Situ Yao finally spoke, "Miss Wang, why are you staring at me like that?"
"I'm wondering what Your Highness the Crown Prince has been up to lately, that your thick skin has suddenly grown so much?" The impression of His Highness the Crown Prince as stern and unapproachable had been broken, and my fear of him had significantly lessened.
Situ Yao walked forward, "I haven't done anything, just learned a bit of experience from Father Emperor."
"What experience?"
"Experience in coaxing a wife."
Me: ...
"He taught you to track a young lady's whereabouts and then arrange to 'accidentally' meet her?" No, no, the Emperor couldn't possibly be that kind of person.
However, it wasn't impossible. After all, before the Emperor pursued the Empress, he was merely a marquis's son with an empty title. He was all show and no substance, only obtaining the position of captain by felling a tiger. And at that time, it was rumored that the Empress was the daughter of a wealthy merchant with considerable assets.
A poor captain marrying a rich young lady.
It would indeed be difficult without some effort.
Situ Yao shook his head and said no.
"Then what did he teach you?"
Situ Yao refused to say more, instead pointing elsewhere, "They're selling roasted venison under the plum trees over there. Shall we go buy some?"
Situ Yao's cheeks flushed slightly.
His father emperor had told him that he had used every trick, from deception to trickery, to marry his mother. In this world, there were many beautiful women, but few who could truly capture his heart.
To win the heart of a beauty, being proud and unwilling to lower oneself was utterly futile.
The common folk often spread tales of the emperor and empress's deep affection, leading to countless storybooks. However, he never imagined his father emperor would be such a father emperor. And he clearly hadn't inherited his father's true mastery in this regard.
Finding ways to "accidentally" meet her was already his limit. However, this girl's courage had also increased considerably compared to before.
At least she wasn't so stiff around him anymore.
Situ Yao felt this was a good sign and decided to continue using this tactic.