PaiPai-Romane

Kapitel 128

"Yes, I've heard of it too. It seems to have a really nice nickname, something like... what's it called..."

"It's related to the name."

"Yes, autumn... autumn..."

"Neither! It's the Autumn Water Longsword!"

The maids chattered amongst themselves, and finally spoke.

"Yes, yes, that's it. What do you think? Doesn't it sound nice, young master?" Tang Leyan was drinking a cup of tea when she suddenly heard the words "Autumn Water Long Sword." She almost spat out her tea and hurriedly swallowed it, but accidentally choked on it and started coughing loudly.

The maids rushed over, some massaging her back, others handing her handkerchiefs, and one even wiped her mouth, asking anxiously, "Young master, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

After a long while, Tang Leyan, who was surrounded, waved her hand and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing."

She raised her head with red eyes, choked by the choking sound and tears streamed down her face.

Just then, Chu Gexing passed by outside the courtyard, and Tang Leyan jumped up and called out, "Vice Envoy!"

She turned back and said, "Sisters, we'll chat again later."

Immediately, a flurry of voices waved as Tang Leyan ran out of the living room, grabbed Chu Gexing who was about to walk away, and whispered, "Where did you go just now?"

Chu Gexing glanced at her and asked curiously, "What, is the Envoy about to take charge?"

Tang Leyan chuckled awkwardly: "Although I haven't paid much attention on the surface, I've actually been secretly investigating every day."

"You've really worked hard." Chu Gexing snorted coldly, continuing to walk forward. Tang Leyan glared at him from behind, then thought for a moment and followed him, saying as they walked, "I've noticed you've been quite busy these past few days. What have you been busy with?"

"If you want to manage it, then I'll leave it to you."

"I was just asking, please don't do this."

"Hmph, then continue with your investigation and count the camellias. Don't bother me with my work."

"Hey, it's only right to catch up and build rapport."

"No need." Chu Ge walked to the door, stepped inside, and slammed the door shut.

Tang Leyan was about to step inside, with one foot already inside, when Chu Gexing slammed the door shut without hesitation, almost squeezing Tang Leyan's foot. If she hadn't reacted quickly and jumped out, it would have hurt a lot.

We've got over a thousand votes! Two chapters today, one more to come later. (To be continued...)

Chapter 159 of "The Road to Jiangnan": Attending the Banquet Again

The tactic of following closely behind proved ineffective, leaving Tang Leyan standing at the door in frustration, mentally cursing Chu Gexing before rolling her eyes and leaving.

As soon as she reached the edge of the front hall, she noticed that Chu Gexing had been very busy these past two days, seemingly elusive and rarely seen. This made her feel uneasy and uneasy, but Chu Gexing slept soundly every night, so she couldn't keep an eye on him. It was truly a pity.

Hurried footsteps came from outside the post station. Tang Leyan turned her head to look and saw a man dressed as a soldier from Fengcheng walk forward. He knelt down just before reaching her and said with his hands clasped, "Your Excellency the Marriage Envoy, my young master invites you."

Upon hearing this, Tang Leyan felt a bit overwhelmed and cautiously asked, "Who is your young master?"

"The Crown Prince said that if Your Excellency does not wish to come, then tell Your Excellency that Your Excellency cherishes the old friendship from Shundu and now wishes to properly entertain the Envoy of the Marriage," the man said without changing his expression.

Isn't this a threat? Tang Leyan scoffed inwardly: As for the old ties in Shundu, I only have old grudges with Feng Feisheng. It was obvious that something happened between him and Chu Gexing on the road, otherwise, given that person's temper, he would never have been so quiet. It's highly likely that Feng Feisheng suffered a loss at the hands of Chu Gexing. However, she couldn't figure out exactly what happened. She tried to ask Chu Gexing several times, but that guy was as busy as a spinning top, always keeping a straight face towards her, so she couldn't even find a chance to show him any goodwill.

However, she was bored anyway. Last time, Feng Feisheng treated her to a good meal, and at most, he poisoned her. Surely he wouldn't use the same trick again this time. In any case, she was on his turf, and he could do whatever he wanted. But he wouldn't go too far, after all, she was a dignified marriage envoy. Did he think he could eat her alive?

Or perhaps she could find out something about his relationship with Chu Gexing. Life is boring, gossip is important; thinking of this, Tang Leyan smiled.

Riding out, the scenery along the way was picturesque. Tang Leyan followed the guard slowly forward, and after an unknown amount of time, they stopped in front of a large mansion. When she dismounted, people were already waiting to greet her, while others took the reins of her horse. The steward who came out first had a beaming smile on his face and led Tang Leyan inside.

After walking a few steps, gazing at the strange rocks and exotic flowers in the courtyard, I was admiring them when I heard a warm greeting from ahead: "Hey, Brother Le, Brother Le, you've finally arrived! I've missed you so much, brother!"

Tang Leyan shivered and looked up to see the young prince, Feng Feisheng, rushing out of the corridor. He was heading in her direction, warmly opening his arms as if to embrace her.

Tang Leyan stared in disbelief. Just as Feng Feisheng was about to reach her, she reached out and handed him the fan, calling out repeatedly, "Young Master, Young Master!"

The fan was pressed against Feng Feisheng's chest. Only then did Feng Feisheng stop. He looked down at the fan, then looked at her in surprise: "What's wrong, Brother Le?" "The young master is so enthusiastic. I am truly... flattered." Seeing that he had stopped, Tang Leyan coughed, withdrew her hand, and bowed.

Feng Feisheng glanced at her: "We Danning people have always been like this. Has Brother Le not gotten used to it yet these past few days?"

Tang Leyan thought to herself: Your enthusiasm is quite frightening.

He replied, "It is a bit... but I am naturally introverted and not quite used to being treated with such enthusiasm."

Feng Feisheng looked up and smiled casually, "That's true, but... when in Rome, do as the Romans do." As he spoke, he reached out and took Tang Leyan's arm affectionately, turning to look at her as they walked forward, "Brother Leyan, aren't you right?"

Tang Leyan could only say, "Hmm, not bad, not bad."

The two walked hand in hand inside. Tang Leyan felt that Feng Feisheng seemed different, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong. She could only take it one step at a time. She was skilled and bold, and she wasn't afraid of what he might do. She waved her fan and walked inside with him.

Feng Feisheng exchanged a few pleasantries, inquiring about her recent diet and daily routine, whether she had settled in, and whether she had any difficulties in life that he could help with. Tang Leyan answered each question and thanked him for his kindness.

Finally, the two talked about the wedding for a while. Feng Feisheng was in high spirits and did not seem to have suffered any harm, which made Tang Leyan secretly puzzled.

Finally, Feng Feisheng suddenly asked, "By the way, Brother Le, how is your Deputy Envoy, Lord Chu, doing lately?"

"He...is very busy," Tang Leyan replied. She thought to herself, "Is the main character finally coming?"

“Actually,” Feng Feisheng glanced at her twice before his face fell, and said, “Actually, Brother Le, ever since you told me that secret last time, I…”

"How is it?" Tang Leyan asked.

“I… am naturally overjoyed.” He sighed.

"Is that so?" Tang Leyan looked at him, thinking, "I know... but what's next?"

Feng Feisheng shook his head: "However, after my indomitable spirit, overcoming all difficulties, and finally risking my life... what a moving and inspiring experience I have had, I have finally discovered another, even bigger secret..."

"Really?" Tang Leyan looked at him in surprise, thinking, "So all you did was find out he was a man? That should be it, why make such a big deal out of it?"

Feng Feisheng looked at her and began to smile meaningfully.

Tang Leyan waved her fan, shielding her face, and suddenly felt a little uneasy.

"Brother Feng, what exactly is that?" she asked.

“We can discuss this later. To welcome Brother Le, I have already ordered people to prepare fine wine and food. We can talk about it after we have eaten and drunk our fill,” Feng Feisheng said.

Tang Leyan looked at him, her heart pounding.

"What's wrong, Brother Le? What are you thinking about?"

"No, it's nothing..." Tang Leyan coughed, "It's just that I don't seem to be hungry right now..."

"These are all famous delicacies of Fengcheng. My chef is known as the best chef in Danning... Brother Le, if you miss this, you won't be able to eat them again." Feng Feisheng patted his chest.

Tang Leyan looked at him, struggled with her thoughts for a moment, and finally said, "Then... I shall respectfully accept your offer."

Feng Feisheng was overjoyed. He clapped his hands, and the maids and servants who had been waiting for a long time brought out the prepared food in a continuous stream.

A stream flows gently nearby, and a light breeze carries the faint fragrance of flowers.

Tang Leyan looked around and thought the scenery was picturesque, and the person in front of her was also picturesque. Before the young prince of Danning revealed his fierce side, he was so kind and approachable. Tang Leyan looked at his hand and saw that he hadn't brought the fan with him.

But what was the other great, moving secret he mentioned?

She looked at him, but just then Feng Feisheng turned his head as well. Their eyes met, and Feng Feisheng smiled and said, "Brother Le, how come I never noticed before? Now that I look closely, Brother Le, you are quite handsome."

Tang Leyan paused, her hand still holding the fan, and hesitated for a moment before smiling and saying, "Not at all, not at all. Compared to the young master, I am as different as heaven and earth..."

Chapter 160 of Yanshui Road in Jiangnan: Old Acquaintances

Tang Leyan smiled subtly, while Feng Feisheng remained unhurried, merely watching her with a smile. Yet, his gaze seemed to hold a cherished treasure, making Tang Leyan's heart pound.

Once all the dishes were served, Feng Feisheng warmly greeted, "Brother Le, please come in."

Tang Leyan glanced at him. The man smiled innocently, but that didn't mean he was truly without any resentment towards her. Thinking of the loss she suffered in Shundu, she thought: Surely he wouldn't use such a bizarre poison, that would be too old-fashioned.

So he followed suit and said, "Greetings, Young Master."

Feng Feisheng bowed and personally poured her a glass of wine. The wine was emerald green and had a faint fragrance. Tang Leyan praised softly, "Good wine."

"Yes, it is a fine wine from my collection called Ningxiang Dew. I only took it out to share with you today since you came, Brother Le."

“Fragrant Dew, Dew Condensing Fragrance, what a fine name.” Tang Leyan tapped her palm with her fan and recited, “A branch of red blossoms, fragrant with dew, the clouds and rain of Wushan are in vain, I ask who in the Han Palace could compare, poor Flying Swallow leaning on her new clothes.”

"Brother Le, what a fine piece of writing!" Feng Feisheng said with beaming eyes, quite pleased with himself. "I never expected that this wine would find a kindred spirit today. Come, Brother Le, please try this Ningxiang Dew. Isn't it worthy of your fine poem?"

Tang Leyan smiled, put down her fan, picked up her wine cup, and gently sniffed it. Finding nothing unusual, she raised it slightly and said, "Please, young master."

Feng Feisheng stood up and leaned towards her. He said, "Cheers."

Tang Leyan was taken aback, then lowered her cup and gently touched it to his wine cup. The porcelain cups collided and made a soft sound.

Feng Feisheng smiled at her, then covered himself with his sleeve. He gently emptied the cup.

Tang Leyan turned the cup back and took a small sip. She found it refreshing and sweet, unlike the strong liquor of Shundu. It was like spring water mixed with spices. Surprisingly, it had no off-flavors and was very pure, which made her very happy.

Moreover, the weather in Fengcheng was not cold, so drinking this kind of wine was just right. After one cup, a smile appeared on his face.

Without Feng Feisheng even lifting a finger, servants on both sides stepped forward and gently filled Tang Leyan's cup.

"It seems Brother Le really enjoys this Fragrant Dew." Feng Feisheng smiled, put down the cup, and raised his chopsticks in acknowledgment.

Tang Leyan nodded: "The young master always has good things that surprise me."

“It’s nothing,” Feng Feisheng said with a smile and a wave of his hand. “However, when you’re getting together with good friends, you should naturally bring the best things.”

"Thank you for your kindness, Young Master." Tang Leyan smiled wryly to herself, then suddenly remembered something. So she asked, "Young Master just said you discovered a great secret. What is it? Perhaps you'll share it with a good friend?"

Feng Feisheng laughed heartily: "Of course. But before that, Brother Le, please try these dishes first. Do you like them?"

Tang Leyan picked up her chopsticks and examined the dishes on the table. Feng Feisheng noticed her expression and said, "Could it be that Brother Leyan is afraid there's poison in them?"

"No. I'm looking at which dish we should eat first."

"This one will do..." Feng Feisheng picked up his chopsticks and gently poked at it. "This is our famous pineapple pastry. It's smooth and not greasy, with a light flavor that won't be too stimulating. It's perfect for the first bite."

The food, carved into the shape of a fish, was brought over. Feng Feisheng took one for himself, glanced at Tang Leyan, and took a bite, seemingly to reassure her.

Tang Leyan nodded: "Then Leyan won't be polite." She picked up the pineapple pastry with her chopsticks, took a small bite, and found that the texture was indeed different. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, smooth but not greasy, and light with a hint of sweetness. She ate the rest in small pieces.

Feng Feisheng was delighted and recommended several more dishes, but he would eat a little of each one afterward. Tang Leyan became increasingly wary of his earnestness, but she couldn't refuse. She drank several cups of fragrant dew before repeatedly declining and eating until she was half full. Feng Feisheng noticed that her cheeks were slightly flushed and knew what was going on, so he slowly stopped urging her to eat more.

The two ate for a while, and then the sun in the sky slowly began to set in the west.

Feng Feisheng waved his hand, and someone cleared away all the dishes, while someone else brought up teacups.

Tang Leyan felt a slight heat in her stomach, thinking it was because she had eaten, so she swallowed a few mouthfuls of tea.

Unexpectedly, after a while, the hot feeling persisted and even intensified.

But at that moment, Feng Feisheng said, "Brother Le, it concerns that big secret, and what I want to tell you is..."

"Young Master, please speak?" Tang Leyan slowly unfolded her fan and gently fanned herself to cool down.