Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn - Chapter 47
I took a deep breath and said cautiously, "Your Highness, I have a secret to tell you, please be sure to keep it a secret for me."
"What secret?"
"A secret that concerns my life." To put it more seriously, I'm not worried about Shen Haoyu discovering my identity now, but I'm worried that the person in front of me won't be able to handle it. "Please remain calm after hearing this and promise not to harm me or tell anyone else this secret."
"Go ahead and say it," Shen Zexuan said, looking at me with interest.
Having made up my mind and mustered my courage, I uttered each word carefully: "I am a woman."
Upon hearing this, Shen Zexuan did not change his expression as I had imagined. Instead, he smiled comfortably, like a spring breeze or a flower quietly blooming.
“I know,” Shen Zexuan said with a smile, and I was stunned.
I looked at him in disbelief: "You knew, so why did you?"
“I grew up in the palace. What kind of women haven’t I seen there? I’ve seen too many women. I knew you weren’t a man at first glance,” Shen Zexuan grabbed me as I tried to pull away. “Don’t even think about escaping…”
My mind raced, and I asked, "What about the male concubine?"
"Did I ever say I like men? I only said I wanted you, and your little prince just assumed I liked men." Shen Zexuan gave a faint sneer.
That seems to be true. However, "Didn't you accept all the male concubines sent to your residence?" That's a question.
With a hint of disdain, Shen Zexuan laughed and said, "Since someone wants me to do this, let them have their way. Besides, it's not without its benefits."
Yes, he could use this opportunity to create a smokescreen and mislead those with ulterior motives; it might not be a bad thing...
"So, would you like to visit my home?" Shen Zexuan asked me with a smile. I actually nodded shyly in agreement. He smiled with satisfaction, while my face turned completely red. Since he still preferred women, what was there for me to be awkward about?
Before leaving, Shen Zexuan told me that before 11 PM tomorrow, when I pass by a pastry shop called "Cui Xin Fang", I should go inside and find a person named Ye Ying. That person will take over my duty outside the Second Prince's residence and tell me where to meet him.
I naturally understood what he meant. There were countless eyes watching these people, both openly and secretly. Not to mention, I was probably being watched even from my side. My date with Shen Zexuan couldn't be known by the people of the Prince of Qing's mansion. It wouldn't be good for me, nor for Shen Zexuan. I could only do it secretly. Just thinking about it was exciting. I guess I'm just tired of all the monotony of my life over the years.
The thought of going on a date with someone like that tomorrow is making me feel a little giddy. Although I don't know why Shen Zexuan is interested in me, I can't bear to refuse an invitation from such a handsome man! Whatever his motives, what's wrong with indulging once in a while? Don't Shen Haoyu and the others also have intentions that I'm not entirely clear about yet?
If Shen Zexuan really likes me, that would be even more wonderful! Didn't Shen Haoyu say that he rejected many young ladies from prestigious families?
I never imagined that someone who seemed so otherworldly would actually come here and confess to me. The beginning was so unexpected, and the plot was so full of twists and turns, tsk tsk...
Just thinking about that handsome face makes my mouth water...
Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn. Chapter 34
Chapter word count: 3516 Update time: 09-08-01 15:12
Lying in bed that night, I was too excited to sleep. Like a normal teenage girl going through puberty, I was filled with anticipation for tomorrow's date, but also a little nervous. After tossing and turning, I finally got out of bed, put on my clothes, and lit the candles.
I placed the bronze mirror on the table, rested my chin on my hands, and stared intently at the dim, yellowish reflection. I had never seen my mother's face, but her self-portrait was deeply etched in my memory, even clearer than my aunt's. The face in the mirror vaguely resembled my mother's; her features were delicate, her lips slightly pouting, cupped in her hands—she could be considered a beauty. In women's clothing, she would probably be prettier than the six women living in Qiufeng Garden, though not quite as pretty as Yunshang. Sigh, I hadn't looked at myself so closely in all these years. If it weren't for Shen Zexuan's appearance, I don't know when I would have even noticed what I looked like. So, I was also planning to dress up for someone who would appreciate me. However, my identity couldn't be revealed, and I would still be dressed as a man tomorrow, which made me feel somewhat lonely. If Shen Zexuan had appeared sooner, would I have readily reverted to women's clothing when Shen Haoyu discovered my true identity?
Still unable to sleep, an impending romance has awakened many long-buried thoughts within me—past lives, present lives, entanglements, so much I've experienced. I thought I could stand taller, see things more clearly, yet my heart is still bound by attachments. Besides those few people, will Shen Zexuan also become someone I long for…?
When I woke up, it was already bright outside. Luckily, no one was watching me. After washing up, I quietly went to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat. I saw Zinuo lifting the lid of a pot and taking something out. He turned around, saw me, and smiled, "I was just about to bring you some food. I took it over this morning, but you weren't up yet, so I brought it back to keep it warm in the pot for you."
I was so touched I almost cried. How could this little guy be so thoughtful! I took the steaming hot buns he had just taken out of the pot and started eating them, silently thinking: My dear Nuo, you are my favorite. Don't worry, I won't neglect you just because I have someone of the opposite sex.
Seeing that I had eaten and drunk my fill, Zinuo went to the pigeon coop. I wanted to help him, but then I remembered that I had an appointment that afternoon, so I didn't go with him.
You just said you wouldn't neglect him if you found someone of the opposite sex, and you've already broken your promise. Change it: Even if you find someone of the opposite sex, you'll still be the most important person in my heart. Love may change, but family ties are forever thicker than blood.
Back in his room, he rummaged through all his clothes, only to find they were all the dark blue, tight-fitting uniforms worn by the palace guards. Sigh…
Since it's all men's clothing anyway, what's there to expect?
After noon, I left the Prince Qing's residence and followed my usual route, keeping an eye on the shops on both sides. On the street outside the Second Prince's residence, I finally found the pastry shop called "Cui Xin Fang". This was probably a base that Shen Zexuan had set up here, since he didn't even try to hide it from me.
Upon entering the pastry shop, a waiter greeted me and asked what I wanted to buy. Shen Zexuan hadn't told me about any secret codes for meeting people, so I simply said, "Looking for Night Hawk."
The waiter didn't say anything unnecessary and led me directly to the inner room, presumably having already given me instructions. There was only one girl of average appearance in the room. I looked around and asked, "Where's Nighthawk?"
“I am Nighthawk,” the girl said.
So is it a nightingale or a nighthawk? Since it's a girl, it should be a nightingale.
The nightingale didn't say much. After glancing at me a few times, she took out some bottles and jars and started applying them to her face. In no time, her face had transformed into mine. The legendary art of disguise! And I actually witnessed it firsthand!
Nightingale made me sit down again and started applying the cream to my face. The face in the mirror slowly transformed into Nightingale's likeness. With the facial problem solved, we swapped clothes. I put my bag on her shoulder and took out the tools inside, explaining to her how to use them. As I fiddled with the binoculars, a fleeting look of amazement crossed her face.
After transforming, Nightingale told me that Shen Zexuan was waiting for me in the "Luomei Room" of "Liuzui Residence" on Zhuque Avenue, and then turned and left.
After the nightingale left, the shop assistant who worked in front of the shop came in and escorted me out through the back door.
Liu Zui Ju? One of the top restaurants in the capital! Chen Ze Xuan is really good; treating me to a lavish meal on our first date is both practical and to my liking. Luckily, I ate breakfast late today and didn't eat much for lunch, otherwise, even the best food wouldn't be enough. Thinking about the big meal, I happily headed towards Zhuque Street. It's actually quite far, though.
When I arrived at Liuzuiju, there were still quite a few people eating. The waiter, seeing that my clothes weren't very nice, ignored me, and I went straight to the second floor. I found the room with the words "Fallen Plum Blossoms" hanging on the door, knocked, and the door opened quickly. It was the man who had been with Shen Zexuan in the plum garden last time. I hadn't paid much attention to him last time, but today I saw that he was quite tall and handsome.
He stepped aside to let me in, and I saw Shen Zexuan sitting elegantly in a chair. He was slightly surprised at first, and then looked at me with a smile in his eyes.
I awkwardly tugged at my sleeves and skirt. Today I was finally wearing women's clothing, something I hadn't done in a long time, but unfortunately, it wasn't my own face. Without waiting for Shen Zexuan to speak, I walked over and sat down opposite him.
Shen Zexuan said to the man who opened the door, "Guangqi, can the dishes be served now?"
The man named Guangqi then went out and closed the door.
Seeing that I seemed a little uncomfortable, Shen Zexuan asked with a smile, "Are you not used to it?"
I nodded, and he poured me a cup of tea and handed it to me. I was slightly surprised and felt a little flattered. I took the tea, took a small sip, and then put it on the table.