L'hibiscus comme peinture

Chapitre 67

The old steward, Zhu Bo, who was grinning foolishly, suddenly snapped out of his daze when he heard Jin Xuan's call. He coughed awkwardly and said respectfully, "Ahem, Your Highness has just returned and must be very tired. Please come in quickly!" As he spoke, he glanced at Ao Jun, wondering how to arrange for her. Should she just stay in the Prince's room?

Seeing that Uncle Zhu kept glancing at Ao Jun, Jin Xuan said calmly, "Well, Uncle Zhu, this is Young Master Mo Jun. She will be staying at the Prince's residence. Please make the arrangements."

"Young Master Mo?" The moment these four words reached Zhu Bo's ears, his silly grin froze. His face contorted into a kaleidoscope of emotions: Young Master Mo, their 'Princess Consort'—no, no, this white-clad fairy was indeed the strategist who commanded from within the command tent, winning battles a thousand miles away, defeating Cang Liao's hundred thousand troops with only ten thousand, a brilliant strategist whose wisdom surpassed all others, known as the world's greatest military strategist! So she really was as handsome and unparalleled as the rumors said, with a face of unparalleled beauty and an elegance like a banished immortal. But that wasn't the main problem. The main problem was that if she was Young Master Mo, then she was a real man. If she was a man, then she couldn't be their Princess Consort! Waaah… It turned out it was all just a daydream. The Prince still hadn't found a mistress for their royal palace.

Seeing Zhu Bo's expression change so suddenly, Jin Xuan's eyes dimmed. As wise as he was, how could he not understand why his usually composed steward was acting so strangely? He must have been so happy just now because he thought Jun was a woman disguised as a man. Only after confirming that Jun was a man did he react like this. He knew that they had always wanted him to marry a Princess of Jin, but ever since Yu Qing chose his brother, his heart had died. Until Jun appeared, his heart was revived, but he tasted pain again, simply because Jun was a man. If she were a woman, how wonderful that would be! Then the Prince of Jin's mansion would have a mistress.

"Your Highness, this old servant deserves to die. I was momentarily distracted. Your Highness has just returned, and this old servant has kept you standing here for so long. Please come in quickly! And Young Master Mo, this old servant will make arrangements for you. Please." As expected of the shrewd Zhu Bo, he only lost his composure for a moment before quickly regaining his senses. Seeing the prince's dim eyes, although he didn't quite understand what was going on, he remained outwardly calm and quickly apologized. He then politely gestured for Ao Jun to enter. He still couldn't believe that the beautiful person in front of him was a man.

Jinxuan nodded slightly and said to Aojun, "Jun, let's go in."

"Hmm!" Ao Jun nodded, withdrawing his gaze from Zhu Bo. Seeing that Zhu Bo's eyes were bright and piercing, his posture was upright, and his breathing was steady, Ao Jun knew that this seemingly ordinary old man was a master of internal strength with profound inner power.

Just as Jinxuan was about to lead Aojun into the gate of the Prince's Mansion, Aojun seemed to suddenly remember something, stopped, turned around, and looked around.

Jinxuan also stopped and looked at Aojun with a puzzled expression, asking, "Jun, what's wrong?"

Ao Jun asked with a puzzled look, "Jin Xuan, where are Zi Qi and the others?" She had just realized that she hadn't seen Zi Qi or the other generals since she woke up, and even the 100,000-strong army was gone.

Jin Xuan was taken aback, then gently patted Ao Jun's head and chuckled, "You! How come you're sometimes too clever for your own good, and other times so clueless it's infuriating! Zi Qi and the generals have naturally gone home. You'll see them when the Emperor hosts the banquet tonight. As for the 100,000 troops? Do you think I can lead 100,000 troops into the city? Of course, they're stationed outside. You don't even know that, do you?" As he spoke, Jin Xuan gave another strange smile. Who could believe that the esteemed number one strategist in the land didn't understand such basic military regulations? And who could believe that Young Master Mo Jun had slept all the way back to court, completely oblivious to the grand scene of hundreds of officials welcoming her at the city gate?

"Oh! I really didn't know if you hadn't told me," Ao Jun said honestly. It wasn't surprising she didn't know about the military system of the Longxuan Dynasty! But why didn't Ziqi and the others tell her they were leaving? (You were sleeping like a log, how could I tell you!) Never mind, I'll tell you when we meet tonight. Wait, the Emperor will be hosting a banquet tonight, which means…

Ao Jun's eyes suddenly lit up, and she chased away all the lingering drowsiness. She grabbed Jin Xuan's sleeve eagerly and raised her voice slightly, "Jin Xuan, you just said that the Emperor will be hosting a banquet tonight? Can the Empress make an appearance?"

Jin Xuan paused in patting Ao Jun's head, a flash of pain crossing his eyes, but Ao Jun, caught up in his excitement, didn't notice. Jin Xuan quickly composed himself and smiled at Ao Jun, saying, "Of course the Empress will appear. Does Jun want to see the Empress?" he asked tentatively. Jin Xuan's heart was clenched, and he didn't know what to feel.

"Of course I want to see her, haha..." Upon hearing that he could see Xue tonight, Ao Jun changed his usual cold and indifferent expression and gave Jin Xuan a playful smile. Seeing that the usually shrewd Jin Xuan was completely stunned, he was even happier. Before Jin Xuan could react, he strode into the Jin Prince's Mansion with a hearty laugh.

Hearing Ao Jun's clear, loud laughter, Jin Xuan belatedly realized what was happening. Seeing that Ao Jun had already gone far away, he quickly chased after him, but his heart was filled with bitterness: Jun, you really are my nemesis!

Little did anyone know that Zhu Bo, who had been following closely behind them, now stood motionless at the doorway like a statue. From the moment their prince gently patted Ao Jun's head with such doting expression and spoke to him with a smile, he felt as if struck by lightning. He watched the interaction between the two in disbelief; it was more than just the affection between a commander and his strategist, even more like that of close friends—it was clearly the gaze of lovers deeply in love! And he was certain he hadn't misread it; the prince's eyes, as he looked at Mo Jun, were filled with deep love, bitterness, and pain. He was all too familiar with that look; it was the same look the prince had given the empress. And now he saw it again, this time with a man. No wonder the prince had shown such possessiveness towards Mo Jun—it was all there! But Your Highness, how could you be so foolish? The other person is a man! This is unacceptable to society! And judging from Mo Jun's expression, he seemed completely unaware. Was it merely a one-sided love on the prince's part?

Ao Jun was in high spirits as she strolled along the main road of the Prince Jin's Mansion. As expected of a prince's mansion, it was truly enormous. In modern times, although she was the niece of the president of the Ling Empire and had everything she wanted, and her residence was like a grand castle, she had never seen such an antique and magnificent ancient building. Moreover, whenever she returned to ancient times, she was either in a small village or on the battlefield. Now that she saw this secluded ancient garden, she naturally had to take a good look at it.

Something feels off! This prince's mansion looks rather empty, completely lacking the extravagant grandeur I see on TV. It seems that Jinxuan has been away on campaigns for years, and there's no mistress in the mansion, which is why it's like this! If Xue had chosen Jinxuan back then, this mansion would probably be a modern and ancient creation now. However, the palace is definitely doomed to fall into Xue's clutches now. Brother-in-law Emperor, I feel sorry for you.

"You're quite carefree, aren't you! Abandoning me, your master, and wandering around by yourself." Just as Ao Jun was fantasizing about how to transform the Prince Jin's Mansion into a blend of ancient and modern styles, a teasing voice rang out from behind.

Ao Jun turned her head and saw that Jin Xuan, who had caught up, was leaning against a plum tree, looking at her with a half-smile.

Ao Jun retorted sarcastically, "I remember Your Highness saying that from now on, the Jin Mansion will be my home. How come you're acting like the 'master' now? Besides, I don't find Your Highness's mansion anything interesting. It's probably not even as good as an ordinary official's."

Jin Xuan smiled nonchalantly and said, "The strategist is right. It seems I was wrong after all. But I didn't know the strategist was also a playful person." He was about to give a mischievous smile when he spoke. He really found it hard to imagine that the usually aloof and indifferent Jun Xiangyu Qing could play like a child. But what she said was true. His palace really didn't have much to do. It was just empty. Yu Qing had said the same thing before. In the end, she even built a basketball court in his backyard.

Oh right, how come I didn't think of that? His palace has another really interesting place, probably unique in the whole world. You probably don't know it. I really want to see your stunned expression, just like when I first saw it.

With that thought, Jinxuan hurriedly grabbed Aojun's hand and said mysteriously, "Come on, I'll take you to see a magical and fun place."

Zhu Bo, who caught up later, looked at the two figures walking away hand in hand, shook his head helplessly, and quickly chased after them.

The three arrived at the backyard. Upon seeing the scene before them, Ao Jun's expression turned very strange, but her eyes shone unusually brightly. She remained silent, staring intently at what was in front of her.

"Jun, you probably don't know what this is! Haha... It seems there are things you don't know." Seeing Jun's strange expression, Jinxuan automatically categorized it as surprise and doubt.

Hearing their prince's hearty laughter, Zhu Bo truly didn't know whether to be happy or sad, and unconsciously began to resent Ao Jun: Why aren't you a woman? (Oh my god!)

"Jinxuan, this... Aojun was so excited! She never imagined that she could actually see products from the 21st century in ancient times. It felt like a dream, like a lifetime ago!"

"Jun, don't get excited. Let me tell you, this is called..." Jin Xuan was about to kindly explain to Ao Jun, but before he could finish speaking, Ao Jun interrupted him.

"A basketball court." Ao Jun's eyes were fixed on the ancient basketball court before her. Her previous strange expression vanished instantly, replaced by a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Zhu Bo, standing nearby, was momentarily stunned. Good heavens! Her smile was incredibly captivating! Even this old man couldn't resist it. Ah, no wonder the Prince...! But how did she know about a basketball court? Legend had it that Young Master Mo Jun was omniscient; it seemed to be true.

As soon as Ao Jun spoke, Jin Xuan's smug, hearty laughter immediately stopped. He stared incredulously at Ao Jun, whose mind was completely on the basketball court, and was so shocked that he couldn't even speak. He stammered, "You...you..." He couldn't get the words out after a long time.

Impossible. How could Jun know about the basketball court? It was designed by Yuqing, and very few outsiders know about it. Jun lives in a remote area, how could she possibly know it? Could it be that she really knows Yuqing? Is Yuqing really the most important person in her heart?

In her excitement, Ao Jun paid no attention to Jin Xuan's stuttering; her hands were itching to play! She looked around—where was the basketball?

"Jinxuan, where's the basketball?" Aojun asked Jinxuan without turning her head. After waiting for a long time without Jinxuan speaking, she turned her head in confusion and found Jinxuan looking at her with a thoughtful expression. Could it be that he hadn't been back for too long and didn't even know where the basketball was?

"Jinxuan." Ao Jun called out again, finally bringing Jinxuan back to his senses.

"Jun, how do you know this is called a basketball court? Do you know Yuqing?" Jinxuan didn't answer Aojun's question. Instead, he asked with a serious expression. He had to find out the answer today: what was the relationship between Jun and Yuqing? Could he arrange for them to meet? He would never forget the suffering Yuqing had endured back then.

"We're going to the palace tonight, you'll find out then." Ao Jun still didn't give Jin Xuan a definite answer, turning her head to look at the basketball court in front of her, and said mysteriously. She really wanted to see what Jin Xuan's expression would be after he found out about her relationship with Xue. Sigh, as they say, the children of the Ling family can't be judged by ordinary standards. But sometimes, because of this, they have to reap what they sow, hence their famous saying: "I regret my past actions."

Jinxuan still wouldn't give up and wanted to say more, but Aojun didn't give him the chance and said somewhat displeasedly, "Jinxuan, you don't just have a basketball court here, but no basketballs, do you?"

"No, no, there's a basketball." Zhu Bo was quick-witted and had already sent someone to bring a basketball. Seeing that Ao Jun seemed a little displeased, while the prince was still struggling with whether Young Master Mo Jun knew the Empress, he quickly spoke up for Jin Xuan and threw the ball over.

As soon as Ao Jun got the basketball, a long-lost feeling welled up inside her. She had a basketball again! She had never known that a basketball could be such a precious thing. A flood of thoughts rushed to her mind: Back then, she and Xue used to play basketball together, swim together, play tennis together... How happy they were! After Xue transmigrated here, no one played with her anymore. Yu Qing had just arrived in the modern world and didn't understand these things yet. She hadn't touched a basketball for a very, very long time.

Seeing Ao Jun holding the ball in a daze, Jin Xuan spoke again, "Jun, Yu Qing..." He originally wanted to ask her if she didn't know how to play, but as soon as he said it, he ended up asking about Yu Qing again. This question was really important to him, and for the first time, he hated Ao Jun's intelligence.

Before Jinxuan could finish speaking, Aojun turned to Jinxuan and smiled meaningfully, saying, "Jinxuan, let's see if my ball skills are better, or the Empress's?"

Without waiting for Jinxuan's reply, he dribbled quickly, stood up, and slammed the ball in with a beautiful dunk. The movement was fluid and graceful, almost like a performance.

Jinxuan and Zhu Bo both stared wide-eyed, looking incredulous. That was beautiful! That shot was so beautiful! It seems Jun really knows how to play basketball. This is the kind of basketball Yuqing was talking about! Unlike them, who always commit this foul or that foul while playing, and they always start using all sorts of fancy moves and martial arts techniques, making Yuqing furious and yelling at them to foul.

Seeing the two of them standing there dumbfounded, Ao Jun chuckled mischievously, "Jin Xuan, fight me. If you beat me, I'll tell you about my relationship with the Empress." As he spoke, he tossed the ball up and down in a provocative manner, showing none of the calm and aloof demeanor of Young Master Mo Jun.

"Okay, I remember what you said. Still half an hour?" Although Jin Xuan wasn't confident he could beat Ao Jun, he really wanted to know their relationship, so he readily agreed and flashed to Ao Jun's side.

Ao Jun suddenly smiled slightly and said to Jin Xuan in front of him, "That's right, the Empress must have told you the rules of basketball! Remember, you can't use martial arts!" With that, he quickly flashed past Jin Xuan, dribbled the ball, came to the backboard, and made a layup, scoring 2 points.

This time, Jinxuan served first. Aojun stood in front of Jinxuan and looked at Jinxuan dribbling the ball. She smiled and said, "It seems that the Empress is doing a good job as a coach! You really have a good dribbling style."