"What time is it now?" The weather was hot, and the ice in the ice bucket was melting quickly. When Shen Lixue and Dongfang Heng paused their conversation, she looked down at the ice bucket and realized that a third of the ice had already melted.
Dongfang Heng looked at the sky outside: "It's just past Shenshi (3 to 5 pm)!"
"The guests who are taking a nap are about to wake up. I'm going to say goodbye to my cousin and head back home!" Shen Lixue sat up, walked past Dongfang Heng, and got out of bed. Her light green strapless dress hugged her exquisite figure, and white transparent crystal swallows hung down in front of her chest, looking fresh and natural.
Dongfang Heng stared intently at him, not forgetting to remind him, "Remember to change your clothes!"
"I know!" Shen Lixue glared at Dongfang Heng, took the clothes and went behind the screen. When she came out again, her light blue Xiang skirt fluttered in the wind, exuding a fresh and noble aura, just like a lady from a prominent family!
"I can go back to the manor by myself, you don't need to see me off!" With that, Shen Lixue left the courtyard with the ice bucket. Her carriage was also carrying Shen Yingxue, Shen Caiyun, and Shen Caixuan, so it was inconvenient for Dongfang Heng to see her off.
Dongfang Heng didn't pressure Shen Lixue. He stood at the door, watching her leave the courtyard, turn the corner, and disappear from sight. A resolute glint flashed in his sharp eyes: "Zimo, go and find out the whereabouts of the Ghost Doctor of Southern Xinjiang!" His injuries really need to be treated properly!
In the study, Lin Yan sat behind his desk, flipping through letter after letter, a brush in his hand, occasionally writing and drawing. As a newly appointed Minister, he had no experience and there were many things he needed to understand and handle.
"Reporting to the Minister, the Princess of Southern Xinjiang requests an audience!" The guard's voice came from outside. Lin Yan paused. What did the Princess of Southern Xinjiang want to see him for?
"Please come in!" Despite his doubts, Lin Yan still treated his guest with courtesy. The Southern Border Princess was Qingyan's guest, and he could not be negligent.
A moment later, the curtain opened, and Qin Ruoyin, dressed in white and wearing a white bamboo hat, walked in, appearing and disappearing in the shadows: "Minister Lin!" Her voice was still high-pitched and thin, like that of a child, which seemed a bit out of place with her adult body, but it was still quite pleasant and didn't sound shrill.
"Please sit, Princess!" A rich floral fragrance wafted over, instantly filling most of the room. Lin Yan frowned slightly but showed no displeasure. He put the letter aside and ordered towards the door, "Someone, bring tea!"
A maidservant entered the room with her head bowed, respectfully served two cups of tea, curtsied, and quickly withdrew.
Lin Yan picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and looked at Qin Ruoyan, his clear eyes filled with a hint of confusion: "I wonder what business the princess has with me?"
"It's nothing serious. I'd like to stroll around the capital, but I don't know where the scenery is good. I'd like to ask Minister Lin to be my guide..." Qin Ruoyan's high-pitched voice came through the thin veil.
Lin Yan was taken aback: "This... I'm afraid the princess will be disappointed..."
"Minister Lin is unwilling to be my guide?" Qin Ruoyan's high-pitched voice suddenly lowered, revealing a hint of sadness.
"No!" Lin Yan smiled and shook his head: "I grew up on the frontier and only recently returned to the capital. I don't know the capital very well and don't know where the scenery is charming..." Besides, he had just taken office as Minister and had many things to do, so he didn't have time to accompany others to travel around.
"Is that so!" Qin Ruoyan's soft voice revealed a moment of thought: "Minister Lin and I are both unfamiliar with the capital. Why don't we find a guard from the capital to accompany us around and help us get acquainted!" In the blink of an eye, Qin Ruoyan and Lin Yan were on the same side, and even their way of addressing each other became more intimate.
"Princess, I'm very busy lately and I'm afraid I won't be able to find the time!" Lin Yan smiled lightly, pretending not to understand Qin Ruoyan's words, and politely declined her offer.
"You are a minister, you can enjoy your leisure time. These trivial matters can be left to your subordinates!" Qin Ruoyan's soft voice was full of disapproval.
"No matter is too small in the Ministry of War. Every matter must be handled with care and caution. It cannot be taken lightly!" Lin Yan said each word slowly and deliberately, his gaze solemn. As the Minister, he had to shoulder the responsibilities of the Minister. How could he entrust the affairs of the Ministry of War to others?
"I admit I misspoke. We'll enjoy ourselves during the day. Minister Lin can handle the Ministry of War matters when he returns!" Fearing Lin Yan might disagree, Qin Ruoyan stepped forward and pulled him along: "The sun is already setting. If we ride fast, we can still reach the mountains outside the city to watch the sunset..."
The rich fragrance of flowers wafted over again, almost pungent. Qin Ruoyan's outstretched hand was also filled with an overwhelming scent, wave after wave, making one's head spin and nose sting. Lin Yan frowned deeply, stood up, and avoided Qin Ruoyan's hand, saying coldly, "Princess, please have some self-respect!"
"Minister Lin, I just wanted to travel and enjoy the scenery with you, why are you so angry?" Qin Ruoyan asked angrily, reaching out to pull Lin Yan.
"Princess, please have some self-respect!" Lin Yan shouted angrily, dodging Qin Ruoyan's arm and instantly reaching the door. He quickly opened the door and was about to leave when a light blue figure walked in unexpectedly, and the two bumped into each other.
Lin Yan stood still, but the blue figure took two or three steps back before stopping. Looking at the familiar face, Lin Yan exclaimed in surprise, "Li Xue!"
"Cousin Yan, where are you rushing off to?" Shen Lixue stood still and saw Lin Yan's astonished handsome face, his eyes still filled with shock and anger.
Lin Yan's eyes flickered unnaturally: "There are some things I need to take care of!"
"Minister Lin has guests, so I won't disturb you any longer!" With a high-pitched voice, Qin Ruoyan gracefully walked out of the room, her white robes fluttering gently, bringing with them a rich floral fragrance. Even Shen Lixue, with her strong willpower, couldn't help but frown; the scent was too strong!
Qin Ruoyan passed Lin Yan and Shen Lixue, quickly disappearing outside the courtyard. The rich fragrance of flowers wafted away with her, and Shen Lixue's unique, fresh scent filled the air. Lin Yan quietly relaxed his breathing, looked up, and met Shen Lixue's teasing gaze, which held a half-smile: "Cousin, are you and that Southern Border Princess...?"
"Don't make wild guesses. There's nothing between me and her. She took the initiative..." Lin Yan hurriedly tried to clarify his relationship with the Southern Border Princess, but stopped mid-sentence.
Shen Lixue's eyes narrowed: "Take the initiative for what?"
"This is nothing to be proud of, don't spread it around..." Lin Yan sighed softly, a few traces of deep thought and displeasure flashing in his clear eyes.
Hearing this, Shen Lixue felt a surge of doubt. Her cool gaze peered through the half-open door into the room. A gentle breeze blew in, carrying away the lingering fragrance of flowers that filled the room...
"Li Xue, is there something you need?" Not wanting to talk about the Southern Border Princess anymore, Lin Yan asked Shen Li Xue why she wanted to see him.
"It's getting late, I need to return to the manor. I came to say goodbye!" Shen Lixue snapped out of her reverie and looked at Lin Yan. He didn't want to talk about what had happened in the study, and she wouldn't force him. However, she could vaguely guess what had happened: the Southern Border princess was harassing Lin Yan...
"Be careful on the road!" Lin Yan said with a gentle smile, giving a serious reminder.
"I know!" Shen Lixue nodded, looking at Lin Yan with a teasing expression. "The Southern Border Princess has already left. Cousin, go back to your room and take care of things!"
Lin Yan's expression instantly darkened, and he commanded like a right-thinking older brother reprimanding his younger sister, "Don't mention this matter again!"
When Shen Lixue arrived outside the Minister's residence, many nobles' carriages had already left. Shen Yingxue was standing in front of the carriage, saying goodbye to Dongfang Zhan.
"Second Miss, be careful on the road!" Dongfang Zhan smiled gently, her face warm and refined.
"Thank you, Prince Zhan!" Shen Yingxue curtsied gracefully, her expression shy and timid.
"Second Miss is ill and should not stand for long. Please get in the carriage!" Dongfang Zhan's tone was neither cold nor warm, but rather like a casual suggestion.
"Thank you for your concern, Prince Zhan!" Shen Yingxue, supported by her maid, stepped onto the carriage. As she lifted the curtain and entered the carriage, she gave Shen Caiyun a defiant look. Prince Zhan favored her, and as long as she was there, no matter how much she schemed, she couldn't get a second glance from him.
"Miss Shen is exceptionally talented and a rare gem!" Shen Yingxue slipped into the carriage, and Dongfang Zhan looked at Shen Caiyun, his usually calm tone now slightly warm.
"Thank you for the compliment, Prince Zhan. I am of humble status and do not deserve the title of talented woman!" Shen Caiyun curtsied gracefully, her manners elegant and appropriate.
"Fourth Miss, there's no need to be modest. Your talent is enough to rival that of the First Talented Woman..." Dongfang Zhan's words were filled with unspeakable admiration and appreciation, a stark contrast to his politeness towards Shen Yingxue. A smart person could see through it at a glance.
A faint glint flashed in Shen Lixue's eyes. If Dongfang Zhan hadn't done it on purpose, his move just now was indeed a subtle provocation.
"Miss Shen is exceptionally talented, and I admire her greatly!" Su Yuting walked over gracefully, supported by her maid, her beautiful face beaming with a radiant smile, without a trace of jealousy. "When you have time, please invite Miss Shen to the Duke of Wen's mansion to discuss poetry. I hope you will not refuse!"