Lu Ying stopped seeking Shen Yinning and merely left her to herself.
Two months passed like this, and the Duanyang Festival was approaching.
Inside the Eastern Palace study, the pomegranate blossoms outside the window grew increasingly lively, weighed down with vivid crimson blooms that adorned the branches.
Lu Ying was reviewing memorials when he heard a commotion coming from outside, persisting without settling down.
His face turned cold: "Gui Quan!"
Gui Quan quickly entered, gripping his horsetail whisk, and knelt trembling on the ground: "What are Your Highness's orders?"
"What is all that noise outside?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, in two days, it will be the Duanyang Festival. The Crown Princess Consort has called for the concubines—Noble Ladies, Beauties, Baolins—to make rice dumplings together. She mentioned hosting a banquet in the Eastern Palace that evening to let Your Highness taste the dumplings they've made themselves!"
Gui Quan gave his report while nervously wiping cold sweat off his forehead.
For the past two months, the Crown Prince's mood had been growing worse by the day. He no longer summoned anyone to his chambers, spending his time either in the study or at court.
In the past, while reviewing memorials, he was fully focused and wouldn't be bothered by noises outside. Yet today, even far-off disturbances seemed to catch his ear.
Gui Quan couldn't help wondering if the Crown Prince's change was related to Lady Shen.
To his knowledge, De Sun had been to the Gao Family several times on behalf of the Crown Prince, trying to invite Lady Shen to Shen Garden for a reunion, but she had turned him down each time, claiming to be unwell due to a cold. No doubt, the Crown Prince had been left infuriated and humiliated.
The Crown Prince's perpetual frustration made his subordinates serve him with increasing caution.
Thinking about this, Gui Quan became even more deferential: "Speaking of Duanyang Festival, the palace bestowed plenty of rice dumplings, sachets, and realgar wine. Should Your Highness have some sent to the Gao Family?"
Lu Ying cast a blank glance at him.
Gui Quan immediately bowed lower: "It's not meant for Lady Shen, but because Gao Zheng was personally appointed by Your Highness to transfer from Gan State to the Capital. This servant has heard that Gao Zheng has been diligently fulfilling his duties and maintaining great decorum lately—he is promising material for an official. Granting him some festive gifts would not be inappropriate."
The study fell into silence.
After what seemed an eternity, Gui Quan finally heard a cold and indifferent "Fine."
He breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to carry out the orders.
Lotus Flower Lane.
The Gao Family was also preparing for Duanyang Festival.
Shen Yinning never cared to involve herself in trivial household matters; she merely reclined on a rocking chair beneath the veranda, lightly fanning herself while lazily gazing at a pomegranate tree.
Gao Zheng stood with his hands behind his back at the edge of the corridor.
Pomegranate blossoms scattered across the stone steps, and through the lush greenery, sunlight touched Shen Yinning's cheeks—her skin glowed with an ethereal fairness, every strand of her hair seemed to shimmer. Her pomegranate-red gauzy robe embroidered with camellias trailed elegantly on the ground, while the Xiangfei-colored blouse she wore slipped unconsciously off one shoulder, exposing a smooth, round hint of her tender white chest.
Gao Zheng had never seen a woman so fair.
Like a lamb, soft and delicate.
From what he'd observed, the Crown Prince hadn't visited her in quite some time.
Had she been discarded?
His throat involuntarily moved as he swallowed.
He didn't mind that Shen Yinning was a woman abandoned by the Crown Prince.
He was willing to accept her.
Summoning his courage, Gao Zheng stepped forward.
The early summer breeze brought along a faint fragrance from the woman—it was even more alluring than the scent of pomegranate blossoms.
Gao Zheng, lost in the intoxication, said softly: "Miss Shen."
Shen Yinning returned to her senses, noticing Gao Zheng's gaze lingering on her chest. Coolly, she adjusted her blouse: "What is it?"
Gao Zheng's breathing grew uneven, and his ears flushed red.
Even this woman's voice was mesmerizing, like a spring breeze teasing a small pond or dusky rain brushing against the lotus leaves on clear waters.
Steeling himself, he replied gently: "As Duanyang Festival approaches, I was wondering if Miss Shen had any foods she would like to eat. Whatever I can find within the Capital, I will certainly get for you!"
Shen Yinning let out a derisive laugh: "No need for beating around the bush—what is it you really want to say?"
Unable to meet her eyes, Gao Zheng stammered: "It seems the Crown Prince hasn't come to see you for a long time."
"And so?"
Gao Zheng swallowed hard, clenching his fists: "I wanted to tell Miss Shen that, if the Crown Prince no longer wants you, I, Gao Zheng, though unworthy, would be willing to take his place and protect you, treating you kindly for all my life!"
With flushed cheeks, he dared to look at Shen Yinning for a brief moment, only to become even redder.
He continued: "Miss Shen, you and I were once husband and wife, having shared vows before the altar. As husband and wife, we should stand together through thick and thin—compared to the aloof and unreachable Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, shouldn't Gao Zheng and Miss Shen share the closer bond?"
Shen Yinning laughed aloud.
She tilted her head and beckoned him with a slender finger: "Come here."
Flushed and without hesitation, Gao Zheng leaned down: "Miss Shen?"
With her porcelain white finger, she gently lifted Gao Zheng's chin. Shen Yinning tilted her head slightly, revealing the glowing ivory of her neck.
She drew close to his ear, her warm breath perfumed: "Gao Zheng, do you like me?"
It felt as though an arrow struck his chest—Gao Zheng's heart burst forth like blooming flowers!
Unfortunately, it was at this moment Gui Quan, followed by two young eunuchs bearing various gifts, entered the rear courtyard.
The moment they stepped in, they were confronted with this suggestive scene beneath the veranda.
Gui Quan's eyes widened dramatically.
Lady Shen and Gao Zheng—could it be?!
Were they…?
Utterly horrified, he coughed heavily, drawing attention to himself.
Dazed, Gao Zheng seemed as if he were walking amidst clouds, caught within a tender embrace.
Only when Gui Quan loudly shouted "Lord Gao" did Gao Zheng snap out of it.
Stumbling backward, his legs gave way, and he fell clumsily to the ground, a slick wetness spreading through his underwear.
Mortified, he clumsily tugged at his robes to cover himself.
After somewhat regaining his composure, he blushed profusely and turned to Gui Quan: "Gui Gonggong!"
Gui Quan wore an unpleasant expression: "These are gifts from His Highness for Duanyang Festival."
Gao Zheng was just about to express his gratitude when Gui Quan turned directly to Shen Yinning: "Lady Shen, might I borrow a moment of your time to speak?"
Shen Yinning rose lazily: "Of course."
Gui Quan followed Shen Yinning into her quarters, his face lined with worry: "Forgive me, Lady Shen, but what is going on between you and Lord Gao exactly?"
Shen Yinning retrieved a finely-carved wooden box: "He and I are husband and wife—what would be peculiar about that?"
"This…" Gui Quan seemed on the verge of tears, "How is this servant supposed to report back to His Highness?"
"Simply report what you witnessed." Shen Yinning handed him the box. "Take this to the Crown Prince as proof."
When Gui Quan returned to the Eastern Palace and knelt before Lu Ying, his head felt as if it were about to split.
He stiffened his resolve: "Your Highness, the gifts have been delivered to the Gao Family. This servant brings two pieces of news—one good and one bad. Which would Your Highness prefer to hear first?"
"Stop with the theatrics."
"Yes…"
Gui Quan could only muster his courage and truthfully describe the scene beneath the veranda involving Shen Yinning and Gao Zheng.
Upon hearing that Gao Zheng had wet his pants, Lu Ying turned livid.
Gui Quan hurriedly presented the box before the Crown Prince could erupt: "This was given to me by Lady Shen for Your Highness—a token of affection, clearly demonstrating her lingering thoughts for you!"
Lu Ying's expression reluctantly softened.
He opened the box.
Inside, the box contained various ornate hairpins and accessories—all of which he had gifted to Shen Yinning over the past few months.
And among them was a note, requesting a meeting aboard the pleasure boat at the southern outskirts of the city on Duanyang Festival, to clarify matters and sever all ties once and for all.
Shadows from the pomegranate tree fell across Lu Ying's face through the window.
"Shen Yinning…"
He crushed the note into fine powder with his fingers.