Everyone was perplexed. Lotus Root Salad is used for nourishing a woman’s body, maintaining her appearance, or consumed when she has her period. Yet, out of all things, Prince Hao specified that he wants Lotus Root Salad! What’s going on?
Only Yun Ruofeng understood that Pei Qianhao had asked for the Lotus Root Salad not for himself, but for his servant girl.
Falling Hairstyle, Lotus Root Salad… The things this woman likes are all from Nanzhao. Is she a Nanzhao citizen? Even if she isn’t, she at least has some relation to it.
However, even if Yun Ruofeng could deduce that, his gentle expression betrayed nothing.
“It’s just Lotus Root Salad. Prince Hao, you can take some back with you when you leave Nanzhao if you would like. Nanzhao’s lotus flower and lotus seed enjoys a reputation in every nation.” Yun Ruofeng poured wine into his own cup and raised it again.
Pei Qianhao didn’t refuse and poured wine again, downing it in one shot. Originally, the County Magistrate Office had prepared beautiful entertainers and offered to pour wine for Prince Hao, but was refused. Since that’s the case, I can only toast to him myself.
Standing silently to the side, the County Magistrate was extremely anxious. If he doesn’t allow the beautiful entertainers to come close, won’t the dancers’ performance later not work either?
I have prepared all of this in vain… The County Magistrate couldn’t help but sigh. Upon learning that Prince Hao would pass by Lotus Flower County during his trip to Nanzhao, he had spent a huge sum of money to search for dancers and exhort them to practise every day. Today was supposed to be the culmination of my efforts, but who would have thought that Prince Hao would only need one servant girl beside him.
Yun Ruofeng’s gaze drifted towards Su Xi-er again before smiling. “Lotus Flower County’s County Magistrate has gone out of his way to find some dancers to practise every day for us, but I’m afraid that Prince Hao won’t do us the honour.”
He changed the subject at this point. “From what this prince sees, the servant girl standing behind Prince Hao is much better than those dancers. I’m sure she is skilled in both singing and dancing. Why don’t we have her offer a dance or sing a song?”
Su Xi-er could discern the meaningful look in Yun Ruofeng’s eyes. Just as she was about to respond, Pei Qianhao’s voice sounded. “How can this prince’s servant girl be compared to those dancers? As for presenting a dance, Su Xi-er, come here.”
Yun Ruofeng raised his eyebrow. She’s called Su Xi-er. That’s a pretty good name.
“Since Prince Yun has said that, offer a dance.”
The corners of Su Xi-er’s mouth were raised as she revealed a smile that could almost melt a person’s heart. When Yun Ruofeng saw it, his heart involuntarily sank, and his hands clenched together in his sleeves. They look very different, but why are their temperaments so similar?
“Prince Yun is experienced and knowledgeable, having seen the Eldest Imperial Princess presenting a dance every year at Nanzhao’s state banquet. This servant doesn’t dare to make a fool of myself in front of an expert with my mediocre skills.” Su Xi-er enunciated her words slowly.
Eldest Imperial Princess… There was a slight change in Yun Ruofeng’s gentle expression. The person presenting the dance this year has changed.
A moment later, Yun Ruofeng’s expression returned to normal as he waved his hand. “Prince Hao’s servant girl is eloquent. Since you don’t want to dance, this prince will no longer make things difficult for you.”
Su Xi-er bowed. “Many thanks, Prince Yun.”
Pei Qianhao’s deep and low voice immediately rang. “Go to the backyard and find a good room before tidying it up.”
Sensing that there was something amiss between Su Xi-er and Yun Ruofeng, Pei Qianhao had deliberately used these words to send Su Xi-er away. The two of them were even ‘exchanging flirting glances with one another’.
Su Xi-er nodded bowed, leaving the back garden while carrying a cloth bundle.
The County Magistrate immediately dispatched a maidservant to lead Su Xi-er to the side room of the house.
What’s even more impressive is that she’s not nervous even when facing Prince Yun and Prince Hao. She even managed to maintain a cool and placid demeanour while the maidservant standing behind her was so flustered and emotional that she didn’t even dare to breathe, yet Su Xi-er easily handled it with finesse.
“Is this the place?” Su Xi-er pointed at the row of side rooms
The maidservant immediately recovered from her stupor and shook her head repeatedly. “No, if we continue walking further ahead, there will be a standalone room that is specially for entertaining nobles. If you follow me, we’ll reach it very soon.”
The maidservant then took the lead, and within less than ten minutes, the two of them arrived in front of said room.
“This is the place. You can tidy it up a little. If you need anything, let me know and I can bring it over.”
Su Xi-er waved her hand and placed the cloth bundle down. “There’s no need for that. I’m a servant, not a master.”
The maidservant couldn’t help but laugh. “How can you be a servant? From Prince Hao’s expression and his tone, all of us could tell that you will obtain the position of consort in the future.”
Su Xi-er slowly replied, “You’re thinking too much. If Prince Hao liked me, why would he suggest bestowing me to Prince Yun.”
“Well, Prince Yun and Prince Hao are roughly the same, aren’t they? Both of them like you. No matter who you follow, you’ll be able to lead a much better life than that of a servant girl.”
Su Xi-er waved her hand. “That’s enough, you may withdraw.”
The maidservant could see that Su Xi-er was displeased and immediately nodded. “Alright, I’ll be going out now.”
The door was then closed, leaving Su Xi-er alone.
She sat on a wooden stool, her eyes were fixed on the table’s surface. She could clearly sense Yun Ruofeng’s probing gaze on her that entire time; a gaze loaded with an inexplicable feeling.
The resentment that was overflowing from Su Xi-er’s eyes instantly dissipated as the corners of her mouth were raised. She let out a broken chuckle, tinged with a sense of wickedness.
It was unclear how much time had passed before Su Xi-er began tidying up the room. It was clearly already immaculate, but she still swept and wiped the whole place down. When she finally got around to laying out the quilt, she found that the sun had been replaced by a slowly ascending crescent moon.
There’s a crescent moon and no stars. A crescent moon represents imperfection, while no stars signify that the weather is going to take a turn for the worse.
Su Xi-er walked out of the room door and raised her head to look at the boundless night sky, her heart gradually relaxing. I’m already within Nanzhao’s borders.
Pei Qianhao happened to spot her peaceful appearance, causing him to involuntarily slow his footsteps until she discovered his presence.
“This servant pays her respects to Prince Hao.”
Pei Qianhao stopped before her and passed a white bowl to her. “Eat.”
Su Xi-er lowered her head to take a look. It’s actually Lotus Root Salad.
Seeing that she wasn’t eating, Pei Qianhao spoke again. “Don’t you like Lotus Root Salad? Quickly eat it.”
Su Xi-er nodded before proceeding to pick up the spoon and beginning to eat. She did like Lotus Root Salad, but such a nourishing food couldn’t be consumed in excessive amounts. Moderation in all things.
“Wipe your mouth once you’re done eating. Afterwards, dance for this prince under the moonlight in this courtyard.” Pei Qianhao’s expression was earnest and his tone didn’t sound like he was joking.
Su Xi-er’s hand that was holding the spoon stiffened. This really proves that, “After dinner comes the reckoning.” Since I have accepted his hospitality, it is difficult for me to reject him.
“Considering that you finished it so quickly, it seems that you really do like Lotus Root Salad. Is it really that delicious?” Pei Qianhao’s gaze swept towards the white bowl, only to find that it was already empty.
Su Xi-er didn’t respond. She took out a handkerchief from her sleeves to wipe her mouth before carrying the bowl into the room and placing it on the table.
Before she could turn around, Pei Qianhao’s voice could be heard. “Su Xi-er, come out and dance.”
Su Xi-er pursed her lips. She knew that once his temper flared up, he wouldn’t be taking it back. I can’t escape from dancing this time.
Hence, she walked out of the room calmly and bowed as she stood in the courtyard. “This servant will obey Prince Hao’s orders. Hope you won’t laugh at me.”
