Inside the room, Zhao Xi looked at herself in the bronze mirror, which reflected a delicate and slightly made-up face.
She has curved dark eyebrows, a straight nose, and red lips with an alluring luster. She is gentle and soft, with an indescribable elegance.
She nodded, very satisfied with her appearance today.
"Xiaoyue."
She called out to the maid behind her who was still gazing at her young lady's stunning beauty, and said unhappily, "What are you daydreaming about?"
Xiaoyue finally came back to her senses and blinked: "What's the matter, Miss?"
"Get ready to go out!"
Zhao Xi stood up and walked barefoot to the door, and Xiaoyue beside him hurried to meet him.
"Miss, put on your shoes!"
Zhao Xi bent down, her elegant long dress perfectly outlining her breathtakingly curvy figure. Beneath the dress, a pair of slender, white, jade-like feet could be vaguely seen. She wore exquisite white silk stockings with intricate patterns that extended deep into the elegant, snow-white dress.
Xiaoyue, who was standing by, hurriedly helped her young lady put on her shoes and socks. Then she stood up and said, "Then Miss, I'll wait for you outside first."
"Go ahead."
Zhao Xi nodded, put on his shoes and socks, and walked out of the room.
The courtyard was quiet and deserted. Just as Zhao Xi was about to leave, Xiaoyue's surprised voice suddenly came from the gate not far away.
"Her Royal Highness the Princess?!"
Zhao Xi raised his eyes and saw a familiar figure appearing at the gate of the courtyard not far ahead.
She was dressed in a long white dress, exuding a cool aura. Like a thousand-year-old piece of ice, she stood at the courtyard gate. In her hands, she clutched the 'Silver Moon' sword, which she rarely left.
"Piaomiao?!"
Zhao Xi was slightly startled when he saw the eldest princess suddenly coming over. He asked in surprise, "Why are you here?!"
Li Piaomiao said nothing. She slowly walked into the courtyard, her cold gaze falling on Zhao Xi. She seemed a little surprised, and after a few glances, she asked, "Are you going out?"
For some reason, Zhao Xi felt a little guilty.
I can’t tell the reason.
"Yes, yes!"
Zhao Xi nodded and asked, "Why are you here today?"
That's strange!
Doesn't this woman always keep to herself?
Normally, it was difficult for Zhao Xi to see her. Li Piaomiao would always take the initiative to come to Zhao Xi. But the number of times was rare. What happened today?
If it were an ordinary day, Zhao Xi would definitely be happy.
She had few friends in the capital, and this eccentric eldest princess was one of them.
The relationship between the two is very good. Zhao Xi was naturally happy that Li Piaomiao took the initiative to find her.
But today…
Li Piaomiao obviously came at a bad time.
Li Piaomiao held the sword, his expression cold and calm, and said calmly: "Nothing."
Nothing wrong?
So, just come over and chat with her?
Zhao Xi blinked: "What a coincidence! I was just about to go out..."
Li Piaomiao glanced at her and asked, "Where are you going?"
"Nanhu... ahem, Xiaoyue told me that the scenery over there is beautiful. Since the weather is nice today, I'm planning to go over there!"
Zhao Xi felt inexplicably guilty. He coughed lightly and asked tentatively, "Would you like to go together? Go boating and enjoy the lake view?"
Based on Zhao Xi's understanding of Li Piaomiao, she likes quietness, doesn't like noise, and doesn't like going out easily.
The weather was nice today, so there must be a lot of people at Nanhu Lake. Li Piaomiao had never liked such an environment. So, if she took the initiative to invite Li Piaomiao, she would most likely be rejected!
As expected, when Zhao Xi suggested going boating together to enjoy the scenery, Li Piaomiao frowned slightly, and her cold temperament became even more ethereal.
Seems very resistant to this proposal.
But then, she hesitated for a moment and suddenly nodded: "Okay."
The smile on Zhao Xi's face froze immediately.
She agreed?
Really, you want to go together?!
Doesn't she dislike crowds?!
"Are you sure you want to go?"
Zhao Xi blinked, suddenly feeling that things were getting out of control, and inexplicably panicked: "There are a lot of people over there. You, don't you always dislike that kind of environment?"
"Really want to go?"
Li Piaomiao looked calm and said, "It's okay."
Zhao Xi: “…”
No problem?
That’s a problem!
Very annoying!
This, this is going to be a big deal!
The smile on Zhao Xi's face was a little stiff and unnatural. She suddenly regretted her rudeness.
I never thought that Li Piaomiao would actually agree?!
What happened to her today?
Seeing Li Piaomiao's gaze resting on her, she remained unperturbed. Having come to this point, there was nothing else she could do, so Zhao Xi could only manage a fairly bright smile.
"Then, let's go together!"
"Really, really good... Hehe, hehe..."
“…”
Capital, South City, South Lake.
The weather is nice today. It’s rare that there is no rain or snow, and the weather is sunny.
People come and go along the banks of Nanhu Lake.
There were many boats floating in the lake not far away. On the other side of the lake, willow trees hung low over the lake, causing ripples.
People came and went in groups of three or two, including many young masters in fine clothes, ladies from wealthy families, and talented men and beautiful women who came from afar.
It’s so lively!
The prosperity of the capital can be seen from this.
Not far away, on the edge of South Lake, Lin Jiangnian glanced around and took in the scenery in front of him.
Relaxed and happy.
He is in a good mood!
The weather finally cleared up, and the young ladies who had been cooped up at home for a long time also went out for a walk.
In just a short while, Lin Jiangnian saw at least a few women who were either rich or noble, with outstanding looks and good temperament. They were obviously daughters of famous and prestigious families in the capital.
Unfortunately, although these daughters of wealthy families and officials have good temperaments, few of them are good-looking.
To be precise, there are not many people that Lin Jiangnian is worthy of.
In addition, you can also see some women who dress boldly and brightly, and exude a worldly temperament in their every move.
The warblers and flowers are so beautiful that they dazzle your eyes!
Lin Jiangnian took a leisurely walk while enjoying the scenery.
After dealing with Zhao Changyuan, Lin Jiangnian's plans in Beijing were almost half complete. With the New Year just a few days away, Beijing was immersed in the joy of the new year. With some free time, Lin Jiangnian naturally had time to deal with other personal matters.
For example... going on a date with Miss Zhao!
A few days ago, Zhao Xi suddenly came to visit. Before leaving, he played a little trick on Lin Jiangnian and slipped him a note.
The content of the note was very simple, inviting Lin Jiangnian to come to Nanhu for a boat ride today and hosting a banquet to thank him.
Something's wrong with the note!
There is a sneaky thrill!
Why choose a place like this for a banquet?
Or are they just alone together?
Something is wrong!
There is something wrong with this Miss Zhao!
As a gentleman, Lin Jiangnian naturally planned to take a closer look at this behavior... What on earth was this woman trying to do?!
Before long, Lin Jiangnian leisurely strolled to the place he had agreed to meet with Miss Zhao. Miss Zhao hadn't arrived yet, so Lin Jiangnian looked around, feeling bored, and sat down at a random spot.
While enjoying the scenery, he was thinking about the current situation in the capital.
The Third Prince was eyeing him with eager eyes, his intention to seize the throne clearly exposed. Chaos would soon break out in the capital, and this was probably what Lin Hengzhong wanted to warn Lin Jiangnian about.
On the other hand, Lin Jiangnian's plan to go to Beijing this time was to cancel his engagement with the eldest princess.
Lin Hengzhong's suggestion was indeed a good one. Marrying the eldest princess back to the Prince Lin's Mansion would indeed allow the Prince Lin's Mansion to have one more master-level expert in the future.
However, Lin Jiangnian did not have the confidence to control Li Piaomiao!
If you are not careful, you may easily let a wolf into your house...
Lin Jiangnian would not joke about the Lin family's foundation, and the court was definitely not doing charity. The emperor would not give him a princess for no reason!
A princess cannot be exchanged for any loyalty.
From ancient times to the present, all marriages have not played any substantial role.
Therefore, breaking off the engagement is Lin Jiangnian’s best choice.
However, the emperor has not shown up and has been in seclusion, which has caused Lin Jiangnian's plan to cancel the engagement to be delayed indefinitely.
It’s hard to say whether this is good or bad for Lin Jiangnian, but he always feels it’s very strange.
What happened to that emperor?
Now that the situation in the court has become like this, the emperor still hasn't come out. Is he really obsessed with cultivating immortality and not caring about the country anymore?
This is unusual!
Is that emperor still raising a banner, or is he... already dead?!
Thinking of this possibility, Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes.
It has been half a year since anyone has seen the emperor.
The emperor was in seclusion and did not see anyone. The only person who could communicate with him was the eunuch Chen Zhao in the palace.
He is the only one who can meet with the emperor and convey his will...
If the emperor is dead, then Chen Zhao is probably the biggest suspect!
At this moment, Lin Jiangnian suddenly remembered that Zhiyuan had told him... Lin Hengzhong once said that Chen Zhao was not simple!
It is not easy for a eunuch to be evaluated so highly by Lin Hengzhong.
It’s not easy indeed!
After careful consideration, there are indeed many doubts about this.
Lin Jiangnian's eyes narrowed slightly. If he had the chance, he would like to meet this Chen Zhao.
Let’s see where he comes from.
besides……
I had promised Zhao Xi before that I would assassinate Chen Zhao, but now it seems that things may not be that easy!
Thinking of this, Lin Jiang sighed. At this moment, a surprised voice suddenly came from not far away.
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Lin?!"
Here we come!
Hearing this familiar voice, Lin Jiangnian subconsciously looked up.
After waiting for so long, it’s finally here!
Looking up, a beautiful figure soon appeared in my sight.
She was tall, dressed in a simple long dress and a snow-white mink coat. She had an outstanding temperament, cold and elegant. Her delicate face was filled with a look of surprise and surprise as she looked at him without blinking.
The moment he saw Zhao Xi, Lin Jiangnian was stunned for a moment.
He seemed to be stunned by Miss Zhao's outfit today, but soon, when his eyes fell on the figure beside Zhao Xi, Lin Jiangnian was stunned, and a look of surprise and astonishment appeared on his face.
"The eldest princess?!"
Yes!
Right beside Zhao Xi, Li Piaomiao, dressed in a white dress, stood expressionless, her cold gaze fixed on him, as if somewhat surprised, as she quietly sized him up. Her fair, delicate face was devoid of any emotion.
Standing together with Zhao Xi, the two looked like a pair of sisters and were very eye-catching.
Lin Jiangnian looked at the two people who appeared in front of him, was stunned for a while, and a look of suspicion appeared on his face.
What is going on?
Didn’t we agree to have a private rendezvous in Nanhu Lake?
What, she brought people with her?
And brought the eldest princess with you?
Why take her when you can take anyone else with you?
Look...is this appropriate?
“…”
Lin Jiangnian suddenly felt like he had been cheated!
He originally thought that when Zhao Xi asked him out today, she would at most bring Xiaoyue with her. In Lin Jiangnian's eyes, the master-servant pair would naturally be stress-free and easy to control.
But who could have predicted that Zhao Xi would even bring Li Piaomiao with him?!
What on earth does she want to do?!
For a moment, Lin Jiangnian was extremely alert. He cast a suspicious look on Zhao Xi's face, only to see Zhao Xi blinking wildly and giving him a look.
"Your Highness, what a coincidence! Why are you here today?!"
Zhao Xi's face was full of surprise and joy.
Lin Jiangnian was stunned for a moment, but after hearing what Zhao Xi said and seeing her winking expression, he quickly understood what she meant!
The eldest princess is an unknowing third party?
Instantly, a look of surprise appeared on Lin Jiangnian's face: "Yeah, why are you here too?"
"What a coincidence?!"
“…”
The two looked at each other and understood each other instantly.
Everything is implied.
Zhao Xi breathed a sigh of relief and winked at him again. "Yes, Piao Miao and I came to Nanhu Lake today to enjoy the scenery on a boat. I didn't expect to run into His Highness here. I wonder why His Highness is here?"
Lin Jiangnian remained calm, "This prince saw that the weather was nice today, so he came out to do some work and took a walk. I didn't expect to run into you two... What a coincidence!"
"yes!"
A half-smile graced Zhao Xi's delicate face. "Isn't this a coincidence? It's a rare opportunity to meet you, and it's been a while since I've seen you, Your Highness. So, why don't you join us on a boat ride and enjoy the scenery? Let's spend some quality time together."
Zhao Xi took the opportunity to make an invitation.
Lin Jiangnian: “…”
What does this woman want to do?
"Isn't this inappropriate?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her, then looked at the eldest princess beside her.
The eldest princess didn't say anything, just looked at her quietly.
"Sister Piaomiao, what do you think?"
Zhao Xi turned to look at Li Piaomiao beside him and chuckled, "It's rare to meet Your Highness. Since everyone is here, why don't we get together?"
The eldest princess had a blank expression on her face, and her cold gaze swept over the two of them. After a moment, she said coldly, "Whatever."
"Look, Sister Piaomiao has agreed!"
Zhao Xi looked at Lin Jiangnian with a smile: "Your Highness, you won't refuse, right?"
For some reason, looking at Zhao Xi's mischievous smile, Lin Jiangnian always felt that she was unhappy.
He glanced at Li Piaomiao and saw that she looked normal. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Since Miss Zhao and Her Royal Highness the Princess have extended such a gracious invitation, then I would be remiss to decline!"
"Excuse me!"
“…”
Nanhu, the center of the lake!
Calm sea.
On a large ship, there were lights and wine, and many talented men and beautiful women gathered.
Some drunken scholars stood on the deck, reciting poems and composing couplets, venting their frustration and yearning for revenge for their country.
In the middle of the ship, on the third floor, in the private room!
Lin Jiangnian slowed down his pace and fell behind. Zhao Xi, on the other side, seemed to have the same idea and also took a step back.
"What do you want to do?"
Lin Jiangnian raised his head and glanced at the cold white figure in front of him, and asked in a low voice.
"What do you think?"
Zhao Xi turned her head, blinked innocently, and lip-synced softly with a smile.
Seeing that Lin Jiangnian didn't say anything, her smile grew even wider. She suddenly paused, leaned close to Lin Jiangnian's ear, exhaled softly, and spoke in a low voice that only the two of them could hear.
"Why, your fiancée is here, are you scared?"
“…”
