Chapter 63: Call me Xinbao!

  "The last emperor of the previous dynasty, Liang JinYe, also known as the Da Rong Xianzong Emperor in historical records, was indulgent in wine and women, neglecting state affairs. He had been in power for twenty years, during which the imperial court was in chaos, natural disasters and man-made calamities occurred one after another, and the people were filled with complaints. The country was on the brink of collapse. Finally, in the 21st year of Xianzong's reign, a severe drought broke out in the north, a disaster that occurs only once in a century. At that time, Chu Pei, who was then the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, responded to the people's will and rose up in revolt, leading his army south to prepare for the overthrow of the incompetent ruler."

  Chu Nanyang spoke at a slow pace, without any emotional tone, as if simply recounting a past event sealed in history. However, her expression was heavy with an inexplicable solemnity that left people bewildered.

  Yanling Jun sat beside her in silence, watching her. He didn't understand why Chu Youyang would suddenly mention this past, but it was obvious...

  Her mood seems not very good.

  Yanling Jun didn't interrupt her, he just thought for a moment and then got up and walked towards the back of the boat, lifted a plank, and took out a half-sized wine jar from the hidden compartment below.

  That wine jar was sealed with aged mud and it's unknown how long it had been stored. The seal on the top had already faded in color.

  Yanling Jun single-handedly hugged the wine jar back to Chu Ziyang's side and sat down again, opening the seal.

  The wine is rich and mellow, overflowing with fragrance.

  Chu Youyang only then sensed the movement, glanced over with a sidelong look and smiled: "You have such good stuff but you're hiding it, just inviting me to drink tea is really being stingy."

  "I don't know how much you can drink, I'm afraid you'll get drunk!" Yanling Jun smiled and took a cup from the table, pouring wine for her.

  Chu Zhiyang nodded in response, but didn't say thank you. He just exchanged a silent understanding glance with him and smiled before shifting his gaze away again.

  The small cup was held in her palm, and the dark-colored cup made her fingertips even more slender, warm and delicate. Her ten fingers were slender and very exquisite and beautiful.

  Yanling Jun's gaze was fixed on her fingertips as she held the shallow wine cup in both hands, and then continued the story that had been interrupted earlier:

  "The Chu family was also a prominent and wealthy century-old family at that time, with a large business. Chu Pei led the army in Jiangbei, sweeping all before him, preparing to take the imperial capital directly. However, due to drought, grain supplies were insufficient in the north, so they had to secretly transport them from the south by other means. The one who took on this task was his only younger brother, Chu Xin, also known as the current Ruiqin King. Originally, everything was going smoothly without a hitch, but because the merchant responsible for grain preparation and transportation got drunk and leaked the news, Xianzong was greatly enraged, immediately issuing an edict to capture the Chu family members who were trapped in the imperial capital, wanting to force Chu Xin to surrender."

  The new and old regimes alternated, the most common being bloody wars, and these, in her previous life, Chu Yan had experienced many, originally already numb, but this period of past events for her -

  Although distant, it has a profound significance that no outsider can understand.

  Chu Youyang said, suddenly letting out a bitter laugh, and then downed the remaining wine in his cup.

  Yanling Jun poured another full cup and handed it over.

  Chu Suliyang took another sip, and when he opened his mouth again, his tone was still calm and unchanged: "Because Chu Pei's family members were all following him on duty, so at that time, the ones who were taken as hostages and suffered were other members of the Chu family, including Chu Pei's mother, Mrs. Chu, and a total of 406 people from the entire clan were tied up on the city tower and brutally slaughtered. Because Chu Xin refused to compromise, Xianzong was furious and ordered someone to feed his most favored youngest son poison in front of him, wanting to use the antidote as a threat to force him to surrender."

  "Is that child who was fed poison now the current King Xiao of Jian?" asked Prince Yang, but he also just cooperated with her emotions.

  Such things were never really secrets unknown to others.

  Chu Youyang just smiled and didn't give a direct answer.

  She picked up the wine jar placed beside her and directly tilted her head back to take a big gulp from the mouth of the jar.

  The spicy liquor slid down his throat, burning hot and slightly painful.

  She herself pulled out the wine jar, got up with a slightly staggering gait, and walked to the bow of the boat.

  A pond of lotus leaves is lush and green, depicting the most peaceful and serene landscape under a prosperous era. However, her gaze seems to have traversed this lotus pond, crossed the vast mountains and rivers, spanned endless time and space, and returned to the era recorded in history books where rivers were stained with blood and iron horses and golden armor were everywhere.

  Chu Xin did not compromise, and with a heavy heart, he left with a large batch of grain to meet up with Chu Pei. From then on, the vast Chu family was reduced to only two houses of brothers' descendants. This was a vendetta of extermination, which naturally ignited Chu Pei's boundless rage. Within less than a year, his army swept across the land, occupying more than half of the rivers and mountains north of the Yangtze River.

  Chu Jinyang said, perhaps due to the effects of alcohol, her tone was no longer as calm and gentle as before. Unbeknownst to herself, she seemed to have been infected with the fervent and turbulent blood of those war-torn years, becoming thick and cold.

  She stood alone at the bow of the boat, occasionally bringing that wine jug close to her lips and taking a sip.

  The autumn wind was blowing strongly, lifting her pale blue skirt and sending it flying amidst the greenery, dancing with a near-mad abandon. Even in women's clothing, she looked stern and upright, almost completely devoid of the softness and weakness typical of women.

  This girl is as if born with an air of pride!

  It wasn't until today that Yanling Jun finally understood what he had been blindly following all along ——

  It was not the whip-like road she cleared for him in times of crisis, but the vastness of the sea and sky. In this world, it's hard to find such a fleeting flash of brightness as her. The path ahead is vast and mysterious, with majestic mountains and rivers, as if only the heaven and earth where she exists are the most real and vivid.

  In nineteen years, he had never had any lingering attachment to anything, but only her.

  It is his only true desire to grasp and pursue.

  Not seeking a day when I can conquer the master of her, but willing to be willing, only one heart wants to blend into that landscape where she stands.

  Chu Nanyang's thoughts drifted far away, and she couldn't sense the turbulent and fervent blood boiling in the chest of the man behind her.

  Yanling Jun's gaze was fixed on her back, although his expression was unseen, yet it seemed as if he could sense the turmoil in her heart.

  At that time, Xianzong was already like a startled bird, unable to end the day, seeing the imperial army retreating in defeat. In his haste, he issued an edict to pass on the throne to the crown prince and took his favorite concubine, Zhao, south to flee to Jinhuang's fiefdom in Xunyang. Three days after Xianzong abandoned the city, Chu Pei's army broke through the imperial capital, and it can be imagined that the disaster that the Da Rong royal family would face would be even more devastating. Chu Pei directly ordered the people to be trapped in the palace, a great fire burned for three whole days, and the entire imperial city was reduced to ruins, which also freed countless wronged souls. However, Chu Pei did not ascend to the throne at that time to unify the world, but instead continued to lead his army south, besieging Xunyang, vowing to cut off the last bloodline of the Da Rong royal family to avenge his family's destruction. As he spoke, Chu Pei's voice suddenly dropped sharply, letting out a heavy sigh.

  Yanling Jun stood up and walked over, standing shoulder to shoulder with her, but instead of comforting her, he sneered and said: "The changes in history, the collapse of mountains and rivers, the replacement of old and new regimes is an inevitable process. When time has passed and the years have gone by, those past glories or remnants will be nothing more than a story told with nostalgia or sighs. At that time, who will care about what surname or name the person who once held power had? Whether it's the Chu family or the Liang family, no matter how deep the hatred is, in the end, they are just stepping stones for others to solidify their imperial power."

  Li Xianzong was dissolute and tyrannical, and his downfall and death were inevitable. However, Chu Dan...

  If he really cared about the lives of his own clan and relatives, he should have thought of it at the beginning of the uprising and made arrangements early on. Instead, he waited until it was too late to make a choice and then put on a solemn and righteous posture, waving the banner of seeking happiness for all people under heaven, while watching them become the souls that died under someone else's knife.

  This struggle for the throne, no matter how grandly it is described, ultimately amounts to nothing more than this!

  Chu Youyang didn't respond, her eyelids drooping slightly, her eyelashes trembling lightly, completely concealing the emotions in her eyes.

  After a moment, she raised her head again, the corners of her mouth curled up, and a faint, cold smile appeared. She spoke slowly and deliberately: "The great army of Chu is at our city gates, in that one battle, the commander was my father!"

  Chu Pei was a military general, and in those years, Chu Yi-an had a reputation for being a great talent, emerging from the blue, in that earth-shaking battle of succession, he repeatedly played the role of vanguard, invincible, and was once rumored to be the heir.

  Chu Youguang deliberately mentioned that war, and its significance is naturally different.

  Yanling Jun's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at her sideways: "That one battle, was there something different?"

  Xu Nanyang shook his head and smiled: "Xianzong knew that the situation had already gone, hiding in the princess's mansion and refusing to show up. The one who wore armor and went up to the city wall to respond to the battle was his daughter, Jinhuang Chang Gongzhu, Liangtai. At that time, the princess was already pregnant for ten months and was about to give birth. Unfortunately, her husband was a scholar with no power. In fact, the outcome of that war was never in doubt, but as the emperor's daughter, she couldn't retreat. Her father was incompetent, so she used her own blood to defend the last pride and dignity of the Dah Rong imperial family. For three days and three nights, both sides fought fiercely, with countless life-and-death battles. In the end, they were still unable to turn the tide. The princess died in battle, pierced by a thousand arrows, and was buried on the city gate tower. Xu's army entered the city, Xianzong received the news ahead of time, and he and Zhao Fei hanged themselves together in the princess's mansion. Xu Pei ascended to the throne and was proclaimed emperor in Nanyang. From then on, the four words "Dah Rong Dynasty" were erased from history.

  In the end, Chu Nanyang's tone was almost sorrowful, and there was a layer of water vapor floating at the bottom of his eyes.

  Yesterday's Golden Phoenix Princess, Liang Xuan, was a woman of both literary and military prowess, with stunning talent and beauty. As the daughter of the imperial family, she should have enjoyed a life of glory and prosperity, but unfortunately, she was born at the wrong time. In the end, it was the battle at the top of Mount Wu that cemented her legendary reputation, yet also led to her own demise, personally burying her country and family.

  But just then——

  Finally met with swords drawn, the person who had a brief encounter with her—

  It's easy!

  During the month after returning to Beijing, Chu Youyang almost turned over all the unofficial histories, collecting materials and repeatedly deliberating, finally engraving every detail of that past event in his heart.

  The downfall of the Da Rong Dynasty didn't leave much of an impression on her, but Liang Qi's death was like a thorn that pierced her heart, and every time she thought about it, she couldn't help but feel a sharp pain.

  A thousand thoughts churned in his mind, but Chu Yunyang only felt a burning sensation around his eyes and found it hard to control himself.

  Then she suddenly raised her hand and covered her eyes.

  Her movements were swift, but the Duke of Yanling clearly saw something sparkling and crystal clear falling from her fingers, silently swept away by the autumn wind without a trace.

  Chu Youyang tilted his head to one side, covering his eyes with his hand, not wanting him to see his disheveled state.

  Yanling Jun's heart was severely shaken, and the feeling of Wu Wei Chen Za suddenly had a kind of dull pain between them, repeatedly rubbing against his heart.

  "Zhou Nanyang, you're drunk!" His voice was hoarse as he spoke, raising his hand to grasp her fingertips and clenching them tightly in his palm.

  "I'm not drunk!" Chu Youyang looked up at his face.

  Her vision was blurry, with a layer of misty water vapor in her eyes, her gaze was dull and unclear, no matter how she looked, it wasn't clear. She pursed her lips tightly, but the expression on her face was firm and stubborn.

  Yanling Jun let out a sigh and carefully lifted his hand to wipe away the tears from her eyes, "The wind is strong at the bow of the boat, you sit back down, we'll head back to shore first."

  He took her hand and wanted to walk towards the wider middle of the boat, but Chu Jiu Yang stubbornly stood still.

  "It's my fault, I should have known you can't hold your liquor and not let you drink. " Yanling Jun turned around, his eyebrows were already twisted into a knot, and he could only speak softly to coax, "Listen, sit down first!"

  Chu Youyang didn't say a word or move, he just stared at him with those innocent and bewildered eyes.

  Yanling Jun helplessly took a step forward and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  Perhaps due to the intoxication, Chu Xiangyang didn't struggle and leaned obediently into his arms, but the wine jug in his hand hadn't been put down yet. As he swung his arm back, he splashed Duke Yanling's face with a whole cup of wine.

  Fortunately, there was not much wine left in that jar, but it still soaked half of Yanling Jun's shoulder.

  Yanling Jun had a face as pale as iron and was covered in wine stains.

  But apparently Zhu Mo was so drunk that he didn't notice anything, and instead snuggled into his arms again, muttering: "This wine is really fragrant, much more flavorful than the one I had in Chuzhou back then."

  He reeked of alcohol, and it seemed like just smelling it would make one sleep more soundly.

  Yanling Jun couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, but he also couldn't bear to be angry with her. He carried her back to the mat in the middle of the small boat, and just as he was about to reach out to grab the soft pillow that had been placed far away, he discovered that her hand was still tightly grasping his collar and wouldn't let go.

  Yanling Jun supported himself with one elbow on the shipboard, his body sideways, afraid of pressing against her. In this posture, he leaned forward, and the two faces were only a few inches apart, so close that he could savor the faint scent of wine from her breath.

  Chu Youyang's face had a thin layer of red due to intoxication, with a palm-sized face, a pointed chin, and skin that wasn't particularly pale white, but the features were finely crafted, with a small nose, slightly upturned lip corners, and the wine-stained lips still moist and inviting.

  A fourteen-year-old girl, is the age when she is in full bloom like a flower bud. Before, it was because of her unique and outstanding demeanor that people would subconsciously overlook her appearance. Now, as he quietly observes her, Yanling Jun is shocked to discover that this face of hers can be described as stunningly beautiful.

  Her beauty is introverted and quiet, not as stunning as Chu Lingyun's, which would unconsciously capture people's attention, but rather it blooms slowly within her temperament, and once it enters someone's eyes, the mountains and rivers fade in color, enough to astonish this world.

  Yanling Jun's gaze lingered on her eyebrows for half a day, unable to move his line of sight, until Chu Jiu Yang murmured incoherently and lazily opened her eyes from sleep.

  "Are you drunk? Why is your face red?" She blinked at him, her eyes shining with a mischievous glint, then casually picked up a strand of his hair and sniffed it closely.

  Yanling Jun patted her hand away, looking a bit guilty as he stiffened his face and hoarsely said: "You let go first, I'll get you a pillow."

  He had been propping himself up with one hand for half a day, and by that time, half of his body was already numb and aching. At this moment, the expression on his face became even more unbearable.

  Chu Youyang smiled and turned over on his side, stretching out lazily on the deck.

  Yanling Jun pulled over a pillow and saw that she was closing her eyes again to sleep, so he wanted to move her head.

  Chu Youyang suddenly opened his eyes again, stretched out his arm to separate their hands and muttered: "I'm fine like this."

  When he withdrew his arm, he inadvertently touched the empty wine jar beside him, and with a casual scoop, he threw it into the lake.

  With a splash, water splashed everywhere.

  Yanling Jun's clothes were only half dry from the wine, when suddenly he was splashed with another wave of water, and his entire back, leaning against the side of the boat, became cool and refreshing once again.

  He suggested going for a boat ride on the lake today, and now he's getting what he deserves.

  Even with a good temper, Yanling Jun couldn't help but turn dark-faced at this moment.

  Chu Nanyang knew she was in the wrong, so she pouted and quickly got up to help him clean up, but unfortunately, she herself felt dizzy and lightheaded. As soon as she stood up, she tripped on her skirt and fell headfirst into the lake.

  "Be careful!" Yanling Jun was startled, and hastily opened his arms to hold her in a tight embrace. Afraid that the small boat would be too light to withstand the impact of their combined weight sinking down, he immediately wrapped his arms around her and pulled her down sideways with him.

  The two men fell silently, and the ship's body shook back and forth on the water surface for several times before stopping.

  Yanling Jun has become a meat cushion, and Chu Nanyang is lying on his body, laughing loudly.

  Yanling Jun's chest was bumped by her and felt a sharp pain, wanting to be angry with her but couldn't get angry, just about to lift his hand to push her aside.

  Perhaps it was the weight of his heart that had been suppressed for too long, and taking advantage of this opportunity to get drunk, Chu Mianyang deliberately stirred up his mischievous thoughts. Sensing his intentions, his eyes gleamed with cunning as he suddenly grasped Yanling Jun's collar tightly.

  Yanling Jun was unaware and was pulled by her to the side as well.

  And with that fall, they were back in the same posture as before between the two of them.

  Chu Youyang lay on the deck, Prince Ye Ling half-propped himself up and was pulled by her to hold his collar, his eyes looked down at her, just right in front of her smiling eyes.

  Yanling Jun's throat was a bit dry, and he forced himself to calm down and speak: "Chu Ziyang——"

  "Call me Xinbao!" Chu Nanyang's eyes suddenly lost their smile, and she spoke up, meeting his gaze, enunciating each word clearly.

  Under such close contact, her eyes seemed to have regained their clarity of the past, clear and bright with a shocking beauty.

  The faces of two people were extremely close, as if she blinked, her eyelashes could touch his facial skin.

  His heart was racing like a drum, but he subconsciously held his breath, and a suspicious flush quickly climbed up behind his ears, as if to burn all the blood under his skin, his face hot and unbearable.

  "Chu Nanyang——" He tried to speak again, but his voice was hoarse and trembling uncontrollably.

  "Call me Xinbao!" Chu Nanyang said loudly, with some anger in his eyes, but it made her girlish face look even more lively.

  She stared at him stubbornly, but in an instant, her eyes welled up with tears again.

  Yanling Jun was taken aback, and before he could react, she suddenly raised her arm and hooked it around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his neck. In a stifled voice, she said: "I don't like the name Chu Feiyang at all! Not one bit...!"

  Her voice sounded as if it was choked with sobs.

  Yanling Jun was at a loss, completely unaware of what her ever-changing emotions were all about.

  He didn't dare speak or move, afraid that an unintentional action would again provoke her displeasure, so he stiffened his body and let her hold him tightly.

  Chu Youyang didn't make another sound, hiding his face in his collar and remaining completely still.

  Her name was taken by Chu Yi'an, but ——

  These three words are too heavy.

  In the past, I didn't know and didn't feel anything, but now every time I think about it, I feel suffocated.

  Fang's name was Fangqin, and it wasn't until Che Yi'an wanted to add her to the family tree that she took the surname with a homophone of "Fang". However, Chu Jiong Yang remembered clearly that when he was young, Che Yi'an would often mention a name - "Hanxin". Even though he no longer mentioned it now, but for these two words, Chu Jiong Yang was not unfamiliar. They were the signatures on several letters hidden in his study's secret room, which he would repeatedly read over and over again when alone.

  "Core"

  Jin Huang Chang Gong Zhu's style name is Liang Xi.

  It was a secret that Chu Yi'an had guarded with his life at all costs.

  If Zhu Yi'an didn't deliberately deceive her, then Liang Cui——

  It's very likely her biological mother!

  This way, Chu Yi'an should be considered her arch-nemesis for killing her mother. The downfall of the royal court was an inevitable trend, and she had no power to change it, but the hatred for her mother's killer was irreconcilable. However, he not only spared her life despite going against the will of heaven, but also took great care of her, even risking his own life and that of his entire family in the previous life to give her a chance at survival.

  It's obvious that Chu Yi An didn't do these things just for her own sake, so there is only one possibility ——

  He's doing it for someone else!

  Replace

  Liang Cui, came to ensure his own safety.

  Chu Youyang's mind had always retained some vague impressions, and when she was young and ignorant, Chu Yi'an would often stare at her with a lost expression. At that time, she didn't understand the complex emotions in his eyes, but now she is gradually beginning to understand.

  At that time, he was looking at perhaps not her, but through her, and seeing the smoky past events buried behind her by time.

  "Xīn bǎo! Jiào fù qīn! Wǒ shì fù qīn!"

  Translation: "Treasure! Call father! I am the father!"

  "Xīn Bǎo! Don't be naughty, girls should behave like girls!"

  "Xīn Bǎo! Father is going on an expedition to Sai Bei for several months, you must listen to Second Brother's words and not be allowed to cause trouble!"

  "Xinbao! Your sword dance is just like your mother's style back in the day! Well done, my daughter Chui Yian should be just like this - a heroine who doesn't yield to any hero!"

  "Xinbao! The war is treacherous and unpredictable. Even if I were to give up this throne, I still wouldn't let you go take risks!"

  "Xinbao! Remember to come back at the end of the year for Father's birthday!"

  "Xīn Bǎo! Do you know why you're called Xīn Bǎo? Because you are the most precious treasure left to me by Hán Xīn!"

  "Xīn bǎo! Huó zhe!"

  Translation: "Chipbao! Alive!"

  Those words, those feelings, were so sincere and intense.

  It is said that in their youth, Chu Yi'an and Liang Xuan studied together under the great scholar of the previous dynasty, Guo Taifu. The two were once fellow students for seven years, but later, when the kingdom was defeated, she married into a family in Junyang, while he went north to join the army. After that, they had no further contact, even when their armies faced each other in battle.

  He stood under the city wall, killing and deciding with a resolute attitude.

  She stands proudly on the city wall, her battle robe stained with blood.

  The fall of the dynasty, as a princess of the royal family, Liang Su would never have any chance of survival.

  Perhaps at that time, they had already secretly reached an agreement, because Chu Yi'an personally ordered the shooting of Liang Quan, so in the following twenty years, no one ever suspected her identity as Chu Mo Yang. After all—

  It's already an unthinkable thing to raise a daughter of an enemy in one's lap.

  Ke Xue Yi An indeed did so and with his remaining years and life gave her the greatest degree of security and maintenance.

  Yes

  Is it worth letting Liang Qi die?

  Yes

  In order to fulfill her promise to him back then?

  Yes

  Is this to offer sacrifice to his own buried emotions and those eternal longings that can never be expressed?

  So even if it was really Chu Yi'an who ordered the death of Liang Cui, Chu Youyang knew that he couldn't bring himself to hate this person. To her, he would always be the father standing behind her, holding up the sky and blocking the wind and rain for her!

  Sometimes she wonders what kind of mood Chu Yi'an would be in at that moment when he gave the fatal blow with his hand raised as a knife under the city besieged by soldiers.

  Perhaps that pain was no less than when he himself was humiliated and died later!

  Chu Nanyang!

  Chu Yi'an gave himself this name, to outsiders it seems to commemorate the glorious founding of Xiyue, but in fact, it should be to give himself an opportunity to reminisce about his birth mother, who will never know the truth.

  Her mother died in a most heroic way in Xunyang, and at the same time ——

  She gained infinite glory and new life after going through wind and rain!

  With such sincerity, she couldn't refuse, it's just——

  There will be a kind of heart-wrenching sorrow!

  These secrets, she would never reveal to anyone, even for the sake of Chu Yi'an and Chu Qi Feng, must be kept confidential.

  She can use wine to make trouble today, and in front of Yanling Jun, an outsider, she can be unscrupulous and willful for once. But when this wine wakes up, she has to restore her usual appearance and continue her free and easy life.

  Even if it's just passive acceptance, some arrangements are still worth cherishing!

  With many thoughts on his mind, Chu Nanyang felt dizzy and sleepy, and said in a low voice: "I'm tired, let's go back!"

  "Good!" Yanling Jun found that her body was about to slacken, so he carefully peeled her off his body and placed her sitting by the ship's side.

  Chu Youyang was fine, but Yanling Jun himself was in a sorry state.

  Because it wasn't his own place, he didn't dare to be careless. He picked up the outer garment that had fallen beside him and put it on, then used the lake water to clean his face and dispel some of the wine fumes from his body.

  And while he was doing all this, the real culprit was leaning against the side of the boat, watching lazily, not feeling the slightest bit guilty.

  Yanling Jun tidied himself up and then took the oars to row back.

  Chu Youyang's whole body had no strength, leaning on the side of the boat but not being honest, from time to time he would stretch out his hand to stir up the water surface of the lake.

  Yanling Jun didn't dare stop her, and was also afraid she would fall into the water. He could only move to her side, paddling with one hand while keeping an eye on her every move, just in case.

  The lotus flower has withered, and the lotus pod is ripe. Chu Mo Yang casually plucked one, peeled out a lotus seed and slowly chewed on it.

  Yanling Jun leaned against her shoulder, gazing sideways at her curled up into a small ball, lazily peeling lotus seeds, her eyes narrowed like a thieving cat.

  That appearance is unlike the usual sharpness and keenness, but rather unusually gentle.

  His mood suddenly became inexplicably good, and he easily picked up two lotus pods and tossed them onto her skirt, reminding her: "The wind is picking up, don't lean out any further, be careful not to fall off."

  "Hmm!" Chu Nanyang threw a peach in return for a plum, peeled a lotus seed and handed it back to his lips.

  The wine's potency hadn't dissipated, and the temperature of her fingertips still carried a few degrees of scorching heat. Accidentally touching Yanling Jun's lips, Yanling Jun's entire body's blood congealed, and he could distinctly feel his whole face rapidly reddening with her fingertip as the center.

  Chu Youyang didn't seem to mind, his other hand still deftly peeling the lotus pods piled on his skirt. After a moment, seeing that he hadn't moved, he nudged his shoulder: "Hey!"

  Yanling Jun came back to his senses, and the cramped Zhang mouth sent her to the edge of the lotus seed, which was contained in it. The lip membrane inevitably rubbed against her fingertips, and her face suddenly burned again.

  It's not that Chu Youyang didn't understand the rules of propriety between men and women, but rather because she had been spoiled by Chu Yi'an since childhood, her temperament was such. Her interactions with Chu Qiufeng were also casual and unrestrained. In her previous life, as she grew older, she went to the military camp due to that incident, and from then on, these things were no longer on her mind. Now, with a few cups of wine in her, she really didn't think too much about it.

  The strokes of the oars in the back row were stiff and awkward.

  Chu Youyang was carefree and content, peeling lotus seeds with a full heart, occasionally reaching out to feed him one, until three lotus pods were peeled, the boat also docked.

  Chu Youyang patted her skirt and stood up, and Qing Luan and Qing Teng had already come to greet her. Seeing that her face was flushed and her whole body smelled of wine, they were shocked: "The young lady has been drinking? Is everything all right?"

  "It's nothing, just had a little drink!" Chu Nanyang smiled and was helped by two people onto the shore.

  Yanling Jun quietly followed behind without making a sound.

  Qing Luan's guard against him had never fully dissipated, and she couldn't help but turn her head to look at him. She was originally still annoyed about Chu Jiu Yang getting drunk, but now she felt balanced again.

  This Yanling gentleman's face is redder than his own county lord's beauty, as if...

  Uh... even more drunk!

  The two of them got ashore one after another. By then, Chu Yi Jian had already finished the homework assigned by Yan Ling Jun and was waiting in the front hall.

  Seeing the two of them coming in with a strong smell of wine, he was taken aback at first, then burst out laughing and said: "You little girl, when did you pick up this habit of getting drunk? Aren't you afraid I'll tell your father?"

  Chu Youyang's capacity for liquor was actually quite good. In his previous life, he had become so skilled that he could be said to have achieved the state of "thousand cups without intoxication". Although he couldn't compare to his former self now, he wouldn't get knocked out by half a jar of old wine either. Plus, after blowing in the wind on the lake surface for half a day earlier, he had already sobered up more than half.

  After listening to Chu Yi Jian's teasing, she smiled and said: "I seem to have heard that after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Uncle came over and specially cleaned up the inside and outside of this Tingley Water Pavilion. If he knew you still had secrets hidden away, I wonder who would be more furious, Uncle or my father?"

  At that time, the Chu family was ordered to be slaughtered by Emperor Xianzong. All of Chushi's wives and children were killed, and only Chuyijian survived with both legs disabled. Later, when Western Chu was established, Chushi was enfeoffed as a prince because he had contributed to the establishment of the new regime and was the emperor's younger brother by birth. However, after rebuilding his mansion and marrying again, he did not have any more children for many years, with only one daughter and two illegitimate sons who were not promising. As a result, the hope of the Ruiwangfu family still rested on Chuyijian, so the requirements for him were extremely strict. However, Chuyijian had no hobbies and had a minor problem - he was greedy for wine, but his body was not good. Prince Rui repeatedly forbade him from drinking, but he would come over every few months to clean up his place, often launching surprise attacks, which made Chuyijian anxious and worried.

  Chu Youyang unscrupulously exposed Chu Yi's shortcomings, and Chu Yi was choked for a moment before immediately losing his temper. He said irritably, "When we were young, I only thought you were an honest girl, but now it seems you've grown into a shrew. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have interfered in your business back then, and just let the two of you be deceived by that swindler. That way, I wouldn't have to suffer your ridicule today."

  Yanling Jun, who was sitting next to him drinking tea, was taken aback and looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression.

  Chu Youyang's nonchalant pout made Chu Yi Jian burst out laughing: "This little girl was always restless, that year during the Lantern Festival, the Crown Prince sent her and Qi Feng to Ci Xiu An, but she dragged that kid off to Xian Nu Miao to watch the lanterns, and ended up being ogled by some lecher without even knowing how to introduce herself."

  Chu Yi Jian said with a hint of laughter in his eyes, shaking his head and swaying back and forth: "The two kids are quite bold, directly knocking people down, and finally provoking a group of people to chase them all over the streets. If I hadn't happened to enter the capital and met them, I really don't know where they would have been sold off to by now. Can you still afford to be so arrogant in front of me?"

  "Don't expect gratitude! We're your niece and nephew, Uncle Wang. If you choose to ignore us, that's unacceptable!" Chu Jiu Yang smiled calmly, unaffected by the sarcasm.

  She was grateful to Chu Yi Jian and often came and went, so the relationship was naturally closer than others.

  Chu Yi Jian used to be depressed and unhappy due to his leg condition, and could only be polite to others. Now he is much more cheerful and warm.

  Chu Songyang saw his spirited appearance and was also genuinely happy for him.

  "Alright, alright, you're so eloquent, I give up. Since you've come all the way here, why don't you stay for lunch before heading back? It's not often that you visit." Chu Yi Jian waved his hand and said.

  Chu Nan Yang indeed responded.

  While laying out the meal, Yanling Jun first returned to his room to wash and change clothes. Chu Zhenyang and Chu Yijian put down their chessboard.

  The three of them had lunch together and it was a pleasant gathering for both host and guests.

  Chu Youyang's wine hadn't fully worn off; after finishing dinner he returned to his own quarters and fell asleep as soon as he lay down.

  She slept soundly and woke up at dusk, too lazy to get out of bed, so she turned over, propped her chin on her clasped hands and gazed at the sunset in the courtyard.

  Qingteng walked in from outside the courtyard with a bowl of hangover soup, her skirt fluttering, and the sound of her waist ornaments ringing out, extremely pleasant to the ear.

  "I thought the young lady would be waking up around this time." Qingteng smiled, putting down the tray and coming over to pull her out of bed. "I've made some hangover soup for you, get up and have a sip."

  At that time, Chu Zhenyang's wine had almost woken up, but his head was still a bit dizzy. He smiled and got up to drink half of the hangover soup.

  Waiting for her to put down the bowl, Qingteng's eyes sparkled with a mysterious reminder: "Princess, early this morning, Princess Anle's carriage had already set off ahead of schedule back to the capital."

  Chu Youyang remained unmoved upon hearing this and continued to slowly wipe the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief.

  Qīng Téng asked curiously: "Why doesn't the county master ask her what reason she used?"

  "But they're all just excuses, what's the difference in reason?" Chu Jiu Yang retorted, tossing aside the handkerchief, putting on his shoes and walking down to the washstand, where he splashed water on his face before saying nonchalantly, "Just wait and see, Su Lin will be in a mess soon!"

  In her past life, Chu Lingyun ultimately didn't take a liking to Su Lin, but through the efforts of Chu Qiyan, Su Lin ended up marrying the legitimate daughter of the Princess Consort of Nanhe, and the relationship between the two royal families was still maintained without any issues. However, in this life...

  Chu Lingyun thought that she had used Su Lin many times, and if she wanted to get rid of her cleanly this time, Su Lin might not agree. At that time, there would inevitably be a good show to watch.

  Qīng Téng saw that she was unenthusiastic about this topic and didn't say anything more.

  After the Jiangsu incident, this trip to the imperial palace indeed had much less controversy. Everyone stayed here for five days, and in the following days, except for necessary appearances, Chu Mianyang followed the routine and spent most of his time hiding in his room learning embroidery with Qingteng. All was peaceful and harmonious.

  On the sixth day, early in the morning, everyone went their separate ways and started their journey back to Beijing.

  It stands to reason that after going to the imperial palace, the candidate for Heqin in Mobei should have been settled, but after waiting for seven or eight days on both sides, it was still calm and peaceful, with no movement at all.

  That evening after dinner, Chu Mo Yang finally couldn't help but ask Qing Luan: "Didn't your father get any definite news either? Including the whereabouts of Tuoba Rong Yao?"

  Qing Luan shook her head: "Two days ago, I specially asked Zeng Guanjia about it, and he only said that the emperor had made a statement at the early court meeting. It's possible that before the selection of the fifth prince's princess is finalized, the whereabouts of the eighth princess will not be mentioned for the time being."

  A strange feeling flashed through Chu Youyang's mind: "What does this mean? Is it that Tuoba Huai'an hasn't found a suitable candidate yet? Has the Emperor's edict been delayed because of him?"

  "But it's just a northern prince, if the emperor is willing, he can simply point to anyone and that would be it. Now, even if he is allowed to choose, he has already chosen——" Qing Luan was also puzzled and at a loss, "Princess, according to the emperor's temperament, he shouldn't be so indulgent towards him."

  Yes, but isn't it just a trivial matter of a Northern Wei prince? Is the emperor giving too much face to Tuoba Huai?

  Zhuo Yang's fingers tapped lightly on the table, thinking to himself whether he should find an opportunity to investigate the other party's background, when Qing Luan walked in from outside with a yellow invitation in hand.

  Digression

  I've been writing since 10 am this morning, and it's another chapter that's both thrilling and heart-wrenching~ Ahhh~ Please give me a head pat and stroke my hair~

  And that someone, you've already made your debut, although you're already immortal from the start, but it's really dazzling and unparalleled in the world!

  PS: New article from good friend, seeking collection, homepage strongly recommended "Tong Ling Nu Wang" by Gu Xian Yan, a very good-looking fantasy ghost-catching article, the author is so cute!