A Strange Inquiry

Chen Xianzhi slightly turned to the side and softly asked, "Would you like to go for a walk?"

Shi Xu’s moist and beautiful eyes looked over; Chen Xianzhi could almost see the delicate length of her eyelashes, which made his heart itch with a strange flutter.

It seemed as if Shi Xu was trying to understand his words. After a long moment, she looked into Chen Xianzhi’s eyes and obediently nodded.

Shi Xu then followed Chen Xianzhi step by step.

Meanwhile, Chen Yi and Ji Yun sat face to face, the atmosphere tense and heavy.

"The Marquis must have already learned about Chaoyi’s subtle maneuvers. So, who do you think will be sent to the border?" Ji Yun lifted his teacup and took a gentle sip.

"The Third Prince, I dare not presume to guess the Emperor’s will," Chen Yi replied, also sipping his tea.

"Then what about sending you, Marquis? How do you feel about that?" Ji Yun’s voice carried an inscrutable chill.

"If it is the Emperor’s command, I would go through fire and water without hesitation," Chen Yi answered firmly.

"If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave," Chen Yi stood, smoothed his robe, and bowed respectfully before departing.

"Master, it seems Chen Yi cannot be swayed," whispered Han Wen, Ji Yun’s strategist, bending down.

"Since he cannot be of use to me, then he shall not be of use to anyone else," Ji Yun lowered his gaze, casually blowing away the tea foam.

"How about some fresh air in the pavilion?" Chen Xianzhi stopped in front of an elegant pavilion.

"Hmm," Shi Xu responded softly.

Just as they sat down, a hurried maid approached and bowed to them.

"Young Marquis Chen, my lady the Princess of Changning requests your presence."

Chen Xianzhi’s eyes filled with confusion. He had only fleeting childhood interactions with the Princess of Changning—why would she summon him now?

Despite his doubts, Chen Xianzhi gently instructed Shi Xu to stay put until his return and also told Wansheng to keep watch.

Then, under the maid’s lead, he departed.

Shi Xu looked at Wansheng with puzzled, glassy eyes, as if silently asking where Chen Xianzhi had gone.

Wansheng, feeling a bit guilty under her gaze, wondered why his young master was suddenly involved with the princess again.

On the way, Chen Xianzhi pondered why the Princess of Changning had suddenly sought him out.

At a beautifully adorned folding screen, the maid stopped, bowed, and withdrew.

The princess’s bright and clear voice came from behind the screen.

"Young Marquis Chen, please come in and have a word."

"Between men and women, propriety forbids such contact; I beg your pardon, but I cannot go in," Chen Xianzhi lowered his head and cupped his hands respectfully.

A flick of the wrist from behind the screen caused two maids to slide it aside.

The Princess of Changning appeared, her makeup exquisite and radiant, her cheeks like apricots and eyes like peaches, exuding a natural nobility.

Chen Xianzhi remained silent, waiting for her next words.

"Young Marquis Chen, it seems we have not met for ten years. I suppose we can be considered childhood acquaintances," she began.

"I did see the princess a few times in our youth, but we were not quite children then," Chen Xianzhi replied.

A flicker of frustration crossed Changning’s delicate face, though she quickly composed herself.

"You jest, Young Marquis. May I ask if you already have a betrothal?"

Chen Xianzhi furrowed his brow, uncertain of her intentions.

"My elders arranged a childhood engagement for me, so I am considered betrothed," he answered quietly.

"Oh, but agreements between elders are not always binding. Do you have someone you fancy?" the princess asked in a refined voice.

Chen Xianzhi could not read her purpose, but he nodded.

"I am certain I have someone I cherish."

Changning was not quite satisfied. "Does that lady also have feelings for you?"

"I do not know, but I am willing to wait for her," Chen Xianzhi said resolutely.

Hearing this, the princess’s spirit seemed to deflate. She forced a smile. "I shall take my leave then, Young Marquis."

With that, she departed, attended by her maids.

Chen Xianzhi stood there, reflecting deeply on the princess’s demeanor, his brow furrowing in thought.