Chapter 26: Jiang Yichen

In the Plum Blossom Pavilion of the capital city, a group of young lords from wealthy and powerful families gathered to admire the plum blossoms and gossip. The pavilion was a place dedicated for unmarried young lords to chat and appreciate the plum blossoms together. They held their handmade embroideries, comparing their craftsmanship.

Luo Shaoxuan sat aloofly to the side, sipping tea, his demeanor clashing with their lively atmosphere.

“Look at mine, how beautiful this flower is,” one young lord said arrogantly, holding up his embroidery.

“Although the flower is nice, it seems a bit vulgar, doesn’t it?” another young lord glanced at him disdainfully.

“You… If mine is vulgar, then what about yours?”

The young lord unfolded the silk handkerchief in his hand, revealing a lifelike bird. “Look at this, it’s much better than yours.”

“Tsk, it’s just a bird. How can it compare to my flower?” He glanced at the handkerchief with contempt.

“You… Vulgar!”

“You’re the vulgar one, and ugly too!”

The two began bickering like shrews, their decorum nowhere to be seen.

As their argument became increasingly heated, a gentle voice interjected, “Don’t quarrel. It’s a trivial matter. Is this how you learned the etiquette and manners you were taught?” The voice was gentle yet authoritative.

The two young lords immediately halted their dispute. Seeing who had arrived, they quickly assumed proper postures and lowered their heads, mumbling, “Greetings, Fifth Prince. We (Huaer) acknowledge our mistake.”

Jiang Yichen nodded slightly at them. “These are merely lifeless objects. Why must you compete to determine a winner or loser?”

The two no longer dared to bicker or make a fuss, sitting quietly to the side, not daring to speak.

Seeing that they had quieted down, Jiang Yichen shifted his gaze to Luo Shaoxuan, who had been sitting apart, seemingly disinterested and detached from the situation. He smiled gently at Luo Shaoxuan and said, “Luo Shaoxuan seems to have no interest in these matters?”

Luo Shaoxuan, who had been sitting to the side, cast a indifferent glance at him. “Shaoxuan is here merely to appreciate the plum blossoms.” His words implied that he indeed had no interest in such vulgar affairs.

“One comes to the Plum Blossom Pavilion to admire the plum blossoms, naturally.” It was unclear to whom he was speaking. Jiang Yichen’s eyes glinted subtly.

He walked over and sat beside Luo Shaoxuan. A servant beside them poured him a cup of tea.

“I heard that Luo Shaoxuan will be marrying the Sun lady soon?”

Luo Shaoxuan gazed indifferently at the plum blossom grove, as if he hadn’t heard the question.

Jiang Yichen didn’t mind and continued to smile gently. His refined and gentle appearance made Luo Shaoxuan feel slightly irritated. “Then allow Yichen to congratulate Luo Shaoxuan in advance. When the time comes, Yichen will certainly attend Luo Shaoxuan’s wedding banquet.”

“If the opportunity arises, when Shaoxuan gets married, I will certainly invite the Fifth Prince to attend.” However, the person he would marry naturally wouldn’t be that stupid woman.

Jiang Yichen smiled faintly and nodded. His gaze also followed Luo Shaoxuan’s to the plum blossom grove. He asked, as if unintentionally, “I heard that Luo Shaoxuan left the capital some time ago?”

Luo Shaoxuan nodded nonchalantly, his fingers habitually twirling his dark hair. He placed his hand on the pavilion railing, appearing lazy and leisurely.

Jiang Yichen’s eyes darkened slightly, but his face remained gentle. “Yichen is quite curious. What kind of matter would require Luo Shaoxuan to personally go?”

It seemed that everyone was curious about Luo Shaoxuan leaving the capital some time ago. There were already people whispering behind his back, speculating that Luo Shaoxuan had gone to meet his beloved or rendezvous with a lover.

After all, Luo Shaoxuan was the famous top young lord in the capital. Leaving the capital without a word naturally invited gossip.

The young lords nearby also pricked up their ears. They were also curious about this matter, but they didn’t dare to ask Luo Shaoxuan directly.

Luo Shaoxuan took a sip of tea, appearing very nonchalant about the question. “Shaoxuan left because there was an important matter.”

He didn’t even bother to elaborate.

The crowd couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed, but they became even more curious.

Seeing his aloof and noble demeanor, unwilling to say more, Jiang Yichen naturally wouldn’t force him. He turned to the servant behind him and instructed, “Qiuer, bring the plum blossom wine that I brewed.”

“Yes.” The servant took a small jar from another palace attendant and placed it on the table, pouring a cup for everyone.

The young lords beside them watched curiously, eager to try.

“This plum blossom wine was personally brewed by Yichen. It’s mildly sweet and fragrant, not intoxicating.” Jiang Yichen introduced it gently and took a small sip from his cup.

Seeing this, everyone picked up the cups in front of them and took a small sip. As it entered their mouths, a clear fragrance filled their nostrils. Drinking plum blossom wine in a plum blossom grove was the best experience.

“This wine is truly delicious and fragrant.”

“Indeed, as expected of Prince Jiang. Truly a virtuous and talented man!”

The crowd echoed their praises.

Jiang Yichen’s expression remained gentle. He only smiled slightly in response to their flattery. His gaze turned to Luo Shaoxuan, who remained silent beside him. “What does Luo Shaoxuan think?”

Luo Shaoxuan picked up the wine cup and took a small sip, his eyes still cold. “It’s sweet and fragrant upon entering the mouth. Very good.”

Jiang Yichen’s smile widened a bit. “If Luo Shaoxuan likes it, this small jar of wine can be given to Luo Shaoxuan.”

“No need. Shaoxuan rarely drinks. It’s better to share it with everyone.” Luo Shaoxuan only took a small sip before putting it down, not picking it up again.

The smile at the corner of Jiang Yichen’s mouth faded slightly. He drained the remaining wine in his cup and turned to the others, saying, “Since Luo Shaoxuan has said so, everyone should drink more. Drinking in moderation is beneficial to health.”

“Thank you, Fifth Prince.” The crowd quickly nodded and thanked him, scrambling to fill their cups with the small wine jar. This plum blossom wine was truly delicious.

Luo Shaoxuan remained on the side, his head turned to look at the plum blossom grove. His dark hair was tied with a light-colored silk ribbon. His features were exquisite, and his skin was as smooth and delicate as white jade. The noble and elegant aura between his brows clashed with the discussion and joyful atmosphere of the others.

“Would Luo Shaoxuan be willing to take a walk with Yichen in the plum blossom grove?” Jiang Yichen looked at him from the side.

Luo Shaoxuan stood up, sweeping the loose strands of hair in front of him behind his back. “Since the Fifth Prince has already said so, how could Shaoxuan refuse? Let’s go for a walk then.”

Jiang Yichen smiled gently and also stood up. He instructed the palace attendants beside him, “I’m going for a walk with Luo Shaoxuan. You don’t need to follow.”

“Yes.”

The two were of similar height, walking out of the Plum Blossom Pavilion side by side.

Both had extraordinary appearances and tall, straight figures. One was as gentle as water, while the other was noble and cold. With the plum blossoms as the backdrop, they looked like figures in a painting.

“Luo Shaoxuan doesn’t seem to have any joy regarding this upcoming marriage?”

“No, Shaoxuan is very delighted.” Why wouldn’t he be delighted? The feeling of toying with his prey, how could he not be delighted?

Jiang Yichen looked at him. At this moment, a smile played on the corner of Luo Shaoxuan’s lips. His face was no longer cold, and his noble face carried a hint of allure.

“Yichen heard that when Luo Shaoxuan left the capital, he went to Huixiang Town?” Seeing him say this, Jiang Yichen didn’t continue the previous topic. Perhaps this question was his purpose today.

Luo Shaoxuan’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, a flash of coldness passing through them.

Seeing that he didn’t speak, Jiang Yichen smiled gently. “I heard that Doctor Si moved her clinic to Huixiang Town?” “Why do you think Doctor Si gave up such a good location in the capital to open a clinic in that small town?” His voice was soft, as if he was really puzzled and discussing this issue with him.

“Ziliang is a person with discretion. She naturally has her reasons.” His voice carried a hint of coldness, and his face showed a trace of displeasure.

Jiang Yichen glanced at him slightly and chuckled. “Indeed, a rational and wise person like Doctor Si must have her reasons for doing anything.” “But… Luo Shaoxuan’s relationship with Doctor Si is still so good, even specially rushing to see her.” His gentle gaze fell on a plum blossom tree in full bloom, his eyes like clear springs flowing by. “It truly makes one envious.” It was unclear whether he envied this close friendship or the free relationship between a man and a woman.

Luo Shaoxuan slowly walked to the side of a plum blossom tree and reached out to pluck a branch of plum blossoms. “She and I are supposed to be like this.” They were a match made in heaven.

Seeing the undisguised possessiveness in his eyes, Jiang Yichen’s eyes flickered.

“But Luo Shaoxuan is about to marry the Sun lady.” He felt it necessary to remind him.

Luo Shaoxuan brought the plum blossom to his nose, inhaling its fragrance. The corners of his lips curled into a meaningful smile. “Who knows what the outcome will be until the very end?” Jiang Yichen looked at his mysterious and unfathomable appearance, his brows slightly furrowed. What was Luo Shaoxuan planning?

“Luo Shaoxuan seems quite confident?”

Luo Shaoxuan’s eyes glanced indifferently at him. “I never do things without certainty.” Jiang Yichen didn’t say anything further, fixing his gentle gaze on the plum blossom tree.

The capital seemed to be in for a change.

…

Inside the Luo Manor, the head of the Luo family and Madam Liu were dining, with servants attending to them.

The head of the Luo family frowned for a moment and asked the servant behind, “Where is the Second Miss?” “This servant doesn’t know. Second Miss hasn’t been seen for the past two days.”

The head of the Luo family slammed the table, raising her eyebrows and glaring. “Scoundrel! Where has that unfilial daughter run off to again, which gambling house!?” Madam Liu was startled by the table slam. “Why are you being so loud? Yi’er just loves to have fun. Let her enjoy herself to her heart’s content.”

“Fun, fun, fun, all she knows is fun. If this continues, how will she inherit my family business in the future!?” The head of the Luo family looked exasperated.

Madam Liu slowly ate a mouthful of vegetables. “She’s still young. It’s not too late for her to learn these things gradually.” “Still young!? She’s already twenty-two. Look at others, they get married and have children at eighteen! She spends all day in those pleasure houses and gambling dens. Others say my daughter is like a good-for-nothing!” It made her lose face.

Hearing her speak about their daughter like this, Madam Liu became displeased. “How can you talk about your own daughter like that! Yi’er is just a bit too naive, that’s all. Whoever dares to say that about my daughter, I’ll rip their mouth off!” After all, Madam Liu was just an ordinary man who had risen to prominence. Even if she pretended to be noble every day, it only took a moment for her true colors to show.

The head of the Luo family looked at Madam Liu’s shrewish appearance with a hint of disgust in her eyes. If he didn’t have a hold on her weakness, she would have divorced him long ago.

Just as the atmosphere turned gloomy, Luo Shaoxuan walked in. He gave their unpleasant atmosphere a cold glance and revealed a faint smile.

The head of the Luo family looked at him gloomily. Although she disliked him, she couldn’t ignore him either. “You’re back. Have a meal.” The servant beside them added a pair of bowls and chopsticks to Luo Shaoxuan’s table.

Luo Shaoxuan elegantly picked up a mouthful of food and chewed. He glanced around and asked in confusion, “Where’s Second Sister?” “No need to pay attention to her!” The head of the Luo family had a dark expression.

Madam Liu glared at her and looked at Luo Shaoxuan with a rather sharp tone, “Someone who’s about to get married, yet still running around.” “Where this young master goes, it’s not up to Second Father to manage, is it?”

The words “Second Father” were like a thorn piercing Madam Liu’s heart.

“You…” This wretch, Madam Liu glared at him resentfully.

“Enough! Are you done? Eat!” She glared at Madam Liu beside her. Was this the time to offend him?

Although Madam Liu felt aggrieved, she didn’t say anything further.

At the dining table, only Luo Shaoxuan was in a leisurely and pleasant mood.