Chapter 227 (1/2)

Chapter 227: Mixed Feelings

Jun Huang's eyes fluttered open. The sun had only just risen from the horizon. She stared at the distance for a good moment before sitting up. She put on a robe and walked to the window.

It was still early. The vendors hadn't come out to attract customers yet. Only a few people walked the bluestone-paved street. It looked serene outside. Feeling a little chilled, she wrapped her robe around her body and cleaned up. When she opened the door, Nan Xun was nowhere to be seen.

Over the past few days, Nan Xun had been the first thing she saw when she opened the door. It made her feel a little off-balance not seeing him outside. She walked out of the room with a frown, looking for Nan Xun, but it was one of the shadow guards that she ran into first.

”Morning, Gentleman Feng,” greeted the guard. ”Are you going to have breakfast?”

Jun Huang nodded. The guard took her to the first floor and ordered the clerk to bring breakfast to her. ”Our master ordered the cook to prepare some lotus seed soup for you early in the morning. He said that it was one of Gentleman Feng's favorites.”

Jun Huang lowered her eyes and chuckled softly. A warm feeling filled her chest to the brim. She looked up at the guard and asked, ”Where is he?”

”He wanted to take you to the lake today,” answered the guard. ”There are a lot of people here this time of year, though. We may not be able to get shantyboat even though we have the money. Therefore Gentleman Nan went to get a boat early. He told me to take you to the port after you finish breakfast.”

Jun Huang nodded. The lotus seed soup was brought to the table. She finished it quickly and followed the guard to the port.

There were indeed a sizeable crowd at the lake. From their extravagant clothes it was clear that most of them were of high status or great wealth. Jun Huang followed the guard through the crowd with an eyebrow raised. The strong smell of cosmetics made her feel lightheaded.

When she finally made it out of the crowd, she stumbled and lost her balance.

A pair of hands caught her. Without lifting her head to look, she cupped her hands and said, ”Thank you.” She was surprised and a little embarra.s.sed when she saw who it was.

”Princess Wan'er, young official Zhang Yuan, what a coincidence.” She quickly recovered and gave them a gentle smile.

Wan'er's delicate brows rose slightly and her bright eyes darted to Jun Huang. For a moment, she simply stared at Jun Huang. Zhang Yuan didn't notice didn't seem to notice her unusual reaction.

Nan Xun was informed of Jun Huang's arrival and was coming their way. He smiled and greeted Wan'er and Zhang Yuan.

”It's my day off,” Zhang Yuan said with a smile. ”I heard that the view is beautiful, so I took Wan'er here. What a coincidence to run into the gentlemen here.”

”How have you been, princess Wan'er?” Wan'er hadn't said anything, so Jun Huang took the initiative to ask.

Breaking out of her trance, Wan'er lowered her head and chuckled. She could feel Zhang Yuan's attention on her. She s.h.i.+fted her gaze to him with a hint of shyness in her expression. ”I'm good. Gentleman Feng doesn't have to worry about me.”

Jun Huang could tell that their marriage was a happy one. Wan'er had become even more stunning. They exchanged a few polite words. It was still a little awkward for them to talk.

Zhang Yuan's boat had been led to the port. He turned to Nan Xun and said, ”Our boat's here. Please excuse us.”

Nan Xun nodded, watching them get on board and leave. He turned to Jun Huang. ”What are you thinking?”

She smiled. ”They look happy.”

Without a word, he took her hand and led her to the port, s.h.i.+elding her from the bustling crowd. She followed him quietly.

It was close to noon when they finally got on the boat. Summer had only just announced its arrival, and it was windy in the area. The temperature was comfortably warm. They ordered some food as soon as they got onboard. Nan Xun broke the silence, saying, ”This is a river rather than a lake. In two hours, we'll reach a royal garden. Would you like to come with me?”

”Why are you going?” asked Jun Huang.

”That's where the empress dowager resides. She treated me kindly when I was little. It's been a while since I last saw her. Since we have the time, I'll like to pay her a visit.”

Jun Huang nodded without a word, a trace of nervousness crept into her heart, unbidden. She took a deep breath and looked out at the rippling water. The blooming lotuses caught her fancy.

There were fish swimming in the water, including some uncommon koi fish. Nan Xun told her that they were raised by different people before being put in the river. She listened quietly and glanced at him every once in a while, the smile at her lips growing wider and wider.

Nan Xun finally noticed the amused look she was trying to cover. He paused and asked curiously, ”What is it? Have I said something wrong?”