Chapter 323 - Chapter 323: Chapter 323:1 Can Tell Him Where It Is_l (1/2)

Chapter 323: Chapter 323:1 Can Tell Him Where It Is_l

A gift?

What kind of gift could Chu Lan prepare for me?

If he wanted to bestow rewards, he could simply send them over. Why all this mystery?

Besides, he’s a prince, and I’m a maiden yet to leave my boudoir. It’s inappropriate for him to privately summon me.

Despite her suspicions, Wei Ruo had no choice but to agree.

Chu Lan’s invitation had left her no room to refuse.

“Then I will have to trouble Nanny Qin to lead the way,” said Wei Ruo.

“My lady, there’s no need for formalities. Please, follow me.” Nanny Qin replied.

Wei Ruo, accompanied by Xiumei, got into the carriage sent by Chu Lan, following Nanny Qin’s lead.

The carriage took Wei Ruo to the Yusheng Tea House. Afterward, in the company of Nanny Qin, they entered a tea room.

Inside the tea room, there was only Chu Lan.

He wore a dark green brocade robe adorned with circular patterns, his hair held up with a jade crown. Sitting leisurely by a window-side tea table, he appeared to be immersed in savoring his tea.

Outside, the lake stretched out to meet the sky, with the East Lake sparkling as the mild breeze drifted into the room, rustling the green plants on the tea table.

The scenery was beautiful. If it were in front of the original Wei Qingruo, she would be entranced.

Unfortunately, to Wei Ruo, it looked like a jackal had spoiled this moment of beauty.

■■My humble self pays respects to Your Highness,” Wei Ruo greeted Chu Lan. Before Chu Lan revealed his true identity, Wei Ruo didn’t need to show this kind of deference whenever she saw him. But ever since he formally came to Taizhou Prefecture in his officially disclosed capacity as the Military Governor, she could no longer pretend not to know who he was when she saw him.

“Miss Wei, please, have a seat,” Chu Lan offered after glancing at Wei Ruo, inviting her to take a seat opposite him.

Wei Ruo knew she couldn’t refuse, so she walked over generously and sat down.

The last time she sat with Chu Lan drinking tea, he was still under the guise of

Xu Heyou, and there was a third party present.

This was the first time she was sitting with Chu Lan as Wei Ruo, the Wei family’s legitimate daughter, and they were the only two people in the tea room.

“When I was in Xingshan County last time, I didn’t tell Miss Wei my true identity. I hope you’re not upset,” said Chu Lan.

“I dare not.” Wei Ruo replied, intentionally avoiding eye contact with Chu Lan. Inwardly, Wei Ruo thought: if there’s anything to be upset about, it would be the fact that you – the original story’s love interest – didn’t disclose your true identity. There’s so much more about you that I could be upset about.

“I have heard from Nanny Qin that Miss Wei is bold and spirited, not inferior to a man. Yet, you seem timid around me. Why is that?” Chu Lan asked.

“I am fearful, Your Highness. You are of noble birth, and I am but a commoner. It is only natural for me to feel intimidated in your presence,” Wei Ruo replied. Chu Lan laughed, “Fair enough. Regardless, your intelligence and brilliance are admirable, Miss Wei. Thanks to you, Taizhou Prefecture has best managed the migrant crisis among all seats of power in Zhejiang Province.”

“I cannot claim sole credit for this. Your Highness and the Commandery Princess have demonstrated understanding and empathy towards the common people. The Government Office loves its people as if they were its children. It is a collective contribution of everyone working towards the same goal,” Wei Ruo said.

“In gratitude, I have a gift I wish to present to you,” Chu Lan said.

“I am honored to have been of service to Your Highness. I don’t seek reward and cannot accept your gift,” Wei Ruo replied.