Chapter 105 - Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Encountering Chu Lan Again_l (1/2)
Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Encountering Chu Lan Again_l
Translator: 549690339 |
Xie Jue was beaming with delight as he looked at the packet of tea Wei Ruo placed on the table. He hadn’t tasted it yet, but he was certain it must be incredibly sweet and delicious.
After the tea had cooled down slightly, Xie Ying took a sip, then praised, “Ruoruo, you are really a treasure trove!”
Xie Jue also chuckled while sipping his tea.
The three of them sat in the tea room, enjoying their tea and some snacks.
Soon, another pleasure boat approached their vessel.
Alert, Xie Jue ordered the servant to let down the gauze curtains, and he moved to the bow of the boat.
He recognized the two familiar faces standing on the approaching boat – Chu Lan and Lu Yuhong.
“Brother Chu, Brother Lu.” Xie Jue greeted, bowing his fist towards the two men.
“Xie Jue, you’re not playing fair, sneaking out to have fun without us! If Brother Chu and I hadn’t decided to go boating, we wouldn’t have known that you’ve gone off to East Lake by yourself!” Lu Yuhong crossed his arms, clearly discontented.
This was a lingering grudge from the incident on the mushroom sauce!
“Forgive me, Brother Lu, I was accompanying my sister today, which is why I didn’t notify you two.” Xie Jue quickly explained.
“From what I can see, you’re not out with your sister, but entertaining a damsel.” Chu Lan’s sharp eyes spotted the two female figures the moment Xie Jue had the curtains lowered.
Xie Jue has only one sister, so if one of them is his sister, the other must be another young lady.
Upon hearing this, Xie Jue’s face stiffened, and he pleaded with a slight degree of embarrassment, “Brother Chu, spare me, this cannot be disclosed, lest we ruin the reputation of the young lady.”
Lu Yuhong instantly became interested, “Xie Jue, you can seal our mouths, but it comes at a price.”
Hurriedly, Xie Jue replied, “I will invite Brother Lu to a feast at the Zuixian Residence on another day…”
Lu Yuhong interrupted Xie Jue, “The Zuixian Residence is nothing special. We can go there anytime we want if we crave something. It’s not like I can’t afford it.”
In a leisurely manner, Chu Lan unveiled his guess, “Unless I’m mistaken, I think the young lady on your boat is from the Wei Family.”
This was not a difficult guess to make. Xie Jue’s sister has only a handful of friends, and just the day before, they saw the Wei family’s carriage entering the Government City. It was safe to assume that the person accompanying the Xie siblings was Miss Wei.
Xie Jue paused : “Brother Chu, I beg you not to guess any further so as not to tarnish her reputation.”
Laughing, Lu Yuhong asked: “Is it the Miss Wei who knows how to farm and make mushroom sauce?”
Xie Jue neither confirms nor denies it, afraid to lie to Chu Lan, nor can he even think about revealing the truth.
Seeing his reaction, it was clear the answer was affirmative.
Lu Yuhong continued, “You underestimate us, Xie Jue. We are not gossipers. No one would dare to bring this up, not to mention, aren’t there a bunch of servants around? With broad daylight, what have you got to hide if you are innocent?”
Chu Lan added, “Indeed, there is no need for such vigilance. I am acquainted with Miss Wei. I admire her deeds in the south of the city and I assure you my men won’t say a thing. You can rest assured as can Miss Wei and your sister in your cabin.”
Wei Ruo, in the cabin, had heard their conversation and was reluctant to meet Chu Lan. However, knowing that they had recognized her, there was no point in hiding.
She muttered to herself: “What’s going on with Chu Lan? Isn’t he supposed to be busy? How does he keep showing up wherever I am? How can he be a good Crown Prince if he isn’t attending to his duties?”