Chapter 592: Nanjing Cuisine (1)

As Chu Lian was speaking with Senior Servant Lan, they arrived at the circular arched door that lead to the inner court.

Senior Servant Lan called for a sedan. She helped Chu Lian in before two strong senior servants carried it into the inner court.

Princess Wei had already been notified and was waiting for her arrival.

Chu Lian wasnt taken to Princess Weis courtyard. Instead, she was brought over to a pondside pavilion.

Princess Wei was currently drawing inside.

The warm sunshine shone on the surface of the pond water. A gentle breeze blew, causing the surface to glimmer as if a thousand silver snakes were dancing along the water ripples.

Half of the octagonal pavilion was covered by curtains, leaving only a single entrance. This was to keep the sunlight out while also maintaining air circulation. The scenery of the lotus pond was still visible from within as well. While the lotus pond was mostly covered in withered old plants, there were a few fresh green buds emerging beyond the surface of the water. The small lotus leaves stood suspended above, perfectly straight.

The sight of the calm, vibrant spring scenery lifted Chu Lians mood slightly.

She couldnt help but walk faster towards the octagonal pavilion. Princess Wei seemed to have seen her coming, as she had already set down her paintbrush. She was in the middle of sipping some tea while seated at a stone table.

When Chu Lian was brought into the pavilion by Senior Servant Lan, Princess Wei smiled and said, Jinyi, come and sit beside me.

The corner of Chu Lians lips curved up, exposing the two faint dimples on her cheeks.

She always felt very relaxed whenever she was beside Princess Wei.

She bobbed in greeting towards Princess Wei before taking a seat beside her.

Princess Wei held Chu Lians hand in hers as they chatted. Chu Lian immediately noticed the incomplete painting on the easel beside them.

Your drawing is amazing, Princess!

When Princess Wei was younger, she had been famed for her talents within the capital. She was proficient in the four womanly arts: the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Although she didnt paint as much now, her skills hadnt deteriorated at all.

Its not that good. I didnt have anything to do today, so I was just painting to pass the time, Princess Wei said with a smile.

Its much better than my paintings, Chu Lian genuinely complimented.

She only knew how to sketch with chalks and pencils, due to her profession as a designer back in modern times. However, she didnt know anything about traditional Chinese paintings.

Good child, you have such a sweet mouth. Duanjia has showed me your jewellery designs before. They were so real, it looked as if the jewellery had been sewn onto the paper.

Chu Lian blushed. She had specially added color to her sketches so that the craftsmen could imagine the details more clearly

Why did you suddenly think of me today? Its rare for you to take the initiative to come visit me, Princess Wei said, giving her a glare.

The smile on Chu Lians face faded. Princess Wei, I came to seek your help this time.

Oh? Princess Wei lifted a brow and looked at Chu Lian, who was sitting beside her. The young lady was staring at her with big, clear eyes. She looked exactly like an innocent, naive little fawn. Princess Wei couldnt resist pinching Chu Lians smooth and rosy cheeks.

I knew it. You wouldnt come visit me unless you needed my help.

Chu Lian was embarrassed by her remark, but she told Princess Wei the whole story anyway.

On the other side of the lotus pond, two middle-aged men were strolling leisurely near some decorative mountains.

One of them was wearing a purple robe embroidered with the legendary animal,qilin. He possessed an elegant aura and tall stature. At this time, with a faint smile on his face, he was pointing out the scenery within the estates inner court to another middle-aged man dressed in a dark blue robe.

The man in the dark blue robe had a deep, piercingly cold gaze. His hands were clasped behind his back as he walked along the cobblestone path. From time to time, one could hear his jubilant laughter. Ninth Brother, I havent visited your estate in a long time.

Prince Wei, the man in purple, cheerfully laughed along. Elder Brother is busy with the countrys affairs every day, unlike me. Im just leisurely passing my days. Ive renovated this garden twice already.

The emperor and Prince Wei were full-blooded brothers. The emperor had doted on Prince Wei since their youth. Later on, when all the princes had been fighting for the throne, Prince Wei had supported his elder brother. Thus, the relationship between the two brothers became even closer.

Prince Wei was undoubtedly the one the emperor trusted the most within the entire imperial court.

The emperor was dressed in ordinary clothing. If one didnt notice his imposing aura, he would seem just like an idle rich man at first glance.

The emperor rarely had the time to come out of the palace, so he didnt want to think about annoying political affairs on his time off. He gazed upon the huge lotus pond, and then even farther into the distance.

He chuckled and said, Younger Sister-in-Law seems to be in a good mood, drawing in the pavilion at this time. Is the young lady beside her Duanjia? That silly girl hasnt visited the palace in a long time. Her imperial grandmother has mentioned several times that she misses her.

Prince Wei looked towards the octagonal pavilion from afar and just happened to see the joyful smile on his wifes face. Chu Lians back was facing them right now. From this angle, if Prince Wei hadnt known that Duanjia wasnt in the estate, then he might also have mistaken her for his daughter.

Elder Brother, youre mistaken this time. Thats not Duanjia. That silly girl, Duanjia, is likely still playing at Lanxiang Mountain and delaying her return.

The emperor was somewhat shocked. Oh? Then, who is she? When did you add another young lady to your estate? Is she a potential bride for Ah-Tai?

Prince Wei didnt know whether he should laugh or cry. Elder Brother, please dont make random assumptions. That child is already married. Shes Marquis Anyuans wife, the Chu Familys Sixth Miss.

The memory of a pair of familiar eyes instantly flashed through the emperors mind. His brows creased slightly. Jinyi?

The smile on Prince Weis face faded. He nodded and said, Yes, its Jinyi. Elder Brother, you know about the pain in my wifes heart. Moreover, Jinyi saved Duanjia before, so shes especially fond of that child.

Theres no harm in it, as long as it can comfort Sister-in-Laws heart. Jinyi is not a child who lacks a sense of propriety.

After hearing his imperial elder brothers words, Prince Weis expression became better. He was actually somewhat worried that his imperial elder brother would blame them for this incident.

Prince Wei chuckled. Its quite a coincidence. That child is really Duanjias lucky star. She and Duanjia even resemble each other somewhat. Their heights are about the same too, so its no wonder that my wife has those thoughts.

While Prince Wei was speaking, he didnt notice that the emperor had already fallen into a trance. His gaze went beyond the surface of the lotus pond and fell upon that slender back. He seemed to be seeing someone else through that figure.