CH 67

Zhao Zhi just brought Ming Zhu out to show her face, but he didn’t intend to let her stay too long, as for exchanging greetings, that was even more unnecessary.

Very soon, Zhao Zhi wanted to send her back to the backyard, Ming Zhu smiled at him, “Is it okay if I have some wine tonight?”

Thinking that she was in a good mood, Zhao Zhi’s heart softened instantly, rubbing her head, he was unable to say no, “Don’t drink too much.”

Ming Zhu was back to her previous obedient behavior that she used to put up in front of him, she nodded, “Alright.”

Ming Zhu now always did things with her own purpose. She held a wine jug, went to the pavilion in the backyard and sat there for a short while.

As expected, not long after, Ming Zhu saw a guest who had come to the backyard for some fresh air.

She knew Sheng Wenlin.

Chapter 67

(22.3)

When Wei Chiyu was studying in the academy, he and Sheng Wenlin were fellow students, he had mentioned Sheng Wen Lin’s name in front of her in the past.

Half a month ago, Zhao Zhi coldly told her while holding her chin that Wei Chiyu was about to get engaged.

Ming Zhu wanted to know whether or not Zhao Zhi had lied to her, if it was true, she would only feel happy for Wei Chiyu.

She gathered her courage in her mind and walked up to Sheng Wenlin, taking advantage while no one was there.

She said, “Sheng gongzi, there is something I would like to ask you.”

Sheng Wenlin appeared to be stunned by her and remained quiet for a few seconds, “What is it?”

Ming Zhu tilted her face and asked, ” Did Wei Chiyu get engaged?”

“Mmh.”

“That’s good.”

Sheng Wenlin stared at the young girl’s face and added another sentence, “It was an engagement bestowed by the the crown prince in person.”

Ming Zhu fell silent.

The man couldn’t help but take two steps forward, his boots happened to stop less than half a meter away from her, “It’s our teacher’s daughter, she has a clean family background, she’s talented and pretty, they’re a good match.”

Ming Zhu used to be a little jealous of that girl, actually, it was more like envy than it was jealousy.

She envied the fact that she had a father who doted on her, that she had the opportunity to go to school and study, and that she even was allowed from time to time to go out dressed as a man and participate in poems contests with other male students in the academy.

However, although she was envious of her, she had to admit that she was indeed a very good lady.

Ming Zhu thanked Sheng Wenlin and turned around with the intention of leaving the place.

Sheng Wenlin called out to her, his words containing a sourness he didn’t even notice, “Since you’re already the crown prince’s person, you should stop thinking about your former fiancé.”

Ming Zhu didn’t turn around, nor did she talk back to him, she just directly walked straight ahead.

It was late at night in early spring, and it was still a little chilly when the windows were open. Ming Zhu had just washed her face and changed her clothes, about to go to bed, when the crown prince’s attendant came to deliver a message.

Across the door, the person very respectfully said, “Miss, His Highness drank a lot of wine tonight, he’s calling you over to serve him.”

(23.1)

Ming Zhu froze for a brief moment. The days where Zhao Zhi was drunk really were rarer than rare.

The person outside kept urging her, Ming Zhu took a deep breath and opened the door. As she stood gracefully under the lantern, the candle flames cast light on her snow-white face.

The attendant walked ahead as he held the lamp, respectfully guiding her to Zhao Zhi’s bedroom.

The attendant said a few more words: “His Highness’s mood is rarely so happy, so he drank a few more cups.”

He originally was someone who didn’t drink much, liked to be clean and self-restrained. However, during tonight’s banquet, no matter which lord came to give him a toast, His Highness didn’t refuse any of them.

The attendant never expected that His Highness would be so happy to have taken a concubine, as pleased and proud as if it was his wedding night.

Ming Zhu didn’t see where exactly Zhao Zhi looked happy, wasn’t it the same usual cold and indifferent expression on his face?

Ming Zhu reached out her small hands and gently pushed open the door. The room was lit with two oil lamps which weren’t very bright, the wicks looked like they were about to burn out as they were close to the candlesticks. The light inside was dim.

Lifting her eyes, she took a look at the the man beside the bed. He was wearing a gold woven, black long gown (changshan). On his jade-like translucent face, a few patches of light red were faintly visible. His usually dignified and righteous figure was also emitting the faint smell of alcohol.

Zhao Zhi slowly raised his black eyes which were bottomless. At this time, one couldn’t see whether or not he was actually drunk or lucid as he beckoned to her, with a very soft voice, “Zhu Zhu.”

Ming Zhu flinched, this call indeed sounded gentle and affectionate.

Squeezed the handkerchief in her hand, she slowly walked to him, before lowering her head to look at him.

Zhao Zhi raised his eyes. His dark eyes kept looking at her, quietly. He remained quiet for a while and then suddenly took hold of her wrist, gently tugging her forward.

Ming Zhu was forced to sit beside him, her body was tense, she didn’t dare to relax.

Zhao Zhi’s face appeared to be completely relaxed, under the dim candle flame a rarely seen softness was reflected. He hooked his lips to smile and this smile also looked extremely gentle. He reached out and touched her face with his fingers, calling her by her nickname, as if he would never get tired of it: “Zhu Zhu.”

Feeling the coolness of his fingertips, Ming Zhu shivered a little. She felt a little nervous, but also a little puzzled.

Zhao Zhi’s expression changed all of a sudden, his eyes also followed along and turned regretful, he frowned as some kind of self-condemnation seemed to transpire in his tone, “I’m sorry.”

He looked into her eyes and whispered, “Did I make you cold?”

Ming Zhu felt strange and at the same time couldn’t help but feel relieved, it seemed that Zhao Zhi was indeed really drunk, he had even turned talkative.

He usually really didn’t talk much.

The man’s breath was warm as he spoke, carrying a light smell of alcohol.

Ming Zhu nodded, “Hmm.”

Ming Zhu only now found out that Zhao Zhi, when he was drunk, was a bit different from usual. His whole posture appeared much more relaxed, not so cold and distant as he usually was. The cold air surrounding his body also seemed to have almost melted down and he became unusually kind and warm.