Chapter 293: Qu Yi Yan Ran

Chapter 293

Xiao Jingheng, who was elegant and cultured, smiled when he heard the Governor's suggestion:

"Chen Aiqing's proposal is very good."

He instinctively looked at Song Zhao, originally wanting Song Zhao to accompany him to appreciate the night view of West Lake, but Song Zhao said: "Your Majesty, your concubine is pregnant and has traveled for two days. I'm really tired, afraid that if I go together, it will ruin Your Majesty's interest."

So Xiao Jingheng said, "Then the Noble Consort should rest well. Also, Tong Chong has been in the palace for a year and hasn't seen her family. Today she came to Lin'an, I specially permit her to stay overnight at her mother's house to comfort her longing for her parents."

Tong Chishan and Rongyue thanked him in unison. They also heard Xiao Jingheng say awkwardly:

"As for the concubines to accompany me boating on the lake..."

Consort Yin had just heard a little when she immediately straightened her back and smiled, as if she was bound to get the favor.

While Concubine Yao half covered her face with her jade fan, she didn't fantasize about any favor in her heart, she just hoped to end the banquet early and go back to rest, so she wouldn't embarrass herself in front of everyone.

However, Xiao Jingheng's decision was beyond both of their expectations,

"Let Concubine Yao attend me."

When Concubine Yao heard this, she was both delighted and terrified. At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on her.

She covered her face even more with her jade fan, afraid to decline which would draw more attention, so she quickly agreed,

"Your servant abides by the order."

While Consort Yin stood still in place, watching Xiao Jingheng lead Concubine Yao onto the boat, seeing her dazed expression, she must have lost her soul.

*

On the boat, lights twinkled on both banks, like stars sprinkled into the mortal world, reflecting the shimmering ripples on the water surface, it was beautiful.

The night grew darker, the summer heat dissipated, and the light breeze on the deck felt cool like jade lightly caressing, quite pleasant.

Concubine Yao sat with Xiao Jingheng in the cabin. She poured wine for Xiao Jingheng while still covering her face with her jade fan.

Xiao Jingheng disliked her pretentiousness, so he said,

"The scars on your face haven't fully healed yet, don't apply powder to cover them these days, or they will get worse."

Concubine Yao nodded awkwardly, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your concern..."

"Put down the fan," Xiao Jingheng glanced at her, "I've seen what you look like, no need to cover up like this."

Xiao Jingheng glanced at her, quite helpless, "These are lyrics from The Peony Pavilion, how can you say they are like that?"

"This..." Concubine Yao was extremely embarrassed, nervously fiddling with her silk handkerchief, "Your servant didn't know, made a joke of myself..."

Xiao Jingheng sighed briefly, obviously disliking Concubine Yao even more.

Later he didn't even look at Concubine Yao at all, but kept his eyes on the girl in green clothes boating on the lake, exchanging flirtatious glances.

Hearing the girl sing again:

"I want to leave but still reluctant, looking at each other, we met with no words."

The bright lights on the ship reflected on the water's surface, like a layer of romantic, rippling brocade, flowing gently towards the flat-bottomed boats.

When she finished singing, Xiao Jingheng applauded vigorously, calling it amazing.

Seeing Xiao Jingheng's expression and actions, Jiang Deshun who was attending nearby knew,

These girls today were all chosen by local officials from distinguished families. Their background was also checked by the eunuchs beforehand, all were decent.

So he tentatively asked, "Does Your Majesty want to spend the night on the boat?"

Xiao Jingheng smiled and agreed. Jiang Deshun immediately called to the girl on the lake,

"Miss, His Majesty invites you onto the ship."

The girl came onto the ship gracefully, supported by servants.

She walked leisurely to Xiao Jingheng and bowed to him:

"Your citizen pays respect to Your Majesty, long live my Emperor, long live, ten thousand years."

She bowed without daring to look him in the eye.

When she lowered her head, a lingxiao flower ornament in her hair floated and fell at Xiao Jingheng's feet.

Xiao Jingheng bent down to pick up the lingxiao flower and toyed with it in his hand.

"What's your name?"

The girl lightly pursed her lips and shyly said,

"Replying to Your Majesty, your citizen's name is... Qu Yanran."