Acquainted

On the carriage, Shi Xu leaned against the side and had fallen asleep. Chen Xianzhi placed a soft cushion beneath her head. He asked Wansheng about what had happened earlier that day in the pavilion. Wansheng finally had the chance to report everything to the young master in detail.

After hearing the account, Chen Xianzhi frowned, his gaze frequently drifting toward the soundly sleeping Shi Xu. It seemed the Third Prince harbored special feelings for her, and Chen Xianzhi felt deeply uneasy within.

When they arrived, Shi Xu was still asleep. Chen Xianzhi hesitated for a long moment before finally waking her. Her eyes were hazy as she looked at him, still not fully awake. She obediently followed him off the carriage. Seeing her not yet fully alert, Chen Xianzhi called over a maid and instructed her to take Shi Xu back to her room. He then proceeded to Chen Yi’s study.

After the servant’s announcement, Chen Xianzhi pushed open the door to Chen Yi’s room. Upon seeing Chen Xianzhi, Chen Yi lowered his head again.

“Father, has there been any unrest at the border?” Chen Xianzhi asked with some certainty.

Chen Yi’s hand, holding a pen, paused briefly before returning to normal.

“Where did you hear such things? Focus on your studies; this is not something you should concern yourself with,” Chen Yi responded, his tone reproachful.

“Father, today Princess Changning asked if I already had a betrothal. Is she afraid I might be sent off in a political marriage? After all, our dynasty has long practiced such alliances,” Chen Xianzhi persisted.

Looking at his grown son, Chen Yi was at a loss for words and could only reply, “This is not your concern. You should go rest.”

Watching Chen Xianzhi’s retreating figure, Chen Yi’s eyes were filled with deep worry.

The next morning, early, Chen Xianzhi heard from Wansheng that the Lin brothers had invited him to meet at the Jianyun Pavilion. As he prepared to leave, he saw Shi Xu sitting there waiting for him.

Having heard from Wansheng that Chen Xianzhi would be going out again today, Shi Xu wanted to drink the sweet tea from yesterday. So she simply sat there, waiting.

Chen Xianzhi looked at Shi Xu sitting obediently and felt a soft warmth in his heart; he couldn’t refuse her. When she saw him approaching, her eyes immediately brightened. She stood up, her voice filled with clear, lively anticipation.

“Chen Xianzhi, may I come with you?”

Looking into her sparkling eyes, Chen Xianzhi found he truly could not say no, so he nodded in agreement.

Seated in the carriage, Shi Xu appeared in very good spirits, softly humming a tune a maid had taught her. Her voice was melodious and pleasant. As before, she liked to lift the curtain to watch the myriad scenes of the world outside the window.

Arriving at the restaurant, Chen Xianzhi’s lips curved slightly as he observed Shi Xu, who no longer leapt from the carriage on her own.

He led her to a private room upstairs and opened the door. The Lin brothers were already there. Lin Qingjing sat engrossed in a book, while Lin Qingyu stood by the window, admiring the beautiful view of the river.

Noticing Chen Xianzhi’s arrival, Lin Qingjing put down his book and looked up, momentarily stunned.

He saw a woman as radiant as a celestial consort, with bright eyes and a cool, dignified presence—just standing there was enough to captivate anyone’s gaze.

Quickly regaining his composure, Lin Qingjing stood. Hearing the noise, Lin Qingyu turned around. Seeing Chen Xianzhi, he came forward and patted his shoulder.

“Long time no see! The autumn hunt is coming soon—how are your preparations?” Lin Qingyu’s hearty voice rang out.

“No problem at all,” Chen Xianzhi replied with a smile, playfully punching Lin Qingyu’s shoulder.

He then introduced Shi Xu to the Lin brothers. Only then did Lin Qingyu notice the beautiful cousin standing behind Chen Xianzhi.

“Pleasure to meet you, Cousin Shi Xu. I’m Lin Qingyu, and I live right next door to the Chen residence.”

Shi Xu nodded with a gentle smile.

Lin Qingjing’s palms were slightly sweaty around his book as he nervously said, “Miss Shi Xu, I’m Lin Qingjing. Very pleased to meet you.”

Shi Xu also nodded and smiled.

Seeing that the three were acquainted, Chen Xianzhi pulled out a chair and told Shi Xu to sit beside him.