Chapter 35 Likes Only Her

that had turned around showed a hint of coldness. His gaze toward Yun Qianmo contained several complex emotions.Rong Jing followed closely behind Yun Muhan at his usual unhurried pace.After taking a...Chapter Thirty-Five Only Her

Yun Qianyue quietly watched the two carriages, her expression as indifferent and listless as before. She ignored everyone's gazes, seeming to think that what Princess Liuxi was talking about had nothing to do with herself.

Ye Qingran frowned upon hearing Princess Liuxi's words but said nothing.

Cangting laughed lightly, his folding fan tapping on the ancient wooden table, making a soft sound that echoed in everyone’s hearts. He glanced at Yun Qianyue and seemed to echo Princess Liuxi, as if speaking to himself, "So it seems Young Miss of the De Prince's Household is actually fond of Prince Jing"

"Likely so; otherwise how could Qinran have just returned together with Prince Jing to admire plum blossoms" Princess Liuxi raised her voice.

"Indeed. Besides Miss Yun Qianyue, I've never heard that Prince Jing has acted together with any other woman." Cangting smiled and looked at Ye Qingran, asking, "Young Lord Qingran, isn't your younger sister a paragon of beauty Otherwise how could she receive such favor from Prince Jing"

Ye Qingran glanced at Cangting; his voice was somewhat cool, "Just on the way."

"If it's just on the way, then we'll have to take a look later," Princess Liuxi took over and looked at the two carriages. The meaning of her words were clear to anyone who heard them: "Qinran is gentle-natured and easy to get along with, unlike someone else whose temperament is domineering. Prince Jing is refined and easy to talk to. If they really are a couple, I think it's quite well matched."

"You've talked too much today," Ye Qingran glared at Princess Liuxi.

"Young Lord Qingran, considering that I am also your sister—even if not by blood, still an aunt—according to the rules of propriety, I should call you brother. As a princess, do I have no right to speak We all saw with our own eyes yesterday when Qinran said she didn't want to come together with me; how can you silence my mouth but not everyone else's" Princess Liuxi looked at Ye Qingran.

Ye Qingran's expression turned cold, "Since you know yourself as a princess, you should know what words are appropriate and which ones aren’t."

Princess Liuxi seemed to realize she had gone too far and fell silent.

"Today we came here just for the fun of admiring plum blossoms. It's not right for Young Lord Qingran to always have a cold face. Let’s chat and enjoy ourselves; Prince Jing and young miss from the De Prince's Household coming makes it even more lively." Cangting smiled at Yun Qianyue, "Miss Yun, what do you think"

Yun Qianyue retracted her gaze and gave a faint smile, her voice light, "Yes."

Cangting looked meaningfully at Yun Qianyue but didn't speak further.

"Your hand warmer has already cooled down. Here, I'll warm it up for you." Ye Qingran ignored the carriages and reached out to take Yun Qianyue’s warming pot.

"Yes, a bit chilly," Yun Qianyue handed the warming pot to Ye Qingran.

Ye Qingran circulated his inner strength; there was a ball of heat in his hand covering the warming pot. In no time, he warmed up the water inside and returned it to Yun Qianyue, "Warm now."

Yun Qianyue had her sleeves always covering both hands as she held the warming pot under them.

"Your clothes will get scorched," Ye Qingran said to her.

"If they get scorched, I’ll make new ones. How many clothes does Cloud Manor lack It’s better than freezing my hands," Yun Qianyue looked at him.

Ye Qingran laughed lightly, "Indeed."

Yun Qianyue didn’t speak further; until her hand was healed, she couldn't expose it casually.

"Alright then, let’s continue with the last person," Ye Qingran said to everyone.

"Me." Wen Ruyan responded and seeing many people look at her, she recited: "Spring's warmth chases after flower shadows; crimson plum blossoms vie for beauty. Yet who understands this sentiment A lover’s shadow mourns."

"Which gentleman is Miss Wen mourning" Cangting laughed as he looked at Wen Ruyan.

Everyone knew that Wen Ruyan had a soft spot for Rong Feng, but the latter was indifferent. Originally delicate and beautiful, she had lost much weight in recent months since Commander Feng’s death. After Ye Qingran took control of the Western Mountain Army Command after that incident, General Wen's household started to decline as well. Even though Rong Feng was born into a branch of the Honored Prince's Household, he was also the same school as Prime Minister Wang; now with Emperor Da's recent passing and the new emperor yet to be born, Prime Minister Wang wielded power while Prince Jing assisted in governance. The two powerful figures were vying for Yun Qianyue openly and covertly. Although it seemed calm at court, factions had begun to form privately. Both sides of Prime Minister Wang and Prince Jing were extremely cautious, fearing that any slip-up could cost their lives; but this caution did not apply to Rong Feng, who was the most stable person in the political hive of the capital and court now compared to before. His status was naturally incomparable to what it used to be. Now, many suitors had broken through the gates of Wen Earl's Household; General Wen paled in comparison.

When Wen Ruyan heard this, she勉強地笑了笑, "I'm sorry for the mockery. I was just making it up on the spot."

"Although Miss Wen comes from a military family, your poetic sentiment is not lacking either," Ye Qingran complimented her in an appropriate manner.

Wen Ruyan's face turned slightly red as she thought of Rong Feng. She felt somewhat melancholic because even though she used to envy Yun Qianyue, now she didn't have the energy to do so anymore, for she knew clearly that regardless of whether Yun Qianyue existed or not, Rong Feng would never treat her any differently.

"Who's next" Ye Qingran acted as a judge and continued searching with interest.

The ladies in the women’s seating area shook their heads after looking at the numbers on their paper strips. Everyone then turned to look at the men's seating area, where all of them shook their heads, except Shen Zhao who slowly said, "It's me, number 8."

"Oh Would you like us to hear your esteemed talent" Cang Ting laughed first.

"I also want to listen. I wonder if Mr. Shen’s talents are as astonishing as the curses from the Southern Liang," Ye Qingran looked at Shen Zhao, lifting an eyebrow with a smile.

Shen Zhao smiled but didn't recite poetry immediately; instead, he looked towards the distance.

The sixth princess also turned her gaze to the distance and saw two carriages arriving. She glanced at Yun Qianyue and spoke again, "Since Prince Jing is here, let's wait for him. My younger sister Leiqiuan loves lively environments but unfortunately has a sickly body. This is quite similar to Prince Jing’s situation."

No one answered her.

Ye Qingran was somewhat impatient and asked, "Why should we wait for them"

Suddenly, Yun Qianyue smiled and said, "We won't be late if we wait a little longer."

Looking at Yun Qianyue, Ye Qingran saw that she didn’t look out of the ordinary and thus stopped speaking.

Shen Zhao tilted his head to look at Yun Qianyue curiously. Cang Ting’s fan suddenly opened with a snap as if creating a breeze.

The two carriages had stopped one after another. The first carriage didn’t move, but the curtains of the second one were pulled up eagerly, and a fluffy white figure like a cloud leaped out of the carriage. After jumping down, she hopped around twice on the ground like a little rabbit. Her black hair bounced with her movements; only a jade and agate step pendant swayed gently on her head, mirroring her joyful mood. Soon after, she seemed to glance towards the pavilion in the half-mountain area before happily running over to the first carriage.

"She looks like a little rabbit," Cang Ting suddenly laughed.

“She has always enjoyed playing and ends up fainting during her play. Now, it seems that she is much better,” Yun Qianyue smiled warmly.

Ye Qingran watched the small figure wrapped in white like a cloud bouncing about joyfully and couldn't help but smile, "She's indeed recovered quite well; the city of Warm Spring nurtures people, and encountering an extraordinary person these years has returned her health to seven or eight-tenths. She can now function normally again and is eager to return. If it weren’t for the Great Yan Mountain, she would have arrived in time for her great uncle’s funeral rites."

"Although this little princess may not be a national beauty, that glimpse just then was dazzling," Cang Ting said.

“Duke Ding’s Consort is naturally beautiful; thus, my younger sister Leiqiuan looks extremely good,” the sixth princess interjected and continued, “I told you they weren't coincidentally traveling together. Look how happy she is seeing Prince Jing—this proves it.” Everyone kept silent as they saw Ye Qingnuan approach Rong Jing's carriage and seem to say something happily inside. Soon, the curtains of that carriage were raised, and Rong Jing poked his head out for a moment before looking over here.

The pavilion was not far from where the carriages stopped, so everyone could clearly see their expressions.

It seemed as though Rong Jing's gaze paused momentarily. He then looked at Ye Qingnuan and said something to her. She nodded continuously. With a smile, he slowly leaned forward and got out of his carriage.

Dressed in a moon-shaped white brocade robe that blended seamlessly with the sky, like jade under a clear sunlit sky, his simple walk made him stand out amidst the autumn scenery, exuding elegance and grace like an ethereal painting.

Everyone thought simultaneously that there was someone who could make any scene beautiful regardless of time or place.

Happily following Rong Jing three steps behind, Ye Qingnuan wore a white silk robe that fluttered gracefully with the wind. She also had a snow-white fox fur cloak over her outfit, resembling a cloud made of snow whether viewed from afar or up close. Coupled with her light-footed movements, she appeared very lively and adorable.

This pair naturally drew everyone’s attention, not losing to Ye Qingran and Yun Qianyue's appearance earlier.

Many people secretly thought that today might bring some interesting events to watch.

Yun Qianyue's expression didn't change as she watched the two people approach. She was calm and gentle, as if time in her eyes was like a jade stone that had been polished until it had settled into the hue of still lake water. She appeared to be frail, holding a warming brazier, with an air of casual laziness.

The Sixth Princess had been observing Yun Qianyue's expression all along and found herself unsure when she saw her in such a state, so she didn't say anything further.

Soon after, the two people came closer and went straight toward where Ye Qingran and Yun Qianyue were seated.

Yun Qianyue glanced at the empty seats beside herself and Ye Qingran.

"Brother, you really gave this cloak to Sister Cloud." Night Qingnuan, who had been following Rong Jing, quickly walked into the pavilion ahead of him and sat down in front of Yun Qianyue. Enviously watching the cloak on her shoulders, she grumbled, "Sister Cloud, I saw this cloak yesterday and liked it very much. I asked my brother to give it to me for a long time, but he wouldn't. I thought about who it might be meant for and guessed that it could only be you. Sure enough, he gave it to you."

Before Yun Qianyue had said anything, she suddenly giggled, "But fortunately, he gave it to you; otherwise, if he dared to give it to someone else instead of his own sister, I would have taken it off that person's body myself." With a mischievous look at Yun Qianyue and a blink of her eyes, she asked, "Sister Cloud, did you miss me"

Yun Qianyue smiled gently, "Are you feeling better Do you no longer faint easily now"

Hearing this, Night Qingnuan immediately patted her chest and said with great spirit, "Yes, I'm fine now. Drinking a whole jar of wine won't affect me at all." Then she leaned in close to Yun Qianyue and asked, "Did you bring any liquor today Let's get drunk together."

Yun Qianyue shook her head, "No."

Night Qingnuan's face fell, "I didn't know you were here too, so I didn't bring any either."

"You stupid girl, your body may be better now, but she is still ill. Even if there was liquor, I wouldn't let you have it." Ye Qingran smacked Night Qingnuan's head and scolded her, "Why did you come here instead of staying with Grandfather at the manor"

"Don't hit me, I'm already not very smart; hitting me would make me even dumber," Night Qingnuan covered her head and pouted as she glared at Ye Qingran. She then looked around at everyone sitting there, her eyes gleaming brightly with a smile, and said, "Yesterday, Sixth Sister mentioned that there was an appreciation poetry meeting here today. I've returned to the capital; when can't I accompany Grandfather So I came for some fun too. These people are all ones I haven't seen in years. I missed them very much."

Everyone looked at her with kind smiles, but no one spoke.

Rong Jing arrived at the pavilion at this moment; his clear eyes swept around and seemed to have observed everyone present without showing any particular interest in anyone. After a brief pause, he sat down in the only remaining seat, between Shen Zhao and Night Qingnuan.

"How did Young Miss end up coming with Prince Jing As far as I know, Prince Jing usually never accompanies women," said Cang Ting; this seemed to be an innocent question without any malice.

"Who are you" asked Night Qingnuan curiously as she looked at Cang Ting.

Cang Ting introduced himself: "Cang Ting."

Night Qingnuan suddenly realized, "Oh, so you're the Young Master of the Cang Family." Then, looking at Shen Zhao beside Cang Ting with curiosity, she sized him up and asked, "You are the Shen Zhao who is together with Madam Chu"

"Yes, that's right," Shen Zhao nodded.

"Where is Madam Chu now Where is she" Night Qingnuan asked again.

Shen Zhao shook his head, "I don't know where she is. However, Miss Chu mentioned that she would be arriving in the capital."

Night Qingnuan nodded and turned to Yun Qianyue, telling her, "Sister Cloud, there are only two women in the world I admire most. One of them is you; the other is Madam Chu."

Yun Qianyue laughed softly, "Didn't you used to admire Xue Baochai"

Night Qingnuan's face turned red as she glared at Yun Qianyue reproachfully and said, "You still talk about that person. She didn't exist; I was deceived by your lies back then. My master later told me there is no such person in the world."

Yun Qianyue smiled slightly but did not say anything.

"You're so wicked," Night Qingnuan said as if she wanted to hit Yun Qianyue, but seeing how frail she looked, she stopped and frowned. "Sister Cloud, I heard that you were ill when I returned; it was because the Seventh Brother bullied you. So I went to find him and beat him up until he could barely walk." Then she asked Rong Jing with a tilt of her head, "Prince Jing, weren't you there too when I fought the Seventh Brother He knew he was wrong and didn't dare retaliate, right"

Rong Jing nodded gently. "Yes."

"Now that I'm back in the capital, if he bullies you again, I'll beat him up for you," Night Qingnuan promised Yun Qianyue as she embraced her briefly and stepped away. With a soft murmur, she added, "Sister Cloud, when I first saw you, you said I was like Little Lin Daiyu. Now that I'm full of energy, it's you who resembles Little Lin Daiyu."

Just as Yun Qianyue was about to speak with a smile, a gust of wind blew in and she immediately covered her mouth and coughed lightly.

Ye Qingran hurriedly patted her back. As soon as his hand touched her body, Yun Qianyue stopped coughing and shook her head, "I'm fine."

Ye Qingran retracted his hand and asked, "Did the wind blow on you Let me get a waterskin for you."

"Brother Jing had just brought up a waterskin," Ye Qining immediately turned to Rong Jing. "Brother Jing, quickly give your waterskin to Sister Yun."

Rong Jing took out the waterskin and passed it over to Yun Qianyue without saying anything.

Yun Qianyue shook her head and said softly, "I'm not thirsty. I just got a bit of wind in my throat; there's nothing much."

Rong Jing retracted the waterskin and put it back on his own table with ease.

Ye Qining blinked her eyes and looked at the two of them for a moment before cheerfully saying, "Aren't we supposed to be composing poems Have you already started or have I and Brother Jing interrupted you here"

"Young Master Shen, please continue," the Sixth Princess said as she saw Ye Qining and Yun Qianyue getting along nicely with Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue remaining calm. After a round of thoughts, she turned to Shen Zhao.

Shen Zhao nodded his head and was about to speak when Ye Qining suddenly said, "Young Master Shen, hold on for a moment. I heard my brother say yesterday that you are Brother Jing's valued guest who receives special attention from him; your literary talent must be extraordinary. Let me pose one question for you. Will you accept it"

"Little Princess," Shen Zhao nodded.

“Compose a poem on the theme of Heavenly Kindness and Human Benevolence, as well as my two sisters,” Ye Qining's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"You're not supposed to make it difficult for Young Master Shen," Ye Qingran shot his sister an irritated glance.

"Brother, this is just a game. How can playing be considered anything other than fun I and Brother Jing arrived late; we don't know your rules. But I think if it's just a game, why should there be so many rules Young Master Shen has agreed already, you shouldn’t object," Ye Qining pouted her face stubbornly. "Otherwise, I’ll go back and tell Grandfather that you bullied me and he can scold you to death."

Ye Qingran fell silent.

Smiling triumphantly at Shen Zhao, Ye Qining asked, "Young Master Shen, what do you think"

The others all looked at Shen Zhao. Although the topic seemed simple, it was actually very difficult. The theme of Heavenly Kindness and Human Benevolence covered a vast range of topics from nature to human goodness and even to governance philosophies. Even if one could express them in words, adding two women would make things complicated as humans are the hardest subjects to analyze. If one failed, they would lose both face and substance.

Shen Zhao nodded his head and said, "As Princess has set a topic, I dare not refuse."

Ye Qining smiled happily at him and said, “Then let me compose a poem first; how about you follow up after that These years, besides taking care of my health, I’ve also studied literature. You can’t look down on me because I’m a girl. But if you cannot even beat a little girl like me, you probably don't deserve Brother Jing's favor."

"I wouldn’t dare to underestimate Princess," Shen Zhao nodded obediently and said, “Princess please.”

Ye Qining thought for a moment and solemnly recited, "The sky opens up with the earth in all four directions. The wind rolls up clouds into grains of sand. In an era of prosperity, writing is a matter of thousands of years. Common people who discuss poetry laugh at the warm clothing [Warm clothes are often worn during spring, when it's not cold but still chilly]."

"Good," Cang Ting clapped his hands and shouted.

“Little Princess has displayed a woman’s strength,” Shen Zhao praised.

Bending her head to ask Yun Qianyue, Ye Qining said, "Sister Yun, am I doing well"

Yun Qianyue smiled and nodded. "It can fool people."

"You’re not praising me,” Ye Qining pouted at her in displeasure before turning to Rong Jing. “Brother Jing, what do you think of my poem"

Rong Jing gave a gentle smile. "The wind rolls up clouds into grains of sand is incorrect."

"Hm What's wrong then Cloud Sister is Yun Qianyue; clouds have hidden and the moon is concealed. It’s not like there’s only a grain of sand left after the wind has blown away the clouds" Night Qinnan looked at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing shook his head, saying in a gentle tone, "No, she should be Yun Po Yue Lai Hua Nong Ying, water and blue sky without any dust."

Yun Qianyue lowered her eyelashes as the hand covered by her sleeves gently rubbed back and forth against the small stove.

Night Qinnan suddenly understood and dragged out a sound, "Oh." He looked at Rong Jing teasingly and said with a smile, "I see, in Brother Jing's heart, Sister Moon is that good."

Rong Jing smiled but did not speak further.

"Brother, do you think I've done well" Night Qinnan looked at Night Qinran.

Night Qinran sniffed and said, "You compare yourself to a commoner. At least you know yourself."

"I knew that nothing good would come out of your mouth," Night Qinnan harrumphed. He then turned to Shen Zhao and said, "Young Master Shen, it's your turn now."

Shen Zhao nodded his head and spoke clearly, "Moon casts shadows on flowers as spring grows long; beauty is in every corner of the world. The clear sky shows the sun and moon, while the nine provinces write their history. Purple霞reflects on Jade Lake, red plum blossoms with snow attire, a commoner's fame and achievements are like dust and dirt, mountains and rivers discuss glorious chapters for a thousand years."

"Good," Night Qinran praised. "Great one, the name and achievements of a commoner are as fleeting as dust and earth, while mountains and rivers write magnificent chapters for a thousand years."

“Very good indeed, how clear is the sky, how bright it shows the sun and moon, writing history for the nine provinces.” Cang Ting also praised.

"Young Master Shen, you truly have great talent. No wonder Lady Chu was able to recognize your outstanding qualities with her discerning eye, and now Brother Jing looks favorably upon you," Night Qinnan's eyes sparkled as he looked at Shen Zhao and clapped his hands in approval. "It’s much better than the silly poem I just made up."

The crowd raised their opinions of Shen Zhao once more; although he had gained fame across the land recently, and was favored by Rong Jing, some people still had reservations about him. However, this poem made them take him seriously.

Shen Zhao said calmly without arrogance or agitation, "The young lady has overpraised me."

"How can it be overpraise It's genuinely excellent," Night Qinnan looked at Yun Qianyue and asked, "Cloud Sister, isn't this great"

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhao raised his head to look at Yun Qianyue as if awaiting her opinion.

Holding the small stove in her arms, Yun Qianyue tilted her head slightly and looked at Shen Zhao with warm and calm eyes. She then said with a smile, "Young Master Shen is full of knowledge; it naturally sounds excellent to me."

Shen Zhao withdrew his gaze and looked at Rong Jing.

"I knew Cloud Sister would say it's good," Night Qinnan turned his head to look at Rong Jing, "Brother Jing, what do you think"

Rong Jing glanced at Shen Zhao before turning his head towards Yun Qianyue. His eyes had a mysterious color that no one could decipher; he smiled lightly and shook his head, saying, "Purple霞reflecting on Jade Lake, red plum blossoms with snow attire, this isn't right."

"Brother Jing, I think this line is already very good. Cloud Sister wears purple clothes, like a cloud of purple霞, while I wear white clothes, like a ball of snow; Jade Lake reflects purple霞, and the red plum blossoms are covered in snow. This fits so well," Night Qinnan said immediately.

Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue with his eyes seemingly passing something by that melted his clear brows; he then shook his head and said, "It just doesn’t fit the scene. She should be a piece of ice in her heart like Jade Lake, with the sky sprinkling rouge-colored clouds."

Upon hearing this, Night Qinnan immediately exclaimed loudly, "Brother Jing, you’ve praised Cloud Sister so highly that she’s unparalleled in heaven and earth. How can we sitting ladies bear it"

"She is indeed one of a kind," Rong Jing withdrew his gaze and smiled slightly.

Yun Qianyue's brows were lowered, making her emotions hard to read.

"Then what about me You just explained Cloud Sister; could you explain me as well" Night Qinnan looked at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing chuckled and shook his head. "I can only explain her, not others."

Night Qingnu let out a soft hum. "Brother Jing likes Sister Yun, hence his favoritism toward her. You can’t explain me because you don’t want to."

"Mm, I only like her," Rong Jing nodded in admission.

“We all know that Brother Jing likes Sister Yun,” Night Qingnu shifted on the bench and dragged out a long tone as she turned toward Yun Qianyue with curiosity. "Sister Yun, I heard about you and Brother Jing while I was in Warm City. How did you get him The people of Warm City talk about your relationship non-stop every day after meals. I’ve listened to it more than a thousand times."

Yun Qianyue lifted her head with shallow eyes that betrayed no emotion. She smiled faintly and avoided answering, instead asking, "Since Master Shen has finished his poetry, shouldn’t we move on"

"No, it’s not right for you to get away with this," Night Qingnu said as she grabbed Yun Qianyue's arm. "If you don’t want to talk about that, write a poem dedicated to Brother Jing instead so I can hear what he means to you."

“Dead girl, why are you causing trouble” Night Qingran pulled away from Night Qingnu’s hand and shouted, “Next.”

Night Qingnu pursed her lips and glared at Night Qingran with displeasure. "I’m just curious." She then looked at Rong Jing. "Brother Jing, do you want to hear the poem Sister Yun wrote about you"

Rong Jing’s long eyelashes trembled slightly as he stroked his jade-like hand on the water flask in front of him without uttering a sound.

Everyone watched Rong Jing. His appearance, along with his previous two lines of poetry, had stirred up countless ripples in people's hearts. Many were puzzled by his relationship with Yun Qianyue before and thought that he must have been bewitched by her somehow. A man who was elegant and refined could never be paired with a woman who was arrogant and unruly, yet they fell madly for each other. Now that Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue were sitting together with others around them, there seemed to be something intangible but strongly present between them. Especially since Rong Jing had openly declared his feelings for her now, but she hadn’t responded in kind. This made people even more confused about their current relationship.

"Brother Jing, say something," urged Night Qingnu.

Rong Jing lifted his head slightly and looked at Yun Qianyue. He said one word, "Willing."

“Sister Yun, you see Brother Jing is willing to listen. You should quickly say it,” said Night Qingnu excitedly as she watched Yun Qianyue.

"Princess Liushuang, perhaps Lord Jing should not hear this poem," Princess Liushuang interrupted with a pointed remark. She had thought that Night Qingnu would have feelings for Rong Jing because of his company but could no longer tell if she did from what she was seeing now. Moreover, she seemed closer to Yun Qianyue than ever before. Could it be that she didn’t like him Who was he Any woman who saw him would undoubtedly feel infatuated by him. People often said that men of the Rong王府 (Royal Manor) were heart-stoppingly charming and everyone fell for them at first sight. As a young lady herself, could she avoid being charmed by his glory

“Six Sis, this purple sable coat is so warm, how can it hinder me from writing” Night Qingnu retorted to Princess Liushuang. She looked at Yun Qianyue and said, “Sister Yun, everyone’s waiting for you.”

"Miss Yun has been sitting here for a long time; she must not only listen but also participate," Shen Zhao glared in Rong Jing's direction as he seemed unsatisfied with Yun Qianyue’s noncommittal response and spoke up rarely.

“Miss Yun, don’t you have anything to say to Lord Jing” Cang Ting spoke out and then turned to look at Rong Jing. “Lord Jing, it’s a pity that your poem 'The moon breaks through the clouds as flowers play with their shadows; The blue sea of water is clear and unblemished by dust. A heart as pure as jade lake; The heavens sprinkled rose colors upon her.' means nothing to you.”

Rong Jing didn’t answer, only looking at Yun Qianyue whose gaze seemed to have something sinking into it.

Yun Qianyue smiled weakly and lazily. "I came here today to admire the plum blossoms; I hadn't thought of composing poetry."

"Admiring flowers is also a form of entertainment, as is writing poems," Night Qingnu shook Yun Qianyue’s arm, like an obedient child asking for candy. She said mysteriously: "I told Brother Jing earlier that I saw Sister Yue too, can you guess what he told me"

Yun Qianyue did not answer.

All eyes were on her.

"Brother Jing actually looked at me and said to me: 'I didn’t come with a woman but with a little rabbit.' You shouldn't be angry at him." Night Qingnu concluded resentfully. "He’s been so mean, calling me not a person but a rabbit."

All eyes turned toward Rong Jing.

Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue as if he hadn’t heard what Night Qingnu said.

"Sister Yue, have you made up your mind" Night Qingnu shook Yun Qianyue’s arm again and asked her: "I brought back two barrels of blue osmanthus wine from Warm City. Do you want to drink it"

Yun Qianyue turned her head to look at Night Qingnu with a laugh. "If I write a poem, will you give me those two barrels of wine"

"Yes." Night Qingnu nodded vigorously. "Yun Qianyue, do you know that you're misleading others""Young Master Rong!" The four turned around to greet him together.Rong Jing stood at the door smiling in response.Yun Qianyue’s face reddened....