Chapter 9 Wei Qu
580 Words
At that moment, the kitchen sent breakfast over. Chu Lianruo casually suggested, "Since you’ve waited so long, why not join me for breakfast here?"
"Sure," Ruhua agreed immediately, instructing her maid to fetch her breakfast from the kitchen as well.
The two moved to the inner room for breakfast. Normally, a concubine should sit below the main concubine, but Ruhua seemed unaware of this custom and boldly sat beside Chu Lianruo. Chu Lianruo didn't mind, and her maids, ignorant of the protocol, did not react. Thus, the meal was relatively harmonious.
Chu Lianruo ate sparingly, finishing her meal while Ruhua still enjoyed her crystal dumplings. Contrary to her delicate name, Ruhua was a handsome woman with prominent features, her carefree demeanor not unpleasant.
After finishing their meal, Ruhua suggested, "Since it's such a lovely spring day, why don't we take a walk in the garden?" Chu Lianruo considered the idea and agreed. It was time she familiarized herself with the layout of Prince Ling’s mansion. She didn’t even know where Yanxiao Pavilion was located within the estate.
She left Siyu at Yanxiao Pavilion and took Siwei along with Ruhua for the walk.
Spring had brought the garden to life with vibrant blossoms and an array of colors. A small, shimmering lake called Jinghu, suitable for leisurely activities, was a picturesque centerpiece, complemented by covered walkways and pavilions. From Yanxiao Pavilion to the garden, they saw few people, suggesting the mansion was centered around Jinghu.
Chu Lianruo, still weak from her frail constitution, found her limit upon reaching the lake. She allowed Siwei to support her arm, breathing lightly and furrowing her brow. Ruhua noticed her condition and proposed, "Concubine Chu, why don’t we rest in the pavilion ahead and enjoy the view?"
Chu Lianruo nodded, and they headed towards the lakeside pavilion, only to find it occupied. A figure, dressed in red and holding a jade flute, lounged there lazily.
Seeing this person, Ruhua grinned mischievously and approached first. "Well, if it isn't Wei Qu! Shouldn’t you be busy playing the flute for the Prince? Or are you planning another ‘coincidental’ encounter with him today?"
The red-clad Wei Qu turned, his expression sour but not diminishing his charm. Described as naturally alluring, his slender eyes glared at Ruhua. "Why do I keep running into you everywhere?"
Ruhua remained unfazed. "Do you think I want to see you? I’m accompanying Concubine Chu on a garden walk. Now get up and pay your respects."
By this time, Chu Lianruo had reached the pavilion and sat on a stone bench. Wei Qu had no choice but to bow to her. "I am Wei Qu. Greetings to Concubine Chu." Chu Lianruo nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Wei Qu straightened up, glared at Ruhua, and stormed off, his red robe trailing behind him.
Watching Wei Qu’s retreating figure, Chu Lianruo remarked casually, "No wonder the Prince prefers men. With looks like that, any man would be tempted."
Ruhua shook her head. "Concubine Chu, you’re mistaken. Men are drawn by appearance but fall for character and spirit. Wei Qu, he’s just an empty shell. Don’t believe me? Watch this."
Chu Lianruo looked at Ruhua, who seemed transformed. Her smile now carried a seductive allure, her eyes hinting at countless possibilities. Though Ruhua's face was plain, in this moment, she exuded an irresistible beauty. Chu Lianruo, raised with grace and propriety, had never seen such a transformation and was momentarily stunned. Regaining her composure, she pondered deeply.
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