Chapter 101: I Want to Laugh, but I’m Afraid He’ll Stop Acting
Wang Shiqi was not only overconfident, but also impatient.
The very next morning, he showed up at her door with a gift, and he even brought Wang Wanqing with him.
Wang Shiqi hadn’t wanted to bring Wang Wanqing. Who pursues a girl with his little sister in tow?
But Wang Wanqing claimed the Princess had personally invited her to visit, so she got the chance to tag along.
In truth, Xiao Li had said no such thing. Wanqing just wanted to come, and she also felt that her third brother was acting a little strange, so she wanted to tag along and see what was going on.
Xiao Li was still lazing in bed and hadn’t gotten up yet, but when she heard it was those two paying a visit, she dragged herself out.
She languidly did her makeup, threw on some simple clothes, and just had Hong Yue tie her hair back with a cord.
Compared to yesterday’s magnificent formal attire, today’s outfit was as simple as could be.
The weather was so cold it made one want to hibernate; she couldn’t even be bothered to dress up.
’Where does that Wang Shiqi get so much enthusiasm?’
"Princess, would you like a bowl of hot soup first?"
Hong Yue had already set out the meal.
"No need." Xiao Li took the fox-fur cloak and wrapped it around herself, then unhurriedly opened the door and went out.
A gust of snowy wind rushed in, bone-chillingly cold. Flecks of white were mixed in with it—it had started to snow.
Xiao Li walked out slowly and entered the main hall, where the brother and sister had already been sitting for quite some time.
Seeing Xiao Li enter, Wang Wanqing immediately stood up and said with a smile, "Princess."
Wang Shiqi stared, stunned for a moment, but then he also rose to bow. "Princess."
Xiao Li raised a hand. "No need for formalities. Please, sit."
Wang Shiqi quickly presented his gift and stated his purpose. "I was a poor host yesterday. Today, I’ve come especially to apologize. I hope the Princess will not take offense."
Xiao Li hesitated for a moment before accepting it. Then, she watched him continue his performance.
"The Princess was unable to properly enjoy the flowers yesterday, and I have been ill at ease ever since. As it happens, my uncle owns a Mei Garden where he cultivates plum blossoms of many different colors. With the frost and snow falling now, the blossoms are in full bloom—a truly rare sight. I sincerely invite the Princess to view the plum blossoms with me. Please, grant me this chance to make amends."
Xiao Li: ... ’I’m trying so hard not to laugh, but I’m afraid he’ll stop his little act if I do.’
Her gaze shifted to Wang Wanqing. "Are you going too?"
Unaware of her third brother’s intentions, Wang Wanqing was torn. ’Should I go, or should I not go?’
Wang Shiqi hesitated for a moment before answering, "Of course Wanqing will accompany us. She can help attend to the Princess."
Xiao Li pretended to hesitate for a moment. "Since you both so graciously invited me, I suppose I’ll go have a look."
Wang Shiqi’s face immediately lit up, and he beamed as if he’d just been given a priceless treasure. Anyone who saw him would think he was utterly smitten with Xiao Li.
Xiao Li had someone bring out her newly-built luxurious carriage. It was reinforced, well-insulated for warmth, and practical. Its appearance wasn’t bad either—it was passable, at least.
Wang Shiqi was eager to get into the carriage with them, but Xiao Li only took Wang Wanqing.
’How improper it would be for a man like him to ride in her carriage.’
Wang Wanqing was immediately struck by the warmth upon entering. The carriage was spacious—not only could it seat people, but the daybeds on either side could even accommodate two people lying down. The Wang family also had excellent carriages, but it seemed none were as large as this one.
Just as she was marveling at how luxurious and comfortable the carriage was, she saw the Princess’s maidservant bring out dishes one by one and place them on a small table. A medicinal tonic was even being kept warm on a small stove nearby.
She sat down stiffly, somewhat chagrined. "We’re causing the Princess so much trouble."
Xiao Li had Hong Yue hand Wang Wanqing a bowl and chopsticks. "Would you like to eat with me?"
Holding the bowl, Wang Wanqing felt even more awkward. ’How did we end up having a meal?’
Seeing how much Xiao Li was enjoying her food, she couldn’t resist taking a sip of the soup. Mmm, she didn’t know how this soup was made, but it was delicious. After drinking it, her whole body felt warm and wonderfully comfortable.
Xiao Li didn’t speak during the meal. But when it was over and a bowl of medicine appeared before her, she stared at it with a frown, not wanting to look at it a second longer.
The bitter scent overpowered everything else. Even just smelling it, Wang Wanqing could tell it was bitter. No one liked drinking medicine.
"The Princess is in poor health..." She recalled that not long ago, the Princess had been in a coma for a full month. Of course her health wouldn’t be good after being unconscious for so long.
Yet her third brother, for his own selfish reasons, had schemed to get the Princess to attend a banquet yesterday and was now dragging her out to view plum blossoms in this freezing weather. He had no consideration for her at all.
The young woman couldn’t hide her feelings; her face was filled with unspoken remorse and pity.
Xiao Li found it amusing. ’How is it that this girl seems more inclined to cherish the fairer sex than her own brother?’
’Besides, we only met yesterday and barely spoke. This Wang Wanqing seems to have a very favorable impression of me, and it doesn’t look like an act. How strange.’
Completely unaware that she had unwittingly won the girl’s favor, Xiao Li was filled with questions.
Since Wang Shiqi had invited Xiao Li out, his uncle’s estate couldn’t be far. Although it was outside the city, the carriage arrived in just one hour.
"Princess, be careful."
Hong Yue glared, fuming, as she watched Wang Wanqing steal her job.
’The way that girl looked at the Princess in the carriage was strange. Now she’s scrambling to get close to the Princess. She must have ill intentions and ulterior motives.’
She tugged on Lan Yue’s sleeve, giving her a look.
Lan Yue also frowned deeply. "Keep a close eye on her."
Wang Wanqing, who only wanted to take care of Xiao Li to assuage her own guilt, had no idea she was already being treated as an enemy combatant by the two maids, one who required close surveillance.
"Princess, this is my uncle’s estate. I’ve already made arrangements in advance. The Princess can enjoy the plum blossoms to her heart’s content, and I guarantee no riffraff will disturb you."
Reaching the entrance to the Mei Garden, Wang Shiqi pushed past Wang Wanqing and extended a hand to help Xiao Li. "Careful, Princess."
His posture was one of worry and caution, as if he cared for her immensely.
This time, however, Xiao Li’s hand did not land on his elbow. Instead, she lifted the hem of her dress and gracefully ascended the steps.
Before they even entered, the fragrance of plum blossoms filled the air.
Wang Shiqi hadn’t been lying to her.
Just inside the entrance to the Mei Garden stood a large white plum tree, its blossoms brilliant and full.
The weeds in the courtyard had all withered away, leaving only the plum trees, one after another, vying to show off their blooms.
White, pink, red, yellow—one glance was enough to tell that the owner of this courtyard adored plum blossoms. Not only were there many trees, but they were also well-tended.
Wang Shiqi followed attentively by Xiao Li’s side, telling her about the different varieties of plum blossoms and the ages of the trees.
Xiao Li didn’t know much about the subject. He talked, and she looked.
After they had walked about halfway around, Wang Shiqi said considerately, "Is the Princess tired? There is a Shuixie ahead. I’ve had flower tea prepared inside, perfect for warming up."
Xiao Li readily agreed and followed him over without the slightest hint of caution.
But behind her, Hong Yue and Lan Yue were blocked at the entrance. Even Wang Wanqing was prevented from going forward.
The man who stopped them gave a suggestive reason: "My young master has something he wishes to say to the Princess privately. Let’s not go and disturb them, shall we, ladies?"
’The hell I shall!’
Looking at his suggestive, sleazy expression, both Hong Yue and Lan Yue wanted to flank him and slap him from both sides.
If the Princess hadn’t given them prior instructions, could this man have possibly stopped them?
’That Wang Shiqi, a man with such obvious ulterior motives, isn’t even worthy of carrying the Princess’s shoes! And he dares use such a disgusting trick to scheme against her? He deserves to die.’
They couldn’t chase after Wang Shiqi to confront him. Turning to look at Wang Wanqing beside them, their faces fell in unison. Hmph. ’None of the Wang family siblings are any good.’
Wang Wanqing: "...?"