Chapter 16: The First Test

“Your Highness…” Madam Yin looked pitifully at Chu Yuchuan. This punishment was far too lenient!

“Zuo Xuan, escort Madam Yin back to the Ruoyue Pavilion.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After Zuo Xuan had taken her away, Chu Yuchuan rose and approached Yu Qingyan, lifting her chin with his hand.

Yu Qingyan struggled but couldn’t break free. She then used her right hand to swat away the annoying hand. Chu Yuchuan grabbed her extended right hand. In anger, Yu Qingyan struck his abdomen with her left hand. Chu Yuchuan stepped back slightly, holding onto her right hand, and with the momentum, pulled her backward, causing Yu Qingyan to spin and fall into his arms.

“Does my beloved wife want everyone to know that the newlywed princess of the Idle King is a martial arts expert?”

A soft whisper brushed against her ear, warm breath trailing along her neck. Yu Qingyan suppressed her anger. “Let go!”

Chu Yuchuan smiled lightly. “Is my beloved wife feeling shy?”

Yu Qingyan rolled her eyes inwardly, then suddenly stomped hard. Someone behind her groaned softly, and she finally gained her freedom.

“Yu Qingyan!”

“Your humble servant bids Your Highness farewell.”

“Hmph!”

Watching Chu Yuchuan leave Xiuzhu Garden, his face flushed and limping slightly, Yu Qingyan felt inexplicably cheerful.

“Miss, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Yu Qingyan restrained her smile. “Magpie Meixiang, you may leave now. As long as Cui’er remains here, it’s enough.”

“Yes.”

After lunch, Yu Qingyan took Cui’er to the bamboo grove in the rear courtyard of Xiuzhu Garden. To avoid Magpie Meixiang and Green Chrysanthemum, the two deliberately went to the secluded bamboo forest. True to its name, the garden boasted a resilient and upright bamboo grove sheltered from the cold.

“No, it’s too slow.” Yu Qingyan frowned, referring not only to Cui’er but herself as well. “Continue.”

“Yes.”

Yu Qingyan’s brow furrowed slightly. Suddenly, she stopped and looked back. Indeed, there was a solitary figure clad in white standing quietly among the bamboo.

“Who are you?”

“Apologies, I spoke abruptly.”

“This is the Idle King’s estate. Why are you here?”

Gu Jinshi raised an eyebrow. “And why is the young lady here?”

To appear unnoticed by her might suggest he was an assassin, but dressed in white and radiating calm, he didn’t seem to fit that role. Who at the Idle King’s estate would be like this?

“I live in the Xiuzhu Garden ahead.”

“No wonder I haven’t seen you before,” Gu Jinshi’s eyes gleamed with understanding. “I was invited to stay briefly at the Ningshuang Pavilion behind the bamboo grove.”

“The weather is cold. What brings you to the pavilion?”

“White snow and green bamboo. I came a few days ago and found the scenery delightful. I had some leisure today and came again. I didn’t expect to disturb you, young lady. I shall take my leave now.”

“Wait—”

Gu Jinshi met Yu Qingyan’s gaze and suddenly smiled slyly, whispering, “Rest assured, young lady, Jinshi saw nothing.”

“Miss, everyone has left. What are you still looking at?”

Yu Qingyan remained still. “Were all the men in ancient times like this…”

Since arriving, she had met the Emperor, the Idle King, and this man just now. The Emperor was slightly less impressive but still exceptionally handsome.

“What nonsense! Miss, you’re already married to the Idle King. Why are you still talking like this!”

Yu Qingyan raised an eyebrow. “I’m married, but Cui’er isn’t yet, right?”

“Miss! You—”

“Cui’er, you’re blushing.”

“I’m not! Miss, I’ll continue practicing.” With that, Cui’er ran off.

Yu Qingyan’s lips curled slightly. That man had just introduced himself as Jinshi… By the way, she still didn’t know the Idle King’s given name.