The Crown Prince Chunyu, richest in the world, owns private residences in both Xinzhou and Chunning, along with numerous estates. Few knew the specifics of his wealth, but it seemed to be omnipresent.
This manor lay at the boundary between Chunning and Xinzhou, backed by mountains and facing the water, built alongside the river.
At this moment, the night rain poured relentlessly, draping the manor in a layer of misty whiteness. The rainfall pounded vehemently on the eaves, sometimes lingering, sometimes softly sobbing.
Inside the house, the fire blazed vigorously, sending fragrant smoke winding upwards. Delicate snacks were arranged on the desk; a scene of tranquil elegance that made one drowsy.
"When the rain stops, I should be leaving." Feng Yun knelt behind a wooden desk, a picture of grace and calm. Perhaps the fire was too warm; a blush tinged her porcelain cheeks, resembling a blooming lotus.
"Whatâs the rush?" Chunyu Yanâs eyes half-open, he cradled a golden goblet, admiring her loosely pinned hair, her enchanting eyes, her furrowed brows. He couldnât help but become somewhat distracted.
"Watching the fire from across the river, one should wait for it to extinguish before returning."
Feng Yun looked up at him, her lips slightly pursed, "For the Princely Heir to entertain me for two days is already troubling enough..."
"Ha!" Chunyu Yan scoffed with a laugh, that pair of gleaming eyes turning towards her, even more charming in the exchange, "If only youâd trouble me for a lifetime, Iâd be delighted."
Here he went again.
This man simply couldnât be serious.
If it were her past life, Feng Yun might have felt unbearably ashamed by now.
Now, having grown a thicker skin and taking life and death lightly, everything else seemed trivial.
"The Princely Heir has keen eyesight. One look and you know Iâd be unwilling."
Chunyu Yan laughed, "Look at you, not a shred of sincerity in your thanks."
He watched the water droplets splashing against the window, dancing in the lamplight, and suddenly, with a smile: "With such weather, in a warm room filled with fragrance, if we were to have a lovemaking session, wouldnât that be wonderful?"
Feng Yun:...
"Handsome people can say anything rightly. Even vulgar words become charming."
Feng Yun sized him up, "Pity that I fancy strong and robust men. The Princely Heir is a trifle too slender."
Chunyu Yan took a sharp breath, his shoulders going rigid as he met her gaze, seeing the faint mockery and flash of scorn. His cheeks burned unexpectedly, for he was indeed handsomeâa masterpiece of the heavens, as everyone said. However, in her eyes, he only saw disdain, which was really a blow to his pride.
And yet, he was smitten with her manner.
He also felt quite shameless.
"What, should I become like Pei Wangzhi to suit your taste?"
Feng Yun laughed softly, her cheeks flushed pink and translucent from the warmth of the stove, her lips rosyâa vision of graceful allure.
"Thereâs no need for the Princely Heir to change. Youâre not Pei Wangzhi, nor could you ever become him." Saying this, she glanced at the maids around them.
"With so many beauties at the Princely Heirâs side, why bother looking elsewhere?"
Chunyu Yan had a fondness for luxurious indulgence and enjoyed beautiful things. The maids attending to him were indeed each a beauty in her own right.
Feng Yunâs brief stay at his manor these past few days had been a constant reminder of how wonderful it was to have money.
"Are you not pleased?" Chunyu Yan asked, "If youâre displeased, I will send them away."
Feng Yun was taken aback by his words and let out a laugh.
"How could I not like them? Such beautiful girls, who wouldnât find them a delight to the eye?"
"Then I shall give them to you." Chunyu Yan said casually with a smile. The two maids by his side immediately had tears in their eyes and hung their heads low.
Feng Yun glanced at them, declining the offer.
"A gentleman does not covet what others love..."
Chunyu Yan looked at her with a smile, his lashes fluttering, his dark pupils captivating with their radiant hue, "Canât you see? Iâm seducing you."
Feng Yun fixed her gaze on him, "I merely see someone whoâs dissipated, who knows no restraint..."
Chunyu Yan chuckled lightly, as if entertained by something amusing, "An old acquaintance is about to visit; youâd do well to wield such eloquence then."
"An old acquaintance?" Feng Yun felt a slight constriction in her heart, then heard footsteps through the sound of the raging rain.
Straightaway, the report from Sang Jiao sounded outside the door.
"Princely Heir, an esteemed guest has arrived."
Chunyu Yan glanced at Feng Yun: "Please let them in."
A tall and handsome figure appeared at the door.
Under the cloak, the young emperor, in his brocade and fur-trimmed attire, still possessed elegance and a certain nobility. Braving the night rain to enter, moisture soaked his hem, but he was oblivious, bringing an air of cold with him as he came in.
When their gazes met in midair, it was as though lifetimes had passed.
"Ayun..."
With a "bang", the wooden desk shook.
Feng Yunâs teacup clattered down heavily, her complexion turned utterly pale.
That day, Ge Guang had set the Liufeng Garden ablaze, ending Song Shouâan; to avoid suspicion, Feng Yun had carried out the full act, departing Xinzhou City with Ge Guang. However, she had not anticipated that Chunyu Yanâs offer of help also included such a condition.