The man standing next to the carriage only spoke a few words, but his tone carried an undeniable chill even in the scorching summer.
If that were all, it would have been tolerable, considering that the rumors about the Crown Prince's extraordinary appearance had already spread throughout Da Zhou, but at this moment, his calm face and rugged features gave off an aura of repulsion. He was adorned in thick armor, concealing his body, which was covered in scabs of dried blood that emitted a putrid smell when the wind blew.
However, these eerie details were counterbalanced by his tall stature and handsome features, particularly his eyes, which were raised at the corners, creating a contradictory but harmonious impression with his stern countenance.
His calm gaze seemed to float aimlessly, yet it also felt as though it perceived the essence of each person, leaving them unable to move a muscle.
Deputy Lieutenant Yang Jian quickly realized the situation and paled in concern, approaching with a look of disbelief. "Your Highness, your attire..."
However, Zhao Jinghuan remained indifferent, and stated, "On our way south, we encountered bandits outside the city who were pillaging and killing without restraint. We had to act swiftly and apprehend them to prevent further violence. There wasn't enough time to clean up."
Although his words were composed, the surrounding atmosphere became suffused with scenes of bloodshed and violence.
Everyone suddenly understood why the soldiers didn't resemble typical travelers, but instead emanated the air of battle-hardened warriors.
Being a civil official, Yang Jian had never experienced such a scene and turned pale. He hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, since the troubles began, more refugees have gathered, attracting bandits who exploit them. My men have tried to suppress them multiple times but the bandits have always escaped into the mountains. Subsequently, they have retaliated, causing more chaos. We are deeply grateful for Your Highness's efforts to protect the people. Nonetheless, if such an event occurs again, Your Highness, please exercise caution. Your safety is paramount, and I would be blamed if any harm befalls you."
His words were golden, promptly admitting negligence while subtly expressing his helplessness. It was a polished display of concern. Under normal circumstances, it would have been well-received, but he stood before Zhao Jinghuan.
In the past, Zhao Jinghuan might have been fooled due to his lack of experience, despite his strategic abilities. However, having experienced a different life, he had developed a different perspective. He knew that Yang Jian had little talent, and his performance would be mediocre at best.
Therefore, his remarks were merely a formality. Once Yang took notice, Zhao Jinghuan didn't linger on the matter. "Your Highness's concern is deeply appreciated," Yang Jian said, letting out a breath of relief. However, when faced with Zhao Jinghuan again, he became more guarded and reserved. "Your Highness has endured much on the journey. Please freshen up at the mansion. Later, I will host a banquet to welcome you."
According to Zhao Jinghuan's intention, he came south to handle the disaster and solve the various chain reactions caused by the disaster. There was no time to waste on these trivial matters. However, he also understood that in order to handle the disaster relief, he ultimately had to rely on the cooperation of local officials such as Yang Jian.
Moreover, it was true that his bloodstained appearance was not conducive to discussion, so he agreed to his proposal. Knowing Yang Jian’s plan to host a banquet, he was certain that it would be a gathering of local officials. He could take advantage of this opportunity to observe everyone in advance while chatting with Yang Jian.
While the two were talking, the dancers and others from the smoke pavilion, on the side, were whispering and discussing.
Seeing Zhao Jinghuan, they reacted and whispered in amazement, "The prince truly has a heavenly appearance. Such a situation does not affect his appearance in the slightest."
Upon hearing that he had killed bandits, they admired him, saying, "The prince is truly deserving of his reputation as a benevolent prince. He can even kill extremely villainous bandits on the road!"
Listening to the whispers behind her, Liu Feifei felt disdainful in her heart, but at the same time, she quickly came up with a plan.
As Zhao Jinghuan and Yang Jian prepared to enter the premises, a sudden exclamation was heard from the side.
Because of the appearance of the prince, everyone present was awed by his presence, except for the sound of his conversation with Yang Jian, there was only the quiet sound of wind and the silent breathing of the people.
Therefore, this sudden exclamation seemed extremely abrupt.
Zhao Jinghuan instinctively looked over and saw a young woman in white who seemed to have stumbled by accident.
He looked over and saw the woman raise her head, a faint blush on her delicate face. She pretended to be strong and looked as if she was aloof.
But upon looking at the place where she stood, there was no uneven ground or steps, and there were no people pushing or jostling her. Instead, the people around her seemed cautious and kept their distance.
Realizing what was happening, he lost interest and decided to ignore her, saying to Yang Jian, "Let's go inside."
Due to Liu Feifei's actions, Yang Jian had wanted to introduce her to the prince, but was left speechless at the turn of events.
Finding herself ignored by the prince, Liu Feifei felt extremely angry upon realizing it. Hearing the whispers and the seemingly judgmental looks from the others around her made her feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.
At this moment, Su Mo'er was sitting on the window sill of her room, her face seemingly calm, but her hands on her knees were occasionally tightening a handkerchief. Her gaze kept involuntarily turning to the window.
Before long, she saw the figure of Qingyao appear, and her expression changed slightly. A hint of anticipation flashed in her eyes as she quickly got up to meet the breathless Qingyao.
"How's it going? Have you found out?" Qingyao took the water from Su Mo'er and drank before wheezing out a reply, "Miss, I found out. I heard that the prince is staying at the West Garden's Dingxi Building and has just entered the residence. If you hurry, you might just happen to meet the prince."
Upon hearing this, Su Mo'er immediately relaxed, having been on edge until then.
Before leaving, she realized that there were too many people waiting outside to receive the prince, so going out might not attract the prince's attention at all.
In that case, what was the point? So, she decided to change her plan and appear as a contrast, hoping it would leave a deeper impression on the prince.
With this in mind, she immediately took out all the silver she had, setting aside a small portion for her own expenses, and gave the rest to Qingyao.
She instructed Qingyao to quickly bribe the servants in the residence to gather information.
Qingyao, being a household servant, was clever and did not fail Su Mo'er's trust, managing to gather the necessary information, albeit in a somewhat extensive manner.
As she contemplated everything, Su Mo'er didn't know if the place she would be moving to was arranged by the general himself. Either way, the Dingxi Building in the West Garden was not far from the Smoke Pavilion of the Dance and Music, and she could make it there quickly with some adjustments to her appearance.
As she thought this, Qingyao, with a touch of schadenfreude, said, "Miss, you don't know. Just now, outside, that Liu Feifei deliberately made a move to attract the attention of the prince, but the prince only glanced at her and went straight into the residence."
Upon hearing this, Su Mo'er did not find it amusing as Qingyao did. Instead, she became more cautious. Liu Feifei, though not particularly clever and not having a good temper, came from a prominent family, had good looks, and might have enduring intentions. This was evident from her behavior in the past.
Moreover, she was now doing all this for a man, which made Su Mo'er feel an increasingly strong sense of crisis. She immediately instructed Qingyao to help her freshen up and then hurried out, asking Qingyao to lead her to the Dingxi Building.
She hurried and finally arrived at the Dingxi Building before the others. After sending Qingyao away, she looked around the building and its surroundings. The Dingxi Building, true to its name, was surrounded by a large courtyard, and inside was a tall pavilion with perhaps four or five floors.
People living in it can overlook the scenery of most of Changzhou City from a high place.
Outside the courtyard is a tranquil green creek flowing through dense bamboo groves, with the green bamboo leaves shining under the sunlight merging with the shimmering creek. The rustling sound of the breeze passing through is also quite a leisurely place.
Su Mo'er did not want to approach Dingxi Tower too openly, and she needed to be discreet in her actions.
So, where she remained at the moment was not far from Dingxi Tower, but it was a winding garden.
It's called a garden, naturally, it's not as luxuriant as the front yard garden, with only a few flowers blooming and some small green trees, just barely pleasant.
Here, it's extremely easy for an unfamiliar person to get lost, but it also gave her an opportunity.
Seeing this, Su Mo'er sighed lightly in her heart. It's a pity that the flowering season has passed, otherwise, when the peach blossoms, pear blossoms, and other flowers bloom on both sides, coming here to pretend to be walking and enjoying the flowers, and getting lost while collecting honey and enjoying the fragrance, it would be even more natural and comfortable.
The timing is not right now, but it's still passable.
Just then, she heard the sound of footsteps coming from the bamboo forest.
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The author has something to say:
They are about to meet~