Chapter 168: Care for Her?
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
As for the inner hall, it was indeed a paradise for scholars.
A folding screen separated the reading rooms for men and women. Outside the windows on both sides, there were picturesque views, casting the figures of scholars in a setting that resembled an otherworldly paradise.
Perhaps it was the ambiance, but those who came here to read possessed remarkable qualities. They were neither noisy nor disruptive, quietly engrossed in their books, either copying or taking notes.
The atmosphere wasn’t as formal as that of an academy, but it exuded an even greater sense of elegance and charm.
Su Yingxue was invited into the backyard.
She was aware that behind Chu Jinling’s bookstore, there was a place for relaxation.
However, what she didn’t anticipate was that this space was connected to a private residence.
It boasted beautiful mountains, serene waters, and breathtaking scenery. There were artificial hills with meandering streams, and carp ponds beneath bridges, and upon passing through an archway, one would find themselves in an open-sided hall.
If one listened carefully, the sweet calls of cuckoo birds could be heard around the hall.
Their crisp and melodious sounds filled the air.
Chu Jinling was seated, engrossed in a game of chess with someone. Upon seeing Su Yingxue, his eyes brightened. “Auntie! Auntie! Come over here! I’m being bullied to death by Imperial Uncle!”
The moment he spotted Su Yingxue, he pouted and complained about a child, pointing at Chu Yihan. “Imperial Uncle won’t let me have a single move. He’s been beating me so badly that I have nowhere left to place my pieces.”
Chu Yihan, clad in a long purple and gold robe, held a white chess piece in his hand. He responded sternly, “A loss is a loss. Why are you making it sound so dignified?”
Chu Jinling pursed his lips and put on a pitiful expression in front of Su Yingxue. He appeared weak and wronged, evoking sympathy.
Su Yingxue took a white chess piece from his chess box and placed it on the chessboard.
“Your Highness, the Ninth Prince hasn’t lost yet,” Su Yingxue tilted her head, her expression filled with pride.
Chu Yihan tossed the black chess piece into the chess box with a faint smile on his lips. “I concede.”
Chu Jinling remained unconvinced. He rolled up his sleeves and exclaimed, “Imperial Uncle! Don’t be so biased. You can freely defeat me but with Auntie… You just surrender directly! Your heart has twisted!”
Chu Yihan’s expression remained indifferent as he gestured toward Su Yingxue. “There.”
His heart had already taken a different direction.
A hint of embarrassment flickered across Su Yingxue’s face.
Wasn’t he being a little too direct?
Chu Jinling quickly stood up. “Goodbye, Imperial Uncle!”
He left in a huff, refusing to stay and witness their affectionate interaction.
This was simply too much of a tease!
Su Yingxue and Chu Yihan hadn’t seen each other in a few days. Now that she saw him, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement.
Chu Yihan had put considerable effort into their meeting today. He had arranged for Chu Jinling to visit the clinic to find her and then brought her to this remarkable place.
With such splendid scenery, his striking countenance, and his kind treatment of her…
Chu Yihan extended his hand, bringing her over to sit beside him.
His fingers lightly grazed her wrist, touching the most tender skin on her arm. Su Yingxue felt a faint electric sensation as his fingertips transmitted a gentle current from her wrist to her skin, causing her entire nervous system to quiver slightly.
“I want to ask you something.”
Chu Yihan’s sudden question snapped Su Yingxue out of her reverie. She gave her cheeks a light pat and cleared her mind of any romantic notions. With a gaze of pure innocence, she looked at him. “Please, go ahead.”
“Do you happen to know of a poison called Chaotic Flower?”
Su Yingxue’s eyes dimmed slightly, and even her voice took on a more somber tone. “Why does Your Highness suddenly inquire about this?”
Could it be related to Hong Lian?
She had harmed Hong Lian, so why was he showing such concern for her?