Favoring a Hidden Mistress? Engagement Broken-Chapter 33

Lu Ziyuan is not a fool; even though he spoils Liu Manrou, he wouldn’t let her repeatedly stir up trouble right under his nose.

Once is enough, not a second time. Moreover, if you think carefully, this matter is indeed baffling.

Though Lu Ziyuan is a favorite around the palace, his love affairs aren’t worth spreading throughout the entire Capital City.

The news of a mistress being pregnant could spread across the Capital in one night; Xie Wanqing wouldn’t believe there’s no one orchestrating it behind the scenes.

But his political enemies wouldn’t bother elevating such a trivial matter; then who else could it be, besides them?

After a brief contemplation, an image of a handsome face suddenly flashed through Xie Wanqing’s mind; her brows slightly arched, the more she thought of it, the more likely it seemed.

On the day of her grandmother’s birthday banquet, she had agreed to visit the tea house to find him, but these days, it’s either been raining or she’s been attending outings with her female friends, so she hadn’t thought of seeking him out.

Thinking of this, Xie Wanqing, who originally had no plans to go out today, suddenly felt restless.

She raised her head to glance at the sky and commanded, "Prepare the carriage, I wish to go out."

...... 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

It was mealtime, and the taverns and restaurants were bustling with people, Yu Xuan Tea House was no exception.

As a renowned tea house in the Capital, its storefront was elegantly decorated, with its signboard made of yellow pear wood, adorned with four bold characters in a flamboyant style, clearly crafted by a master.

The ground floor had a square stage, usually occupied by storytellers, with occasional performances by singing girls.

Xie Wanqing had just entered when an old shopkeeper came forward to greet her, respectfully asking, "Miss, are you here to find someone?"

Xie Wanqing was a bit surprised, "You recognize me?"

After all, she was here to meet an outside male; today she chose a carriage without the Xie Family emblem and wore a veil hat while disembarking.

The old shopkeeper smiled faintly, "The master specifically sent someone to inform us."

With that, he bowed and led the way, "Please follow me this way."

It was the same elegant room as before, guarded by two guards at the door, who bowed to her and opened the door when she arrived.

Xie Wanqing stepped inside and saw him standing by the window, clad in a moon-white robe with wide sleeves, holding a jade cup, exuding an elegant and refined demeanor that left her somewhat dazed.

The sound of the door closing rang from behind, bringing Xie Wanqing back to reality. She lifted her hand to remove her veil hat and asked, "Did you see me as soon as I got off the carriage?"

From where he stood, the view of Vermilion Bird Street was fully visible.

Pei Yuqing lightly acknowledged, turned to look at her, and asked, "Have you eaten?"

"No, I came here especially to eat with you," Xie Wanqing said bluntly as she took a seat, her fingertips tapping the table as she began ordering food: "The honey-glazed roast goose from last time was good, and let’s have some sweet soup..."

She ordered a lot in succession before turning to ask, "Have you eaten?"

Pei Yuqing’s lips curled slightly, his gaze settling on her.

The young lady was dressed in a goose-yellow gauze ruqun today, with a simple jade hairpin adorning her hair, her attire very plain, without any jewelry on her wrists.

– Extremely low-key.

He stared slightly at a loss; Xie Wanqing’s fingertips tapped more firmly on the table, her brows lightly arched, "I’m asking if you’ve eaten, what are you thinking about?"

She grinned slyly, Pei Yuqing abruptly looked away and replied, "Not yet."

With that, he raised his voice to call someone in to serve the dishes.

In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the door to the elegant room was knocked once again, and the shopkeeper personally led the staff in to serve the dishes, before they withdrew.

Once again, only the two of them remained inside the room.

Xie Wanqing rested her chin in her palm and smiled at him, "Do you plan to stand there to eat?"

It’s strange; even though he invited her here, he seemingly waits there every day, looking all flustered now that she finally arrived.

Compared to her straightforward demeanor, he seemed more like a young lady unaccustomed to being alone with an outside male.

Thinking this, Xie Wanqing’s smile deepened, and as she watched him sit down, her gaze unabashedly lingered on his face, teasingly asking, "Weren’t you staring at me without blinking just moments ago? Why so shy now?"

Pei Yuqing froze slightly, and after pondering on something unknown, he raised his eyes to look at her and softly said, "Wanwan, don’t always tease me."

Xie Wanqing obliged, sat up straight, and seriously inquired, "Are you here every day?"

Pei Yuqing nodded, poured her a cup of tea, and explained, "It’s quiet here."

Xie Wanqing let out a long "Oh," looking at the bustling pedestrians and vendors below, she couldn’t help but chuckle, "It indeed is quiet."

Pei Yuqing lowered his eyes without speaking.

Seeing him so embarrassed, Xie Wanqing refrained from voicing what she originally wanted to ask: ’Are you here waiting for me?’

She picked up her chopsticks and began eating.

The dishes here are indeed good, catering well to her sweet-tooth preference.

This was her first time eating with a man other than Lu Ziyuan, unexpectedly finding this meal quite comfortable.

Once the leftovers were cleared away, a set of jade green tea ware was brought in.

Pei Yuqing folded his legs, sitting at the tea table by the window, washing his hands, burning incense, and making tea.

The steam from the boiling water rose upwards; Xie Wanqing sat opposite him, watching through the thin mist, feeling his every move evoked a sense of serenity and calm.

His gaze lingered for too long, Pei Yuqing raised his eyes stiffly, "Wanwan."

Xie Wanqing murmured in response, perked up slightly, and asked, "What?"

"Please don’t look at me like that."

Xie Wanqing paused, then smiled, meeting his eyes once again, teasingly saying, "I’m waiting to drink your tea."

"..." Pei Yuqing hesitated briefly, then raised his hand to pour her a cup, cautioning, "Careful, it’s hot."

Xie Wanqing held the jade cup, finding his gentle and clean appearance extremely pleasing.

Clearly with traits opposite to Lu Ziyuan, one cold and sharp like a frosty sword, the other mild and gentle like a spring breeze.

Yet she’s found each of them appealing at different times.

With this thought, she tilted her head with a smile and asked, "There’s been a lot of buzz recently about Lu Ziyuan keeping a mistress. Was it your doing?"

His hand stirring the tea ware temporarily halted, Pei Yuqing didn’t respond immediately.

Xie Wanqing is patient, so she waited.

Eventually, he nodded slightly, "It was me."

Xie Wanqing thought, as expected, her smile unfaltering, "Today, the news of that mistress being pregnant is all over the Capital; did you fan the flames?"

Having admitted to the first event, there was no harm in admitting to the second; this time Pei Yuqing answered even quicker.

His straightforwardness unexpectedly left Xie Wanqing feeling uneasy.

She gently set down the tea cup, her gaze lingering on the incense burner nearby, silent for a long time.

She had come here due to her suspicions.

He answered directly.

At this moment, his intentions were almost clearly expressed.

What now?

What should she do now?

The metaphorical paper window he has tried so hard to preserve, was shattered by her insistence.

Now, Xie Wanqing resembled a child who had unwittingly broken something out of playful curiosity, feeling a bit anxious.

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