She Holds the World After Being Reborn-Chapter 40: Meeting an Old Flame on a Planned Outing

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Meeting an Old Flame on a Planned Outing

After finishing their lunch, Yan Wanqing returned to her room to change into a lighter outfit, planning to go out.

She glanced at herself in the mirror and thought for a moment, then instructed, "Go fetch a set of jewelry." Since she was going out, she could not be so plainly dressed.

Cong Ge received the order and hurriedly brought over a set of Pomegranate Luan Gold jewelry, which was attractive yet not too complex.

"This was a birthday gift from the lady to the young miss two years ago. It has never been worn before."

Yan Wanqing glanced at it and felt it was quite nice, "Then I’ll wear this."

Cong Ge then took down and redid her hair, adorned her with the jewelry, and looking at her reflection in the mirror, she felt a compelling aura. The room brightened up, and the usual pallor under the red pomegranate hue gradually faded, making her look very healthy.

"Miss, would you like to change into another outfit? That coral pink one goes very well with this set, and it looks very pretty," suggested Cong Ge.

Somehow, Yan Wanqing did not find it troublesome today and indeed let Cong Ge help her change into the coral pink silk skirt.

"Miss, dressed like this, truly looks like a celestial being descended to earth," Cong Ge sincerely exclaimed.

Cong Huan came in from outside, carrying a thermos freshly filled with hot soup, and quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes! Miss usually dresses too plainly. With Miss’s looks, she should wear the prettiest clothes in the world."

Yan Wanqing smiled and lightly touched the pendant by her ear, "Alright, both of you are sweet talkers. We’ll go out together in a bit."

Cong Ge and Cong Huan smiled at each other.

It’s not so easy for a maid from a substantial household to go out. If it’s not to accompany their master, they’d have to report through the housekeeper and madam layer by layer, usually notifying them two days in advance, which is quite cumbersome.

Today, hearing that they could go out together, both maids were overjoyed.

Yan Wanqing chuckled softly, being quite young themselves; how could these girls not enjoy going out?

The three, maid and servant, arrived at the entrance, where Huai Yu was already waiting.

The moment Yan Wanqing appeared around the corner, the Young Marquis’s eyes lit up, and in his mind, there was only one thought, "Her beauty surpasses all, like peach blossoms that continue to smile through spring."

In previous encounters with Yan Wanqing, she wore subdued colors, almost invisible in a crowd.

Today was a rare occasion; she was dressed in a set of coral pink silk, complemented with jewelry and a fleece-trimmed cape over her shoulders, adding a youthful and delicate charm to her already stunning beauty, making her seem much more approachable than usual.

"I have kept the Young Marquis waiting," Yan Wanqing stepped forward and said.

Huai Yu repeatedly waved his hands, "It’s nothing; I am supposed to wait." He stepped aside and extended his hand for Yan Wanqing to get on the carriage first, "Please."

The weather warmed up today. The back street near the lake was usually a bustling small market, and when Yan Wanqing was younger, she loved playing there with her brothers.

She sat in the carriage, lifted the curtain, and looked outside, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

"It’s been a long time. I didn’t expect Old Li’s syrup shop to still be open," she murmured softly.

Huai Yu heard her voice and followed her gaze; a few sparse shops by the road looked somewhat desolate, only an old man stood there, energetically frying chestnuts. Merely passing by, the whole carriage was filled with the aroma.

"How long is a long time?" Huai Yu couldn’t help but ask.

Yan Wanqing slowly let the curtain fall, chuckling, "Not much, just three or four years."

Huai Yu heard this and slightly furrowed his brow, meaning that Yan Wanqing had not gone out for three to four years.

Thus, the trip to Southern Mountain could be considered her genuinely meaningful journey away from home.

Today marked her second time going out.

Huai Yu felt a slight warmth in his heart, and he began, "There are more people ahead, would you like to get off and walk around? There are many foods along the road."

"That would be fine." Yan Wanqing had no objections since she was merely accompanying Huai Yu for a stroll.

Huai Yu helped Yan Wanqing down from the carriage, and at that moment, the hustle and bustle of the world truly came into view.

In a trance, Yan Wanqing was transported back to the days when she used to dance on the rooftop of the tallest tavern in the backstreet, but the sensation was fleeting and soon felt distant.

"How long does the Young Marquis plan to stay in the Capital City?" Yan Wanqing suddenly asked.

Huai Yu didn’t even think before saying, "There’s nothing much going on at the Northern Border, so I plan to stay another two months to fully appreciate the local customs and culture of the Capital City."

"Two months, that’s not a short time. Have you found a place to stay, Young Marquis?"

Huai Yu had not brought much silver tael, so he had casually rented a courtyard—it was no grand residence, but it was serene, though somewhat far from the Capital City.

He openly shared this, and upon hearing, Yan Wanqing suggested, "If that’s the case, why not instruct someone to tidy up and move directly into the Duke’s mansion? This way, you can also spend more time talking with my mother about family matters and the Northern Border."

Huai Yu hadn’t yet spoken when Cong Huan hastily interjected.

"Miss, that might not be appropriate."

Allowing the Young Marquis of the Northern Border to live in the mansion, seeing each other every day, could lead to romance. What about the Seventh Prince then?!

Yan Wanqing’s eyes turned cold, but she ignored her.

Huai Yu naturally did not take the words of a palace maid to heart. He pondered Yan Wanqing’s suggestion and found it reasonable, "If the Commandery Princess doesn’t find it bothersome, then I will follow your orders with respect."

"Naturally." The matter was thus settled.

Yan Wanqing knew her mother’s nature well; she would surely feel sympathy knowing Huai Yu was staying in a remote courtyard. Their home had many rooms suitable for hosting guests, so it was perfectly appropriate for the Young Marquis to stay.

The two continued walking forward, chatting along the way. Huai Yu kept buying snacks for Yan Wanqing; before long, his arms were filled. The pair seemed like old friends who hadn’t seen each other for a long time, constantly talking and laughing, clearly enjoying themselves.

However, this scene did not appear so cheerful to a certain observer.

The Crown Prince was sipping tea in a teahouse, his gaze fixed from the moment the woman appeared until she disappeared around the corner. His expression was inscrutable, making the Palace Attendant beside him too nervous to even breathe.

"Is that the Young Marquis from the Northern Border?" he suddenly asked.

The Palace Attendant, startled, almost jumped out of his skin, hastily responded, "Yes, Your Highness."

"Hmph." His response was a cold snort.

The Palace Attendant dared not speak anymore, sweat beading on his forehead.

The tea in the cup no longer tasted right to the observer.

"She really does have the leisure to accompany others strolling through the backstreet." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

The letters sent there seemed to have sunk into the sea, without a single word in reply.

"How are things being handled over there?" he suddenly asked.

The Palace Attendant, head bowed, said, "They won’t admit to anything."

"Ha... won’t admit?" Leaving his cup on the table gently, he stood up, his demeanor changing from nonchalant to chilling, "I’d like to see just how tough of a bone they are."