Gu Shengyin finally reached the small courtyard hidden within the bamboo forest—or more accurately, a bamboo house.
She looked around for a while but did not see the figure she was searching for. It seemed Ji Yu wasn't here at the bamboo house and was likely somewhere else. Although the Emperor had not explicitly forbidden the eldest prince from moving around, he was confined to the grounds of Qianlong Temple, a restriction that amounted to a disguised form of house arrest.
"Greetings, my lady," a voice came from behind her, interrupting her thoughts.
Gu Shengyin turned slightly, and when she saw the speaker, her eyes widened in surprise.
This man truly looked... extraordinary.
Perhaps it was because he had lived on the temple grounds for so many years, but the eldest prince had an ethereal quality about him, as though he did not belong to the mortal world.
Ji Yu, having taken the role of a scholar and devotee, did not need to shave his head. His long hair was tied back with a simple blue ribbon, and his cyan robes, unadorned by decorative designs, gave him a modest yet elegant appearance. In fact, the simplicity suited him far better than extravagant attire.
Standing before her with a calm demeanor, Ji Yu held a freshly plucked branch of peach blossoms in his hand. With a polite smile, he bowed slightly and said, "Please, my lady."
Gu Shengyin studied him carefully. His serene smile reminded her of a fleeting moment of enlightenment—calm, detached, and free from worldly desires.
She composed herself quickly, returning his smile. "I came to Qianlong Temple to light incense and decided to enjoy the fresh air. As I walked through the mountain, I was drawn by its beauty. However, I have become slightly tired. Might I trouble you for a cup of water?"
Ji Yu's features shifted briefly in surprise before softening with a warm smile. "My lady, please follow me."
He guided her to the bamboo house. Upon entering, Gu Shengyin discovered that it extended into a private courtyard. Shaded by vines and meticulously arranged, the area was unexpectedly charming, a stark contrast to its humble exterior.
At that moment, her two attendants, Hu Zhu and Lin Liang, caught up and took their places by her side.
Ji Yu gestured for Gu Shengyin to take a seat before disappearing briefly into his quarters. When he returned, he carried a pot of tea, which he poured with practiced grace.
Gu Shengyin received the cup with a polite nod of thanks.
"Young miss," Hu Zhu whispered cautiously, leaning close. "You don't know what this is. It might be unsafe to drink."
Gu Shengyin gave her maid a small, reassuring smile before raising the cup to her lips and taking a sip. Her eyes lit up in delight. "What wonderful tea!" she exclaimed.
Ji Yu responded modestly, "It is just a simple skill, unworthy of such praise."
Gu Shengyin couldn't help but think wryly to herself, With you being so formal, how am I supposed to engage with you?
Determined to bridge the gap, she began discussing the tea ceremony. Much to her surprise, the two found themselves immersed in a lively conversation. Though her initial approach had been calculated, she soon discovered that Ji Yu was unexpectedly well-informed about the world beyond the temple. His perspectives aligned closely with hers, and their discussion flowed effortlessly.
Time passed quickly, and before they realized it, they had been talking for over an hour.
When a natural pause in the conversation arose, Hu Zhu stepped forward to remind Gu Shengyin that it was time to return. Gu Shengyin glanced at Ji Yu, whose eyes shimmered with a brightness akin to the moon. She offered a gentle smile. "It is rare to find a kindred spirit in this life. Meeting you today has truly been a blessing."
Ji Yu appeared touched but simply replied, "This bamboo house is in a remote area. Allow me to escort you back."
Accompanied by her maidservants, Gu Shengyin followed Ji Yu as they walked through the bamboo forest. Suddenly, a strange sound broke the tranquility of the evening.
The noise was intermittent and unmistakably suggestive. Hu Zhu and Lin Liang exchanged embarrassed glances, their faces reddening as they avoided looking at each other.
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