A master of metaphysics is farming.

Chapter 122 Chang Le Pavilion

The area around Yaohu Lake was bustling with activity, and the branches of trees in the open space were covered with paintings.

Some of the young women were still cutting paper, comparing their skills.

The long table was filled with casual conversation. Xiang He took a sip of the flower tea, which was easy to drink as it wasn't too strong.

"What do you think of this tea, Miss?"

Xiang He nodded slightly, "Strong tea is not suitable for drinking at night, while flower tea is good for the mind."

Rarely receiving her approval, Shen Zhuoci smiled, "It seems that you are quite knowledgeable about tea, young lady."

"I only have some knowledge of medicinal herbs; anything that goes in your mouth can be used as medicine."

"The young lady has a great understanding of pharmacology."

"Understood."

The brief conversation fell silent again. He Suian poured her a cup of tea. "Feeling full? Why don't you get up and take a walk?"

"also."

Xiang He stood up, and He Sui'an bowed to Shen Zhuoci, "Your Highness, how about we take a walk?"

“That’s great, just sitting here is really boring.”

The three of them stood up. The young men and women who wanted to curry favor with him also wanted to get up, but seeing that He Yuncheng was still sitting, they gave up the idea.

Xiao Quan turned to He Yuncheng, his eyes full of disdain, and said, "Young Master He, that He Sui'an is adept at manipulating people!"

Compared to his disdain, He Yuncheng remained calm, saying, "Don't say those things again."

Xiao Quan was embarrassed and sat back down, still feeling very resentful.

A discarded son of the He family and a country girl from the mountains became close to powerful people in just a few days; while they spent their days groveling and fawning, only to be met with cold shoulders. How could they not be jealous?

Everyone remained silent; they were naturally jealous, just not as openly as Xiao Quan.

The noblewoman Du Wenxiu followed Shen Zhuoci's figure, her hands clenching tightly under the table and on her knees. Just as her gaze fell, several figures appeared before her.

Her cold expression turned to joy as she stood up. "The princess and Miss Yuan have arrived."

Princess Qin Fuhua, dressed in brocade robes and silk gowns, arrived chatting and laughing with Miss Yuan Qingqiu, who was with her. They came face to face with Xiang He and the others.

Qin Fuhua's eyes sparkled with joy as she said, "Brother Shen is here too."

"Fu Hua just arrived, and they all had a great time chatting."

"We were delayed on the way," Qin Fuhua said with a smile, glancing around. "These two are unfamiliar faces. Are they Brother Shen's friends?"

"Happy New Year to Brother He, and to Miss Xiang He, a newly acquainted friend."

Qin Fuhua glanced at him casually, "Is Young Master He a scholar traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations?"

"Greetings, Princess. It is indeed you."

He bowed and saluted, and Xiang He only moved half of his body slightly to shield He Sui'an from view.

Noticing her actions, He Sui'an glanced down and followed her gaze, only to see her staring at the maid next to Qin Fuhua, a flash of coldness in her eyes.

As if sensing the gaze, the maid looked up curiously, but no one was looking at her. She felt strange and became wary.

With many people around, He Suian didn't know what to ask, but seeing that her expression was normal, he leaned down slightly and whispered in her ear, "Go to Chang Le Pavilion?"

"Row."

He Suian left a message for Shen Zhuoci, then turned and walked with Xiang He towards the pavilion. Shen Zhuoci wanted to catch up, but Qin Fuhua and the others were talking to him, so he could only watch their figures disappear into the distance.

His unusual attention to the two caught Qin Fuhua's attention, and she asked with a tactful smile, "Brother Shen is very concerned about those two. Do you perhaps possess some special skills?"

"I don't know much about that, I just find it interesting."

Qin Fuhua listened with a puzzled look, "Interesting? It's rare for Brother Shen to find something interesting, which makes Fuhua want to know too."

Yuan Qingqiu tilted her head curiously, "I remember that He Sui'an was an abandoned son of the He family. So, which family does that young lady belong to?"

"Qingqiu has a good memory; that girl looked very simple and unassuming."

Shen Zhuoci's gaze remained fixed on the two women. "They're just girls from a mountain village."

"A country girl? I'm even more curious about that. Let's go."

Ever since He Sui'an appeared here that night, these young ladies and gentlemen have often talked about him, so it's not surprising that they've heard of him.

When He Yuncheng heard what they said later, a hint of indifference appeared in his eyes, and he turned to look at Chang Le Pavilion with them.

He Sui'an and Xiang He sat in the pavilion, while Zhu Nan brought out tea sets and stood guard with Xing Ji.

"What happened just now?"

Just as Xiang He was about to speak, she noticed that Qin Fuhua and the others had already arrived. They briefly explained, "It seems... nothing will happen for the time being."

He Sui'an immediately understood, meaning that there was something wrong with the maid.

However, it was inconvenient for him to ask directly at this moment. The powerful and wealthy people had already come over, and Shen Zhuoci had already sat down. "Every year during the Flower Festival, someone will set up an award, and the person who wins first place will receive it."

"I wonder what the awards will be this year?"

Qin Fuhua slowly sat down. "This year's prize, bestowed by this princess, is a white jade teacup. I wonder if either of you would be interested?"

It was related to tea again, and Xiang He wasn't very interested. He Sui'an just nodded slightly, "It wouldn't hurt to give it a try."

He was good at putting on a show. Xiang He stood up with a large umbrella, and Yuan Qingqiu looked up in confusion, "Where is Miss Xiang going? Won't you come with me to admire the flowers and compose poems?"

Xiang He looked back at these wealthy people, his expression devoid of joy or sorrow: "I am just a commoner who has never been to school and knows nothing about composing poetry. In order not to spoil everyone's enjoyment, I will just wander around."

She turned to look at He Suian, "I'm going for a walk with Zhu Nan, and I'll come find you in a bit."

"Don't get too close to the lake."

"understood."

Watching the two leave Chang Le Pavilion, Shen Zhuoci became curious about their relationship again, but he didn't ask any further questions.

"Brother He, are you confident about this examination?"

"Do your best."

“Brother He is too modest,” Shen Zhuoci called over a maid, “Let’s begin the topic.”

By this time, many people had gathered, all wanting to compete for a share, but most wanted to showcase their talents. Even if they were just young masters, it would be a source of pride to catch someone's eye.

As the sound grew louder, Xiang He and Zhu Nan walked for a while. They seemed casual, but in reality, Xiang He was already heading towards the place where the maids were gathered.

The air was filled with the aroma of tea and a faint scent of wine. They were all busy brewing tea and wine. Xiang He approached quietly, just as she brushed past the maidservant beside Qin Fuhua.

A cool breeze swept by, and the maid's hand holding the jade plate trembled slightly, her body stiffening. A faint medicinal fragrance wafted into her nose, and the maid turned her head sharply, only to see a figure in plain white robes leaving.

The pale white dress seemed to radiate a halo, and the maid felt a chill run down her spine, her whole body tensed up, and her lips turned pale for a moment, unable to hide her inner panic.

At this moment, a maid came over and looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Sister Shuang'er, what's wrong?"

Her stiff back relaxed, and she forced a smile. "N-nothing... Let's go quickly."

Although the maid was puzzled, she should do her job first and quickly follow her.

Xiang He, who was standing not far away, looked at her, as did Zhu Nan. "Miss, is there something wrong with that maid?"

“This is a big problem…” Xiang He raised his hand to rub his temples. “Now that she’s noticed me, I have to be careful with everything I do from now on… I still need to find an opportunity to meet her.”