Chapter 20: Beaten
In the Empress’s phoenix-like eyes, an uncontrollable joy blazed forth as she gazed at Zhao Yi, as if beholding a rare and priceless treasure.
“Zhao Yi, you have accomplished such a remarkable feat; I shall reward you handsomely.”
“Speak, what reward do you desire?”
Here it comes!
Zhao Yi’s heart blossomed with delight, yet on his face appeared a bashful, almost overwhelmed expression, as if he were a country bumpkin seeing the city for the first time.
He rubbed his hands nervously, head bowed low.
“Your Majesty, this… this is merely my duty.”
“If you insist on rewarding me…”
His voice grew quieter and quieter, until it was barely more than a whisper.
“Considering my tireless efforts day and night, a mere one hundred thousand or eighty thousand taels of silver would suffice.”
“I am not greedy.”
No sooner had he spoken than Nangong Yue, the commander of the imperial guards standing nearby, showed the first crack in her eternally icy expression.
She abruptly turned her head, fixing Zhao Yi with a gaze that could only be described as one of disbelief, as though staring at a monster.
One hundred thousand or eighty thousand taels?
And he claims not to be greedy?
Is this man’s face plastered with cement?!
On the dragon throne, the Empress’s previously radiant and ecstatic face darkened instantly.
The temperature in the entire imperial study seemed to drop sharply.
From between clenched teeth, she coldly spat out a single word:
“Leave.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yi felt no fear whatsoever. Instead, it was as if he had heard the sweetest melody.
He suddenly lifted his head, his face blooming with a dazzling smile as he bowed deeply to the Empress.
“Understood!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness! I take my leave!”
With that, he turned and dashed off, as if pursued by a ferocious beast, tumbling and scrambling until he vanished at the study’s door.
He was practically rolling on the ground.
Once outside the palace, Zhao Yi exhaled deeply.
Just as he was about to board his carriage, a familiar figure approached with respectful courtesy.
“Master Zhao.”
It was Liu Sanwang, the chief steward of the Duke of Anguo’s mansion, wearing a polite smile.
“Our Lord Duke requests your presence.”
Zhao Yi paused, then a thought struck him.
He had been so busy these past days, engrossed in making money and building his career, he had forgotten about his nominal fiancée.
It was time to go comfort her.
His expression instantly brightened, and he grabbed Liu Sanwang’s hand eagerly.
“Steward Liu, you’re too kind! Let’s go!”
He agreed enthusiastically, then as if remembering something, he said to Liu Sanwang,
“Please wait a moment.”
Without another word, he dashed into a nearby jewelry shop. Moments later, he reemerged holding a delicate gift box.
At the Duke’s mansion, in the solemn study, Duke Chu Feng gazed at the box in Zhao Yi’s hands, his weathered face revealing a trace of helplessness.
“Next time, just come in person; there’s no need to bring such things.”
He gestured toward the rear garden.
“Yanran is waiting for you there. Go.”
Hearing this, Zhao Yi shed his usual casual, carefree demeanor and put away all his playful smiles.
He placed the gift box solemnly on the table and bowed deeply to Chu Feng, showing proper respect to his elder.
In the rear garden, passing through the corridor, the scenery was elegant.
From afar, Zhao Yi spotted the familiar figure in a pale blue gown standing by the pavilion.
He instinctively adjusted his attire, took a deep breath, and wore what he thought was his most charming smile before stepping forward.
Silently, he approached the pavilion and saw Chu Yanran’s unguarded back. A mischievous thought crossed his mind.
He reached out and gently placed his hand on her fragrant shoulder.
“Smack!”
The crisp sound startled Chu Yanran so much that her instincts overtook reason. She spun around swiftly and delivered a sharp slap, striking him solidly.
When she recognized him, she froze.
“Why… why is it you?”
Zhao Yi clutched his burning cheek, utterly stunned.
He felt wronged.
Utterly wronged!
Seeing the clear handprint on his face, Chu Yanran’s beautiful face turned pale. Flustered, she apologized.
“I’m… I’m sorry! I didn’t realize it was you!”
Zhao Yi held his face, tears welling up.
His heart ached!
In such a grand mansion as the Duke’s, could there really be a flower thief sneaking in?
Her vigilance was simply too strong!
Though inwardly miserable, he forced a magnanimous smile that looked far worse than crying.
“It’s… it’s nothing, Yanran.”
To break the awkwardness, Zhao Yi began to work his charm.
He told Chu Yanran new stories.
Midway through, he paused, studying the guilt on her face, then tentatively asked,
“Um… may I stop calling you Miss Chu?”
“It feels too formal.”
Before she could answer, he shamelessly leaned closer.
“What’s your childhood name? How about I call you that?”
Chu Yanran was caught off guard by the sudden question, a blush blooming on her exquisite face.
After a moment’s hesitation, she whispered two syllables.
“Yinger.”
“Yinger?”
Zhao Yi’s eyes brightened.
“A yellow oriole leaving the valley, its lingering song so sweet—a beautiful name!”
He looked at Chu Yanran, his expression once again filled with a plaintive grievance.
“Yinger, my face still burns from that slap.”
“Could you take a look and see if it’s swollen?”
Already feeling guilty, Chu Yanran didn’t hesitate. She leaned in to examine the imprint on his cheek carefully.
The distance between them shrank instantly.
Zhao Yi could clearly feel her warm breath brushing against his face.
A faint, refreshing fragrance wafted into his nostrils.
He inhaled deeply and praised sincerely,
“You smell so wonderful.”
Chu Yanran’s body stiffened. Suddenly realizing she had fallen into his trap, her fair face flushed crimson all the way to her ears.
She stepped back sharply, both embarrassed and annoyed, glaring at him.
“You… you’re such a scoundrel!”