Chapter Two, the carefree little oriole sings cheerfully

Master!" Shen Qian exclaimed, looking at the scene before him, immediately covering his mouth and quickly running out.

Unfortunately, Han Chan stood on the shore, motionless, with no intention whatsoever of shielding Shen Qi from the gaze of outsiders

"You scoundrel, what are you doing?" Shen Qixing's eyes widened in disbelief, unable to believe that he was such a rogue, actually pulling at her clothes. Her strength was certainly no match for Han Chen, who showed no tenderness or shame whatsoever. In her moment of panic, Shen Qi could only cover her chest with her hand, locking eyes with the rising Han Chen.

It is time to drink the wedding wine. Han Chen sat down beside Shen Qi and handed her a cup of wine

"My beloved, since our hair has tied a bond of unity, shouldn't our bodies also be bound together?" Han Chen leaned forward.

When Shen Qiye lay in bed at night, she recalled Han Chen's actions at that time, which was something she had never anticipated. Looking at his outwardly elegant and ethereal demeanor, one would never expect him to engage in such vulgar and despicable behavior. Shen Qi thought of the moment during the day when Han Chen pulled the clothes away from her chest, and his gaze swept over her bosom; she felt her entire body flush and tremble. However, she could not summon any feelings of disgust; instead, her face turned red and her heart raced, as if she were anticipating something.

The marriage between Shen Qi and Han Chen is scheduled for the first month, four months from now. During this time, whether intentional or not, Shen Qi has not seen Han Chen at all; all arrangements such as the engagement and the wedding date are being handled by others. However, fortunately, the matter that Shen Qi was most worried about did not occur.

After the matchmaker conveyed her congratulations and spoke a plethora of auspicious words, she withdrew. In the spacious new house, only Shen Qi and Han Chen remained, gazing at each other. Shen Qi could almost hear her own heartbeat, like thunder.

Your host is truly attentive to guests. Han Chen smiled, and after hitting the ball, being able to clean up nicely is naturally a pleasure, so he did not decline.

Shen Qihong blushed as she took it, bypassing his hand, and drank from the cup. She could not tell whether it was the wine playing tricks or the heat from the incense burner in the room, but under Han Chen's unwavering gaze, Shen Qi felt her body begin to heat up, and her palms started to sweat slightly. She had to lower her head to avoid Han Chen's stare, and from the side, she took out a small pair of golden scissors, cut a lock of her hair, and then handed the scissors to Han Chen.

Since that incident, the relationship between Han Chan and Mei Ruohan seemed to have come to an end. Shen Qi secretly felt relieved, as her greatest fear was that their feelings for each other were deeply rooted. If it were not for this fear, why would she resort to such despicable tactics to scheme against Han Chan? However, time was too short; according to reliable sources, Han Chan and Mei Ruohan were about to become engaged. Therefore, Shen Qi had no choice but to take decisive action and intervene forcefully.

"My beloved consort." Han Chen sat down beside Shen Qi at the edge of the bed

This garden is elegantly illuminated, I wonder whose esteemed hand crafted it? Han Chen seemed to be oblivious to Qian Er's flustered state, gently inquiring.

Shen Qian, blushing, did not dare to raise her eyes to look at Han Chen, fearing that her soul would inadvertently fly away.

"Your Highness." The accompanying matchmaker, Dun, performed a bow.

Shen Qi wished she could find a hole to burrow into; although the royal family did not encourage such behavior, her Shen family could not be so disrespectful to the King of Lanling.

Shen Qi's face flushed, the pink hue spreading from her cheeks to her collar. She could only watch helplessly as Han Chen carried her to bed, lowered the bed curtains, and then looked at him as he reached to unbutton her clothes, her whole body seemingly losing strength, trembling slightly.

Han Chen smiled helplessly, somewhat reluctantly cutting a lock of hair. Shen Qi, in high spirits, gathered the two locks of hair and tied them into a knot, storing them carefully in a small, exquisite silk pouch. Once she finished this task and turned around, she found Han Chen looking at her again with the same heated gaze as before.

"Where did you learn these superstitions? They are merely the fanciful thoughts of common folk. Do you really believe that tying your hair in a love knot will ensure a harmonious union for a hundred years?" Han Chan chuckled disdainfully.

"Your Highness, please follow me. I have prepared the fragrant bath for you. Please take your bath and change your clothes." Shen Qian led Han Chen deeper into Chenghuai Garden

"It is just for a good omen," Shen Qi raised her head, pouting and said, "Don't you want to?"

What are you doing?" Han Chan asked with a smile

The outdoor scenery is indeed astonishing. The hot spring flows down from the mountain adjacent to Chenghuai Garden, following a channel made of bamboo, into a small pool atop a giant rock. It then cascades down the stone wall into a pool that is one zhang wide. The white mist generated by the hot spring spreads in the gentle breeze, and at times, a gust of wind blows through, clearing the mist to reveal the colorful stones at the bottom of the pool. Although man-made, they possess an even more captivating natural charm. The white pool and the green bamboo complement each other beautifully, truly a remarkable sight in the world.

In a moment of surprise, Shen Qi quickly grabbed a thin shirt from the edge of the pool to cover her chest, hiding her body in the water. The crimson glow surrounding her made her already fair complexion appear even more radiant and stunning. To others, it would likely have stirred their hearts, but only Han Chen on the shore seemed to have a flicker of cold light in his eyes. Shen Qi could not be certain, as she even perceived a hint of disdain within that cold light. Such a gaze could not possibly be directed at her, so she convinced herself that she must be seeing things.

The competition is limited to one hour. Members of the Lanling team have already begun to tire from running back and forth, frequently substituting players. In contrast, the Lanling Wang team seems to be aided by divine intervention, with each member growing braver as the battle progresses, making one look at the extraordinarily handsome Lanling Wang with newfound respect. It is unexpected that his subordinates are so formidable. This leads one to infer that his master is likely not an easy opponent either

The people around could not help but rise to cheer, and for a moment, the applause was unending. The gaze of the King of Lanling swept towards Shen Qi, and she saw the unhidden affection in his eyes, causing her heart to race rapidly. Unfortunately, that gaze was not directed at her. Shen Qi looked over at Mei Ruohan beside her, who had a flushed face, filled with both shyness and excitement, as well as pride, as if it were her husband who had emerged victorious. Shen Qi's eyes turned cold, and she turned to Qian'er to give a few instructions, leaving without informing anyone else. Fortunately, the people around were still immersed in the recent competition and did not pay much attention.

Han Chan gazed at a bamboo path about three feet wide in front of him, stepping onto it as the surrounding bamboo grew dense, with a gentle breeze blowing. Beneath the bamboo path, a clear spring flowed slowly, emitting a slight warmth and producing wisps of white steam. It truly felt somewhat like being in a fairyland, and he couldn't help but marvel at how much effort Shen Qi, this daughter of a wealthy family, had put into the pursuit of pleasure.

When the snowflakes dance in the sky, it is the day of Shen Qi's wedding. She has always been annoyed by winter and dislikes cumbersome clothing, so the Shen residence is filled with incense burners, all to make the Seventh Miss feel as if it were spring everywhere. However, today is an exception. Shen Qi secretly lifts her veil and curtain, peering through the gap to see the snowflakes swirling outside, as if they are guests coming to congratulate her. Just thinking of that person fills her heart with warmth, making her not feel how cold this winter is.

"This is the garden drawing made by my seventh sister, and the lord has instructed the craftsmen to build it according to the drawing." Every question that Han Chen asked, Qian Er tried her best to answer, fearing that she might miss something. Thus, within the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, everything that this little maid knew about the Shen residence was conveyed to Han Chen, and she remained unaware of it.

Shen Qingxia is known for his penchant for young male companions, and he has quite a few in his household. Although Shen Qi does not approve, he does not express his discontent. However, today, seeing his third brother with a foolish expression as if he were about to drool, he suddenly felt uneasy. Moreover, Shen Qingxia's gaze was too unrestrained, causing a rare shadow to pass over Han Chan's usually unwrinkled brow. Shen Qingxia made Shen Qi feel a sense of shame. She gently shook Shen Qingxia's sleeve, "Third Brother."

Han Chen was not far from Shen Qi, and it was unclear whether he heard Shen Qingxia's words. He was seen leaving his seat towards the back, presumably to change clothes and prepare to take the stage himself

The shawl of black silk draped over her shoulders, her lips slightly parted, with an icy bone structure and snowy skin, leaving one dazzled and entranced. Shen Qi Yi stood gracefully in the water, the water level rising to her waist, yet failing to conceal her enchanting figure. A strand of hair fell perfectly, covering the red glimmer on her chest. Han Chen, amidst his initial astonishment, wore a smile that seemed to mock and ridicule.

When the Lanling Wang team declared victory over the 14 enemies, the arena was almost in an uproar. Four individuals in the arena removed their masks, and one of them was indeed Lanling Wang Han Chen. The person who had just executed the ground strike was also him. Shen Qi rose with the crowd to cheer, her eyes only seeing the sweat-drenched Lanling Wang. She could not believe that a man covered in sweat could look so handsome; even at this moment, there was no sign of disarray on him, only the demeanor of grace and elegance. He gave a slight nod, waved the ball staff in his hand to signal victory, but there was no arrogance, only the joy of reaping the rewards of hard work. Shen Qi was almost entranced. She could not believe that a man covered in sweat could look so handsome; even at this moment, there was no sign of disarray on him, only the demeanor of grace and elegance. He gave a slight nod, waved the ball staff in his hand to signal victory, but there was no arrogance, only the joy of reaping the rewards of hard work. Shen Qi was almost entranced.

Han Chen followed behind, leisurely surveying Chenghuai Garden, Gaotang Suiyu, the layered terraces and pavilions, and the red-embroidered net windows. Even though it was merely the villa of the Shen family located in the southern outskirts of the city, which they seldom occupied, it was still resplendent and extraordinary. Compared to the royal forest garden far away in Anyang, its splendor was not only comparable but perhaps even surpassed it.

Shen Qi observed that one had overturned the multitude of flowers, while another had overwhelmed the gathering of heroes, feeling somewhat displeased as they had stolen a considerable amount of her own brilliance. However, what angered Shen Qi the most was seeing the appearance of her third brother.

Shen Qi watched as Han Chen advanced rather than retreating, quickly approaching the water pool, causing her to involuntarily step back against the stone wall. She found it somewhat difficult to understand Han Chen; shouldn't someone like him, who appeared to be a refined and elegant gentleman, quickly leave in such a situation

Shen Qimai frowned slightly; this form of address sounded strange no matter how one heard it. Although she was married to him and was indeed the Princess of Lanling, being called 'beloved concubine' was not incorrect. However, at this moment, it felt increasingly unpleasant to her ears

Fortunately, the incident of the King of Lanling mistakenly rewarding the painting of a beauty bathing was quickly spread by those with ulterior motives. Shen Qi was still an unmarried woman, and she had been seen naked by a man. The King of Lanling, finding himself in a difficult position, naturally had to marry Shen Qi. However, no one felt that the King of Lanling was in a difficult situation; instead, they all thought he was exceptionally fortunate in love, and they were quite envious.

Shen Qi felt somewhat regretful for not listening to her father's advice to return to Lanling earlier, otherwise, it would not have been possible for Mei Ruohan and Han Chen to exchange glances. She was certain that she could gradually cultivate a story with Han Chen that would make the world envious, but it is not too late now.

Shen Qi's face flushed, completely unlike the proud noble lady she usually was, looking down on others. "Intertwined silk forms a dragon and phoenix, carved colors create clouds and rosy hues, a thread of shared hearts, a flower of longevity for a hundred years." Shen Qi shyly recited a poem.

Shen Qi felt as if he were looking at her like an ant from a high vantage point, his eyes filled with mockery and a smile playing on his lips, yet there was something unsettling about his gaze. However, she could not afford to dwell on this; the chaotic sound of footsteps outside startled her. This pool was completely exposed, and while it was one thing for Han Chen to see her, it was another for others to do so. With tears welling in her eyes, she looked at Han Chen with a pleading expression, a gaze that had never failed her; no one could refuse her, not even her third brother, who was known for his ruthless demeanor. But she could not focus on that; the chaotic sound of footsteps outside startled her again. This pool was completely exposed, and while it was one thing for Han Chen to see her, it was another for others to do so. With tears welling in her eyes, she looked at Han Chen with a pleading expression, a gaze that had never failed her; no one could refuse her, not even her third brother, who was known for his ruthless demeanor.

After several twists and turns, Han Chan squinted his eyes as he looked at the bamboo forest before him, which was faintly shrouded in mist. He truly did not understand the purpose of this girl leading him on such a long detour to this place.

Shen Qi only saw a pair of bright red shoes embroidered with a coiling dragon appear before her eyes, and then her vision brightened as the bridal veil was lifted by the scale pole. Looking at Han Chen, who was dressed in a bright red groom's robe, Shen Qi felt that he looked exceptionally handsome tonight. In the past, she always thought that grooms wearing bright red robes looked like comical actors, none of them were good-looking, but now she found Han Chen to be attractive in every way. This must be what they mean by beauty in the eyes of the beholder.

The once quiet bamboo grove suddenly became noisy, and only after a moment did it settle down. Shen Qi almost suffocated from holding his breath, and it was only upon hearing Qian's call that he dared to show his face, taking a deep breath.

Shen Qian heard Shen Qi's call and hurried over. The servant, who had originally been ordered not to enter, had easily barged in, which undoubtedly confirmed Han Chen's judgment. He had not wished for the seventh young lady of the Shen family to truly be such a shameless person.

A delicate bamboo house lies deep within the winding bamboo path of the forest, where the outside world has long faded away. The furnishings inside the bamboo house are quite simple: a daybed, a wardrobe, and a few pots of fresh flowers. Compared to the opulence outside, this bamboo dwelling offers a more profound enjoyment of tranquility amidst the chaos. Outside the bamboo house, the sound of water grows louder, indicating that it is very close to the hot springs

Han Chen gradually approached the pond, reaching out to "part" the white mist. The scene before him took him by surprise, followed by a delicate exclamation, "What are you doing here?"

Despite the fact that the phoenix crown and the flowing robes nearly bent her neck, she showed no sign of displeasure. When her sister got married, she had curiously tried on their wedding dress, only to find it unbearable, and had once boasted that she would never endure such a fate. Yet now, she willingly donned the heavy wedding attire. Although the rituals were tedious and bothersome, she still calmly complied, ultimately waiting for that person in the bridal chamber

"I never expected that Gu would have such fortune with beauty." Han Chan squatted down, "Indeed, her skin is like凝脂, her figure is enchanting, as elegant as a pure lotus, and her beauty surpasses that of a begonia." Han Chan spoke each word slowly, with a tone full of frivolity and teasing, his fingers gliding over Shen Qi's fragrant shoulder

Han Chan had envisioned many scenarios, but he never imagined that the seventh daughter of the Shen family, Shen Guangyao, the renowned Duke of Xinyang, would actually employ the beauty trap to capture him. He was uncertain what excuse Shen Qi would ultimately use to explain her actions, but Han Chan was certain that given Shen Qi's status in the Shen family, no one would dare to boldly scheme against her. Therefore, the mastermind behind this beauty trap was likely none other than herself.

Shen Qi had no choice but to grit her teeth and once again submerge her entire body in the water, not daring to show her head. This time, she had truly embarrassed herself. The person who had arrived was none other than her elder brother. Fortunately, Shen Qian was clever and quick-witted; upon seeing the situation, she hurriedly hid in front and threw all the clothes on the shore into the water.

After the night had been dark for a long time, footsteps began to approach. Shen Qi was startled and quickly adjusted the veil on her head, waiting with composure.

Shen Qingxia finally came to her senses, "Seventh Sister, if you could have such a brother-in-law, I would be willing to work like a horse or an ox just to see you every day."

Shen Qi was utterly stunned as he watched his hand reach for the fabric of his chest, and the words echoed in his ears, "Since I have taken on this reputation, is it not a tremendous loss if I cannot see it clearly? It would be better to enjoy the sight of a beautiful woman emerging from the bath."

"My lord, there is a natural hot spring inside, but on ordinary days, the master never allows the servants to enter. I will wait outside the forest." Shen Qian stood to the side with her head bowed and hands hanging down, secretly thinking that this Prince of Lanling was not only exceptionally handsome and elegant, but also had a friendly disposition. He was willing to speak with a girl like her, showing no airs, which made Shen Qian silently cheer for her master’s decision.

Shen Qi felt a sense of anticipation, and indeed, that anticipation was not in vain. When the Lanling Wang team reappeared on the field, all four of them wore bronze tusk masks, exuding an imposing presence, their outfits identical, making it difficult to distinguish one from another. This match was truly spectacular, filled with suspense, as the horseball was thrown and the moon staffs clashed, with both teams galloping side by side, their paths intertwining. At one moment, the horseball soared high and then dipped low, moving at an astonishing speed, dazzling the spectators. Just as it seemed that a member of the Lanling Wang team was about to fall from his horse, he executed a ground strike, hitting his target perfectly. The skill displayed while nearly lying flat on the galloping horse was not something an ordinary person could achieve, and the cheers from the crowd outside the field were incessant. Some even began to cheer for the Lanling Wang team.

"Husband." The almost inaudible voice escaped from Shen Qi's lips; she liked to call him husband, for he was her sky and her earth, far more intimate than calling him Prince. Shen Qi shyly gazed at Han Chen, only to catch a fleeting glimpse of disdain in his eyes. Shen Qi blinked, and Han Chen wore a warm smile, showing no sign of disdain. Shen Qi thought she must have misread him; no one would ever show her a look of disgust, only awe.

Shen Qi quickly got up, feeling a heat all over her body. She pushed open the window, but the cold light of the clear moon could not dispel the restlessness in her heart. To her surprise, the reflection of Han Chen appeared in the pond outside. Shen Qi suddenly looked up, only to find nothing around her, realizing that she had been hallucinating. From then on, there was no place in the clouds, dreams, pond, or forest that did not hide Han Chen's figure, and Shen Qi secretly lamented her misfortune