Chapter 1397 - 759: Who? (Double Chapter)_3

"...Zhu E, hurry and change back."

"No..."

She instead wrapped her arms around Chen Yi's neck, her breath fragrant,

"It's more exciting this way."

Chen Yi took a deep breath, silently cursing his lack of self-restraint.

With what little control he had left, he calculated a divination and sensed that Qin Qingluo had already returned to the Prince Mansion to rest.

Chen Yi could no longer bear it; he lifted Zhu E by the waist, turned past the folding screen, and headed towards the bedroom at the back of the hall.

The place was empty, lingering with fragrant breezes,

The candlelight in the hall still flickered, but wasn't far off.

The remaining faint light froze for a few breaths, sketching the words on the Buddhist scripture, and then extinguished,

... To see all forms as non-forms is to see the Tathagata...

...

The events of the night concluded, and then they departed.

Zhu E did the same.

As she left, she changed out of that phoenix robe, removed her makeup and Illusion Technique, departing together with Chen Yi.

On the journey, Chen Yi learned that the East City Armory was not truly set ablaze. There was indeed a fire, but it was nine falsehoods and one truth; it only scorched the surrounding walls. Though it appeared grand, the inside was entirely intact, all thanks to Zhu E's carefully orchestrated illusion technique.

As for the amorous night,

"Zhu E is still sore now..."

As they entered the Prince Mansion through the side gate, Zhu E deliberately rubbed her waist and hips beneath her red garment.

Chen Yi was used to her boldness and upon hearing this, he laughed and said: "You deserve it."

Last night he refrained from brewing Chrysanthemum Tea, already showing restraint.

Thinking about it, he couldn't help but say: "Next time, don't disguise again."

"Hmm, why?"

"It's pointless."

"Really pointless?"

"Pointless."

Chen Yi emphasized with heavier tone.

Whether Zhu E internalized it or not was uncertain; as she pushed the door open, she smiled sweetly and turned away.

The side gate led to the rear garden of the Prince Mansion. Winter in the Southern Border was unlike the harsher North; though deep into winter, the chill still carried a hint of moist warmth.

The scenery wasn't like the barren and desolate northern gardens; lush greens persisted, with lofty banyan trees swaying their branches and leaves, banana leaves spreading wide, various Southern Country flora casting deep and varied green shadows as they caught morning rays, all exuding a crisp vegetal scent.

The two didn't walk far along the path before they spotted three curled-up figures by a pavilion near a rockery — the three maids who were punished by Zhu E yesterday to clean the vast garden.

Evidently exhausted, they'd fallen asleep leaning on each other, still clutching the brooms they'd not yet put down.

Their faint footsteps stirred them awake, and they groggily opened their eyes. Upon recognizing the princess dressed in red, they were instantly scared out of their wits, sleep quickly forgotten.

Confused and fumbling, they scrambled to their feet, nervously bowed their heads, and dipped into curtseys, voices quivering:

"Your servant greets Princess!"

They were anxious, fearing the princess was checking if they slacked off, worried they'd face more punishment.

However, Zhu E's mood today was quite different from yesterday. Seeing these three terrified little quail-like maids, not only did she not get angry, her lips curved slightly as she scanned the seemingly tidy path and flowerbed, knowing well they couldn't possibly have thoroughly cleaned the expansive garden, but at that moment, everything seemed more pleasing to her eyes.

"Get up." Zhu E's voice was somewhat gentler than usual, "This garden... was cleaned fairly diligently."

The three maids almost couldn't believe their ears and timidly lifted their heads, stealing glances at the princess's expression.

Seeing Zhu E nod slightly and continue: "Last night's punishment was intended to teach you the Prince Mansion's rules. After the New Year, each of you go to the accounts for an additional reward."

This sudden reward left the three maids completely stunned, standing dumbfounded for a long moment before they reacted, hurriedly kneeling again with a mix of surprise and joy, voices louder than before, filled with the excitement of surviving a disaster:

"Thank you Princess for the reward! Thank you for your kindness!"

The upcoming New Year and cheerful scene looked quite festive.

Chen Yi watched it unfold, chuckled slightly, and without saying much, continued walking, passed by the garden banyan tree, then suddenly paused.

Not far off in the pavilion,

there was a tall figure sitting solo, enjoying the view amidst the morning light.

Just in time, her snake-like eyes slowly raised, sweeping over to them.