"Emperor, this servant recalls that the Hidden Dragon Lake at Dragon Hidden Temple also has lotus pods. By the time we arrive, the sun will have set, and it won’t be too hot—ideal for a boat ride."
Shen Quan thought, since the Emperor intends to secretly take Lady Li out of the palace, it’s best to choose a secluded place.
This outing was too sudden, and only Dragon Hidden Temple is safe enough.
Dragon Hidden Temple?
As Li Yuyu was changing clothes, she wondered why it sounded so familiar.
"Emperor, I have changed."
Li Yuyu emerged from behind the screen, smiling cheerfully.
Yan Xiu turned around, a gleam of light flashed fleetingly in his dark phoenix eyes.
The little concubine wore a white robe, her hair was tied high with only a jade hairpin for support. Her brows and eyes were like a painting, her smile like a flower, and despite wearing men’s clothing, she couldn’t hide her graceful figure.
After appreciating her, Yan Xiu maintained a stern expression and said in a deep voice, "Passable."
"Tch," Li Yuyu rolled her eyes. "It’s obviously very beautiful, the Emperor is being dishonest!"
She stood with one hand behind her back in front of Yan Xiu, gently using her fan to lift Yan Xiu’s chin: "Esteemed sir, would you kindly tell me your name?"
"Xiu."
"So it is Mr. Xiu, my apologies, I am Young Master Yu. I wonder if Mr. Xiu would be willing to share a boat ride with me?"
"Willing."
"Then let’s go!"
Li Yuyu happily dashed outward, only to be halted by Yan Xiu’s arm at her waist.
Facing Li Yuyu’s puzzled gaze, Yan Xiu took Li Yuyu’s hand, interlocking their fingers, and softly said, "Young Master Yu, you must stay with this gentleman."
Li Yuyu: ...
!!!
She’s wearing men’s clothes! Men’s clothes!
If they walked hand in hand down the street, it would be, it would be...
Li Yuyu wanted to speak, but meeting Yan Xiu’s deep dark eyes, she ultimately compromised.
Alright, after all, she needed him to guide her to the place.
"Emper... Mr. Xiu, everything is ready, it’s time to depart." Shen Quan hurried over, pretending not to notice the two holding hands, and said with a beaming smile.
Yan Xiu slightly nodded and led Li Yuyu out.
A low-key carriage was quietly parked at the palace gate, and beside it stood two men dressed as ordinary civilians.
As Li Yuyu prepared to board the carriage, she found them familiar. Glancing at them, she couldn’t help but smile and say, "So it’s Vice Commander Song, sorry to trouble you, Vice Commander."
Song Sheng’s mouth twitched, and he straightened his body, slowly bowing in salute: "No trouble, protecting the Emperor and Lady Li is my duty."
After speaking, he slowly straightened himself again.
Li Yuyu curiously asked, "Vice Commander, what is this about?"
"Young Master Yu, please board the carriage." Inside the carriage, Yan Xiu extended a hand toward Li Yuyu.
"Oh."
Li Yuyu obediently offered her hand and was easily pulled into the carriage by Yan Xiu.
Shen Quan and Feng Yin boarded the carriage afterward.
The carriage door closed, and Xing Na glanced at Song Sheng, took the lead to jump up on the carriage, then silently offered Song Sheng a hand.
Song Sheng squinted his eyes, brushed off Xing Na’s hand, and deftly jumped onto the carriage.
"Hmm... Giddyup!"
As a muffled groan was heard, it was immediately covered by Song Sheng’s loud shout of "giddyup," his face flushed. With a flick of the long whip, the horse pulled the carriage inconspicuously through the side gate and out of the Imperial Palace.
Xing Na occasionally sneaked a look at Song Sheng.
The carriage bumped so fiercely, who knows if he could bear it.
After holding back for a while, Xing Na finally couldn’t resist asking softly, "Brother Song, is, is your butt okay?"