Ascending to the second floor of Suihua Pavilion, the scenery of the South Mansion unfolded before the eyes.
On the southwest side of the courtyard, plum blossoms thrived, standing tall and swaying in the wind, adorning the somewhat dry winter landscape with large patches of color. To the southeast lay the waterside pavilion and building from earlier. Directly south was a field of Muyao flowers. Muyao flowers were not as abundant as plum blossoms, but they possessed a distinct charm of their own.
"Princess, what do you think?"
Seeing the look of astonishment in Hui An's eyes, Nan Yuan'er inquired with a touch of pride.
The scenery in their mansion was unmatched by many official residences throughout the capital.
"Such beautiful scenery, truly uplifting!" When it came to scenery, the South Mansion naturally couldn't compare to a royal prince's mansion, nor to their grand Dali Imperial City. However, when she was at the prince's mansion, she couldn't move about freely, rendering even abundant beauty meaningless to her. As for the imperial palace… The Dali Imperial Palace, in terms of layout and architectural style, differed greatly from Lin Yuan, making objective comparison difficult. But at this moment, standing on high and gazing into the distance, she felt that the biting winter wind brushing past her temples was infused with the subtle fragrance of flowers.
Hui An gazed at the distant plum blossoms, unaware that Nan Yuan'er had even left. She turned her head and looked back. Footsteps echoed from the staircase to her side, and a figure slowly appeared before her.
Hui An recalled that this person's name seemed to be… Zhang Silang!
Zhang Silang ascended the steps with composure. When he looked at Hui An, his eyes held no hint of lechery. He stopped about a meter away from Hui An, clasped his hands into fists, and gave a slight bow. "Princess, may you be in good health!"
Hui An's expression turned slightly cold. Her gaze swept down over him, and she slightly raised her chin, emitting an arrogant "Mm!" from her nose.
Zhang Silang paid her reaction no mind. He straightened up and walked to the window, standing shoulder to shoulder with Hui An as they gazed at the scenery outside. "Princess, does the winter in Dali also possess such scenery?"
"What? Does Young Master Zhang assume our Dali is a barren land of savages?" Hui An scoffed and retorted.
What did he mean by "Dali's winter also possesses such scenery"?
Did he think Dali was so impoverished that it lacked even winter flowers?
"I didn't mean that!" Zhang Silang explained. "I simply wish to learn more about Dali. If…"
Hui An turned her head, her gaze fixed on Zhang Silang. Her condescending posture was akin to looking at a toad attempting to covy a swan. "There is no 'if.' Young Master Zhang, it would be best not to harbor such thoughts. Do not harbor foolish aspirations!"
"Heh~"
Zhang Silang chuckled.
If it weren't for Prime Minister Nan's immense kindness and the opportunities he had given him, would he be willing to exchange the rest of his official career for a princess from a neighboring country!
"Princess, I apologize!"
Zhang Silang knew his actions were unfair to her, but since she had been sent by the Emperor of Dali for a marriage alliance, the concept of fairness had long since abandoned her!
"You…"
Hui An's heart suddenly tightened. She hadn't eaten or drunk anything since entering Suihua Pavilion. Moreover, she had observed carefully when entering. No incense was burned, nor were there any incense burners within the pavilion. She had virtually eliminated all possibilities of poisoning. Yet, the sudden surge of weakness and heat within her body caused her to turn pale with shock.
Her knees buckled, and her body lurched forward. Zhang Silang's arms encircled her, catching her in his embrace.
Hui An tried to struggle, but she was utterly incapable of exerting any strength. The masculine scent emanating from Zhang Silang evoked a desire within her to draw closer, to merge into him.
Hui An forcefully bit her tongue. The sudden pain brought a sliver of her reason back. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. Zhang Silang saw it and gently wiped it away. He sighed, his voice hoarse. "Why must you do this?"
Hui An glared at Zhang Silang, her voice soft and weak, as if laced with gasps, rendering her threat powerless. "Zhang Silang, if you dare touch this princess, I will have your nine generations exterminated!"
Zhang Silang scooped Hui An up and carried her towards the guest room for rest within Suihua Pavilion.
"Let go of me, you scoundrel, you…"
As Mu Baiyu approached Suihua Pavilion, he was stopped by a maid from the South Mansion. "Young Master Mu, Miss is currently appreciating the scenery with the Princess in the pavilion."
Mu Baiyu grunted and pushed the maid away.
Nonsense. He had personally witnessed Zhang Silang entering Suihua Pavilion.
"Young Master Mu!"
The maid flashed past and blocked Mu Baiyu once again at the entrance. Mu Baiyu's gaze narrowed as he looked at the maid. Judging by her steps and posture, she seemed to be a trained martial artist!
This South Mansion was truly full of capable individuals!
"What if I insist on going?" Mu Baiyu tilted his head back, downed the wine in his flask, and tossed the empty vessel aside. With a slightly flushed face, he questioned the maid before him.
A sharp glint flashed in the maid's eyes. Then she said, "Does Young Master Mu truly intend to force his way through? If you disturb my young lady and Princess Hui An, can Young Master Mu bear the consequences?"
Mu Baiyu let out a hollow laugh. He pointed at his own nose and asked, "I, the eldest grandson of Lin Yuan's only royal cousin, do you ask if I can bear the consequences of offending Nan Yuan'er?" His grandfather, Prince Gong, although detached from worldly affairs, was still a prince of Lin Yuan. He, the eldest grandson of a prince, was being questioned by a maid of the South Mansion about his ability to bear the consequences of offending Nan Yuan'er? Nan Yuan'er? What was she? Merely a lucky one who bore the fate of an empress!
"Then do not blame this servant for insubordination!"
Seeing the maid draw her dagger, Mu Baiyu saw no point in further argument and strode forward.
The maid attacked Mu Baiyu's neck with a palm strike, her move a killing blow from the outset.
Mu Baiyu met the attack with his fist. The two began to fight outside Suihua Pavilion, each move bold and unrestrained, and for a moment, they fought to a stalemate!
After several dozen rounds, the maid was clearly at a disadvantage.
Mu Baiyu seized an opportunity to break through, but suddenly a figure lunged from behind him, attacking him. The person's movements were so swift that Mu Baiyu had no chance to react. In the blink of an eye, the attacker was behind him.
Mu Baiyu's expression drastically changed. He turned his head, and in his peripheral vision, he saw the attacker's hand chop towards his neck with the speed of wind.
Just then, a sword's hum arose. Mu Baiyu felt a flash of white light before his eyes. When he looked again, the person attacking him had fallen to the ground, bleeding profusely. A second later, another scream came from behind him. The maid who had been blocking his path also collapsed in a pool of blood!
Mu Baiyu's scalp tingled, his muscles instantly tensed, and his breath seemed to freeze. He was like a drawn sword.
Laughter echoed from behind Mu Baiyu. He quickly turned and saw Xuan Yi standing with his sword, his expression of apprehension and vigilance momentarily paused before instantly dissolving.
Xuan Yi said to Mu Baiyu, "Young Master, hurry and play the hero saving the damsel!"
Mu Baiyu: "..."
Damn!