Nian Jiaojiao, gaining a moment's respite, hurried out of the great hall.
Adjacent to the hall was a garden and a lake. However, the people inside the hall were engrossed in conversation and had no inclination to step out and admire the scenery, which offered Nian Jiaojiao a rare tranquility.
Nian Jiaojiao strolled along the lake.
At that moment, the bright, full moon weaved through the clouds, casting a hazy silhouette onto the lake's surface. Exotic flowers bloomed in profusion, their fragrance filling the air.
By rights, so many varieties of flowers should not be in bloom at this time. Nian Jiaojiao gently stroked a pale pink petal, feeling the residual energy within it.
What a grand gesture by the royal family!
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was silently marveling, she suddenly heard a rustle behind her and immediately turned, asking,
"Who's there?"
Upon seeing the person who had approached, she was first taken aback.
The man before her was as exquisite as a finely crafted doll. He seemed to have just woken up, his eyes half-open, his long eyelashes casting shadows on his face.
So, it's a child...
Nian Jiaojiao thought to herself at that moment.
In reality, the Tenth Prince was already sixteen years old, but he had a youthful appearance. In Nian Jiaojiao's eyes, he looked no older than thirteen or fourteen.
Although the other party was a child, based on his attire and the caliber of people attending this banquet, Nian Jiaojiao quickly deduced that he was a prince.
Therefore, Nian Jiaojiao did not approach him like a neighborhood elder asking if he was lost. Instead, she took two steps back and bowed, saying,
"Your Highness."
The Tenth Prince's face lit up with surprise upon seeing Nian Jiaojiao. He approached her familiarly, his innocent expression intact, and said,
"Miss, there's no need for such formality. You may call me Yuan Xia."
Nian Jiaojiao's lips twitched slightly.
This prince must have been present when poems were being composed in the hall, and it was impossible he didn't know who she was. Yet, he was now pretending not to know her.
Could this be a little black sesame ball?
Nian Jiaojiao's gaze returned to Yuan Xia's face, his expression so pure and innocent…
Perhaps she was being overly cautious…
Even so, Nian Jiaojiao could not truly address him by his given name. She lowered her head and said,
"Your Highness, there is a distinction between ruler and subject. Please forgive me, but I cannot comply."
She did not hold any official position yet, so she could only refer to herself as a scholar.
The Tenth Prince was somewhat displeased.
However, attractive people always had privileges, and the person before him was exceptionally good-looking.
The Tenth Prince continued to smile and said,
"Miss, is this your first time in the imperial palace? Why don't I accompany you for a stroll? It happens that I was looking for someone to keep me company."
His words effectively blocked both of Nian Jiaojiao's options to refuse. Naturally, she nodded, and the two continued their walk along the lake.
Along the way, Yuan Xia continuously sought topics of conversation, while Nian Jiaojiao was more reticent, mostly listening. If a response was truly necessary, she would offer polite replies.
Yuan Xia felt a sense of urgency.
This Zhuangyuan was excellent in every respect, but perhaps a bit slow when it came to emotions?
If she couldn't develop a favorable impression of him today, the chances of her proactively proposing marriage would be slim…
With this thought, Yuan Xia leaned to the side and appeared to topple into the lake beside them.
Nian Jiaojiao, with quick reflexes, swiftly embraced his slender waist.
She had to admit, a prince was indeed of noble lineage. His waist was so delicate that Nian Jiaojiao felt as if she could break it with a squeeze.
Could this work out tonight?
As her thoughts wandered, Nian Jiaojiao’s mind drifted.
Yuan Xia, lying in Nian Jiaojiao's embrace, flushed with a "happy blush."
Nian Jiaojiao did not hold him for long. After steadying him, she stepped back a few paces and bowed apologetically, saying,
"Your Highness, this student has been presumptuous."
Yuan Xia waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, no, it's not your fault. If it weren't for you, I would have fallen into the lake. In fact, you are my savior."
As he spoke, he crouched down, cupping his chin in his hands, and said,
"Since you saved me, I must reward you. Tell me, what reward do you desire? Anything is acceptable."
Nian Jiaojiao replied with a blank expression: httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"Your Highness's forgiveness is the greatest reward."
Having said that, she spoke no further.
A moment of silence fell upon them before the Tenth Prince finally spoke,
"In that case, I shall think of a reward for you myself."
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
Following this, Nian Jiaojiao made him walk on the inner side, resolutely preventing him from getting close to the lake again.
However, throughout their walk, Nian Jiaojiao sensed his "enthusiasm" and had a nagging premonition of something not quite right…
Unlike Nian Jiaojiao, Yuan Xia's light steps and evident joy were hard to conceal.