Wang Qingyao's expression turned peculiar.
Xiao Yun, of course, noticed her unusual demeanor, but with so many people around, he couldn't ask directly and could only keep signaling her with his eyes.
Wang Qingyao fell silent. How could she possibly say it?
Fang Yuan, much like her name, had a round face, round eyes, and even a round mouth. She looked like a lucky charm straight out of a New Year's painting, both innocent and festive. She had already heard about Wang Qingyao from Fang Zheng and Zuo Yun. Upon seeing her, she immediately made herself at home, linking arms with her.
"Sister Yao, you can call me Yuanyuan."
The two walked ahead, arm in arm, while Xiao Yun walked alongside Huang Xuanming. Due to his status, Huang Xuanming dared not strike up a casual conversation. However, Xiao Yun kept glancing at him. After a few such glances, he couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, is there something on my face?"
Xiao Yun chuckled, "You're good-looking."
Huang Xuanming was speechless.
The path was bustling with people. After about the time it takes for half a cup of tea to steep, a shimmering, seemingly endless lake appeared before them. Numerous willow trees were planted along the lake, and many people were already picnicking under the trees, while some families had set up tents.
Wang Qinglin called out sweetly to Xiao Yun, "Young Master Xiao, we're all a bit tired from walking. Why don't we rest here for a while?"
Tian Yu frowned slightly. Xiao Yun didn't look at Wang Qinglin; instead, he turned to Wang Qingyao. After she nodded, he said to everyone, "We'll rest here."
Pearl and the others, upon receiving the instruction, nimbly spread a thick blanket on the ground, followed by a layer of oilcloth. Then, as if by magic, they produced small snacks like wheat cakes, cheese, qingtuan, dried dates, and jerky, along with two pots of wine and two sets of bowls and chopsticks.
Wang Qinglin wanted to get closer to Xiao Yun, but it was clear there were only two sets of chopsticks, and she found it difficult to back down. Meanwhile, Tian Yu had also set out his picnic food and wine, so she had no choice but to sit beside him.
Wang Qingzhen and Wang Qingzhu sat together, while Huang Xuanming was with Fang Yuan.
Although the four groups didn't share picnic mats, they were not far apart, close enough to hear each other with a shout.
The area by the lake had the most people picnicking. Wang Qingyao hadn't visited other families and didn't recognize anyone, but the Wang Qinglin sisters did.
After sitting for a short while, Wang Qingzhen spotted her maternal aunt's cousins from the Bai family in the distance and mentioned it to Wang Qinglin, "Chun Jie'er and the others are here too. I'm going over to chat for a bit."
Wang Qinglin said, "I'll go say hello too."
Wang Qingzhen was secretly surprised.
The Bai family was not prominent. Although Wang Qinglin's two maternal uncles held official positions, they were minor officials. In times of need, they had to rely on the Bai family and Wang Da for assistance.
Wang Qinglin had always been arrogant and felt superior in front of these cousins. These cousins, following their families' instructions, had always fawned over her.
In the past, even if they had spotted others first, Wang Qinglin would have pretended not to see them, waiting for them to approach her first.
What was happening today? Young Master Tian was here; wouldn't she be neglecting him by leaving?
Wang Qinglin wouldn't explain much to her. After informing Tian Yu, she went towards the Bai family's young ladies. Wang Qingzhen followed closely behind. Wang Qingzhu, who initially didn't want to go, had no choice but to follow suit upon seeing this.
Meanwhile, Wang Qingyao tasted a few bites of each snack and had two cups of wine. The wine was fruit wine, a little sweet and sour, like a beverage.
Xiao Yun had no interest in the picnic. He pointed to the wildflowers blooming brilliantly at the foot of the distant mountain and said, "Let's go pick flowers."
Before Wang Qingyao could react, Xiao Yun pulled her wrist and headed that way. Once they were out of sight of others, Xiao Yun lowered his voice and asked, "Is there something wrong with Huang Xuanming?"
Wang Qingyao looked at the blooming mountain flowers and sighed heavily. Not only was there something wrong, but it was very wrong!
Xiao Yun's expression turned grave. "Did you sense something?"
Wang Qingyao buried her face in the wildflowers, hesitating to speak.
Xiao Yun was anxious. He bent down and brought his face close to Wang Qingyao's. "Just say it!"
Both their faces were hidden among the flowers. Wang Qingyao glanced sideways at Xiao Yun's handsome face through the gaps in the blossoms and sighed, "It's difficult to say."
"What do you mean, difficult to say?"
Wang Qingyao replied, "Wait a moment, let me think of a way to phrase it."
Xiao Yun was stunned. Had he misheard?
After carefully organizing her thoughts, Wang Qingyao raised her head. "Do you know the difference between how a eunuch and a normal man walks?"
Xiao Yun recalled the way the eunuchs in the palace walked and shook his head. "There's no difference."
"There is," Wang Qingyao insisted, demonstrating for him.
"See, a normal man walks like this." She demonstrated.
After taking a few steps, she turned back. "A eunuch walks like this."
Xiao Yun frowned. If his eyes weren't deceiving him, Wang Qingyao's two gaits were identical.
Seeing his bewildered expression, Wang Qingyao explained with utmost seriousness, "The difference is very subtle. Ordinary people can't see it, only those of us who have studied medical texts can discern it."
Xiao Yun remarked, "If I remember correctly, didn't you mention those medical texts last time you entered the palace to fool the Empress Dowager?"
Wang Qingyao looked righteous. "I would never dare to fool the Empress Dowager. I have indeed read many medical texts."
Xiao Yun suddenly realized. "You mean, Huang Xuanming... he... he's a eun..." He spoke with disbelief, his words faltering.
"Yes," Wang Qingyao said. "If you don't believe me, you can verify it."
"How do I verify it?"
Wang Qingyao smiled charmingly. "That's a matter between you and Fang Zheng."
Xiao Yun knew the Huang family had malicious intentions, but he never imagined they could be so wicked. Introducing an emasculated man to Fang Yuan was essentially ruining her life!
He turned and glanced in the direction of Fang Yuan and Huang Xuanming. Fang Yuan had someone bring a kite, and the two were no longer sitting on the mat; they were flying a kite together. Huang Xuanming held the reel, while Fang Yuan held up the kite, running and laughing.
Xiao Yun carefully observed Huang Xuanming's gait. He had to admit, he couldn't see anything.
Frustrated, he turned back and asked, "Can't you sense it? Can't you sense if he has..."
Discussing another man with his fiancée... this topic was too awkward, and Xiao Yun felt embarrassed to continue. Wang Qingyao also feigned shyness. "Oh, you! What nonsense are you talking about? How could I possibly sense that thing?"
"You can even sense if your cousin-in-law is pregnant. Well... isn't this simpler?"
Wang Qingyao's face "flushed red." "That's because Sister Yun and I are both women. Women have stronger mutual senses. There's no resonance with men."
Xiao Yun asked, "Oh, is that so?"
Wang Qingyao playfully "hit" his chest. "Oh, stop it! I'm a pure maiden; how could I sense a man's naked body?"
"Cough, cough." She had hit him too hard, and Xiao Yun coughed lightly.