Sheng Gu’s mood was much better than usual because that day she was allowed to go out and have fun, an oppurtunity that came rarely to her. In addition, her Fourth Uncle was going to accompany her. Therefore, she had ordered Ah’Bi to get up early to help her get dressed. Fortunately, they had plenty of time before her Fourth Uncle came back from the palace.
Ah’Bi looked at Sheng Gu in the mirror, and fawned, “Princess, you look really beautiful today. When the Prince sees you, he will not be able to look away.”
Sheng Gu blushed but put on a displeased look, as she said, “Stop saying such nonsense.”
Ah’Bi smiled, and replied, “This servant dares not!”
The pair walked out of ShengHe Palace in a good mood. But outside, they discovered two carriages parked by the palace. Seeing this, Sheng Gu felt puzzled in her mind. She thought that perhaps her Fourth Uncle was not willing to travel together with her.
Soon she heard footsteps behind her and looked back. Suddenly, her complexion turned pale.
She saw Sheng Qianmo walk over with the slave girl, their hands held together. She recalled what Ah’Bi had said before, about slaves from enemy kingdoms being shackled for life. And yet… the slave girl’s limbs were clearly without shackles!
Her chains must’ve been removed by her Fourth Uncle.
When this thought entered her mind, Sheng Gu felt an uncomfortable feeling, as if her heart was being poked at.
But she still managed to walk over and greet Sheng Qianmo.
“Fourth Uncle,” Sheng Gu called.
Then she subconsciously looked at the little girl beside him.
She had to admit, this slave girl had fine skin and looked delicate. In a word, she looked lovely.
The slave girl uttered in a low voice, “Greetings, Your Highness Princess Gu.”
Sheng Qianmo, however, didn’t bother introducing Shu Nuan back to her.
“Let’s go,” was all he said.
Sheng Qianmo then took Shu Nuan to a carriage.
Sheng Gu stood motionless, until Ah’Bi gently pulled at her skirt. The princess simply nodded in understanding, then went to the other carriage.
After the carriage started moving, Ah’Bi gnashed her teeth in anger, and whispered, “Princess, that slave girl must’ve used some foxy method to seduce the prince…”
Sheng Gu looked uncertain and coughed a couple of times. Then she admonished her maid.
“Stop talking!”
***
On the day of the festival, the capital looked disparate than usual. The streets bustled with activity.
In addition to the Lantern Festival, there was also Prince Sheng’s recent victory. The citizens’ happiness was easily doubled.
In the well-decorated streets, two carriages stopped. Sheng Qianmo got out of one carriage and ordered Li Yuan and Li Ming to take care of Sheng Gu’s well-being. As for himself, he brought Shu Nuan along with him.
“What would you like to eat?”
“I’m not hungry,” Shu Nuan answered.
Ignoring her polite words, Sheng Qianmo bought a few sweet and sticky rice cakes for her to eat. Shu Nuan peeled off the wrapping paper. Her small hands held a rice cake half-wrapped in paper, and she nibbled at it. Sheng Qianmo occasionally looked down and saw the girl eating earnestly with her head down. She would swallow slowly after every bite. Being led by the hand, she did not even care to look at the road. Instead, she concentrated entirely on the rice cake. Her little figure was quite lovely.
“Is it delicious?”
Shu Nuan finally raised her head, and continued stuffing her mouth with more rice cake, as she replied vaguely and nodded, “This slave thanks Your Highness.”
Sheng Qianmo stopped, looked at her, and said, “Let me take a bite.”
Shu Nuan looked between him and the half-eaten rice cake in her hand. She was hesitating to open the wrapping paper over the half she hadn’t eaten. However, before she could tear open the wrapping paper, Sheng Qianmo grabbed her slender wrist in a domineering manner. He bowed his head and took a bite from where she had eaten the rice cake, and then he let her go.
He used only a little bit of strength. Even with that, Shu Nuan’s wrist turned red and several finger marks appeared.
Truly, her skin could almost be described as “fragile”.
Sheng Qianmo held her slender waist to have her walk beside him. He lowered his head and couldn’t help but laugh. His deep and pleasant voice rang out from above Shu Nuan.
“Your skin is so tender. What if I hurt you later?”