For a moment, Shen Chuan almost thought that Lu Zhan had finally succumbed to mortal feelings. Though it had little to do with him, Shen Chuan still felt inexplicably excited.
Emperor Zhaowen had four sons in total. The Yong Prince ranked third. Whether older or younger than him, all the others had already chosen consorts, taken concubines, and even had several children. Only Lu Zhan—no one knew what he was thinking—had neither a mistress of the household nor even a single bedchamber attendant in his residence.
Two years ago, before the empress became as clear-minded as she was now, she had grown anxious and even drugged Lu Zhan. In response, Lu Zhan soaked himself in an icy pool for half the night, not only dispelling the drug's effects but also completely extinguishing the empress's intention of sending women his way.
As a result, the only thing missing from Lu Zhan's residence was a young imperial grandson.
Yet imperial heirs were one of the most important supports in a struggle for the throne. Just like that rigid Imperial Censor Qin supported Prince Shun—wasn't it simply because Prince Shun had many children? More sons, more blessings, better for the dynasty's future, or so he claimed.
The Yong Prince's faction had worried themselves sick over this, losing clumps of hair, yet they were powerless against their own lord.
Still, Shen Chuan thought silently, perhaps there was finally a glimmer of hope.
Taking a sword down from the rack, he casually continued the earlier topic, "Actually, if Your Highness likes that young lady, her status wouldn't be a problem."
Lu Zhan laughed. "You're overthinking it. I'm just a little curious."
That said, Shen Wan's bright, delicate face unexpectedly surfaced in his mind, and an absurd thought arose unbidden: if Shen Wan became his princess consort, it wouldn't be bad at all.
The faint sound of a sword case touching the table abruptly snapped him out of it. Lu Zhan paused, then shook his head helplessly. The struggle for succession was far too dangerous—it was better not to drag an innocent young lady into it.
He opened the sword case and, for the sake of appearances, examined the blade for a moment before asking casually, "I noticed Miss Shen seems a bit weak. Is she unwell?"
Shen Chuan didn't think much of it and nodded. "She caught a chill earlier and was ill for three months. She only recovered at the start of spring. The doctor said her body is still somewhat weak."
Lu Zhan's hand stroking the sword paused imperceptibly before returning to normal. "The empress recently bestowed a few maidservants skilled in medicine upon me. I'll have someone select one and send her over another day."
He spoke lightly, but Shen Chuan's eyes lit up instantly, that familiar feeling of being recognized by a discerning patron welling up again.
The Shen family had supported Lu Zhan for a long time, yet his entourage was full of capable people, and Shen Chuan had never received any particularly important assignment. Though he never said it aloud, he had felt some disappointment. Lu Zhan's casual concern now swept all that away.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Shen Chuan said, his face flushing with excitement. Without thinking, he blurted out an invitation. "It's getting late. Would Your Highness like to stay and dine with us?"
Seeing Shen Chuan's expression, Lu Zhan immediately guessed what he was imagining and felt a little guilty, shifting his gaze aside. Sending a medical maid was simply repayment for Shen Wan saving his life—but in Shen Chuan's eyes, it took on a different meaning. Rubbing his brow, Lu Zhan ultimately didn't refuse. "Very well."
A prince dining at a minister's home was a rare and great honor in Zhao State. With confirmation in hand, Shen Chuan immediately sent someone to inform his grandmother, mother, and sister.
Shen Wan had been looking forward to whatever delicious food the kitchen would prepare for lunch. When she heard the news, she froze. Had the plot changed again?
But with her previous false alarm as experience, she didn't panic this time. When Zhichu asked which outfit she should change into, Shen Wan calmly answered, "The moon-white one."
Holding up the clothes, Zhichu suggested in confusion, "Miss, red or pink would make your complexion look better."
"That one," Shen Wan insisted helplessly. If she could help it, she would rather avoid contact with Lu Zhan—the more interaction, the greater the chance of slipping up.
Unfortunately, Zhao State customs were open, and women held relatively high status. When honored guests arrived, everyone in the household except small children was expected to accompany them. And Shen Wan had already bumped straight into Lu Zhan during hide-and-seek earlier—there was no way to feign illness and avoid him now.
Frowning slightly, Shen Wan let Zhichu dress her. When the outer sash was just tied, before she could even glance in the bronze mirror, Zhichu exclaimed in delight, "Miss, you have such good taste! Moon-white suits you so well!"
A faint unease rose in Shen Wan's heart—and solidified the moment she saw her reflection.
After three months of illness, her body had recovered considerably, but her complexion was still pale. Zhichu usually dressed her in bright colors, so Shen Wan had never realized that wearing moon-white gave her a fragile, pitiful air.
"It looks even better than peach pink!" Zhichu marveled.
Expressionless, Shen Wan tugged at the jade pendant and sachet hanging at her waist, growing increasingly tempted to change clothes.
Zhichu blinked, seeing through her thoughts, and persuaded her gently. "The banquet's about to start. You can't keep Madam and the others waiting."
In the end, Shen Wan lost to Zhichu's cuteness and arrived at the front hall at just the right time. Lu Zhan was slightly later than she was, and the two happened to meet at the courtyard gate. When his gaze swept over her, Shen Wan instinctively lowered her head—missing the smile in his eyes.
The Shen family hosted guests at a traditional eight-immortals table. Only after sitting beside Madam Shen did Shen Wan finally relax. She had worried she might be seated directly opposite Lu Zhan, but that fear proved unnecessary.
Lu Zhan's status was exalted, and he was seated at the position of honor, facing south. Old Madam Shen and Shen Chuan sat to his left, while Madam Shen and Shen Wan sat to his right. The seat opposite him was left empty for servants to serve dishes.
This placed Shen Wan diagonally across from Lu Zhan—unless she deliberately paid attention, she could almost forget he was there.
She was very satisfied with the arrangement.
Once Lu Zhan picked up his chopsticks, Shen Wan followed suit. Throughout the meal, she listened quietly while others spoke, saying nothing herself. Sitting there obediently, pale and soft, she looked just like a greedy little white rabbit.
Several times, Lu Zhan glanced at her while picking up food, only to see her with her head lowered, nearly burying her face in her bowl. The smile in his eyes deepened.
Lu Zhan was genuinely curious.
He didn't think his appearance was frightening, yet Shen Wan avoided him like the plague. Shen Chuan had suggested earlier that this might be a sign of affection, and Lu Zhan had believed it at first. But after spending more time together, it didn't quite seem that way.
If the person you liked was right beside you, could you really resist looking at them?
Once Lu Zhan knew Shen Wan was his lifesaver, he found himself unconsciously paying her extra attention. Though he had never liked anyone before, this felt natural to him. Yet Shen Wan was truly just focused on eating—without even a trace of pretense.
Reluctant as he was to admit it, Lu Zhan felt that in Shen Wan's eyes… he seemed less attractive than a plate of roast chicken.
With that thought, he glanced at her again—only to meet Madam Shen's puzzled gaze. Lu Zhan remained composed and smiled slightly. "I heard from Shen Chuan that Miss Shen has been unwell. The prince's residence recently received several medical maids, so I thought to send one over."
He didn't refer to himself as "this prince," and his tone was considerate yet measured, careful not to invite misunderstanding.
Madam Shen instinctively looked at Shen Chuan. Seeing her son nod happily, her doubt vanished, and she naturally accepted the Yong Prince's gift. Smiling, she thanked him.
Turning to Shen Wan, she urged, "Wanwan, quickly thank His Highness."
Shen Wan nearly rolled her eyes—not in displeasure, but because she was choking. She had been eating perfectly well, never expecting the topic to suddenly turn to her. Startled, she swallowed an entire piece of chicken leg meat, nearly choking to death.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Shen Wan managed with difficulty.
Lu Zhan's lips curved faintly as he turned his gaze aside. Normally, he always wore a faint smile, so no one else noticed anything unusual—except Shen Wan, who sensed something was off.
Because she had saved him and was now desperately hiding it, Shen Wan always felt vaguely guilty around Lu Zhan. That made her overanalyze every look and gesture, afraid of exposing herself.
Sensing something amiss, Shen Wan carefully recalled the original plot. To be safe, she decided to test the waters.
Using the serving chopsticks, she picked up some vegetables and placed them in Madam Shen's bowl, lowering her voice as if suddenly remembering something. "Mother, after returning from repaying the vow at Huguo Temple, I really felt much better. Let's go again sometime."
Lu Zhan had been turning to clink cups with Shen Chuan when his fingers paused. He interjected, "Madam Shen and Miss Shen often visit Huguo Temple?"
With his status, handsome appearance, and gentlemanly aura like a pine breeze, even his lazy, casual tone didn't diminish his charm.
Madam Shen smiled. "Earlier, when my daughter recovered from illness, I took her to Huguo Temple to repay a vow. She's just gotten attached to the place."
"Oh?" Lu Zhan responded lightly, noticing Shen Wan watching him closely, clearly analyzing something. He subtly reined in his expression.
His acting skills, honed in the palace since childhood, were nearly flawless. After watching for a while and finding nothing, Shen Wan could only suppress her doubts and explain, "Mother, I'm not just being playful—the peach grove at Huguo Temple really is beautiful."
As she spoke, Shen Wan casually observed Lu Zhan. Lu Zhan immediately understood her intent: deliberately mentioning the peach grove, avoiding the bamboo grove—she was trying to prove, in a roundabout way, that she hadn't saved him.
She looked soft and harmless like a little rabbit, but was actually as cunning as a small fox.
Lu Zhan lifted his teacup to hide the smile at his lips, his curiosity growing even stronger. What on earth did she eat growing up to develop such a temperament?
Author's Note:
Wanwan: Protect the disguise! Protect the disguise! Make sure the disguise is on tight!
Lu Zhan: [Cooperating with your performance.jpg]
Thanks to Feichai No.1, Rare Little Cutie, Nannan, Mushan Beishui, and Wanyun Xi for the nutrient drinks—lifting you up and spinning in circles!