Shang Wuxin had woken up early in the morning, but because it was so early, her mood was very bad. It was like another layer of ice was added to her originally cold and detached expression.
âCrown Prince!â Wu Ju approached the side of the crown prince somewhat timidly, looking at him as he gracefully ate his breakfast. Pondering it over, she still spoke resolutely, âMay this servant attend to You today?â During this period of time, she had started to admire the crown prince more and more, and her respect for him had grown. Furthermore, she had also gradually started wishing to become stronger, hoping that she would be entrusted with heavier responsibilities and be qualified to act as his right hand. She was already different from before, when she had merely felt like wanting to protect the crown prince, whom sheâd never met before. Now she wholeheartedly wished to be an important subordinate, even though she was just a woman. Wu Wei was also a woman, yet she was always there at the princeâs beck and call. Wu Ju believed that she herself would not disappoint him, either.
After hearing her words, Wu Wei, who was in the middle of serving the food to the crown prince, nearly dropped the chopsticks within her hand. She was already well aware of Wu Juâs intelligence and strength. If Wu Ju had run into the crown prince first, perhaps she would have been even more competent than herself. More importantly, after spending so many days together, Wu Wei could clearly see Wu Juâs devotion. They had even become good friends in private, partly for the sake of the crown prince. She also wanted to know whether he would lead her with him when he entered the palace today, but she didnât dare ask. After all, she still remembered the last time. It had let her understand that only if she was formidable enough, she could protect herself. Otherwise, she would be a burden.
âAh.â Shang Wuxin put down her chopsticks. Since she had gotten up too early, she didnât have much of an appetite. Listening to Wu Juâs words just now, her mood improved a little. âThis is a birthday feast, not Imperial fatherâs personal summon. Of course I can bring you to with. However, once you enter the palace, concentrate on watching and listening, and donât speak too much. This Prince hopes that you wonât stir up any trouble, do you understand?â
Wu Ju was delighted at heart, while Wu Wei promptly saluted, âMany thanks, Crown Prince. This servant respectfully obeys to do my duty. I wonât bring You any inconveniences!â They were very clear that while the crown prince looked like a solemn celestial being, he very much disliked troublesome things.
Shang Wuxin nodded in satisfaction. âHowever, youâre My people. You canât let others bully you. Itâs good if you donât stir up any trouble, but if thereâs anyone provoking you, you shouldnât lose face for This Prince. If anything happens, thereâs still Me to shoulder the responsibility.â
âYes!â Wu Wei and Wu Ju both nodded heavily. Being able to stand by the Crown Princeâs side was their livesâ greatest fortune.
âCrown Prince, the carriage is ready. Should we set out for the palace now?â Chief Hai asked from outside the door. Thinking of the present the crown prince had prepared as a birthday gift, he still felt a little anxious. But he also knew his fears were groundless when he called to mind the princeâs intelligence. Anyway, even if His Majesty really got angry at him, the current crown prince would most likely not care a whit.
Shang Wuxin got up and took the handkerchief in Wu Weiâs hand to wipe her hands, then taking along the two maids, she walked toward the carriage parked outside the residence. But as soon as she went out, she noticed a tall black carriage made of incense wood. Though she didnât know how it looked on the inside, judging only by the exterior, she could realize its great value.
âWhose work is this?â Shang Wuxin asked without any facial expression. No one was able to tell whether she was happy or displeased about this.
Chief Hai promptly ran up to Shang Wuxinâs side and said with a smile, âIt was this old servant who ordered it. Do You like it?â Previously, it was because the Crown Princeâs residence had been too poor to afford such extravagant things. But now that they were so well-off, they shouldnât put their Crown Prince in any inconvenience. When he saw how much money the residence had, he had immediately discussed with Wu Wei about making the carriage.
How would Shang Wuxin not realize Chief Haiâs intentions. She nodded her head. âChief Hai has done very well. This Prince likes it a lot.â She entered the carriage while speaking. Sure enough, the interior was arranged completely to her current preferences. Simple, yet luxurious. More importantly, it was comfortable. She was someone who always treated herself well. Since she had the qualifications to live in comfort, why would she want to inconvenience herself.
When he heard that the Crown Prince was satisfied, Chief Hai laughed giddily. Combined with his round stature, that laughing face made him appear that much happier. Even Wu Wei and Wu Ju couldnât help smiling, let alone the other guards, who all laughed stealthily. The usually solemn and fearful Chief Hai could actually be this amusing in front of the Crown Prince.
Hearing everyoneâs laughter from inside the carriage, evoked a small smile on Shang Wuxinâs face as well. What a pity that no one was able to witness that smile, or else who knew how many maiden hearts it would steal.
The ones who drove the carriage were Wu Wei and Wu Ju, while the Crown Princeâs Imperial bodyguards were gathered around it as protection. Looking at that formation, everyone had an enormous curiosity about the crown prince. Nowadays, the citizens were circulating favorable rumors that the prince was keeping a low profile and biding his time. But unfortunately, the crown prince had never shown himself in front of those citizens. Let alone them, even the Imperial Courtâs officials had never seen him. And since the crown prince still hadnât reached 16 years of age, he couldnât attend court yet. Thus, the reason so many officials had come to todayâs birthday banquet was the crown prince.
âWoah, is that the Crown Princeâs carriage? Looks like itâs quite big and attractive. I wonder if Heâs inside?â Female whispers spread across the streets. Who among the common women didnât wish to marry into the Imperial household? They previously thought he was simpleton, but listening to the recent hearsay, many people had started admiring the mysterious crown prince.
âIt has to be! Take a look, none of the other princesâ carriages can compare!â
âI wonder what He looks like? Could he be very ugly?â
Wu Wei and Wu Ju got furious when they heard some woman say that the crown prince was very ugly, but they also knew they couldnât do anything at this time. They kept thinking on the inside, if they let those people see the princeâs face, no one would be able to speak such words. Even if they searched high and low, they would perhaps only find a few people in this world, whose appearance could compare to his.
Hearing the various discussions outside, Shang Wuxin didnât seem to care at all. It could be said that the commoners were often the most artless and authentic, but even more often â the most heartless and cruel; they only saw the things on the surface. However, public opinion was actually a good thing to put to use.
âCrown Prince, weâve arrived at the Imperial palace!â Wu Weiâs voice conveyed. Shang Wuxin didnât have to exit the carriage where the rest of the officials and young ladies did. Since she had the crown princeâs privilege, her carriage was allowed within the palace grounds. That was within the crown princeâs rights.
When she heard that, Shang Wuxin slightly lifted the vehicleâs curtain to let the inspecting Imperial guards by the entrance clearly see her face. As it was an obligatory inspection, she naturally wouldnât defy it, but she also wouldnât let others frivolously examine her for too long.
At that moment, Shang Wuxin detected someoneâs line of sight on herself. Though it didnât carry any malice, the feeling of being looked up and down was too strong. Faintly frowning, she looked toward the owner of the gaze. That person was dressed in black, sitting straight on horseback. His chiseled face seemed to be personally sculpted by a deity. Even when he was quietly sitting on horseback, his charm and unusual good looks were obvious. Exceedingly graceful, he gave people a somber and desolate feeling. He had wheat colored skin, smooth and dewy. The star-like eyes adorning his outstanding face were particularly noticeable, calling peopleâs attention, and difficult to disregard.
âWho is that person?â Interest flashed within Shang Wuxinâs eyes. That man was very much to her taste. One glance was enough to tell he was a genuine rugged man to his blood and bones.
Wu Wei followed the crown princeâs line of sight, then lowered her head to say, âThat person is Shangâs famous general, Leng Yufeng. Heâs also Your mentor. In two days, he will go to the Crown Princeâs residence to instruct You in military studies.â Because she already knew that he would be the Crown Princeâs tutor, she had already thoroughly investigated him. But that general truly was a man that made people feel admiration for him.
âMhm.â Shang Wuxin put down the curtain, while the carriage slowly proceeded inside the palaceâ¦
Notes: Decided to share more of my stash. Here are two pics that could suit Leng Yufeng. Take your pick~
Leng Yufeng 01
Has that solemn feel, also dressed in blackâ¦
Leng Yugeng 2
Looks more rugged to me, somewhat wilder. The features are also harsher and more chiseled. So this would be my pick ð