Chapter 17: Taking the Silly Girl to the Party

 

Three days passed uneventfully.

 

Shen Yian made full use of his “one trick to conquer the world” strategy.

 

That night, the King of Chu’s estate was attacked by assassins, and he was still shaken, his body unwell, and unable to attend the morning court or the academy.

 

Every day, after handling and arranging his affairs, he would go find the silly girl to play with.

 

On good days, they would go fishing, hunting, and have a picnic outside the city.

 

On cloudy days, they would stay in the study, listening to music, drinking tea, and telling stories.

 

Shen Yian shamelessly adapted some famous stories, novels, and educational content from his previous life, making them his own.

 

Among them were some stories with educational value, aiming to teach the silly girl about the complexities of human nature.

 

Over the past three days, the commotion surrounding the silly girl had gradually subsided, and he had also recalled some of the people, including Cheng Hai.

 

As for the Dingfu Building, after completing the handover procedures, Manager Qian had taken his family and left Tianwu City, disappearing without a trace.

 

A new manager was still needed to be sent over from the merchant association.

 

Shen Yian was not in a hurry, as he planned to renovate the Dingfu Building into a hot pot restaurant.

 

“Your Highness! The son of the Duke Anguo, Du Dunming, has sent an invitation!”

 

Mendu rushed over with the invitation.

 

Shen Yian, who had just finished his lunch, was puzzled for a moment – the son of the Duke Anguo, Du Dunming?

 

Suddenly, he remembered that this was the same kid who was afraid of insects when they were young!

 

He had originally planned to rest in the afternoon and visit the Duke of State’s residence later, but it seemed that his plans had changed.

 

Shen Yian opened the invitation and realized that today was a rest day for the academy.

 

In the ancient world, there weren’t many entertainment options, so these noble young masters would often gather on a flower boat on the Luo River, drinking and composing poetry.

 

Besides these young masters, there would also be noble ladies present, forming a so-called upper-class social circle.

 

He and Du Dunming had a good relationship, similar to that of close friends or sworn brothers.

 

An invitation from a close friend couldn’t be declined, as it would be impolite.

 

These guys wouldn’t dare to cause trouble, as their families would scold them severely if they did.

 

It was a good opportunity to bring the silly girl along, helping her to overcome her social anxiety and expand her social circle.

 

Most importantly, it would allow Du Dunming and the other noble young masters to remember the silly girl, to remember who she was and whose person she was.

 

The granddaughter of the Duke of State, the daughter of the Northern Garrison, and the future queen of the King of Chu!

 

“Mendu, prepare the carriage, we’re going to the Duke of State’s residence.”

 

“Your Highness, didn’t you receive the invitation from the son of the Duke Anguo…?”

 

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t go. Why don’t I go pick someone up first?”

 

Mendu quickly understood and bowed, saying, “Your Highness, do you need to prepare anything?”

 

“No need.”

 

“I’ll go prepare right away!”

 

As they arrived at the Duke of State’s residence, Ye Tiance was not present, but the butler, Afu, still respectfully welcomed Shen Yian.

 

Shen Yian was now more familiar with the Duke of State’s residence than his own King of Chu’s estate.

 

When Ye Liyan learned of Shen Yian’s intention, her small hands trembled with anxiety, unsure of what to do.

 

She didn’t want to reject him, but she was also a little socially anxious, fearing that she would be embarrassed after meeting those noble children and bring shame to her own highness.

 

“When I came here, I had no intention of letting you stay in the mansion.” Shen Yian said with a smile, suddenly scooping up Ye Liyan in his arms.

 

After all, during the wedding night, he would have to carry her into the bridal chamber, so he might as well practice in advance, Shen Yian thought shamelessly with his old face blushing.

 

“Ah!”

 

Ye Liyan let out a startled cry, completely unprepared for Shen Yian’s bold move.

 

“Y-your Highness…”

 

The silly girl’s body slightly curled up, a faint blush rising to her cheeks, her small hands grasping Shen Yian’s clothes, her small head instinctively leaning against his broad shoulders, her peach-blossom eyes stealing glances at his handsome face.

 

The two maids, Jinxiu and Jinlian, were excitedly watching the scene, their hearts racing.

 

“Your Highness, you’re so bad!” Jinlian covered her face, peeking through her fingers.

 

Shen Yian smiled warmly: “Jinxiu, help your mistress get her veil.”

 

“Yes, yes, Your Highness!” Jinxiu quickly reacted, pulling Jinlian out of the study room.

 

The Luo River, also known as the Luo Water, was a canal dug by the Shen Family’s ancestors, allowing large ships to pass through and connecting Tianwu City to several surrounding satellite cities.

 

There were occasional cargo ships passing by, and the riverbanks were lined with dense shops, rivaling the prosperity of the northern city.

 

On the more than ten large and small flower boats on the Luo River, people were chatting and laughing, the decorations dazzling and eye-catching. Many courtesans were dressed in revealing clothes, standing at the bow of the boats, waving their sleeves and dancing, like a hundred flowers blooming.

 

Shen Yian regretted bringing the silly girl along after getting off the carriage.

 

If she saw this scene, she would think he was a debauched prince who frequented these places!

 

You’re to blame, Du Dunming! Why couldn’t you just choose a teahouse for the gathering? Return my innocence!

 

“Be careful.”

 

Shen Yian turned around and helped Ye Liyan down from the carriage.

 

Ye Liyan wore a veil, but it didn’t obstruct her view. Her beautiful eyes instinctively looked towards the flower boats on the Luo River.

 

After seeing the courtesans’ provocative scenes, her worldview was slightly impacted, and her gaze quickly shifted away.

 

“Your Highness, do you often come here?”

 

Shen Yian was afraid of being misunderstood, and quickly explained, “Du Dunming and his friends often come here, but I haven’t been here in five years.”

 

He wasn’t lying; he had been to the flower boats, but it was for other purposes.

 

He had never been to the flower boats on the Luo River for leisure!

 

Ye Liyan couldn’t help but feel a little happy, but also thought that her previous question was too abrupt.

 

“I apologize, Your Highness. I was too abrupt.”

 

“I know what you’re thinking, don’t worry, I’m not that kind of person,” Shen Yian said, able to proudly claim that he was a chaste man in both his lives!

 

Even if he were to mix with the martial arts world, he would still keep his heart pure, focusing on his cultivation, and women would only be obstacles on his path forward!

 

But the silly girl was different!

 

“I believe in Your Highness,” Ye Liyan said, causing Shen Yian’s sense of guilt to inexplicably increase.

 

He had to keep a close eye on the silly girl, lest she be deceived by someone one day.

 

He called over a small boat by the river, leaving Jinxiu and the two guards to watch the carriage, and the two of them boarded a small boat, with Cheng Hai following closely behind on another boat, approaching the flower boat where Du Dunming and the others were.

 

The Manhua Pavilion.

 

Before the boat got close to the flower boat, the girls on it couldn’t help but flirt with each other when they saw such a handsome young man like Shen Yian.

 

“Two Young Masters, come and play with us!”

 

“Sisters, please don’t fight with us younger sister for this~”

 

Ye Liyan clenched her small fists, wishing she had her zither with her, so she could shut up these shameless women.

 

As the small boat approached the flower boat, several courtesans stretched out their arms to help Shen Yian aboard.

 

But just as they did, a dark figure suddenly appeared from the small boat, pushing the courtesans back, causing a commotion.

 

Cheng Hai turned around, making way, and bowed respectfully, saying, “Young Master.”

 

When entering such places, Cheng Hai, as a subordinate, had the foresight to change his address.

 

Shen Yian nodded slightly, his large hand wrapping around Ye Liyan’s slender waist, and with a gentle push, they arrived on the flower boat.

 

“Oh my goodness~ Gentlemen, it’s an unfortunate coincidence today. My boat has been chartered by some noble gentlemen. Sorry, I can’t accept any more guests~”

 

The alluring words reached them even before they arrived, captivating their hearts.