After leaving the main courtyard, Lu Chen was just about to head toward the Zhou sisters' residence when a familiar figure caught his eye. It was Mu Zixuan—leading none other than Wang Qingci toward the palace's backyard.
His brows furrowed slightly. How did that woman end up with Zixuan?
A troubling thought surfaced. Perhaps Wang Qingci had come with the intent of getting closer to him and had deceived Mu Zixuan with some harmless excuse. If that were the case, then it didn't matter. But if she managed to hurt Mu Zixuan in the process—even slightly—that would be a real problem.
Especially now that Mu Zixuan was pregnant.
Not hesitating another moment, Lu Chen swiftly followed behind.
By the time he arrived at the backyard, the maid Xiaorou was just about to prepare the tea. Lu Chen quickly intercepted her.
"Xiaorou," he said, his voice low but firm, "use these leaves for the tea."
He handed her a small bundle of fresh, vibrant leaves.
Xiaorou didn't think much of it. She was just a maid, after all.
"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied obediently and left to brew the tea.
With that done, Lu Chen stepped into the garden.
Wang Qingci, seated on a stone bench, lit up the moment she saw him. A flicker of delight crossed her face—finally, a chance to meet the Northern King in person.
Of course, she wasn't planning on making any bold moves just yet.
This visit was merely to leave an impression—to charm him, pique his interest, and nestle herself into his memory. She wasn't certain whether the master rumored to reside in the palace had left or not. If she acted rashly and failed, there'd be no escaping the Northern King's wrath.
She stood up quickly, bowed with elegance, and greeted him, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Mu Zixuan, noticing Lu Chen's hurried arrival, asked curiously, "Prince, weren't you heading to see the sisters?"
Although Lu Chen had already gotten quite close with both Xiaoxiao and Youyou, today was still the wedding banquet—it was important to observe proper formality. But now, here he was.
Lu Chen gave a slight smile. "Don't worry. I'll visit them tonight."
His gaze turned to Wang Qingci, who stood gracefully, her presence exuding a subtle, intoxicating fragrance. She truly lived up to her name—the most alluring courtesan in Baihua Tower.
Lu Chen narrowed his eyes. "And who might you be?"
Wang Qingci respectfully introduced herself, "Your Highness, I am a courtesan from Baihua Tower."
Mu Zixuan quickly added, "Your Majesty, Miss Wang saw the effects of our soap and came here hoping to place a bulk order."
Lu Chen nodded lightly. "Ah, I see."
"In that case, you both carry on—I won't get in the way."
With that, he walked to the edge of the pavilion and casually sat down.
Not long after, Xiaorou returned, holding a tray with three cups of freshly brewed tea made from the leaves he had given her—Dragon and Phoenix Tea.
She placed the cups before them with practiced grace.
Wang Qingci, eager to keep up appearances, continued her conversation with Mu Zixuan. "Princess, our Baihua Tower would like to place a large order for soap. Might I ask how long it would take to produce?"
Her eyes, however, weren't on Mu Zixuan. She only asked out of courtesy, her real attention focused entirely on the man sitting at the edge of the pavilion.
Mu Zixuan asked, "How much do you need?"
"A thousand pieces," Wang Qingci answered.
Mu Zixuan blinked, surprised. It was the largest order the palace had ever received.
"So many?"
Wang Qingci smiled demurely. "We girls at Baihua Tower change clothes often. Every day, countless sets are worn and need washing. Until now, we've relied on purchasing large quantities of bath beans from outside the city."
Mu Zixuan nodded, considering the explanation reasonable. A place like Baihua Tower surely placed high importance on cleanliness. A thousand units might not even be enough, actually.
Could Baihua Tower become a major client for the palace's soap? she wondered, pleased at the prospect.
Just as she was mulling over the business implications, she caught Lu Chen's gaze drifting—steadily—toward Wang Qingci.
She immediately understood.
So that's why he came here... for Wang Qingci.
Still, she didn't take offense. Everyone in the palace knew of Lu Chen's fondness for beautiful women. And Wang Qingci, with her otherworldly charm, was easily the crown jewel of Baihua Tower. His interest was only natural.
Meanwhile, Wang Qingci picked up the teacup before her and took a sip.
The moment the tea touched her lips, a refreshing coolness bloomed through her chest and surged to her limbs. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"This tea... Princess, may I ask where your palace procures it from?" she asked, caught off guard by the sheer quality of the drink.
Mu Zixuan, startled by the sudden change in topic, lifted her own cup and tasted the tea.
Immediately, she understood.
Turning to Xiaorou, she asked, "Xiaorou, what kind of tea is this? I don't think I've ever had it before."
Before Xiaorou could reply, Lu Chen's voice drifted lazily from the edge of the pavilion.
"My beloved," he said, "do you remember the tree I planted in the main courtyard?"
Mu Zixuan's eyes lit up in realization.
Of course she remembered—it was the tree he'd been tending with such care these past few days. She had always wondered why he was so attentive to it.
"Don't tell me... these leaves are from that tree?" she asked.
Lu Chen nodded. "Exactly."
His gaze shifted to Wang Qingci as he smiled faintly. "Miss Wang, what do you think of the tea?"
Wang Qingci composed herself and answered sincerely, "It's wonderfully fragrant and smooth. I've never tasted tea so refreshing—it feels almost magical."
Lu Chen chuckled. "Since you like it, I'll have someone prepare a batch of fresh leaves for you to take home."
Wang Qingci's eyes sparkled. So, he's already trying to curry favor with me using this tea? At this rate, it won't be long before he becomes mine... and my mission will be that much closer to completion.
She gave a charming smile and curtsied. "Thank you very much for your reward, Your Majesty."
Lu Chen turned to the maid. "Xiaorou, go pick two taels of fresh tea leaves from the tree I water every day. Have them packed for Miss Wang."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Xiaorou responded and left.
Wang Qingci and Mu Zixuan resumed their discussion about the soap delivery. After agreeing on the delivery date, Wang Qingci took her leave, departing the palace with her freshly plucked Dragon and Phoenix leaves.
Lu Chen watched her figure disappear beyond the gate, his eyes calm but thoughtful.
Mu Zixuan quietly walked over and sat beside him. "If you really like her, my lord," she said softly, "I can send someone to Baihua Tower and buy her for you. She should still be untouched."
She was never one for jealousy. Her view on women was surprisingly open-minded.
Lu Chen stirred from his thoughts. He reached out, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and gently pulled her onto his lap.
Leaning in close, he whispered into her ear, "My beloved… do you truly believe she's just a courtesan?"
Mu Zixuan's expression shifted slightly.
Lu Chen's tone was no longer teasing—it was serious. He planned to tell her the truth about Wang Qingci's identity. That woman wasn't here just to flirt or sell soap. She had ulterior motives.
And if she managed to get too close to Mu Zixuan, it could be dangerous. It was better to let her know now than to risk something worse later.
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