Yu Jingchen strolled with Nan Zhiyun and they happened to encounter a river performance that day. Nan Zhiyun's interest was immediately piqued as she saw the large crowd gathered on both sides of the river.
Nan Zhiyun had seen such river performances before. They typically involved a stage erected on the river, where song and dance performances would take place.
The most significant part of these performances was the final flower boat entertainment. At the end, a flower boat would sail down the river, and a pair of distinguished individuals from the river performance would be chosen to embark on a boat tour.
Seeing Nan Zhiyun's reaction, Yu Jingchen knew she wanted to go. He gave Xing Lai a look, and Xing Lai, understanding, immediately went to make arrangements.
"Let's go and have a look," Yu Jingchen said to Nan Zhiyun. He himself wasn't particularly interested in these things. If one were to watch performances, why would those trained in the palace be inferior to these outsiders? It was merely about joining in the fun. If Nan Zhiyun liked it, he wouldn't mind accompanying her.
After Xing Lai had made the necessary arrangements, Yu Jingchen led Nan Zhiyun to a less crowded spot with the best view.
Nan Zhiyun watched the river performance with a sense of novelty, as this particular performance format was different from what she had seen before. Previously, stages were built on the river, but now... it was just several boards fixed on the lake surface by ropes.
Yet, the dancers were able to perform smoothly in such a setting, leaping gracefully and soaring into the air. Nan Zhiyun had never witnessed such a performance style before.
Nan Zhiyun was engrossed in the show, but Yu Jingchen's brow furrowed tighter the more he watched. However, catching sight of Nan Zhiyun, who was in such rare good spirits, he didn't want to spoil her enjoyment.
Seeing how much Nan Zhiyun liked it, Yu Jingchen gently embraced her, subtly drawing her a little further from the edge of the lake, as it was too close and potentially dangerous. He also pulled her into his arms to prevent anyone from bumping into her.
"Don't stand too close to the edge, be careful you don't fall," Yu Jingchen whispered to Nan Zhiyun.
"Mm," Nan Zhiyun replied, and allowed Yu Jingchen to embrace her as they stepped back a couple of paces.
"Do you like this sort of thing very much, Yun'er?" Yu Jingchen asked Nan Zhiyun.
"I just find it very impressive," Nan Zhiyun replied.
Indeed, it was impressive. To perform a song and dance, they were even using Qinggong. These dancers were truly skilled individuals!
"If you like it, you can always have people perform for you in the palace in the future," Yu Jingchen said.
"It doesn't feel the same in the palace. This place is so lively, and people genuinely enjoy it," Nan Zhiyun said, looking up at Yu Jingchen.
Yu Jingchen paused, surprised by Nan Zhiyun's words.
"Don't you like the imperial palace, Yun'er?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
"...Mm," Nan Zhiyun replied after a moment of hesitation.
"It's alright. We can still come out in the future, okay?" Yu Jingchen soothed her.
"Mm, okay." Nan Zhiyun smiled.
Yu Jingchen looked at her, but his feelings were not as joyful as he expected. Nan Zhiyun's smile felt like a thorn piercing his heart, causing him sharp pain.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun suddenly called out, interrupting Yu Jingchen's thoughts.
"Hmm? What is it?" Yu Jingchen bent slightly, lowering his head to look at Nan Zhiyun.
"Can I ride on that boat later?" Nan Zhiyun pointed with her finger at a lavishly decorated boat approaching in the distance.
"Do you like riding boats, Yun'er?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
"I just want to. I've never ridden on a flower boat like this, so I'm a little curious," Nan Zhiyun replied. She had always wanted to try it when she saw them before, but since she was alone, she couldn't.
When she first fell for Yu Jingchen, she had always wanted to go with him, but Yu Jingchen never participated in such events, and she didn't want to bother him.
"If you want to, then go. As long as you wish it, give it a try," Yu Jingchen indulged her.
"But what if we're not chosen?" Nan Zhiyun still had some concerns.
"Don't worry, you will be," Yu Jingchen was not worried. This particular event, wasn't it prepared for them?
Nan Zhiyun didn't know why Yu Jingchen was so certain, but she knew that if Yu Jingchen said so, it should be alright. Could it be nepotism? Nan Zhiyun stopped thinking about it and continued to enjoy the river performance.
Yu Jingchen glanced around, his eyes darkening slightly, but he didn't show much of it.
As Yu Jingchen had predicted, the participants for the flower boat experience were indeed him and Nan Zhiyun.
"Are this young master and madam together?" A man in his forties, likely the manager of the establishment, approached them.
"Yes, this is our young master and his wife," Xing Lai stepped forward to reply.
"May I ask if the young master and madam are interested in boarding the flower boat together?" the man inquired.
"Yes," Yu Jingchen replied, his expression unchanged, looking at the manager.
"Then, young master, madam, please come this way." The man gestured for them to proceed.
Yu Jingchen's hand went around Nan Zhiyun's back, holding her tightly in his embrace.
"Let's go," Yu Jingchen said to Nan Zhiyun.
Nan Zhiyun nodded. She felt Yu Jingchen was acting a bit strangely, but she couldn't quite pinpoint why. The two of them were led onto the boat by the man. Xing Lai and Qian Xia naturally followed, but... the remaining guards, disguised as servants, remained behind.
The boat was well-equipped and cozily decorated. There was even a charcoal fire and a warm stove, so it was warm inside despite the weather.
The boat was adorned with various lights, which looked quite beautiful. Nan Zhiyun loved it as soon as she boarded. The boat was spacious and well-furnished, and besides them, there were dedicated singers and dancers.
"Young master, madam, please sit here." The guide indicated seats not far away.
Yu Jingchen led Nan Zhiyun to sit down. Originally, their seats were arranged facing each other, but as Nan Zhiyun was about to move to her own seat, Yu Jingchen stopped her.
Nan Zhiyun looked at Yu Jingchen with confusion.
"Just sit beside me. Don't sit so far away," Yu Jingchen said.
Although Nan Zhiyun didn't understand, she didn't refuse.
"Yes..." Nan Zhiyun replied and obediently sat down with Yu Jingchen.
After they were seated, servants began to serve them, bringing tea, wine, and some food.
Nan Zhiyun had already eaten a lot earlier and couldn't eat any more. However, looking at the wine being served... Nan Zhiyun admitted, she was tempted again.
Yu Jingchen, seeing Nan Zhiyun's expression, knew she was craving the wine once more.