13: Chapter 13 Acting by Day, Cultivating by Night

The next morning.

The Zhenguo Marquis Mansion's signature red Sandalwood Carriage stopped punctually at the entrance of the small courtyard in the east of the city.

Chen Shanzhi lifted the carriage curtain just in time to see the wooden door open with a creak.

A graceful figure stepped out slowly.

Chen Shanzhi's hand, which was waving a folding fan, couldn't help but freeze mid-air.

Today, Tang Xiaowu had clearly dressed up with great care.

Her usual plain, pale yellow silk dress was gone, replaced by a water-blue gown woven from Flowing Cloud Brocade. The hem rippled gently as she walked, like waves on a lake.

A moon-white silk ribbon was tied around her waist, outlining her slender, willow-like waist and making her figure appear even more graceful and lithe.

Her waterfall-like black hair was no longer left loose, but was instead styled into an exquisite Cloud-following Bun held by a Jasper Hairpin. A few stray strands hung by her ears, adding a touch of elegance.

Her fair face was lightly powdered, lending a hint of charm to her originally cold features. Her eyes, which usually held a chill, were now slightly lowered due to nervousness, her long eyelashes trembling like butterfly wings.

“Tsk.”

Chen Shanzhi's Adam's apple bobbed as a flash of undisguised admiration crossed his eyes.

He had to admit, the quality of this eroge heroine was indeed top-tier.

If she were in his previous life, she would definitely have a "national first love" face, and a top-tier celebrity one at that.

Tang Xiaowu walked to the carriage and looked up, meeting Chen Shanzhi's somewhat dazed eyes.

Having grown accustomed to this profligate's playful and flirtatious gaze, this was the first time she had seen such pure admiration in his eyes.

There was no uncomfortable lewdness, just appreciation for something beautiful.

“Does it look good?”

Possessed by some unknown impulse, a small sense of joy actually bubbled up in Tang Xiaowu's heart, and two red clouds bloomed on her cheeks.

“Ahem.”

Chen Shanzhi snapped back to reality, folded his fan, and extended a hand. “Get in, my... fair lady.”

Tang Xiaowu hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his palm.

His hand was dry and warm. He didn't take the opportunity to squeeze or scratch her palm as he had before, but simply provided steady support to pull her into the carriage.

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was somewhat subtle.

This was the first time Tang Xiaowu had ever sat in Chen Shanzhi's carriage.

The carriage was filled with a faint scent of agarwood mixed with a uniquely masculine aroma, making her feel uneasy.

Like a startled rabbit, she sat in the corner furthest from Chen Shanzhi, pressing herself against the carriage wall. Her eyes wandered out the window, as if a flower were growing at the base of the wall outside.

Chen Shanzhi found her "facing a great enemy" appearance inwardly amusing.

“Am I that scary?”

Chen Shanzhi poured himself a cup of tea and said leisurely, “Who was it last night who vowed to do anything to save someone? We just got in the carriage, and you already want to be miles away from me?”

Tang Xiaowu's body stiffened. She turned her head and bit her lip nervously. “I... I'm just not used to riding in carriages.”

“I get it. Motion sickness, right?”

Chen Shanzhi didn't expose her. He casually pushed over a plate of exquisite pastries. “Try some. These are Osmanthus Cakes specially made for the Marquis Mansion. They're sweet but not greasy, good for calming the nerves.”

Tang Xiaowu looked at the exquisite pastries, then at Chen Shanzhi's face, which, despite the smirk, held no ill intent. Her tense nerves relaxed slightly.

...

The carriage traveled smoothly. Under Chen Shanzhi's banter, Tang Xiaowu seemed to feel less nervous.

Soon, Yiyuan Garden arrived.

This was the largest royal garden open to the public in the capital, and a favorite spot for the families of the capital's nobility to go on outings.

“Remember.”

Before getting out, Chen Shanzhi wiped away his smile and looked at Tang Xiaowu seriously. “From now on, we are a couple deeply in love. Don't slip up. Madam Li is no fool; don't let her spot any flaws at a glance.”

Tang Xiaowu took a deep breath and nodded. “I know.”

The carriage curtain was lifted.

Chen Shanzhi jumped down first, then turned around very naturally and extended his hand.

Tang Xiaowu looked at the hand, hesitated for half a second, then placed her soft hand upon it.

The two walked into Yiyuan Garden side by side.

The weather was fine today, and there were many visitors in the garden.

Chen Shanzhi held Tang Xiaowu's hand as they walked along the pebble-paved path.

He could feel that the small hand in his palm was cold and stiff.

Tang Xiaowu was tense all over, and her walking posture was somewhat unnatural, much like a kidnapped hostage.

“Xiaowu.”

When they reached a rockery, Chen Shanzhi suddenly stopped, leaned in close to her ear, and his warm breath brushed against her earlobe.

“With that expression, anyone who didn't know better would think I'm some bully who snatched a commoner girl and is now hauling you back to be my bandit bride.”

Tang Xiaowu's body trembled, and she instinctively tried to pull away, but Chen Shanzhi held her firmly.

“I... I can't smile.”

Tang Xiaowu lowered her head, her voice carrying a hint of suppressed pain. “When I think of Brother Tang Liu still suffering in the Imperial Prison, his life hanging in the balance...”

“...while I'm here dressed in finery, sightseeing with someone... it hurts my heart.”

She felt like a traitor.

Seeing her conflicted and pained state, Chen Shanzhi didn't tease or comfort her as he usually would.

Instead, his face suddenly darkened.

“Foolish!”

A low bark of reprimand made Tang Xiaowu snap her head up in surprise.

She saw Chen Shanzhi with his brows furrowed, staring at her with sharp eyes. His usual profligate air had vanished, replaced by a heart-pounding authority.

“Tang Xiaowu, get your head in the game! Are we sightseeing? We are saving a life! We are at war!”

“This place is the battlefield, and Madam Li is the fortress we must conquer!”

“Who is this 'mourning' face for? Madam Li? To make her think we're an unhappy couple? To make her doubt my motives? And then snuff out your brother's last hope of survival?”

Chen Shanzhi's words hit her like a rapid-fire barrage, leaving Tang Xiaowu somewhat dazed.

“What time do you think it is? Are you still fussing over these trifles? Still wallowing in that self-indulgent guilt?”

Chen Shanzhi stepped closer, staring intently into her eyes.

“Do you want to save your brother or not? If you do, then swallow those tears and lift the corners of your mouth! Play this part well for me!”

Tang Xiaowu stared blankly at the man before her.

Was this still that profligate heir who only cared about pleasure and lust?

He scolded her so harshly.

But... it made so much sense.

Moreover, from the moment they got out of the carriage until now, aside from holding her hand, he hadn't made any inappropriate moves, and hadn't even given her those uncomfortable looks.

He was helping her very seriously.

It was she who had been hesitant and nearly ruined everything.

A sense of shame welled up in her heart, followed by a massive shift in her perception of Chen Shanzhi.

Perhaps he wasn't as wretched as the rumors suggested.

At least in this moment, he was a trustworthy... friend.

“I'm sorry.”

Tang Xiaowu took a deep breath. The pain in her eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a look of determination.

“You're right. To save Brother Liu, I must act well.”

She adjusted her breathing, and when she looked up again, a brilliant smile had blossomed on her face.

That smile was as bright as spring sunshine, instantly dispelling her cold aura and making her appear lively and spirited.

“Look! There are so many koi in the river over there!”

Tang Xiaowu wrapped her arms around Chen Shanzhi's arm, almost pressing herself against him. She pointed at the nearby river, her voice crisp and cheerful.

“Shanzhi, let's go feed the fish!”

Having said that, she dragged the still-stunned Chen Shanzhi along, running toward the river like a happy young girl.

Chen Shanzhi was taken aback by her sudden transformation.

Looking at that bright smile so close to him and feeling the soft touch on his arm, he actually lost himself for a moment.

This girl... her smile is truly lethal.

...

For the rest of the time, the two of them really did seem like a couple deeply in love.

They fed the fish at the lakeside pavilion. When the fish food was scattered, the koi scrambled for it, making Tang Xiaowu double over with laughter.

They strolled through the bamboo forest, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows upon them.

Chen Shanzhi bought her a stick of Candied Hawthorns. Tang Xiaowu took a bite, her eyes squinting from the sourness, then held the rest to Chen Shanzhi's lips, insisting he try it too.

Looking at the girl with a smile like a flower, Chen Shanzhi felt a bit dazed.

How was this acting to save someone?

This was clearly the campus belle from his previous life, running across the sports field with her boyfriend.

“This damn feeling of first love...”

Chen Shanzhi sighed inwardly.

However, the heavens were not cooperative.

The two of them wandered around the garden all day until their legs were weary, but they never ran into Madam Li.

They had no choice but to return home and try again tomorrow.