Chapter 110: The Kitten

Chu Mingheng naturally noticed Lan Wu’s expression. He lowered his gaze and watched quietly for a moment before abruptly turning his head away.

A cat might not be much, but such soft yet sharp-clawed creatures, lacking human understanding, could easily capture Lan Wu’s attention.

If he didn’t keep an eye on her, wouldn’t she soon have no room for him in her eyes?

Lan Wu was momentarily taken aback by his reaction and stopped petting the kitten, though she continued watching it, feeling a tinge of regret.

At that moment, Yizhen smiled and spoke up, turning to beckon someone behind her: “Miss Lin, come over here.”

The addressed Miss Lin slowly stepped forward from the crowd.

Only then did Lan Wu notice that she was also holding a cat. Unlike the black cat in Princess Yizhen’s hands, the one she held was snow-white, smaller in size, with pointed ears and deep blue eyes like icy ocean depths.

Lin Lianran approached with the cat in her arms. The kitten lazily yawned, appearing playful, adorable, and affectionately clingy.

Yizhen said, “These two cats were sent together. If Your Majesty likes them, please choose one.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Lianran timidly glanced at Lan Wu, then at Yizhen, before lowering her eyes and stepping forward with the kitten.

Although Lan Wu liked it, she remembered Chu Mingheng’s reaction. She guessed he didn’t care for cats, and besides, both cats belonged to Princess Yizhen—how could she take one?

So she merely gently stroked the kitten’s head, running her hand along its smooth, fluffy fur down to its back.

“How could I take what the princess holds dear?”

As she spoke, the white cat itself nudged its head forward, pressing into Lan Wu’s palm.

Yizhen replied nonchalantly, “Your Majesty worries too much. One beautiful cat is enough—having more would only lead to jealousy.”

Lan Wu thought this made sense and turned to look at Chu Mingheng again.

Chu Mingheng seemed to be looking at something else, his head still turned away, gazing outside the pavilion. Even as they discussed names, he showed no reaction.

Lan Wu stepped forward, circling around to block Chu Mingheng’s line of sight.

She stood there firmly, silent, her stubborn yet coquettish demeanor something only Chu Mingheng could understand.

Before long, Chu Mingheng let out an impatient, soft click of his tongue.

It wasn’t directed at Lan Wu but at Yizhen.

He reached out, pulling Lan Wu back and seating her on the chair while casting a glance at Yizhen—a look filled with unmistakable disdain.

It was unclear whether he was disdainful of her or the cats she brought.

“Which one do you like?” Chu Mingheng asked Lan Wu, lowering his head.

Lan Wu pointed to the white cat, delightedly saying, “It’s so well-behaved. Your Majesty will like it too.”

“Bring it here for a look.”

Lin Lianran then carried the white cat forward. She seemed somewhat nervous, perhaps because it was her first time in the presence of the emperor, and her steps slowed even further.

Just as she thought she could take another step closer, the kitten in her arms broke free, leaping onto Lan Wu’s lap.

Everyone present was astonished.

Initially, seeing the cat struggle, they thought something might go wrong, but unexpectedly, the kitten seemed to know its place—as if it already knew who its future master would be.

Lan Wu was undoubtedly the most excited of all.

She gently held the white cat on her lap and brought it closer for Chu Mingheng to see. “Your Majesty, look—it likes me.”

Chu Mingheng glanced briefly at the cat, then looked at Lan Wu who was holding it, saying softly, “Take it back to raise. It’s not as if you have much else to do.”

“In that case, why doesn’t Your Majesty give these two cats names?” Yizhen also stepped forward, holding the black cat.

Lin Lianran had no choice but to step back, glancing unwillingly at the cat in Lan Wu’s arms.

They had come to Princess Yizhen’s villa for leisure today, and these two cats had just been delivered. Princess Yizhen, seeing her fondness for the white cat, had let her hold it. She had originally thought she could ask for it when leaving, but now that was impossible.

So she turned her gaze to Lan Wu.

She had long heard that Zhen Zhaorong in the palace was favored, and that she was exceptionally beautiful, with a gentle and serene temperament. However, little was said about her background, as everyone knew this Zhaorong was originally a dancer. Now that she had gained imperial favor, naturally no one would be so tactless as to constantly bring up the origins of Your Majesty’s favored consort.

Now that she had seen her in person, she was indeed beautiful, but her words and actions were also somewhat unrestrained.

And as for Your Majesty…

She looked toward the person seated.

Chu Mingheng shook his head slightly, indifferent. “Your cats, why should I name them? If you really want me to name them, then one will be called Ink Ball and the other Yun Gao. Either way, they’re both fond of eating.”

Yizhen twitched her lips, unable to muster a smile.

But Lan Wu thought it was good.

“Yun Gao? That’s a wonderful name, and it suits her well.” Lan Wu herself also liked to eat yun gao.

She was quite pleased, cradling the cat in her arms and calling it Yun Gao.

Yizhen, however, was speechless. Ink Ball? She thought her brother was simply too lazy to bother.

Although Yun Gao looked plump, it was mostly due to her thick fur. When lifted alone, she wasn’t particularly heavy.

But Chu Mingheng, seeing Lan Wu holding the cat without letting go, grew somewhat displeased. He shifted his gaze and glanced at Mujin.

Mujin felt the pressure and had no choice but to step forward, saying softly, “Your Highness, why not let this servant take the cat to give it some water?”

Hearing this, Lan Wu released her hold, letting Mujin take Yun Gao away.

“It’s getting late. Why don’t Your Majesty and Your Highness stay at the villa for dinner? You can also taste the skills of the chefs in my villa.”

Chu Mingheng looked at Lan Wu and said casually, “Ask her.”

Lan Wu naturally wanted to stay a bit longer, as it was rare for her to leave the palace.

She nodded. “In that case, thank you for your hospitality, Princess.”

By the time they descended the mountain, the sky had noticeably darkened. The evening sun was nearly set, but fortunately, the villa wasn’t far, and they arrived shortly.

Princess Yizhen instructed her servants to escort the young ladies from various families back to their residences. Turning around, she saw Chu Mingheng leading Lan Wu directly into the villa without any pretense of formality.

Though there was no need for formality anyway.

The servants respectfully guided them, leading them through the main hall to the flower hall, where they sat for a while.

As night fell, Lan Wu began to feel cold. She raised her handkerchief to cover her face, feeling as though she might sneeze.

But the surroundings soon grew warm, and before long, Princess Yizhen arrived as well.

As she entered, she said, “It’s a shame it’s too late today to see anything. Otherwise, at noon, we could have dined in the Red Maple Garden. Wouldn’t that have been delightful?”

Lan Wu said nothing, holding her teacup to warm her hands.

Chu Mingheng, however, was blunt. “Your villa is quite nice. Though you don’t come often, it has everything you need for entertainment. You send invitations every now and then to gather people for outings, and you even know how to appreciate elegance.”

Princess Yizhen felt cold sweat break out on her back and hurriedly replied, “I merely had some free time today and thought the weather was pleasant, so I invited a few friends over. I will certainly reflect on my actions in the future.”

Chu Mingheng said nothing more, quietly sipping his tea.