Chapter 198: Blindfolded

The imperial city was hot in summer, and the journey to the detached palace was troublesome. This place was built in the mountains, nestled against hills and water, naturally dispelling the oppressive heat. Clear springs overflowed from the mountain, converging not far away into a pool. The bamboo grove was serene and elegant, undisturbed by anyone.

Chu Mingheng stopped her, took her back inside to change clothes, and only then went out with her.

A winding path paved with pebbles led them to the poolside.

The pool was built with stones, its water so clear one could see the bottom. A bamboo pipe poured water in at the edge, while on the other side, an opening allowed water to flow out.

The flowing water descended, merging with the stream below and rushing toward the foot of the mountain.

Lan Wu crouched down and reached out to touch the water, immediately withdrawing her hand. “This water is so cold… and so refreshing.”

She looked excitedly at Chu Mingheng. “Can I bathe here?”

Chu Mingheng’s gaze grew profound as he smiled. “Of course. There’s only us on this mountain. Ah Wu can do whatever she wants.”

Before Lan Wu could fully grasp the implication of his words, her attention was quickly drawn elsewhere.

She tried to pull Chu Mingheng further up, but found her hand unable to move him.

Chu Mingheng gently pulled her back. “We have three days to enjoy ourselves, but for now, we should have breakfast, Ah Wu.”

Although there truly was no one else on the mountain, people waited below. Even in the dense forest far from the bamboo house, palace attendants were busy, delivering the meals for Your Majesty and Her Ladyship every day without delay.

However, their timing was always impeccable. Lan Wu never once saw them, only discovering the meals already laid out on the table, still warm, when they returned to the house.

Lan Wu couldn’t help but laugh.

Chu Mingheng pinched her cheek and asked, “What are you laughing at?”

“Doesn’t Your Majesty think we’re like an ordinary couple from a common household? Just the two of us—the husband works the fields, and I, as the wife, stay home weaving and cooking…” At this point, Lan Wu’s smile faded slightly as she mumbled, “Though I don’t know how to weave or cook…”

Chu Mingheng also smiled. “Indeed, who made my wife so delicate that her hands never touch rough work? It’s better for her to be served.”

In the afternoon, Lan Wu insisted on playing in the pool, saying it was cool to soak in. Chu Mingheng didn’t stop her, but he kept track of the time and made her come out after a little over a quarter of an hour.

At that moment, Lan Wu was leaning against the edge of the pool, her thin gauze robe floating in the water like mermaid silk. Chu Mingheng was not far away, painting her.

“Alright, stop moving. If the painting turns out ugly, you’ll be happy then.”

Lan Wu snorted lightly, completely unconcerned. “I’m good-looking. No matter how poorly Your Majesty paints, it won’t turn out too ugly.”

Mentioning ugly paintings, Lan Wu suddenly felt a pang of guilt, remembering the gift she had originally intended for Chu Mingheng back at Changyong Mountain—a few paintings that looked nothing like him.

Where had she put those paintings? Were they left at Changyong Mountain and never brought back?

Before Lan Wu could recall, Chu Mingheng called for her to come out.

“It’s been a quarter of an hour as agreed. If you soak any longer, you’ll get sick. Come out now.”

Lan Wu shook her head, retreating further. “You haven’t finished painting yet. I’ll wait until you’re done before coming out.”

“Ah Wu, come out. We can play again tonight,” Chu Mingheng coaxed gently.

Tonight? Was playing in the water at night even proper?

She refused to listen, pretending not to hear Chu Mingheng’s words.

But then Chu Mingheng put away the item in his hand and walked straight over.

“You—what are you doing—I’m getting up, I’m getting up right now.” Lan Wu, seeing him undress, panicked and hurriedly tried to scramble out.

Although there was no one else on the mountain, it was still outdoors after all. She wasn’t thick-skinned enough to fool around with Chu Mingheng here.

“You want to run?” Chu Mingheng grabbed her arm and, as she tried to climb out, gently pulled her back into the pool. He chuckled softly, “Too late.”

In the end, the playful splashing in the water still ended with Chu Mingheng getting his way.

As dusk fell, the lingering glow of the sunset cast a golden light across the horizon, making the water in the pool shimmer with a particularly beautiful radiance.

Lan Wu lay on Chu Mingheng’s chest, opening her eyes to take in the beautiful scene. Wearily, she said, “It’s all your fault, wasting the entire afternoon…”

Chu Mingheng’s palm rested gently on the small of her back. Hearing this, he looked down at her in surprise. “Wasting?”

“With such a beautiful scene and a beauty in my arms, what’s being wasted?”

Lan Wu punched him lightly and fiercely kicked her foot in the water.

“Alright, alright. If we soak any longer, we’ll get all wrinkled. I’ll carry you out, and we’ll have dinner soon.”

Lan Wu lazily replied with an “Okay.”

The next day, they went further up the mountain.

The wind was stronger on the mountain. This time, they had palace attendants bring chairs, and they enjoyed the scenery, drank tea, and even played a game of chess.

Originally, there was no bet set, but Chu Mingheng said he would allow her to take back three moves, and only then did she agree.

When she won the game, Lan Wu didn’t even realize it at first. It wasn’t until Chu Mingheng smiled from across the board and asked her what she wanted that she snapped out of it and began to think carefully.

What did she want…

Lan Wu pondered seriously, glancing at Chu Mingheng.

It seemed she didn’t lack anything.

“Nothing you want?” Seeing Lan Wu deep in thought, Chu Mingheng also thought of this and was about to say something when he saw Lan Wu shake her head, her gaze burning as she looked at him.

“Yes, there is something I want.” Lan Wu nodded firmly.

“Oh?” Chu Mingheng hadn’t missed her mischievous look, but no matter what schemes Lan Wu had, they were just endearing. What could possibly be so serious?

However, that night, he saw Lan Wu take out a strip of cloth.

“You said you’d listen to me. Cover your eyes with this.” Lan Wu said to him haughtily.

Chu Mingheng held the not-too-thick piece of fabric, looked up at Lan Wu, and asked leisurely, “What do you plan to do after covering my eyes?”

Lan Wu blushed slightly, cleared her throat, and said seriously, “Once your eyes are covered, you have to catch me in the room. If you catch me, I’ll give you a reward. If you don’t, we’ll just go outside to look at the stars and not do anything else.”

Chu Mingheng observed her patiently for a moment, then suddenly smiled and tied the cloth over his eyes. “Alright, I’ll play along.”

Lan Wu stepped forward to check, satisfied to see it tied securely. “Sit right here and count to thirty in your mind. Count slowly, and once you’re done, you can come find me.”

“Don’t peek, understand?”

Chu Mingheng nodded in agreement, but just as Lan Wu was about to run off, he suddenly spoke up, “A-Wu, if I catch you, what reward will you give me?”

“You—oh, whatever you want, I’ll give it.” Lan Wu, eager to leave, could only placate him.

“Then run, A-Wu.” After saying this, Chu Mingheng heard Lan Wu’s light footsteps gradually fading away.

Crossing the threshold of the inner room, she walked outside… Now she’s by the table, hmm… deliberately making a bit of noise, then hiding behind the screen… Now…

Chu Mingheng suddenly broke into a smile on his face, truly amused to the point of exasperation.

Lan Wu had run outside the house.