The night breeze brushed against the face, carrying a subtle fragrance.
The fireworks bloomed brilliantly, painting the night sky with breathtaking beauty. The man standing behind her was serene and composed, at ease.
His jade-like countenance merged seamlessly with the resplendent glow of the fireworks, his refined features exuding a unique charm.
This Fourth Prince was different from the gentle and noble figure she had seen before; instead, he possessed a devilish allure that was hard to ignore.
Even Ji Zizhao found herself momentarily stunned.
"Boom, boom, boom—!"
More fireworks exploded in unison, illuminating Ji Zizhao's already fair face with a radiant glow.
Xie Jinglan lowered his gaze slightly and tightened his hold, intending to secure her against his chest and prevent her from being jostled by the crowd again.
He had been thinking she was too thin, already appearing slender, but he hadn't expected her waist to be so impossibly narrow. If he exerted any more pressure, he feared it might snap. Then, as he looked up, he saw the girl he thought was as thin as a refugee staring at him with wide, dazed eyes.
He wondered what had shocked her so profoundly, her slightly parted red lips frozen in place.
In Xie Jinglan's mind, Ji Zizhao could be wise, steady, or even cunning, but he had never imagined her appearing so adorably naive.
However, upon closer reflection, Xie Jinglan couldn't help but chuckle softly.
He had forgotten; she was merely a young girl who had just come of age.
Seeing the man before her smile, Ji Zizhao finally snapped back to reality. "Fourth Prince."
As she spoke, she instinctively tried to break free from his embrace.
Xie Jinglan hummed in acknowledgment, indicating he had heard her address, but he tightened his arms slightly, drawing her closer against his chest.
"There are too many eyes around. Even if someone truly intended to harm you, do you think you could resist?"
Ji Zizhao froze.
She was certain that what had happened moments ago was no accident but a deliberate attempt to push her into the lake.
Of course, who it was that wished her harm was irrelevant.
Today, she was the center of attention in the imperial palace, drawing both admiration and envy. There were undoubtedly many who disliked her. Ji Renran, Princess Yun'an, Jin Xueyan... all of them, without exception, were waiting to see her embarrassed.
More importantly, with the lake crowded with people, how could she possibly identify the culprit if she fell in?
She would only become a laughingstock, drenched and disheveled.
Normally, Ji Zizhao could have retaliated; she wouldn't have bothered with such trivial tricks.
But the Fourth Prince was right; in the current situation, even if she wanted to fight back, she couldn't.
The Hundred Gardens were filled with not only nobles but also countless hidden observers.
If her martial arts skills were discovered, it would be considered deceiving the Emperor.
Given the recent issues with the illegitimate child, the Emperor likely already harbored suspicions towards the Ji family. If he caught her deceiving him, he would undoubtedly use it as an opportunity to warn the Ji family.
After careful consideration, Ji Zizhao stopped struggling. "Then I shall trouble the Fourth Prince."
Xie Jinglan smiled gently, the curve of his lips mirroring the fireworks in the night sky. "As she is your admirer, I must put on a show."
Knowing that they were using each other for mutual benefit, Ji Zizhao's heart inexplicably fluttered. "I will certainly remember this favor from the Fourth Prince today and repay it tenfold when the opportunity arises."
Xie Jinglan's deep gaze fell upon Ji Zizhao's face, his silence prolonged.
Even his usually pleasant brow furrowed slightly.
Ji Zizhao felt uncomfortably scrutinized, a shiver running down her spine.
Just as Ji Zizhao instinctively wondered if something strange had appeared on her face, Xie Jinglan suddenly lowered his head.
His lazy breath brushed against her ear, warm and ticklish. "You were more endearing just now."
Ji Zizhao, "..."
Just now? What did he mean by "just now"?
When Ji Zizhao looked at him again, he was already tilting his head back to gaze at the sky, making it seem as though he was completely engrossed in admiring the fireworks.
Seeing this, Ji Zizhao also withdrew her gaze and focused on the fireworks.
The arm around her waist, however, continued to silently remind her through its warmth, that he was there, by her side.
The crowd in the Hundred Gardens was captivated by the grand fireworks display, lingering long after the spectacle.
Even Emperor Xiaochang gazed at the night sky for a prolonged period, lost in thought.
Consort Xi giggled softly, raising her handkerchief to cover her lips. "Even when merchants put on fireworks in previous years, they were never this extravagant. I wonder who is so generous. Your Majesty, you should reward them handsomely, as we have all benefited."
"Where there's no intention, the willows don't bloom; where there's unintended effort, the willows flourish. Everything ultimately depends on fate and connection. If it's destined, why insist on questioning the cause?" Empress Zhong said with a smile. In her impression, Consort Xi had never been so kind. Though she didn't know what scheme Consort Xi was plotting, since it had come to her attention, she certainly wouldn't let Consort Xi have her way.
Consort Xi felt a pang of anger at being thwarted by Empress Zhong, but with the Emperor present, she couldn't openly lose her temper. She could only smile and gently support the Emperor's arm, leaning against him like a small bird.
Such shameless behavior was something Empress Zhong, as the empress, would never do.
Yet, Emperor Xiaochang was evidently pleased by it. "Both Consort Xi and the Empress speak wisely. However, I am indeed very curious as to who this person is who unintentionally caused the willows to flourish."
Upon hearing this, Feng Gu understood immediately and quickly turned to dispatch someone to inquire outside the palace.
The fireworks continued, but the atmosphere in the Hundred Gardens had become somewhat delicate due to the exchange between Empress Zhong and Consort Xi.
However, no one dared to interrupt the unspoken competition between Empress Zhong and Consort Xi, so even though everyone felt awkward, they had no choice but to stand their ground.
After a while, the fireworks finally ceased.
As Ji Zizhao turned back with the crowd, the Fourth Prince who had been standing behind her was long gone.
Everything seemed as if nothing had happened.
Just then, Feng Gu, who had been sent out to inquire, hurried into the Hundred Gardens.
Everyone was curious as to who had been so generous, and their gazes instinctively turned towards Feng Gu.
Ji Zizhao was never interested in other people's affairs. She casually scanned her surroundings and, by chance, spotted Ji Renran standing in the distance.
Ji Renran today appeared so quiet that one could almost miss her presence. Yet, the quieter she seemed, the more Ji Zizhao suspected a trap.
As she was pondering this, she saw Ji Renran approaching her direction.
Although the distance between them was still considerable, it was clearly much closer than before.
Ji Zizhao's expression turned serious. As expected, Ji Renran would not remain idle.
But what was she trying to achieve by approaching so silently?