Quick Travel to the Clouds

Chapter 692 My Family 10

Another day off has arrived. Tang Family Garden has been carefully tended, with lush flowers and trees, and several water lilies have already bloomed by the lotus pond. The air is filled with a sweet fragrance of flowers and moist moisture.

Yun Chuyi had made the arrangements early on. She claimed that she had a bit of a headache and would go to the waterside pavilion to entertain the guests later, instructing Tang Yunmo to first fulfill her duties as hostess and accompany her mother for a walk in the garden.

Tang Yunmo didn't think much of it, assuming it was just a routine reception. She wore a brand-new smoky-colored crepe dress that accentuated her snow-white skin, and though she wore light makeup, it couldn't hide the anticipation and subtle unease in her eyes and brows that even she herself didn't notice. She accompanied her mother as they walked slowly along the winding corridor.

Du Feiqin was pointing to several newly transplanted wintersweet bushes by the gardener, talking about their fragrance in winter. Just then, from the corner of the corridor, Tang Wencheng's hearty laughter came: "My two nephews, this way please! The lotus flowers in the garden are in full bloom; it's the perfect time to enjoy the scenery!"

Footsteps drew closer, and figures disappeared among the flowers and trees.

When that moon-white figure unexpectedly entered Tang Yunmo's field of vision again, she felt as if she had been frozen in place!

Jiang Junyou was still wearing a moon-white silk robe, as elegant as ever, except that he had changed the sash at his waist into a silk ribbon with a dark bamboo pattern, which added a touch of refined elegance.

He wore a humble smile as he spoke with Gu Ting and Tang Wencheng. The early summer sunlight filtered through the vines, casting a warm glow upon him, as if gilding him with a dreamlike radiance.

Tang Yunmo froze on the spot, her breath catching in her throat. Her mind went blank, her heart felt like it had been squeezed tightly, then began to pound wildly, and blood seemed to rush to her cheeks and ears, burning hot and frightening.

She even subconsciously, quietly, and quickly pinched her wrist with her fingers—a sharp pain jolted her from her dazed state: No…it’s not a dream?!

"Mo'er? Mo'er?" Du Feiqin called softly when she saw her face suddenly turn red and she stood still.

Tang Yunmo's senses returned, and she hurriedly lowered her head, unsure of what to do with her hands and feet, wishing she could hide in the nearby flower bushes. She struggled to lift her eyes, but her gaze only dared to fall on Jiang Junyou's clothes, as his gentle, warm voice reached her ears:

"This junior, Jiang Junyou, greets Your Highness the Princess and... Miss Tang." His voice was clear and melodious, like jade striking jade, with just the right amount of warmth.

The voice shattered Tang Yunmo's last shred of doubt, but it also made her so ashamed she almost wanted to disappear. She stammered, her voice so faint she had never heard it before: "Mother... Young Master Jiang... no need... no need for formalities..." The last word was almost inaudible.

Jiang Junyou straightened up with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the bright, smoky color before him. He saw the girl's blushing earlobes and her long eyelashes trembling slightly with nervousness. Her vivid shyness was quite different from the amazement he had seen from the Cui Ming Tower, adding a touch of genuine childlike innocence. He couldn't help but smile inwardly.

At this moment, Gu Ting, who had been silent all along, spoke up, his voice steady and powerful: "Brother Wencheng just mentioned that your residence has a waterside pavilion overlooking lotus flowers, a unique view. I wonder if Junyou would have the honor of accompanying Master Tang and the Princess Consort to see it?"

Tang Wencheng immediately smiled and said, "That's right! Nephew Junyou, Nephew Gu, this way please!"

Seeing her daughter's embarrassment and noticing that the guests wanted to see the scenery, Du Feiqin said gently, "Mo'er, you are familiar with the garden, so you can lead Young Master Jiang to the waterside pavilion for a while. Master, Young Master Gu, and I will follow shortly. I'll go check on the medicinal cuisine that the kitchen is preparing for the Princess."

She gave Tang Yunmo a reassuring look, and also gave everyone a reasonable reason to leave.

This was practically the last straw! Tang Yunmo felt like she had been granted a pardon. She barely dared to look at anyone and quickly replied, "Yes, Mother."

Then he stepped aside to make way, lowered his head slightly, and said in a muffled voice, "Young Master Jiang... please... please follow me." After saying that, he turned around and walked quickly towards the waterside pavilion as if he were fleeing, not even daring to look back to see if the other person was following. His back view carried the embarrassment of fleeing in panic.

Jiang Junyou remained calm and maintained a just-right distance as he followed.

Gazing at the lively figure ahead, her skirt billowing in the greenery, her steps quick and graceful, the vibrant energy emanating from her shyness captivating him even more than when they first met. A slight smile played on his lips as he followed her with unhurried steps.

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The waterside pavilion was built over the water, and a gentle breeze blew, dispelling the slight heat from Tang Yunmo's face. She stood at the entrance of the pavilion, took a few deep breaths, and barely managed to calm her pounding heart.

Only when Jiang Junyou walked behind her did she muster her courage, turn slightly to the side, still not daring to look him in the eye, only staring at the wooden floor beneath her feet, her voice trying to be steady but still trembling slightly: "Young Master Jiang... please... please sit down. The pavilion is simple... please don't laugh at it."

"Miss Tang, you're too kind." Jiang Junyou smiled and bowed in thanks, then sat down as instructed by the waterside bench.

Looking at the scenery of the lotus pond, he praised, "A pool of clear water reflects the lotus blossoms, and a gentle breeze carries the fragrance of lotus. The waterside pavilion in your mansion is a unique paradise, refreshing and delightful. Please lead the way, Miss."

His gentle voice and polite manner eased the awkwardness and opened up a new topic of conversation.

However, this natural gentleness was an even greater torment for Tang Yunmo at this time.

She felt extremely uncomfortable, her hands and feet were stiff, and her mind was blank, unable to think of any appropriate words to say.

Being alone with him was a constant torment of tension and shyness; even his gentle praise of the lotus flowers made her heart race.

"Um... if Young Master Jiang likes it... then that's good." She hurriedly squeezed out a few words, her eyes darting around like a startled butterfly on the water's surface, not daring to look back at his face. "That..."

She suddenly remembered something and spoke a little faster, "Please sit for a moment, sir. I... I'll go check on the tea and refreshments..."

Before Jiang Junyou could even respond, she was like a startled rabbit. Lifting her skirt, she turned and ran quickly down the covered bridge. Her scarlet figure soon disappeared into the tree-shaded end of the corridor.

Jiang Junyou watched her hastily flee, and couldn't help but shake his head with a smile. This Miss Tang, rumored to be fiery and passionate, was surprisingly shy in person; the contrast was quite amusing. He turned his gaze back to the lotus leaves stretching to the sky in the pond, quietly enjoying this moment of coolness.

Tang Yunmo ran a long way in one breath, until she turned the corner of the moon gate and could no longer see the waterside pavilion. She stopped and leaned against the pillar, panting heavily. Her pretty face was as red as a ripe pomegranate, and her heart was still pounding wildly.

"Xia Lian! Xia Lian!" she called out urgently, her voice sounding somewhat shrill due to her urgency.

"Young Miss, I'm here." Xia Lian jogged over.

"Quickly! Have the kitchen send the best pastries and fragrant tea to the waterside pavilion! We need...we need the latest lotus root starch and osmanthus cake, and those fragrant tea leaves!"

Tang Yunmo hurriedly gave the order, which was the only way she could think of to "take care" of the young master at this moment. "Make sure the tea and snacks are exquisite! Go quickly!" Her mind was in turmoil, and she only wanted to use this most practical method to calm herself down a little.