Chapter 105: Meeting Chu Lan Again

Xie Jue wore a brilliant smile as he looked at the tea bag Wei Ruo had placed on the table. Though he had yet to taste it, he already felt certain that it must be a sweet and delicious treat.

After the tea had cooled slightly, Xie Ying took a sip and praised, "Ruoruo, you really are a treasure trove!"

Xie Jue smiled as he sipped his own tea. The three of them sat in the cabin, enjoying their tea and refreshments. Just then, another pleasure boat pulled up alongside theirs. Alert, Xie Jue had his servants lower the curtains while he went to the bow of the boat.

Standing on the approaching vessel were two of his old acquaintances—Chu Lan and Lu Yuhong.

"Brother Chu, Brother Lu," Xie Jue greeted them with a bow.

"Brother Xie, that’s not very kind of you! Sneaking out for fun without bringing us along! If Brother Chu and I hadn't happened to be out boating ourselves, we wouldn't have known you were out here on East Lake all by your lonesome," Lu Yuhong said with his arms crossed, looking clearly disgruntled.

It seemed his resentment over the mushroom sauce had yet to fade.

"My apologies, Brother Lu. I am accompanying my younger sister today, which is why I didn't send word," Xie Jue quickly explained.

"From what I can see, Brother Xie is not just out with his sister; you’re hiding a beauty in a golden house," Chu Lan remarked with a sharp gaze. He had caught a glimpse of two female figures the moment the curtains were lowered. Since Xie Jue had only one sister, the other must be a young lady from another household.

Xie Jue’s expression stiffened. Feeling awkward, he pleaded, "Brother Chu, please have mercy. This is not something to be discussed; let’s not ruin a young lady's reputation."

Lu Yuhong’s interest was piqued. "Brother Xie, if you want me to keep my mouth shut, you’ll have to offer me something in return."

Xie Jue quickly replied, "I shall host a banquet for you at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion another day..."

Lu Yuhong interrupted him, "The Drunken Immortal Pavilion is nothing special. It’s right there; I can go whenever I want. It’s not like I lack the silver."

Chu Lan spoke calmly, "If I am not mistaken, the person on Brother Xie's boat must be the eldest daughter of the Wei family." It wasn't hard to guess, as Xie Jue’s sister had few close friends, and they had seen the Wei family’s carriage arrive in the prefecture city yesterday. It was highly likely that the person traveling with the Xie siblings was indeed the eldest daughter of the Wei family.

Xie Jue hesitated, then said in a pleading tone, "Brother Chu, I beg you, stop guessing. Let us not tarnish her good name."

From the side, Lu Yuhong chimed in, "Is that the same Wei family eldest daughter who knows how to farm and make mushroom sauce?"

Xie Jue did not confirm, but he dared not deceive Chu Lan with a denial either. Seeing his reaction, the others knew the answer was yes.

Lu Yuhong then said, "Xie Jue, you underestimate us. We aren't gossiping old hags; who would spread such things? Besides, there are plenty of servants here. It's broad daylight, everything is out in the open—what are you afraid of?"

Chu Lan added, "Indeed, there is no need to be so defensive. I am acquainted with Miss Wei, and I hold her in high regard for what she did in Xingshan County. Everyone here today is my own, and no one would dare speak out of turn. You may rest assured, and so may Miss Wei and Miss Xie inside the cabin."

Inside the cabin, Wei Ruo had already heard the entire exchange. She had no desire to meet Chu Lan, but since she had been identified, there was no hiding. She silently grumbled to herself: *What is up with this Chu Lan? Isn't he supposed to be busy? Why does he keep popping up right under my nose? If he's this neglectful of his duties, how is he ever going to make it as the Crown Prince?*

Xie Ying stepped out first. Knowing the man was the Seventh Prince, she dared not be impudent and bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Young Master Chu, Young Master Lu."

Seeing this, Wei Ruo had no choice but to follow and offer her own greeting. Throughout the interaction, she kept her head lowered, avoiding direct eye contact with Chu Lan.

"Miss Wei does not seem very pleased to see me," Chu Lan observed with keen perception.

"The Young Master cares deeply for the people and has done so much good in Xingshan County. I hold you in great respect and gratitude; I certainly have no ill intent toward seeing you," Wei Ruo quickly denied.

*In her heart, she thought: I just don't want to see you. You were the one who ordered my execution in my past life; do you expect me to be grateful?*

A heavy silence followed, and the atmosphere grew awkward. Seeing this, Xie Ying tried to change the subject to break the tension. She said to Xie Jue, "Brother, I want to go fishing. I heard there are many delicious fish in East Lake, and I want to see if I can catch any."

Hearing the mention of good food, Lu Yuhong perked up. "Is that so? I want to try, too. Maybe I’ll catch a shad!"

"Brother Lu, shad aren't found in just any lake; they usually live in large rivers. It’s unlikely there are any in East Lake," Xie Jue explained.

"Then what kind of fish are in this lake?" Lu Yuhong asked.

"Silver carp, bighead carp, crucian carp, and grass carp are certainly present. There should also be snakehead and perch. I’m not sure if we’ll be lucky enough to catch a mandarin fish, but I think yellow catfish would also be quite good," Xie Jue listed.

"Fine, then I’m aiming for that mandarin fish!" Lu Yuhong immediately turned to order his subordinates to prepare fishing rods and other supplies.

Hearing Xie Jue list the fish, Wei Ruo, having not had grilled fish in a long time, felt her appetite stirred. She had brought a few bottles of seasoning with her when she left the house, originally intending to see if she could find someone at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion to promote her seasonings and sell them at a high price.

"You all go ahead and fish; I’ll be in charge of grilling," Wei Ruo said.

"I’ll do the fishing, Ruoruo! Just wait—I’ll catch a fat one for you to grill!" Xie Ying said confidently.

"Grilled fish sounds wonderful. I would like to try Miss Wei's cooking if I may be so lucky?" Lu Yuhong’s appetite was already piqued. Someone capable of making such delicious mushroom sauce surely couldn't be bad at grilling fish, right?

Xie Jue looked to Chu Lan; this was ultimately up to the Seventh Prince. If he didn't agree, the others' enthusiasm would be for naught.

"I would like to try as well," Chu Lan said, looking quite interested.

Since the Seventh Prince had given his word, there was nothing more to be said. Xie Jue immediately ordered his men to make arrangements, then turned to ask Wei Ruo, "Miss Wei, let me know if you need anything, and I’ll have them prepared."

"Very well," Wei Ruo replied, immediately returning to the cabin to write down a list.

The boat already had a stove and charcoal for grilling, so she didn't need to purchase those, but she did need to acquire some side dishes and a pot.

Before long, the servants delivered the fishing gear. When the two boats drifted closer, Xie Jue moved over to the boat occupied by Chu Lan and Lu Yuhong. With the men on one boat and the women on the other, maintaining a slight distance, they could avoid any idle gossip should they be seen.