Long Han Jie hesitated at Xu Qing’er’s earnest expression, not wanting to disappoint her. He accepted the drink and gulped it down.
The wine slid over his lips and tongue, smooth and delicate, with hints of orange, pear, rose, and peony—intoxicating and fragrant.
“Not bad,” Long Han Jie smacked his lips. “I’ve never tasted anything like this before.”
Xu Qing’er smiled lightly. “It’s just ordinary wine. Yesterday, I soaked roses in it overnight and added a bit of lychee chrysanthemum dew for a unique flavor.” As she spoke, her bright eyes briefly seemed to capture the light around them.
The flickering candlelight softened the room, creating a sense of haziness. Long Han Jie sat facing Xu Qing’er, his drunken gaze fixing on the flowers, which appeared even more beautiful. At that moment, he realized that such stunning beauty was unparalleled.
The young woman stroked the qin, laughing softly, her brow hinting at subtle pride and coldness. When she smiled, she was captivating, like a red plum emerging from white snow.
Xu Qing’er and Long Hanxie chatted happily, often laughing. Xu Qiuer’s demeanor was elegant and calm as she casually plucked the qin strings. Whenever she heard Long Hanxie’s laughter, she glanced up, sweeping him with a gentle gaze before lowering her head again, a shallow smile passing over her lips. Throughout, Xu Qiuer never looked at Long Hanxie again. Xu Qing’er’s autumn-water eyes followed Long Hanxie’s figure, seemingly oblivious to Xu Qiuer and everything else.
“Enough,” Xu Qiuer said, stopping the qin. As she was helped up, her lowered head concealed her thoughts. The ministers understood that the Crown Prince was warning Autumn Concubine about the embarrassment of performing in front of so many court officials.
“Qiuer has worked hard.” Long Hanxie poured a cup of wine and brought it to Xu Qiuer’s lips, eliciting a smile as he showed his care for her.
Knowing she had just recovered from a serious illness and had been playing the flute and qin, he was now even feeding her wine.
Xu Qiuer took the cup and drank, reddening her clear and elegant eyes.
“Your Highness, this concubine wants to ask something of my sister,” Xu Qing’er stood up.
Long Hanxie raised an eyebrow, “Go ahead, Qing’er.”
