The Pure Heart Banquet originated from the Pure Heart Garden, owned by the Yuanling County Magistrate, who was cherished since birth.
When the prince had a son, this garden was created specifically for him. As for the meaning of “Pure Heart”, it’s simple: hoping he would have a pure and upright heart in the future.
Xu Wanzhi raised an eyebrow; he had indeed not expected anything novel.
They did not go deep into the garden. Qu Xiaojue pulled him towards a quiet corner, where there were few people and a few couples were whispering. Qu Xiaojue politely smiled and continued leading him, stopping under a vine chair and sitting down.
Xu Wanzhi finally understood completely: this “Qingxin Banquet” was actually an open matchmaking and rendezvous venue.
Just after sitting down, an attentive servant approached with tea and pastries, speaking softly and courteously: “Master Qu, Young Master Qu, please enjoy slowly.”
He propped his head with one hand, looking at the garden scenery, feeling the trip was indeed worthwhile. Qu Xiaojue did not offer him anything to eat, and softly asked: “Is it boring?
Xu Wanzhi nodded slightly and sighed: “Although it’s a beautiful time and scenery, for me it’s—” He suddenly stopped mid-sentence, wondering why he was telling her this.
He suppressed the tumultuous thoughts in his heart until a seemingly casual remark beside him almost brought tears of grievance to his eyes.
“No,” he replied in a muffled tone. Qu Xiaojue grabbed him and asked seriously, “Tell me, why are you sad?”
Xu Wanzhi shook his head, unusually compromising: “Let’s go back. It’s getting dark.”
She held on without letting go, staring at him intently. However, he remained resolutely silent.
As they stood in this silent standoff, a joyful and clear voice broke out: “Young miss, young master, we meet again!”
It was indeed Shen Kuang from earlier.
He walked up quickly, oblivious to the tense atmosphere: “I was just thinking about how to find you to thank you, and here you are!” He scratched his head with a silly grin.
Xu Wanzhi looked at him, slowly raising an eyebrow: “Shen Kuang?
Hearing his name called in such a light yet distinctive tone, Shen Kuang laughed and quickly responded, “Yes!”
The gloom in his heart was instantly pushed away by Shen Kuang’s clear voice.
