The beauty of the Hou family and the king's plan

Xiao Li straightened his expression and said before Shen Baozhao could speak, "Let me speak first."

The two stood in the yard outside the principal room of Princess Yu, where many precious flowers and plants were planted.

The sky is setting in the west, and the summer heat is gradually dissipating. There are breezes blowing with the fragrance of flowers, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.

Xiao Li led Shen Baozhao to sit in a pavilion nearby. The pavilion was surrounded by bamboo curtains, all of which were rolled up.

Although Xiao Li sent away all the maids and servants, people outside could clearly see their every move.

The food at the banquet was tasteless, and Shen Baozhao felt a little hungry when he saw the exquisite snacks on the stone table.

Xiao Li took out a teacup and poured out two cups of tea. His fair and slender hands brought a cup of tea to Shen Baozhao.

Pushed a plate of osmanthus cake.

"Try it, this is Madam Zhao's craft. Xia Lian learned how to make her specialty, osmanthus cake, from Madam Zhao."

The common osmanthus cakes in this season are made from osmanthus honey brewed in previous years.

The sweet-scented osmanthus cake that Madam Zhao made today was decorated with fresh sweet-scented osmanthus flowers, which was very rare. I guess it was just picked from the tree and sent to the kitchen not long ago.

Xiao Li had obviously inquired about what Shen Baozhao liked to eat and specially ordered it to be made.

The sweet fragrance of osmanthus filled his nose, and Shen Baozhao's appetite was aroused. He picked up a piece of cake and started to eat.

Seeing that she was eating with gusto, Xiao Li also pinched a piece and put it in his mouth.

He never liked sweet things, but he didn't think this osmanthus cake was that bad.

Soon the plate of osmanthus cake was finished. Shen Baozhao wiped the icing on his hands with a handkerchief, picked up the teacup and started drinking.

Yes, yes, it is Junshan Meiye. I have to say that Xiao Li is really considerate.

But the more he acted like this, the more guilty Shen Baozhao felt. He couldn't help but show some apology on his face.

Xiao Li seemed to understand her thoughts and continued with his previous words: "Cousin Zhao, please listen to me first."

"On the day you had a conflict with Yuyao, my grandmother came to me and talked for a long time. I know that you, my cousin Zhao, do not have any romantic feelings for me.

What I said in the palace today was just to get out of this troublesome incident."

Shen Baozhao blushed. Although she knew that Xiao Li was a smart man, he would definitely not take what she said to Xiao Yuanhuai seriously.

But now that Xiao Lizhen said it so bluntly, she felt that it was not a good idea to use him like this.

Xiao Li slowed down his voice and said softly: "I am not blaming you by saying this, and you should not feel any pressure.

Cousin Zhao, you have done so much for Prince Yu's Mansion. I am very happy that I can help you with this matter."

"The engagement between us is a fictitious thing. If you don't want to, no one can force you to do anything.

If you fall in love with someone someday, we can announce the cancellation of the engagement. It's up to each man and woman to marry as they please.

only..."

Xiao Li paused for a long time, and Shen Baozhao listened carefully without interrupting him.

"However, if cousin Zhao is tempted by love, can you consider me first?"

It was very difficult for Xiao Li to say this. He was not a good communicator, nor was he patient with women.

He never thought that one day he would indulge in love.

He was a very principled man and had never compromised with anyone over the years, even though his mother had forced him to get married many times.

But Shen Baozhao broke all his principles. Facing her, he could have no principles at all.

The wind gradually grew stronger, causing the bamboo curtains to hit against the pillars of the pavilion, making crisp sounds.

Shen Baozhao was very moved after hearing what Xiao Li said. Such a sincere heart was held in front of her.

But it was precisely because of this that she could not respond casually.

Only by telling Xiao Li your true feelings can you be worthy of his true love.

"Brother Li, it is true that I have always treated you as a relative. And I have no intention of getting married at this time.

Likewise, if one day my cousin finds a woman he likes more, he can cancel the engagement at any time, and Zhao Zhao will definitely give his blessing. "

Shen Baozhao did not respond to Xiao Li's last question, whether he could be considered first.

She didn't want to give hope. She already had enough troubles, and she couldn't involve Xiao Li in this unclearly.

Xiao Li did not continue to ask questions. Seeing that it was getting late, he invited Shen Baozhao to have dinner at Prince Yu's mansion and then go back.

Shen Baozhao thought about Madam Xiao and Xiao Yuyao's dissatisfaction with her, and was afraid that they didn't want to see her today.

She refused. Xiao Li treated her so sincerely, she couldn't cause him any more trouble.

Thinking of the jade hairpin, she had accepted it without knowing why, but now that she knew, there was no reason for her to keep it.

Facing Xiao Li, she pointed at the jade hairpin on her head and said seriously, "Cousin Li, I will give this hairpin back to you after I take off my hair bun at home."

Xiao Li was stunned and his heart suddenly ached. It turned out that his cousin really had no love for him at all.

He smiled bitterly and said, "Cousin Zhao, there is no need to be like this. Our relationship is clear and honest, and we both know what is going on.

Since you regard me as your elder brother, this hairpin is a sincere gift to congratulate you on your coming of age."

"Besides, everyone else thinks that the two jade hairpins are tokens of love. If one day it is discovered that you have returned them to me, I am afraid that unnecessary trouble will be caused."

Shen Baozhao thought about it and it made sense, so he didn't insist on returning the hairpin to Xiao Li. He just thought about finding a box to put it away. It was impossible for him to wear it again, so there was no way Xiao Li would have any hope.

Xiao Li accompanied Shen Baozhao to the carriage before turning around and returning home.

When Shen Baozhao returned to Zhaoming Garden, he saw several gifts in the study and was a little confused.

Bixiao put all the boxes in place and said, "Miss, these are sent by Princess Duanning, Miss Feng, and the wife of the Prince of Jin.

Congratulations on your happy marriage."

"And these were sent by Aunt Lan and the Third Madam. They came to congratulate you on hearing that the young lady had made an engagement."

Seeing Shen Baozhao looking like she had a headache, Qingkong asked in confusion, "Miss, when did you get engaged to the Prince of Yu?

How come we didn’t know about this?”

Bixiao and Qingkong were both Shen Baozhao's confidants, and they knew most of her affairs. So if she said she had feelings for Xiao Li, they would never believe it.

Shen Baozhao sighed and had to tell everyone what happened at the banquet today.

"So, young lady, you were forced by the dog prince?" Qingkong was so angry that he even cursed.

Bixiao also became angry after hearing this. How could such a good lady like her become someone's concubine?

Fortunately, Prince Yujun stepped forward, and at this moment, Xiao Li's cold face, which had been frozen for many years, seemed to have a friendly look in their hearts.

"Put these away as they are." Shen Baozhao ordered.

At this juncture, these gifts absolutely cannot be returned, otherwise it would arouse suspicion.

She must find a way to resolve the prince's issue as soon as possible to avoid being targeted again.

Different from the bustling atmosphere of the master and servants in Zhaoming Garden, there was deathly silence in Prince Huai's Mansion today. People could smell the fierceness brought by the prince and were afraid of making noise when they walked.