USWHC -Chapter 536 Coincidence (Part 6)

“Jinghan? Why is it you?” The Emperor’s voice unconsciously softened, though a trace of surprise still lingered.

Zhu Jie was equally astonished as she took in the scene. Indeed, the riverbank was crowded with people, but the ones who drew the most attention were none other than Ji Yi and Yelü Haonan, flanking the Emperor.

Yes… why did they run into Yelü Haonan again? Zhu Jie’s heart skipped a beat. Just then, Yelü Haonan suddenly let out a loud, hearty laugh. “I was just listening to the singing and wondered what sort of remarkable person it could be. Who would have thought it was the most beautiful lady of the Liang Dynasty? Princess Lanqin truly lives up to her reputation—not only stunning in appearance, but her singing is even more beautiful!”

His praise struck Zhu Jie and the others like a cold arrow, and she instinctively turned to look. What she saw was Lanyi’s mischievous yet harmless smiling face, peeking shyly from the boat canopy!

Only then did everyone notice Princess Lanyi’s adorable little head. The Emperor’s tone immediately turned icy again: “Jingqi, why are you here as well?”

With no way to avoid it, Lanyi could only step out shyly, standing beside Zhu Jie. Together, they bowed in unison and said, “Greetings, Father! Wishing you utmost blessings!”

Blessings, my foot! The Emperor’s face nearly darkened to black as he waved his hand angrily and barked, “Step back immediately!”

Zhu Jie quickly turned to fetch a bamboo pole. Perhaps startled by the Emperor’s tone, Lanyi also turned to grab one, and in the sudden confusion, the two collided with each other. The boat swayed violently, and they nearly tumbled into the lake.

Fortunately, Ji Yi reached out and steadied the stern of the boat, halting its movement. The sudden jolt caused both of them to plop down onto the boat, but at least they didn’t splash into the water.

The situation grew a bit awkward, when Yelü Haonan laughed and said, “The two princesses must be frightened. It wouldn’t do if one of you fell into the water. Better to get ashore first!”

The Emperor’s expression darkened even further. Get ashore… and mingle with that group of scoundrels?

Yet, when he saw his two daughters quietly smile at Ji Yi with gratitude, he couldn’t help but relent a little. Perhaps they should get a little familiar with him first.

After all, Lanqin was to be married to the Qi state. If there were a prince to assist her, it might benefit his future plans. And Lanyi could also get along with Ji Yi—though betrothed, there was no need to force things!

With that in mind, the Emperor waved his hand sharply, saying, “Help them up at once!”

A few eunuchs immediately stepped forward, extending their hands respectfully for the princesses to grasp as they climbed ashore.

The riverbank was slippery, so the two had to go up one after the other. Zhu Jie took hold of a eunuch’s arm and moved first. Once she was ashore, Lanyi placed her hand on another eunuch’s arm and stepped toward the bank. But just then, a startled cry rang out.

“My dress!” Zhu Jie’s face paled as she looked back toward the boat. The boat’s edge had caught her long gown, and she hurriedly reached to free it.

At the same moment, Lanyi’s face also went pale, and she cried out, “No!”

But it was too late. With a sharp tug, Zhu Jie freed her gown, yet the boat rocked violently once more.

Lanyi had one foot on the shore and one still in the boat. Already unsteady, the sudden jolt caused her entire body to wobble. The eunuch tried to reach back to help, but it was too late—Princess Lanyi was already toppling backward.

So it seemed a peaceful boat ride was about to turn into an impromptu swim! Zhu Jie sneered inwardly: “Serves you right for trying to mess with me! You think I’m a sickly cat?”

Indeed, Zhu Jie had done it on purpose. But just as Lanyi was about to fall into the water, someone sprang into action, grabbing her in midair. The lake’s surface rippled lightly, yet Princess Lanyi didn’t touch the water at all and was lifted safely back up.