ushernet Chapter 381 Lü Zhi's Awakening 11
Chapter 381 Lü Zhi's Awakening 11
Ying Wuyou's eyes suddenly lit up, as if a dazzling light flashed within them. She looked at the person standing before her—it was none other than the historically renowned Empress Lü Zhi! This was truly a case of finding something without even trying. Ying Wuyou's curiosity was instantly piqued, and she scrutinized Lü Zhi with great interest. Lü Zhi possessed a graceful figure, and although she wore no makeup, her natural beauty and intelligence were undeniable. Her eyes revealed a resolute and intelligent spirit. Ying Wuyou's smile was like a flower blooming in spring, impossible to conceal. A charming smile appeared on her lips as she softly and gracefully said, "So it's Miss Lü, a pleasure to meet you." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a babbling brook flowing through the mountains.
Lu Zhi, who had been somewhat reserved, brightened instantly upon hearing Ying Wuyou's words, her eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky. She never expected the legendary, aloof Princess Jiayang to be so approachable. A slight blush rose to Lu Zhi's cheeks, like a beautiful sunset painting the horizon. She smiled shyly, her voice tinged with bashfulness and reverence, and said, "Your Highness, I've heard many stories about you. From your debates with scholars in court to your acts of charity in the countryside, I think you're truly remarkable. May I invite you to dinner?" Her tone was full of expectation, her eyes fixed on Ying Wuyou, as if afraid of being rejected.
Looking at the still somewhat immature Lü Zhi, Ying Wuyou couldn't help but sigh. This seemingly weak woman would one day become the all-powerful Empress Lü. She smiled and said, "Of course, let's go to the First Restaurant of Qin. It's my treat." Her smile was warm and confident, as if it possessed a reassuring magic.
Upon hearing this, Lü Zhi's mouth dropped open in surprise, a rather adorable sight. She quickly waved her hand, saying, "How can that be? Her Highness is of utmost nobility; there's no reason for you to treat me." Her eyes were filled with fear and unease, and her hands unconsciously clutched the hem of her dress.
Ying Wuyou found Lü Zhi's nervous expression somewhat amusing. She gently patted Lü Zhi's shoulder and said with a smile, "What's wrong with that? Miss Lü and I hit it off immediately, like old friends who haven't seen each other for years. Besides, I own a restaurant myself, so it wouldn't be appropriate to go to another place, and it would be even more inappropriate for Miss Lü to treat us at the First Restaurant of Qin. It's settled then, I'll treat you." Her tone left no room for argument, and her eyes revealed a generous and magnanimous spirit.
The afterglow of the setting sun, like a golden veil, gently spilled onto the road. Ying Wuyou's eyes sparkled with a lively light, a confident yet playful smile playing on her lips. As she spoke, she reached out her slender yet strong hand, grabbed Lü Zhi's soft, boneless arm, and strode quickly toward the carriage.
Lu Zhi, who had been somewhat shy, blushed slightly at Ying Wuyou's sudden action, and followed him with flustered steps. Just then, Lu Zhi glanced up and saw that, somehow, a magnificent carriage had been parked steadily beside her ordinary yet exquisite carriage. The carriage was made of the finest sandalwood, with delicate and clear grain, and radiated a warm luster in the setting sun.
The carriage is adorned with lifelike cloud patterns, as if craftsmen had skillfully captured celestial clouds and inlaid them onto the vehicle. The wheels are forged from fine steel and covered with a thick layer of leather, both sturdy and luxurious. The canopy is made of brocade, embroidered with colorful phoenix patterns, the phoenixes spreading their wings as if about to burst through the brocade and soar into the sky.
Ying Wuyou naturally noticed Lü Zhi's slightly surprised gaze, but she didn't stop or say anything more. She understood that Lü Zhi was probably a little shy, and if she directly pulled her into her carriage, Lü Zhi might feel embarrassed or even have other thoughts. So, Ying Wuyou continued walking, walked to the magnificent carriage, gently lifted the curtain, and gracefully slipped inside.
Watching Ying Wuyou's actions, Lü Zhi's heart stirred slightly. She hesitated for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but ultimately withdrew her gaze and slowly walked to her carriage. The coachman respectfully lowered the footboard, and Lü Zhi straightened her skirt and gracefully boarded the carriage.
Two carriages, one ornate and flamboyant, the other simple and steady, slowly started moving, one after the other. The wheels rolled, raising a light cloud of dust. The rhythmic clatter of hooves on the ground sounded like a cheerful melody. Pedestrians on both sides of the street cast curious glances at the two carriages, wondering who was riding inside.
The carriage moved slowly forward, swaying slightly. Lü Zhi sat quietly inside, her gaze somewhat unfocused, her thoughts wandering, her heart far from calm. The scenery outside the window flashed by like a slideshow, but she had no heart to appreciate it. Chunhua, who seemed to snap out of her daze, tugged at Lü Zhi's sleeve in surprise and raised her voice, "Miss, that's Princess Jiayang! Look at her, she looks so young, like an innocent little girl. I thought she would be a mature and composed woman with the air of a noble lady."
Lü Zhi was brought back to reality by Chunhua's exclamation. She nodded slightly, the corners of her mouth turned up, and said with a hint of emotion, "Yes, I didn't expect Princess Jiayang to be so young. I originally thought that someone who could do so many amazing things must be a person who has experienced the trials of life, but I didn't expect her to be so young."
At this moment, Qiu Zhu, who had been sitting quietly to the side, frowned slightly and, after a brief moment of thought, slowly spoke: "Princess Jiayang has accomplished so much that everyone has forgotten her age. Think about it, Miss, she implemented new farming methods, which increased the people's harvest several times over; she also built roads, making the markets in Xianyang City bustling and lively; and she even established academies. Any one of these things is beyond the capabilities of ordinary people, let alone a young princess. Everyone only sees her achievements, but forgets that she is still just a child."
Hearing Qiu Zhu's words, Lü Zhi nodded again, her eyes filled with admiration. She sighed inwardly, marveling at how a woman of such young age could do so much for the country and its people. The bustling scene of Xianyang involuntarily flashed through her mind: streets teeming with carriages and horses, shops lining the streets, and people beaming with happiness.
Empress Lü Zhi felt that if she hadn't personally witnessed the prosperity of Xianyang, she would have had a hard time imagining how formidable Princess Jiayang was. Empress Lü Zhi secretly resolved that if she had the opportunity, she must cultivate a good relationship with Princess Jiayang; perhaps she could learn a great deal from her.