Chapter 17. The Thousand Faces of Song Zhi I Just Wanted to Ask, Does Young Master Shen Have Feelings for Su…

“Why did you come?”

Taking advantage of Gu Zhi leading Liu Ming into the cabin, Shen Yuan frowned deeply and lowered his voice, “If mother finds out, she will certainly say you’re not studying well and have put your mind to other things!”

Earlier, Xu Wei was merely entangled with by that young man surnamed Song, causing rumors, which already angered mother greatly.

Not to mention, Su Jin has only been in the capital for a short while, and has already picked up the habit of flattery.

Others may not know, but he understood clearly.

Su Jin’s insights on “Wen Yu Ke Xue” far surpassed mother’s, how could she need Gu Zhi’s guidance?

“Young Master Shen, you’ve misunderstood Miss Su.” Song Zhi, who had been silent for a long time, stepped forward, standing between Shen Yuan and Su Jin.

The pine green clothes were a new style recently popular in the capital.

Though pleasing to the eye, it wasn’t as flattering as red on him.

Thinking back to that begonia red outfit, it was truly stunning. Today’s attire was conventional, appearing somewhat bland.

“Miss Su came because……”

“Young Master Song.” Su Jin spoke up, indicating he need not say more.

“Young Master Shen is right. However, I believe that only knowing how to study, without understanding human affairs, is a great taboo for scholars.”

“Now that Young Master Song is willing to introduce me, and Her Highness allows me on the boat to discuss ‘Wen Yu Ke Xue’, it can be said to be the unity of knowledge and action.”

“Fine, to each their own.” Shen Yuan averted his gaze, “It’s your future after all.”

“Huai An, board the ship.”

His steps were unsteady, but unwilling to show weakness in front of Su Jin, he forced himself not to look at the spreading water waves, gritting his teeth as he stepped onto the gangplank.

But the fear in his heart returned, his steps stagnated, unable to move forward even half an inch.

Behind him were Su Jin and Song Zhi.

Gu Zhi, who might come out of the cabin at any moment, was also inside.

Shen Yuan’s eyes reddened, and he couldn’t help but deeply regret why he had agreed to go on this spring outing with Liu Ming.

Indeed, Shen Yuan also knew that if he gave Gu Zhi a few smiles, leaving wouldn’t be much of a problem.

But Liu Ming was here.

If he truly didn’t avoid suspicion, not only would he leave behind frivolous gossip, he might very well become a despised seducer, bringing shame to the Shen family.

Moreover, today Liu Ming was constantly holding onto Gu Zhi, clearly wanting him to see clearly who was destined to be with Gu Zhi.

Shen Yuan was unwilling to let Gu Zhi and that jealous pot misunderstand anything because of this.

“Young Master.”

Huai An, who had followed closely, carefully gripped his arm, “Why don’t you close your eyes, and let this servant guide you onto the boat from the front, how about that?”

“…Will this method work?” Shen Yuan hesitated.

Huai An paused briefly, took out a neatly folded handkerchief from his sleeve and handed it over, saying dryly, “If the young master is really afraid, why not blindfold yourself, as they say, if you don’t want to see the mountain, close your eyes… um, and you won’t see the mountain.”

He stumbled through what should have been a smooth quote from the Mu Yuan Pian.

“That won’t be necessary.” Shen Yuan shook his head, the handkerchief still had a faint fragrance, unlike the heavy white sandalwood scent used in the household. From whose hands it came was self-evident.

He closed his eyes and sighed, “Lead the way.”

“Aye.” Huai An responded, nodding to those behind him.

The figure in bamboo green and the servant quickly exchanged positions, one in front, using his arm as a pole to guide Shen Yuan forward, one behind, hands spread wide, protecting him virtually.

Song Zhi followed leisurely, his brow full of calm.

Fortunately, Liu Ming was clinging to Gu Zhi so intensely that when the servant led Shen Yuan and his group into the cabin, Liu Ming, with a flushed face, had just risen from her embrace.

Gu Zhi’s collar was slightly open, revealing a conspicuous red mark.

Song Zhi lowered his head, quietly moving closer behind Su Jin.

Knowing about Gu Zhi’s promiscuity was one thing, but seeing it with one’s own eyes was another, especially since this Fifth Princess was known for her unpredictable moods.

The pleasure boat sailed smoothly, and Shen Yuan only came to his senses after entering the cabin. At this moment, he suddenly saw the red mark on Gu Zhi’s neck, thinking she had been bitten by mosquitoes again like when they were young, he habitually reached into his sleeve to take out the herbal balm.

“Young Master.” His sleeve was gently tugged, Huai An’s face and neck red as he lowered his voice, “It’s not mosquitoes.”

“Not?”

“Not!”

The master and servant whispered, their heads close together.