the cat in emperor's arms

apricot garden

Pei Jingyan mulled over it for a while before finally nodding:

"Very well, as you wish. In three months, Pei Shenyu will hold a banquet on behalf of the emperor in the Apricot Garden, and the cat you mentioned will certainly not appear at the feast."

"I still have a few hidden agents that can help you sneak in at that time."

Qin Hua's eyes narrowed slightly.

She was already gambling everything on this. This was her only chance and she must not lose it.

"In that case, I shall await good news from you. Do not disappoint me again."

Pei Chengjia raised his cup and drained the wine in one gulp.

March 3rd, Shangsi Festival.

At dawn, a small cat poked its head out from the window of a plum house.

Outside, the flower trees formed a canopy, and the breeze brought a fragrant scent. On the thick and twisted gnarled branches, double-petal pink plum blossoms bloomed in full.

The pavilion that Pei Shenyu had arranged for her was originally for honored guests. Not only was it close to the prince's main hall, but the surrounding area was also planted with plum trees, offering a fine spring view. Standing beneath the trees felt like one's spirit had been cleansed.

From afar, everything appeared in a blur of pink and white, with petals falling like snow, resembling an immortal's paradise.

The cat raised its little head, squinted its eyes slightly, and sniffed with its nose, looking utterly intoxicated.

Pei Shenyu had arranged this spot for two reasons: first, because she liked floral scenery, and second, because the character for "plum" also symbolized "eyebrows," a gesture of his personal affection for her.

Now that the spring flowers were blooming, the cat enjoyed sniffing the blossoms under the plum tree every day, leisurely grooming its fur.

Soon, its whole body was covered in the scent of flowers.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and the cat turned its head, locking eyes with Pei Shenyu.

Today, he was dressed in a crimson robe, his hair adorned with a jade crown, and a sword hung at his waist. He stood tall and dignified, but the spring sunlight softened his sharp features slightly.

The cat joyfully let out a "meow."

Her beloved was indeed the most handsome man in the world.

Pei Shenyu’s thin lips parted into a smile as he asked, "Do you like these plum trees?"

The cat nodded, rubbing its small head against his palm with an adorably coquettish demeanor. Pei Shenyu’s heart melted further.

He stroked the soft, fluffy white fur in his palm, his eyebrows lowered in thought.

"When the time comes, I will take you to see the peonies in the capital in April and May. The Yao Huang and Wei Zi varieties — I think you will like them even more."

Peonies, the queen of flowers, truly suited her. He said this silently to himself.

Pei Shenyu scratched the cat’s chin again, coaxing her as he always did, “What do you think, little one?”

The cat’s eyes sparkled like glass, already filled with anticipation.

“Meow, meow, meow~”

Of course, that sounds wonderful.

Since she couldn’t speak human language, she simply extended a paw, placing it in Pei Shenyu’s palm.

Pei Shenyu gently held the soft little paw, tightening his grip as if holding his most precious treasure.