The Emperor Chases His Wife

Chapter XIX

CHAPTER XIX: The Moonlight Tea Garden (2)

The prices of these attractions usually started at a bid of 1,000 gold coins but could go up at as much as 50,000 gold coins once there were enough bidders, and there always were.

Nian had only heard of the place and had yet to see it but now she was standing in the infamous courtyard. Several trees and flowers had been planted around but there were no seats or any spots to accommodate guests. She turned to Lei to question him but got her answer when she saw him fastening the reigns of the Blue Eyed Snow Owl to a large column.

Lei fondly muttered something to the owl along the lines of 'be good and behave' before ushering Nian through the courtyard and towards the hallway which led to the tea house.

The hallway was actually carved inside of the trunk of a large fallen tree and flowering moss and pretty green vines grew along the walls. It lit with small fairy lights stuck to the top and the hallways was long and narrow.

The space of the hallway made one feel like they were under a force of invisible pressure and Nian was a bit skeptical of Lei leading her in the right direction. But Lei was unaware of her distress and kept walking calmly.

Just when Nian felt like she couldn't take much more of the small cramped area and was about to call out to Lei, the two reached the end of the hallway and turned a corner. Nian felt her breath hitch.

There was one time she heard her father and Madam Shanghai talking about the expensive and elegant things they had sold to the esteemed owner of the tea house when the place had been created a few years ago. The Great Merchant had never seen the face of the owner but from the sound of the person's voice when they conversed, The Great Merchant figured that the owner was a young man.

The scenery before Nian was astounding. It was a spacious indoor garden with large willow trees which had a few good feet off the ground and were pruned in a way that their long leaves touched the ground to provide privacy but not enough to be considered unruly.

They were actually elegant.

A stream of clear water ran through the willow trees, and there were multiple finely crafted translucent lotus lamps floating on the water. With the gentle breeze the lotus lamps drifted along the stream and lighted the garden in the absence of the moon.

Nian was amazed. The owner of this place was quite a craftsman. Being in this place truly gave her a sense of calm, even without the presence of the moon. Now she could understand why people paid so much to be present at this place.

She took a few steps into the garden and le her fingers brush over the small shrubbery which was planted on either side of the stone walkway. This place was really a spectacle to behold.

"Do you what you see?" a deep and smooth voice came from behind her.

Nian turned around to face the impeccably handsome young man standing behind her, flashing his white teeth at her in and enchanting smile with an alluring look in his eyes.

His face was sinfully pleasant to look at and his posture was elegant and relaxed, carrying an air of nobility. He was attired in navy blue robes that fluttered around him even though there wasn't any breeze blowing at the moment. His hair was left to hang in the wind and thousands of midnight black strands hung past his waist, almost touching the back of his knees.

He looked like a stunning immortal; like a man who wavered between being a god or a devil.

"Liuyun."

Nian softly mutter his name in a voice as gentle as cherry blossoms in March. Liuyun felt heat flow through his veins at the sound of his name coming from her lips. When he left her five days ago he felt a little guilty. He wanted to return to her but he knew he would just anger her more.

Now, he figured she would be in a calmer state of mind so he took the chance to meet her. He knew she was difficult person and he half expected Lei to return empty handed but he was surprised she actually came to meet him.

And he was pleased.

Unknown to Nian, he was fighting the urge to grab her and kiss her until she was senseless. Great Buddha, he needed to hurry up and have her in his bed and by his side.

"What do you think?" Liuyun motioned to the garden and walked up to her, standing so close Nian was instantly aware of the pine and orange fragrance which intoxicated her senses. "This king designed it."

Nian's eyes widened in surprise. "You're the owner of this tea house!"

Prince Li was described as a devilish tyrant. How could someone like that won such a calming and magnificent place?

"Is that surprising?" He raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.

A chuckle interrupted their conversation and a young man walked out of the hallway and came to stand near Liuyun. Nian recognized the other man as Zing Che, the one the Emperor had sent to get Liuyun.

"Brother, if I didn't know you, even I would have been surprised if I heard you owned a tea house of all places." Che flicked his paper fan closed and laughed. "Thankfully I own this place too. At least it's more believable."

Nian thought so too. It would be hard for anyone to believe that Prince Li owned a tea house but it would be more believable if someone like Zing Che owned it. Zing Che was after all, the son of the leader of the Eastern Region's Artillery.

Even though he had a prestigious background, it wasn't uncommon for noble sons to own several refined businesses in the city.

"If you don't stop talking you'll go home tonight without one of your limbs." Liuyun casually threatened, a wicked glint in his grey orbs.

Che froze and instantly held up his hands insurrender. He understood that Liuyun was not enjoying being teased in front ofthe girl he apparently to a liking to. In all their years of friendship, Chehad never heard of Liuyun inviting anyone to the tea garden.