Ping Zhao Lu

Chapter 113: The Splendor of East Lake

In the blink of an eye, the night fell.

Chu Heyuan and his group boarded the uniquely shaped and antique cruise ship on East Lake.

The bright moon hangs high in the sky, casting its silver light and enveloping the entire world.

The scenery of the river and lake at this time is like a beautiful painting, which looks even more charming and intoxicating under the moonlight.

On the lake, cruise ships were floating in groups of three or two. Some of the boats were brightly lit, with bursts of laughter and joy coming from them; others were quiet and silent, as if blending into the tranquil night.

And almost all the people on the cruise ship were reciting poems or composing couplets with great interest, or chatting and laughing, it was very lively.

Chu Heyuan stood in front of the boat's fence, holding the railing with both hands, leaning forward slightly, staring at the sparkling and rippling lake surface.

A breeze blew by, blowing the hair in front of his forehead, adding a bit of handsomeness to his slightly childish face.

He turned around and looked at Chu Yunzheng beside him with curiosity, and asked, "Fourth Uncle, how come you suddenly have the leisure and elegance to bring me out to appreciate this beautiful scenery today?"

Chu Yunzheng's lips curled up slightly, and he looked at his innocent nephew in front of him and chuckled softly, "It's boring to be stuck in the palace all day. I've been free lately, and I happened to think the scenery here is pleasant, so I brought you out to broaden your horizons."

Chu Heyuan curled his lips after hearing this, revealing a hint of disapproval, and muttered, "That's it? Is this considered seeing the world? The gardens in the palace are much more beautiful than here."

Chu Yunzheng reached out and gently pinched Chu Heyuan's delicate face, saying jokingly, "You little brat, don't underestimate this night view and this East Lake. You know, how many people dream of sitting on a boat here and enjoying the night view, but never get the chance to see it."

"Long ago, this area was invaded by an enemy nation. The Pei family bravely stepped forward, fought bloody battles, and turned the tide, ultimately successfully reclaiming this lake and the surrounding land from the enemy. To commend the Pei family for their outstanding military achievements, the emperor granted them control of the lake and stipulated that they could use it for whatever purpose they pleased, as long as it did not damage the natural beauty."

"So, the Pei family turned this lake into a scenic lake for tourists to enjoy. However, the number of places is limited, not only is the price high, but reservations must be made in advance!"

"So arrogant!" Chu Heyuan exclaimed, "No wonder there are so few ships!"

"So you see, the emperor's uncle is so good to you. He always thinks of you when something good happens. Just be happy!" Chu Yunzheng said happily.

"You must have come to me because you couldn't find anyone else!" Chu Heyuan snorted with feigned disdain.

"You kid, what do you think your uncle is!" Chu Yunzheng said dissatisfiedly, "After the Mid-Autumn Festival, I won't stay in the capital. I only thought of bringing you out now. You are really ungrateful!"

Chu Heyuan frowned when he heard that he was leaving, "Can't you stay a little longer, after the New Year?"

Chu Yunzheng chuckled, "I'm not as free as you."

"I'm not idle either." Chu Heyuan argued.

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a deafening "bang" sound, as if it was going to tear the entire night sky apart.

Immediately afterwards, the originally inky black sky seemed to be ignited, exploding into dazzling fireworks.

Those fireworks are like flowers blooming in the night sky, colorful and gorgeous. They burst out all at once in an extremely spectacular way, giving the deep blue night a layer of gorgeous and unique color.

At this moment, on the right side of the river bank, actors in gorgeous costumes appeared one after another and performed a play called "The Painted Tower".

Looking up at the two rows of pavilions, they were already crowded with people, laughing and talking, and the atmosphere was extremely warm.

"It's so lively!" Chu Heyuan couldn't help but exclaim.

He looked around excitedly at the scenery, with an intoxicated expression on his face.

However, Shi'an and Wang Ruo, who were following closely behind him, were deeply attracted by the ever-changing brilliant flames before them.

They stood there blankly, looking up at the visual feast, and for a moment they even forgot everything around them.

Not long after, a loud and noisy sound of gongs and drums suddenly came from the left bank, and the sound resounded through the sky.

Hearing this sudden sound, Chu Heyuan and others' attention was drawn to it at the same time, and they all turned their eyes to the left bank.

I saw a long wedding procession slowly walking along the river bank.

The team is filled with festive red from beginning to end. From a distance, it looks like a winding red dragon, which is very eye-catching.

The groom walking at the front of the procession was riding a tall, snow-white horse. He was handsome and in high spirits, with an unconcealable smile of happiness on his face.

"Could it be that these fireworks are specially set off to celebrate at this moment?" Looking at the scene in front of him, Shi'an asked curiously.

Chu Yunzheng, who was standing by, smiled and nodded, then replied, "Indeed, today is a very happy day. The groom is the young master of the Pei family, and he is marrying the fifth daughter of the Wen family."

"Miss Wen Wu?" Chu Heyuan was full of curiosity, and his eyes involuntarily looked towards the gorgeously decorated and festive sedan chair.

At the same time, Xu Zhouye on the other side also showed an extremely surprised expression, and was secretly surprised in his heart.

"What's wrong?" Chu Yunxiao noticed Xu Zhouye's strange reaction and asked in confusion.

Xu Zhouye stared at the sedan chair, as if lost in thought.

He really didn't expect that the young master of the Pei family would marry the fifth daughter of the Wen family.

In her previous life, Miss Wenwu suffered a tragic fate. She was tortured and abused by Wu Jia Silang in every possible way. Finally, on a full moon night, unable to bear the heavy burden, she chose to hang herself, ending her tragic life.

However, who could have imagined that in this life, Miss Wen Wu would be able to marry into the Pei Mansion in a grand ceremony on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival and become the bride of the young master of the Pei family!

I don’t know whether it’s good or bad…

However, the Pei family is full of loyal and brave people, and their reputation is far-reaching.

Young Master Pei Xu was even more promising and young, having already risen to the rank of Fifth-Rank Censor-in-Chief of the Imperial Censorate at a young age. Furthermore, his character was renowned throughout Zhaojing City as flawless.

Even in his previous life, Pei Xu had never made a mistake. This man was extremely upright.

In less than five years, he was appointed prime minister.

Such a talented person deserves such a beautiful woman.

I don't think it's a bad fate.

Thinking of this, Xu Zhouye calmed down and turned to the emperor and said, "I just didn't expect that Minister Wen would betroth my daughter to Pei Xu."

"It was the Pei family who took a fancy to this girl." Chu Yunxiao said slowly, his voice steady and powerful, as if he was telling the story.

"Some time ago, the fifth daughter of the Wen family was enjoying the scenery by boat here. Coincidentally, the young master of the Pei family was also boating on the lake. He heard the sound of Miss Wen playing the zither, which was like the sound of nature, and he couldn't help but yearn for it."

"So, the two took this opportunity to make friends through playing the zither, a true acquaintance found in the mountains and rivers. From that day on, they frequently met on the banks of East Lake, sitting opposite each other and playing beautiful music together. Naturally, word of such a romantic event quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys."

"To preserve Miss Wen's reputation, the Pei family spared no expense and personally came to propose marriage. It is precisely because of this that today's grand wedding event took place."

After hearing this, Xu Zhouye understood what was going on. He nodded and said, "I see. No wonder the East Lake is decorated so grandly and luxuriously today. It must have been carefully prepared by the Pei family specifically for Miss Wen Wu."

Chu Yunxiao nodded slightly in agreement, then added, "Yes, and not only that. Anyone lucky enough to board these cruise ships today will receive wedding gifts from both the Pei and Wen families. Isn't it a great joy in life to be able to share in this joy?"

As he spoke, Xu Zhouye suddenly pointed to the distance and exclaimed in a low voice: "Look over there, there's actually a beautifully decorated wedding boat!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunxiao looked in the direction he pointed and saw the wedding boat sparkling in the sun, with its bow and stern hung with bright ribbons and lanterns.

Seeing this, the corners of his lips couldn't help but curl up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He said slowly, "I have already inquired about it. This wedding boat is specially prepared for their wedding night."

Hearing this, Xu Zhouye's cheeks involuntarily flushed, and he seemed a little shy. He muttered to himself: "This... is really unique and elegant."