Capital Outing scheme

"Then I won't return to spoil the reunion. Your Highness, please take care."

Long Dahai watched Chancellor Yi's retreating figure for a moment before turning his attention to the familiar determined steps approaching.

Initially, he considered pretending not to notice, continuing his leisurely walk, in hopes of avoiding an immediate interaction.

Yet, Gu Yunzhi had other plans.

In a nearly frantic sprint, he positioned himself in front of Long Dahai, raising his hands in a gesture of stop.

Long Dahai briefly closed his eyes, basking in the sun's rays as if mentally preparing himself for the encounter ahead. With a composed expression, he met Gu Yunzhi's determined gaze.

The two engaged in a silent duel, their eyes locked in a subtle contest of wills. Ultimately, it was Gu Yunzhi's unwavering voice that broke the silence. "I need to meet her!"

Sighing softly, Long Dahai shook his head. "She still recovering after collapsing."

Gu Yunzhi's frustration was evident as he crossed his arms and knitted his brows. He shot an intent gaze at Long Dahai, his voice carrying unwavering determination. 'Even more reason for me to see her,' he asserted, the firmness in his tone mirroring the resoluteness in his stance.

A hint of amusement flashed in Long Dahai's eyes. "Why?"

"Like I've been telling you, I'll be her brother-in-law," Gu Yunzhi's voice carried exasperation, his brows slightly furrowing as if he'd repeated this argument numerous times.

"As I've been telling you, there's no shortage of brother-in-laws." Long Dahai's tone turned teasing.

Gu Yunzhi's eyes twitched, momentarily taken aback.

"But I'll be a friendly brother-in-law. You know, the one who'll sweep in with gifts," Gu Yunzhi's eyes sparkled with mischief as he gestured theatrically, cupping his hands as if holding an imaginary gift box.

Long Dahai's gaze remained steady as he weighed Yunzhi's words. "She has Sixth Brother for that."

A sly grin tugged at the corners of Gu Yunzhi's lips, and with swagger, he sidled up to Long Dahai. He bumped his shoulder against his with an affectionate nudge. "Come on, the Sixth Prince will be drowning in royal responsibilities. She needs a friendly face to talk to, without all the pressure."

"She has me."

Gu Yunzhi's lips curved into an expressive grin, his brows furrowing playfully. "You?"

One of Long Dahai's eyebrows quirked up, clearly skeptical and slightly offended. "Who else."

"Please, you've been living in your study since your wedding!" Gu Yunzhi released an exaggerated sigh, capturing the essence of his exasperation.

Familiar with Long Dahai's somewhat reserved nature, Gu Yunzhi was confident that this man hadn't spent any extra time with Han Aeng outside of what was necessary.

It's only expected that Han Aeng, who is new to the palace and likely adapting to her role and responsibilities, might feel isolated with a husband who appears to be unresponsive. Being his best friend, Gu Yunzhi felt responsible for helping her adapt to Dahai's personality.

Yet here he was being unreasonable and refusing to let him visit.

He waved his hand in the air as if dismissing an invisible cloud. "And, let's be honest, you've got this aura that practically screams 'I'm about as exciting as a brick wall.'"

"Do not."

"Do too."

"Do not!"

"Absolutely do!"

"Then let this brick wall contemplate your funding."

At the threat, Gu Yunzhi stepped back, his shoulders dropping. "Fine, fine. You win this round. I'll drop the idea of going to the capital." He sighed dramatically. "But let me visit her instead."

"Really? You're giving up that quickly?" Long Dahai's eyes narrowed as he sized up Yunzhi.

"Without a doubt?" Gu Yunzhi scoffed, his fist lightly tapping his chest. "I've been hounding you about this for three days straight. I'm practically as worn out as you are."

Long Dahai couldn't suppress a soft chuckle, his hand gently resting on Gu Yunzhi's shoulder.

His thoughts turned to Han Aeng's fragile state at the time of her collapse, and he couldn't help but wonder if she would appreciate someone else to talk to during her recovery.

Perhaps it would be good for her to have a friend by her side, especially when dealing with the unfamiliar palace life.

"Alright, I'll arrange it. But not today. She's meeting with Prime... uh, father-in-law."

A mischievous glint danced in Gu Yunzhi's eyes as he grinned like a child eagerly awaiting a long-awaited treat. "First thing in the morning then. I'll be there."

Long Dahai couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Persistent."

Gu Yunzhi shrugged nonchalantly. "Someone's got to be. Otherwise, poor sister-in-law will be yawning her way through these palace walls."

Early the next day, a gentle knock echoed through the chamber. The door as it opened to reveal Gu Yunzhi, standing there with a bright smile that seemed to light up the room.

He stepped inside with a brisk, confident stride.

"Surprising to see him here so early in the morning," Long Dahai mumbled, his tall form rose from his seat to greet their guest. Han Aeng followed his lead, a smile gracing her lips.

"Good morning!" His cheerful greeting resonated with an air of warmth and familiarity.

Long Dahai's hand made a subtle gesture toward Gu Yunzhi. "Han Aeng, this is who I mentioned yesterday, my childhood friend, Gu Yunzhi." His eyes met Han Aeng's with a hint of reassurance. "And Yunzhi, this is my wife, Han Aeng."

Gu Yunzhi's easy smile reached his eyes. He had always been a straightforward person, and his appearance was refreshingly different from the formalities of the palace. In his own words, he was giving off that 'friendly older brother' aura, an image that fit him perfectly.

"It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Sister-in-law," Gu Yunzhi said, his voice warm and sincere.

"Li Wangfei."

Gu Yunzhi's expression twisted in confusion, a silent question forming in his eyes.

'Do we have the need for such formalities?'

Reading his expression, Long Dahai explained. "Let's not put her in an awkward position."

He pushed his elbow onto Long Dahai, his voice a loud whisper. "You're the only awkward thing here."

Han Aeng's laughter slipped passed her pursed lips gaining both men's attention. She cleared her throat maintaining an air of politeness. "A friend of your Highness is a friend of chenqie. Please don't stand on ceremony."

"See sister-in-law is much more considerate towards me than you."

The three settled down for breakfast, their conversation flowing easily. The clinking of utensils and the fragrance of food filled the air as they engaged in light banter, sharing stories and laughter.

Long Dahai had anticipated the meeting to be polite and courteous. However, it seemed that Aeng and Gu Yunzhi had found common ground, sharing a similar light-heartedness in their personalities.

She found herself intrigued by his expressive storytelling gestures and witty remarks. Meanwhile, Gu Yunzhi appreciated her reactions, his eyes lighting up at her animated laughter, making the room feel lighter.

The two seemed like old friends catching up, their rapport growing effortlessly. In the end, Long Dahai had unintentionally become a spectator, observing their lively exchange.

Following a hearty meal and laughter-filled conversation, Gu Yunzhi leaned back in his chair with a contented sigh. "You know, Sister Aeng, there's something you must absolutely experience while you're in the capital."

Han Aeng raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his words. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"Sightseeing. The capital is truly breathtaking, and there are hidden corners that hold stories waiting to be discovered." Gu Yunzhi declared, his eyes sparkling as he punctuated the statement with an animated tap on the table, his enthusiasm palpable. "For instance, there's a charming teahouse by the river, nestled among weeping willows. The aroma of jasmine tea fills the air as you watch boats drift lazily down the water. It's a place where time slows down, and you can truly savor the beauty of the moment."

Long Dahai's gaze shifted toward Gu Yunzhi, a firmness settling in his eyes like a subtle warning, cautioning against a certain line of conversation.

As an expert at avoiding the hint, Gu Yunzhi kept his attention fixed on Han Aeng. "Wouldn't it be a shame if Sister-in-law missed out on such wondrous sights?"

If you won't let me take her out, I'll force you by making sister-in-law want to see the city.

Han Aeng's eyes lit up, leaning slightly forward she glanced between Gu Yunzhi and Long Dahai. "I'd love to visit."

Gu Yunzhi's grin widened into a triumphant smile, a reflection of his successful persuasion. "It's settled then. I'll be your guide to the most enchanting spots."

Little did he know that even without his persuasion Han Aeng was dying to get out of the palace.

Being an adventurous person, the mere thought of exploring uncharted territories stirred something in her that had been dormant for far too long. As of late, her days had been colored by the hues of recovery, a period of quiet recuperation.

But now, a door was ajar, and the allure of exploration beckoned her. Gu Yunzhi's alluring proposition seemed almost tailor-made for this moment, too irresistible to forgo.

Excitement surged within her, barely contained and eager to burst forth. Her eyes, overflowing with enthusiasm, met Long Dahai's, silently seeking his approval.

Caught between her anticipatory gaze and Gu Yunzhi's constant death glares. A subtle nod conveyed his consent, accompanied by a gentle softening of his features. "As long as our expedition doesn't turn into an extreme test of endurance."

Capitalizing on the moment, Gu Yunzhi rose from his seat. "Perfect, let's get going!"

"Now?" Han Aeng's voice betrayed her astonishment.

"Any objections?"

She shook her head in rapid succession, already moving to prepare herself for the outing.

Long Dahai's smile shifted, his eyes taking on an accusatory tone. "You had this all planned out, didn't you?"

"One must strike the iron while it's hot, my friend."