Just as she walked out of the hall, she ran into Zhong Yi head - on. "Your Highness, I went to all those stalls we usually go to. The fruit vendors all said it's not the season for papayas. I searched the whole market and only managed to find these."
Like someone showing off their merits, Zhong Yi put a bag of papayas in front of Yi Zhici.
Yi Zhici tried hard to wink at Zhong Yi, but who knew Zhong Yi didn't even look at her. Instead, he dutifully picked up the bag again. "Your Highness, I tell you, the vendor said papayas should be eaten fresh, or they won't work. I'll take them to the kitchen right away and make a salad for you."
Lin Yuan was right behind her. She could even hear Lin Yuan's teasing laughter. It was impossible to explain things away now. She could only say feebly, "Thank you. You're really something."
Zhong Yi gave a simple and honest smile. "Your Highness, don't be so polite all the time. It's my duty, it's my duty."
Yi Zhici was completely desperate for Zhong Yi.
Lin Yuan was behind her, leaning close to her ear. "Your Highness, since I've seen it anyway... I'm not picky. As long as it's Your Highness, it's fine."
Yi Zhici thought she had already lost enough face. Gritting her teeth, she dragged Lin Yuan away.
In the back garden, there were all kinds of rare and exotic flowers in different colors. There weren't many servants in the Marquis's Mansion. Usually, Yi Junshi took care of the back garden himself, so few people would set foot there.
Yi Zhici puffed up her cheeks angrily. "Have you laughed enough?"
Lin Yuan managed to restrain his laughter. "Yes, I've laughed enough."
Then he said, "Your Highness's feelings for me, I've already understood. I will cherish this feeling. On our wedding day, Your Highness's efforts should pay off."
Yi Zhici reached out to cover Lin Yuan's mouth.
Lin Yuan held her hand and blurted out, "A Ci."
Yi Zhici was stunned for a moment. Why did this name sound so nice when it came from Lin Yuan's mouth...
After being a love - struck fool for a while, Yi Zhici suddenly calmed down. "I just remembered something. We need to have a good talk."
Lin Yuan was puzzled, but he immediately became serious. "Your Highness, please speak."
Yi Zhici was extremely serious. "What I'm going to say next may sound absurd to you, and you may think I'm being unreasonable. Anyway, I'm very jealous. So, could you please not take any concubines in the future and just marry me?"
In the ancient Yue, it was a very feudal society. Although there were no strict taboos on the interaction between men and women, it was quite normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. To be honest, Yi Zhici's request had no precedent in the ancient Yue.
Lin Yuan didn't even think for a moment. "Naturally. How is this unreasonable?"
"But don't you think I'm being absurd? You could actually marry several women," Yi Zhici thought it was a bit strange that Lin Yuan had the same thought as her. "Don't all men yearn for a life with a harem of wives and concubines?"
Lin Yuan raised his eyebrows. "Really?"
Yi Zhici pouted. "Yes, and there has never been such a precedent in the ancient Yue. Even my father, who is so aloof and unworldly, has several concubines."
"The wind stops at the autumn water, and I stop at you, like a boat docking at the shore and a deer returning to the forest." When Lin Yuan was serious, his deep eyes would sparkle with tiny stars. "A Ci, don't doubt my feelings anymore."
Yi Zhici was stunned for a long time. "Is... is this a love - letter to me?" She always felt that she was so spineless. No matter what Lin Yuan did, she found him extremely charming. For example, at this moment, her mind was in a complete mess and she couldn't think straight.
In the past, Yi Junshi always said that she was lawless and no one could control her. Even if she was caught by Master Cangyang and given a beating with a bamboo board, she would still be obedient on the surface but rebellious in her heart. Yi Junshi would sigh and say that there would always be someone who could control her.
She thought her father was really wise and foresighted.
Just like every time, Lin Yuan didn't really try to control Yi Zhici, but she just inexplicably wanted to listen to him. For another example, now, she was completely infatuated with Lin Yuan. Indeed, in this world, one thing constrains another.