“Fortunately, someone saved Linlong,” A’Le shouted again from behind. “I don’t know who this hero is!”
Since it wasn’t Chu Zhao who fell into the water, the onlookers all relaxed considerably. Moreover, the maidservant who fell in had already been rescued, so everyone’s attention turned to the rescuer.
Who was it?
Such quick reactions.
Such decisive entry into the water.
Clearly an excellent swimmer, lifting the person up in just a few moves.
It was a young master. His brocade white garments floated in the water like clouds. His jet-black hair drifted behind him, revealing a smooth forehead and a high-bridged nose. He pressed his lips together, deep dimples appearing on his cheeks, like an immortal from the Luo River.
So many people came and went through Chu Garden, and anyone with outstanding talent and appearance had already been remembered by everyone. Yet this young man was being seen for the first time.
Which talented young master could this be?
Chu Zhao stood on the shore, looking down at the person in the water, her expression surprised: “Your Highness!”
Your Highness?
The people around were stunned upon hearing this.
The Da Xia Emperor’s line had always had few offspring. There weren’t many who could be called “Your Highness,” and even fewer in the capital. Could it be—
“Prince Zhongshan!” A’Le immediately shouted loudly after Chu Zhao, her voice loud enough for everyone in Chu Garden to hear. “It’s actually you!”
Prince Zhongshan! It’s actually Prince Zhongshan!
Prince Zhongshan came to Chu Garden!
Chu Garden erupted in commotion.
……
……
The clamor flew over walls and buildings into Chu Lan’s study. Chu Lan, who had already retreated to the doorway, took another step backward.
The steward was panicked, and Jiang Shi was also at a loss.
“Master, please go over quickly,” they urged.
“At this point, what would I go over there for?” Chu Lan murmured.
Things had happened as arranged, yet were completely different. The one who fell into the water wasn’t Chu Zhao, and Xiao Xun, who should have been watching from the sidelines, had actually gone to rescue someone.
“No matter what, Your Highness saved someone. As the host family, we should go thank him,” Jiang Shi said. “Treat him as an honored guest.”
Though Chu Lan still hadn’t figured out exactly what went wrong, he also guessed that something was wrong with the entire affair. He flung his sleeves: “I know nothing. Just say I’m ill and cannot see anyone!”
……
……
However, even without Chu Lan and his wife appearing, Chu Garden could handle things appropriately.
After Chu Zhao identified the rescuer, she had servants immediately pull Xiao Xun from the lake, then sent him indoors where a physician examined and treated him.
On the first day Chu Garden opened for literary gatherings, they had invited physicians to handle situations like brawls or people harming themselves after losing or going mad after winning—these situations had never occurred, but finally the physician was put to use.
Chu Zhao then had A’Le “invite” the steward over—Chu Lan could hide, but the steward couldn’t escape.
After the steward arrived, he was forced to acknowledge: “Your Highness came to observe the literary gathering, not to arrest anyone or assign blame. He has already met with the Master. The Master knows about this.” This reassured everyone.
Yes, everyone calmed down. If Prince Zhongshan had been ordered to arrest people, why would he care if someone from Chu Garden fell into the water? Let them drown—it would be their just deserts.
No one fled Chu Garden, and the panic subsided. Everyone discussed with curiosity and excitement, looking toward where Xiao Xun was, waiting to see him again.