novelkee Chapter 382 Lü Zhi's Awakening 12
Chapter 382 Lü Zhi's Awakening 12
The magnificent carriage moved slowly along the wide street, its wheels rumbling rhythmically, as if softly telling the story of its journey. The streets were bustling with activity; the market was teeming with people, and the cries of vendors rose and fell in a cacophony. Fruit vendors, selling brightly colored fruit, loudly proclaimed the freshness and juiciness of their produce; others, selling exquisite jewelry, enthusiastically described the unique features of their pieces to their customers. The carriage skillfully weaved past rows of thriving shops, their signs gleaming in the sunlight, their interiors overflowing with a dazzling array of goods.
Soon, the carriage came to a smooth stop in front of the First Pavilion of the Great Qin Dynasty. The carriage door slowly opened, and Ying Wuyou stepped out first, her figure tall and elegant. She wore a magnificent robe, which made her appear even more dignified. She stood beside the carriage, patiently waiting for Lü Zhi to alight. After a while, Lü Zhi gracefully stepped down from the carriage. She wore a dress, the hem of which fluttered in the wind, like a blooming flower. Ying Wuyou stepped forward and gently took Lü Zhi's arm. The two walked hand in hand into the First Pavilion of the Great Qin Dynasty.
They went straight through the first floor, where the lobby was bustling with activity. Guests came and went, their laughter echoing throughout the hall. The aroma of various delicacies filled the air, making one's mouth water. Then, they went around to the second floor, where the private rooms were located, and from time to time, the melodious sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments and the laughter of guests could be heard.
The group arrived on the third floor. Ying Wuyou turned around and whispered a few instructions to the guards standing beside him like pine trees. The guards immediately obeyed and respectfully withdrew. Soon, only Ying Wuyou and Lü Zhi remained in the room.
This is an exquisitely decorated princess room, filled with a warm and romantic atmosphere. The walls are painted in soft pinks, as if dyed by spring flowers, making one feel as if they are in a dream. The ceiling is adorned with beautiful murals depicting fairies dancing gracefully on clouds, so lifelike that it seems as if the fairies might fly out of the painting at any moment.
Lü Zhi was captivated by everything before her. She slowly walked to the soft, comfortable sofa and gently sat down. The sofa seemed to possess a magical power, instantly absorbing all her fatigue and leaving her feeling incredibly relaxed. Her eyes were filled with curiosity as she gently stroked the surface of the sofa, marveling at its smooth, delicate texture. She looked up, her eyes filled with doubt, and softly asked, "What is this? It's so soft!" Ying Wuyou's lips curved into a gentle smile. She softly replied, "This is a sofa, made of a special material. It's incredibly soft to sit on."
Lü Zhi lingered beside the sofa with great interest. First, she gently reached out, her fingertips like nimble butterflies, and carefully touched the edge of the sofa, feeling its smooth, delicate material. Then, she slowly sat down, her body enveloped by the soft texture as if floating on a cloud. She couldn't help but shift slightly on the sofa, sometimes straightening her back, sometimes leaning back, repeatedly savoring the wonderful experience this novel contraption offered.
Just as she was enjoying the softness of the sofa, a sudden thought struck her, and she realized that her series of actions just now had been quite inappropriate. After all, she was in an unusual environment, and she had to be extra careful with her every word and deed. A blush instantly rose to her cheeks, and in her panic, she subconsciously covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes revealing a hint of shyness and embarrassment, as if trying to cover up her lapse in composure through this action.
Meanwhile, Ying Wuyou sat quietly observing Lü Zhi. In her eyes, this vibrant and lively woman was worlds apart from the ruthless and cruel Empress Lü Zhi depicted in historical records. The historical Lü Zhi had struggled in the vortex of power, ruthlessly eliminating dissidents to secure her and her son's positions, her methods chillingly ruthless. But the Lü Zhi before her now resembled an innocent young girl, full of curiosity and purity. A deep ripple of emotion stirred within Ying Wuyou; she simply couldn't reconcile these two images.
Ying Wuyou leaned slightly forward, looking at Lü Zhi with tenderness and concern, and asked softly, "Miss Lü is not from Qin, is she?" Her voice was gentle and melodious, like a spring breeze gently brushing past Lü Zhi's ear.
Hearing Ying Wuyou's words, Lü Zhi was startled. She had no idea that Ying Wuyou already knew everything about her. For a moment, a flicker of panic crossed her eyes, like a frightened deer. Her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her dress tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force. She stammered, "I came to Xianyang just to visit; I had no other intentions." Her voice trembled, filled with tension and unease, as if afraid Ying Wuyou wouldn't believe her.
Seeing Lü Zhi's nervous appearance, Ying Wuyou felt a pang of pity. She gave a gentle smile, waved her hand lightly, and said in a reassuring tone, "I know, you don't need to be nervous. We're just having a casual chat." Her words were like a calming pill, gradually calming Lü Zhi's previously flustered heart.
Ying Wuyou looked at Lü Zhi with sincere eyes, bowed slightly, and asked softly, "Miss Lü, do you intend to stay in Xianyang?"
"Stay in Xianyang?" Upon hearing this, Lü Zhi seemed to be touched on a chord, unconsciously repeating the question. Her eyes were somewhat unfocused, as if she were sketching out a picture of staying in Xianyang in her mind. After a moment, she gently shook her head, a faint trace of melancholy on her face, and slowly said, "Although Xianyang is prosperous, my family is not here. They are thousands of miles away, where I have a familiar house, relatives, and friends. Moreover, I am already engaged to someone else; this is my parents' arrangement, and I cannot disrespect it in the slightest. I am already content with the opportunity to visit Xianyang and witness its bustling streets and magnificent palaces." As she finished speaking, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a satisfied smile.
Ying Wuyou was not discouraged by Lü Zhi's rejection. She straightened her posture slightly, her eyes flashing with determination, and continued, "Miss Lü must have heard about my plan to establish an academy!"
Lü Zhi nodded slightly, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, quietly waiting for Ying Wuyou to continue.
Ying Wuyou said solemnly, “Although the Great Qin has undergone many changes under the leadership of my father, women in this world are still subject to many restrictions. Like birds bound in a gilded cage, they have beautiful wings but cannot soar freely in the vast sky. I hope to change all this. In this academy, I propose that women also be allowed to enroll, opening a door to freedom and dreams for them, so that they can also freely pursue their dreams and give full play to their talents.”