Duan Ling averted his gaze, looking toward the lake, where the lotus flowers swayed slightly with the lingering breeze.
Beside him, Duan Xinning was already lifting her skirt, walking toward Lin Ting excitedly.
She pointed to a docked pleasure boat and said, “You’re here! Let’s go admire the lotus flowers on the lake!”
The boat was elegantly designed, with a covered corridor at the bow decorated with various lanterns.
The entire structure was richly adorned with carved patterns and colorful paintings, with a small upper deck at the stern for a better view of the lake’s blooming lotuses.
But Lin Ting did not look at the pleasure boat Duan Xinning was pointing at.
Instead, she looked at Duan Ling.
“Lord Duan?”
Why was he here?
Although she had been contemplating how to kiss him these past few days, today she had only come out to accompany Duan Xinning on a lake excursion.
She had no other thoughts in mind.
The corners of Duan Ling’s lips lifted slightly as he spoke gently, “Seventh Miss Lin.”
Duan Xinning noticed Lin Ting’s confusion and leaned in to whisper, “My father and mother were worried about me going out to the lake, so they asked my second brother to accompany me… The Young Heir of the Xia family is here too.”
Following Duan Xinning’s gaze, Lin Ting finally noticed Xia Zimo by the lakeside, teaching someone how to fish.
Xia Zimo, distracted by Duan Xinning’s presence, helped someone catch a fish before rushing back.
He greeted Lin Ting with a “Seventh Miss Lin” and then asked, “Are we boarding the boat now?”
Duan Xinning met his gaze and, with a touch of shyness, murmured, “Mm,” before pulling Lin Ting onto the pleasure boat.
“My second brother arranged this boat—what do you think? Isn’t it beautiful?”
Lin Ting glanced back.
“Beautiful.”
Duan Ling and Xia Zimo followed behind them.
She really had no ulterior motives when she left home this morning, but the moment she saw Duan Ling at Lianxin Lake, her plans changed.
After all, their opportunities to meet were scarce.
If she could accomplish her goal sooner, why not?
The pleasure boat slowly sailed toward the center of the lake.
A fresh lotus-scented breeze drifted over the water.
Duan Xinning placed a few lotus seed pods into Lin Ting’s hands.
“Try them. I already did—they’re sweet.”
Lin Ting peeled a few seeds and ate them.
They were sweet, crisp, and refreshing.
Duan Xinning also handed one to Xia Zimo before heading to the upper deck.
She turned to Duan Ling.
“Second Brother, are there lotus lanterns on the boat?”
On the day of the Lotus Festival, people of all ages in the capital would go out to admire the flowers during the day and release lotus lanterns on the lake at night.
It was both a way to celebrate the blooming lotuses and to make wishes.
They planned to stay on the boat until nightfall, enjoying the lake until their evening excursion ended.
If there were no lotus lanterns on board, they might have to dock halfway to buy some.
Duan Ling replied, “There are.”
Satisfied, Duan Xinning pulled Lin Ting along to the upper deck.
A table was set with wine, various dishes, and colorful pastries.
They took seats by the railing, while Duan Ling and the others sat opposite them.
The servants remained at the front of the boat.
Xia Zimo loved drinking.
As soon as he sat down, he opened a jar of wine, pouring a cup for Duan Ling first, then one for himself.
He didn’t pour any for the ladies—it was too strong.
Instead, he served them fruit wine.
Lin Ting took a sip.
It was quite good.
She also tried a few pastries.
For some reason, Xia Zimo kept urging Duan Ling to drink.
Duan Xinning found it excessive and tried to intervene.
“You two should drink less.”
Xia Zimo acknowledged her, but he continued pouring for Duan Ling.
“Lord Duan has an impressive tolerance for alcohol.”
“You flatter me, Young Heir Xia.”
Duan Ling didn’t refuse.
For every cup Xia Zimo offered, he drank it.
Lin Ting chatted with Duan Xinning, resisting the urge to keep looking at Duan Ling—she didn’t want to fall into the habit of staring at her “mission target.”
Xia Zimo asked, “Lord Duan, did you take the day off just to accompany Third Miss Duan?”
“No, it just happened to be my day off.”
“With all the cases lately, I thought you wouldn’t take a break,” Xia Zimo remarked while pouring another drink.
“I was surprised to see you here with Third Miss Duan.”
Duan Ling smiled faintly.
“Rest is necessary, after all.”
Listening to them, Lin Ting deeply agreed.
Even officials needed proper breaks—one couldn’t just strip someone of their rest days just because they were part of the Jinyiwei.
She noticed a plate of pastries in front of Duan Ling that she wanted to try.
Unfortunately, the table was too wide, and she couldn’t reach it no matter how far she stretched.
Duan Ling picked up the plate and handed it to her, looking for all the world like a kind and helpful person.
She accepted it.
“Thank you.”
“You’re too polite, Seventh Miss Lin.”
Duan Ling withdrew his hand and took another cup from Xia Zimo, downing it without hesitation.
Eventually, Duan Ling started to feel the effects of the alcohol and excused himself to rest.
The moment he left, Xia Zimo immediately leaned closer to Duan Xinning, whispering sweet words that made her blush and lower her head.
Lin Ting finally understood—Xia Zimo had been trying to get Duan Ling drunk just so he could have some alone time with Duan Xinning.
Without needing any hints, she also found an excuse to leave, claiming she wanted to look around.
She had no intention of being a third wheel.
Tao Zhu and Duan Xinning’s maid were chatting at the front of the boat, unaware of what was happening on the upper deck.
Lin Ting wandered aimlessly and eventually found herself near the cabin, where she unexpectedly saw Duan Ling reclining on a beauty couch.
His eyes were closed, his breathing steady.
His usual light blue robes made him look even more elegant.
His jade-embedded belt was loosened and placed to the side, likely to prevent it from pressing uncomfortably against his waist while he rested.
Now, only a thin inner belt remained, outlining his slender waist.
Lin Ting instinctively wanted to turn and leave, not wanting to disturb his rest.
But just as she stepped forward, a sudden thought flashed through her mind.
Stealing a kiss from Duan Ling.
But that would be too shameless…
And it would make it seem like she secretly had a crush on him.
But she had no chance to kiss him openly.
It was now or never.
Lin Ting braced herself, casting aside her moral concerns.
She withdrew her foot and slowly walked back, stopping in front of the beauty couch.
She deliberately called out loudly, “Lord Duan?”
No response.
This was a great opportunity—he was drunk and unaware.
All she had to do was lightly kiss him for the time it took to count to thirty.
Her heart pounded like a drum.
To confirm once more, she called again, “Lord Duan?”
Duan Ling remained motionless.
Forgive me.
Holding her breath, Lin Ting bent down, leaning closer and closer.
His lips were deep red, glistening with moisture from the wine, making them look even more inviting.
She steeled herself—and kissed him.