She couldn’t go on…
Su He arched her back slightly, lifting her teary eyes to gaze at him with a pleading expression.
His grip was too strong!
“Not going to say more?” Pei Yan withdrew his hand with a half-smile, then rolled over, covering her from above.
These little tricks of Su He’s—he had seen them all when he was fifteen or sixteen. Women sent to him from various factions always devised countless methods to lure him into silken beds. Their schemes to win his heart were endless. Some came under the guise of sincerity, while others deliberately showed him different lifestyles…
He admitted Su He was somewhat different, but he had allowed her to stay not to watch her employ tactics, but because she could bring him joy.
“Su He, let this master show you today what real methods are.” He sat up straight, pinching her delicate face as he spoke.
The candlelight flickered. Watching his face draw closer, Su He had no choice but to soften her voice and plead, “Master, you still have court tomorrow. You should rest soon.”
Pei Yan’s scorching fingertips landed swiftly on her lips.
“You’re ordering me now?” he asked, amused.
Su He glared at him for a moment before suddenly biting down on the fleshy part of his hand between thumb and forefinger.
This dog of a man! No amount of pleading seemed to work!
“So fierce,” Pei Yan propped himself up, his gaze burning as he looked at her, amused.
Su He’s face flushed slightly as she softly pleaded, “Master, I’m truly tired.”
Her voice was soft, her body pliant, light as a cloud, curling up in his arms like a little white rabbit. Without doing anything, she managed to soften Pei Yan’s heart. She was a good girl, after all. He didn’t truly intend to bully her—he just wanted to tease her a bit.
“The master isn’t tired, but you are! Spoiled brat!” He pinched her tender cheek, even more amused.
Su He ignored him. Her eyelids felt heavy, and the fragrant candlelight was inviting sleep. She hummed a few times in response and soon fell into a deep slumber.
This time, she was truly dead asleep. No matter how he shook her, she simply wouldn’t wake.
Pei Yan checked the time. Seeing it was already past the hour of the Ox (1–3 a.m.), he called Qiu Yun in to clean up, changed his clothes, and left.
“Master, the Second Prince and his party have already set off.” Zhang Jiulu and the guards had been waiting outside the courtyard gate. As soon as Pei Yan emerged, they immediately brought over his horse.
He had official business to attend to—a trip to Jinshan Temple.
“There’s a tea shop in the East Market. Buy it,” Pei Yan said lightly as he mounted his horse.
“A tea shop?” Zhang Jiulu was momentarily confused. Pei Yan’s properties spanned the realm—why would he suddenly want to buy a tea shop?
Pei Yan flicked the reins lightly and rode into the night with his guards.
…
Just at the hour of the Dragon (7–9 a.m.), Su He rose.
“Miss, why are you up so early?” Qiu Yun was taken aback to see her appear in the courtyard.
“The master rose early today too,” Su He said, stretching her limbs curiously. “Did he go to court?”
“Yes,” Qiu Yun replied, not mentioning Pei Yan’s departure the previous night. Pei Yan commanded the Emperor’s personal guards, and his duties were often the most secretive. As servants, they were to observe without speaking out of turn. She fetched water to help Su He wash up, but Su He stopped her.
“I’ll do it myself,” Su He said, taking the small basin. She rolled up her sleeves, scooped half a basin of water, soaked a cloth in the cool well water, tilted her face up, and directly pressed the cloth against her skin.
The well in the Bamboo Garden had cool, sweet water, unlike any other well in the city. She had once heard the elders of the Su household say that there were three Heavenly Spring Wells in the capital—one in the palace, one in Jinshan Temple, and the last one in the Princess’s Mansion. She never expected that the spring wasn’t reserved for Princess Chang but had been given to Pei Yan instead.
“Sister Qiu Yun,” a young maid appeared at the courtyard gate, bowing toward the inside, “Princess Chang has summoned Miss Su.”
Qiu Yun was taken aback for a moment before hurrying to the gate. She took a money pouch from her waist, grabbed a handful of silver pieces, and handed them to the maid, whispering, “Do you know what it’s about?”
The maid shook her head, not daring to accept the silver. “I don’t know. Please have Miss Su come quickly.”
Summoning her specifically when Pei Yan was away from the mansion—it was likely nothing good.
Qiu Yun didn’t dare delay. She quickly helped Su He wash up and change clothes. Since Princess Chang favored modest and dignified women, she chose a plain water-green dress for Su He without any patterns. Her hairstyle was equally simple, adorned only with a velvet flower. Then, Qiu Yun led her to Princess Chang’s Sleeping Palace.
Along the way, they passed several courtyards blooming with flowers. One stood out for its opulence—tall vermilion walls topped with green glazed tiles, pure gold door knockers intricately carved with peonies, presenting a scene of prosperous grandeur.
“Who lives here?” Su He asked curiously.
“The master’s Sleeping Palace,” Qiu Yun replied softly, glancing at the tightly shut doors.
“Huh? Doesn’t he live in the Bamboo Garden?” Su He asked, confused.
“This was built as the heir’s palace when the princess’s consort was still alive. The master has lived here since birth. He only stays in the Bamboo Garden during the summer. Once he marries in the future, he and his wife will reside here together,” Qiu Yun explained gently.
So that’s how it was! She had always wondered why such a wealthy young master would live in such a simple place. It turned out Pei Yan’s real Sleeping Palace was this luxurious and beautiful.
Su He couldn’t help but take another look. The pair of golden door knockers looked heavy—if removed, they could surely crush an ox.
“Once you’re officially recognized and elevated as a concubine, you’ll have your own courtyard too. Princess Chang is generous, and the master cares for you. You’ll live well,” Qiu Yun said, noticing Su He staring at the door and thinking she was upset, so she quickly offered comfort.
Su He smiled and nodded along. “Of course. The master is a good man.”
“Don’t tell me you’re hoping to live in here?” Baozhu’s scornful voice came from ahead.
Su He looked up to see Baozhu standing by the roadside with several fresh-faced young women, all staring at her.
“Sister Baozhu,” Qiu Yun immediately bowed.
“I advise you to know your place. Don’t entertain foolish hopes,” Baozhu said coldly, leading the young women over and giving Su He a disdainful glance.
“Yes,” Su He replied obediently, lowering her eyes and adopting a submissive posture.
Baozhu felt as if she had punched cotton. Rolling her eyes, she said coldly, “Keep up, all of you. You’ll all serve the master together. Princess Chang has specially assigned a Teaching Matron. Study hard, learn well, and serve the master properly.”
“Yes, Sister Baozhu,” the young women eagerly chimed in.
So these were Pei Yan’s new women.
He was so fierce in bed; having a few more women to serve him would be good, so she would have more time to focus on her own affairs.
Thinking this, Su He immediately responded with a spirited tone: “Yes, I will certainly learn the rules diligently.”
Baozhu, who had just turned to glare at Su He for not replying promptly, was startled by this sudden shout and instantly flared up: “What are you shouting about? Truly a lowly thing unfit for any respectable occasion.”