When they returned to Li Wanran’s small courtyard, Su Peisheng had already prepared hot water for them to wash up.
Li Wanran had assumed she would be the first to finish, but when she reached the door of the inner chamber, she saw Yinzhen already dressed in his sleeping robes, reclining languidly on the couch while flipping through a book.
Seeing him like this, Li Wanran knew he intended to stay the night.
Ever since her ankle had mostly healed, Yinzhen had begun sharing a bed with her. Although they had spent much time in intimate proximity, whispering in each other’s ears, they had yet to take the final step.
As the days passed, Li Wanran no longer felt nervous during their private nights together; in fact, she felt a trace of anticipation. After all, it was quite frustrating to be left hanging every single time.
She sat down in front of Yinzhen and leaned in quietly to take a few sniffs.
Good, no smell of alcohol.
Li Wanran curled her lips in satisfaction and moved to create some distance. In her current position, if she leaned back even slightly, she would be resting directly in his arms.
“Why are you acting like a little puppy?”
Yinzhen tossed the book aside. With quick reflexes, he locked the retreating Li Wanran into his embrace. He tilted his head, pressing against her ear; his scorching breath brushed against her neck, sending a wave of shivers through her.
A crimson flush quickly spread from her neck to her cheeks.
She lowered her head in feigned bashfulness, toying with Yinzhen’s large, well-defined hand that was clasped around her waist. She murmured, “I am not. You are teasing me again.”
Yinzhen withdrew his hand to pinch the tip of her nose, chuckling. “And you say you aren’t a puppy? What were you doing just now, sniffing around so secretly? Hmm?”
His lazy voice was laced with a hint of huskiness, making Li Wanran’s heart tighten. It turned out all her little movements had been seen by him.
“It seems you weren’t actually focused on your book,” she countered. She had thought he was truly immersed in the sea of knowledge.
Li Wanran wrinkled her nose huffily, her tone slightly mocking.
Suddenly, she straightened up, turned around, and knelt on the couch to face Yinzhen directly. She adjusted her position until she felt comfortable, then slowly leaned toward his face, stopping only when the distance between them was barely the width of a water bottle.
Yinzhen watched her actions with a lingering smile, his eyes full of interest, as if waiting to see what her next move would be.
Li Wanran extended a slender finger, tracing slowly from his eyebrows to his long eyelashes, his deep eyes, his high bridge of the nose, and finally resting on his thin lips.
The itchiness brought by her warm touch made Yinzhen’s heart itch as well, and his eyes darkened instantly.
Seeing the atmosphere shift, the servants in the room quickly lowered their heads, acting as if they were deaf and mute. They vanished from the room at high speed, leaving private space for the two masters.
“Fourth Lord, you kept staring at me during the banquet. Is it because you haven’t seen me for two days, so you missed me exceptionally?”
Li Wanran gazed intently into Yinzhen’s eyes, her voice soft and full of affection, sounding like the whispers of a lover.
“One day apart feels like three autumns. When I cannot see you, I find no interest in anything I do.”
She lowered her eyelids halfway and sighed softly with her head tilted, her features tinged with a few strands of sorrow that would make anyone feel pity.
However, it would have been better if she hadn’t said that. Her words reminded Yinzhen of how, at the banquet, her eyes had been fixed only on the food and how she had given a sachet to Attendant Yi first.
In an instant, his pity vanished, replaced by a desire to devour her whole.
Yinzhen pinched Li Wanran’s chin. His phoenix eyes, usually unfathomable, now held a hint of danger. “Is that so? Why do I feel like you are telling lies to trick me?”
While there was a tiny bit of truth to that, would Li Wanran be so foolish as to admit it?
Absolutely not!
Now, she would show Yinzhen her “award-winning” acting skills and bluff him completely.
Li Wanran reached out to hug Yinzhen’s waist, burying her face against his firm chest. She said in a muffled voice, “My heart for you is as clear as the sun and the moon. Only after meeting you did I understand the meaning of yearning. If you doubt my affection, I…”
By the end, her voice was trembling with a sob. She tried hard to recall sad things to make her eyes redden.
“Is there truly no falsehood in this?”
Hearing such heartfelt words, Yinzhen began to wonder with half-doubt if he had truly misunderstood her.
“I can swear. If there is even half a lie, let heaven strike me with—”
Before she could finish the vow, Yinzhen’s brow furrowed, and he firmly covered her mouth.
Li Wanran looked up at him, her eyes blinking as if asking why he wouldn’t let her finish.
Yinzhen frowned and tapped the top of her head, disapproving. “How can you take an oath against yourself so lightly?”
The current imperial family revered Buddhism, and the consorts in the palace mostly kept Buddhist statues in their halls; copying scriptures was a common practice. Although Yinzhen didn’t necessarily believe in the literal existence of gods, he was still superstitious and alarmed by her behavior of swearing against herself.
Of course, Li Wanran didn’t believe in it either, even though something as inconceivable as time travel had happened to her. Her attitude toward the divine was simple: if it was a good thing, then a god existed; if it was bad—like the vow she just tried to make—then they didn’t exist. With this standard, she had nothing to fear.
With misty eyes, she continued to play her role. “I only wanted you to know that my feelings for you are genuine.”
Through this act, Yinzhen’s doubts finally vanished. His expression softened as he gently stroked the stray hairs on her forehead, looking down as he finally asked what had been on his mind all night.
After hearing his awkward explanation, Li Wanran realized he had suddenly doubted her just because of the sachet, and she burst out laughing.
It was actually just about a sachet.
How could she not have made one for him? She had simply intended to give it to him in private, which was why she hadn’t brought it to the banquet.
Before Yinzhen could get angry, she suppressed her laughter, walked to the bed, and pulled an elaborately crafted sachet from under the pillow. She brought it to him.
“Look, what is this?”
“I could forget anyone, but I would never forget you,” she said, her bright eyes filled with triumph.
She pointed playfully at the two butterflies flying among flowers embroidered on the sachet. “These two butterflies are like you and me, flying wing to wing together.”
Yinzhen’s expression was complex as he felt the sachet, but he couldn’t stop his lips from curling upward. “I shall wear this tomorrow.”
With the crisis averted, Li Wanran teased him with a smirk. “I was wondering why you were suddenly angry; it turns out you were jealous. Why don’t I have the kitchen prepare an extra dish of vinegar tomorrow morning?”
As she spoke, she waved her hand in front of her nose as if she could actually smell the “sourness” of his jealousy.
She failed to notice the increasingly dangerous look in the eyes of the man behind her, as if he were about to tear her apart.
The moment the words left her mouth, Yinzhen picked her up and tossed her onto the bed.
He hovered over her, gripping her soft waist, his voice dark and husky. “Vinegar should be eaten with dumplings, but right now, I’d rather eat you, my lady.”
Without giving her a moment to react, Yinzhen lowered his head and captured her lips, pulling her into a sea of desire and igniting the fire within her.
Li Wanran was stunned for only a second and did not resist. Once she regained her senses, she responded passionately. The bed curtains were slowly lowered, hiding the two entwined bodies and the rising temperature within.
While the atmosphere inside was becoming unsuitable for children, a small interlude occurred outside.
“Caiwei, why are you wandering around here instead of sleeping?” Banxia pulled Caiwei away from the door of the main room, looking at her guardedly.
The Mistress and the Fourth Lord were currently… they must not be disturbed!
Caiwei acted as if she didn’t notice Banxia’s displeasure and smiled. “I thought since you came out, there’s no one serving inside. If the Fourth Lord or the Mistress needs something and we aren’t there, they might get angry.”
Banxia rolled her eyes unceremoniously. “You’re worrying for nothing. At a time like this, they don’t need anyone under their noses. Go back to your room and rest.”
What do you mean ‘we’? It’s just you, Banxia thought to herself. The Mistress already knew about Caiwei’s ambitions and had stopped letting her serve closely; how did she still dare to have such ideas? Banxia looked at her former friend with dissatisfaction.
Seeing Banxia guarding the door so strictly, Caiwei felt resentful but helpless. She suppressed her anger and smiled. “True. I’ll go back to sleep then.”
The moment she turned away, she thought of the promise “that person” had made to her, and her palms slowly tightened.
The next day, Li Wanran woke to the sound of birds outside. She sat up and saw the space beside her was empty.
The schedule for Qing Dynasty princes is truly insane, she lamented. Looking at the sky, it was only six o’clock. The side where Yinzhen had slept was already cold; he must have risen at five.
Surprisingly, Li Wanran felt refreshed after the night’s sleep. It was nothing like the descriptions she had read online or in novels about body-shattering pain the morning after. The only thing she felt was… hunger.
Must be due to excessive exercise last night, she analyzed, pushing up a pair of non-existent glasses.
After washing up and eating breakfast, she immediately began to review everything from the previous night and reached a conclusion.
She could no longer rely on purely fake affection to deceive Yinzhen. He wasn’t a fool; otherwise, he wouldn’t have sensed something was wrong just because of a sachet. The main reason she had passed the test last night was that he was still young. In another two or three years, her current tactics wouldn’t work on him at all.
Leaning her chin on her hand, she pondered for a long time and decided on a strategy of “seventy percent real, thirty percent fake.” She would treat Yinzhen like a boyfriend. After all, whether there is genuine feeling can be seen over time; as long as she controlled her emotions and didn’t become a “love-brain,” she would be fine.
Over the next few days, perhaps because her new method was working, she and Yinzhen acted no differently from a couple in the honeymoon phase. Whenever they were together, pink bubbles seemed to float around them, making Banxia and Su Peisheng’s teeth ache from the sweetness.
“I can finally see you today,” Attendant Yi teased.
A few days ago, she had intended to check on Li Wanran’s progress with the embroidery method she had taught her, but every time she came, she ran into the Fourth Lord. She had no choice but to turn back. Today, she had specifically sent Jinxing to scout ahead, confirming he wasn’t there before she came out.
Li Wanran pretended not to understand. “If you want to see me, just come. Would I ever bar you from my door?”
Yi smiled and tapped Li’s forehead with her fan. “You’re getting more and more slippery.” Then, she added meaningfully, “Your favor is currently unmatched. I’m afraid some people are gritting their teeth in hatred.”
Li Wanran wasn’t surprised. In this harem, when someone gained favor, someone else lost it. It was all down to one’s own ability. She popped a piece of peach blossom cake into her mouth and arched an eyebrow. “So what? I won’t push the Fourth Lord away out of fear or some overflow of kindness.”
She couldn’t and didn’t want to control where Yinzhen went when he was away. But as long as he was with her, she would never actively share him. For the sake of her future, she would cling to him tightly.
“You dare say such things? Aren’t you afraid I’ll spread them?” Yi was surprised by her bluntness.
Li Wanran tilted her head and looked directly at her, smiling without hesitation. “You won’t.”
Through their time together, she knew Yi wasn’t a gossip. Even if these words were spread, it wouldn’t hurt her. If it reached Yinzhen, it would only reinforce her persona of being uncontrollably in love with him. It would be a good thing. Besides, Yi needed something from her, didn’t she?
Does Lady Li trust me this much? Yi felt a stir of emotion. Her mind hadn’t quite caught up to the logic—since they were the only two there, if the words got out, Li Wanran wouldn’t even have to think to know who did it.
Suddenly, an announcement came from outside, and Yinzhen appeared at the door. Li Wanran’s eyes lit up. She stood up and walked to him with quick, small steps, greeting him sweetly, “Fourth Lord, why are you back so early today?”
She looked at the sky; it was only about two or three in the afternoon.
“There was nothing major today.”
Yinzhen took her hand to help her up. Just as they were about to head inside, he saw Attendant Yi, who had followed a step behind.
Yi bowed respectfully and tactfully excused herself. “I just remembered I have an unfinished embroidery piece in my room. I won’t disturb you and Lady Li.”
Yinzhen nodded casually and took his “student,” Li Wanran, to the study for her lessons. After checking and correcting her homework, he allowed her to draw freely.
Li Wanran’s eyes sparkled with playfulness. She smiled and crooked her finger, signaling Yinzhen to come closer.
“What is it?” Yinzhen thought she didn’t understand something.
Without a word, Li Wanran took his left hand, turning his palm upward. She then took a brush dipped in red ink and drew a few light strokes on his palm.
Seeing the shape, Yinzhen could guess most of it. He didn’t say anything, but watched with interest as she repeated the action on her own right hand. Once finished, she pressed her right hand against his left. Together, they formed a red heart.
“Ta-da!” Li Wanran looked at him with a beaming smile. “See? My heart is now in the palm of your hand.”
It’s a bit childish, but isn’t this what couples do? she thought, justifying her behavior.
Yinzhen arched an eyebrow and stared at her dangerously, his lips curving. “Only half?”
Li Wanran lifted her chin with a huff and hugged his arm, saying coquettishly, “Only half. The rest will be given when the Fourth Lord likes me a bit more.”
Yinzhen raised an eyelid and gently pinched her cheek. “You are becoming bolder and bolder.”
In response to his “reprimand,” she only smiled sweetly, showing no fear.
After the playfulness, she began to practice her drawing seriously. Yinzhen had a smaller desk brought in and began practicing his calligraphy. Although he had finished his formal schooling at the Palace Academy, he still strictly followed a rigorous study schedule. The Emperor required the princes to practice ten pages of calligraphy a day; Yinzhen practiced twenty. He held a fire in his heart, determined to be the best.
Back in her own room, Attendant Yi’s maid, Jinxing, voiced the confusion she had been holding in. “Why did you have to leave just now? It’s so hard to run into the Fourth Lord; you should have stayed longer!”
She really didn’t understand. It had been such a good opportunity; staying longer might have increased the chance of the Prince noticing her mistress.
Yi sat on her couch and picked up her embroidery frame. “I had to leave precisely because he was there.”
“Why? You should consider your own future,” Jinxing whispered, glancing toward Attendant Zhang’s room. They couldn’t stay obscure in the back courtyard forever. Lady Li might be in favor now, but it might not last. If she fell from grace, they would return to the days when anyone could step on them.
This time, Yi didn’t speak, but her hands stopped moving.
Seeing this, Jinxing thought she was listening and shared her plan. “Your relationship with Lady Li is so good now. Why not ask her to recommend you to the Prince…”
“Kneel!”
Before she could finish, Yi’s face went cold. Her eyes, usually peaceful, were now sharp as blades. Jinxing was terrified by the sudden outburst and knelt, trembling. She had served Yi for a long time and had never seen her this angry.
Yi stared at her for a long time. Seeing her face turn pale, she said sternly, “For the sake of our past bond, I will pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. Do not mention it again. Otherwise, I will have no place for you here.”
Even if she had such a mind—which she didn’t—the moment she showed even a hint of it, the gates to Li Wanran’s courtyard would be closed to her forever. When she first entered the Prince’s residence, she had hoped for favor. But as Yinzhen’s coldness continued day after day, that hope had withered. From the way he looked at her, the tone of his voice, and the fact that his visits could be counted on one hand—never staying for more than half an hour—everything told her he didn’t like her.
Seeing him with Li Wanran had confirmed this. It also showed her what he looked like when he truly liked someone. She had approached Li Wanran only for protection, so that Zhang would no longer dare to be too excessive.
Yi lowered her eyes to the “灵竹” (spiritual bamboo) patterned silk gown she was wearing. It was made from the fabric Li Wanran had gifted her. Without her, she didn’t know how long it would have taken to wear such fine material. Li Wanran was unexpectedly easy to get along with and never acted superior.
Attendant Yi only wanted to live a quiet life by leaning on Li Wanran, and secretly prayed that she would never lose the Prince’s favor. Other than that, she had no other desires.