Xiao Qi walked toward the lakeside pavilion, his gaze passing through the drooping branches of a nearby tree before settling on Mo Xiang, who sat alone in quiet contemplation by the water.
She sat silently on the wooden railing of the pavilion, her eyes fixed on the shimmering surface of the lake. It was as though the entire world had fallen away, leaving only herself and the gentle ripples before her.
Bathed in the afternoon sunlight, her solitary figure seemed tinged with loneliness, yet carried an indescribable elegance and serenity.
Without realizing it, Xiao Qi slowed his footsteps, unwilling to disturb the peaceful scene.
Even so, he couldn’t resist calling out softly.
“Miss Mo.”
Startled by the unexpected voice, Mo Xiang turned her head. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes when she saw Xiao Qi, but it quickly gave way to her usual calm composure.
With a faint smile, she asked gently, “Heir Xiao, what brings you here?”
Xiao Qi sat down beside her and looked out over the lake.
“I saw you sitting here alone, so I thought I’d come over. What are you thinking about?”
Mo Xiang fell silent for a moment before answering slowly.
“Nothing in particular. I simply like how peaceful it is here. Looking at the lake makes my heart feel much calmer.”
Xiao Qi nodded.
He understood exactly how she felt. Amid the bustle of the royal villa, everyone needed a quiet corner now and then—a place to gather their thoughts and still the waves within their hearts.
“Sometimes,” he said softly, “spending a little time alone really does help clear one’s mind.”
The two of them sat together in comfortable silence, savoring the rare tranquility.
The golden light of the setting sun stretched their shadows long across the pavilion, as though even those shadows had become part of the peaceful lakeside.
“Why aren’t you with the others, drinking and composing poetry?” Mo Xiang asked, turning to him.
Xiao Qi smiled faintly and shook his head.
“I wanted a little peace and quiet.”
There was unmistakable weariness in his eyes. It was clear he had already spent enough energy socializing with the other guests.
Seeming to understand, Mo Xiang rose and walked to the nearby table. She lifted the wine flask, poured two cups of clear wine, and handed one to Xiao Qi.
“Then allow Xiang’er to keep the Heir company for a few drinks.”
Xiao Qi accepted the cup. Looking into Mo Xiang’s gentle yet resolute eyes, he felt warmth spread through his heart.
“Very well. I’ll gladly share a few cups with Miss Mo.”
They sat by the lake, quietly drinking together.
There were no grand poems or elegant verses exchanged between them. Yet somehow, this peaceful companionship felt more precious than any eloquent words.
They spoke only occasionally, spending most of their time simply enjoying the quiet.
The lake rippled gently beneath the breeze.
“Thank you for keeping me company, Miss Mo,” Xiao Qi suddenly said, genuine gratitude in his voice.
Mo Xiang smiled softly.
“You honor me, Heir Xiao. Being able to share a drink with you is my pleasure.”
Their eyes met, and they smiled at one another.
For that brief moment, all the noise and worries of the world seemed to drift far away.
…
Before long, Xiao Qi began to feel dizzy.
He stood, intending to bid Mo Xiang farewell, but the moment he rose to his feet, his body swayed unsteadily.
Qingqing hurried forward to support him.
“Heir, have you had too much to drink? Allow this servant to help you rest in one of the nearby guest rooms.”
“Thank you.”
Leaning against Qingqing for support, Xiao Qi slowly made his way toward a side chamber.
Mo Xiang glanced toward Nanny Chen in the distance.
The old woman subtly shook her head, signaling that no one was paying attention to them.
Mo Xiang immediately rose and followed Qingqing into the room before quietly closing the door behind her.
“Qingqing,” she instructed, looking toward the bed where Qingqing was helping Xiao Qi lie down, “stand guard outside. Don’t let anyone disturb us.”
“Yes, Miss. Please be careful. If you need anything, just call for me. I’ll remain outside.”
Qingqing bowed, left the room, closed the door behind her, and sat quietly beside the entrance to keep watch.
Mo Xiang walked slowly to the bedside.
A satisfied smile appeared on her face as she gazed at Xiao Qi, who drifted between drunkenness and wakefulness.
“Heir… Heir…”
She called to him softly.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qi’s consciousness grew increasingly hazy under the effects of the drugged wine.
“It’s hot… so hot…”
he murmured.
Feeling unbearably feverish, he instinctively loosened and removed his outer robe.
Moments later, he felt a cool body draw close to his own.
The refreshing touch was like cool spring water, instantly easing the burning heat coursing through him.
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Xiao Qi reached out and pulled the person beside him into his arms.
…
Outside the room, Qingqing sat quietly by the door.
Listening to the muffled sounds from within, memories from her previous life flooded back one after another.
My Lord Marquis…
Please don’t blame Qingqing.
In my previous life, you treated me with such kindness and tenderness. You gave me two bright, lovable sons. Although our third child never had the chance to be born, I never once blamed you.
If anyone is to blame, it is only my own ill-fated destiny… and the cruel mistress I chose to serve.
She wiped away the tears gathering in her eyes.
Within her heart, she offered Xiao Qi one final farewell.
After today…
Our paths will part forever.
From this lifetime onward, we will have nothing more to do with each other.
As the sky gradually darkened, the banquet drew to a close.
Many of the young ladies and gentlemen had already begun leaving the royal villa.
Judging the time, Qingqing knew it would soon be time for them to return to the Mo Family as well.
Inside the room, Xiao Qi suddenly awoke.
The moment he saw Mo Xiang lying beside him, disbelief filled his eyes.
“W-What… Miss Mo… Miss Mo…”
He gently nudged the sleeping woman beside him.
Mo Xiang had actually awakened some time earlier. She simply hadn’t known how to begin the conversation, so she had pretended to remain asleep.
Only after Xiao Qi shook her did she slowly open her eyes, deliberately putting on a look of complete shock.
“T-This… Heir… We…”
Her gaze fell upon the clothes scattered across the floor.
As if startled, she clutched the blanket. It slipped slightly from her shoulders, revealing skin marked with vivid traces of their intimacy.
Seeing the panic and helplessness written across her face, Xiao Qi was overcome with remorse.
Now fully sober, he looked at the shy young woman beside him, guilt weighing heavily upon his heart.
Taking a deep breath, he spoke earnestly.
“Miss Mo, I’m sorry. I lost control after drinking. But please believe me—I have never been a frivolous man. The truth is, I fell in love with you the very first time I saw you. If you’re willing… would you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?”
Hearing his confession, Mo Xiang was overjoyed, though she concealed it beneath a veil of bashfulness.
She hid her face behind the blanket and replied softly,
“I… I am already yours, Heir. Naturally, I will leave everything to your decision.”
Warmth filled Xiao Qi’s heart.
He gently patted her shoulder.
“Xiang’er, get dressed and return home first. I’ll go back and inform my parents, then personally come to your family to ask for your hand in marriage. Would that be acceptable?”
Mo Xiang nodded.
Peeking out from behind the blanket, she answered shyly,
“I’ll leave everything to Brother Xiao.”
Xiao Qi gazed at her with unmistakable affection.
“Xiang’er, don’t worry. I will treat you well for the rest of my life. I will never betray your feelings.”
With those words, he leaned forward and gently kissed her once more.