A man and a woman alone in a single room.
Late into the night, the Zhaoyu Prison of the Northern Pacification Office remained brightly lit.
Yan Chiyun was overseeing his subordinates’ interrogation. With him present, everyone maintained a solemn demeanor.
Although the Nine-Link Chain case had concluded, after investigating the implicated officials, the Emperor had ordered the Northern Pacification Office to keep an eye on the underground gambling dens.
On the surface, it was surveillance, but in reality, it was a purge and takeover.
Over the years, the scale of the underground gambling dens had grown increasingly large. Hidden in the shadows and difficult to intervene in, they had been left untouched until now.
But this time, the loss of the Lu family’s Nine-Link Chain had implicated too many officials, making the Emperor realize that if their development continued unchecked, they might become uncontrollable or even infiltrated by spies. How could such a significant threat be allowed to exist right under the Emperor’s nose?
Thus, the Emperor entrusted this matter to the Northern Pacification Office. Gambling dens were inherently unsavory places, let alone underground ones.
They had been investigating for many days, yet they still hadn’t uncovered the mastermind behind the underground gambling dens. Such a vast, unclaimed territory—how could it have developed to this point without someone pulling the strings?
Yan Chiyun looked at the captured den operator before him. The man’s will was incredibly strong; he had endured half of Zhaoyu Prison’s tortures, and though his flesh was torn and he was barely clinging to life, he still refused to talk.
It seemed his loyalty to his employer went beyond mere profit.
After watching for a while, Yan Chiyun asked his subordinate for the dossier from the previous Nine-Link Chain case.
After flipping through it, he ordered his men to reinvestigate the thief’s background and origins, along with everyone around him—the more thorough, the better.
It was nearly the hour of Yin. His subordinate informed him that the inner courtyard had been tidied up. Thinking of the person he hadn’t seen in days, Yan Chiyun decided to ride home.
He often returned late at night. The main streets of Jingcheng were quiet, with only night vendors and patrolling soldiers.
Recognizing Yan Chiyun, the patrolling soldiers greeted him respectfully, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
His home was equally quiet, but the lanterns hanging beneath the long corridor added a touch of warmth that made the outside world seem colder in comparison. He couldn’t help but quicken his pace.
Although Yan Chiyun moved quietly while bathing, Pu Jinyu still opened her eyes.
The Northern Pacification Office had taken on a new case, and he hadn’t returned home for several days. Tonight, he had come back in the dead of night.
It was far too late, nearly the hour of Mao. He hadn’t expected that when he lifted the bed curtain, the young woman nestled in the blankets would be awake.
“Why aren’t you asleep?” he asked softly.
Pu Jinyu didn’t answer. She simply stared at him, then slowly sat up and reached out her arms, as if asking to be held.
Seeing this, Yan Chiyun’s heart softened, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly. As he climbed onto the bed, his long arm wrapped around her, pulling her into his embrace.
During the previous days spent working tirelessly at the Northern Pacification Office, he hadn’t felt the slightest bit of fatigue. But now, holding her soft body in his arms and breathing in her gentle fragrance, exhaustion washed over him—yet at the same time, he felt deeply content.
He lowered his head and nuzzled her soft, dark hair, unable to resist asking gently how long she had waited.
Pu Jinyu lowered her eyelashes and remained silent.
After their close companionship these past days, he had grown somewhat accustomed to her silence. If she didn’t want to answer, he let her be.
Holding her close, his eyes downcast, he could only see the tip of her nose. Her dark hair veiled her face as she lay obediently against his chest.
In the tranquil night, the two embraced each other, nestled close without doing anything, yet it stirred a sense of joy in his chest.
He spoke again, taking the initiative to tell her about his busy days at the Northern Pacification Office, which was why he couldn’t find time to return home. He had already learned from his subordinates that she was occupied with Yan Huaixiao’s wedding arrangements.
He asked if she had enough help, saying, “If not, I can assign some capable people to assist you.”
The Yan Family already had more than enough servants; why would she need him to send additional help?
His words were merely a roundabout way of showing concern for her.
Pu Jinyu listened to the man’s deep voice but still remained silent. This time, however, she shook her head.
With her in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest, he could naturally feel her shaking her head. The faint smile that had already lifted his lips deepened further.
He raised his hand to stroke her hair, one gentle motion after another, as if coaxing her to rest.
Pu Jinyu suddenly propped herself up against the man’s chest. Yan Chiyun’s large hand settled on the small of her back as he looked at her. “What’s wrong?”
Pu Jinyu didn’t speak. She studied his face.
The moonlight was particularly bright tonight, streaming through the open window into the inner chamber, ensuring the space behind the bed curtains wasn’t too dim.
Even if she couldn’t see the man’s features clearly, she could still discern the contours of his face. Yan Chiyun not only had fine features but also excellent bone structure.
Even if she didn’t like Yan Chiyun, she had to admit that this man’s handsomeness was rare.
Suddenly, she wanted to touch it.
Before reaching out, her hand paused just before his face. She expressed her thoughts to him, politely asking if she could touch it.
Hearing the young woman’s earnest inquiry, Yan Chiyun felt like laughing.
Anyone unaware might think she wanted to touch something else entirely.
She had been bold enough before, even exploring private and vulnerable areas on her own. Yet now, when she wanted to touch his face, she actually asked for permission first.
He suddenly found her politeness oddly, earnestly adorable.
“You may,” he chuckled softly.
Hearing the man’s laughter, Pu Jinyu glanced up at him again before proceeding.
Her fingertip first landed on the tip of his nose, giving it a light tap, then slowly traced its way across his face—gentle and ticklish, but Yan Chiyun said nothing.
Her fingertips carried a faint fragrance that drifted to his nostrils, and he could clearly smell it.
Her hand gradually moved to his eyes and brows. Yan Chiyun closed his eyes to make it easier for her to touch.
His eyelashes were long. She rubbed them back and forth with her fingertips for a while before shifting her attention to his eyebrows.
As she touched him, Pu Jinyu suddenly thought of Cheng Wenque. Recently, while Yan Chiyun was away, he had visited her several times under the pretext of lacking supplies, bringing her cosmetics, perfumes, and hair ornaments.
His face resembled her sworn brother’s, especially during their first two meetings when he sat silently across from her, watching her.
But the more they met and interacted, the less alike they seemed. Cheng Wenque had a sinister, scheming softness, while her sworn brother was open and bright, honest and upright.
Her touch on his face gradually slowed, lingering on his sharp eyebrows.
Yan Chiyun keenly sensed the change in her and lifted his eyelids to ask, “Had enough?”
Pu Jinyu snapped back to reality. She withdrew her hand but leaned in closer, pressing her fragrant, warm, and soft lips against his picturesque eyes and brows.
Her breath also brushed against his eyelids, causing him to tremble involuntarily.
Pu Jinyu rose, pressing her cheek against his face before withdrawing and nestling back into his embrace.
Though stirred, Yan Chiyun knew it was far too late. He whispered softly, “Let’s rest.”
Pu Jinyu shifted slightly, finding a comfortable spot in the man’s arms, closed her eyes, and drifted into slumber.
Before long, the breathing of the person in his arms grew light, slow, and steady—she had already fallen asleep.
Yan Chiyun moved slightly, gazing at her face before leaning down to gently kiss her forehead, then followed her into dreams.
The next day, when Pu Jinyu awoke, Yan Chiyun was already gone. If not for the night-watch maid mentioning he had been there, Pu Jinyu might have thought it all a dream.
Uncertain what major case had arisen in the court again, Yan Chiyun was busier than in previous days. For the latter half of the month, he had no time to return home.
News spread through Jingcheng of gambling dens being thoroughly investigated, reminding her that in her past life, during this period, he had been investigating underground gambling dens. This investigation would bring down a large number of officials due to its extensive connections, though she knew little more—she never inquired in detail about his official duties.
The Yan Family and the Li Family were arranging a marriage, and these days they had been in close contact. Today, Madam Li visited again. After discussing the marriage arrangements, she suddenly brought up how the Northern Pacification Office had recently arrested many people.
According to the laws of the dynasty, officials were forbidden from consorting with prostitutes and explicitly prohibited from gambling.
Those taken away and interrogated by the Northern Pacification Office were likely not merely involved in gambling but probably profiting from it or engaging in ostensible compliance, secret defiance.
Yan Chiyun oversaw the Northern Pacification Office, and for Madam Li to bring this up at such a time was likely no coincidence. Madam Yan skillfully deflected, saying that those in the household knew little of such matters, as Yan Chiyun had not returned home for a long time.
As fellow officials’ wives, they naturally understood the implied meaning. Madam Li tactfully dropped the subject.
Recalling, Pu Jinyu remembered that Madam Li had brought this up seemingly to inquire on behalf of relatives from her maternal family. Later, it seemed that branch of her family encountered trouble.
In the end, it was General Yan who helped resolve the matter. It never reached Yan Chiyun, as the involvement was minor—a small affair. In her past life, she had learned of it from Yan Mingxi.
Just as she thought of Yan Mingxi, Madam Li and Madam Yan, while chatting, inevitably brought up Yan Mingxi’s marriage.
Madam Li tentatively asked if Madam Yan had chosen anyone yet. Madam Yan sighed and said no, “My youngest daughter is also a mischievous little monkey, very stubborn.”
Having frequented the Yan Family, Madam Li had naturally heard some rumors regarding Cheng Wenque and Yan Mingxi, but as a young lady’s reputation was precious, she refrained from mentioning it now.
Pu Jinyu had been sitting nearby, listening to their conversation without interjecting, but Madam Li turned the topic toward her.
She mentioned that her daughter, Li Jingxia, had always enjoyed studying medical texts and blending cosmetics for women. Learning that Pu Wange liked such things, she had specially prepared a set for her, which would be delivered once finished, hoping she wouldn’t find it unworthy.
Pu Jinyu smiled and said, “How could I find it unworthy? This is a gesture of goodwill. I must thank Miss Li.”
Madam Yan chimed in at the right moment, agreeing with Madam Li, “That child Jingxia is truly thoughtful. Once she marries into the family, Wange will surely cherish her.”
“Mother-in-law is right,” Pu Jinyu said with a smile.
Hearing the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law speak this way, Madam Li’s smile deepened considerably.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, Yan Huaixiao’s wedding banquet was approaching.
During this period, Yan Chiyun was busy, and Pu Jinyu was also very busy.
He had returned a few times afterward, but she was already asleep each time. Sometimes, hearing the commotion, she was too exhausted to open her eyes or respond.
Though they shared the same bed, over the past month or so, they had not had many close interactions.
As the head of the Yan Family and Yan Huaixiao’s eldest brother, Yan Chiyun naturally had to attend and greet the guests.
Official duties at the Northern Pacification Office were still unfinished. The underground gambling den involved many connections, and the mastermind behind it was exceptionally well-hidden. Even the resolved Nine-Link Chain case had shown irregularities.
The thief who stole the Lu Family’s Nine-Link Chain had clearly been executed, but when Yan Chiyun ordered a thorough reinvestigation of his identity, it was discovered that the identity used by the master thief was fake—the person had actually died three years ago. How could the Ministry of Justice and the Dali Temple have missed this?
The Emperor had not only tasked him with investigating the underground gambling den but also ordered inspections of all gambling establishments in Jingcheng. To his surprise, batches of officials involved in gambling were uncovered, with some even engaging in human trafficking and using gambling dens to evade taxes.
He made advance arrangements, delegating tasks to his subordinates. For the next two days, they would take over monitoring the various gambling dens to ensure no mistakes occurred.
Today, Yan Chiyun returned home early. Upon entering, he saw Pu Jinyu bent over a desk, writing something.
Several candlesticks were placed beside her, illuminating her focused posture as she held the brush.
After watching for a moment, she sensed his gaze and looked up. The young woman’s beautiful eyes showed clear surprise as she stared at him.
Yan Chiyun curved his lips slightly. “Surprised?” Surprised that he had returned home so early.
Pu Jinyu was indeed surprised. As she stood up and set down the brush, she subtly pulled a piece of rice paper nearby to cover the letter she was writing to Cheng Wenque.
“Husband, why have you returned so early today?” she greeted him.
Yan Chiyun looked at her face, finding her question odd. Did she not remember that Huaixiao’s wedding banquet was in two days and that he would surely return?
But having not spoken with her for a long time, he didn’t dwell on her confusion and simply asked, “What are you doing?”
Pu Jinyu didn’t think he would look, so she said she was checking the household account books.
Unexpectedly, he acknowledged with an “Mm,” and after washing his hands, he walked toward the round table.
Pu Jinyu frowned slightly and stepped forward to grasp the man’s wrist. Yan Chiyun stopped and looked at her.
She lowered her gaze, so he couldn’t see her eyes, but he felt her movements.
Her smooth hand slid down from his wrist bone, brushed over his palm, slipped between his fingers, and intertwined with his, holding it tightly.
Yan Chiyun’s heart stirred, but he said nothing.
She held his hand for a long while before tilting her head up and softly asking, “Husband, are you hungry?”
The young woman before him had moist eyes and curled lashes, gazing intently at him.
The lingering itch from her touch, sliding through his palm and between his fingers, had not yet faded. Suddenly asking him this, it inexplicably brought to mind some suggestive scenes, making him feel as though her words carried a hint of “allure.”
Was he mistaken, or did her words hold a deeper meaning?
“Hmm?” She gently tugged at his arm with both hands, swaying slightly, her head tilted.
“I’m not hungry. I already had dinner at the office.”
“Then, husband, go bathe. I’ll wait for you.”
As she said this, she released his hand, but as she withdrew hers, she lightly scratched his palm.
Like a feather tickling, the itch was so intense it made him unconsciously curl his fingers.
Yan Chiyun ultimately did not go to check the accounts she had verified; he entered the bathing room.
After the man left, Pu Jinyu gathered the letters on the table, tucked them into a book, and placed them together in an ornate box. She then took some everyday items and instructed a young maid to deliver them to the guest courtyard.
She added softly, “Tell Young Master Cheng that the household will be busy with wedding preparations these days, and everyone will be occupied. If there are any oversights, please ask him to be understanding.”
Pu Jinyu’s words were flawless, and the young maid nodded in agreement.
After the maid left, her gaze shifted toward the place where Yan Chiyun was bathing, a cold, somber smile curling at the corner of her lips.
Cheng Wenque received the items sent by Pu Jinyu as usual. During these days when Yan Chiyun was away, their interactions had been quite frequent, though always under the guise of procuring supplies.
His move had been correct, for Pu Wange was exceedingly generous.
He had given her some cosmetics and hairpins, and in return, she had sent him numerous rare ancient texts and essays, even fine silks and large-denomination banknotes.
Naturally, he had protested that he could not accept them, but her letters insisted that such things were necessary for navigating the imperial examinations and urged him to take them.
Dealing with a clever woman was indeed far from troublesome.
With practiced ease, he found the letter tucked inside the book. Upon reading its contents, he could not help but startle.
She had asked him to meet her in the side room near the lakeside pavilion on the day of Yan Huaixiao’s wedding.
The Front Hall would undoubtedly be bustling and chaotic on the wedding day, and she wanted to meet him alone.
A man and a woman alone in a room—what they might do went without saying.
[Author’s Note]
Here we are! Randomly dropping a Luck-piecing red envelope in this chapter [rainbow emoji].
By the way, let me recommend one of my upcoming works—a very dramatic story. Barring any surprises, it will be the next one after this. Please add it to your collection!
One Twig of Resentment
Before meeting Qu Yue, Qi Rou scavenged for scraps to survive.
Qu Yue picked her up and kept her by his side, treating her with the utmost kindness.
Well-fed, warmly clothed, and cared for, she no longer had to kneel and beg for mercy when bullied. With someone to stand up for her, Qi Rou finally learned what it meant to have a place in the world and a shred of dignity.
To repay Qu Yue,
this girl who feared hardship and pain the most forced herself to take medicine three times a day to nourish her body, determined to risk her life to bear him a child.
At the moment of childbirth, the dream shattered, and she realized it had all been an illusion.
Her full-hearted anticipation over ten months of pregnancy was only meant to cure the woman he truly loved—the one hidden in his secret chamber, a forbidden place no one was allowed to enter.
He gave Qi Rou a place to live, fed her, and cared for her attentively. Nurturing, doting on, and defending her were merely a facade to mislead the enemies who came seeking revenge.
Qi Rou had not forgotten—she was captured, tortured nearly to death, and crawled back, only to receive not a single word of comfort. Instead, he held Miss Lu, saying she was delicate and must not be frightened.
Yes, Qi Rou, born in the streets, filthy and worthless, could never compare to the purity and nobility of a lady from a respectable family.
Summoned at will and dismissed just as easily, she was no match for the clean, aloof girl whose gentle words and elusive presence stirred his heart.
To fulfill his wishes with Miss Lu, to repay his kindness,
this nameless, heartbroken girl, utterly alone, threw herself into the cold, lonely river.
On that frigid winter night, surely the biting wind and dense fog had blurred her vision, creating an illusion.
In that illusion, Qu Yue roared in despair, calling out “Rou’er” once more.
The name Qu Yue called out—after Miss Lu returned, she never heard him call her with such deep affection again.
His face was twisted with terror and panic, as if someone had snatched away the love of his life. He begged Qi Rou not to die, then leaped after her, only to be dragged back.
His heart-wrenching, gut-twisting agony left Qi Rou in a daze.
Could he really cry?
She thought, it must be heaven taking pity on her.
How could Qu Yue love Qi Rou? He was the emperor’s younger brother, second only to the Son of Heaven, a man of such pride and arrogance, with bones of iron.
After Qi Rou’s death, Qu Yue’s heart palpitations and nightmares grew worse.
He often dreamed of the little girl who would lean by his bed, tugging at his sleeve to act spoiled, blushing for a long time after a single kiss.
The one who sweetly called him “A Lang,” over and over.
p:
An early, melodramatic substitute romance. (The husband chases his wife into the crematorium.)
Both are chaste, the male lead remains unchanged, and the male lead’s white moonlight is fake.