Jinzhong, who was leaning casually against the doorframe, instantly straightened up upon hearing that delicate gasp. Holding his sleeves tightly with both hands, all his previous effortless and charming demeanor vanished in an instant.
How on earth did those subordinates handle their duties? How could they mix a woman’s bellyband into the purchases!
Jinzhong secretly cursed the subordinate responsible for procurement, yet at the thought of where this bellyband was meant to be worn, a rush of heat surged within him, rendering him thoroughly flustered and at a complete loss.
Especially upon seeing Yanwan actually untie the small cloth parcel to reveal a flash of vivid color inside, Jinzhong hurriedly averted his gaze and stumbled over his words to explain:
“It must be that those below bought it on their own authority—I didn’t order anyone to purchase a bellyband! If you don’t like it, just throw it away…”
Tall and slender in stature, his fully embroidered lake-blue robe gave him a darkly charming aura, yet at this moment he presented the bashful demeanor of a pure, innocent youth.
Yanwan stood up without a trace of shyness, using her fingertip to pick up the thin, tiny piece of fabric while showering Jinzhong with endless sweet praise from her little mouth.
“I actually like this rose-red color—it brings out the fair tone of one’s skin. Eunuch Jinzhong is truly so thoughtful. It just so happens that my bellyband is getting a bit tight, and I was thinking of replacing it with a new one.”
She wasn’t the least bit shy, finding Jinzhong very considerate instead; her current body was still growing, so sizes needed frequent updating.
Her fair little hands unfolded and turned the undergarment over as she spoke. Once finished, she raised her eyes for a look, only to find Jinzhong’s face flushed deep red, standing sideways as if he didn’t even dare look at her.
Uh…
*Had she scared Jinzhong? He really was innocent!*
“Oh my, what are you being shy about? I don’t even know if it fits. Why doesn’t Eunuch Jinzhong take a look for me?”
Saying this, she raised her hand and tossed the small parcel containing the bellyband into Jinzhong’s arms. He hurriedly caught it, holding it as if it were a hot potato.
He was usually calm and measured in his actions, rarely seen in such a flustered state, which set Yanwan off into a fit of laughter.
Seeing her laugh so freely, her charming little face turning a flushed pink, Jinzhong stared at her exquisite posture without even blinking.
Never mind being teased by her—as long as she was happy, even if she wanted the stars from the sky, he would find a way to pluck them down for her.
Yet as he watched, Jinzhong finally recalled that among these items, another person had a hand in them. Clutching that hot little cloth parcel, his gaze remained tightly locked onto Yanwan’s face as he spoke in a sour tone:
“Besides what I sent, Li Yu brought you gifts as well. He is attending to the Emperor at the New Year’s banquet and couldn’t break away, so he asked me to deliver them together.”
*There was actually such a thing?*
Yanwan’s smile vanished instantly; hearing Jinzhong’s sour words, continuing to laugh would be quite impolite.
Stepping close to Jinzhong’s side, she intimately linked her arm through his, yet her words drew a clear line between herself and Li Yu.
“Thank you, Grand Chief Eunuch Li, for keeping me in mind. Jinzhong, remember to help me extend my thanks to Grand Chief Eunuch Li—and um, thank you to Brother Jinzhong as well.”
Jinzhong couldn’t tolerate any deceit in his eyes; though she had drawn Li Yu’s interest, she couldn’t hide it from him, or else this guy would absolute descend into darkness!
“Hmph! I was wondering why Li Yu was willing to help me arrange someone beside Noble Lady Hai—turns out his intention wasn’t on the wine after all! This guy actually dares to entertain ideas about you. If he weren’t still useful, I would love to finish him off.”
Jinzhong held her hand within his palm, his words laced with lethal intent. Yet he also understood that if Yanwan became a imperial consort in the future, having Li Yu speak on her behalf before the Emperor would be a good thing.
Yanwan caught the sense of compromise in his tone. Hugging his arm tightly, she raised her eyes to coax him softly:
“Besides you, who else would actually like me? Grand Chief Eunuch Li clearly fancies Suoxin! Besides, even if Grand Chief Eunuch Li likes me, that’s just his own unrequited wish!”
Coaxed so softly and sweetly by her, Jinzhong stared at her, a smile finally breaking across his face as he raised his arms to draw the lovely woman into his embrace for the very first time.
Leaning down slightly to inhale the sweet fragrance on her body, he murmured, “Yanwan, Happy New Year. May you obtain all that your heart desires this year.”
His blessing was light and soft, yet unable to conceal the tender affection within. Resting in his arms, Yanwan blinked her eyes, hugging his slender waist tightly as she replied softly:
“Alright, we will both get what we desire. Jinzhong, you must stay by my side forever.”
The two embraced quietly, the atmosphere perfectly tender, yet Jinzhong endured his reluctance and released her.
Raising his hand to smooth the stray hairs at Yanwan’s temples, Jinzhong instructed her with a slightly hesitant expression:
“You don’t need to worry about Li Yu’s side—I’ll handle everything. Keeping Li Yu around will allow him to speak on your behalf before the Emperor in the future.”
The people surrounding the Emperor were all shrewd and intelligent.
Even though Jinzhong was inwardly furious that Li Yu dared to harbor feelings for his sweetheart, he had ultimately not lost his senses.
Accompanying the sovereign was like walking with a tiger—it was no laughing matter.
He had thought Yanwan might hesitate, yet to his surprise she nodded in agreement immediately, a speed so fast that it made Jinzhong feel thoroughly sour inside.
Jinzhong’s gaze darkened. Lifting her chin, he feigned a ruthless tone to interrogate her:
“Did you take a liking to Li Yu, agreeing so readily?”
Yanwan: “…”
*He was the one who asked her to agree, yet he was still unhappy—what exactly did he want her to do?!*
Yanwan blinked her eyes innocently. Though she didn’t say a word, her clear, guiltless gaze was plain as day to Jinzhong, who immediately gave her a playful, scolding look and pressed no further.
Right before stepping out the door, Jinzhong picked up the small rose-red piece of fabric to glance at it a few times, curling his lips into an intensely wicked smile toward Yanwan.
“This one will probably be a bit too small for you to wear—I’ll bring a suitable one next time.”
Saying this, he handed the fabric back to her, raised a hand to adjust his hat, and departed leisurely just like that.
The triumphant spring breeze blowing across his handsome face left Yanwan both speechless and amused.
Facing the cold wind, Noble Lady Hai made another trip to the Palace of Earthly Honor to visit Noble Consort Xian.
Fearing her dear sister might feel lonely, she disregarded the freezing weather and her own pregnancy, coming every couple of days to visit the Palace of Earthly Honor.
Such genuine devotion was truly rare and seldom seen in this palace!
Yanwan carefully set a small pot of warm milk before Noble Lady Hai, curtsied, and stepped back to Suoxin’s side.
Hailan’s pair of beautiful eyes continuously observed Yanwan. This young maid possessed a complexion rarely seen in the palace; even a plain green palace maid uniform looked ethereally graceful on her.
Such an exquisite beauty was truly a delight to behold.
Hailan glanced at Ruyi beside her, a ruthless glint flashing through her lowered eyes.
*It is precisely because she is too beautiful that she cannot remain by Sister’s side! An A’ruo has already broken Sister’s heart so terribly—I can never allow Sister to suffer harm again.*
*Sister is simply too kind-hearted. The Emperor visits Sister often, and who knows if this palace maid might seduce him!*
Gazing at the milk on the table, a thought flashed through Hailan’s eyes.
Her sister was kind-hearted, treating Ling Yunche’s cousin well out of gratitude for his repeated rescue attempts. Yet she could not stand by and watch these servants exploit her sister’s kindness for personal gain.
“Hailan, since you are with child, you shouldn’t drink tea—have some milk instead. How has your body been feeling lately? What did Jiang Yubin say?”
Ruyi’s usually serene face now displayed warmth and concern. Looking at Hailan’s belly, a mix of pity and anticipation flashed in her eyes—pity that Hailan had been harmed by someone and left with scars, and anticipation that Hailan might give birth to a prince.
Her own body had been compromised by the Empress using loose-reed fragrance, though Jiang Yubin mentioned that with proper conditioning, pregnancy was still possible.
She knew not whether Heaven would fulfill her wish to become a mother.
With a light sigh, a smile reappeared on Ruyi’s face.
Fortunately, Hailan would give birth soon. Raising this child herself would also allow the Emperor to visit her frequently, sharing in family bliss with her.
Listening to her sister’s concern, Hailan obediently picked up the milk, delight flashing across her lovely face. As expected, her sister cared for her the most!
“My body is much better. With Physician Jiang personally monitoring my pregnancy-stabilizing tonic, I don’t dare eat so much anymore, so delivery should proceed smoothly.”
Ruyi nodded with a bright smile, turned to look at Yanwan on the side, and instructed:
“Yanwan, go to the small kitchen to prepare the dark fragrance soup. In case His Majesty comes, we cannot be unprepared.”
Watching Yanwan’s departing figure, Hailan held Ruyi’s hand, worry gracing her face.
“Sister, this palace maid’s looks are so striking. The Emperor visits you often—if the Emperor sets his sights on her, what should we do? The A’ruo incident has already placed you in a precarious position; I truly worry you might encounter such a thing again. Why not transfer this maid to my place? After I give birth, the Emperor likely won’t visit anymore anyway, so no trouble will arise.”