While lost in thought on her way to the dining hall, she stumbled and nearly fell forward.
Startled, she instantly became more alert and tried to steady herself. The expected fall never came—instead, a large hand abruptly appeared at her waist, pulling her back firmly and trapping her in a man’s broad embrace.
A familiar ambergris scent mixed with the aroma of herbs wafted around her. Dou Wenyi was taken aback and instinctively looked up, meeting Pei Siyan’s deep, calm eyes.
He wore a lotus auspicious cloud pattern wide-sleeved robe edged with gold thread, and her sachet hung conspicuously at his waist.
Blush spread from her cheeks to her neck as she hastily stepped back and curtsied. "This humble girl has disturbed Your Highness. I beg for your forgiveness."
"It’s fine." Pei Siyan’s penetrating gaze swept over her figure.
Her face was pale, as if weary, and she wore no ornaments except a pair of lustrous pearl earrings. Despite wearing a plain, light green palace dress, she carried herself with an unexpectedly graceful and alluring charm.
Pei Siyan averted his eyes. "Crimson Flame, give this to her. Don’t let her starve to death."
Dou Wenyi had been busy from the hour of Yin until noon without food or water. Since childhood, she couldn’t endure hunger—prolonged fasting made her weak and dizzy, which was why she had nearly fallen earlier.
Obediently, she accepted the food box Crimson Flame handed her but refrained from opening it immediately, despite her intense hunger.
Noticing this, a hint of coldness flickered in Pei Siyan’s eyes. "Dou Fourth Miss, surely you don’t think currying favor with a palace consort will grant you eternal peace?"
"This humble girl is foolish. Please enlighten me, Your Highness."
There was no doubt—Pei Siyan was behind the manipulation of the selection and promotion.
Pei Siyan narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression unreadable. "The Imperial Pharmacist of Great Zhou holds a sixth-rank official position. Since when has it become something you can take or leave as you please?"
Didn’t he know exactly why she had entered the palace to participate in the selection?
This was a blatant threat. If her answer didn’t satisfy him, she might be trapped in the palace for life.
Dou Wenyi weighed her words carefully. "Your Highness, the duties of an Imperial Pharmacist are arduous. I fear it may affect the progress of medicine preparation. Moreover, Third Sister is soon to become Crown Princess. If I become a female official, I worry people might gossip about the Crown Princess. I beg for Your Highness’s understanding."
Pei Siyan raised his phoenix eyes, a sharp smile playing on his lips. "You couldn’t even correctly explain the medicinal properties of your own sachet. Are you toying with me?"
Dou Wenyi dropped to her knees with a thud.
She looked up at him innocently, her voice filled with grievance. "This humble girl is as lowly as dust. How would I dare toy with Your Highness?"
"The prescription involves Your Highness. I dared not disclose it lightly. I already have a clear plan for the specific formulation and have begun developing the pills. My only difficulty was not knowing how to contact Your Highness. I beg for your forgiveness."
Seeing that she was no longer lying, most of Pei Siyan’s irritation faded. "Rise first."
Dou Wenyi steadied her mind and spoke softly, "If you wish to keep me as Imperial Pharmacist, I will not complain. I only ask that Your Highness inform me in advance, so I do not inadvertently spoil your plans."
Pei Siyan fell into a long silence.
According to the spies’ reports, she and Prince Rui had never met and had no connection whatsoever. To insist she was a spy planted by Prince Rui would be far-fetched.
She was merely a pawn—how could she possibly disturb his composure?
Pei Siyan wore a faint, ambiguous smile. "The Eastern Palace happens to need a Lady-in-waiting skilled in preparing medicinal cuisine. With this identity, you'll have free access to the Eastern Palace."
Dou Wenyi secretly breathed a sigh of relief—when faced with two evils, choose the lesser one.
As long as she wasn't made an official palace attendant without being registered in the palace records, she would remain a free woman and wouldn't be trapped within the palace walls!
"I am at Your Highness's disposal."
Dou Wenyi ventured cautiously, "Does Your Highness wish for me to serve in the Eastern Palace? However, if my family were to find out… it might invite unnecessary trouble. I hope Your Highness can help me handle this discreetly."
"This crown prince doesn't lack maidservants."
It seemed she only needed to make occasional visits to the Eastern Palace—that was still bearable.
Pei Siyan's gaze was obscure, his tone casual. "I'll be waiting for your 'miracle cure.' Otherwise… you know the consequences."
With that, he glanced at Crimson Flame.
Crimson Flame reluctantly retrieved a token from his sleeve and handed it over.
Dou Wenyi received the exquisite jade token with both hands, hesitating as she said, "Your Highness, I have an impertinent request. If I can cure your headache, may I ask for a favor?"
"If it doesn't violate morality or the law, and falls within my authority, then yes." Pei Siyan never made promises lightly, and even when he did, they had to align with his interests. "What favor?"
Dou Wenyi's expression softened. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'll make my request after I've accomplished this task for you."
"The selection hour is approaching. You may withdraw for now." Pei Siyan waved his hand dismissively.
Dou Wenyi's heart finally settled, though her back was already damp with a thin layer of cold sweat.
As Pei Siyan passed by her side, he paused. His warm breath brushed past her ear, causing her whole body to stiffen abruptly, her heart leaping to her throat. At such close proximity, what was he about to do…
"The food isn't poisoned. Eat it."
When she looked up again, she only saw his tall, receding figure.
Clouds belong in the sky, water belongs in a vase—he was a dragon from the heavens, why would he bother with an ant like her?
It was already past lunch hour. Even if she rushed to the dining hall, she'd only go hungry. After hesitating for a long while, she finally opened the food box. A plate of delicate osmanthus cakes came into view.
She was stunned.
This was her favorite pastry. Pei Siyan, as the Crown Prince, had never interacted with her before. How could he possibly know her preferences?
Dou Wenyi was utterly perplexed, completely unaware that a snow-white figure had been standing behind the nearby bushes for a long time.
Xie Guidu's eyes were cold, the knuckles under his sleeves faintly pale. Though he couldn't hear their conversation clearly, the undercurrents between them were palpable, as if they shared some hidden secret… And she was smiling at the Crown Prince, so obsequiously!
So it was true, as Mingyan had said—was Wenyi scheming for the Crown Prince?
When had she become so shameless, daring to covet her own sister's husband?
At that moment, Xie Guidu's heart, dormant for twenty-two years, was thrown into disarray by the wind. An inexplicable rage rampaged through him. He struggled to restrain it, instinctively wanting to confront her, but his lifelong upbringing forbade him from causing a scene in the palace.
He ultimately attributed this emotion to masculine pride—no man would want to see his fiancée fawning over another man.
The afternoon examination lasted over two hours. Unsurprisingly, Dou Wenyi failed as she had hoped, and she breathed a complete sigh of relief.
Just outside the palace gates, she saw Xie Guidu's tall, straight figure.