When Leng Yue’er stepped out through the vermilion gates of Prince Wei’s residence, the afternoon sun was at its brightest, yet not scorching. It filtered through the lush willow branches overhead, scattering flecks of golden light across the stone-paved road, swaying gently with the breeze.
As she passed a sugar painting stall at a street corner, the cloying sweetness in the air made her pause. A trace of amusement flickered in her eyes. She flicked out a small piece of silver and said evenly, “One piece. Draw whatever you like.”
The vendor was delighted and quickly set to work, his ladle moving skillfully. Before long, a bird with outstretched wings took shape, translucent and glistening, fragrant with sweetness.
Leng Yue’er took the sugar painting, chewing as she continued walking forward.
After finishing the last bite, she quickened her pace toward the medicine market at the end of the long street.
Compared to the bustling main street, the medicine market was quieter, the air filled with the faint bitterness of herbs.
Leng Yue’er entered a shop that looked rather reputable.
“What herbs would you like, miss?”
“Half a jin of Nether Grass, three liang of Drunken Heart Flower, and one liang of Ice Soul Lotus,” Leng Yue’er replied lightly, her gaze still sweeping across the shelves before adding, “The finest quality.”
A flicker of surprise passed through the shopkeeper’s eyes, but he did not ask further. He stepped toward the shelves and carefully selected each herb with practiced ease, weighing every portion with precision.
By the time she left the shop, the sky over the medicine market had dimmed. The sun was setting, its golden afterglow stretching long shadows across the stone pavement. It was nearly time for dinner.
When she returned to the residence, lanterns had already been lit along both sides of the corridors.
Before long, she arrived at the entrance of the warm chamber. The attendant standing guard bowed respectfully upon seeing her. “Shadow Guard Leng, you have returned. The prince has already awakened. The household just finished serving him dinner and medicine, and he is now resting on the bed.”
Leng Yue’er merely nodded and pushed the door open, tossing a casual remark over her shoulder, “Send my dinner in.”
The door closed behind her.
Inside, the warm yellow glow of lamplight illuminated the furnishings, creating a cozy atmosphere. The lingering scent of medicine mingled with the faint aroma of rice porridge.
Pei Qingmin leaned against the head of the bed, his complexion still pale. Ever since waking, the events of last night kept replaying in his mind over and over again, leaving him deeply embarrassed.
Hearing the door open, he slowly lifted his gaze toward the entrance. The moment he saw Leng Yue’er, surprise flashed across his eyes, quickly replaced by awkwardness. A faint flush rose to his cheeks as he instinctively avoided her gaze.
Leng Yue’er walked straight to the table by the window and tossed the herbs from her sleeve onto it. The soft thud broke the stillness of the room. She sat down casually and began sorting through them.
Pei Qingmin tilted his head slightly as he looked at her back. He could not help recalling how, in his dazed state last night, he had leaned against her shoulder while his royal uncle pressed him with questions, refusing to let him go. Yet she had managed to pull him out of that mortifying situation with composure.
She… never mind. He knew he could not restrain her anyway.
He closed his eyes again, returning to his quiet rest. Yet his thoughts were anything but calm, tangled with complicated emotions.
Not long after, Minghai personally entered carrying dinner, followed by a servant holding a basin and towel.
The moment he stepped inside, he saw Leng Yue’er seated at the table handling herbs while Pei Qingmin lay still on the bed. His heart skipped slightly. He softened his steps and placed the meal on the table, speaking in a low voice, “Shadow Guard Leng, would you like anything else for dinner? I can have it prepared.”
He gestured silently for the servant to bring the basin forward, then moved quickly yet quietly to the bedside. “Your Highness, would you like to eat a bit more—”
“No need,” Pei Qingmin interrupted before he could finish.
“Yes.” Minghai returned to Leng Yue’er, saw that she had already begun eating and had no further requests, then gave the servant a look to remain and attend before withdrawing himself. Even though the prince refused, he still had to keep things prepared.
The chamber grew quiet again, filled only with the faint sounds of Leng Yue’er eating. The atmosphere was subtle, yet peaceful.
She finished her meal quickly, set down her utensils, wiped her lips with a handkerchief, and let out a lazy yawn. Her usual languid air returned as she turned and lay down on the couch, closing her eyes.
The servant silently cleaned the table and withdrew without lingering.
Pei Qingmin glanced at Leng Yue’er resting on the couch. Under the lamplight, her features appeared especially delicate, the usual coldness in her brows softened.
He sighed inwardly and lay back down, closing his eyes once more. In his heart, he thought: if he could coexist peacefully with this shadow guard in the future, that would be best.
If she truly harbored ill intentions, if Consort Zhu Jing intended to use her against him, it seemed he would have no way to resist. He let out a silent sigh. So be it. He had survived this far by leaving things to fate.
Leng Yue’er and Pei Qingmin exchanged not a single word, as though they were strangers living under the same roof, yet they coexisted without conflict.
She paid him no attention at all, yet she fulfilled her duties. From decocting medicine to arranging meals, her instructions to the maids were precise and effective.
Pei Qingmin remained as he always was, frail and reserved. Most days he leaned against the bed, resting with his eyes closed or flipping through a few books to pass the time.
His health improved steadily. Though still weak and occasionally coughing, he was no longer in serious condition. Color gradually returned to his face, no longer as pale as before.
One day, after wandering outside and hearing various rumors, Leng Yue’er returned deep in thought. As she approached, she saw a servant carrying teacups out of Pei Qingmin’s chamber.
Someone had come to visit?
“Who’s here?” she asked casually.
“The Crown Prince and Prince Jing,” the servant replied.
“Oh?” Leng Yue’er raised a brow, letting out a soft chuckle. Putting on a show of brotherly harmony for the emperor, perhaps. And she had missed it so coincidentally…
Entering the chamber, she saw Pei Qingmin leaning against the bed, looking much improved.
“Since Your Highness has recovered, I will return to my own quarters,” she said in passing, already turning to leave without hesitation.
“Shadow Guard Leng… wait!” Pei Qingmin called out, not expecting her to leave so abruptly. Even he did not understand why the words had escaped his lips.