“Could Eighth Sister be angry?” Qin Xiu turned, only to see Qin Fei’s expression as if struck by thunder.
Cen Hejue glanced at the woman seated nearby, then set his teacup aside with satisfaction.
Ah Yan whispered, “Master, shall we go find the young heir now?”
“Mm.” Cen Hejue withdrew his gaze, but as he turned, he suddenly felt his steps falter.
Ah Yan looked him over. “Master, what’s wrong?”
Cen Hejue replied, “Next time, don’t buy shoes from this shop. They don’t fit.”
As the man left, all the curious gazes around fell upon Qin Fei.
“Your Highness, the Eighth Princess?” Gu Nian approached, worry in her eyes.
“Don’t overthink it. Young Master Cen must have…”
“What?” Qin Fei shot to her feet, gripping Gu Nian’s hand. Her sudden rise in voice drew the attention of everyone in the flower hall.
“Gu Nian, you just said you felt dizzy, didn’t you?”
Gu Nian froze, seeing Qin Fei’s earnest concern.
“What?”
“Do you want to rest a while longer?”
“Then let me take you.”
Gu Nian, half-confused, listened as Qin Fei abruptly changed her tone: “No, my stomach hurts a bit. I need to relieve myself. Why don’t you wait here for me?”
Qin Fei supported Gu Nian. Qin Xiu, hearing this, grew excited and quickly leaned in. “Eighth Sister, the banquet is about to begin. You go relieve yourself first—I’ll have a maid escort Miss Gu.”
Under Qin Fei’s insistent glances, Gu Nian played along, holding her head and leaning against Ah Bi’s shoulder.
“Then I’ll go first.” Qin Fei clutched her stomach and let Er Ya escort her out of the hall.
Gu Nian, still bewildered, was taken by Ah Bi toward the western courtyard of the Chancellor’s residence—a place long abandoned, usually uninhabited.
But Ah Bi was Qin Xiu’s attendant. How could she know the western courtyard so well?
“Miss, we’re almost there. Let’s go inside and rest—you’ll feel better soon.” Ah Bi’s triumphant smile was hard to conceal.
Gu Nian narrowed her eyes, scanning the courtyard. A half-open door revealed shadows moving within.
As they reached the doorway, Gu Nian closed her eyes and collapsed to the ground.
Ah Bi gasped, startled by how quickly the drug took effect, and hurriedly called out to those inside. “Come out and carry her!”
A ragged beggar stumbled out, face smeared with dirt. Seeing Gu Nian’s features, he rubbed his hands together in excitement. “She’s… she’s too beautiful, this…”
Ah Bi sneered. “Don’t worry. Our master will protect you.”
The beggar, aware of Gu Nian’s identity, hesitated. “May I ask… your master is…”
“His name is unchanged, his seat unaltered.” Ah Bi thumped her chest proudly. “Our master is none other than the Eighth Princess Qin—ugh!”
The beggar looked down to see the woman limp on the ground.
“?”
Just as he raised his head, a sudden kick struck him from behind. He crashed onto the steps, his skull slamming hard against the stone. “Ah!”
At the sound, Gu Nian murmured, “Jinglan!”
The woman on the steps drew back her leg. At the sound of that name, her brows furrowed. “You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
“Your Highness?” Gu Nian scrambled to her feet, a little disheveled—quite unlike her usual gentle, graceful self.
Qin Fei brushed off her trousers, then kicked Ah Bi and the beggar lying on the ground. “Filthy! Disgusting! Go eat dirt!”
Gu Nian had already realized what these people intended to do, and exclaimed in shock: “How did Your Highness know they meant to violate me?”
“Didn’t you see Qin Xiu’s shifty eyes and hypocritical face just now? Nothing good could come from him.” Qin Fei gave Ah Bi another sharp kick.
Gu Nian frowned. “But why did Your Highness hint to me to pretend to faint?”
“Because Qin Xiu drugged you. Only—I switched the medicine.” Qin Fei sighed, speaking plainly.
Gu Nian’s eyes reddened with emotion. “I never imagined you went to such lengths for me.”
“It’s because you’ve been good to me.” Qin Fei replied helplessly. “Didn’t you say I was your friend?”
Gu Nian clasped her hand. “With those words, I’ll treat you even better from now on. But…”
Qin Fei raised her brows. “But what?”
“You swapped out my drug—so who did you give it to?” Gu Nian asked.
“To…” Qin Fei’s mouth fell open, then she suddenly remembered. Gripping Gu Nian’s hand tightly, she asked, “Where’s Cen Hejue?”
Gu Nian thought back. “Today, the men and women are seated together, but Perceptor Cen left earlier—he seemed to head south, toward the flower hall by the lotus pond. It’s a lovely spot; Heir Qi was admiring the flowers there before.”
“The southern courtyard flower hall.” Qin Fei raked her fingers through her hair, then bolted toward the door. Glancing back at the pair on the ground, she told Gu Nian: “Now you know who tried to harm you. How you choose to act, how you fight back—that’s up to you.”
With that, Qin Fei ordered Er Ya: “Stay here and help Miss Gu. I’ll go ahead.”
Er Ya gasped. “Your Highness, where are you going?”
“To save someone!” Qin Fei was already sprinting a mile away.
Er Ya sighed. “The faster she runs, the more she reminds me of that old…”
Gu Nian asked, puzzled, “Of what?”
Er Ya shut her mouth. “Nothing. Miss Gu, how do you plan to deal with these two?”
Hesitation and struggle flickered across Gu Nian’s face. After a long pause, she said, “We’ll turn their scheme against them.”
Chancellor’s Residence, Southern Courtyard Flower Hall.
The lotus pond pavilion swayed gently in the breeze. Petals of pink and jade rippled across the water. A man sat there, draped in a loose robe of bright yellow embroidered with ink-black bamboo. Handsome as jade, his elegance outshone even the lotus blossoms.
“Heir, they’ve arrived,” Bei Feng reported with a bow.
Qi Siluo propped his forehead with one hand, smiling at the newcomer. “Any later, and the lotus would have withered.”
Cen Hejue’s expression was as calm as ever, tall and poised. Yet his cheeks were faintly flushed, sweat beading at his temples. He sat firmly across from Qi Siluo.
“Are you feeling weak lately? Just a few steps and you’re sweating.” Qi Siluo teased.
Cen Hejue wiped his brow with his knuckles, frowning slightly, and went straight to the point: “The matter of the Tan and Pang families—have you clarified it?”
Qi Siluo snorted, lounging against the stone table. “Both families serve Qin Jin—one civil, one military. Together they’re efficient. Catching them both at once won’t be easy.”
“Then we break them one by one.” Cen Hejue poured himself a cup of tea. But even after swallowing, the heat on his tongue didn’t fade. A thin sheen of sweat clung to his back, leaving him distinctly uncomfortable.
“You speak as if it’s easy. I hold no official post, and the old Marquis keeps me under strict watch. Do you think I can move about as freely as you?” Qi Siluo folded his hands over his abdomen, speaking slowly. “But no matter how free you once were, now you’re not.”
The man’s eyes gleamed with mockery. “I see the Eighth Princess is rather forward with you. Once you become her consort, you’ll have no freedom at all.”
“Don’t mention her.” Cen Hejue frowned. For some reason, the moment Qin Fei’s name was spoken, the heat in his body flared even stronger.
“In the palace, I can’t openly meet with you. Have your people keep a closer watch. I’ll investigate from my side as well.” Cen Hejue rose quickly.
Qi Siluo raised his brows. “Leaving already? In such a rush to eat at the banquet?”
“Going back.” Cen Hejue didn’t look back as he strode out of the courtyard. Ah Yan turned to his master. “Master, I’ll fetch the carriage from the residence. Please wait here for a moment.”
The Cen family carriage was parked outside, but the coachman had gone to dine with the others at the Gu residence. Normally, everything was timed in advance, but Cen Hejue’s sudden departure meant Ah Yan had to summon him.
Seated beneath the corridor, Cen Hejue felt even the wind burn against his skin. The fierce sunlight blazed upon the uneven stone tiles. The hanging blinds swayed faintly in the breeze, making a soft rustling sound. In the distance, the lotus pond seemed framed by the archway, like a hazy painting. He narrowed his eyes. Into his vision came a beauty in a pale scarlet gown patterned with pear blossoms. Her slender waist swayed like the blinds in the wind, her dark hair streaming as she ran, her bright features radiant. She saw him at once—and ran straight toward him, as if he were her only destination.
Once, Cen Hejue despised Qin Fei. To him, she was willful, foolish, and empty-headed. Others praised her beauty, but he thought even her lovely face was wasted on such a hollow mind.
But now, watching her run to him with unwavering resolve—Why did something stir in his chest?
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Why are you sitting…” Qin Fei’s hand reached out, but suddenly her wrist burned, and she fell straight into his arms.
His scorching breath spilled against her neck, seeping into her collar. His broad palm pressed firmly against her thin clothing, heat searing through.
“Eh—I…” Qin Fei’s eyes widened as Cen Hejue’s handsome face drew closer. His sultry breath sealed her lips, faint sandalwood mingling with the feverish heat of his body.
“Mm!” She froze for a few seconds. Then, realizing what was happening, without hesitation, she snatched up the teapot and smashed it against his head. He grunted, his dark eyes flashing with sudden sharpness. His hand clamped the back of her head, deepening the kiss.
No—
Not a kiss.
A bite.
He was biting her!
The taste of blood spread between their lips. Qin Fei bit back harder. He hissed in pain, and in that moment, she shoved him away, kicking his chest. He fell to the ground.
Unable to reveal her martial skills before him, Qin Fei instead poured the cold water she had prepared to cool him down over his head.
His flushed, handsome face was drenched, his gaze regaining a shred of clarity. He clenched his fists, glaring at her with ferocity. The young woman hugged her chest, retreating a step. “My mistake.”
Cen Hejue braced against the wall, struggling to stand. Though his movements were awkward, Qin Fei did not help him. Just moments ago, he had been like a ravenous wolf—she feared he might devour her whole if she drew near.
“You tampered with it?” His voice was hoarse, his body burning, but his eyes were like ice, chilling to the bone.
“I…” Qin Fei sighed helplessly. “I gave you a signal just now, telling you not to drink.”
Cen Hejue narrowed his eyes, recalling how Qin Fei had been frantically winking at him in the flower hall. At the time, he only thought she was trying to embarrass him—he hadn’t realized the tea had been tampered with.
Seeing his fierce expression, Qin Fei hurried to explain: “That drug wasn’t mine! Qin Xiu had someone slip it in—she meant to harm Gu Nian. I discovered it and swapped the cup for hers.”
Cen Hejue fixed her with a dark stare. Qin Fei’s tone was utterly candid:
“I never imagined she’d offer the tea to you, nor that you’d drink it. It was an aphrodisiac. When I saw you drink it, I rushed over with water to cool you down. I only meant to ease the heat, but then you…”
She swallowed hard, remembering the softness of lips just moments ago, and her face flushed. “I truly erred. If you must blame someone, blame Qin Xiu—she was the one who offered you the tea.”
His gaze shadowed, and after steadying himself, he advanced step by step. Suddenly, his hand shot out, the movement sharp and intimidating.
Qin Fei fought the urge to strike back, closed her eyes, and silently chanted: *He’s the great villain. Don’t provoke him. Endure, Qin Fei—endure, and the storm will pass.*
Then— A weight pressed down on her head.
She blinked in confusion, only to feel Cen Hejue rubbing her crown firmly. To her, a lifelong single woman, the gesture felt strangely intimate. Yet his face remained expressionless, detached—like he was patting a dog.
“…Sorry.” His voice was soft, the apology drifting like smoke, leaving Qin Fei stunned.
“What?!” He quickly withdrew his hand. Though his breathing was still heavy, he stepped back, putting distance between them. “You did well.”
Moments ago, he had nearly lost control. But the tea was his choice to drink—no matter the angle, Qin Fei could not be blamed.
“You…” Qin Fei looked him over. “Perceptor, perhaps you should… cool down first?”
He frowned, not understanding. “What?”
She cleared her throat, her gaze flicking—then darting away—from his lower body. “Well, there are plenty of rooms here. Perhaps you should… resolve it yourself.”
She emphasized *yourself*, hoping he wouldn’t involve her.
“No need.” His voice was cold. Then, with a glance heavy with threat:
“If you speak of this today…”
Qin Fei raised three fingers. “Then may heaven strike me down, and I’ll submit to whatever punishment you decree.”
“…”
*Heaven’s wrath was one thing. But submitting to his punishment…* The words were far too suggestive. Cen Hejue averted his gaze, turned, and left the southern courtyard in haste.
Meanwhile, Qin Xiu was leading others to catch an illicit affair.
The woman in the green gauze skirt was Pang Xiangsi, the sister of Deputy Commander Pang Chou. The one in purple gauze was Tan Hua, daughter of Grand Academician Tan Mian.
Both were Qin Xiu’s lackeys, now shouting for everyone to follow them in search of the missing Gu family young lady.
“This courtyard has long been abandoned. We searched everywhere else and found nothing. Could she be inside?” Gu Wang deliberately steered everyone’s attention toward the dilapidated compound.
From within one of the rooms came a dull, fleshy thud.
Qin Xiu’s eyes gleamed, her lips curling into a triumphant smile. “Could Miss Gu have fallen inside? Let’s take a look.”
A group of young women pushed open the door from which the sound had come.
Sure enough—someone was there.