The sensation of a foreign object in her palm lingered for a long time. Even by the time lunch arrived, Chi Ying found she still couldn’t hold her silver chopsticks or soup spoon steadily.

Picking up the soup bowl would remind her of his scalding temperature. Her palm was still red even now, as if it had been heavily crushed by something.

During her afternoon nap, lying on the newly spread Yunjin silk bedding, she kept thinking of that geyser-like stickiness from the morning. Even after repeated washing, it seemed to remain on her fingertips.

Leaning against the soft pillows, the air inside the bed curtains had clearly been scented with incense, but the man’s lingering scent seemed to haunt her nose, refusing to fade for a long time.

The moment she closed her eyes, her mind was filled with his low, muffled groans and the trembling of his body.

And those thin, red eyes with sliding teardrops.

He… he actually cried because of that?

Chi Ying’s mind was a mess. Fortunately, there were many chores to attend to these few days, which served to distract her.

The Flower Banquet was approaching. Auntie Qionglin came over specifically today to help her choose several meeting gifts for the younger imperial princes and princesses.

Prince Zhao was the seventh son. Below him were the eighth and ninth princes, who had yet to marry, as well as the Empress’s only daughter, Princess Yuxi, and Concubine Min’s daughter, Princess Chunyi. There were also the heir of Prince Rui and the young commandery princess of Prince Qing. As their sister-in-law or aunt, she was expected to give gifts to the juniors.

Chi Ying remembered Consort Zhuang mentioning Princess Yuxi, saying that the birthday gift Prince Zhao gave her was the one she liked most. It was clear that Prince Zhao must have cared for his younger sister in the past. But this princess happened to be the Empress’s daughter. She sighed inwardly, wondering how Prince Zhao’s investigation was proceeding.

Qingzhi also brought over portraits of the palace nobles. It was said these were prepared for her entry into the palace for the banquet. Eunuch Yuan De had specifically ordered people to paint them, including everyone from the harem concubines to the princes, princesses, and several princesses’ consorts.

These portraits could be said to have solved her urgent need, but as her hand gripped the scrolls, she inexplicably recalled that towering, magnificent measurement.

She shook her head, banishing those inappropriate images from her mind.

Afternoon, Baoshan returned with the lease for the house in Liumian Alley and the deeds for the servants. She said she had signed a one-year lease with the landlord and that the bought maids had already been taken to Liumian Alley to begin cleaning and decorating.

“This servant left them money for rice and grain, letting them prepare ahead of time. The carriage has also been arranged. If things go smoothly, we can fetch Concubine Xue out of the Count’s estate in three to five days.”

Chi Ying was overjoyed. Thinking that A-niang would no longer have to look at others’ faces and could live in her own private courtyard, and that maids bought from outside were always more trustworthy than Madam Yin’s confidantes, her brow smoothed. She revealed a long-awaited smile from the bottom of her heart.

But then she remembered something, and the smile on her lips slowly faded.

Right now, Prince Zhao still didn’t fully trust her. His occasional mocking remarks were enough to make one’s skin crawl.

This time, Baoshan had been working outside under the guise of commissioning gold jewelry for her, but things seemed… a bit too smooth?

She couldn’t say exactly what was strange, but it felt as if a hidden force was pushing things from the shadows, resolving every trouble laid before her.

Chi Ying felt an inexplicable chill. She thought it best to wait a few more days, observe Prince Zhao’s attitude, and then decide on the next steps.

After all, taking A-niang out of the Chi estate was no easy task. With her mother there, Madam Yin could control her. Even if Madam Yin had reservations now and wouldn’t dare cause a massive scene, she would certainly fly into a rage. If Prince Zhao was watching the Chi estate because he suspected her of ill intent, and Madam Yin made a scene, it would be easy for him to follow the vine to the melon and find her out.

Chi Ying took a deep breath, repeatedly reviewing everything she had done these past few days to see if she had left any openings. For a moment, her nerves were taut, and she broke out in a cold sweat.

Yangui Tower.

Physician Lin carefully examined Prince Zhao’s reddened eyes. He was slightly surprised and couldn’t help but ask, “Has Your Highness experienced any symptoms of emotional agitation lately?”

Yan Xuecuī pursed his lips. “No.”

Physician Lin asked tactfully, “Have you used any other medications or irritating incense?”

Yan Xuecuī frowned. “No. Speak plainly.”

Physician Lin said, “Your Highness’s eyes are red, appearing… appearing to be in a state following tears. While this does not achieve the effect of detoxification, appropriate crying can promote emotional release. It keeps the blood flow around the eyes smooth and can even wash out certain toxins. Over time, it might accelerate your recovery.”

Yuan De’s eyes lit up. “Are you saying…”

Halfway through, he looked cautiously at his master.

He actually didn’t deny it!

Yuan De had seen him rising unusually late this morning. When he emerged from Shuyu Pavilion, his eyes were faintly red. Yuan De had thought it was caused by another sleepless night, but he never expected it was because the Prince had cried…

This was truly… it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a fantasy.

As an old servant who had been by Prince Zhao’s side for ten years, Yuan De had never seen him cry. Even when Prince Ding died on the battlefield and Consort Zhuang suffered her mental breakdown, His Highness had never shed a single tear.

Last night, His Highness was with the Princess Consort the whole time. Could it be that the Princess Consort used some kind of method during their time together?

But His Highness didn’t seem to intend to investigate. When he came out of Shuyu Pavilion today, his mood was even more pleasant than ever before.

Thinking of this, Yuan De tentatively asked, “Is this the Princess Consort’s contribution?”

Yan Xuecuī ignored him, only saying to Physician Lin, “I understand now. Continue the treatment as you see fit.”

Physician Lin bowed. “Yes.”

Yan Xuecuī tapped his knuckles on the table, then suddenly asked, “Is that Snow-Skin Cream effective on old scars?”

Physician Lin considered it and spoke truthfully, “Although Snow-Skin Cream has miraculous effects on moisturizing the skin and fading scars—especially for new, shallow wounds where it works faster—if it is a bumpy, years-old injury, I’m afraid that even with long-term application, it may not be possible to fully restore the original smooth delicacy.”

Though he didn’t know who was going to use it, since Prince Zhao had brought it up, Physician Lin was willing to try his best. “This official can go back and check the medical texts. Perhaps I can formulate a more effective ointment based on the Snow-Skin Cream.”

Yan Xuecuī rubbed his fingertips. That warm, soft sensation from last night seemed to linger. The girl’s skin was smoother than the finest silk; if he applied even a little force, it felt as if his knuckles would sink right in.

Except for that one spot, which was jarringly prominent.

He remembered her small whimpers when he touched that scar. She was clearly talking about something heartbreaking, yet even her inhalations were careful. When she was suffocating from the pain, she still forced a smile to comfort him.

Forget it, helping her was just a matter of a single sentence.

Who told her to be so pitiful?

Yan Xuecuī said, “Then I shall trouble the Physician.”

Physician Lin hurried to say he didn’t dare find it a trouble.

A moment later, the hidden guard tracking Baoshan returned to report the matter of her renting the courtyard.

“This Baoshan rented a four-sided courtyard in Liumian Alley in the east of the city yesterday. Today, she bought two maids from a human trafficker. During this time, she had a contact with a long-serving attendant by Prince Xuan’s side.”

Yan Xuecuī frowned. “Renting a courtyard? Do we know who is to be settled there?”

The hidden guard said, “Not yet, but I have another discovery that might be related.”

Yan Xuecuī took a sip of tea. “Speak.”

The guard reported truthfully, “Two days ago, this Baoshan spent a hundred taels of silver at a pharmacy to buy a bottle of Jiji Pills. Then she went to the back courtyard of the Marquis of Changyuan’s estate and delivered the medicine to Spring Willow Court.”

As a mere maid, how could she produce so much silver? If it wasn’t the Princess Consort’s instruction, it must be Prince Xuan’s command.

Yan Xuecuī asked, “Who lives in Spring Willow Court?”

The guard said, “Spring Willow Court is kept strictly hidden from inside and out. I only know the person inside is seriously ill and bedridden, requiring constant medicinal soup every day.”

“The strange thing is,” he paused and continued, “I once slipped into Huichun Hall and looked through Physician Hu Zhengqing’s consultation records. I found another anomaly. On the day the Princess Consort returned to the estate, she ordered Baoshan to invite Physician Hu to the estate to check Madam Yin’s pulse. But Physician Hu did not go to the Osmanthus Court where Madam Yin lives, but rather to this Spring Willow Court.”

The implication was clear: the Princess Consort hadn’t invited the doctor for Madam Yin, but for the person in Spring Willow Court.

“Keep a close watch on Spring Willow Court.” Yan Xuecuī’s brow sharpened slightly, his voice cold. “The servants of the Chi estate might not know who is hidden in Spring Willow Court, but those serving the medicine must know. Grab someone and ask.”

The hidden guard immediately took the order and bowed out.

Yan Xuecuī drank his tea and suddenly said, “Since the Princess Consort has been such a big help to me, I should show some appreciation, shouldn’t I?”

Only Yuan De was in the room, so he was naturally asking him.

Yuan De nodded in agreement, but his heart was incredibly curious. Since His Highness didn’t want to say more, he couldn’t exactly go and ask the Princess Consort, *How did you make His Highness cry?* His heart was itching with curiosity, but he could only suppress it for now.

Yan Xuecuī thought for a moment and asked, “Are the flowers and trees sent by the Directorate of the Imperial Garden a few days ago still in the greenhouse?”

Yuan De smiled. “Yes. The ones sent this year are all rare treasures. The craftsmen in the greenhouse are tending to them carefully. When they bloom in the future, they will be sent to Shouchun Hall.”

Yan Xuecuī ordered, “Have someone pick out some good ones and send them to Shuyu Pavilion.”

Yuan De was stunned for a moment, then hurried to pass on the order.

At dusk, Shuyu Pavilion.

The maid Yinqiao lifted the curtain and came in, her face full of smiles. “Princess, come out and see! His Highness has sent you so many flowers!”

Chi Ying was quite surprised. Walking out of the room, she saw pots of rare flowers and exotic plants being placed one after another, filling the entire courtyard. It was truly a riot of color, a thousand flowers blooming at once.

Could it be that because she had mentioned loving to grow flowers last night, he had taken it to heart and ordered so many to be sent?

Steward Liu Changshun came forward and bowed. He explained, “His Majesty is mindful of His Highness and Your Highness. Every flowering season, he has the Directorate of the Imperial Garden send rare flowers and plants that have been carefully cultivated to the estate. Some varieties are rare even in the palace, such as the Yao Yellow, Bean Green, and Eighteen Scholars. There are only a few such plants in the entire Great Jin. His Highness remembered that you like them and specifically ordered me to pick the best ones.”

The corners of Chi Ying’s lips curved up. “His Highness has been very thoughtful.”

Back at the manor in the countryside, she had often tended to flowers and plants. The mountains outside the manor were covered in flowers; the petals could be used for tea or pastries, and dried flowers could be made into sachets to exchange for silver. Freshly picked flowers placed in A-niang’s room would disperse the gloom in her eyes and make her feel much better.

However, the ones before her were rare treasures. They were to be viewed from a distance, not toyed with. Naturally, they were favorites of palace nobles, but for Chi Ying, besides the joy, she felt even more pressure.

Where had she ever tended to such noble flowers? She had never even seen them. It was like a precious jade bracelet on the wrist of a country girl—how could she possibly manage to care for them properly?

Liu Changshun seemed to see the worry in her eyes and hurried to call two flower gardeners forward. “These two are experts in plant cultivation. From now on, they will stay in Shuyu Pavilion specifically to tend to the flowers for you. Your Highness need only enjoy them and not worry about anything else.”

Only then did Chi Ying breathe a sigh of relief. She hadn’t expected Prince Zhao to send gardeners as well. Not knowing if he would come today, she first said to Liu Changshun, “Please thank His Highness properly on my behalf.”

Auntie Fangchun, standing nearby, smiled. “It’s better to wait for His Highness to come and thank him yourself.”

A blush quietly spread over Chi Ying’s fair cheeks. Just then, the clouds on the horizon blended into crushed gold, shallowly covering her snow-like skin, making her complexion look even more pink and translucent, brilliantly beautiful beyond compare.

Looking at the Princess, who was more beautiful than the flowers, Auntie Fangchun thought of the bedding changed this morning and knew the two masters had finally completed the good deed.

Once the first step was taken, they would inevitably develop a taste for it and become as sweet as honey. Thinking of this, the smile on Fangchun’s lips deepened.

After dinner, Prince Zhao did indeed come.

He entered the room, set down his bamboo cane, and sat on the couch. “I heard the Princess wants to thank me properly?”

Chi Ying was looking at the portraits Yuan De had sent. Hearing this, she was slightly dazed and even forgot to bow for a moment.

Not knowing what he was up to now, she pursed her lips. “Yes. I must thank Your Highness for the flowers.”

Yan Xuecuī raised an eyebrow. “How do you intend to thank me?”

Chi Ying: “…”

Did he mean he wanted something in return?

What did she have to thank him with?

Or did he mean she should continue helping him with that kind of thing from this morning? Or give him her body?

Chi Ying asked tentatively, “How does Your Highness want me to thank you?”

Yan Xuecuī countered, “How does an ordinary wife thank her husband?”

Hearing these titles, Chi Ying’s face turned red with discomfort. After a moment of thought, she spoke evasively, “I could embroider a handkerchief for Your Highness, or a sachet, or a belt? I could also make a pair of boots. What does Your Highness want?”

Yan Xuecuī lowered his eyes and smiled. “That works.”

Thinking of something, his mind stirred. “How long will it take to make those?”

Chi Ying had nothing else to do anyway, so she estimated, “A handkerchief and sachet can be done in a few days if I’m fast. A belt and boots take longer. If the embroidery is fine, at least ten days to half a month.”

Yan Xuecuī’s tone was calm. “Make me an eye-veil then.”

Chi Ying was stunned, instinctively looking at his thin, red eyes.

His lashes were very long, casting a faint shadow beneath his eyes. His pupils were still that deep grey, desolate color, yet because of that layer of misty red, they appeared somewhat cold and fragile.

She was still quite shocked. To a blind person, the eyes should be the most vulnerable place, the place they’d want to protect most. Yet he wanted her to make an eye-veil… An unusual feeling rose in her heart, a rustling, numbing sensation.

“Does Your Highness have a preference for the embroidery pattern?”

Yan Xuecuī spoke indifferently, “Do as you see fit.”

The two of them washed and bathed one after another.

When Yan Xuecuī returned, he rounded the screen and smelled a scent of incense that was much stronger than usual. He couldn’t help but frown. “Why is the incense so heavy today?”

Chi Ying’s lips were pressed together. If it weren’t for his lingering scent inside the bed curtains, she wouldn’t have specifically asked Xiangqin to burn more incense.

She herself didn’t like incense that was too heavy. She had already opened the windows for ventilation during the day, yet he could still smell it.

“Should I… open the window to let it dissipate more?”

As soon as she spoke, the man had already hugged her from behind, his breathing turning slightly heavy. “No need. It is enough if you stay closer to me.”

From below the covers to on top of them, he almost always maintained the posture of holding her tightly. Chi Ying was so hot she could barely breathe. She hid by the side of his neck, taking small breaths, yet she was terrified of accidentally kissing him.

Strands of heat brushed against her neck, repeatedly scratching like feathers. Yan Xuecuī tilted his head back and let out a deep sigh.

Chi Ying’s face was entirely crimson. She finally couldn’t help but say, “Your Highness, I… I am a bit hot.”

He was holding her too tightly.

Yan Xuecuī’s brow twitched. “Then what do you want to do?”

Chi Ying: “…”

Shouldn’t saying she was hot mean he should loosen his grip?

Yan Xuecuī suddenly showed an expression of realization. “Is it that you do not want to wear your sleeping robes?”

A *buzz* went off in Chi Ying’s head. Her fingers gripped his collar tightly, and her entire body turned beet red.

Footnotes:
TN1: Yao Yellow and Bean Green are legendary peony varieties; “Eighteen Scholars” is a camellia known for its perfectly arranged layers of petals.

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