Si Que opened his eyes. His naturally indifferent and cold face slowly blossomed into an obedient smile when he saw You Yuji. “Sister, you’re back.”
The smile in You Yuji’s eyes grew even gentler, and she said softly, “Why are you sleeping here?”
She lowered the hand that was pressed against his cheek, turned her wrist, and touched the water with the back of her fingers. “The water is almost cold.”
Si Que looked at You Yuji with bright eyes and said, “I just dreamt about you, sister. It’s so wonderful to have you by my side both in dreams and in reality.”
“Come out quickly.” You Yuji turned her face away with a smile, then turned and walked out.
The moment she turned around, the smile on Si Que’s face vanished instantly, reverting to his usual expressionless look. Perhaps because he had lied so many times, he could now make up stories instinctively, effortlessly coming up with lies to make You Yuji laugh.
He stood up and stepped out of the bath. Water droplets slowly dripped down his pale chest, forming a small puddle at his feet. He picked up a large, soft cotton towel to dry himself. As he casually glanced around, his eyes fell on the round neck. The steam filled the room, fogging up the round bronze mirror on the table, making it difficult to see clearly.
He looked at You Yuji’s bronze mirror, and from the indistinct reflection, he gazed at his own throat.
After a long time, he averted his gaze.
The second fake death pill was in Si Lang’s hands.
Si Que frowned, his eyes flashing with an irrepressible ferocity.
He heavily placed the cotton towel on the table.
—
You Yuji and Si Que had dinner together. Gu Momo, who served the Princess Consort, asked You Yuji to come over to discuss the invitation of Princess Huarong to their residence in a few days.
Chen Lingyan’s marriage had become a worry for the Princess Consort. She knew her daughter wasn’t very clever and had her shortcomings. So, when choosing a husband for her, she couldn’t help but think more. She didn’t demand someone outstanding; kindness, gentleness, and tolerance became the primary considerations.
The young master of the Cui family was adopted by Princess Huarong. Although Princess Huarong treated this child well on the surface, he wasn’t her biological son, so she probably wouldn’t be overly biased and become a harsh mother-in-law. Moreover, even though Princess Huarong had a bad temper, she was still Chen Lingyan’s aunt. This relationship meant she wouldn’t be too harsh.
Young Master Cui Ling, whom the Princess Consort had watched grow up, was known to be kind, humble, polite, and filial, truly someone well understood.
After discussing the matter of inviting Princess Huarong, the Princess Consort kindly took You Yuji’s hand, placing it in her own palm, and asked, “Have you thought it through?”
You Yuji knew the Princess Consort was asking about her and Chen Anzhi.
To avoid suspicion today in the palace, she had used the excuse of Chen Lingyan’s marriage, inevitably leading the Princess Consort to believe she still cared about various matters in the residence.
Not wanting to say more unnecessary words, You Yuji lowered her eyes and said gently, “I haven’t decided yet.”
The Princess Consort looked her up and down, unable to tell if she was genuinely still considering or just being perfunctory. After a while, she nodded and said, “I’m tired too. You may leave.”
“Good night, Princess Consort.” You Yuji bowed and then stood up to leave.
As she reached the doorway, she encountered the maidservant from the Princess Consort’s side. The pungent, bitter smell of medicinal soup hit her. The maidservant was holding a tray with a bowl of medicinal soup and a small dish of candied fruit.
You Yuji averted her gaze and stepped over the threshold to leave.
Before she could exit the Princess Consort’s courtyard, she bumped into Chen Anzhi, who was coming her way. Seeing her from a distance, Chen Anzhi continued walking toward her, thinking about what to say.
When they met face-to-face, Chen Anzhi paused slightly, but You Yuji’s steps didn’t falter for a moment, passing by him as if she hadn’t seen him.
Chen Anzhi turned to watch You Yuji’s retreating figure. He opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words.
The winter night wind blew cold against his face.
It wasn’t until You Yuji’s figure completely disappeared into the darkness that Chen Anzhi turned back and continued walking forward. When he entered the room, he saw his mother drinking the medicinal soup. Frowning, he walked to her side and sat down, asking worriedly, “Mother, how is your health? Why haven’t you fully recovered yet?”
The Princess Consort looked at Chen Anzhi, a warmth rising in her heart.
No matter what, Chen Anzhi was her own flesh and blood, and he was filial and obedient. But…
At this point, the Princess Consort no longer blamed Chen Anzhi much; instead, she blamed herself for not having taught him well as a mother. She looked at Chen Anzhi lovingly and said, “You’ve grown up now, and there are many things a mother should not interfere with too much. But…”
The Princess Consort sighed.
“Mother,” Chen Anzhi frowned, “what have I done to displease you lately?”
The Princess Consort’s face hardened. “You have been married to Yuji for quite some time. How can you not spend the night in her room and instead stay in the concubine’s quarters every night? This is unacceptable.”
At the mention of You Yuji, Chen Anzhi’s face immediately fell. He said, “Mother, you know well that she forced me to sign the divorce papers. How can I shamelessly stay in her room? I can’t force her; that’s not the behavior of a gentleman!”
The Princess Consort opened her mouth but was momentarily speechless.
“I’m not asking you to force her! She’s still in the residence, so there’s still a chance to mend things. It was foolish of you at the time of the wedding. You should sincerely apologize and make amends. Everyone in the residence speaks well of her. She is kind and generous. If you take the first step…”
“Enough!” Chen Anzhi suddenly became irritable. “I am the heir of this family. Should I be the one to apologize?”
The Princess Consort stared at Chen Anzhi, somewhat unfamiliar with this side of him.
Although Chen Anzhi had done many foolish things over the years, he had always been filial and obedient. When had he ever spoken to her in this tone?
Chen Anzhi was also taken aback by his outburst, not understanding the sudden surge of irritability. He quickly stood up and said remorsefully, “Mother, I misspoke!”
The Princess Consort looked at Chen Anzhi for a long time, disappointment slowly appearing in her eyes. She rubbed her temples and took a piece of candied fruit from the small dish to ease the discomfort in her chest and stomach. She said, “I’m tired. You may leave now.”
Chen Anzhi walked out dejectedly. Standing in the cold courtyard, he lowered his head in frustration. He didn’t know what was wrong with him, unable to control his emotions, and had spoken to his mother in such a tone.
That night, Chen Anzhi didn’t go to see Hongzan but instead went to confide in his understanding cousin.
Fang Qingyi poured a cup of rice wine and handed it to him, smiling gently, “Maybe there have been too many things happening recently, and you were in a hurry. Don’t overthink it. Tomorrow, when Aunt has calmed down, you can go and sincerely apologize.”
“Yes.” Chen Anzhi nodded with a dejected expression, taking the rice wine Fang Qingyi handed him.
Fang Qingyi looked at him tenderly.
—
Winter Solstice arrived, the day Princess Huarong and her family were invited to visit the palace.
Early in the morning, You Yuji woke up and carefully removed her ankle from Si Que’s grasp. She frowned slightly and glanced at Si Que. The slight annoyance dissipated when she saw his pale face. She bent down and tucked the quilt around him.
“Sister.” He still had his eyes closed, half asleep.
“Mm. It’s still early, continue to sleep for a while.” You Yuji said softly as she gently smoothed his dark hair at his temples.
Si Que reached out from under the quilt, hooked his arm around You Yuji’s waist, and pulled her into his arms. He pressed his face against her neck, nuzzling affectionately.
You Yuji let him hold her for a while before reaching behind to touch his hand, whispering, “Sister can’t stay with you. There are guests today, so I have to get up early.”
Si Que’s hand still tightly gripped her waist, showing no sign of letting go.
“Ah Que?” You Yuji’s voice lowered, gently shaking his hand on her waist.
Evidently, the soft and warm embrace was too enticing on this chilly winter morning, and Si Que was reluctant to let go.
You Yuji frowned at him, her smiling, gentle eyes carrying a hint of helpless indulgence. She stopped persuading him to let go. Instead, she lifted her chin within his embrace, her soft, rosy lips slightly parting as she moved slowly to his ear, taking his jade-like earlobe into her mouth, her pink tongue lightly licking it.
Si Que’s hand on You Yuji’s waist stiffened.
You Yuji pulled back slightly, watching as the red blush slowly spread from his earlobe.
Si Que opened his eyes, meeting You Yuji’s smiling gaze. She blinked at him and said, “Finally awake?”
You Yuji took the opportunity to sit up, easily pushing away his restraining arms. She grabbed the clothes by the pillow, draped them over herself, and quickly got out of bed.
Si Que watched You Yuji’s retreating figure as she dressed and left the room. Slowly, he touched his earlobe.
Before long, soft footsteps sounded from outside as You Yuji’s maid came in to assist her with her morning routine. Si Que had completely lost any desire to sleep. He sat up, glancing at his crumpled nightclothes thrown into the corner of the bed.
He hadn’t yet decided whether to go to Si Lang for the fake death pill today.
He opened the drawer on the bedside table and fished out a copper coin from under a booklet. He tossed the coin high, letting it land on the back of his hand.
He coldly lifted his hand off the coin and glanced at it.
Tails.
Not going.
Si Que lay back on the bed, casually reaching under the pillow to find You Yuji’s inner garment. He hugged it to his chest and went back to sleep.
—
Princess Huarong’s family would arrive around noon. You Yuji woke up earlier than usual because she needed to handle matters for the You family before the princess’s family came.
Therefore, she didn’t go to the flower hall.
Today, Lin Yingying had gone home to visit her mother again, leaving Cuiyu and Chunxing in the flower hall without much to talk about. They didn’t sit for long before both left.
Lady Jing stood by You Yuji’s side, sighing inwardly. If only the young master weren’t so young, if he could help with these matters, the lady would have a much easier time. She couldn’t help but think, if the lady were still at the You family estate, the young master could learn quickly by staying close to his sister. Unfortunately, You Yuji was married into the Jinnan Prince’s household, and it wasn’t convenient for the young master to follow her there.
Close to noon, Princess Huarong’s family arrived.
The Jinnan Prince was also at the residence today. The two families sat together for lunch, all aware of the marriage between Chen Lingyan and Cui Ling, except for Chen Lingyan, who happily ate her Winter Solstice dumplings in blissful ignorance.
Princess Huarong didn’t say much. Since Cui Ling wasn’t her biological son, she wasn’t very concerned about the marriage.
After lunch, the men stayed in the hall to talk, while the women went to the back garden to admire the plum blossoms on the artificial mountain pavilion after the snow.
“There’s nothing much to see,” Princess Huarong remarked, feeling a bit bored, and started walking down.
Cuiyu hurriedly found her way to the plum garden, lifting her skirt and running up. As she turned a corner, she nearly collided with Princess Huarong but stopped just in time, grabbing onto the rock on the artificial mountain to prevent herself from falling.
She didn’t fall, but the action sent some snow flying onto Princess Huarong.
“How rude!”
Cuiyu had never met Princess Huarong but guessed her identity from her attire. She trembled with fear and immediately knelt down.
You Yuji quickly approached, glancing at Cuiyu before speaking urgently to Princess Huarong, “Princess, please calm down. Let me help you change your clothes.”
A maid wiped the snow off Princess Huarong’s clothes. Fortunately, it wasn’t fresh snow, so it wasn’t very wet, and a simple wipe left no traces.
Princess Huarong calmed down but still gave Cuiyu a displeased look.
You Yuji followed her gaze to Cuiyu and lightly scolded, “What matter is so urgent? Where are your manners?”
Cuiyu, already in a state of panic, lifted her face, her eyes red, “Sister, Yingying was captured by mountain bandits on her way home!”
