Yuancheng was the kind of child who strived even harder when praised. Under Jiang Yunshu’s repeated compliments, he exerted himself to the fullest, performing even better than usual during the evaluation.
After it ended, Master Wen also praised him: "You did very well today."
Sweat beaded on Yuancheng’s forehead, but his eyes sparkled with excitement.
Jiang Yunshu showered him with more praise and said, "Yuancheng has improved so much. As a reward, Mother will grant you one reasonable wish. What would you like?"
Yuancheng asked cautiously, "What can I ask for?"
Due to his past as an orphan, he was still overly careful.
Jiang Yunshu sighed inwardly—this was something that could only be mended with time. Softly, she reassured him, "You can ask for anything. Don’t be afraid."
"If it’s reasonable, Mother will agree. If not, I won’t be angry—I’ll explain why."
Yuancheng blurted, "I want to raise a puppy!"
Jiang Yunshu was surprised, but the request wasn’t unreasonable.
She told him, "Dogs are the most loyal friends. If you raise one, you must take responsibility for its entire life. Puppies love to run and play—you’ll have to keep it company. Can you do that?"
Though young, Yuancheng was clever. Hearing this, he understood that if he could promise it, his mother would agree.
He jumped excitedly. "I can, Mother!"
Jiang Yunshu smiled. "Good. I promise you."
"Tomorrow, I’ll take you to pick one you like."
That night, Jiang Yunshu chatted with Xie Lin, guessing what kind of dog Yuancheng might choose. She did most of the talking while Xie Lin occasionally hummed in response.
Suddenly, Jiang Yunshu cupped Xie Lin’s face and turned it toward her. "You’re upset."
Her tone left no room for doubt.
Xie Lin sighed helplessly. Countless people outside tried to decipher his moods, yet none succeeded. Everyone said the Chief Eunuch was unpredictable—his temper as changeable as the weather.
He thought he’d hidden it well, yet Jiang Yunshu still saw through him.
"Why?" she pressed.
Xie Lin didn’t want to answer, but under her persistent coaxing, he finally muttered, "Your Majesty has never praised me like that..."
Jiang Yunshu paused before realizing he meant her earlier praise for Yuancheng.
She gaped. "Yuancheng is four years old. How old are you, Chief Eunuch?"
Xie Lin retorted, "At four, I was far more impressive than him."
Jiang Yunshu burst into laughter. "How rare—the Chief Eunuch has grown a year older."
Xie Lin gave her a puzzled look.
Grinning, she teased, "Xie the Three-Year-Old has become Xie the Four-Year-Old."
Still, she gave him the praise he wanted.
The flickering lamplight filtered through the gauzy bed curtains, newly changed for spring, casting a hazy glow inside.
Xie Lin buried his face in the crook of Jiang Yunshu’s neck, his scorching breath tickling her skin.
Her fingers tangled in his hair, rubbing firmly against his scalp.
She lifted his head and pressed her lips to his ear, whispering, "The Chief Eunuch is amazing."
"So amazing."
"That move just now... incredible..."
Before she could finish, her voice fractured into broken gasps.
She might have... overdone the praise...
Whatever she tried to say next, Xie Lin seemed deaf to it. Jiang Yunshu nearly bit through her own lip before sinking her teeth into his ear—yet Xie Lin didn’t even flinch.
By the time she could finally sleep, dawn was already breaking.
Jiang Yunshu didn’t wake until well past noon the next day. As she sat up, a sharp inhale escaped her—her waist ached, weak and sore.
She swore to herself—this was the last time she’d ever praise Xie Lin!
Never again!
