Huaining spotted the Crown Prince from a distance and immediately averted her gaze, her lips pursed in displeasure.
"I’ll return to the palace first. I’ll visit you another day," she said to Yue Yao.
Yue Yao nodded. "Alright."
Without another word, Huaining turned and left, not even bothering to bid farewell to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince, however, was unfazed. As long as she didn’t cause trouble, he was content.
A palace attendant soon arrived to summon the Crown Prince to Yuehua Hall. He rose and departed, prioritizing the day’s banquet over all else.
Ling Xiao did not leave with the Crown Prince. He remained seated in the pavilion while Yue Yao stood outside, her eyes downcast and motionless.
Earlier, she had lost her temper with him, unable to hold back any longer. Now, a pang of fear struck her as she recalled Ling Xiao’s ruthless methods. The first time she had seen him, he had ordered Rong Shichang whipped to death in front of Ling Chen’s memorial tablet.
He had also dismissed Prefect Rong and eradicated a bandit stronghold.
A man so merciless—how could he possibly let her off after she had provoked him?
But then again, she had already crossed him long before today. Even if she hadn’t argued with him just now, he would still despise her.
With that thought, she felt slightly more at ease.
Ling Xiao waited for a while, but when she showed no intention of apologizing, his expression darkened further.
She had quite the backbone.
After a tense silence, he finally stood and strode toward her.
Yue Yao heard his approaching footsteps, her heart pounding as if facing execution. She couldn’t even imagine how he might punish her.
Ling Xiao stopped right in front of her.
Clenching her fingers, Yue Yao hesitated before looking up at him, her lips pressed tightly together. Her eyes were filled with wariness and caution—and a trace of fear she couldn’t conceal.
A cold smirk curled in Ling Xiao’s heart. So she did know fear?
Her stubbornness had made him think she truly feared nothing.
"Stop dawdling. Let’s go home," he said icily.
Yue Yao was stunned. She had even wondered if Ling Xiao might strangle her on the spot, yet here he was, speaking as if nothing had happened.
Was it really over just like that?
Ling Xiao turned and walked away without another word, leaving Yue Yao rooted in place, too bewildered to react.
Only when he was several steps ahead did she snap out of her daze and hurry after him.
Chen Shiyun had been waiting for Ling Xiao all this time. The scene she had orchestrated today had unfolded without him even present, leaving her without a single word exchanged.
But if she didn’t speak to him at all, wouldn’t all her preparations be for nothing? At the very least, she wanted him to see her magnanimity.
Spotting Ling Xiao crossing the long bridge in the distance, she hurried forward to greet him.
"My Lord—"
Before she could finish, an oppressive aura swept over her. Ling Xiao strode past with a stormy expression, not even noticing her.
Chen Shiyun froze mid-step, not daring to advance further.
She had always known of his aloof nature and his ruthless methods, but this was the first time she had witnessed such an intimidating presence.
She didn’t dare provoke him now.
Yue Yao trailed three steps behind Ling Xiao, struggling to keep up.
His strides were long and swift, forcing her into a near-jog just to match his pace.
By the time they reached the palace gates, she had fallen seven or eight steps behind.
Yue Yao almost gave up. There was no real need for them to return together—he might not even be heading home.
With that thought, she slowed her steps, no longer bothering to chase after him.
Ling Xiao glanced sideways, noticing the growing distance between them. His lips thinned, and he deliberately slowed his own pace.
Yue Yao, who had resigned herself to losing sight of him, was startled to find the gap between them reduced to just three steps.
She stared blankly at his dark-robed figure ahead, suddenly uncertain.
At times, she thought Ling Xiao had a terrible temper, always opposing her as if he despised her.
Yet at other moments, she wondered if he didn’t dislike her as much as she assumed.
The long palace path was quiet, interrupted only by the occasional servant who would step aside in silence, never daring to disturb.
Now that she could easily match his pace, they walked side by side down the corridor, the towering vermilion walls on either side forming a barrier that seemed to isolate them from the world.
Ling Xiao had never walked so slowly before, yet to his surprise, he felt no impatience. The soft, steady sound of her footsteps behind him soothed the irritation that had plagued him for days, bringing an unexpected sense of peace.
A fleeting thought crossed his mind—what if this path never ended?
"Farewell, My Lord."
The imperial guards saluted as they reached the palace gates.
Ling Xiao snapped out of his reverie, taking in the grand entrance before him.
The Ling family carriage waited outside, and Chi Ying stood nearby, holding Ling Xiao’s horse.
Yue Yao bit the inside of her lip, hesitating before speaking. "I’ll return to the estate first."
Ling Xiao said nothing. He mounted his horse but didn’t ride off, instead waiting for Yue Yao to board the carriage.
Assuming he would leave first, Yue Yao was surprised to see him lingering. She quickly climbed into the carriage.
Only then did Ling Xiao nudge his horse forward, heading home.
Upon their return, Ling Xiao went straight to his study in the front courtyard without a word.
Yue Yao, however, was left unsettled. Had today’s incident truly been brushed aside?
Or was he biding his time for a greater retaliation?
Then again, dealing with her would be effortless for him. Why would a high-ranking marquis stoop to endure her defiance?
Yet somehow, it seemed the matter had indeed passed.
Days went by without Ling Xiao making an appearance.
Gradually, Yue Yao relaxed. It seemed he truly had no intention of holding it against her.
Chun'er giggled. "I told you, My Lady, you were overthinking it. How could His Lordship be so petty? Besides, there’s Madam Lin—she adores you. She’d never let you suffer."
Yue Yao shook her head. "I don’t want to trouble Madam Lin."
Madam Lin had always been kind to her, and she didn’t wish to cause her any distress.
Her gaze hardened with resolve. "But I won’t endure mistreatment either. If he truly can’t stand me, I’ll move out. I have my own shop now, after all."
Being the eldest daughter-in-law of the marquis’ household wasn’t something she coveted.
Chun'er quickly protested, "My Lady, don’t say such things! How could the marquis’ estate not have a place for you? You were wed here with full ceremony—no one can deny that. Madam Lin would never allow it!"
"I’m just preparing for the worst. One must always have a backup plan," Yue Yao said with a faint smile.
"You’re right, My Lady."
"I need to go out today." Yue Yao opened a drawer and pulled out a stack of manuscripts. "I have to meet Young Master Mo at Xichun Tower to show him my husband’s writings."
"Today’s also the day to deliver the spices. I’ll arrange the carriage at once."
"Mm."
Xichun Tower.
The carriage came to a stop at the entrance, and Yue Yao stepped out.
A servant recognized her immediately and eagerly approached. "Madam Jiang, you’ve arrived!"
His attitude was far warmer than before—likely because her spices had proven effective, boosting the tavern’s business.
"I’ve brought the spices, and I’d like to speak with Young Master Mo."
"Oh dear, what unfortunate timing. Our Third Young Master isn't here today, but the Eldest Young Master is available," the servant said in a hushed voice. "If Madam has business to discuss, it would be more convenient to speak with the Eldest Young Master—he has the authority to make decisions."
Yue Yao shook her head. "I'd prefer to speak with the Third Young Master. Could you kindly ask him for me? Tell him I've brought the manuscript."
"Very well. Please wait upstairs for a moment, Madam. I'll send someone to fetch the Third Young Master immediately."
Yue Yao nodded. "Thank you."
She was led to the second floor by the servant and had just taken a seat in the private room when a man dressed in luxurious brocade robes strode in uninvited.
He was slightly overweight, his face plump with the indulgences of wine and wealth. Though adorned in gold and jade, there was an unmistakable air of vulgarity about him.
"So this is the famed Madam Jiang?" His gaze fixed on her, leering as he appraised her from head to toe.
He had noticed her the moment she entered. Despite his vast experience with women, such a rare beauty was hard to come by. Even in plain, unadorned clothing, her graceful figure was impossible to conceal. Her face, pure and untouched by any hint of seduction, made her a natural enchantress.
After questioning the servant, he learned she was the one supplying fragrances to Xichun Pavilion.
His interest was piqued. He usually had no patience for managing affairs here, yet today, by sheer chance, he had stumbled upon such a treasure.
Yue Yao's brows furrowed slightly, her discomfort evident.
The servant quickly interjected, "This is our Eldest Young Master." Then, with an ingratiating smile, he turned to Mo Shujie and said, "This is Madam Jiang, the one who provides our Xichun Pavilion with incense."
Mo Shujie smirked suggestively. "No wonder—the moment Madam stepped in, I caught the scent of something delightful."
Yue Yao's expression turned icy. "Young Master Mo, show some respect!"
"Oh? Complimenting Madam and she takes offense?" Mo Shujie laughed dismissively. "What’s the point of discussing business with Mo Ziqian? If you want something, you should beg me. The Mo family isn’t under his control."
He knew every prominent family in the capital, and none bore the surname Jiang. This woman, running a small business and personally hustling for deals, clearly had modest means.
Given that, why would he care about her sharp words?
She was already his for the taking.
Mo Shujie licked his lips and stepped closer. "Don’t worry, Madam Jiang. I’m a very reasonable man. Just say a few sweet words, and I’ll grant whatever you ask."
Yue Yao felt a wave of nausea and turned to leave immediately.
Seeing her defiance, Mo Shujie’s expression darkened. He reached out to grab her—
Only for his wrist to be abruptly seized.
Mo Ziqian held his arm firmly, his usually carefree and amiable face now uncharacteristically stern. "Madam Jiang is a guest of Xichun Pavilion. Eldest Brother, do you intend to disgrace our establishment?"
Mo Shujie’s face twisted with rage. "Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you lecture me?!"
