Following the blue-clad maid, Yun Wan walked through the estate, passing covered corridors, water pavilions, stone paths, and small arbors, until they finally entered a moon gate.
Beyond the gate lay a spacious, open area enclosed by high walls. At its center, steam curled above a bubbling hot spring. Surrounding the spring were tall floral and avian screens, while a small four-cornered pavilion stood nearby, its delicate gauze curtains fluttering gently. Opposite it, a pomegranate tree bloomed with dazzlingly vibrant flowers.
The blue-clad maid led Yun Wan into the pavilion, then turned to Yueya and the other attendant. "You two must stop here. Only honored guests may enter this hot spring."
Hierarchy dictated that masters and servants did not share such luxuries, so the two attendants saw no issue.
The maid then introduced respectfully, "Madam Lu, this hot spring draws from a natural source—its waters are the purest essence. The area is secluded, so you may bathe at ease. If you require anything, simply ring this bell, and I shall appear at once."
Glancing around, Yun Wan noticed the spring’s edges were lined not with ordinary stones but with jade, reinforcing her impression of the owner’s extravagant wealth.
However—
Yun Wan frowned. "Has Changning and the other young ladies not arrived yet?"
The maid smiled. "The honored guests will arrive shortly. Madam may enter the spring first."
She clapped her hands lightly, and a row of pink-clad maids appeared, each holding a wooden tray laden with various items—towels, handkerchiefs, flower petals, fruits, and wine—standing at the ready.
The blue-clad maid stepped forward. "Would Madam like us to assist in undressing?"
Faced with the row of deferential maids, Yun Wan shook her head, slightly uncomfortable. "No need. Leave the items here. I’ll manage on my own."
Accustomed to Yueya’s service, she disliked unfamiliar attendants touching her.
The maid did not insist. After instructing the others to set down the items, she withdrew.
"If Madam requires anything, remember to ring the bell. I shall return immediately."
Yun Wan thanked her.
Alone now, Yun Wan paced around, admiring the refined elegance of the place. Every detail exuded sophistication, and the serenity of the surroundings soothed her mind.
The spring’s water was clear and warm. She bent to scoop a handful—its temperature perfect, its mineral-rich scent refreshing.
Shedding her outer garments and shoes, Yun Wan kept only a thin silk underrobe before stepping into the spring along the jade-carved stairs.
The warm, silky water rose past her ankles, calves, and up to her chest, an indescribable comfort spreading through her limbs. Leaning against the stone wall, she sighed inwardly.
Bathing here was pure bliss, as if every meridian in her body had been unblocked, washing away all fatigue. The sensation was intoxicating.
The clear, heated water enveloped her, soaking the thin silk robe until it clung to her skin, the pale fabric nearly indistinguishable from her body, outlining her graceful curves.
Relaxation soon gave way to drowsiness.
Within moments, Yun Wan drifted asleep, her back resting against the jade wall as the tranquil sounds of birdsong filled the air.
As the sun dipped westward, casting long shadows, steady footsteps echoed at the moon gate. A figure clad in dark robes appeared.
The blue-clad maid waiting outside hurriedly bowed. "Your Majesty."
The man in black glanced sideways, his thin lips parting. "Where is Madam?"
"Madam Lu remains in the spring. I checked earlier—she is still asleep."
At this, the man raised a hand, his tone indifferent. "Leave us."
"Yes."
Entering the moon gate, his gold-embroidered boots crunched softly on the pebbled path.
He stopped behind the tall screens near the pavilion, his sharp phoenix eyes lifting to the green robe carelessly draped over the partition. His gaze darkened.
Yun Wan was not a deep sleeper. The sound of footsteps on gravel roused her.
Blinking at the dimming sky, she froze—then remembered she had fallen asleep in the spring.
How long had she slept?
Why was she alone?
Where were Changning and the others? Why hadn’t they come?
Panic flared as she looked around.
Her arms brushed the handbell, its chime sharp in the quiet. Yun Wan stood abruptly, but her legs—numb from sitting—slipped on the smooth stone beneath.
With a splash, she tumbled forward.
At the same time, the figure behind the screen moved, his belt ornaments clinking sharply.
"Who’s there?" Yun Wan called out, tense as she braced against the jade edge, her eyes fixed on the screen.
Suddenly, a pair of men’s boots came into view.
She looked up, meeting the deep, penetrating gaze of Emperor Jingxuan.
Their eyes locked, her breath hitching.
He bent slightly, offering a hand. "Has Madam fallen and lost her wits?"
Yun Wan didn’t move, her clear eyes wary.
In that instant, all her confusion unraveled.
No explanation was needed. She understood everything.
No wonder the place was so opulent. No wonder the maids were impeccably trained. No wonder she was alone.
Emperor Jingxuan smirked, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Does Madam no longer recognize me?"
Yun Wan was both furious and flustered.
Especially now, with only a soaked, translucent robe clinging to her body, leaving little to the imagination.
She remained half-submerged, arms crossed defensively.
Her shoulders ached from the strain, but she held his gaze, her slender frame trembling with suppressed anger.
"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, exalted above all. I am but a widow. Was it necessary to go to such lengths to lure me here?"
The spring’s waters shimmered in the fading light, casting a golden glow over her, ethereal and divine.
Emperor Jingxuan’s expression darkened, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. His voice was low. "Madam believes I orchestrated this?"
Yun Wan pressed her lips together, her silence answer enough.
His laugh was soft, mocking. "A misunderstanding. I visit this estate every year. This time, I happened to hear Madam was also on this mountain. Had I invited you outright, you would have refused."
He paused, his gaze searing into her.
"So I resorted to... a small deception."
Yun Wan’s voice tightened. "Where are Changning and my maids?"
"Rest assured, there are many springs here. They are enjoying themselves."
His eyes dropped to her lips—plump and glistening from the heat, like ripe fruit begging to be tasted.
His throat moved, desire darkening his gaze.
"Forgive my boldness, Madam."
Before she could react, his large hand cupped her face, and he descended, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss.
