Watching Chun Tang’s retreating figure until it disappeared into the distance, Yun Wan finally turned back into the house, arms full of belongings.
The moment the door closed, a voice drifted lazily from behind:
“Mosquito?”
“So the ‘mosquito’ that bit you was me?”
Yun Wan paused, a flicker of guilt flashing across her brow. Softly, she explained, “It was just an excuse. Why take it so seriously?”
A faint smile curved her lips, her expression gentle and sincere.
Emperor Jingxuan scoffed. “I’m not the one taking it seriously. But perhaps in your heart, I’m no different from a biting mosquito?”
At that moment, he sprawled across Yun Wan’s bed, one leg bent, exuding lazy elegance. The already narrow daybed felt even more cramped with his presence.
He lifted his gaze, sharp and penetrating, as if he could see right through her.
Yun Wan gave an awkward smile but said nothing.
What could he do if she refused to admit it?
Knowing her cunning nature, Emperor Jingxuan didn’t press further, merely curling his lips in self-mockery.
But the movement tugged at the wound on his lip, and a drop of blood unexpectedly welled up, bright as a crimson cinnabar dot.
Yun Wan froze, then frowned. “Your Majesty, your lip is bleeding!”
Emperor Jingxuan wiped it with his hand, confirming the blood, but he merely raised a brow, unbothered.
In contrast, Yun Wan was far more alarmed. She hastily pulled out a clean handkerchief, dabbing away the blood from his lip and the smear on his hand.
Staring at the tiny wound, she hesitated before whispering, “Could it be… from when I bit you earlier?”
That seemed the only explanation—otherwise, why would his lip be injured for no reason?
But she remembered only giving a light nip.
Emperor Jingxuan snorted, his expression half-amused. “Madam’s teeth are quite sharp.”
No matter how unruly he’d been, he hadn’t harmed her in the slightest. Yet she’d bitten him without mercy, leaving this mark. How was he to face his ministers now?
Realizing she’d committed the grave offense of injuring the imperial person, Yun Wan felt a chill. Without hesitation, she knelt and pleaded,
“To harm Your Majesty’s sacred body is my fault. But I never intended it—please forgive me!”
Other matters might be trivial, but Yun Wan, well-versed in palace rules, knew that biting the Emperor could earn her a beating. So she knelt without delay, her apology swift.
Yet her actions only darkened Emperor Jingxuan’s expression.
Just as he was about to speak, she added timidly, “Though, to be fair… it’s not entirely my fault…”
If he hadn’t refused to let her go, she wouldn’t have resorted to such measures to avoid Chun Tang discovering his presence.
She just hadn’t expected her teeth to be so sharp.
Seeing her seemingly meek yet utterly unrepentant demeanor, Emperor Jingxuan clicked his tongue, his expression softening slightly.
Pulling her up from the floor, he chuckled. “This tiny scratch will heal by tomorrow. I’m not so petty—why so solemn, Madam?”
Rising with his help, Yun Wan pressed her lips together. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
His gaze lingered on her gentle features before his grip shifted from tugging to holding, his fingers encircling her wrist as he drew her closer.
“You were bold enough earlier—quick with words and lies. Why so timid now?”
Yun Wan didn’t know how to respond. Glancing at the obvious wound, she slipped free and retreated into the inner chamber.
When she returned, she carried a small porcelain jar. Approaching Emperor Jingxuan, she said, “Let me apply medicine for you.”
Towering over her, Emperor Jingxuan stood a full head taller, forcing Yun Wan to tilt her face up to meet his eyes and read his expression.
Suddenly, he found her utterly endearing—especially when she stared straight at him, insisting on tending to his wound.
It was as if a still lake in his heart had been disturbed by her, a little stone tossed in, sending ripples cascading outward in endless circles.
His voice came out slightly rough. “Very well.”
Yun Wan uncorked the jar, scooping a dab of pale ointment onto her fingertip before carefully applying it to his lip.
Her soft touch circled gently, the warmth of her skin melting the balm until it turned transparent.
Her movements were tender, her focus absolute, as if this were the most important task in the world. Around them, time seemed to slow to a hush.
“There. It should scab by tomorrow.”
She withdrew her hand, her eyes clear and bright.
Emperor Jingxuan’s throat moved as he glanced at the bright moon hanging outside the window. “It’s late. I should return.”
Yun Wan nodded, stepping aside to let him pass.
As he crossed the threshold, Emperor Jingxuan suddenly turned back, a sharp glint in his eyes. “Madam has nothing else to say to me?”
After a pause, Yun Wan blinked. “Your Majesty, travel safely?”
His brows knitted briefly in displeasure, but he said nothing, his gaze lingering on her with quiet intensity.
Standing motionless, Yun Wan watched him stride away, her expression faintly dazed.
Just as Emperor Jingxuan was about to exit the courtyard, she suddenly called out, “Your Majesty, wait!”
Without waiting for a response, she dashed back inside, emerging moments later with something in hand. Lifting her skirts, she hurried after him and pressed the item into his grasp.
“This is a scented pill I made after studying ancient texts. It might ease your headaches.”
“As for the incense you asked me to replicate last time… I haven’t made progress yet. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“It’s late—please hurry back!”
The words tumbled out in a rush. Without waiting for his reaction, she spun around and fled back inside, the door slamming shut behind her.
......
Outside the Purple Dawn Hall, Jiang Fusheng paced fretfully, hands clasped behind his back.
When the Emperor had left before sunset without attendants, he’d guessed at once that His Majesty was visiting Madam Lu.
Now, nearly two hours had passed, and night had fallen—yet the Emperor still hadn’t returned. Jiang Fusheng’s heart pounded, fearing His Majesty might choose to stay the night at Madam Lu’s residence.
Just as his worries peaked, a flash of dark gold caught his eye. His frown vanished.
“Your Majesty! You’ve returned at last!”
Emperor Jingxuan glanced at him, handing over an intricately carved wooden box. “Replace the current incense with this.”
Jiang Fusheng accepted it carefully. “And this is…?”
A trace of warmth flickered in the Emperor’s eyes as his lips curved. “Madam, concerned for my headaches, studied ancient texts to make this scented pill—and gave it to me herself.”
Jiang Fusheng beamed. “Ah! So Madam Lu holds Your Majesty close in her thoughts! Congratulations!”
The words pleased Emperor Jingxuan immensely. With a wave of his hand, he declared:
“A reward!”
