The lantern glow flickered, and a subtle fragrance lingered in the air. The tall silk folding screen cast the silhouette of a beautiful woman.
Returning from the Changchun Palace, Yun Wan was drenched in sweat. Disliking the sticky sensation on her skin, she eagerly shed her clothes as soon as she entered her chamber.
After wiping her body dry with a damp cloth, Yun Wan reached for her undergarment, but her grip faltered, and the delicate fabric slipped to the floor.
A small puddle of water—left from wringing out the cloth earlier—had pooled on the ground. The undergarment darkened instantly upon contact, rendering it unwearable.
A flicker of annoyance crossed her eyes just as a knock sounded at the door. Assuming it was Fuling returning, Yun Wan called out without hesitation, "Fuling, fetch me a clean undergarment from the shelf."
The door creaked open and shut. Hearing the movement, Yun Wan remained behind the inner chamber’s screen, waiting for Fuling to bring the garment.
Through the translucent silk screen, she faintly saw Fuling approach the standing shelf, select an undergarment, and slowly walk toward her.
Yet something felt odd—Fuling was unusually quiet today, unlike her usual chatter.
As doubt crept in, the peach-colored undergarment came into view. Yun Wan reached for it, only to brush against an unexpectedly warm touch.
She paused. Since when were Fuling’s hands this heated?
Turning her head, Yun Wan caught sight of a retreating sleeve—gold-threaded edges adorned with coiling dragons and auspicious clouds. A startled gasp escaped her as she spun away.
"How could it be you?!"
There was no question—only the Emperor would wear robes embroidered with dragon motifs in the entire palace.
Discovered but unfazed, Emperor Jingxuan replied with composed amusement, "My lady has caught me."
Standing beyond the screen, his deep, teasing voice sent a shiver down Yun Wan’s spine. Clutching the undergarment to her chest, she squirmed uncomfortably.
In a soft, pleading tone, she negotiated, "Your Majesty, I am changing. Could you step outside, please?"
Changing clothes was a private affair—one she couldn’t bear to do in the presence of a man.
Though the screen obscured his view, Yun Wan could still feel his gaze burning into her.
Emperor Jingxuan’s eyes darkened as he studied her hazy, alluring figure, her trembling voice sending a rush of heat through him.
The hem of his robe swayed as his gold-embroidered boots took a step forward. His voice dropped low, "With no maids to assist you, my lady seems to struggle. Allow me to help."
Before Yun Wan could protest, he rounded the screen and stood behind her.
His gaze swept over the expanse of creamy skin—delicate shoulder blades, a slender waist, and full hips barely concealed by the thin silk robe. Her shoulders trembled slightly, revealing a graceful neck that glowed like pearls in the dim light.
Emperor Jingxuan’s breath hitched. His steps halted as his smoldering eyes traced her silhouette, his pupils dilating with hunger.
Startled by his sudden presence, Yun Wan hunched forward, pressing herself into the corner. Her voice was flustered and muffled, "I can manage on my own! I don’t need your help!"
But Emperor Jingxuan, captivated by the sight before him, had no intention of leaving. He clasped his hands behind his back and closed the distance between them, stopping just a step away.
His gaze intense, he seized her bare shoulders and turned her around with deliberate force. Yun Wan stumbled forward, colliding with his chest.
A soft cry of surprise escaped her.
The heat of his palms against her exposed skin felt like fire, paralyzing her in place.
Her hands, still clutching the clean undergarment, crossed tightly over her chest in a futile attempt to shield herself from his piercing stare.
Yet the more she tensed, the more mistakes she made.
The soft swell of her breasts spilled slightly between her fingers, the valley between them barely concealing the rosy peaks.
Emperor Jingxuan’s gaze dipped effortlessly, his height granting him an unobstructed view. But he lingered at her collarbone, his breathing growing ragged.
The warmth of his breath fanned over Yun Wan’s head, sending a flush of pink across her fair skin.
His body tensed, his expression solemn yet eyes brimming with restrained desire. His fingers, however, betrayed his composure.
Sliding his palm downward, he pinched the corner of the undergarment between two fingers and tugged gently, pulling the scant fabric free until it rested in his grasp.
In an instant, Yun Wan’s hands were empty.
Lowering his head, Emperor Jingxuan murmured, "No need to rush, my lady. Let me assist you."
His voice was rough, the low timbre like gravel, teasing and intoxicating as it curled around her, making her ears tingle.
Yun Wan’s pulse raced. She bit her lip, torn between protest and urgency. "Hurry up," she urged.
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest as Emperor Jingxuan lifted the undergarment, studying it with undisguised interest before deftly handling the delicate straps.
Under Yun Wan’s wide-eyed alarm, he pried her hands apart with unyielding authority.
She resisted, prompting a dangerous glint in his eyes. "If my lady guards herself so tightly, how am I to help?"
Refusing to yield, Yun Wan snatched the undergarment back with her free hand and hastily draped it over herself.
Emperor Jingxuan sighed in disappointment.
Still, he knew his lady was shy—some lines couldn’t be crossed. With a resigned smile, he reached to fasten the ties for her.
Once clothed, Yun Wan shot him a reproachful glare.
That single glance—her eyes shimmering, brows damp with lingering heat—sent a jolt through Emperor Jingxuan, his body tightening in response.
His throat bobbed. "My lady..."
His voice was thick with barely leashed desire, his darkened gaze predatory in the dim light, like a beast eyeing its prey.
Realizing his state, Yun Wan turned to flee.
Emperor Jingxuan yanked her back into his arms, burying his face against her neck with a deep inhale. "You smell divine," he murmured, his voice laced with intoxication.
Yun Wan stiffened slightly, her eyes flickering.
"Perhaps it’s the incense I blended earlier," she offered softly.
Not just her body—the entire room had been steeped in the fragrance.
Surely, he wouldn’t suspect her now?
Suppressing her thoughts, she asked with hopeful eyes, "Did Your Majesty like the scented beads I sent today?"
Emperor Jingxuan hummed in approval. "Very much. You are my blessing."
Relief washed over her. "I’m glad."
Then, hesitating, she furrowed her brows as if debating whether to speak further.
Noticing, Emperor Jingxuan arched a brow. "Is there something else?"
Yun Wan offered a faint, bashful smile. "I was just curious about the woman who crafted that stolen incense. She must be quite skilled."
A glint flashed in Emperor Jingxuan’s eyes. "My lady seems unusually interested in that thief’s whereabouts."
When he sidestepped the question, Yun Wan lowered her lashes. "I merely wished to know her background—her mastery of perfumery. If Your Majesty prefers not to speak of it, I understand. I overstepped."
Her love for blending scents made such curiosity natural.
Emperor Jingxuan felt a softness in his heart. "It wouldn’t hurt to tell you, my lady. The culprit remains well-hidden, and the men I sent five years ago have yet to uncover anything."
Yun Wan froze, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "But didn’t Your Majesty say last time that there were already leads?"
Emperor Jingxuan chuckled lightly. "That was just to ease your worries, my dear."
"So… you still have no clues about that person’s identity?" Yun Wan murmured.
The emperor nodded.
Yun Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. So, she had been deceived last time—she hadn’t been exposed at all.
This realization settled the unease in her heart.
No news was the best news she could hope for.
Her head remained lowered, unaware of the thoughtful gaze the man beside her cast her way.
