Yuwenzhang found it impossible to sleep soundly.
He rose and pushed open the window. Gazing at the bright moonlight outside, he seemed to see, once again, the enchanting and alluring image of Xie Zhixue from his dreams. Feeling the throbbing tension in his lower body, he grew rather irritable.
With a cold snort, Yuwenzhang headed toward the courtyard where Xie Zhixue resided. Inside the room, the candlelight flickered, casting her slender silhouette against the wall. In that moment, reality and dream overlapped, leaving Yuwenzhang momentarily dazed.
He strode inside. Startled by the sudden sound, Xie Zhixue shuddered violently. She turned her head to see Yuwenzhang standing behind her. The dim candlelight illuminated his striking features, a face that forced one to acknowledge his extraordinary looks.
"This servant pays respects to the Crown Prince."
Regaining her senses, Xie Zhixue hurriedly rose to offer a formal greeting. In her panic, she kicked over a stool, which struck her calf. She gritted her teeth, enduring the pain to maintain her bowed posture. Yuwenzhang had clearly heard the heavy thud. He clenched his fists, suppressing the urge to pull her up.
He let out a cold, mocking scoff.
"Get up. Or were you waiting for me to invite you?"
"Many thanks, Crown Prince."
Although Yuwenzhang’s tone was harsh, he hadn't made things difficult for her. Just as Xie Zhixue breathed a sigh of relief, she saw Yuwenzhang walk to the bedside and lean down, reaching out to touch Ping'an.
It was as if his movement had triggered a protective instinct in Xie Zhixue. Before he could touch the annoying brat, a sharp pain suddenly struck the back of his hand. Yuwenzhang frowned, seeing Xie Zhixue blocking Ping'an, staring at him with the vigilance of a mother wolf protecting her cub.
He hid his hand behind his back, his expression blank.
"Deliberately harming the Eastern Palace, Xie Zhixue, you have quite a lot of nerve."
As his words fell, Xie Zhixue finally realized what she had done. She quickly turned her head to ensure Ping'an was unharmed before kneeling to offer an apology.
"Crown Prince, in my anxiety to protect my child, I acted on impulse and injured you. Please, Crown Prince, punish me."
With that, she lowered her head, exposing her fair neck. A few strands of dark hair fell by her temples, fluttering in the breeze. Faced with such a submissive posture, an inexplicable and strange feeling arose in Yuwenzhang's heart. He had never intended to make things difficult for her over this, so he cleared his throat, preparing to brush the matter aside.
A sound came from the bed, accompanied by a cough.
"Bad man! You are not allowed to... *cough, cough*... bully my mother."
Ping'an’s voice rang out, and Xie Zhixue could no longer worry about her formalities. She leaned over and placed her hand on Ping'an’s forehead. Perhaps the imperial physicians in the palace were truly skilled; after the medicine, Ping'an’s fever had clearly subsided significantly.
"Ping'an, Mother is right here!"
Xie Zhixue grasped Ping'an’s small hand, her voice still trembling slightly. Ping'an struggled to squeeze her hand back, his eyes full of affection for his mother.
"Mother... *cough*."
While the two shared this intimate moment, Yuwenzhang stood alone to the side. The scene made him feel like an outsider. Resentment flared in his chest, and he moved forcefully, inserting himself between them. He grabbed Xie Zhixue’s wrist, pulling her hand away from Ping'an’s grip.
"Crown Prince?"
Xie Zhixue was stunned, never expecting Yuwenzhang to act this way. Ping'an was immediately displeased, struggling to sit up.
"Bad man, let go of my mother! That is my mother! *Cough, cough*!"
Yuwenzhang refused to back down from this provocation. The two of them bickered like children.
"Before she was your mother, she was my maidservant."
Hearing this, Ping'an froze, tears welling up in his eyes. He lifted his chin, refusing to let them fall in front of the "bad man." Yuwenzhang had not expected his words to make Ping'an so sad, and he stammered, feeling somewhat at a loss. He was used to his word being law, with no one ever daring to defy him. Yet, seeing Ping'an like this caused an inexplicable heaviness in his heart.
Fortunately, Ping'an was a stubborn child who did not break easily. He stared at Yuwenzhang, and although his voice was childish, there was no sign of surrender.
"I am my mother’s good boy. What are you to her?"
"..."
Yuwenzhang fell silent; he never imagined the child would ask such a question. Seeing him speechless, Ping'an immediately became smug.
"My mother is only working for you for a little while. We will leave eventually."
As soon as Ping'an said this, Yuwenzhang’s heart tightened, and he unconsciously gripped Xie Zhixue’s wrist even harder.
"Hiss... Crown Prince."
His grip was strong, and Xie Zhixue felt as if her wrist were about to snap. Hearing her cry of pain, he abruptly let go. Yuwenzhang turned to look at her, enunciating each word clearly.
"Even now... you are still thinking of leaving?!"
Seeing his terrifying expression, as if he wanted to tear her apart and swallow her whole, how could Xie Zhixue dare to admit it?
"It is my good fortune to serve by the Crown Prince’s side. Furthermore, the Crown Prince is kind to his servants; tonight, you even specially requested a physician for Ping'an. I am profoundly grateful and hope only to serve you well. How could I possibly think of leaving?"
Xie Zhixue’s words were logical and well-reasoned, and they pleased Yuwenzhang immensely. Only then did he set aside his intimidating expression and nod in satisfaction.
"I only thought you and your son were pitiful. But having this mindset is good. For the next two days, stick to lighter tasks. Organize the chests in my study and ensure nothing inside gets out."
With his mood improved, Yuwenzhang naturally did not make things difficult for her. Moreover, he had specifically chosen to let Xie Zhixue organize the chests for a reason. Thinking of what was kept inside, a sense of anticipation grew within him. He refused to believe that Xie Zhixue didn't care about him at all!
Just then, Ping'an asked in confusion, "Mother, didn't you say..."
Before Ping'an could finish, Xie Zhixue lunged forward and covered his mouth.
"Ping'an, you are still sick. Let Mother lull you to sleep."
Hearing this, Ping'an’s eyes lit up. He nodded, and Xie Zhixue released her hand. She cradled him in her arms, humming a nursery rhyme. Exhausted by his illness, Ping'an fell asleep before long.
Yuwenzhang sat nearby watching Xie Zhixue, his gaze softening. His eyes swept past her and lingered on Ping'an’s face. Although the little brat had made him lose face today, he found him somewhat more agreeable now. He silently repeated the child's name in his heart:
"Ping'an."
At the first light of dawn, Xie Zhixue had kept watch by Ping'an’s side all night, and Yuwenzhang had stayed with her for half of it. It was not until Zhang Youqing arrived to remind him that Yuwenzhang finally washed up and headed off to court.
"Keep a close eye on her for me."
Before stepping out of the courtyard, Yuwenzhang paused. Recalling what Ping'an had said the previous night, he gave these instructions to Zhang Youqing, still feeling uneasy.
"Yes, the Crown Prince may rest assured."