Chapter 22

Xie Yan looked down at her, his throat bobbing.

His heavy gaze enveloped Jiang Yunchan. When she regained her senses, her eyes were fixed on the tangled, muscular power beneath his abdomen. A humming sound filled her head, and she leaned back, nearly falling.

Xie Yan bent over and steadied her arm. "What is it?"

"N-nothing," Jiang Yunchan said, her eyes flickering. "Just a little tired."

"It is my fault for letting you be exhausted last night, Jiaojiao." He helped her stand up, a cryptic smile flashing across his lips. "You should rest now. I must attend court, but this evening... we shall continue."

His low, magnetic breath brushed against Jiang Yunchan’s forehead. She held her breath, panicked. "Continue what?"

"Naturally, continuing to paint the Guanyin."

He remained unhurried. Seeing her exhale in relief, he added, "What did you think we were going to continue, little sister?"

"N-nothing at all!" Jiang Yunchan shook her head in a daze. "My Lord, hurry to court!"

She hurriedly helped him fasten his robes and saw him out. Afterwards, she returned to the side chamber, absent-minded, resting her chin on her hand and staring blankly out the window.

Xia Zhu brought over breakfast and waved a hand in front of Jiang Yunchan. "What are you thinking about, Miss?"

"Xia Zhu..." Jiang Yunchan’s lips parted.

Earlier, she had leaned in to sniff his official robe; it was indeed the "Peach Blossom Snow" scent she had concocted. That meant Xie Yan had certainly worn these robes while in contact with Gu Huaizhou. But if Xie Yan had met Gu Huaizhou, why had he not provided clues to the Dali Temple? Why had he not told her?

Or could it be... that from beginning to end, the abduction of Gu Huaizhou had everything to do with Xie Yan?

Jiang Yunchan was frightened by this absurd thought. Her cold fingertips gripped Xia Zhu’s hand. "Xia Zhu, tell me, can a perfectly good person do something truly wicked?"

Xia Zhu was baffled by this non-sequitur. She scratched her head and said, "Even the sages of old were not without faults; what does it mean to be 'perfectly good'?"

"What does it mean..." Jiang Yunchan could not answer that herself. Since ancient times, even the great Laozi and the Confucian sage Confucius would not dare claim their lives were without error or omission. Yet Xie Yan seemed so perfect, without the slightest flaw.

When she broke ties with him in her youth, she had assumed she could no longer stay in the Marquis's manor once Xie Yan rose to power. Yet, he treated her no differently than anyone else in the household—respectful, measured, and never mentioning the past. And now, even with her illicit affair with Huailang, he showed no reproach and even helped her escape from Xie Jin.

As a human being, could he truly be devoid of all resentment, greed, or obsession? Jiang Yunchan recalled that lingering scent and felt that such perfection was chilling. What kind of man was Xie Yan, really?

But these things were not important to her; the most urgent task was to figure out where that fragrance came from.

Jiang Yunchan looked out the window into the courtyard; unknowingly, it was sunset again. Old Lady Xu was leading five servants out of Xie Yan’s room, carrying his official robes and cap toward the laundry. Jiang Yunchan quickly grabbed two pieces of dirty clothing and followed, squatting by the well next to the woman in charge of washing the robes.

The woman saw Jiang Yunchan and immediately beamed, taking her dirty clothes. "Second Young Mistress, why are you doing this yourself? You’re shaming us!"

Jiang Yunchan, unaccustomed to the title, shook her head. "Please don’t call me that, it shames me as well."

"You are too modest, Second Young Mistress!" The woman’s eyes darted around, and she leaned in to whisper, "I heard from Old Lady Xu that in seven days, for the Young Master’s birthday banquet, he will officially tell the Crown Prince that he intends to take you as his wife."

Xie Yan’s feelings for the dancer were common knowledge, so it wasn't a surprise. For Jiang Yunchan, who was merely inhabiting another’s shell, it mattered even less. Her eyes were fixed solely on the official robe. Taking advantage of the laundry woman’s enthusiasm for gossip, she secretly poked a hole in the hem.

"Oh! Ma'am, look, how did the robe get torn?" Jiang Yunchan cried out in surprise. It was an official garment; it could not be taken lightly.

The commotion drew everyone’s attention. Old Lady Xu hurried over to hold the robe, smoothing out the tear. "How did this get torn?"

"I don't know! I was so careful, I wouldn't dare damage an official garment!" The laundry women knelt, kowtowing repeatedly. One of them slapped her forehead. "Didn't the Young Master go to the Apricot Blossom Garden five days ago? It must have been snagged on the plants there!"

The Apricot Blossom Garden, once the site of the Marquis's stage, was filled with rare and exotic flora. It flourished in all four seasons.

When the Crown Prince personally visited, he was full of praise and even bestowed three rare Southern Mansion Begonias. Since then, the place had become a sought-after destination for scholars and celebrities in the capital. Naturally, a house full of noble guests was beneficial to a man like Xie Yan navigating the official world. Yet, for some reason, since this month, Xie Yan had locked the garden gates, forbidding anyone from entering.

And coincidentally, it was during this same period that Gu Huaizhou had disappeared...

As Jiang Yunchan pondered this, a chill ran down her spine. Could it be that Huailang, whom the entire city could not find, was actually hidden inside the Apricot Blossom Garden?

Terrified by this thought, Jiang Yunchan snuck to the garden. It was indeed locked, with several guards keeping a mysterious watch, allowing no one near. Jiang Yunchan returned empty-handed, walking in a daze through the depths of the bamboo forest back to the Leisure Cloud Courtyard.

The moon hung in the sky, and the emerald bamboo swayed in the wind, casting intersecting shadows. The bamboo, which seemed noble during the day, now appeared like the fangs of a beast looming over her. The thick air was inexplicably tainted with the scent of blood, making it hard to breathe.

Jiang Yunchan was gripped by fear and quickened her pace back to the courtyard. Yet the cold from the bamboo forest followed her, like a vengeful ghost that would not dissipate. She clutched her chest, leaning against a peach tree, and took deep breaths.

"Where have you been, little sister?" A cool, spectral voice suddenly came from behind, breaking the stillness of the night.

Jiang Yunchan’s hair stood on end. She turned to see Xie Yan’s silhouette cast upon the window of the bedroom. The shadow was elongated and magnified, bringing a suffocating pressure.

Jiang Yunchan took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Just... just walking around."

"Come in," Xie Yan said flatly.

Jiang Yunchan remembered he had asked her to come to his room at night. She took a deep breath, her expression returning to normal. Pushing the door open, the room was dimly lit by candlelight. Xie Yan was hunched over his desk reading official documents, his face half-hidden in shadow.

"Sit for a while," Xie Yan didn't look up, merely gesturing with his hand.

Jiang Yunchan sat at the round table and sipped tea as instructed, but since her suspicions had taken root, she felt as if she were sitting on needles. Though Xie Yan wasn't looking at her, he sensed her agitation. While writing, he explained, "The eldest brother’s corruption and law-breaking have angered the Emperor. He was taken to the Dali Temple prison today, so I have more work than usual to handle."

Jiang Yunchan felt a surge of joy, but she masked it with a look of concern. "With the eldest brother imprisoned, the Young Master must be exhausted."

"If everyone were as disciplined as you, little sister—not letting their minds wander or acting recklessly—they wouldn't suffer." Xie Yan lifted his eyes, his deep gaze seemingly able to pierce through her body.

Jiang Yunchan always felt he was implying something. Did he know she had gone to the Apricot Blossom Garden? Her heart skipped a beat. Fortunately, she hadn't gone straight to the destination but had deliberately wandered through various courtyards to confuse anyone watching.

She couldn't show weakness. She brightened her expression and said, "I saw that every courtyard in the manor has new lanterns today; they are beautiful. I was so stunned I just stared! I suppose these are all in preparation for your birthday banquet, Young Master?"

"Indeed," Xie Yan replied calmly. Seeing Jiang Yunchan’s brows knit slightly, as if she had something to say, he asked, "Does my little sister have any suggestions?"

"I wouldn't dare call them suggestions!" Jiang Yunchan waved her hand. "It’s just that I saw the maids and servants in several places arguing over trifles. With so many noble guests coming for your birthday, we mustn't let it become a laughingstock."

"I have been ill and preoccupied lately, neglecting the management of the inner household. I apologize for the unsightly scene." Xie Yan pondered for a moment and nodded politely. "If you don't mind, would you be willing to take charge of my birthday banquet?"

"Me?" Jiang Yunchan paused, then nodded dumbly. "The Young Master has helped me so much; it is only right that I repay you. I dare not refuse. But please forgive me if I do not do a good job."

Jiang Yunchan lowered her head and curtsied. Xie Yan looked down at her, his calm eyes taking in every expression. It was clear that Jiang Yunchan had deliberately led him to hand over the management of the banquet. In all these years, she had never once initiated a discussion about his birthday. Today was truly strange!

However, Xie Yan did not intend to analyze her motives. He tapped the account book and the tally on the table. "Since you have the heart, that is for the best. Handle it all."

Jiang Yunchan was secretly delighted. If she organized the banquet, she would hold temporary authority over the inner household. This would give her the opportunity to investigate the Apricot Blossom Garden.

Jiang Yunchan stepped forward to take the tally, a plan already forming in her mind. "Does the Young Master have any requirements for the banquet location, the menu, or... the operas to be performed?"

"I have no special requests; I leave it to your judgment," Xie Yan said faintly.

"Since it is summer, I thought we could prepare more cold-pressed dishes and chilled fruits. As for the opera, 'The Birthday Celebration of the Shepherd' would be very fitting. As for the venue... let's use the Water-Gathering Pavilion! It is cool, and it's easy to set up a stage there."

The Water-Gathering Pavilion was separated from the Apricot Blossom Garden by only a single wall, and flower branches often peeked over. The Crown Prince loved flowers; if he saw ones he liked, he would surely want to view the Apricot Blossom Garden. When that happened, Xie Yan would be forced to open the gates.

As Jiang Yunchan thought this, her heart pounded in her throat, her hand clutching the tally tightly. Xie Yan didn't seem to overthink it. Seeing her attention to detail, he decided not to interfere further and handed her the keys to the storehouse.

"Do as you please, don't be constrained. If it turns out well, I will reward you handsomely. If not, it is only a few taels of silver lost, no matter."

"I will do my best!" Jiang Yunchan smiled and curtsied. Seeing a glimmer of hope, she prepared to leave with the tally and keys.

"Don't be in such a hurry, little sister!"

Xie Yan hadn't seen her this cheerful in days. His eyes softened, mirroring hers, as he asked, "Since it is my birthday, have you thought about what gift you will give me?"

Jiang Yunchan opened her mouth, unable to answer. She had only just learned of his birthday from the laundry woman; how could she know what to give him on such short notice? Besides, her pockets were empty.

Xie Yan saw through her embarrassment at a glance and smiled warmly. "The value is not in the gift itself. You know the palace is keeping a close watch on us; it would seem improper if you showed nothing for my birthday."

That was the truth! Old Lady Xu was monitoring her every move. Until she found Gu Huaizhou, she had to play the role of the dancer perfectly, without a single slip.

"Then what does the Young Master need?" Jiang Yunchan blurted out, then realized it was inappropriate—she might not be able to afford whatever he wanted. She quickly changed her tune. "Would a belt be acceptable?"

She reasoned that a belt wouldn't be too complicated to embroider and could be finished in seven days.

"That will do," Xie Yan said.

"May I ask, what is your waist measurement, Young Master?"

"I do not know."

"..." Jiang Yunchan choked, secretly regretting her decision. Xie Yan was a high-ranking noble; why would he need to know his own measurements? Naturally, whoever did the sewing would be the one to measure.

Since she had already spoken, there was no turning back. She steeled herself and said, "Then let me measure you."

"Thank you." Xie Yan nodded, stepped in front of the bronze mirror, and spread his arms.

Only then did Jiang Yunchan realize he was wearing a heavy cloak, hiding his waist. "Please, Young Master, remove your outer robe."

"Very well," he replied with the same composure.

Jiang Yunchan felt terribly awkward, kneeling slightly in front of him to measure his waist with her fingers. Starting from his abdomen, she moved her fingers span by span toward his back, until her arms were almost wrapped around his waist. The heat from his abdomen seeped through his undergarments; she could feel his warmth clearly.

Only then did she recall that, this morning, she had stripped him down to his undergarments. Every inch of his skin, every fluid line of his muscles had been laid bare before her. Her earlobes burned, and she stole a glance at him.

Xie Yan was staring straight ahead, his face without a ripple. He probably hadn't even cared about what happened this morning. Jiang Yunchan comforted herself, puffed out her cheeks, and exhaled softly.

She did not notice that Xie Yan’s calm gaze was fixed on the bronze mirror opposite him. He watched how she touched him, how she wrapped her arms around him, and how her cheek brushed against his waist. In the process, he was already sketching the next scene in his mind.

He liked the way she blushed before him... If it weren't for Gu Huaizhou’s appearance, he thought such a beautiful scene should have been played out every day.

Xie Yan felt a surge of emotion and stepped forward. Her lips brushed against his firm lower abdomen...