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After a brief conversation with Wu You, which lasted no longer than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he stood up and took his leave.
Li Yunli rose from the main seat and watched him step out the door.
This man carried an air of mystery, his reputation shrouded in enigma. Though he had stated his stance clearly, he never truly attempted to establish deep ties. His demeanor made him difficult to read.
Yet, his abilities were undeniable—beyond the bounds of common sense.
Fortunately, for now, he did not seem to be an enemy.
Once he was gone, Li Yunli stood in place for a moment, feeling an emptiness in her stomach, and ordered breakfast.
After a moment’s thought, she also requested a serving be sent to Hanmei Residence.
It had been a while since she left; Yun Chu should be awake by now.
These past few days had worn him down with worry. Perhaps last night’s conversation had finally eased the burden in his heart, allowing him to sleep so soundly.
As Li Yunli walked back, she contemplated discussing Prince Changling’s betrayal over breakfast.
Although the court had generals, most remained in wait, deferring to her decision.
However, just as she reached Hanmei Residence and stepped inside, she was met with the sight of Yun Chu looking panic-stricken. His gaze lifted toward her, full of helplessness.
Seated on the bed, he looked utterly lost.
It was as if he had been startled awake by something in his sleep, only to find himself alone, which left him disoriented and alarmed.
Li Yunli furrowed her brow slightly. The next moment, Yun Chu’s eyes brightened for an instant, and he quickly got up. Yet, he moved cautiously, as if fearing that his presence might displease her.
“Your Highness,” he murmured softly.
Li Yunli felt as if something inside her heart had been gently kneaded.
But Yun Chu swiftly masked his previous expression, as if that fleeting vulnerability had never surfaced.
He took two steps closer and knelt.
“I overslept and did not know Your Highness had already risen. I have been discourteous.”
Li Yunli gazed at him calmly, speaking in an unreadable tone. “Rise. It’s nothing. I was simply called away for an urgent matter. If you haven’t had enough rest, you may go back to sleep.”
Yun Chu shook his head.
“Then come and eat. I’ve had breakfast prepared.”
With that, she left the space to him and turned toward the dining table.
After everything that had happened, things were undeniably different from before.
Previously, when she had no recollection of the past, he had held all the knowledge of what was to come. Yet, instead of revealing anything, he played ignorant, always sticking close the moment she showed the slightest favor.
But now, he seemed hesitant, treating her with an even deeper reverence.
Li Yunli did not look back, merely closing her eyes and listening to him carefully tie up his hair, then walking slowly toward her.
She held her breath, hearing his cautious footsteps stop beside her, yet he did not take a seat.
Opening her eyes, she saw his slender fingers pick up a pair of silver chopsticks, lifting a piece of lotus jelly and placing it on the plate beside her.
Standing in wait, serving her meal.
Li Yunli took a deep breath.
She had a poor memory and couldn’t recall when this had become a habit—but he was far too practiced at it.
Wasn’t this the job of a personal maid?!
“Sit. I don’t need anyone serving me during meals.”
She kept her voice even.
Seeing him unmoving, she looked up at him again and repeated, more firmly, “Sit.”
Yun Chu hesitated before placing the chopsticks down and choosing a seat lower down the table.
Li Yunli felt suffocated before she had even begun eating.
Wasn’t he always seated closest to her during meals? What was the meaning of choosing a lower position now?
The lower he placed himself, the more uneasy she felt. Underneath that discomfort, irritation simmered.
She did not act out, simply picking up her chopsticks and eating a piece of rice cake.
But this strange discomfort only became more apparent as the day wore on.
First, after breakfast, Yun Chu approached to help remove her outer robe. Then, when she entered the study, he knelt before her desk to grind ink for her. When some ink splattered onto her shoes, he immediately bent down to change them for her—his humility reaching a degree that made her not want to look.
She had remained silent, yet her indifferent attitude must have been clear to him.
Whenever they were alone, she dismissed the servants, yet he took it upon himself to assume their duties.
She wanted to see—just what was he trying to do? Where was he placing himself in all this?
Then, as she reached for the ink brush, she let out a slight cough, shifting her hand. Yun Chu, attempting to step aside, knocked into a cup, spilling tea over the table and soaking the paper.
Li Yunli frowned slightly.
With a sudden thud, Yun Chu dropped to his knees, looking as if he had just committed a grave offense.
Lowering his head, he opened his mouth to admit his mistake.
“Rise,” Li Yunli sighed.
She had lost count of how many times she had said this today.
Yun Chu spoke with difficulty. “I… was careless just now. I made a mistake…”
His last words were barely above a whisper, but the moment they left his lips, Li Yunli’s gaze turned ice-cold.
“Not getting up?” Her pupils held no warmth.
“Then kneel properly.”
The tense atmosphere that had stretched throughout the day plummeted to an icy stillness.
Yun Chu lowered his head, suppressing the turbulent emotions in his eyes.
He pulled his knees together and knelt straight.
“This posture—who are you putting on a show for? Lift your head. Kneel straight!”
Li Yunli’s patience had reached its limit. She nearly grabbed his chin to force his head up.
Fortunately, Yun Chu raised his gaze.
—Yet, he still did not meet her eyes.
Li Yunli scoffed coldly and reached for the heavy sandalwood paperweight on the desk.
“Hand.” She ordered ruthlessly, eyeing his tightly clenched fingers. “Stretch it out.”
Yun Chu’s expression momentarily went blank, as if he hadn’t understood the command.
Finally, he looked at Li Yunli. Seeing her unyielding expression and the paperweight in her hand, a flicker of self-reproach crossed his eyes.
He hesitated, then slowly stretched out both hands, palms up.
Smack!
Before he could raise them higher, Li Yunli swung the paperweight down, striking hard across both palms.
Yun Chu flinched, caught off guard by the pain, his fingers instinctively curling inward.
“Straighten them!”
Her voice was low.
Yun Chu’s fingers trembled. He looked at her, hesitated, then carefully flattened his hands again.
His palms were already deeply red.
Smack!
Another strike!
He bit down on the pain.
Li Yunli’s expression remained cold.
“Again.”
The sandalwood paperweight was heavy—far harsher than a simple ruler.
Yun Chu had endured punishment before. He had been beaten unjustly. But never had she personally laid a hand on him.
This was the first time.
A sharp breath, his hands trembling.
Even though it was just a few strikes to the palms, it felt more unbearable than days of flogging.
He obediently flattened his hands once more.
Li Yunli grasped his fingertips and swung down again, unrelenting.
Yun Chu gritted his teeth, his forehead nearly breaking into sweat.
“Are you shrinking away?”
Her gaze swept over his trembling fingers, catching how his sleeve barely concealed his palm.
“I… dare not.”
His heart chilled.
Once, after she returned from Yongzhou, she had been distant, harsh. But even then, she had never struck him.
Yet now, they had returned to that past.
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