Chapter 11 — Concubine: I’d Better Not Disturb You

The carriage sped along and soon arrived at the Prince Regent’s Residence.

Shen Xingwan lifted the carriage curtain, looking at the towering, solemn main gate. She hesitated, debating whether to just leave the gifts here and head back to her manor.

But recalling Madam Shen’s urging, she knew she wouldn’t be able to explain herself if she really did that.

Clutching the small token she had been fiddling with the entire journey, she finally steeled herself, gritted her teeth, and alighted from the carriage.

“Miss Shen, you’ve arrived.”

The main gate of the Prince Regent’s Residence stood wide open. Unlike last time when she was met with a closed door, the steward hurried out to greet her, cupping his hands with a smile. “His Highness has instructed that if you come, there’s no need to announce it. Please, come in.”

Shen Xingwan was momentarily stunned.

This was the Prince Regent’s Residence—such an important place where even approaching without a formal visiting card was impossible. Yet, towards her, there seemed to be no defenses at all.

She pressed her lips together and asked, “I heard His Highness was ambushed and injured. Is it serious?”

“Injured?”

The steward’s smile froze for a brief moment, but then grew even warmer as he gestured invitingly. “You’ll know once you see for yourself.”

Shen Xingwan nodded and instructed Feiyun to tally the gifts, then followed the steward into the residence.

The steward led her all the way to the entrance of Yan Jinghuan’s study, and whispered, “Please go in, I still have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

She was about to decline, but the steward respectfully cupped his hands and turned away.

Outside the study, there wasn’t even a single guard on duty. No one was there to announce her presence.

Left with no choice, Shen Xingwan took a deep breath and gently pushed open the door.

The outer room was empty, filled with the faint scent of cold pine that was unique to him. Shen Xingwan, afraid of disturbing him, lightened her steps and slowly walked towards the inner chamber.

Turning past the lowered curtain, Yan Jinghuan’s figure gradually came into view.

He wore a dark blue regular robe, sitting before his desk, brows furrowed as he read a letter in his hand.

Sunlight streamed through the lattice window, casting light directly on his sharp brows and eyes, revealing a faint trace of weariness in his gaze.

Beside the rosewood desk stood a stunningly beautiful maid, dressed in a fresh bud-green outfit. With slender shoulders and a narrow waist, her fair hands were carefully grinding ink at the inkstone.

…I’d better not disturb him.

Shen Xingwan clicked her tongue softly, an inexplicable guilt welling up. She slowly retreated, intending to slip away quietly.

But Yan Jinghuan’s eyelids lifted slightly. He folded the letter and set it aside, his gaze landing on the rustling movement behind the curtain.

“Come here.”

“…” Shen Xingwan froze, closed her eyes briefly, and had no choice but to turn around with a smile. “I heard you were injured, so I came to check on you.”

Leaning back in his chair, Yan Jinghuan gazed at her from a distance, the floating ice in his clear eyes slowly melting, faintly tinged with a smile.

“Standing so far away, can you see clearly? Come closer.”

She awkwardly glanced at the maid grinding ink. “I’d better not disturb you and your fragrant sleeves. I’ll head back now.”

Yan Jinghuan’s long eyes lifted slightly, the smile in his eyes deepening.

With a casual wave of his hand, the maid beside him set down the ink stick, curtsied gracefully, and withdrew.

Shen Xingwan wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she seemed to catch the maid shooting her a disdainful glare as she passed by.

Feeling a bit baffled, Shen Xingwan wanted to take a closer look, but the maid had already shut the door and left.

She had other concerns and couldn’t be bothered to dwell on it. Taking a deep breath, she walked over to Yan Jinghuan. After inquiring about his health, she intended to leave promptly.

Standing by his side, she looked him over carefully. Seeing his rosy complexion, no missing limbs, and generally healthy appearance, she couldn’t help but ask, “You’re not injured at all?”

Yan Jinghuan raised an eyebrow, his gaze resting on her. “Are you disappointed that I’m not?”

Flustered, Shen Xingwan immediately blushed under his stare. “If you’re fine, that’s even better. Then… then I’ll take my leave.”

Having said that, she turned to leave in a hurry, but Yan Jinghuan reached out and easily grabbed her wrist, pulling her back in front of him.

Shen Xingwan gasped softly and was about to struggle when he pressed her hand against his chest, furrowing his brows and letting out a muffled groan. “It’s injured here.”

“Does it hurt badly?” Shen Xingwan thought she had pressed too hard and, worried, immediately reached to open his robe to check. But inadvertently, she caught a glimpse of the hidden amusement in his eyes and instantly realized he was teasing her.

Her face flushed hot, Shen Xingwan, now both embarrassed and angry, yanked her hand back and glared at him fiercely before turning to flee.

This Yan Jinghuan, the dignified Prince Regent, was once known for his aloofness and disinterest in women. How had he suddenly turned into such a shameless flirt?

Even though it was broad daylight, they were alone in this study—just a man and a woman. She dared not stay a moment longer. Sprinting to the door, she flung it open and dashed out, determined to return home immediately.

Shen Xingwan jogged away, and only when she noticed he hadn’t followed her did she slow down and composed herself.

But as she adjusted her clothing, she suddenly realized that the Prince Regent’s Residence was absurdly large. She had run so fast earlier, paying no attention to the path, and now had no idea where she was.

Glancing around, she tried walking forward, but the courtyards seemed endless, each one connected to the next, making her increasingly confused.

“Elder Sister Qing, don’t be upset. Her Ladyship dotes on you so much, she’ll surely stand up for you.”

“That’s right, Elder Sister Qing. Your position beside His Highness is clear for all to see. No one can surpass you…”

Shen Xingwan’s ears caught voices from behind a nearby wall. Though she disliked eavesdropping on gossip, she was genuinely lost and could only approach, intending to ask for directions.

“Elder Sister Qing, do you have any instructions from Her Majesty this time? If His Highness really marries that Shen family lady and she becomes the Princess Consort, what will happen to the noble daughters of Yan Kingdom who were originally intended?”

“Exactly. Elder Sister Qing, you’ve been traveling between Yan and Wei for years, delivering letters for the Empress. Her Majesty had long promised that once His Highness took a consort, you would be promoted to concubine. Now with this commotion, will that promise still hold?”

“Enough! I don’t know either.”

A delicate voice softly scolded, followed by a sigh laden with grievance. “Of course Her Majesty won’t approve of this marriage. But just now, His Highness read Her Majesty’s letter and gave no response. I can’t figure out his intentions either.”

Each word fell clearly into Shen Xingwan’s ears, making it inappropriate for her to continue forward.

Yet, the chatter of the maids grew even louder, seemingly voicing more grievances on behalf of this so-called Elder Sister Qing.

“Really, I don’t understand what His Highness is thinking. That Shen lady might be a noble daughter of Wei, but Wei is just a vassal state to Yan. How could she compare to our Yan noble daughters in status?”

“Exactly. I heard that woman even rejected His Highness’s courtship before, leaving him despondent for quite a while. How ungrateful. Who knows what His Highness sees in her, to defy the Empress and insist on marrying her

Shen Xingwan truly couldn’t bear to listen any longer, nor was she interested in these secret affairs.

If Yan Jinghuan truly had someone else in mind, she would naturally step aside and make way for the more deserving. She would never make things difficult for him.

She had no desire to stay any further. Turning around, she bypassed the courtyard wall and appeared before the three people.

The three behind the wall were startled. One of the young maids, dressed particularly lavishly, obviously held a higher status. She immediately frowned and reprimanded, “Who are you? How did you get in here?”

That maid named Qing’er looked up and recognized her but merely curled her lips in disdain without saying anything.

Another little maid, seeing Shen Xingwan’s luxurious attire, tugged at the sleeve of the favored maid and asked Shen Xingwan, “You look like a noble lady from an esteemed family, but we haven’t heard of any visiting lady today. Who exactly are you? If you’re here scheming to get close to His Highness, don’t blame us for throwing you out.”

Shen Xingwan touched the tip of her nose and said lightly, “I might just be the Shen Lady you’re speaking of.”

The little maid’s face turned ashen in shock, and she immediately glanced at the more favored maid. That maid, too, faltered, her confidence crumbling as she panicked and reached to tug Qing’er’s sleeve.

Qing’er frowned, clicked her tongue impatiently, and sneered, “Look at you lot, such cowards. What’s there to be so afraid of? Whether or not she can marry in is still uncertain.”

Only then did the favored maid regain a semblance of composure, bracing herself and echoing, “That’s right. Her Highness does not approve. It’s not yet decided…”

“Enough!”

Suddenly, a stern shout interrupted. Shen Xingwan saw the steward hastily running over, lifting his robe to avoid tripping.

Sweat beaded on the steward’s forehead, showing how hurriedly he had come. “Miss Shen may enter and leave the Prince’s Manor freely without needing to announce herself. Mind your manners!”

Shen Xingwan was just about to speak when she noticed Yan Jinghuan had somehow appeared nearby, his cold gaze sweeping across the crowd.

“Your Highness!”

The maids immediately collapsed to their knees, their legs weak and trembling uncontrollably.

“You’ve truly gotten better at your duties.”

Yan Jinghuan sneered coldly, lowering his gaze to the steward. “Is this how you manage things under your charge?”

The steward prostrated himself on the ground, his forehead knocking against the floor. “This servant failed in discipline. I beg Your Highness for punishment.”

Yan Jinghuan regarded him icily.

“Those two, execute them. As for Yu Qing, send her back to Yan Country. She is never to return.”

With that, he spared them no further glance, instead turning to grasp Shen Xingwan’s hand, his tone softening, “I’ll escort you back.”

Behind them, desperate cries for mercy echoed mournfully. Shen Xingwan caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye of guards dragging the maids away, their mouths covered.

She parted her lips, wanting to speak up, but upon seeing Yan Jinghuan’s displeased expression, she ultimately refrained.

He was tall, his strides long, so much so that Shen Xingwan had to nearly jog to barely keep up with him as he pulled her along.

Noticing this, Yan Jinghuan tightened his hold on her hand and slowed his pace.

Only then did Shen Xingwan have a moment of respite. She couldn’t help but probe tentatively, “If there is someone else you wish to marry, I also…”

Yan Jinghuan turned his head to look at her. The young lady had been hurried along so briskly her face was flushed, breath slightly labored, her wide eyes earnestly gazing at him.

“There is no one else,” he said.

“Yu Qing is a personal maid of my mother, the Empress Dowager. I have never touched her.”

“…There’s no need for Your Highness to tell me such things.” Shen Xingwan blushed, her gaze beginning to flit away in embarrassment.

Yan Jinghuan came to a halt, lowering his gaze to her. His eyes were clear but searing.

“I want to tell you.”

“Oh.”

Shen Xingwan’s face turned as red as a cooked river prawn, heat rising from her neck, as if she might be steamed through entirely.

His gaze seemed almost tangible, scorching her to the point where she could barely stand. She struggled slightly, attempting to withdraw her hand, but he only held her tighter.

Seeing her so shy and flustered, a faint smile curved Yan Jinghuan’s lips. He said no more, merely keeping hold of her hand as he led her toward the manor gate.

When they reached Shen Xingwan’s carriage, Yan Jinghuan finally spoke again.

“I was indeed ambushed yesterday,” he said softly. Noting how she immediately looked up at him, concern evident in her expression, he smiled faintly. “But it was nothing serious. No need to worry.”

“I still have many matters to investigate and resolve. I may not have much time to accompany you.”

As he spoke, Yan Jinghuan raised his hand, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

His cool fingertips brushed against her cheek, making her shrink back slightly, unable to help herself.

Yan Jinghuan saw this and his gaze softened even more.

“There’s no need for doubts. Just focus on preparing for the wedding.”

A sudden gust of wind swept by, scattering fallen leaves in its wake.

Yan Jinghuan stood firmly against the wind, his tall figure shielding Shen Xingwan completely. Not a single breath of cold air reached her.

A ripple stirred in Shen Xingwan’s heart. Lowering her gaze, she curtseyed, then turned to step into the carriage.

The carriage wheels rolled swiftly along the broad streets. Though the road was smooth, Shen Xingwan felt oddly jostled.

Jostled so much, in fact, that her heart thumped wildly, refusing to settle for a long time.