Compared to the forced learning of dance and music, Chan Zhen preferred reading. Unfortunately, her father believed that a woman’s lack of talent was a virtue, only teaching her to read, refusing to let her learn anything more. This was a constant regret for Chan Zhen. 

The lingering melody filled the room, adding a touch of ambiguity to the quiet night. Chan Zhen came to her senses, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks.

Was it too bold, too shameless, to play this piece for His Majesty? It was as if she was eagerly offering herself. At the same time, she noticed His Majesty’s gaze becoming increasingly intense, the air growing heavy.

Tiny beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, sliding down her cheeks like a weeping beauty. 

Why was His Majesty staring at me? Chan Zhen’s heart pounded so hard that the sound almost drowned out the pipa. Suddenly, with a “zheng,” Chan Zhen’s hand trembled, a discordant note instantly breaking the heated atmosphere. 

Chan Zhen’s face went pale, her body turning cold. Before she could think, she instinctively knelt down heavily. 

“This servant has erred. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!” 

She knelt on the ground, staring at the floor, as if losing all consciousness. Her mind went blank, fear causing her whole body to tremble. Tears uncontrollably streamed from her eyes. 

After what seemed like a long time, a tall figure approached, overshadowing her. 

“What is the name of the piece you played?” 

Chan Zhen blinked blankly, tears falling to the ground. She opened her mouth and heard her dry voice reply: 

“Your Majesty, it is ‘Bai Tou Yin.’” 

“‘Bai Tou Yin’?” She heard His Majesty’s amused voice. Then a hand cupped her chin, forcing her to look up, “So, Chan Zhen, by playing this piece for me, you wish to grow old with me?” 

“Chan Zhen, by playing this piece for me, you wish to grow old with me?” 

Chan Zhen timidly raised her tearful eyes, forced to meet His Majesty’s gaze. She realized His Majesty was much younger than she imagined, appearing to be only in his early thirties, his features more handsome than any man she had ever seen. However, His Majesty’s aura was overwhelming, his eyes somewhat stern, making her initially intimidated. 

“Your Majesty…” Chan Zhen’s voice trembled. She didn’t know how to respond. She was just a servant girl. She dared not even think, let alone say, such a thing as growing old with His Majesty. 

As if sensing her fear, the grip on her chin tightened. Chan Zhen felt wronged and afraid, blinking, and tears rolled down her cheeks. 

In the flickering candlelight, the tears seemed exceptionally clear and bright, making her even more pitiful. 

The grip on her chin suddenly loosened. Chan Zhen saw His Majesty withdraw his hand, his body seeming to sway slightly, though it might have been her imagination. His Majesty remained tall and straight, never to be crushed by anything. Chan Zhen remained in her position, biting her lip to prevent more tears from falling, pitifully not daring to breathe. 

Suddenly, His Majesty raised his hand and touched her eyes. Chan Zhen’s breath hitched; she felt a coolness and a slight itchiness at the corner of her eye. But His Majesty simply wiped away her tears with his thumb. Chan Zhen, bewildered, stared at him. 

His Majesty stared at the remaining tears on his fingertip, his expression unreadable. However, Chan Zhen felt the pressure on her lessen, and the stagnant air in the room seemed to flow again, no longer suffocating. 

“I…” His Majesty finally spoke, but hesitantly, “I am not a cruel monster. Don’t be afraid of me.” 

His voice was so soft, as if afraid of scaring her again. 

“Your Majesty…” Chan Zhen murmured. How could she not be afraid? Standing before her was His Majesty, the most powerful man in the world, who could send her to hell with a single word. How many people could say they weren’t afraid of him? 

“Rise and answer,” His Majesty shook his head, his voice gentler than before. 

Chan Zhen felt slightly reassured. It seemed His Majesty wasn’t going to punish her for her earlier misconduct. Remembering her training, she first bowed to thank him, “This servant thanks Your Majesty.” Seeing His Majesty’s expression unchanged, she slowly rose, but due to the fright, she had knelt heavily, her knees now aching and numb. As she moved, she swayed to the side. 

Instead of falling, she bumped into something soft. Chan Zhen cautiously looked up, meeting His Majesty’s gaze. He seemed anxious and concerned, his lips pressed tightly together. Before Chan Zhen could react, she heard him shout, “Quickly, summon the imperial physician!” 

Chan Zhen, rarely receiving such concern, felt her fear lessen. It seemed His Majesty did have some interest in her. She cautiously leaned closer, gently tugging at his clothes, whispering, “Your Majesty, I’m fine.” 

The next moment, she felt herself lifted into the air, startling her. Her hands instinctively wrapped around His Majesty’s neck. 

His Majesty held her, his movements still relaxed and steady. Chan Zhen pressed against his chest, feeling the vibrations of his voice. 

“Let the imperial physician examine you. Then I’ll be at ease.” 

Chan Zhen thought, what have I done to deserve the attention of the imperial physician? But since His Majesty had spoken, she dared not object. 

His Majesty placed her on the bed and gently removed her shoes and socks, his movements as delicate as if he were holding a paper flower. 

He frowned, staring at Chan Zhen curled up on the bed. Before she could react, he lifted the hem of her dress. 

Chan Zhen’s face turned pale, instinctively trying to resist, but His Majesty easily pressed her down with one hand, softly reprimanding, “Don’t move.” Then, as if realizing his tone was too serious, he softened it, “Don’t move. Let me see your leg.”