Chapter 005: Throwing Herself into His Arms

Arriving at the Regency Prince’s study, Wenyuan Pavilion, it was indeed empty.

Mu Shengsheng did not rush and quietly waited under the eaves outside the door.

Xuanji, after failing to persuade her otherwise, simply brought a chair for her to sit on, draped her in a cloak, and prepared tea and snacks.

By the time Lan Xun returned from the palace, it was nearing evening.

He had just returned and had not changed out of his court attire—a dark purple dragon-embroidered robe, with a Tongtian crown atop his head. His posture was upright as a pine, imposing and majestic, radiating an innate dignity and cold pride.

Yesterday, in the dim light and at close distance, Mu Shengsheng had only felt his gaze intense. Today, at a distance, she realized that wherever he stood, he seemed like an insurmountable peak—his eyes piercing, his aura chilling, commanding respect without a word.

Naturally, Mu Shengsheng feared him, but to survive, she had no choice.

Summoning her courage, she approached with a bright smile and bowed, “Your servant Mu Shengsheng pays respects to the Regency Prince.”

Today, her face was bare, slightly pale. While not as dazzling as the bridal attire she wore yesterday, her frail beauty was accentuated by her illness. Her skin was like fine jade, her cheeks like peach petals, her slender waist soft and delicate, weak yet captivating in its own way.

Recalling the icy water from last night’s bath, Lan Xun immediately looked away, asking coldly, “Why are you here? Didn’t I already have someone deliver the book?”

Earlier that morning, before entering the palace, Lan Xun had already sent the book she was to copy.

But if Mu Shengsheng had simply copied it obediently at home, how could she get close to him?

She had already prepared a plausible excuse, saying, “Your Highness, your copy of the Qing Nang Classic is ancient and difficult to decipher. Mu Shengsheng does not dare write recklessly, so I have come to seek your guidance.”

Being confined and ill, she had read many books at home, and had heard of the Qing Nang Classic, a legendary and rare tome, thought lost to time. She never expected it to be in Lan Xun’s possession.

Lan Xun entered first and sat by the desk.

Mu Shengsheng carefully held the ancient book and placed it in front of him. “I heard this Qing Nang Classic has long been lost, yet a copy remains in Your Highness’s hands. I am fortunate to witness it.”

Lan Xun focused on the topic and asked, “Which parts do you not understand?”

Mu Shengsheng, having skimmed the book earlier, pointed out several unclear passages. Lan Xun explained them one by one.

Though he tried to keep his gaze on the book, he could not avoid noticing her delicate, jade-like fingers moving across the pages.

Mu Shengsheng bent slightly, swaying her hips, standing at his side, her fingertips gliding over the ancient paper. The warmth and softness of her body brushed lightly against his arm, whether intentionally or not.

His mind drifted from the book. His breathing grew hotter.

Mu Shengsheng, the culprit, remained oblivious, secretly delighted. Leaning against him energized her, making her feel revitalized.

Next, according to her plan, she only needed to feign dizziness and collapse into Lan Xun’s arms to extend her remaining life days.

She pressed her hand to her forehead, swayed, and leaned toward him, murmuring, “Ah… I feel dizzy…”

In an instant, she was in his arms, sitting on his lap, her head resting against his chest.

Even through clothing, she could smell his faint sandalwood scent and feel the heat of his body, which seemed to radiate inexhaustible energy. This energy transferred to her, increasing her remaining life by one day.

It was perfect!

Mu Shengsheng secretly rejoiced, wondering why it sometimes worked and sometimes did not—perhaps it only took effect once per day.

Lan Xun wanted to avoid her, but it was too late.

He had never liked physical contact, and in just two days, she had already fallen into his arms three times. Intentional or not, she had breached his defenses.

Frowning, Lan Xun twisted her off him, suppressing his anger. “If you feel unwell, go rest. Copying the book can wait.”

Mu Shengsheng had another purpose in coming today.

Feigning dizziness, she complained slightly, “This guest room is too remote, and I am weak. The journey here in the wind made me unwell. If I could stay closer, any questions could be asked without such trouble.”

Clearly, she was hinting to have Lan Xun move her to a nearer residence.

Lan Xun merely wanted to get her out of his sight before she did something else. He called to Xuanji, “Move Miss Mu’s belongings to the nearby Lingxi Courtyard.”

Xuanji was slightly surprised. By past experience, a woman offending the prince would normally be thrown out in anger. Why was he not only unperturbed but agreed to move her? This Miss Mu was indeed extraordinary.

Mu Shengsheng smiled with delight, bowing slightly. “Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness.”

Xuanji escorted her in a sedan chair from Wenyuan Pavilion to Lingxi Courtyard.

The Lingxi Courtyard was many times larger than her previous guest room, with pavilions, rockeries, and a fish pond, surrounded by exotic flowers and plants. Inside the main building, carved beams and gilded decorations surpassed even the Xuanwu Marquis’ boudoir.

She was satisfied, especially knowing Lan Xun’s residence was next door, giving her easy access.

That night, carrying a pot of calming tea, Mu Shengsheng knocked again on Lan Xun’s door.

She needed to test her theory.

“Enter,” the man’s voice was low, magnetic, and pleasant to hear.

Pushing the door open, she saw that the Regency Prince’s bedroom was not extravagant, only elegant and simple. Candles burned steadily on the desk, incense curled from a bronze censer, and stacks of memorials lay neatly beside it.

Lan Xun had changed into casual attire, sitting formally at the desk. Seeing her enter, he paused his work and looked up.

Clearly impatient, he asked, “What is it this time?”

Mu Shengsheng bowed slightly, smiling, “Your Highness, with your countless duties, Mu Shengsheng brewed a pot of calming tea for you. Please accept it.”

She poured the tea into a cup and handed it to him, flattering him politely.

Lan Xun narrowed his eyes, a trace of cold flickering in them.

Grabbing her wrist, he asked sharply, “Mu Shengsheng, you were to stay in the mansion only three days. Yet again, you approach me repeatedly. What is your game? I have tolerated you for long—do you take me for a fool?”

His grip was strong, almost breaking her arm. The cup fell to the ground.

Mu Shengsheng’s delicate brows furrowed. “Your Highness, you hurt me.”

She tried to pull away, but Lan Xun held her closer, staring into her eyes, warning, “I have said before I am not interested. Behave yourself and know your place. Do not entertain any improper thoughts, or you will face my wrath.”

Stammering, she explained, “Your Highness, you misunderstand. I am merely grateful for your shelter and wish to help where I can. I am not trying to seduce you.”

Lan Xun snorted coldly. “Is that not seduction? Then what is?”

Mu Shengsheng, bored in her spare time, had read stories about how women tempted men.

“Do you wish to know? Then let me show you what real seduction is…”

Blushing, with youthful shyness, her fingertips like orchids, she slowly loosened her sash. The cloak slipped down, followed by her outer robe…