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After all, she was just a young girl, and she had never heard such straightforward words before. Mu Shengsheng immediately blushed, flustered and unsure what to do.
The man’s words carried a clear threat, spoken in a gentle tone. For some reason, though, they made her think of those pictures. Mu Shengsheng felt a tingling softness from head to toe, her body heating up, and she weakly leaned closer to him.
As she drew near, she felt the hot breath from the man blow against her ear, scorching enough to make her mind go blank. Flustered, she tried to break free from his arms to stand, but her legs weakened and she collapsed back into the seat.
Mu Shengsheng hurriedly changed the subject. “Your Highness, is there any news from my father?”
Seeing her entire face—and even her ears—flush pink, Lan Xun couldn’t help but be amused. He had thought she was more composed, but in reality, she knew nothing—a paper tiger.
Just teasing her a little had already made her shy; if he actually did something more, who knew what expression she would wear.
After all, bedridden all her life, she probably had seen very few men outside, and naturally didn’t know much about true male-female relations. Those flashy moves she had learned were probably from some improper books she accidentally read.
Lan Xun pressed his palm hard, the pain grounding his thoughts a little; otherwise, he wouldn’t know what he might do to her if he lost control.
If things really went like in the dream, her fragile body would likely be completely ruined.
He replied, “There’s already some progress. Rest assured and take care of yourself. When your body recovers, he will be happy to see you.”
Yes, once her father saw that she was still alive, he would certainly be relieved!
Mu Shengsheng was secretly delighted and began looking forward to the day she would reunite with her father.
Lan Xun asked, “Have you taken the medicine sent by Doctor Luo?”
Although Doctor Luo had not yet prepared the elixir, he had sent other medicines to help Mu Shengsheng reduce pain and sleep more peacefully.
“I’ve already taken them.”
Lan Xun nodded. “You may go rest for now. I still have some unfinished work.”
Mu Shengsheng nodded obediently and withdrew. As she stepped out of the room, she sneaked a glance back at him while closing the door.
Unexpectedly, Lan Xun also looked up at that moment, and their eyes met. Recalling what had just happened in the room, Mu Shengsheng quickly shut the door, almost fleeing, and returned to the Lingxi Courtyard with Zisu.
Even after leaving the study, Mu Shengsheng’s heart still raced. The cold wind brushed her face, finally dispelling the strange heat within her.
Earlier, when she had been in contact with the man, she hadn’t felt anything unusual—so why did today feel so different?
On the way, Zisu supported Mu Shengsheng and couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, you and the Regency Prince… what is…”
What kind of relationship?
Mu Shengsheng thought for a moment and gave the most reasonable answer: “I admire him.”
Zisu broke into a cold sweat. “Miss, that’s absolutely not allowed! The Regency Prince is twenty-four, eight years older than you. Besides, he and your father are colleagues. By protocol, you could even call him ‘uncle’!”
Zisu’s point was clear: the Regency Prince was too old for her.
If she hadn’t reminded her, Mu Shengsheng would have almost forgotten that Lan Xun was eight years older.
Considering that Mu Shengsheng was the same age as the current emperor, and the emperor called Lan Xun ‘Imperial Uncle,’ she could indeed address him as uncle.
Lowering her voice, Zisu continued earnestly, “Moreover, Miss, your father has always held strong opinions about the Regency Prince. He would never agree to this. You’d better abandon the idea early!”
Mu Shengsheng was unconcerned. “The Regency Prince saved my life multiple times. Thanks to him finding the divine doctor, I am still alive today. If Father knew, he would surely view him differently.”
Moreover, only Lan Xun could help her extend her life. If Father knew, he would definitely permit her to be with him.
Her father’s greatest wish was for her to be cured and live well.
Zisu held her forehead, exasperated. “Miss, you don’t really mean you want to marry the Regency Prince, do you? The position of the Regency Princess is not easy—few can bear it. With your weak body, how could you withstand their scrutiny…”
She only caught the words “marry the Regency Prince.”
Mu Shengsheng suddenly understood. Yes, it would be wonderful if she could marry Lan Xun!
If she could sleep in the same bed with him daily, she could secretly kiss him while he slept and easily extend her life—no more struggling as she does now.
But how could she bring herself to ask Lan Xun?
With her frail body… surely he would never agree to marry her.
Mu Shengsheng sat quietly, embroidering in her room.
Two days later, after several days of stitching, the mandarin duck pouches were finally complete. Though not as perfect as professional embroidery, they were carefully made with her heart and soul, and she had tucked some soothing, calming herbs inside small gauze bags.
Looking at her handiwork, Mu Shengsheng was pleased. She carefully packed them in her sleeve, waiting for the chance to present them to Lan Xun.
After an hour of sitting, she was already sore and dizzy.
Looking out the window, the sun was warm, the weather perfect.
She stood and instructed Zisu, “The chrysanthemums in the Suo Garden should be blooming. Let’s go see them.”
Zisu had never visited Suo Garden, but Mu Shengsheng had stayed at the Regency Prince’s mansion for ten days. Whenever she grew bored, she wandered through the garden, which was beautifully designed with artificial hills, lakes, pavilions, and waterside halls. Now, in autumn, many rare chrysanthemums had bloomed, and she had longed to see them in full bloom.
Zisu asked, “Shall we go by sedan chair?”
Mu Shengsheng shook her head. “No need. It’s not far; we can take our time.”
Zisu supported Mu Shengsheng as they left the Lingxi Courtyard and headed for Suo Garden.
After two days of rain, the skies had cleared.
The chrysanthemums planted days ago were now in full bloom—white “Jade Vase Spring,” dark purple “Ink Lotus,” yellow-green “Green Peony,” and various other colorful rare flowers, set against bright red maple leaves. The garden was a vibrant tapestry, brightening the otherwise bleak autumn day.
Zisu picked the finest white “Jade Vase Spring” and handed it to Mu Shengsheng, who held it joyfully in her hands.
Unbeknownst to them, two pairs of eyes were watching from a distant pavilion.
A richly dressed woman gripped the railing tightly, her eyes cold as she asked, “Is that the sickly girl?”
It was Xie Wannian of Zhaoyang County. She had heard that the Regency Prince had taken a near-death girl to the mansion, stayed several days for her, sought a divine doctor from Jiangnan to save her, and even clashed with the Zhen Guo residence in the process.
Xie Wannian had come just to see for herself what kind of girl could make the normally indifferent Regency Prince go to such lengths.
Now, the girl stood among the chrysanthemums, draped in a crimson cloak. Though her face was pale, her appearance was like a goddess, graceful and enchanting. Even Xie Wannian, who prided herself on her beauty, felt inadequate in comparison.
Such breathtaking beauty, if not for her illness, would surely drive men into fierce competition for her—no wonder even the Regency Prince was captivated.