Perhaps knowing that Liu Yin was still moving with difficulty, the Empress had even arranged a palanquin for her to use. In the palace, only consorts ranked second or higher could use a palanquin, and this was the very palanquin the Empress herself used.

Her aunt really spared no effort in helping her rise to power. What could Liu Yin do but go along with it? Of course, she agreed to accompany Liu momo to the Eastern Palace to express her gratitude. This time, as expected, she was stopped by the guards at the entrance of the Eastern Palace.

“This is the Empress’s order,” Liu momo said pointedly, casting a glance at the guards.

The guards exchanged uncertain looks, clearly troubled. After a moment’s hesitation, they finally stepped aside, allowing Liu Yin to lean on Xiyun and limp confidently into the Eastern Palace.

It was then that Liu Yin understood why the Empress had sent Liu momo to accompany her; there was a reason for it.

This was the first time she was able to truly observe the surroundings of the Eastern Palace. While she didn’t take much note of the scenery, she distinctly remembered the palace guards patrolling the area. As soon as they spotted her, their expressions shifted into something far more cautious, though they seemed to restrain themselves from shooing her away upon seeing Liu momo’s presence.

As Liu Yin passed by, several palace maids huddled in small groups, whispering amongst themselves.

“I heard that Miss Liu was bitten by a snake yesterday, and the Crown Prince himself carried her back to Xiefang Hall,” one whispered.

“How could that be? You didn’t see it yourself. It’s probably just a rumor. The Crown Prince dislikes Miss Liu so much, there’s no way he would go that far,” another replied.

“I also think it’s not true. If it weren’t for Liu momo, Miss Liu probably wouldn’t even have been able to enter the Eastern Palace.”

She pushed the door open, and after the two of them entered, they saw a man sitting at a desk, dressed in a dark robe. It seemed he had noticed their presence, as he casually placed the wolf hairbrush down and gave a slight nod to Liu momo. “Wait until I’m done here, and later I’ll go accompany Mother for dinner.”

Liu momo smiled warmly. Having known the Crown Prince since he was young, she held some genuine affection for him. After placing the food box down, she spoke with respect, “The state affairs are still more pressing, Your Highness. The Empress only wishes for you to take better care of your health.”

“Appreciate mother’s concern.” Qin Yan lowered his head.

Just then, Liu momo suddenly glanced at Liu Yin, who quickly snapped out of her thoughts. She cleared her throat and immediately stepped forward, saying earnestly, “I must thank you again, Your Highness, for your help yesterday. I came here specifically to express my gratitude.”

Upon hearing this, Liu momo gave a soft chuckle and said, “Well then, I will take my leave.”

As she turned to go, she unknowingly stole a glance at the man seated across the room before lowering her gaze and stepping out of the study.

Liu Yin had already expected to be left alone with him, so she calmly pulled over a chair and sat down. Opening the food box, she said with a serious tone. “I won’t disturb you, cousin. You go ahead with your work; I’ll sit here quietly.”

She figured the Crown Prince wouldn’t eat, so why not help herself? She began pulling out the pastries and sweet soup, settling in to enjoy them. Meanwhile, the man silently watched her.

“Don’t worry, cousin. When I go back, I’ll be sure to tell Aunt that it was all you who ate,” she declared with conviction, holding a piece of pastry.

There were still crumbs clinging to her pale pink lips, yet she wore an expression that was absolutely certain. The man’s thin lips parted slightly. “Didn’t you say you would stop pestering me for a month?”

Liu Yin: “…”

“I… did I say that? When was this? I don’t remember it at all!” She said, biting into another piece of pastry, her innocent face glowing with a look of feigned surprise.

Her gaze shifted, and the man continued to focus on the official document in his hands, not speaking.

Liu Yin lowered her head, feeling a bit guilty as she continued eating. The room grew silent, save for the sound of her chewing. She would’ve liked to give herself a break, but her aunt wasn’t letting her, and when she’s in the palace, she can’t avoid things. There’s nothing she can do about it.

The silence in the room lingered, and when she had eaten her fill, Liu Yin wandered over to the bookshelf. She had said she wouldn’t disturb anyone, so she intended to keep her promise.

She browsed through a few books, though some of the characters were difficult for her to understand. Just as she was struggling with a page, her eyes landed on the pen on the desk. Without hesitation, she walked over to sit on the other side of the desk and quietly took a fine wolf hairbrush from the inkstone.

The man was still focused on the documents in his hands, his sharp brows furrowing as he worked, his defined features looking slightly cold in profile. Liu Yin sneakily glanced at him a few times before quickly looking away. She then picked up some white paper from the other side of the desk.

The more complex characters were too difficult for her, so she started with simpler ones. However, she struggled to make a smooth stroke with the soft brush; every time she pressed it to the paper, it left a blotch of ink.

The quietness of the room made even her shallow breaths sound clear and distinct. After finishing a paragraph of the document, Qin Yan’s gaze inadvertently swept over her paper and the crooked, uneven characters she had written. His focus faltered for a moment, and his eyes dropped to her trembling little hands.

“You’re lacking control.”

The indifferent voice of the man made the woman glance up. He was still staring at the documents with the same serious expression, and the words she had thought she saw earlier seemed like an illusion.

Pouting, she couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “What does a woman need that much control for anyway?”

As soon as she finished speaking, another blotch of ink fell onto the paper. Liu Yin felt incredibly frustrated; she’d rather recite difficult classical Chinese texts than continue writing these soft, wobbly brushstrokes.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her crooked stroke that trailed too far. Still, she remained earnest in her task. Qin Yan frowned and, without looking up from his work, carelessly said. “Why are you shaking?”

“I’m… I’m not shaking.” Liu Yin said, deliberately trying to steady her hands, but each time her brush touched the paper, her entire hand couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

Perhaps it was the embarrassment, so she tried pressing harder, but again, a smudge of ink landed on the paper, some even on her palm.

Determined to prove herself, she recalled the advice her tutor had given her: “The strokes must be firm and uninterrupted, flowing like water.” But even so, her characters were a disaster, making her feel awkward enough to look away.

Noticing her flushed face, Qin Yan’s eyes darkened slightly. Suddenly, he reached out and took her brush, guiding her hand with his own, applying the correct pressure. His voice was low, “Stop shaking.”

Liu Yin stared blankly at his long, slender fingers. The same brush, but the characters he produced were a world apart—hers were little more than childish scribbles.

The atmosphere in the room felt a little strange as Liu Yin focused intently, following his movements with utmost seriousness.

“Apply more pressure.”

His tone was light, but noticing that her hand was still trembling, he furrowed his brows slightly. “Why are you so clumsy?”

Sensing the disdain in his voice, Liu Yin immediately widened her eyes, tilting her head as she met his gaze. “So, the Crown Prince looks down on me?”

=^_^=