Chapter 24: No Longer Used To It

The invitation from the Eldest Princess’s residence was delivered only to the Marquis of Anping’s household—and what’s more, it was addressed to just one young lady from the entire family. Ever since Mount Emei, it was clear the Eldest Princess had taken a liking to the Second Miss of the Anping Marquisate, and while such a gesture was enough to cause a stir, it also drew a fair amount of sighs and murmurs from onlookers.

It wasn’t until the moment the invitation arrived that Ning Zhaorou finally felt half at ease. She gripped the invitation tightly, looked up to meet Shuangwu’s eyes, and her tense expression finally relaxed into a sudden, soft smile.

“I’ll go find something suitable for the day of the gathering,” Shuangwu said cheerfully, clearly in better spirits herself, and bustled off to prepare.

Lately, the weather had begun to turn cooler. Autumn winds were rising, and all of Ning Zhaorou’s clothing was from last year. Still, her figure hadn’t changed much, so they would do.

That afternoon, her father summoned her to the study and gave her a few reminders.

The Eldest Princess held a noble status, and his words repeatedly urged Ning Zhaorou to mind her manners and avoid offending Her Highness. Ning Zhaorou agreed to everything dutifully.

On the morning of the appointed day, a carriage from the Marquis of Anping’s estate pulled up to the Eldest Princess’s residence.

Ning Zhaorou wore a pale blue silk robe embroidered with hehuan flowers. Her hair was styled into a simple bun adorned with a few delicate jade-inlaid hairpins. There was no ornamental sticker on her forehead, just a soft white silk sash draped around her arms.

The palace attendants led her through the gate.

This was her first time visiting the Eldest Princess’s residence. As she followed the servant along intricate walkways and gardens, they eventually reached the western courtyard. There, a pavilion built over water came into view.

The Eldest Princess was sipping tea. Looking down, she saw Ning Zhaorou approaching. With a soft cough, she stood and turned to the imperial figure calmly seated nearby.
“Since the one you’re waiting for has arrived, Imperial Brother, I’ll take my leave now.”

Yin Mingyu responded with a nonchalant nod.

Just as the Eldest Princess was about to step away, a thought struck her. Seeing the young woman unaware and quietly walking closer, she couldn’t help but add,
“She’s an obedient one. Your Majesty won’t need to say much—she’ll understand. Perhaps… you could consider her a little more kindly.”

Yin Mingyu turned his head slightly and looked at her with faint amusement.
“You’ve only met her once, and yet you speak for her like this. Did I underestimate her?”

The Eldest Princess inwardly regretted saying so much. She hadn’t meant to push—she just feared that the girl, eager as she was, would be devoured by her brother without so much as a trace left behind. At first, she thought her brother was showing her some favor, but after half a month had passed without a word, she began to wonder. From the looks of it, his fleeting interest might actually bring disaster to the girl. That she was to enter the palace now was already a foregone conclusion—but what awaited her afterward remained uncertain.

Truthfully, she rather liked this girl. Quiet, well-behaved, and with such a lovely face.

A thought stirred in her, and she lowered her head slightly, explaining,
“Back on the carriage, I saw her really enjoying those pastries. They were from Your Majesty, of course, and tasted wonderful. She didn’t even know they were from you—she just kept thanking me for them.”

Like a little pitiful creature—it tugged at her heart.

It had been a while since Yin Mingyu had seen Ning Zhaorou. Distance had dulled his feelings somewhat. But now, hearing these words, he understood the Eldest Princess’s intent. He averted his gaze and looked down from the upper floor at the delicate figure walking alone toward him.
“You may go,” he said.

“Yes. I take my leave.” The Eldest Princess said no more and exited through another path out of the western courtyard.

The entire courtyard was unusually quiet. As soon as Ning Zhaorou entered, guards had sealed it off. Without a direct order from the emperor, no one would be allowed to enter or leave.

At the foot of the pavilion steps, Ning Zhaorou saw Zhuyue waiting. Her nerves tensed, and she instinctively adjusted her sleeves.

Zhuyue gave a shallow bow.
“Miss Ning, His Majesty is waiting upstairs.”

Ning Zhaorou softly responded,
“Very well,”
and stepped inside alone.

The pavilion above the water was exquisitely constructed. A faint breeze occasionally stirred the surface of the water, carrying with it a subtle coolness. Inside, incense was burning. Though not overpowering, the fragrance was unmistakably present.

Ning Zhaorou stepped lightly as she ascended the stairs, careful not to disturb anyone.

It only took a few moments to reach the second floor. At the top, the front hall opened up, and the wooden doors facing the view were left ajar. Two chairs were placed before the railing outside. Seated lazily in one of them was Yin Mingyu.

There was no one else on the second floor.

Ning Zhaorou walked forward slowly, suppressing the tension in her chest. She knelt just behind and to the side of Yin Mingyu and bowed in greeting.

“Your servant greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy eternal blessings.”

Yin Mingyu gave a faint smile, turned to her, and stretched out his hand.
“Come here.”

Ning Zhaorou obediently placed her hand in his, and he pulled her gently into his lap, half embracing her.

He lightly pinched the back of her neck, then let his hand trail downward to rest along her spine.

Ning Zhaorou lowered her gaze, her lashes trembling. She felt uncertain and at a loss—after all, it had been a long time since they last saw each other. The previous moments of intimacy with the emperor seemed to have drifted from her memory. Her reactions had once again turned stiff.

Yin Mingyu noticed, of course. He let go of her and leaned back into his chair, lazily examining the seemingly well-behaved girl. His voice held a casual concern.
“Not used to it anymore?”

Startled, Ning Zhaorou looked up like a frightened fawn, only to meet his gentle, almost indifferent gaze. Then he said,
“Go on, I’ll have someone escort you back.”

He was about to call for someone.

Panic rose in Ning Zhaorou. She quickly blurted out a protest.
“No—I’m not… not unused to it.”

Seeing the hint of coldness in his eyes, she grew even more flustered. Her eyes turned red, and she leaned closer, rubbing gently against him like a kitten trying to please its master in desperation.

She carefully nudged her cheek toward his, attempting to kiss him. But Yin Mingyu turned his face slightly, avoiding her with calm detachment.

Her expression dimmed for a moment, but she quickly gathered herself again. In a soft, pleading voice, she said,
“I am used to it, Your Majesty. Please… don’t send me back, alright?”

Yin Mingyu didn’t seem convinced. He reached out, idly twirling a lock of her hair between his fingers.
“Is that so?” he replied quietly.

His gaze lowered, landing on her tightly wrapped chest. He said nothing further, just stared.

Ning Zhaorou nodded, affirming his question. She also noticed his line of sight and instinctively tensed her back. The autumn wind from the lake made her feel chilled.

She swallowed hard, her voice trembling with nerves as she asked,
“Your Majesty, are you cold? I… I can warm your hands.”

“Oh?” Yin Mingyu didn’t smile. He extended his hand to her.

Ning Zhaorou had turned pale. If one looked closely, her lips were quivering. Still, her movements were fluid as she loosened her sash.

Her outer robe slipped off, revealing only a thin underlayer covering her inner garments and dudou. Her chest was tightly wrapped with white cloth, flattening the curves beneath.