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Lan Xun arrived at Lingxi Courtyard. When Zisu and Lülü saw the Regency Prince, they were initially surprised and wanted to rush inside to notify someone, but Lan Xun raised a hand to stop them.
They could only step aside, letting Lan Xun enter silently.
Inside, Mu Shengsheng was sitting by the window, embroidering.
It was evening, and the slanting glow of the sunset streamed into the room, falling perfectly across her delicate profile. Her skin, like creamy jade, was tinted with a faint pink by the sunset, resembling blooming peach blossoms in spring. Even in her frail state, she looked charming, and one could hardly tear their eyes away from her face.
Lan Xun gazed at her for a long moment before taking a step forward and suddenly asking, “What are you embroidering?”
Mu Shengsheng had only just heard the movement and thought it was Zisu or Lülü entering, so she paid it no mind. When she realized it was a man’s voice, she shivered and nearly pricked her finger.
Looking up, she saw Lan Xun standing behind her with his hands behind his back. He had changed into casual clothes after leaving court, losing the imposing aura of the throne but gaining a sense of ease.
Mu Shengsheng put down her needle and thread, a hint of grievance on her face. “Shengsheng’s pouch was thrown into the lake by Princess Zhaoyang, so I was planning to embroider a new one.”
Lan Xun seemed to recall something. He suddenly reached into his sleeve and pulled out an item, presenting it to her. “This was retrieved from the lake by my men. Is it yours?”
Mu Shengsheng immediately recognized it—the double-fish water-play pouch that Princess Zhaoyang had thrown into the lake!
Overjoyed, she stood, examining it carefully for damage. It was intact, though empty—the fragrant ingredients inside must have spoiled in the water.
“Thank you, Your Highness!” she said with relief. Great, she wouldn’t have to embroider a new one.
Even though her life was preserved, her body grew weak whenever she was away from Lan Xun, and embroidery now felt exhausting.
Lan Xun reminded her, “Be more careful from now on.”
Mu Shengsheng smiled lightly, then shyly lowered her head and raised her hands above her head, offering the pouch. “Actually, this is a token of affection I embroidered myself, intended as a gift for Your Highness. Please, do accept it.”
Lan Xun had wondered why Mu Shengsheng, who usually favored bright colors, would have such a plain-colored pouch—now he realized it was meant for him.
Before he could react, Mu Shengsheng tied the pouch to his belt. “After I’m gone, this pouch can remain by Your Highness’ side in my place.”
Lan Xun frowned, slightly displeased. “Stop cursing yourself. Doctor Luo will cure you.”
He then pulled a small porcelain vial from his chest. “Judging by the timing, you may soon have another episode. This is the medicine Doctor Luo prepared for you.”
Mu Shengsheng took the vial, turning it over in her hands.
Lan Xun emphasized, “Only this one pill is available. There’s no time to test it, and its effects are unknown.”
Mu Shengsheng wasn’t worried. It was just a test—so long as it didn’t poison her, it was fine.
Without hesitation, she opened the vial, took out the crimson pill, and swallowed it with a sip of tea.
Lan Xun barely had time to react.
For a moment, the room fell silent. Both held their breath, waiting for Mu Shengsheng’s reaction.
After a while, Lan Xun bent over, observing her face. “How do you feel?”
Mu Shengsheng shook her head, feeling nothing in particular—perhaps the medicine didn’t act so quickly.
Indeed, no medicine works instantly; the true effects would be apparent later.
Pursing her lips, she hooked her arm through Lan Xun’s and said, “Your Highness, this medicine won’t act immediately. If you want to see whether it works, why not stay tonight to accompany Shengsheng?”
Lan Xun withdrew his arm, adopting the posture of a proper gentleman. “A man and woman alone in a room? That would be shameful if known.”
Mu Shengsheng muttered quietly, “Haven’t we been alone before? Now it suddenly becomes shameful?”
Previously, when she was at death’s door, Lan Xun had stayed in her room for two days and nights. And now, suddenly, it’s improper?
Lan Xun tried to justify himself: “Last time, it was because of your critical condition. I had no choice.”
Mu Shengsheng snorted lightly, crossing her arms. “Anyway, I’ve stayed at Your Highness’ mansion for so long, the gossip is already rampant. If you truly care about my reputation, you should take responsibility for me, to silence those people. Don’t let me bear disgrace even after death.”
Lan Xun glared at her. “Mu Shengsheng, you begged me to take you in and stay at the mansion. And now you blame me for not considering your reputation? If you fear ruin, you can pack up and leave the mansion—no one will stop you!”
Mu Shengsheng’s nose turned red, her lips pouting in grievance. “Your Highness wants to send Shengsheng away again?”
Seeing her teary eyes, Lan Xun wanted to respond, but the words stuck in his throat. Helplessly, he shook his sleeve and said, “That is not what I mean.”
Mu Shengsheng snorted coldly. “It is exactly what you mean. You and Princess Zhaoyang are of one mind—both want to send Shengsheng away. Fine, I’ll pack up and return to the Xuanwu Marquis’ residence! Anyway, after avoiding the ghost marriage, Shengsheng has no excuse to cling to the mansion any longer—my stay is neither proper nor legitimate!”
She began to pack her things.
Lan Xun could not allow her to return now; she was close to falling ill, and the Marquis’ residence had a careless heir. Returning before Xuanwu Marquis came back would be like returning to wait for death.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her back. After a moment of thought, he spoke seriously: “Mu Shengsheng, if you feel staying here is improper or insecure, I will publicly declare you as my sworn sister. Anyone who speaks ill of you, I will tear their mouth apart.”
Mu Shengsheng’s eyes widened in disbelief, her cheeks puffing with indignation. “Your Highness, your sworn sister is the Grand Princess! How dare Shengsheng be your sworn sister and sit at the same table with her? Besides, have you ever seen a sworn brother and sister kiss?”
“…” Lan Xun nearly choked on his own blood at her words.
This little thing—can she stop speaking recklessly?
He groaned, “I said it’s only for appearances…” It wasn’t real, just a temporary measure.
Before he could finish, Mu Shengsheng interrupted, “Besides, I am the same age as the current emperor, and Your Highness and my father are of the same generation. If you must declare something, declare you and my father as sworn brothers, and I am your god-niece!”
Angrily, she added, “Right, Uncle Regency Prince?”
“Mu Shengsheng!”
Lan Xun’s head nearly exploded. She was insulting him in public!