Chapter 9: Nosebleed

Jinzhi noticed that he kept staring at her without saying a word, so she stepped forward, knelt in a respectful salute, and waited to send him off formally.

Yinzhi came out and tugged at her. “What are you doing? The Junzhu invited him in!”

Jinzhi remained still, refusing to move. Yinzhi had no choice but to take the medicine bowl back inside to find the Junzhu.

If Rongrong blamed him, he had no excuse. A mere maid? Hah—she wasn’t even worth a second thought.

Xie Yunzhao no longer paid her any mind. He cupped his hands toward the doorway and said, “Junzhu, I heard you’ve caught a chill. I’ve brought some tonic medicine for you.”

Jinzhi was stunned. He still wouldn’t leave?

Shameless! The Heir would never behave like this!

But he didn’t leave. Upon hearing his voice, Shen Shurong quickly turned to lie on her side again, propping her head up. Her hair ornaments dangled heavily, so Suihan gently tugged at her skirt hem to help arrange her pose into something elegant.

“Please, come in.”

Suihan smiled and stepped out. “Second Young Master Xie, the Junzhu invites you in.”

Jinzhi sharply turned her head, stunned—why would the Junzhu allow him in? Hadn’t he already caused her enough suffering?

Xie Yunzhao shot her a cold glance as he walked past. Just a maid. Let’s see someone else try to stop him like that.

He followed Suihan inside, his lashes trembling slightly, hands clenched tight. He had played here often before the age of seven—he knew the place well. No need to be nervous!

Led into the inner room, he saw through the pearl curtain a figure reclining on the chaise—like a goddess descended from the heavens. Her delicate, fair face, supple waist, adorned with gold and silver jewelry and wrapped in luxurious robes, made even the finest embellishments seem dull by comparison.

Xie Yunzhao’s eyes were fixed on her, utterly captivated, as if his soul had been snatched away.

She was no longer that young girl he once knew. Now, she was a temptress—enchanting enough to steal his breath.

Suihan and Yinzhi bit their lips, barely holding back their laughter. Their future lord was clearly smitten.

Jinzhi stormed in, her wide eyes glaring fiercely as she rushed over. She spread her arms wide, blocking the view of the alluring sight. “Second Young Master Xie, you are being far too disrespectful! How dare you stare at the Junzhu like that?”

Suihan thought she must be mad. Was one interruption not enough? Did she really want the Junzhu to refuse this marriage, and go back to pining away for the Shizi(Heir) of the Xie family?

Yinzhi quickly glanced toward the Junzhu. Should she remind her of Jinzhi’s feelings for the Shizi?

If this continued, it would only cause trouble sooner or later.

Xie Yunzhao didn’t react. He simply waited for Shen Shurong to speak. Even if she disliked him, she wouldn’t allow a maid to run amok like this.

“Step back!”

“Junzhu!” Jinzhi wanted to protest—the Shizi would never be so disrespectful.

Shen Shurong frowned. “All of you, leave.”

Suihan bowed and retreated. Yinzhi tugged at Jinzhi, who wouldn’t budge, so she resorted to dragging her out.

“The door stays open,” Shen Shurong added calmly.

Only then did Jinzhi allow herself to be pulled away by Yinzhi, but the burning hatred in her reddening eyes startled Yinzhi deeply.

“I’m sorry,” Shen Shurong said softly. “I wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I had you come here instead.”

“Your health comes first,” Xie Yunzhao replied, stepping forward anxiously, still standing just beyond the beaded curtain. “Have you taken your medicine? Shall I call them in to attend to you?”

Lying askew had made her weary. Shen Shurong braced herself and slowly sat up.

Xie Yunzhao watched her with visible concern, itching to rush in and help her sit, to let her lean against him.

“It’s still hot. Let it cool before drinking.” Shen Shurong steadied herself as she sat upright. “You sit too.”

She’d never liked taking medicine since childhood. Xie Yunzhao, helpless as ever, found a chair diagonally across from her and sat down. He leaned forward, hands braced on his knees, as if ready to leap up and catch her the moment she faltered.

Shen Shurong wanted to laugh but managed to hold it in. This was the same little tyrant who once dared to tie firecrackers to the old Grand Chancellor’s horse tail—yet now, only in front of her, did he act so cautious and careful. “Let’s talk,” she said.

Xie Yunzhao softened his voice. “Whatever you want to say, I’m listening.”

“I know you’ve been wronged…” Shen Shurong coughed lightly and lifted a round fan to cover her mouth.

“Wronged?” Xie Yunzhao was stunned. How had he been wronged?

Shen Shurong continued calmly, “You see… in everyone’s eyes, I was once the Heir’s fiancée. In the future, people will inevitably bring it up in front of you—some out of curiosity, others to mock or watch the drama unfold.”

“All of this, just to protect my reputation… It’s caused you a grievance.”

Xie Yunzhao shook his head. He was too happy—how could he possibly feel wronged?

“Even if, in the future, you no longer wish to see me, I would still have no complaints.”

Xie Yunzhao stood up, feeling it was impossible to express his emotions while seated.  

“Junzhu, how could I possibly…”

Shen Shurong raised her hand, cutting him off.  

“It’s my fault too—for making it so you couldn’t choose the Qing family girl. If there’s someone you like, you can keep her secretly. I’ll help you keep it hidden.”

Xie Yunzhao stepped forward, just about to refute her, but suddenly froze.  

She wouldn’t mind if he kept a concubine?

What did that mean? Was she being forced to marry him, still unable to let go of Xie Yunzheng, and now using this as a way to compensate herself?

She couldn’t even bear to see other women appear around Xie Yunzheng!

The joy he had felt from being allowed in was instantly swept away.  

But hadn’t he already known it would be like this?

“I’ve already promised—I won’t keep anyone else. Only you.”

“In that case,” Shen Shurong stepped down from the bed and walked toward him, “I’m the one who’s wronged you. Whatever it is you want, I’ll make it up to you.”

Xie Yunzhao looked up—he wanted her, wanted her heart.  

But he lowered his gaze again. Was he truly the one being wronged? Or just being greedy?

Shen Shurong stepped out from behind the beaded curtain and clearly saw his brows—deep and soul-piercing—and his beautiful lips that trembled slightly, as though the child was so aggrieved that they might burst into tears.

She missed him so much, yearned for his embrace.

Suddenly, Shen Shurong furrowed her brow, feeling dizzy. As she closed her eyes and pressed her hand to her head, her body tilted forward.

Xie Yunzhao was startled and immediately caught her.
 “What’s wrong?”

Shen Shurong leaned against his chest.
 “I feel a bit dizzy, I’ll be fine in a moment.”

Xie Yunzhao held her tighter, preventing her from falling. Only then did he realize how close their position had become.

He wanted to release her but found himself reluctant.

Especially with her softness pressed against him, the fragrance enveloping his thoughts.

Unconsciously, he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing, making his cheeks flush.
 “I’ll help you sit up.”

Shen Shurong also knew she shouldn’t scare him. Slowly, she braced herself and stood up straight.

Xie Yunzhao supported her by the arms, his eyes involuntarily drawn to the soft, full curves of her chest. Clearly, before, he hadn’t noticed… perhaps it was due to their previous actions.

He hurriedly averted his gaze. The girl before him was no longer a little child!

Suddenly, something seemed to drip from his nose. Xie Yunzhao quickly turned away, reaching up to touch it, and was startled to find it was red.

In a panic, he pulled out a handkerchief to cover it, worried that the movement might draw her attention.

“You… you rest first.”

“I’ve brought some high-quality medicine for you. Please take it now. I’ll bring more next time.”

Shen Shurong used her fan to cover her eyes, her voice muffled with restraint, “Thank you. I’ll be fine after lying down for a while.”

“Mm, I’ll leave now. I’ll come back to check on you another day.”

“The palace banquet in three days, we’ll go together. It’ll be a chance to make an appearance in front of everyone.”

“Alright.” Xie Yunzhao said before quickly leaving, originally intending to escape.

The maid outside the door saw Xie Yunzhao cover his face with a handkerchief and assumed that the Commandery Princess had scolded him, though there were no sounds of anger.

Suihan saw him off, but Xie Yunzhao waved his hand to stop him, not saying a word.

After running out of the Grand Princess’ estate, Xie Yunzhao’s anxiety gradually faded.

Qingzhu turned his head, looking back, “Second Master, no one is following us!”

Xie Yunzhao shot him a glare, stuffing the blood-stained handkerchief into his pocket. His nose had finally stopped bleeding.

Once again, the image of her soft figure appeared in his mind… Not good. He took out the handkerchief and continued to cover his face. “Let’s go back to the mansion.”

Jinzhi and Yinzhi entered the room and saw Shen Shurong trembling as she lay on the bed, some of the jewelry from her hairpin scattered on the floor.

“Commandery Princess, please don’t be upset.” Jinzhi said, her eyes reddening as she comforted her, “I knew he would make you unhappy. From now on, let’s avoid seeing him!”