Chapter 14 – Can’t Fall Asleep

Back in the room, Shu Ruohua leaned in close to Qian Ning’s ear and whispered mysteriously that she had once learned a secret incantation.

While Qian Ning was cleaning her wounds, Shu Ruohua had chanted the incantation over the water, which was why her injuries had healed so quickly.

Likewise, she had also recited the chant into the water used to irrigate the potatoes, which made them grow rapidly in the field.

Qian Ning listened with a dazed expression, as if she were being brainwashed.

Seeing how convinced Qian Ning looked, Shu Ruohua secretly rejoiced.

“Oh, right. You mustn’t tell anyone about this—it’s my secret,” she reminded Qian Ning, not forgetting to issue the warning.

In this way, not only did she protect her spiritual water, but she also dispelled Qian Ning’s doubts.

Qian Ning nodded repeatedly. “Mhm, mhm!!”

…

At the same time, in the main hall—

Xiao Che was flipping through military strategy books.

Zhong Zihan approached. “Your Highness, it’s time to rest. You have to participate in the hunt tomorrow.”

The imperial palace hosted two hunts every year. These were great opportunities to show one’s skill in front of the emperor, and the one who caught the most prey would win first place and receive a reward.

This year’s first hunt was scheduled for tomorrow.

Xiao Che asked, “Is everything at Lengfeng Pavilion arranged properly?”

Rather than respond to Zhong Zihan’s reminder, he instead confirmed again whether Zhong Zihan had completed the secret guard deployment he had ordered at Lengfeng Pavilion.

After all, Shu Ruohua was his Crown Princess. Although the truth about the spell had been uncovered and her innocence proven, he still couldn’t fully clear her name yet—he was waiting on one more thing.

And during this time, he would not let her suffer any further harm.

Since the assassination attempt, he had ordered Zhong Zihan to secretly station guards at Lengfeng Pavilion.

Even the guards at the door had been replaced with men he trusted completely to ensure Shu Ruohua’s safety.

“Reporting to Your Highness, everything has been arranged,” Zhong Zihan replied, cupping his hands respectfully.

Xiao Che acknowledged him with a grunt.

Zhong Zihan continued, “This subject has also informed Miss Qian Ning. Should the Crown Princess need anything, she can come directly to Your Highness.”

Xiao Che: “…”

That had indeed been his instruction. But for some reason, hearing his own plan repeated back to him by Zhong Zihan filled him with a strange, indescribable feeling.

It was subtle… and complicated.

He paused in his page-turning, unable to make sense of what this feeling was.

Skipping over that topic, he glanced at Eunuch Lin nearby and said, “Inform Consort Jing that she will accompany me on tomorrow’s hunt.”

During the hunts, the emperor or crown prince, along with the other princes, were allowed to bring concubines along.

Xiao Che hadn’t originally intended to bring any concubines, but this time, some officials would also be participating in the hunt.

Normally, he should’ve brought Yang Side Consort, the prime minister’s daughter. But since she was currently confined and reflecting on her actions after pleading guilty, he had no choice but to bring the other side consort—Consort Jing.

Consort Jing was the daughter of the Minister of Revenue and one of the only two side consorts in the Eastern Palace.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Eunuch Lin responded and then left to carry out the order.

…

Once all the orders were given, Xiao Che returned to his sleeping quarters.

He lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

He didn’t know why, but whenever he closed his eyes, all he could see in his mind was Shu Ruohua.

He had been so busy lately that he hadn’t had time to visit the Cold Palace to check on her injuries. He didn’t even know how she was doing.

After all, she had been wounded while shielding him from a sword.

The more he tried to sleep, the more awake he became. In the end, he got up, changed into nightwear, and headed toward Lengfeng Pavilion.

…

Inside Lengfeng Pavilion.

Because dinner hadn’t been satisfying, Shu Ruohua had urged Qian Ning to fry a large plate of potato fries.

The two of them were now happily eating.

Suddenly, a shadow flashed past the window…

“Who’s there?” Shu Ruohua seemed to sense something and swiftly turned to look outside, but saw no one.

But when she turned her head back, Qian Ning was already standing up—though she hadn’t noticed when she had done so.

A man dressed in black nightwear, his features exceptionally handsome, stepped in slowly.

Shu Ruohua examined him closely, and when she clearly saw his face…

“It’s you?!!”

Startled, she blurted out the words.

The man paused for a moment, clearly displeased by how she had addressed him.

…

(End of Chapter)