Shen Qian tried to pull his arm back, but it wouldn’t budge. Li Xun had a firm grip on his wrist, his eyes deep and dark in the candlelight. “Why are you avoiding me?”

“Who’s avoiding you?” Shen Qian shrank further under the blanket, half his face hidden. I’m just… finding myself a new way out. “I’m not feeling well, and you still want me to wait on you? I jumped into the water that day too, okay? Barely rested for two days, then I’m running around again—raiding households, keeping night watch. Is my life not a life?”

No one seemed to feel sorry for me.

He rattled off his grievances in one breath, only to feel afterward that he sounded a little too bitter. Said he wasn’t avoiding the guy, yet his tone practically screamed scorned concubine—he hated that. Yanking his arm free, he turned his back to Li Xun. “I’m exhausted. Going to sleep.”

And he really was tired. The kind of tired that comes from spiritual depletion. He closed his eyes and ignored Li Xun completely.

Li Xun was quiet for a long while. “I…” As the Crown Prince, pampered by the Emperor, he had never apologized to anyone before. But now, he felt like he had to say something.

These past few days without that little ge’er by his side had made everything feel off. But actually bowing his head and apologizing—ugh, that felt weird. “That day… I did go too far. Did I hurt you? But I saw the redness on your wrist faded, so you should be okay, right?”

Shen Qian: “……”

Not even worth a reply.

After another long pause, Li Xun mumbled again, “I just… you mentioned Guifei and I got a little emotional. I wasn’t thinking straight… I didn’t mean it.”

Shen Qian’s breathing was calm, as if already asleep.

Li Xun hesitated, then reached out and gently shook his shoulder. “I won’t do it again. I swear.”

Shen Qian sighed helplessly. “I’m not avoiding you. I’m just really tired. Can we talk about it tomorrow?” This guy had zero sense. Not only did he apologize with all the grace of a donkey, but he actually woke up a sleeping person to do it? Couldn’t he wait till morning? What, ruling a household for a few days and suddenly he’s the center of the universe?

Li Xun finally realized he was being inappropriate. He touched his nose awkwardly—he’d never had to think about other people’s feelings before. But now, with this little ge’er, he was starting to feel… different.

A little sour. A little bitter.

“Then… do you want to eat something first—” Li Xun’s voice got softer and softer until he shut up entirely. “Sleep then. I’ll go.”

Still, he lingered a bit, like he couldn’t bear to leave without another glance. Finally, he slowly walked out.

Shen Qian tossed and turned in bed. He was wide awake now. Sighing, he sat up—and realized he was actually kinda hungry.

There was a tray by the bed, with a few snacks. He reached for a flaky pine-nut pastry, but his hand paused when he noticed something else next to it.

It was a small wooden rabbit—round and chubby, adorably dumb-looking, but carved with exquisite care. A hole had been drilled through it with a long multicolored silk cord looped through, knotted into a beautiful tassel. It could be worn on the waist like a sachet or jade pendant.

Shen Qian held it in his hand for a moment, lips twitching upward. “Who wants this?”

Just then, Xiao Wan sneaked in, straightened up when he saw Shen Qian awake. “You’re up? Gongzi played me—told me you were asleep and warned me a dozen times not to wake you… I thought, who sleeps with the lights still on?”

Then he spotted the wooden rabbit and his eyes went wide. “Wow! Gongzi spent two days carving that! Had Zhan Er-jiejie make the fancy knot too. I thought he was gonna wear it himself—didn’t expect it was for you!”

His tone got a little sour. “…I asked to see it, and he wouldn’t even let me. Gongzi’s playing favorites!”

Shen Qian blinked. So that rabbit was hand-carved by Li Xun?

He hadn’t expected that wild ghost to have such a skill. He set the rabbit beside his pillow and patted it lightly. “Not bad… I’ll forgive you. For now.”

—

While Shen Qian spent days in cultivation, things in the mansion had shifted.

First, Shen Yi’an brought back the four maids sent by Zhou Mama and stationed them with Liu Yufu. Liu Yufu didn’t mind having more maids—as long as Bi Tao wasn’t removed. But when she heard they came from Zhou Mama, she got immediately uncomfortable. She’d had bad blood with that woman. Years ago, she schemed to make Shen Yi’an forget the old hag entirely.

Who would’ve thought that after just a few awkward days, Shen Yi’an would suddenly warm back up to her?

And these new maids? Liu Yufu didn’t dare order them around at all. She felt like she was constantly being watched, couldn’t move or breathe freely. It was suffocating. Naturally, that led to more fights with Shen Yi’an.

But this time, Shen Yi’an held his ground. He insisted that it was the fault of the old maids around him—that they’d dragged Liu Yufu into trouble. These new girls were here to help.

Back then, whenever Liu Yufu hit a wall, Liu Mama would be there to strategize behind the scenes. But now she was trapped inside the estate—couldn’t even get past the second gate. She was so anxious her lips started blistering.

She’d told Shen Yi’an repeatedly to send the girls away. But gradually, he’d grown impatient with her and she didn’t dare push it anymore. Just simmered in silence.

And Shen Yi’an himself? He felt cursed.

His obedient eldest son had turned into a little demon, spitting daggers the moment he opened his mouth. His once-sweet concubine had changed too—saying things he didn’t want to hear. Shen Yi’an was growing reluctant to return home.

He decided to take Zhou Mama’s advice and focus on securing a study companion position for his eldest son.

His first thought was Zhang Taijian—the very same eunuch who had delivered the imperial scolding. He’d taken a fat stack of silver notes from Shen Yi’an that day, so maybe he could say a word or two now.

Zhang Taijian had a private residence near the palace wall on the west side of the city. Shen Yi’an picked a day he knew the eunuch would be resting and arrived with generous gifts.

When Zhang Taijian heard he wanted to make his son a princess’s study companion, he was shocked. “Boye, you do know His Majesty just rebuked you, right? He’s still mad—aren’t you walking straight into the line of fire?”

Shen Yi’an forced a laugh. “To be honest, I only came to my senses after that scolding. I’ve done my eldest son wrong. We don’t have a proper main wife in the house, and concubines can’t handle a boy’s marriage. I have to swallow my pride and ask your help. I don’t care about the others, but I want to secure a future for my legitimate son. I hope you’ll support me.”

These were lines Zhou Mama had taught him word for word. Zhang Taijian smiled. “So the imperial decree finally got through to you.” The day he’d delivered the message, Shen Yi’an still looked dazed.

Zhang Taijian glanced at the gifts on the table. “If Boye truly wants to turn things around, I believe His Majesty would be pleased to hear it. I’ll do what I can. But this is for selecting companions for the princess—I can only try. If Guifei doesn’t choose him, that’s not my fault.”

Shen Yi’an was overjoyed. As long as the eunuch tried, the chances were already seventy or eighty percent. If Guifei didn’t like his son, then it was fate. He expressed deep gratitude and promised even bigger rewards if it worked out.

After Shen Yi’an left, Zhang Taijian mulled it over and then told a little servant, “Go to Yongkang Lane and find Commander Hua. Tell him what Fuchang Bo requested. See what he thinks.”

Last time, when Zhang Taijian was delivering the decree, he was intercepted halfway by Hua Xiangming. The decree itself came from the Emperor, but the extra things he’d said afterward were all Hua Xiangming’s idea.

Zhang Taijian was curious—Hua Xiangming had never shown any interest in the Fuchang Bo household before. Why now? But they were on good terms, and this was a small favor, so he didn’t mind helping again. Since the eldest young master might enter the palace now, it made sense to check with Hua Xiangming.

—

As for Shen Yi’an, after leaving Zhang Taijian’s residence, he actually ran into Liu Mama.

He was surprised—it was nap time at Yuxiang Tower, rare to see Liu Mama out and about.

“I’m just delivering something,” Liu Mama said with a smile. “One of my girls married around here. But the family thinks I’m dirty and won’t let me visit. I can only leave things at the side gate. A mother and daughter, yet we can’t even meet…”

She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, looking heartbroken. Then she asked, “How’s Yufu doing? Haven’t seen her in a while.”

Of course, she wasn’t talking about a real daughter—just one of the girls she raised like Liu Yufu.

Shen Yi’an felt a little awkward. “She’s been sick lately. Things at home… well, it’s a mess, ever since His Majesty and Her Highness reprimanded us. Hard to explain.”

Liu Mama’s voice was gentle. “When someone’s sick, their mood changes. If Yufu said or did anything that displeased you, I’ll apologize for her. She’s timid—never seen such a scene before. The illness might just be a matter of the heart. She was frightened.”

Shen Yi’an found most of his recent frustration melting away. He started to feel sorry for her again.

Liu Mama continued softly, “Women can be temperamental. If she’s being difficult, maybe you could humor her for now and reason with her when she’s better. A person’s health is most important—if something really happens to her, it’ll be too late for regrets.”

Back then, lots of people died from heartbreak, grief, or fear. Even Shen Yi’an’s own father-in-law, Sheng Guogong, had died of fright. If a man like him—who’d earned his title by leading troops—could die just like that, what hope was there for a delicate woman like Liu Yufu?

That thought sobered him right up. He promised to keep it in mind.

Liu Mama chatted a little more, then smiled as she took her leave. She handed him two boxes of handmade pastries from her basket. Watching her walk away, Shen Yi’an felt a rare moment of calm.

—

The next morning, Shen Qian finally woke feeling rested. He left his room to soak in some floral spiritual energy. Stepping into the courtyard, he saw Li Xun practicing with a fire poker like a staff.

Unlike before, none of the maids seemed shocked. They’d clearly gotten used to this over the past few days and stood in little clusters under the eaves watching.

Li Xun’s body had improved a lot. He wore a plain white shirt, his black hair casually tied with red silk. The fire poker moved like a living thing in his hands, his sleeves and hair flowing with each motion. Morning light filtered through the autumn leaves, casting a golden glow over him.

When he saw Shen Qian come out, Li Xun halted his movements and looked over. Shen Qian suddenly remembered an old phrase: Eyes like lacquer, gaze like thunder. It actually fit… even on this body.

Li Xun’s eyes swept over him—then paused. Shen Qian wasn’t wearing anything on his waist. Li Xun’s eyes dimmed with a flicker of disappointment.

Noticing, Shen Qian quickly turned his head to avoid his gaze.

“Ah, you’re finally better. You’ve been in bed four days. If it got any worse, Gongzi was going to call a taiyi,” Zhan Er said, tugging lightly on Shen Qian’s sleeve. She had visited over the past few days. Yes, he’d been listless, but not truly sick. She’d figured it was a cold war over that incident.

She didn’t quite understand. If this were a young master trying to flirt with his lord for a concubine spot, a little pouting and teasing would be normal. But Gongzi and Xiao Die were both acting… strange lately.

Shen Qian gave a vague grunt in response and headed toward the kitchen. As he passed Li Xun, Li Xun suddenly asked, “Wanna give it a try?”

He turned to the others. “Let’s all train a little—keeps us fit. If someone barges in again, we won’t be helpless.”

“I’m in!” Xiao Wan was the first to cheer. Gongzi’s stick-twirling had looked like something out of a wuxia opera—so cool. He wanted to learn.

Li Xun looked back at Shen Qian. “You wanna learn?”

Shen Qian looked him over too… thin neck like it could snap, prominent collarbones, a body that looked like it would blow into the lake with a strong gust…

Then he looked down at his own round little body.

Suddenly, he smacked the back of Li Xun’s hand with the back of his own. Caught off guard, Li Xun dropped the poker.

Shen Qian didn’t spin it like a spear. He held it by the end and twirled a few sword moves.

…But the stick was too long and too clumsy. It didn’t look good. Annoyed, he tossed it back and grinned. “Gongzi better keep practicing.”

He walked off toward the kitchen, but the maids erupted in cheers behind him like they were watching street performers.

“Wow, Xiao Die-gege, that was amazing! How did you snatch the stick like that?”

“I didn’t even see it—just a flick and it was in your hand!”

Shen Qian shrugged. Tried to play it cool, but inside he was a little proud. “It’s like… like stealing a ball in a game of cuju. Same idea.”

The girls were starry-eyed, following him into the kitchen. Li Xun stood frozen, rubbing his sore wrist—then his thudding chest.

The heat from Shen Qian’s touch still lingered on his skin. The breeze stirred by the stick still kissed his cheek.

So this was…

Was this what he liked?

Honestly, he hadn’t even noticed anything suspicious about Guifei all these years, mostly because she had played her part so well. From the moment he came of age at fifteen, Guifei had sent him beautiful women of all types to serve him.

But maybe because of his fearsome reputation, they were always trembling and terrified. He had no interest in becoming a monster. These women looked like they’d faint if he even looked at them.

And yes, they were stunning—each with their own charms.

But this little ge’er here? Couldn’t even be called beautiful. Maybe just… a little cute—Li Xun even wondered if he only thought that because he was biased. His figure was the opposite of what was fashionable—short and sturdy, like someone used to manual labor. His skin was dark and rough, his hair dry and coarse—Li Xun had touched it, and it didn’t even feel good.

Li Xun stared at his hand, stunned.

Why had he touched his hair and skin?

Had it already begun… back when he didn’t even realize?

This little ge’er was different. He wasn’t afraid of Li Xun, didn’t even respect him, really. Zhan Er and Xiao Wan weren’t scared either, but they still saw him as a master.

Xiao Die was different. He cared—but hated serving people. He’d cook delicious meals, but wouldn’t eat any leftovers, no matter how rare the dish. He’d scold him, sulk, and ignore him for days if he was mad…

Li Xun wiped a hand over his face, pained. “I actually like that…?”

Is there something wrong with me?

—

Shen Qian was still oblivious to the identity crisis happening outside. After days of not eating properly while cultivating, he decided to go big. He had the maids help him make egg tarts. While prepping the tart crust, he even whipped up a batch of butterfly pastries.

Li Xun stood at the kitchen door, inhaling the buttery aroma. He felt at peace.

Gods knew how little appetite he’d had the past few days without Shen Qian around. He even wondered if it wasn’t affection, just a craving for good food.

But when Shen Qian turned around and asked, “Why are you standing there?”

Li Xun’s theory fell apart instantly.

Just that one question made his heart stutter, cheeks go red.

Shen Qian: ???

An old man suddenly falling in love—it was like lightning hitting dry wood. In an era where people married at fifteen or sixteen and peers were already dads, Li Xun definitely counted as an “old man.”

He calmed himself. “That little rabbit… why don’t you wear it?”

What kind of question was that? Just because you gave it to me, I have to wear it?

But Shen Qian held back his sarcasm and simply said, “I have work to do. Don’t want to damage it.”

The silk cord was very delicate, and with all the smoke and heat in the kitchen, he’d recently started experimenting with baking. It was risky.

“Oh…” Li Xun muttered. “If it breaks, I’ll just make you another one.”

Shen Qian carefully monitored the tarts and didn’t respond. Some maids nearby began casting curious glances between them.

Li Xun lingered for a while longer before Xiao Wan came to fetch him.

“There’s a letter from the second gate—no sender listed. Delivered by one of the people who helped raid Liu Wang’er’s place with Xiao Die that day.”

If it weren’t someone familiar, the letter wouldn’t have made it in.

It was from Hua Xiangming’s estate. Li Xun opened it and saw that Shen Yi’an had gone through Zhang Taijian, hoping to get his son into the palace as a companion to the princess. Hua Xiangming had written to ask for his opinion—did he want Shen Qian to go?

Li Xun raised an eyebrow. “What’s Fuchang Bo suddenly playing at?”

Zhan Er and Xiao Wan were excited. “It’s a great opportunity!”

Getting royal tutelage would help clear the stain left by Liu Yufu’s name.

But Li Xun knew—it wasn’t just about study companions. Guifei was also planning to pick a few side consorts for him.

He hadn’t been opposed to it. Realistically, he was already at the age to marry. His father had already fathered both him and Li Zhen at this age. As long as the chosen girls weren’t like the trembling palace maids, he was fine.

Girls from noble families—at least they’d have some backbone, right?

But as he thought of the figure still working hard in the kitchen, he tapped the letter against his fingers.

Zhan Er looked at him curiously. “Gongzi, is something bothering you?”

“No,” Li Xun shook his head. “Go. Why wouldn’t I go?”

He needed a way into the palace. If he could see the Emperor, he could explain the soul-swap, and maybe the mystics could undo the magic sooner.

Besides… only if Shen Qian entered the palace could he find a way to bring him into the palace too.

Soon, Shen Qian brought in twenty egg tarts and a plate of butterfly pastries. Li Xun used the letter to casually fan himself and oh-so-nonchalantly dropped the news for the maids to hear: the princess’s companion selection was also a cover for choosing side consorts for the Crown Prince.

He wasn’t even sure why he said it in front of Shen Qian.

But Shen Qian didn’t react.

Zhan Er and Xiao Wan gasped and covered their mouths.

“If Gongzi really becomes a companion, he better be careful. Try not to let the Crown Prince see him.”

“Right? Even though he’s the Crown Prince… I’ve heard he’s super violent. Back at the village, we used to scare naughty kids by saying the Crown Prince would throw them in jail.”

A little servant came in with some milk-oatmeal porridge. He only heard the last part and thought they were joking.

He laughed, “Haha! Where I’m from, we say the Crown Prince eats children!”

Li Xun: “???”