Chapter 39

On a deeper, quieter night after the snow, the sky was as black as a pool of thick ink.

A few lanterns in the corridor cast beams of light, revealing the fine, dense snowflakes swirling in the cold air, biting into the skin.

Xie Hengzhi’s steps were swift and steady, but his face was solemn, making Yiling, held in his arms, not dare to move.

The journey from the eastern wing to the bedroom was usually short, taking only a few steps.

But tonight, the path seemed unusually long.

Fortunately, there weren’t many people outside just now—only a few servants on night watch.

When they saw Xie Hengzhi carrying Yiling back, they all lowered their heads, not daring to look.

Once inside the room, Xie Hengzhi gently placed Yiling, wrapped in blankets, onto the bed.

As he bent down, his breath and body warmth enveloped Yiling’s neck, making her already stiff body tense even further.

Once her body had settled steadily onto the bed, Yiling immediately tried to move inward.

But Xie Hengzhi did not stand up.

He remained bent over, one hand supporting the edge of the bed, and the other hand pressed near her ear, trapping her under him so that she couldn’t move.

Although Yiling was curled up in the blanket, she still had to raise her eyes and face Xie Hengzhi.

His face was mere inches away, and in the quiet room, even his breathing could be clearly heard.

“Do you have nothing to say to me?”

Although Xie Hengzhi’s face was flushed from drinking, his voice was deeper than usual, as if his entire being was pressing down heavily on Yiling.

She remained motionless, not even daring to blink.

Even though her whole body trembled lightly, she still remained silent.

“Shang Yiling, we are not ordinary husband and wife. We are a marriage granted by the Emperor himself,” Xie Hengzhi’s eyes locked onto hers as he spoke in the most casual tone, but the words were cruel: “Unless the world turns upside down, while you live, you are my wife; when you die, we will be buried together. There is no other possibility.”

Perhaps because she had been so shaken by the idea that Xie Hengzhi seemed to like her all day, Yiling didn’t fully grasp the subtext of his words at first and only heard the literal meaning.

Her lashes trembled as she struggled to squeeze out a response.

“So?”

“So?”

Xie Hengzhi smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “So, what secret do you have that you must hide from me?”

“…”
So that’s what he meant.

Yiling immediately let out a breath of relief.

Wait, no—

He had clearly seen through her secret, so what was she hoping for?

Both of these things would be disastrous for her, wouldn’t they?

Fear surged once again, and Yiling couldn’t help but swallow nervously.

Feeling Xie Hengzhi’s breath nearly tangled with hers, she anxiously turned her face away and pushed him gently.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

But Xie Hengzhi didn’t move at all, so Yiling had no choice but to continue with her stubborn refusal.

“What secret could I possibly hide from you, my Lord? I’m just a defenseless, orphaned girl in the capital.”

Xie Hengzhi suddenly reached out and pinched her chin, interrupting her rambling.

“Not speaking?” He applied a little pressure, turning her face to make her look at him, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Don’t make me find out myself.”

There were so many natural flaws that couldn’t be hidden, and Yiling never believed she could perfectly play the role of the Shang family without making Xie Hengzhi suspicious.

Her only confidence in her ability to stay silent came from the fact that the truth of this matter was known only to heaven and earth. If she didn’t speak, even Xie Hengzhi, no matter how capable, could never uncover such an unfathomable, mysterious event.

Who could prove she wasn’t from the Shang family?

No one except for her.

“You can investigate all you want. I don’t even understand what you’re saying. What do you want me to admit?”

In the half-light and shadow of the bed, his face was blurred, but his sharp eyes were still clear.

“Such a good ‘not understanding’.”

His cold voice fell, and Yiling saw a hint of a smile curve at the corner of his mouth.

She could still bluff when facing his questioning, but every time he smiled at her, it seemed as if he could easily shatter the reckless confidence she had.

She pressed her lips tightly together. Even though her chin was still held by him, she forced her eyes shut and turned her face away, clutching the blankets tightly with both hands.

She could feel Xie Hengzhi’s gaze still resting on her face, but Yiling remained still, holding her breath, paying attention to his movements.

After a long while, he still hadn’t gotten up, maintaining his previous posture, but he let out a soft sigh.

Yiling felt that the oppressive aura from him seemed to dissipate with that sigh.

She couldn’t help but glance at Xie Hengzhi from the corner of her eye.

In that moment, she accidentally met his gaze.

Her heart was in turmoil, but she heard him softly ask, “Still uncomfortable?”

“Huh?”

Yiling then realized she had been trembling all over.

This man really seemed to have a problem; just a moment ago, he was full of tension, and in the blink of an eye, it seemed like all his anger had vanished.

“No… I’m fine.”

Xie Hengzhi didn’t speak again; he simply turned and walked toward the bathroom, lifting his hand to undo the leather belt at his waist.

In the stillness of the winter night, the sound of him undressing seemed to float through the bathroom screen and gently brush against Yiling’s ears.

She had endured Xie Hengzhi’s questioning, but now another kind of danger was coming.

As the sound of water started to flow, Yiling’s face sank into the soft pillow, facing the inner wall of the bed. The heat in her body had not eased with Xie Hengzhi’s return; in fact, it seemed to be intensifying.

Her breathing became heavier, nearly stopping as Xie Hengzhi stepped out of the bathroom.

Until, as usual, he lay down—

The fresh scent of his bath lingered in the night, lightly circling around Yiling’s nose.

She waited for a long time, but he showed no sign of moving, and everything seemed peaceful.

Yiling shifted slightly and peered at Xie Hengzhi.

“Are you just going to sleep?”

When pressed, she faced it bravely, but just a little sternness from him made her shiver.

What else could he do?

Xie Hengzhi didn’t move at all; his breathing was still calm.

After a moment, he spoke, “What else do you want to do?”

Yiling blinked in the dark.

“Me? I don’t want to do anything.”

“Then sleep.”

Xie Hengzhi’s voice carried clear fatigue. “I’m very tired.”

Yiling: “…Oh.”

In the deep silence of the night, only the sound of the hourglass could be heard.

Yiling counted his breathing, not sure how long had passed before she dared to close her eyes, confirming he was asleep.

But that night, Yiling still couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning. On the other hand, Xie Hengzhi had a deep, sweet sleep until dawn.

When he got up, he proceeded with his usual routine, everything as normal.

Yiling, still lying on the bed, quietly opened her eyes, observing his every move with nervousness.

Until he changed and left for the palace.

She had originally thought he might have had some intentions and would engage in some intimacy on the bed.

Could it be that she misunderstand?

Meanwhile…

As soon as Xie Hengzhi stepped out of his bedroom, Li Chun followed, lowering her voice, “Master, everything has been checked.”

Xie Hengzhi slowed his pace, signaling her to share the results.

“Since the Madam’s arrival in the capital and the time of the drowning incident, the household’s vigilance has been flawless. There have been no suspicious persons entering or leaving.”

“The Madam rarely goes out, and when she does, there are always guards accompanying her.

She has never left their sight and rarely interacts with anyone else.”

“During the month she was unconscious after the drowning; she was constantly under guard, never moving.”

This outcome was expected by Xie Hengzhi.

He never believed someone could make a living person vanish in the capital he controlled, leaving no trace behind.

And her face was still the same—there was no one else in the world who looked like Shang Yiling.

It was, indeed, as he had expected.

The trace of doubt in Xie Hengzhi’s heart disappeared. When he paused and looked back at the brightly lit room, his expression relaxed considerably.

As for everything else, let her make a fuss.

The next morning, an imperial edict arrived at the Xie residence.

The grand ritual was approaching, and all the royal family, noblewomen, and officials from the six ministries were to attend the ceremony at Daluo Mountain.

Except for Xie Hengzhi, who was still in the palace, everyone in the residence came to receive the decree.

Listening to the eunuch recite the edict, Yiling felt reluctant but had to pretend to be grateful for the emperor’s will.

As a titled lady, she had already known she was to accompany Xie Hengzhi to Daluo Mountain for the ritual. Even the blind Mrs. Xie had started preparations some days ago.

But this year’s capital was particularly cold, not to mention the deep mountain forests of Daluo Mountain.

She would not only be without the warmth of the Xie residence’s firewalls, but she would also have to socialize with the various noble lords, always on guard. Any misstep could lead to unforeseen trouble. It would truly be an ordeal.

Thinking of this, Yiling couldn’t help but start calculating.

Her courage had grown bolder; after all, she had already done many things relying on Xie Hengzhi’s support. Now, even if she shirked the grand ritual, it seemed…

No, no.

Yiling quickly dismissed the thought.

She could skip it, but Xie Hengzhi had to go to Daluo Mountain.

Though she didn’t always need him, the ritual was long, and who knew when Xie Hengzhi would return to the capital?

On the day of departure, the two courtyards, Linfeng Yuan and Cicin Palace, had already packed their bags, waiting for Xie Hengzhi to return to the residence and head to Daluo Mountain together.

But for some reason, he was delayed at the palace and had not returned.

As the time passed and it became late, Li Chun rushed back to the residence, informing everyone that Xie Hengzhi had already left for Daluo Mountain with the imperial convoy and telling them to depart on their own.

Because of the cold weather, Yiling didn’t let Mallow open the carriage windows, keeping the cold wind completely out.

After several long hours on the road, she had no idea where they had arrived, drowsy and sleepy.

On the other hand, Mallow was full of excitement, her eyes full of curiosity.

She had heard about the grand scale of the annual ritual at Daluo Mountain when she was still in Jiangzhou, and now she could attend in person. What an honor it was.

“Madam, do you really think the Luo Tian Great Ceremony will summon any deities?”

“What are you thinking?”

Yiling lazily stifled a yawn and, weakly, said, “We have to stand in the cold wind for hours before we can even begin our own offering, and then stand for several more hours. All you see are people’s heads, and you can’t even make out what the Taoist priests on the altar are doing.

By the end of the day, your legs will feel like they’ll break.”

Moreover, the residence at the temple was much simpler than in the capital; the underfloor heating couldn’t even warm the space.

Thinking of this, she reminded Mallow and Mama Cao, “You both should wear more at night, or you’ll catch a cold. A few years ago, a maid of a marquis got her toe frozen.”

Mallow, upon hearing this, quickly covered her hands in fright.

Mama Cao squinted her eyes and asked, “Madam, how do you know so much about the Luo Tian Great Ceremony ? It’s as if you’ve seen it with your own eyes.”

Yiling: “…”

Of course, she had never seen it herself. It was all complaints her father had made after returning from Daluo Mountain in previous years.

Faced with Mama Cao’s questioning, Yiling was momentarily speechless.

She then casually replied, “How else would I be the world’s number one talented woman?”

Mama Cao: “…”

As the few of them conversed, the sky darkened and clouds rolled. By the time they arrived at the Daluo Mountain temple, it was already twilight.

A Taoist boy had been waiting to lead them. As they walked, Yiling took a quick glance and could already see the square altar not far ahead.

However, the sky was dark, and the altar was hidden in the twilight, making it difficult to see clearly. All she could sense was its grandeur, and nothing else stood out.

On the other hand, the long procession of carriages on the mountain path, arranged in an imposing line, seemed to warn that all the noble families from the capital were slowly making their way up the mountain.

Even the cold wind seemed to hesitate, and Yiling quickly shifted her gaze and followed the Taoist boy forward.

The temperature at Daluo Mountain was even colder than in the capital.

From where the carriage stopped to the temple’s guest quarters was just a short walk, yet Yiling, holding a handwarmer, still felt her limbs stiffen with the cold.

Once inside, she quickly stomped her feet. Without even removing her fox fur cloak, she rushed to the charcoal stove and warmed herself.

When she finally started to warm up, she looked around at the guest quarters assigned to her and Xie Hengzhi.

The sight was quite surprising.

Though it was a guest room at the temple, it was smaller than her residence in the capital, yet the decoration was far from shabby.

The floor was covered with a diagonal mat, the walls were adorned with silk, and even the ceiling had gilded decorations, all built to the standards of a royal palace, which was completely different from what her father had described as simple and shabby.

Sigh.

Yiling couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.

Her father, the minister, really should reconsider whether his influence is enough.

After tidying up a bit, the night at Daluo Mountain deepened.

Yiling knew they would head to the altar early tomorrow, so she prepared to wash up and settle in.

Since arriving at Daluo Mountain, Xie Hengzhi hadn’t appeared. She guessed he must be busy with the Luo Tian Great Ceremony .

It was better for him to be busy, she thought. The more occupied he was, the less time he would have to act on his beastly impulses, and she could avoid the nightly anxiety of guarding against him.

Just as she thought this, a cold wind swept into the room.

Xie Hengzhi had returned.

Yiling, just getting into bed, turned and was surprised. “You’re done?”

Xie Hengzhi gave a soft “hmm” and leisurely walked over to the charcoal stove to warm his hands.

“Already going to bed?” he asked. “Would you like to go for a walk outside?”

Are you crazy?

Yiling quickly pulled the covers up to her chin. 

“It’s so cold outside; I’m not going.”

Xie Hengzhi shrugged, not insisting. 

“Then I’ll rest too.”

Seeing him actually go to wash up, Yiling was somewhat surprised.

“You’re free today?”

“Mm.”

Yiling thought about the rumors she had heard a few days ago and asked softly, “Did you lose favor with His Majesty because of the crown prince?”

“That would be disappointing to you.”

Xie Hengzhi turned back, his face showing a teasing smile. “Not yet; His Majesty’s favor is still strong.”

“Is that so?”

Yiling gave him a doubtful look.

If that were the case, why was he so free at such an important time?

Xie Hengzhi didn’t look at her as he washed, but he knew exactly what she was thinking.

“The crown prince is handling everything personally, leaving me to take it easy,” he said diplomatically, but Yiling understood— 

Xie Hengzhi had been sidelined.

Although Yiling was only a woman, she was raised in an official’s family and knew a bit about the court’s politics.

Ten years ago, when the emperor had yet to appoint a crown prince, there had been a contest between factions for the position of heir.

At that time, Consort Zhong gave birth to the eldest son, the crown prince, before the empress had conceived. The next year, the empress gave birth to the current crown prince.

After that, the two factions fought secretly and openly, but Yiling didn’t know the details.

All she knew was that the empress’s son succeeded as the crown prince, while the eldest prince, with the support of the empress dowager’s family, wasn’t entirely excluded.

The secret competition between the factions had never ended.

Xie Hengzhi, being an obvious supporter of the crown prince, naturally found himself in opposition to the eldest prince.

Now, with the crown prince having fallen out of favor with the emperor, the task of overseeing the Luo Tian Great Ceremony had fallen to the eldest prince, who would surely try to undermine the crown prince’s faction.

Yiling hadn’t expected that the usually imposing Xie Hengzhi was so easily sidelined.

Before long, Xie Hengzhi lay down on the bed.

Although the guest room at the temple was luxurious, it wasn’t as spacious as the Xie residence.

The bed was only an ordinary-sized canopy bed, and the two of them inevitably brushed shoulders.

As soon as his presence neared, Yiling involuntarily stiffened.

After a long silence, seeing that Xie Hengzhi remained still, as usual, she finally relaxed a little.

After a while.

Yiling listened to Xie Hengzhi’s calm and steady breathing, then spoke, “Can I not go tomorrow?”

Not hearing a response from Xie Hengzhi, she continued, “It’s so cold, and there are so many people. One less of me won’t make a difference. Besides, the Crown Prince doesn’t like you.

Wouldn’t it be better if I pretended to be sick and stayed here?”

The man beside her still didn’t speak. He simply reached over and pulled the blanket off her.

Yiling: “?”

Xie Hengzhi’s emotionless voice finally sounded.

“Faking illness is not allowed, but real illness is fine.”

Yiling: “…”

She quickly grabbed the blanket back, wrapped herself up tightly, and rolled her eyes in the dark.

She must have lost her mind to think that this man liked her.