Unknowingly, the night had already deepened. Yun Shen still didn’t want to let Yuan Man off and was about to propose another toast when Shang Hong pulled her aside from nearby. She pointed at Xun Yisu, who stood off to the side, and whispered a few words into Yun Shen’s ear. Yun Shen immediately said, “The night is deep. The Young Lady should head back too. We’ll return to our rooms first.”
With that, the three of them vanished like wisps of smoke. Xun Changqing was also dragged back to her room by Wei Lingci, leaving only the newlyweds behind.
Yuan Man paid no mind to the mess on the floor. She scooped Xun Yisu up into her arms and headed straight for her new bridal chamber, laughing happily all the while. “You’re the only one who cares about me. They just wanted to get me drunk.”
Her half-drunk, half-sober appearance made Xun Yisu’s heart race with fear, her face flushing bright red in an instant. She hurriedly wrapped her arms tightly around Yuan Man’s neck. “Put me down. You’ve had too much to drink—you’ll drop me.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t. I have a great tolerance for alcohol,” Yuan Man murmured as she nuzzled against the soft chest of the person in her arms. She couldn’t help but whisper into her ear, “I’ll show you later whether I’m actually drunk or not.”
She was already starting to say drunken nonsense. Xun Yisu ignored her and simply held on tighter.
In the darkness, Yuan Man’s footsteps were swift and steady. The few people trailing behind her could barely keep up, muttering as they went, “Huh, is she actually drunk or not? She’s running so fast—I can hardly keep pace.”
Their hushed whispers caught the attention of Xun Changqing, who hadn’t yet returned to her room. With nothing better to do, she sidled over and called out, “What are you all doing? Why aren’t you lighting a lamp… Mmph…”
Before she could finish, Yun Shen clamped a hand over her mouth and reminded her in her ear, “Little Princess, want to listen in on some fun?”
Xun Changqing had no idea what “fun” meant, but seeing their excited expressions, she blinked and nodded eagerly.
Seeing her agreement, Yun Shen let out a sigh of relief. Even if they were caught, they could blame it on this important figure leading the way.
Inside the room, the air was thick with incense, and red shadows flickered everywhere. A pair of phoenix candles burned brightly. The mandarin duck embroidered pillows on the bed were exquisite and gorgeous. Red gauze curtains had been added to the room, swaying gently like fire in their hearts.
Once inside, Yuan Man set her down and fetched the Cross-Cup Wine they had prepared earlier. Her obsidian eyes had grown hazy and misty. Her steps wobbled slightly as she gazed at the person seated properly on the bed. She placed the wine cup in her hand, crossed it over her wrist, and drained it in one gulp.
Xun Yisu was a bit slower. Seeing Yuan Man drink, she slowly raised her head. The white porcelain rim touched her red lips, but she didn’t dare meet Yuan Man’s wild, burning gaze.
By now, Yuan Man was utterly bewitched. As she finished the last drop, she leaned in and sealed Xun Yisu’s small mouth. This was no light taste—it was a ravaging sweep of her tongue, laced with the flavor of wine, sucking up every remnant in her mouth. They tangled for merely half a moment, leaving only soft pants behind, when a low voice came from outside: “Why has it gone quiet?”
The two, lost in fiery passion, didn’t notice the sounds outside. But Yuan Man suddenly felt dizzy. She sat up weakly and stared at the cup on the floor. Her face was flushed like blooming peach blossoms as she murmured, “Asu, what did you put in the Cross-Cup Wine?”
Xun Yisu stood up and met her gaze. “I drank from the Cross-Cup Wine too. Why aren’t you dizzy like this?”
She stood tall, and Yuan Man tried to follow, but her legs were limp, the alcohol surging through her. Unable to stand, she crawled onto the bed instead, rubbing her head. A flash of clarity struck her, and she exclaimed in shock, “You actually had Wei Lingci drug me… Asu, you’re so naughty.”
Her words startled a few gasps outside, followed by silence.
Xun Yisu sat beside her and chuckled softly. “What does it have to do with me?”
Wei Lingci had only toasted to keep the wine from going to Xun Changqing, willingly letting herself be used.
Xun Yisu lay down next to Yuan Man, her fingertip landing on her waist. She pressed her forehead to hers and asked, “Aman, are you hot?”
Summer nights in Ji Province weren’t hot, but that hand on her waist burned unusually. The thin outer garment made her skin heat up beneath it. The touch of scorching skin made Yuan Man restless. Her eyes glazed over as she stared at Asu, who seemed shrouded in mist. She grabbed that hand. “Asu, you’re not hot… But I feel hot… So hot… Open the window…”
At the words “open the window,” the “corpses” outside stifled laughter behind their hands. They never imagined the usually gentle and graceful woman would pull something like this—drugging Yuan Man on their wedding night. No one would believe it, especially with the aloof, immortal-like Wei Lingci helping. This had to be the biggest amusement of the year.
As they gossiped about someone, that person emerged from her bath, searching for them. Dressed in a pure white gauze skirt, she stood under the moonlight. Silver glow framed her flawless jade features, her cold beauty stunning Yun Shen, who shoved the intently listening Xun Changqing beside her. “Little Princess, your master is here.”
Yun Shen regretted dragging Xun Changqing over to eavesdrop—she’d forgotten about the even greater authority above. Once they recognized Wei Lingci, they all stood and backed away from the door.
Xun Changqing was farthest from the door, thus closest to Wei Lingci. When she reached out, Xun Changqing obediently took her hand and followed without a word.
The remaining three breathed sighs of relief. Just as they turned to listen again, Wei Lingci, who had taken a step away, turned back and said softly, “Aren’t you all on duty tomorrow?”
The three shook their heads in unison. Wei Lingci’s voice was faint and cool: “If you’re on duty, you should go rest.”
Unlike Yuan Man, Wei Lingci needed only a chilling, commanding glance to make them submit—and that’s exactly what she gave. The three hung their heads dejectedly, bowed to Xun Changqing, and hurried off.
A good show was thus ruined by Wei Lingci…
Inside, Xun Yisu pressed her forehead to Yuan Man’s and whispered, “Aman, the ears outside are gone.”
Yuan Man murmured a low response, but then she felt a hand slowly wandering over her waist. The scorching skin meeting cool air only made it worse. She opened her eyes and touched the uneven scar on her face, guilt surging anew. Her fingertip traced the raised scar as she apologized softly, “Asu, I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”
“No need for sorrys, Aman. If you’re hot, shall I help you undress?” With that, Xun Yisu’s fingertip circled lightly and slipped off her bright red ceremonial robe. Gazing at the snow-white undergarment beneath, she tapped Yuan Man’s lip corner. “Still hot?”
