As for that abusive karmic bond, since Wei Lingci had no interest, why force it? Staying alive and safe was what mattered.
In the treacherous royal court, mere endurance wasn’t sustainable. Since others wouldn’t let go, she should fight back. Even if she died young as in her previous life, that was heaven’s decree.
Perhaps it was fate, but Xun Yiran had come to the Capital Mountain Temple that evening. To outsiders, he was visiting his young sister Xun Yisu. She had come to offer incense that day and should have returned after noon, but the heavy rain trapped her here, unable to leave or stay openly.
Xun Yisu wasn’t born to the Empress but to Consort Ping. Not highly favored, mother and daughter kept a low profile in the palace, speaking cautiously and avoiding trouble. A few days prior, she’d sought the Empress’s permission to leave the palace for incense.
She rarely spoke with the Second Imperial Prince. His sudden arrival startled her greatly, but after a few reassuring words, he left. In the late spring chill, it left a thin sheen of sweat on her back.
The Emperor had only three princes under his knee, and Xun Yiran excelled in both civil and martial arts, mild-mannered with no negative rumors. The Emperor’s heart favored him. With her health declining in recent years, whispers of establishing a crown prince emanated from the Containment Origin Hall. Xun Yisu dared not offend him.
Once he left, a person flipped out from the inner side of the bed, face flushed, sweat beading on her forehead. She panted several times before saying, “Good thing my mother made me practice breath-holding. Otherwise, I’d have died here today. Asu, how was I to know you and the Second Prince were so close? He came specifically to see you after learning you’d left the palace.”
Xun Yisu quickly shut the door and hurried to the bedside. The anxiety on her face eased, replaced by guilt as she gazed apologetically at the hiding Yuan Man. Softly, she said, “I’m truly sorry. I’m not close with the Second Prince at all.”
Yuan Man sat up, throwing off the covers and crossing her legs on the bed. She’d snuck out to see Xun Yisu that day, lying to her parents that she was staying at the Pingnan Prince’s Mansion—something she did occasionally. But it chafed her that they’d barely spoken when the Second Prince burst in. She’d panicked and hidden under the bed to avoid discovery.
Otherwise, her relationship with Xun Yisu might not stay secret. Two women in love—her mother would beat her to death.
Xun Yisu, just reaching marriageable age, remained composed in crises. She bit her lower lip lightly and mocked, “He came to see me, probably to silence the world. I suspect the Wei family girl is here.”
Yuan Man, who had just lain down, jolted upright again, pointing outside and murmuring, “Wei Lingci?”
Candles now lit the room, but the storm outside raged fiercer—heaven’s fury howling coldly in their ears.
Xun Yisu’s expression softened, her face warm in the lamplight, like a bright spring day. She speculated, “He probably came for the Wei girl but hit a wall. Stopping by here makes it look like brotherly affection to outsiders.”
At those words, Yuan Man’s excited mood faded, her eyes darkening with displeasure. “The Empress approached my mother, wanting me to marry the Second Prince as his principal wife.”
The Yuan Family backed tens of thousands of Imperial Guards, close to the throne—enough to make eyes greedy. Naturally, the Empress wanted to win them over.
Xun Yisu slowly lowered her gaze. She’d heard such rumors occasionally. Though unwilling, it was inevitable. Her face remained neutral, but inwardly she endured fiercely. Worst case, if Yuan Man entered the palace, they’d meet more easily—no need for these covert outings.
Seeing her silent, Yuan Man regretted bringing it up. She pulled her to sit on the bed. Up close, a faint clear fragrance lingered at her nose, warming her heart. For some reason, her face flushed inexplicably. Lightly tugging Asu’s sleeve, she promised, “Asu, I won’t enter the palace.”
“I know you won’t. His Majesty won’t tolerate an imperial prince associating with the Imperial Guards’ commander—that’s a grave taboo. The Empress is just anxious,” Xun Yisu explained gently, her voice soft and lingering. She kept her head down, the gem on her hairpin gleaming brightly, dazzling Yuan Man.
Xun Yisu wasn’t naive; she knew how to protect herself in danger. In a good mood, Yuan Man simply closed her eyes, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, leaned closer, and murmured ambiguously, “Asu, as long as you have me in your heart and I have you in mine, that’s enough. Everything else will sort itself out. No need to worry.”
The other smiled shyly, bashfully silent, letting Yuan Man fuss. Her neck tingled with itchiness; she shifted away slightly before responding, “Not returning tonight—aren’t you afraid of Madam Yuan looking for you?”
But the other didn’t answer. Suddenly, a hand covered the sash at her waist, laying her body flat.
The candle flame extinguished for some reason, and the wild winds and torrential rain raged through the night without cease.
Yet when Xun Yisu rose the next morning, the rain had cleared, and the spot beside her was empty. Only then did she remember it was her duty day!
Author’s Note: Finally, at the end, use your imagination for this scene. No little theater tonight.
Good night, muah~
