Wu Lang was utterly stunned, his mind blank. He didn’t dare move a muscle, not even breathing too loudly as he held his breath with careful restraint.
Her kiss was feather-light, devoid of any desire—just the briefest brush against the boy’s thin lips, still wet with tears. It carried a soothing intent, meant to calm him down.
His sobs did indeed stop.
Wu Lang sniffled, his chest still heaving uncontrollably. His beautiful black eyes were misty with dampness, wide open and filled with disbelief.
—How could someone as filthy and worthless as him… how could he possibly…
His long fingers trembled as they silently dug into his palm. He desperately needed the pain to snap him back to reality, but before it could, the faint fragrance from the Eldest Princess’s fingertips reached him first.
She gently wiped the tear streaks from his face with the back of her finger, patient and tender, as if caressing a piece of fragile glass.
“You’re not dirty at all.”
After a moment of silence, he heard the Eldest Princess’s calm voice, clear as a flowing spring amid the hush.
“Those who hurt you—they’re the filthy ones. Do you understand?”
His heart jolted fiercely. Wu Lang couldn’t name the feeling that welled up, his throat tight and choked. He parted his lips but couldn’t speak, merely staring at Xue Yunyi and nodding dazedly.
“Don’t ever say that again,” Xue Yunyi scolded, her face stern. But no matter how she tried to deepen her tone, to Wu Lang, it still sounded impossibly gentle.
Wu Lang pressed his lips together and obediently murmured his assent. A trace of her lip color had rubbed onto his lips from the kiss—sweet and silky, like honey. He stole a glance at Xue Yunyi. Seeing that she’d looked away, he dared to savor that gifted sweetness, licking it into his mouth and swallowing.
“Alright, up you get,” Xue Yunyi said, picking up the soft tape measure from her lap once more.
Wu Lang hurried to his feet, turning his back to her and extending his arms straight out properly. With the earlier measurements to guide her, Xue Yunyi quickly found his waistline this time. She tightened the tape inch by inch, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper.
He was so thin.
She sighed, leaning in closer to read the markings. Suddenly, a dry, medicinal scent wafted to her.
Xue Yunyi knew that smell well—it was the lingering odor of skin soaked through with herbal baths over long periods, impossible to wash away no matter how hard one tried.
Her brows knit together. The soft tape pressed lightly against the boy’s slender waist as she sniffed at his side, his back.
What Xue Yunyi didn’t realize was that her breath alone was the most potent aphrodisiac for his body. Wu Lang bit his lip against the itch, his waist trembling uncontrollably. The growing discomfort below made it unbearable; he clenched his legs together in a futile attempt to hide it, desperate not to show her another shameful display like before.
The boy’s reactions were far too intense.
And that pervasive medicinal smell on him, the unnatural signs everywhere…
“What’s wrong with your body?” Xue Yunyi couldn’t help asking.
Wu Lang fell silent for a moment. He didn’t dare hide anything from Xue Yunyi, so he stammered, “Your Highness, it was… it was the Second Princess. She said this servant didn’t know how to serve properly, so…”
His voice was muffled, reluctant to delve into the humiliating details. Xue Yunyi puzzled it out from his halting words, piecing together the gist.
To think Xue Qingzhi could devise such a cruel and vicious method.
No wonder…
Just touching his waist had made him burn like that.
It wasn’t his fault at all, yet moments ago, he’d apologized to her with such humble terror, as if he’d committed some unforgivable sin.
Xue Yunyi pressed her lips together and continued measuring in silence, speeding up her movements as much as possible to spare this pitiful body further torment.
“Go back and rest easy while you recover. This Palace will have the Imperial Hospital devise a way to purge the drug from your system.”
At last, she withdrew the tape and gazed at the boy’s thin back, her voice soft. “…You’ll be fine.”
Wu Lang’s throat worked. In a hoarse voice, he replied, “Yes, this servant will obey Your Highness.”
Xue Yunyi watched his slender figure vanish through the bedchamber door, then rubbed her brow and called for Mo Ying. She couldn’t bear to look at those two battered chests on the floor for another moment.
“Your Highness, it’s time for your acupuncture today. Shall this servant fetch Imperial Physician Meng?” Mo Ying finished her tasks and entered, asking carefully.
“Go ahead.”
The acupuncture held little real benefit, and Xue Yunyi no longer held out much hope for it. But she had other matters to entrust to Meng Jiang.
Meng Jiang entered with her medicine box, paid her respects, and took out a new set of silver needles.
“Your Highness, I’ve studied the prescription you gave me last time thoroughly with my colleagues, but we truly have no leads,” she said apologetically. “However, I’ve learned a new acupuncture technique. Please try it—it might bring some improvement.”
Xue Yunyi made no comment, allowing Meng Jiang to insert the slender silver needles into the acupoints on her numb legs. With her eyes slightly closed, she suddenly asked, “Has the Second Princess requested any medicines from the Imperial Hospital lately?”
Meng Jiang paused, her words cautious. “Yes… some medicines, Your Highness. Why do you ask so suddenly?”
Xue Yunyi kept her eyes shut.
Meng Jiang steeled herself. “The Second Princess’s palace requested the most of a certain aphrodisiac called Thick Spring Dew. Beyond that, there was a formula for a medicinal bath. That one uses dozens of rare floral herbs ground into powder, mixed with hot water, and used to soak the person while it’s still scalding hot, letting the effects seep deep into the lungs and body. Over time, it makes the body hundreds of times more sensitive than normal—a mere touch is enough to…”
She trailed off, unable to finish. After a pause, she explained in a low voice, “It was originally a forbidden drug from the Former Dynasty’s harem. In truth, it’s more poison than medicine, harmful to the body. But the Second Princess insisted, and we didn’t dare refuse.”
Only then did Xue Yunyi open her eyes, asking flatly, “Is there an antidote?”
Meng Jiang nodded eagerly. “Yes. We just need to prepare a counteracting formula and bathe in it for half a month to purge the poison. The recipe is complex, and brewing it takes time—could Your Highness grant me half a month?”
Xue Yunyi glanced at Mo Ying, who understood and stepped forward, pressing a weighty pouch of coin into Meng Jiang’s hands.
“Then I must trouble Imperial Physician Meng.”
Half a month…
By then, Wu Lang’s wounds should be mostly healed.
In the days that followed, Liu Yin reported Wu Lang’s condition to Xue Yunyi each day on schedule. He was very obedient, never fidgeting or struggling during dressing changes. He ate less solid food now, mostly sipping rice porridge and claiming to be full. Before bed, he would proactively ask Zhao Xi to take him to the lavatory, and afterward, he’d thank Zhao Xi in a small voice.
Xue Yunyi listened attentively, gradually setting her mind at ease. Her visits to Wu Lang grew less frequent.
She had her own duties, such as the memorial on managing the drought in Lang Province. After three sleepless nights, she’d finally drafted a fairly comprehensive plan, intending to submit it to the Emperor after morning court that day.
When Mo Ying wheeled Xue Yunyi to the Imperial Study, the Emperor was in conference with several ministers. Li Fuzhong leaned against the doorframe, dozing with his head drooped. Hearing the sound, he cracked his eyes open and jolted awake at the sight of the Eldest Princess.
“Y-Your Highness, what brings you here?” He bowed with a fawning smile. “The threshold to the Imperial Study is high—your wheelchair might not manage it. If you have business, just tell this servant, and I’ll announce you to His Majesty.”
Xue Yunyi smiled. Ever since she’d accidentally walked in on the Emperor vigorously taking Consort Jiang atop the long desk in the Imperial Study, he’d flown into a rage and forbidden her from entering uninvited again. She understood the eunuch’s polite deflection and didn’t press him. Instead, she drew the pre-written memorial from her sleeve and handed it over.
“I’ve heard Father Emperor has been troubled by the drought in Lang Province. Please, Supervisor Li, present this memorial to him on This Palace’s behalf. It might offer some help.”
Li Fuzhong took it reverently with both hands. He thought to himself that the Eldest Princess was ever thoughtful—at least she cared enough to share His Majesty’s burdens. The Emperor had worn himself out handling state affairs for this disaster, day after day. He doted on the Second Princess so much, yet she hadn’t visited him once. Lang Province was Consort Jiang’s homeland, her mother, and still the girl seemed utterly unconcerned, content to enjoy herself in Ninghua Palace as always.
Li Fuzhong grumbled inwardly but kept his face neutral. Clutching the substantial memorial, he bowed and entered the Imperial Study, presenting it to the Emperor with respect.
“Your Majesty, this is a memorial from the Eldest Princess, regarding the Lang Province disaster. Please review it.”
The Emperor glanced up, dark circles under his weary eyes. Li Fuzhong presumptuously unfolded it for him. The Emperor skimmed it idly at first, but his eyes widened sharply upon recognizing the neat rows of elegant script.
“Prime Minister Lin.” After studying it intently for a while, the Emperor suddenly seized the memorial and called out loudly. “Come take a look at this.”
Prime Minister Lin rose promptly and approached. Upon finishing the disaster relief strategy penned personally by Xue Yunyi, admiration and surprise shone in his eyes.
The Eldest Princess was truly brilliant, with real talent for governing.
Lang Province had suffered drought for years, while Yun Province nearby brimmed with rivers and abundant rain. After poring over dozens of local gazetteers, Xue Yunyi had selected Yun Province as the ideal source from the neighboring regions. Drawing on terrain and water flows, she’d devised this water diversion plan to combat the drought. The memorial even included a hand-drawn water diversion map, detailing exactly where to build dikes and release water. It wasn’t flawless, but it was certainly worth trying.
Prime Minister Lin could scarcely contain his excitement. He hurriedly beckoned his colleagues from behind him and passed the document around for them to read one by one.
“Is this… written by the Eldest Princess?” Before long, someone could not help exclaiming in astonishment.
The Ministry of Works had proposed water diversion methods before, but those drafts had been exceedingly sloppy, riddled with flaws. Prime Minister Lin had rejected them before they could even reach the Emperor. Xue Yunyi’s proposal, however, was evidently the product of meticulous and patient deliberation, with every step thoughtfully accounted for.
After reviewing it, Minister Qi Min of the Ministry of Works immediately turned to the Emperor with fervor. “Your Majesty, following the Eldest Princess’s method, the people of Lang Province will be free from the scourge of drought in as little as three months—or a year at most. This minister volunteers to lead the effort and travel to Lang Province on Your Majesty’s behalf. I shall not fail the Eldest Princess’s painstaking work!”
The Emperor’s expression soured at these words. He took a sip of his chrysanthemum tea and dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. “In my view, this plan still has many rough edges. The Eldest Princess has only studied under Prime Minister Lin for a few years—her mind is sharp but immature, and her skills are not yet ready for the stage. This matter requires further deliberation. Once I have decided, I will issue the decree to the Ministry of Works. Court is dismissed for today.”
“Your Majesty, but—”
Prime Minister Lin had barely begun to speak when the Emperor flicked his sleeve coldly, his displeasure evident. “I am weary. All of you, withdraw.”
Seeing the Emperor’s listless demeanor, Prime Minister Lin felt a profound disappointment. He knew the Emperor simply refused to acknowledge Xue Yunyi’s talent. With his heart set on making the Noble Consort’s daughter the Crown Princess, he would not allow Xue Yunyi to shine too brightly.
But a pearl could not remain buried in dust.
And no amount of nurturing could turn rough sand into gold.
As he stepped out of the Imperial Study, Prime Minister Lin shook his head with a sigh. The Emperor was muddle-headed, blinded by personal bias to the good of the realm and its future generations. Despite his position as Prime Minister and his repeated earnest counsel, he could do nothing—a true betrayal of the Late Emperor’s dying charge.
Prime Minister Lin sighed again, the thought of resigning his post and retreating into seclusion rising in his mind once more.
“Master Lin.”
A familiar, gentle voice sounded from ahead. Prime Minister Lin halted at once and cupped his hands in salute to the young woman seated in her wheelchair. “This minister greets the Eldest Princess.”
“There is no need for such formalities, Master Lin.”
Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye, yet Xue Yunyi still addressed him as she had in her childhood. She glanced at the stream of courtiers emerging from the Imperial Study behind him. “Has Father Emperor reviewed this palace’s memorial?”
Prime Minister Lin met her clear gaze, unsure how to reply. He could only equivocate. “His Majesty… has seen it. Your Highness’s method is excellent, only…”
“Only Father Emperor is not satisfied, is he?” Xue Yunyi’s gaze remained calm.
Prime Minister Lin paused, then lowered his voice. “If I may speak boldly, Your Highness need pay His Majesty no mind. This minister and our colleagues have all examined it, and we praise you without reservation.”
Xue Yunyi lowered her eyes and said nothing. No matter how diligently she strove, she could never earn the Emperor’s approval or even a grudging word of praise. Listlessly, she took her leave of Prime Minister Lin. Beneath his worried gaze, she allowed Mo Ying to push her along the long palace path back to Azure Cypress Palace.
Xue Yunyi’s heart was heavy with frustration. As they passed the side chamber where Wu Lang lodged, she glimpsed his door slightly ajar. After a moment’s hesitation, she directed Mo Ying to wheel her over for a look. She had been occupied for three straight days without a chance to check on him, and she wondered how his injuries were faring.
The moment she entered, the young man rose from the bed, instinctively moving to kneel in greeting.
“I have told you countless times—your knees are still injured. Do not move like that,” Xue Yunyi said with a frown.
Wu Lang froze mid-motion and settled for kneeling on the bed, head bowed low as he paid his respects.
“This slave greets the Eldest Princess.”
“Are you feeling better?”
“In reply to Your Highness, this slave feels… much improved.” He lifted his eyes cautiously, sensing that the Eldest Princess seemed out of sorts today.
Xue Yunyi studied Wu Lang’s face. The scars on his cheeks had faded considerably, but he had gained little weight.
“Eat more.” Her gaze drifted to his waist. The new robes from the Brocade Weaving Bureau fit him perfectly, accentuating his slim, taut figure—no fuller than before.
“Yes.” Wu Lang’s head drooped even lower.
Xue Yunyi summoned Liu Yin and instructed her to have the small kitchen prepare nourishing medicinal dishes. Then she prepared to depart; exhaustion weighed on her after days of toil, and she needed rest.
“Y-Your Highness.”
Seeing her turn to leave, the usually reticent youth spoke up unexpectedly to detain her.
“What is it?” Xue Yunyi turned back.
Wu Lang eyed her expression nervously. In the days since arriving at Azure Cypress Palace, he had received the finest care, yet the Eldest Princess had not visited him once, nor spoken of having him attend her. Anxiety gnawed at him relentlessly.
Perhaps today, he could prove useful.
“Are you in a bad mood?” The youth licked his dry lips anxiously and murmured, “You may… vent it on this slave’s body. This slave can endure it.”