Chapter 67: Together

Chapter 67: Spending Time Together

Si Li vaguely recalled that the last time the Young Master relied on soporific incense to sleep was the night they first arrived in Jiuyuan City.

After Princess Changle appeared, the Young Master never touched the incense again.

Now, smelling the pungent aroma in the Young Master's room again, Si Li felt conflicted.

He faintly suspected that while it was true the Young Master suffered from chills from poison ingestion, the reason he felt no warmth even with multiple braziers in the room and found it too cold to sleep was actually all in his head.

He sighed to himself, thinking of the day before yesterday when Princess Changle suddenly moved out of her bedroom and the Young Master left with a pale complexion. He also recalled the servants mentioning that the study light was on all night last night, meaning the Young Master likely didn't sleep at all.

Today, since he had finally managed to fall asleep, Si Li quietly opened the window and waited silently without making a sound.

When Mu Chi woke up, it was already mid-morning, and the sky was bright.

He instinctively glanced beside him—it was empty, with not a soul in sight.

A sudden panic rose in Mu Chi's heart, cold sweat beading on his forehead as he hurriedly sat up.

"Young Master, you're awake?" Hearing the movement, Si Li quickly approached.

"Where is the princess?" Mu Chi's voice was still hoarse from sleep, filled with alarm. "Where is she?"

Si Li paused, then hurriedly replied, "Princess Changle is likely in the side courtyard. I will go check immediately."

With that, he swiftly turned and ran out.

Watching Si Li's retreating figure, Mu Chi finally recalled that last night she had agreed to six months together with him and had asked him to rest well.

But not seeing her in the morning still made him uneasy. He simply threw on a loose fox fur robe and stepped outside in the silk slippers he wore indoors.

Si Li happened to return just then, looking somewhat troubled. "Young Master, the maid serving in the side courtyard said Princess Changle went out early this morning with Miss Yicui, likely to attend to matters at Jinyinzhai."

Mu Chi's expression tightened slightly. The unease in his heart gradually faded, but he pressed his lips tightly together.

He had promised her not to restrict her from going to Jinyinzhai.

"Young Master?" Si Li called softly.

Mu Chi snapped out of his thoughts. "It's nothing," he said, turning back to the study. "Bring me the list of names Li Muxuan provided the other day."

During the two years of fighting abroad, Li Muxuan's men had caused him no small amount of trouble. In the past, he had no fear—if they wanted his life, they could try to take it by their own means. Unfortunately, their methods were too weak, full of oversights and mistakes.

But now it was different. He had someone to care about, so he needed to eliminate these threats one by one.

Hearing the Young Master's cold tone, Si Li knew those people were likely doomed.

Yet, he couldn't help but think that the Young Master's condition was indeed an emotional issue.

But... if it were a physical ailment, the imperial physicians could still treat it. A matter of the heart, however, was likely trickier to fix.

*

Jinyinzhai had already been renovated.

Qiao Wan and Yicui went to the shop early in the morning to make preparations.

Mu Chi's men were exceptionally efficient—even the cleaning tools from Jiuyuan City had been transported exactly as they were.

However, Jiuyuan was ultimately no match for Yandu. Yandu was prosperous, and its clothing and accessories were more luxurious and grand. Qiao Wan planned to spend the next few days exploring Yandu with Yicui to observe the latest styles and also recruit new embroiderers and accountants.

It seemed they would be busy for some time.

By the time Qiao Wan and Yicui returned from Jinyinzhai that day, the sky had already darkened.

After a full day of work, they had dinner, took medicine, and after leaving the ice room, Qiao Wan went straight to the side courtyard, collapsing tiredly onto the bed as sleepiness washed over her instantly.

When Mu Chi hurried back to the estate, he learned that Qiao Wan had already returned.

He was about to head to the side courtyard but paused when he caught the scent of blood on his clothes.

It was from interrogating a few people on the list in the prison earlier that day.

After a few moments of silence, Mu Chi turned and went back to the study without a word.

Si Li, following behind, looked puzzled at his retreating figure. The Young Master had rushed back all the way—why was he holding back now that he was home?

But moments later, the study door opened. Mu Chi had changed into a new set of clothes, white as snow, and his disheveled ink-black hair was neatly combed. He stepped out into the night and headed toward the side courtyard.

Along the way, Mu Chi felt a nervousness he couldn't shake. Tonight was their first night of being together, just like in the past.

When he reached the side courtyard, remembering Qiao Wan's words about "respecting her," Mu Chi stopped in the yard. He looked at the warm, flickering candlelight in the bedroom, paused for a moment, and asked a maid to announce his arrival.

The maid soon returned, looking nervous. "Your Highness, Miss Qiao says she is tired today and has already retired for the night. She asks that you also return to your room to rest."

Mu Chi's hopeful anticipation froze in his chest. He stood still in the yard for a long time before asking, "Did she really say that?"

"Miss Qiao did indeed say that," the maid replied respectfully, her head bowed.

In truth, Miss Qiao had not only said that but had also impatiently turned over, her tone somewhat irritable.

Mu Chi remained silent for a long time, unable to suppress the thought: Had she regretted it?

Did she regret agreeing to last night's arrangement?

"Your Highness, should I wake Miss Qiao?" the maid asked softly, seeing that Mu Chi hadn't left.

Mu Chi's long eyelashes trembled slightly. After a moment, he said in a low voice, "No."

He heard she had been out all day—she must be tired. That was all. She couldn't have regretted it.

What if he woke her and, in her displeasure, she truly did regret it...

"Tell her I will rest well," Mu Chi said quietly.

The maid acknowledged and returned to the room. Mu Chi dismissed the others, and only when he was alone in the yard did he slowly walk to the stone table nearby and sit down.

The night was cold, and the stone chair was even colder.

A deep chill rose within him, but Mu Chi sat there without moving.

Servants on duty watched from a distance, seeing the ethereally handsome prince sitting in the pitch-black night, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the bedroom.

Only when the candlelight in the bedroom flickered and went out did he finally rise and leave.

But it wasn't just that night. In the days that followed, Qiao Wan remained extremely busy, going to Jinyinzhai every day without fail.

Even if Mu Chi woke early each morning, she would only exchange a brief greeting before hurrying off. When she returned in the evening, she would emerge from the ice room exhausted and go straight to sleep, leaving him with little more than a "You should rest well too."

And every night, Mu Chi could only sit in the courtyard, watching the candlelight in her room gradually fade away.

Mu Chi grew increasingly agitated, asking Si Li for what felt like the hundredth time, "Has the Gold-Silver Pavilion hired any men?"

Si Li bowed his head and replied, "Princess Changle has only hired one man, a bookkeeper past his fifties."

Mu Chi pursed his lips and fell silent.

Si Li observed his master, recalling how every morning when he entered the study, he could smell the familiar scent of soporific incense. It was clear that the prince was indeed "resting well," just as Princess Changle had said.

But this wasn't sustainable. Si Li suggested, "Perhaps you could visit the Gold-Silver Pavilion to see Princess Changle, my lord?"

His eyes briefly lit up, but they soon dimmed again. He lowered his gaze and said softly, "No."

When Qiao Wan first started setting up the Gold-Silver Pavilion, she had refused his help. In the past, Mu Chi hadn’t understood why, but now he vaguely sensed that Qiao Wan wanted to keep him out of her business.

It seemed… that place was a refuge that brought her peace.

If he went without her permission, she would likely be angry.

And these days, he was growing more fearful of angering her, terrified that the hard-earned chance he had gained would come to an end.

*

That day, with the Gold-Silver Pavilion finally arranged and a new batch of fine silk ordered, Qiao Wan finally had some time to herself.

It was only late afternoon, the sun still hanging in the sky, when Qiao Wan returned home.

Yicui had been busy alongside her all this time, so Qiao Wan told her to rest first while she headed back to the side courtyard alone. Unexpectedly, she encountered Si Li at the entrance.

"Guard Si?" Qiao Wan looked at him curiously, wondering why he wasn’t with Mu Chi and had come to see her instead.

"Princess Changle," Si Li saluted with a cupped-hand gesture, his expression complicated. "I have something to say to you."

Seeing how the prison had been flowing with blood these past few days and how the prince had grown increasingly cold, even the subordinates hardly dared to breathe.

Moreover, the prince relied on soporific incense every night to sleep. Si Li felt compelled to come.

Since returning to Yandu, Si Li had stopped calling her "Miss Qiao." Qiao Wan didn’t bother correcting him and simply turned to walk toward a nearby corridor. "Please speak directly, Guard Si."

After a moment of silence, Si Li lowered his gaze and got straight to the point. "Nearly four years ago, the prince began relying on soporific incense to sleep."

Qiao Wan was taken aback. "What?"

"After you left Lingjing back then, the prince couldn’t sleep night after night. The imperial physicians prescribed sleep aids, but they soon lost their effect. He had to use soporific incense to fall asleep. It improved after he met you in Jiuyuan, but these past few days, he’s started using that incense again."

"Soporific incense?"

Si Li explained, "It’s a Western substance called *tuloe*. Though effective, it’s potent. Overuse could damage his internal organs."

Qiao Wan frowned. "If it’s harmful, why does he use it? Can’t he just sleep when he’s exhausted?"

Si Li bowed his head. "After using the incense, the prince always dreams of you."

Qiao Wan was momentarily stunned.

Si Li continued, "These past few days, he’s been using the incense again, all to 'get proper rest.'"

"What…" Qiao Wan murmured without thinking before suddenly realizing something, her expression growing tense.

Lately, she had often told Mu Chi to rest well, and he always had the maid formally respond, "He will."

Because of this?

Si Li pressed on, "I implore you to persuade him, Princess, if not for his sake, then for your own."

Qiao Wan looked at him.

Si Li gathered his courage and said, "You still need the imperial physicians to adjust your medication. If something happens to the prince, the court is full of opportunists. I fear the physicians may not dare to come anymore."

Qiao Wan’s eyes shifted. Indeed, having grown up in the palace, she was well aware of how fickle people could be.

If it weren’t for Mu Chi’s status keeping them in line, why would the imperial physicians regularly attend to her every few days?

Qiao Wan pursed her lips but made no promises to Si Li, only saying she understood.

After Si Li left, Qiao Wan quietly returned to her room, still lost in thought.

It wasn’t until a maid brought in her medicinal brew that Qiao Wan snapped back to attention. She picked up the bowl and drank it all in one go.

The maid, having grown accustomed to Qiao Wan’s exhaustion from leaving early and returning late these days, and mindful of the prince’s special regard for her, volunteered, "This servant has learned massage methods before. Would you like me to give you a massage, miss?"

Qiao Wan’s thoughts were in disarray, so she gladly agreed.

The maid’s technique was gentle, applying pressure rhythmically on the acupoints at her temples and scalp. Qiao Wan gradually relaxed, and Si Li’s words returned to her thoughts.

She seemed to find Mu Chi more incomprehensible.

Not long ago, she thought she was merely a tool for his sleep. But now she was told that Mu Chi’s sleeplessness was because of her? He even turned to narcotics?

Yet back then, he had only utilized and imprisoned her.

So absorbed in her thoughts, Qiao Wan didn’t notice the hands massaging her temples suddenly stiffen.

The maid paled as she watched the man in white enter silently. Her legs weakened, and she almost dropped to her knees.

But the man only gave her a cold glance before stepping forward.

The maid quickly bowed and retreated without a sound.

Qiao Wan, still deep in thought, frowned slightly when the pressure on her head disappeared. But soon, the hands returned, with expert pressure massaging her temples with a gentle yet powerful touch.

Qiao Wan closed her eyes comfortably, feeling the day’s fatigue melt away. It took her a moment to realize the hands on her forehead were uncommonly cold. "Lü Luo, why are your hands…"

Her voice trailed off as she looked up and caught a glimpse of a familiar face in the bronze mirror.

The mirror was low, reflecting only his chin and slightly pursed lips. His white robes and dark hair contrasted with skin as pale and translucent as moonlight.

Mu Chi had quietly replaced the maid, standing behind her and massaging her forehead. Then, naturally, he ran his fingers through her hair, gently kneading her scalp.

Qiao Wan glanced toward the door, confirming no one had announced his arrival. "Why are you here?"

Mu Chi paused, his lips parting as if he wanted to ask if she regretted it. But fearing the answer, he swallowed the question and said softly, "I missed you."

The moment the words left his lips, his heart tightened anxiously.

He had never been so forthright before, but these past few days, he had truly missed her.

Qiao Wan was silent for a moment before turning to look at him.

In the candlelight, his face seemed softer, his long eyelashes trembling slightly like a criminal awaiting judgment, radiating a delicate vulnerability.

Suddenly reminded of something, Qiao Wan drew nearer to him.

Mu Chi's body tensed slightly at her approach, but he quickly reacted and took half a step back.

His robes had absorbed the scent of the perfumed incense in the study—a heavy fragrance that was harmful to one's health if inhaled for too long.

But Qiao Wan had already smelled it.

Amid the cold, icy fragrance was an alluring scent. With just one deep breath, she felt slightly dizzy; it was only by moving away that she felt unaffected.

Si Li had told the truth.

A maid’s voice came from outside the door: “Miss, it’s time for the medicinal incense.”

Qiao Wan responded softly, pursed her lips as she looked at Mu Chi.

“Go ahead. I’ll go rest soon,” Mu Chi forced a faint smile. “Since I promised you that night, I won’t stay in your room without permission.”

Hearing the word “rest,” Qiao Wan fell silent for a moment before murmuring “Mm” and rising to her feet. Yet, just as she was about to leave, she paused, letting out an irritated sigh after a long moment.

Just consider it… for the sake of her own health.

That was what she told herself.

“You may rest in the outer chamber,” Qiao Wan said stiffly before walking out.

Mu Chi was stunned, taking a while to process her words.

She was letting him stay—even if only in the outer chamber.

A wave of incredulous joy surged in his heart, warmth flowing through his meridians as his body felt filled with energy.

Watching Qiao Wan’s retreating figure, he suddenly took two steps after her: “Qiao Wan.”

Qiao Wan halted but didn’t turn around.

Mu Chi asked softly, “May I come to Jinyin Zhai to see you?”

Qiao Wan hadn’t expected that even a madman like Mu Chi would ask her about such a small matter. She replied tersely, “Do as you like.”

Mu Chi stood frozen in place, gazing at her retreating figure, a slight smile finally touching his lips after a long moment.

That night, Mu Chi stayed in the outer chamber on a daybed.

Lifting his head, he could just make out Qiao Wan’s sleeping profile through the hazy screen and gauzy curtains in the inner chamber, almost hearing her soft, even breaths.

In the room, only a low-burning charcoal brazier remained—no incense of any kind.

Unconsciously, Mu Chi matched his breathing to her gentle, rhythmic breaths, his restless heart gradually settling into peace.

He didn’t know when he drifted off that night.

*

Early the next morning, when Si Li accompanied Mu Chi to handle official matters, he noticed his master was in a very good mood—his brows relaxed, even flashing a faint smile, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Even the memorials were processed swiftly, all completed by mid-afternoon.

On their return, Si Li gathered the courage to ask, “Is my lord in a particularly good mood today?”

Mu Chi gave him a casual glance, and Si Li quickly lowered his head.

Mu Chi said mildly, “Did you seek out Princess Changle yesterday?”

Only Si Li and a few rarely seen shadow guards knew about his use of incense for sleep.

Si Li’s heart skipped a beat: “This subordinate would not dare deceive my lord.”

“Since when have you become so talkative?”

Si Li hurriedly added, “I beg my lord’s forgiveness.”

Mu Chi averted his gaze: “Go to the Ministry of Revenue tomorrow to receive a reward.”

“Yes…” Si Li began to acknowledge, then paused in surprise upon fully processing the words, before smiling, “Thank you, my lord.”

Mu Chi said nothing more, opened the carriage window to gaze at the streets on either side.

The bustling market he had once detested now wasn’t so bad.

Jinyin Zhai was just ahead.

The carriage slowly came to a stop. Mu Chi alighted while still some distance from Jinyin Zhai and walked ahead leisurely.

But his steps hesitated slightly as he passed a shop.

It was a bookstore, with several popular storybooks displayed in front—the kind Qiao Wan used to love reading, those filled with tales of romance and passion.

Mu Chi looked at those books, pressed his lips together, and finally moved on.

A man clad in white robes and a snow-white Brocade Fur Coat walked through the noisy, crowded streets like a solitary figure detached from the world. Though stunningly handsome, his expression was cold as frost, making others afraid to look directly at him.

It was only when he saw the woman walking toward him, laughing and chatting with another, that a ripple of emotion finally crossed his features.

Jinyin Zhai hadn’t officially opened yet. After organizing the newly arrived silk fabrics, Qiao Wan and Yicui had gone for a stroll through the market and encountered a sugar-figure vendor on their way back.

The vendor was skilled enough to paint vivid birds, beasts, fish, and insects with just a few strokes of melted sugar.

Qiao Wan was holding a delicate little deer figure, which looked especially charming.

Amid her laughter and banter with Yicui, she noticed the surroundings had fallen silent.

Puzzled, Qiao Wan looked up and saw Mu Chi standing ahead.

Not expecting him to actually come to Jinyin Zhai, she grew quiet.

Mu Chi slowly offered her a smile, the ice in his eyes melting instantly, like a ray of winter sunlight.

Such striking looks drew the attention of many women nearby, who stopped to steal glances, their faces flushed with shy admiration.

Noticing the stares around them, Mu Chi frowned slightly but then seemed to remember something, glancing toward a nearby mask vendor.

He walked up to Qiao Wan, gazing down at her intently, an unconscious hint of anticipation in his gaze.

Author's Note:

Doggy: Hurry up and put it on me, hurry up and put it on me!