Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Ye Shuang, utterly exhausted from dragging Xiao Lin all the way, began shouting for help as soon as they neared the Marquis's residence. The guards at the gate quickly came forward to assist, while others went inside to summon more people.

Xiao Yin and Xiao Han arrived swiftly, and Ye Shuang instructed them to take Xiao Lin away immediately.

The two men, supporting Xiao Lin on either side, exchanged a glance before both looking at Ye Shuang.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Xiao Yin stammered, "This subordinate doesn't know where to take the Marquis."

Ye Shuang waved her hand dismissively. "What's there to think about? To the study, of course."

Xiao Yin and Xiao Han exchanged another look, then reluctantly led Xiao Lin away.

Ye Shuang was left standing there, utterly bewildered.

Soon, Wen Xiang and Chun Tao arrived, bringing a sedan chair. Ye Shuang's eyes lit up; she had never yearned for a sedan chair as much as she did at that moment. Without a second thought, she climbed in, quickly forgetting her earlier confusion. Once settled, she couldn't help but sigh, "A soft sedan chair truly is comfortable!"

The sedan swayed gently, and Ye Shuang was so drowsy she nearly fell asleep. Finally, they arrived at the Western Courtyard.

The courtyard was brightly lit, with maids stationed in pairs from the gate to the main house. Ye Shuang disliked being disturbed, so inside the house, besides her two personal maids, there were only four second-rank maids—Mei Qin, Lan Zhi, Zhu Yun, and Ju Yun—along with two general-duty maids, and now, Madam Liu. At that moment, Madam Liu led a group of people, waiting behind the door, holding a copper basin, a towel, tea, a bowl, and other items. After entering, Ye Shuang first washed her hands and rinsed her mouth. Then, someone brought her the usual perilla drink. After finishing a bowl, she instructed them to prepare for her bath.

After removing her makeup and bathing with Wen Xiang's assistance, she emerged to find the room already filled with the scent of her favorite "Moonlit Osmanthus." The faint osmanthus fragrance diffused throughout the room. Chun Tao was tidying the bedding with some helpers, while Ye Shuang sat on the soft couch by the east window, letting her damp hair air dry. Ye Shuang usually enjoyed reading storybooks to pass the time, and books were scattered everywhere in the room for easy access. There were also a few on the soft couch. She picked one up casually but found it a bit strange, then flipped through two more.

"Are these new storybooks?"

Chun Tao came over and took a careful look. "This servant doesn't know either, my lady."

Mei Qin stepped forward and said, "These were delivered by Guard Xiao Han today."

Ye Shuang: "Xiao Han sent them?"

Mei Qin replied, "Yes," then withdrew.

Chun Tao's eyes sparkled. "If Guard Xiao Han sent them, then it must be the Marquis's intention. It seems the Marquis still cares for you, my lady. He knows you love reading storybooks and specially found these for you."

Wen Xiang also approached. "It seems your efforts haven't been in vain, my lady. The Marquis truly holds you in his heart now."

Ye Shuang quickly scanned them; they were all stories like *The Purple Hairpin* and *The Jade Hairpin*. Perhaps Xiao Lin thought ladies of the inner chambers enjoyed reading such tales.

Recalling the books Xiao Lin had been reading in his study earlier, these were likely the same ones. Did he read them himself first, then have them sent to her?

Seeing Ye Shuang silent, Wen Xiang stepped closer and softly asked, "Madam, why do you seem unhappy instead?"

"Nothing, I'm just very tired today."

Wen Xiang: "Perhaps these books aren't to your liking? Should this servant tell Guard Xiao Han which ones you prefer?"

Ye Shuang waved her hand. "No need."

The maids exchanged glances, unsure what to do.

Ye Shuang neatly restacked the books and stared at them for a long time.

"Regardless, it's the thought that counts." Ye Shuang curved her lips into a slight smile, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the gold-embossed title on the cover.

As she sat there, a commotion arose from beyond the courtyard gate. Ye Shuang snapped out of her thoughts and looked toward the courtyard. Several maids curtsied upon seeing the newcomers, and Ye Shuang roughly knew who it was. Sure enough, Xiao Han and Xiao Yin soon entered, supporting Xiao Lin.

Everyone in the room curtsied in unison.

Ye Shuang quickly rose to greet them and helped Xiao Lin onto the soft couch. "What's going on? Why haven't you helped the Marquis rest yet?"

Xiao Han and Xiao Yin exchanged a glance.

Xiao Han, being outspoken, said, "You'd better ask the Marquis about that!"

Xiao Yin subtly nudged him, signaling with his eyes to be careful with his words.

Xiao Lin propped his head in his hand, leaning on the low table of the soft couch, his face pale.

Xiao Yin explained, "It's like this: The Marquis has been busy with official duties lately. His Majesty tasked him with helping Prince Jing sort through old books to create new lesson plans for the princes and princesses for the coming year. The Marquis had all those old books brought to the residence, and now the study is completely filled. Even the sleeping couch is piled with books, making it impossible to rest. That's why he came to the inner courtyard."

Xiao Lin lowered his hand, looking defeated. "It seems I'll have to stay here for a while."

Xiao Yin cupped his hands in salute. "Then, Marquis, we'll take our leave."

He then turned to Ye Shuang. "Madam, Xiao Han and I will be guarding outside the courtyard. Just call if you need anything."

Ye Shuang nodded.

Watching Xiao Han and Xiao Yin leave the courtyard and close the gate, Ye Shuang turned back to look at Xiao Lin—he had already passed out face down.

"This won't do; he'll catch a chill. You two, close the windows, and then prepare a bowl of sobering-up soup. Hot water and everything else also needs to be prepared again."

The group acknowledged their instructions and dispersed. Because of Xiao Lin's sudden arrival, everyone in the courtyard was bustling with activity. Despite the late-night commotion, no one seemed annoyed. Instead, everyone appeared happy, and an unexplainably festive atmosphere filled the courtyard, even livelier than their wedding night.

On their wedding night, Xiao Lin had slept in the study. The people in the residence were discreet; no one dared to gossip casually, let alone spread rumors outside. Ye Shuang had thought she would struggle to gain footing in the residence because of this, but to her surprise, everything had gone smoothly. Everyone was obedient and respectful, no one caused trouble, and no one whispered behind her back—as if completely unaware of what had happened.

Ye Shuang's life had been peaceful. After Madam Liu arrived, she had even less to worry about. Aside from rarely seeing Xiao Lin, everything else was effortless, much more comfortable than her life at the Duke's residence.

The sobering-up soup was soon ready. Ye Shuang woke Xiao Lin: "Drink some sobering-up soup so you won't have a headache tomorrow."

Xiao Lin stirred awake groggily, scowling at the steaming bowl of soup in front of him.

Ye Shuang understood and set it aside for the moment. "It's still hot; let it cool a bit first. Why don't you bathe first, Marquis? It'll be just right to drink when you're done."

Xiao Lin was dazed for a moment. "Alright."

With that, he staggered to his feet and walked toward the inner room.

Ye Shuang watched his receding back, temporarily flustered. She turned and asked, "What... what should we do now? Should we send someone in?"

Wen Xiang and Chun Tao also looked bewildered.

Chun Tao: "This servant doesn't know either, my lady..."

Everything for the bath was prepared. After some thought, Ye Shuang sent Mei Qin and Lan Zhi to attend to him inside, but shortly after, the two came out.

Ye Shuang: "Finished already?"

Mei Qin and Lan Zhi both lowered their heads.

Mei Qin: "The Marquis sent us away."

Ye Shuang was baffled: "What does that mean? He doesn't want assistance?"

She looked toward the inner room, not understanding why.

Wen Xiang waved a hand dismissively. "You two may leave now."

Madam Liu, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up. "Would you like to go in and check on him, Madam?"

Ye Shuang's face grew warm. "No need! He's such a grown man."

Madam Liu smiled but said nothing.

Chun Tao added, "But the Marquis is still drunk, what if—"

Ye Shuang remained hesitant.

Just then, a loud crash came from the inner room, accompanied by the sound of splashing water and an unknown object falling to the ground. In a panic, Ye Shuang rushed in without thinking any further.