Zhao Yān felt that after Wenren Lin had been embarrassed during the archery class, he seemed to pay extra “attention” to the “Crown Prince.”

During these days when the Marquis of Dinyuan, Wenren Jinping, was busy at the military camp, Wenren Lin came to teach every day, perfectly punctual. On his long teaching desk, there were always various fresh snacks, from crab roe buns to crispy sesame cakes, from iced bayberry drinks to crystal hawthorn, both sour and savory options available, never repeating on any day.

All were flavors that Zhao Yān loved.

But as she was now pretending to be the “Crown Prince” with a sweet tooth, she could see but not eat after reading for half a day. It was already torture, and to make matters worse, Wenren Lin’s unfathomable eyes were always watching her, occasionally throwing out unexpected, difficult questions.

Fortunately, Zhao Yān had read many books in the Eastern Palace over the years, and Zhao Yǎn had made thorough preparations for her in advance, so she could generally scrape by.

Wenren Lin didn’t pursue matters deeply. He would back off after achieving his goal, and each time he watched Zhao Yān wracking her brains to muddle through, his lacquer-colored eyes would reveal a hint of pleasure.

Zhao Yān always felt like prey in the hands of a beast, treading carefully, responding to each move as it came. Whenever her patience was exhausted, the restraining beast’s claws would loosen; and when she let down her guard, she would unexpectedly fall into a trap…

What made it worse was that Wenren Lin maintained the appearance of a dignified, righteous gentleman imparting knowledge, making it impossible for her to find a reason to lash out.

After these days of interaction, Zhao Yān had developed an excellent face-changing technique: during literature class, she was lively and articulate, but as soon as Wenren Lin’s martial arts class began, she would deflate and force a smile after a smile.

Fortunately, Zhao Yǎn’s business was coming to an end. After getting through this day, she would never have to interact with Wenren Lin again! Hmph!

…

…

Zhao Yān placed a Go piece with a clack. Wenren Lin fingered the black jade piece at his fingertips, glancing mildly at the beautiful eyes that darted about across from him. He had thought she wouldn’t last a few days before revealing her true identity, but unexpectedly, she grew more determined with each setback.

These past couple of days, she seemed less committed to her act. Could it be that they were switching back?

The black jade piece twirled between his long index and middle fingers as Wenren Lin narrowed his eyes slightly: Wanting to slip away? Not so simple.

April would be the annual spring hunt, and not only would Empress Wei and Princess Shoukang attend, but also the two unmarried princesses and Princess Yongle would go along.

Although in previous years, unmarried royal women who participated in the hunt generally just gathered in the women’s tent to join in the festivities and, incidentally, select potential husbands, they couldn’t be completely ignorant of riding and archery.

With about twenty days left, the Emperor had asked the Marquis of Dinyuan to select several capable lieutenants to teach the female family members some basic riding and archery skills. The Emperor’s requirements for his daughters and nieces weren’t high—being able to ride around the course twice would be enough to demonstrate royal bearing.

The princesses and the imperial niece were precious treasures. How could Wenren Jinping not understand the Emperor’s implied meaning? How could he select an unknown lieutenant to be a martial arts teacher?

In the main hall during the discussion, the eldest son Wenren Cang spoke first: “Military training is not yet complete, and I cannot leave. Let Second Brother and Third Brother handle the martial arts teaching.”

“I’ve heard that the two princesses are golden branches and jade leaves, outstanding in appearance, which indeed makes one’s heart race. Unfortunately, I am already married and have promised my wife never to look at another woman. A man of honor keeps his word. For the sake of family harmony, I won’t join in the excitement either,” Wenren Mu took up the conversation, smilingly looking at the handsome young man leaning by the window, reading a military book. “Third Brother, why don’t you go?”

The teasing was just teasing. In the entire family, the person Wenren Mu least wanted to provoke was his third brother. This young man appeared to be mild and respectful to his brothers, but his thoughts ran deep. Every time Wenren Mu couldn’t control his mouth and offended his third brother, he would suffer misfortune for three days.

Wenren Mu had suffered too many hidden losses at his third brother’s hands. He knew that the young man had always resisted “arranged marriages.” Now, with such an opportunity to watch the show, he naturally wanted to make a few sarcastic remarks to vent some of the resentment accumulated in his heart!

As he pushed things along, Wenren Jinping’s gaze also turned toward that direction.

The Emperor had a sharp eye, instantly selecting among his three sons the one who seemed most perfect yet was the most troublesome.

Though tempered steel could become as pliable as silk around a finger… would it work on A-Lin?

Just as he was deliberating, he heard the sound of turning pages by the window, followed by a light, deep, leisurely voice: “Yes.”

Wenren Jinping pondered: “If you don’t want to go, that’s also…”

He paused, then the general realized: “What did you say?”

“Teaching the princesses, right?”

Wenren Lin, without raising his eyes, his fingers pressing the pages, repeated, “I can go.”

The father and two sons were stunned.

Had they heard correctly?

Didn’t A-Lin know that the Emperor intended to use the spring hunt to promote a marriage between him and Princess Changfeng?

He agreed! Could he have been possessed?

Wenren Mu’s naturally smiling eyes now lost their teasing quality as he examined his third brother suspiciously.

The handsome, tall young man sat upright in his chair, appearing completely carefree and at ease. His half-lowered eyelashes reflected the spring light outside the curtain, with a hint of a smile at the corners of his lips, seemingly quite interested… Beneath his gentle and amiable expression lay a dangerous aura of having ulterior motives.

Hiss, something’s not right!

…

Zhao Yǎn had been planning something lately and hadn’t had time to accompany Zhao Yān in reading and discussion.

Fortunately, this year she could join her father and mother for the hunt outside the palace. Her father had even specifically assigned martial arts teachers to instruct her in riding and archery. Zhao Yān’s mood lifted again. She changed into a bright red riding outfit and excitedly rushed to the training field with her fourth sister, Princess Zhao Shuang.

When she saw that familiar tall figure on the training field, Zhao Yān’s soaring spirits instantly plummeted as if drenched by cold water.

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, why is this person haunting me? He’s everywhere!

“Your subject Wenren Lin greets the Fourth Princess and Princess Yongle,” Wenren Lin said methodically, bowing. After a pause, he turned his meaningful gaze toward Zhao Yān and added, “Greets Princess Changfeng.”

The young girl’s almond eyes were wide open, seemingly struggling to suppress some emotion.

Without the hindrance of male clothing, her entire being appeared bright and spirited, just like when they first met at the ball court years ago.

This was better—this appearance was more pleasing to the eye.

Strange, it should have been late spring with all blossoms fallen, yet that familiar, faint, sweet scent in the air seemed to grow stronger.

For one class, Zhao Yān obediently followed Wenren Lin to learn how to draw a bow.

When she had substituted for Zhao Yǎn at Chongwen Hall, she had learned to draw a bow and shoot arrows, but now she had to pretend she knew nothing, fearing Wenren Lin would spot inconsistencies.

Fortunately, Zhao Shuang was frail, and Huo Zhenzhen was delicate. After practicing for less than half an hour, they complained of sore arms and slumped in their chairs with their bows, unwilling to move.

Zhao Yān felt relieved and took the opportunity during the break to slip away to Chongwen Hall alone to chat with Zhao Yǎn—she didn’t want to be in the same room as Wenren Lin. Seeing him made her nervous and uneasy, her heart pounding, as if under a spell.

Zhao Yǎn was still studying in the hall, with Grand Tutor Wen eloquently lecturing beside him, gesturing.

Zhao Yān paused her steps and had to retreat, sitting in the shade of a tree by the platform to cool off, waiting for Zhao Yǎn’s class to end.

The late spring sunlight became bright and bold, making the stone steps appear white, while the plantain leaves grew increasingly glossy. Zhao Yān waited for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea when she heard the faint sound of footsteps from behind.

Thinking it was her brother coming out, Zhao Yān’s eyes brightened as she immediately turned around, only to see two palace maids serving tea.

The palace maids hadn’t noticed Zhao Yān cooling off in the corner. They set the tea down on the beauty couch in the corridor and began to chat.

“The Crown Prince hasn’t dismissed class yet. Let’s sit for a while,” one said.

The other responded with a “Sure,” seemingly looking into the distance with curiosity. “The Crown Prince doesn’t have martial arts class today. Why is there activity at the small training field?”

“It must be the princesses and imperial niece practicing archery! I heard that their martial arts teacher is Wenren Lin.”

“Why him? Such a perfect, divine figure serving as a martial arts teacher for princesses seems too much of a waste of talent.”

“What do you know? I heard that His Majesty wants to take Wenren Lin as a Prince Consort and is deliberately arranging this marriage, which is why he appointed someone from the Marquis of Dinyuan’s household to teach.”

The palace maid’s admiring voice: “I wonder which princess is so fortunate.”

“There are only two unmarried princesses in total. Who else could it be? The Wenren family has achieved outstanding merits, and His Majesty values them so highly. He will certainly sacrifice the humble Fourth Princess and choose the directly related Princess Changfeng.”

“But…”

The other palace maid lowered her voice, “Isn’t it said that Princess Changfeng’s fate carries calamity and is not favored by the Empress? Marriage is not a trifling matter. Would Her Majesty agree?”

“Princess Changfeng is the Crown Prince’s twin sister. With this marriage alliance, wouldn’t the Wenren family, who hold military power, wholeheartedly follow the Crown Prince?”

The previous palace maid snorted, “If I can figure this out, how could Empress Wei not understand?”

“So that’s it! I was wondering why it had to be Princess Changfeng…”

“Grand Tutor Wen is coming out. Let’s go in.”

The palace maids fell silent and walked away one after another. Zhao Yān patted her clothes, rose from the shade of the tree, and angrily kicked at the hem of her skirt.

She had been frowning since the palace maids mentioned her fourth sister’s humble background. As she continued listening, she grew more annoyed.

Since that year when Zhao Yǎn woke from a high fever at the age of nine and began protecting his sister in every way, Zhao Yān had not heard rumors like “Princess Changfeng carries calamity” or “harms her brother” for many years. Now that these old matters were being brought up again, the shadows of her childhood surged forth like the current clouds, covering the sky and overwhelming her.

She was, after all, concerned about this matter.

Never mind, there was no point in arguing with a few palace maids.

Zhao Yān returned to the training field with furrowed brows, her mood somewhat low.

The doors of Chongwen Hall opened. Zhao Yǎn, always respectful of his teachers, had just personally escorted Grand Tutor Wen out when he saw his sister’s figure disappear around the corridor corner, leaving him momentarily stunned.

During the next half of the horse-riding class, Zhao Yān was preoccupied.

After barely enduring the half-hour, she held the saddle, preparing to dismount, when Wenren Lin called out to her: “Young Princess, your riding posture just now was incorrect. Please stay, so that I may correct it for you individually.”

Huo Zhenzhen, in a light gold riding outfit, jumped down using the stirrup and mounting block, gave Zhao Yān a “you’re on your own” look, patted her hands, and left.

Zhao Shuang wanted to say something, opened her mouth, but still walked to the side and waited quietly.

“Hold the reins, press your legs firmly against the horse’s belly, and do not lean back,” Wenren Lin instructed, leading the horse by the bridle and constantly correcting Zhao Yān. “Horses understand human intentions. If Your Highness is this distracted during the hunt, you might hurt yourself.”

Zhao Yān patiently corrected each point, but whether due to her poor state or Wenren Lin’s excessive strictness, there were always minor details that were criticized.

As a full half-hour passed, Zhao Yān’s forehead was covered with fine, glistening beads of sweat, and her snow-white cheeks were slightly flushed.

The sun gradually slanted westward. Everything seemed familiar, except now it was Zhao Yān herself who was at a disadvantage.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice when Wenren Lin had circled to the side of the horse. He used his riding crop to lightly tap Zhao Yān’s chin and said evenly: “Use your waist and legs, not your neck. Your Highness still has the same old problem—whether riding horses or drawing bows, you like to lean your neck forward when exerting force.”

This casual remark made Zhao Yān’s heart tighten.

What… “same old”?

She was now Princess Changfeng, and by rights, this should be her first time learning riding and archery from Wenren Lin. Why would Wenren Lin mention “same old”?

He had recognized her from the beginning after all?!

The more Zhao Yān thought about it, the more alarmed she became. She even forgot to avoid the rough riding crop pressed against her chin, swallowing as she asked: “Wenren Lin, you’re not deliberately taking revenge on me, are you?”

“Revenge? What does Your Highness mean?”

Wenren Lin raised his eyelids, the faint smile in his lacquered eyes appearing quite innocent. “Has Your Highness perhaps offended me at some point?”

“…”

Outmaneuvered, Zhao Yān was speechless for a moment before she could think of a plausible reason. “Because Father wants you to be a Prince Consort, so you’re being difficult with me. Otherwise, why would you not keep Huo Zhenzhen and Fourth Sister for the lesson, but only retain me?”

Wenren Lin suddenly laughed.

Did he look that idle? Others weren’t worth his effort.

Hearing him laugh, Zhao Yān, who had boldly brought the matter into the open, blushed. Annoyed, she pushed away the riding crop pressed against her chin and swung her leg over to dismount from the horse.

But the blood horse was too tall. She clung to the saddle with both hands, one foot in the stirrup, the other feeling downward several times but unable to reach the ground.

The attendants who usually fluttered around her like butterflies were nowhere to be seen, not even bringing over a footstool.

And to make matters worse, she was embarrassing herself in front of Wenren Lin!

Just as she was feeling awkward, she felt a tightness around her waist—

The next moment, she was rescued by someone gripping her waist. When she landed on the solid ground, she felt somewhat unsteady and stumbled a step.

Wenren Lin promptly supported her forearm. Zhao Yān froze, inconspicuously withdrawing her hand.

Wenren Lin didn’t mind, appreciating the young girl’s vivid embarrassment. For a moment, he seemed to see that winter day two years ago: all things withered, the icy clouds bleak, yet there was a small figure in bright red riding clothes with a man’s topknot, carrying a polo mallet half her height on her shoulder, pretending to be the Crown Prince, staring at him haughtily…

How very interesting.

“Your Highness can rest assured. Although I agreed to teach riding and archery, I’m not so idle as to eagerly pursue an unwilling match,” Wenren Lin said, withdrawing his hand and gently rubbing his fingertips. “After all, not everyone has to like Your Highness.”

The wind had risen, and heavy clouds piled up on the horizon, revealing not a hint of the sunset.

“Isn’t it said that Princess Changfeng’s fate carries calamity and is not favored by the Empress?”

“Not everyone has to like Your Highness.”

If she weren’t the Crown Prince’s twin sister, if not for her father’s intent to “arrange marriage,” Wenren Lin probably wouldn’t have deigned to be this martial arts teacher, would he?

Zhao Yān knew her birth was not welcomed, but hearing similar words twice in one day, her already depressed heart felt a surge of grievance.

This grievance rose, turning into a hot ache in her eyes.

“Yes, no one likes me. No need for Young General to remind me. I live, not to be liked by all of you!” she snapped.

In the dim evening light, the moisture in Zhao Yān’s slightly reddened eyes appeared particularly bright.

Her reaction was more intense than he’d expected.

Wenren Lin’s calm expression froze, as if he was momentarily stunned.

Before his thin lips could open, Zhao Yān had already squeezed her fingertips, lowered her head, and quickly brushed past him, storming away without looking back.

Wenren Lin stood in place, frowning almost imperceptibly.

He had thought the little princess would, as before, bare her claws and improvise a counter-attack. She always had plenty of small tricks, didn’t she?

Had he misjudged?

Under the corridor, Zhao Yān, arguing with some unknown adversary, kept her head down and walked forward determinedly, not even responding to Zhao Shuang’s concerned calls from behind.

Until at the corner, she bumped into a familiar embrace carrying a faint medicinal scent, and a familiar gentle voice called out: “Yan’er?”

Zhao Yān boarded her brother’s carriage, tilted onto the cushion, and mumbled: “I want to go to your place.”

“Alright. I’ll send someone to inform Mother that you’ll be dining at the Eastern Palace this evening.”

Zhao Yǎn nodded without hesitation, then looked outside at his sister’s dejected expression and asked softly, “What’s wrong, Yan’er? Don’t be afraid, brother is here.”

Zhao Yān shook her head: she was indeed quite affected by those rumors.

“Brother,” Zhao Yān sat up, smoothing the stray hairs at her temples, and asked in a muffled voice, “Do you think Mother really… hates me?”

“Why do you ask that?” Zhao Yǎn was surprised, then, after pondering for a moment, answered earnestly, “In the past, I was often ill, and Mother spent too much energy on me, often neglecting you. By the time she came to her senses, you had already grown up and seemed not to need her anymore… Yan’er, Mother is not good with words. You may find it hard to feel, but blood ties can never be severed. She loves you.”

If Mother didn’t care about Yan’er’s happiness, why would she resist Father’s wishes and suppress the “marriage decree,” allowing Yan’er to play freely?

Zhao Yān looked at her toes thoughtfully and said: “But love that cannot be felt—is it truly love?”

Zhao Yǎn was speechless.

He realized where his oversight had been all these years—since his rebirth, he had thought that if he was just better to his sister, even better, he could fill the void from his previous life.

He had forgotten that his sister needed more than just his love.

Zhao Yǎn endured the pain in his heart and asked patiently: “Who said unkind words to Yan’er?”

“If Father and Mother love me, why has not one of them asked whether I am willing to marry Wenren Lin?” Zhao Yān frowned, then quickly relaxed. “I don’t want to marry. I don’t want to marry someone who doesn’t like me and become a sacrifice to political machinations.”

Zhao Yǎn could probably guess whose actions had caused his sister’s low spirits.

“Alright, if Yan’er doesn’t want to marry, then you won’t,” he said with all a brother’s tenderness, smiling. “What does Yan’er want to eat tonight?”

“Crab roe buns, crispy sesame cakes, crystal hawthorn, and iced bayberry drink.”

As she spoke, Zhao Yān indeed began to feel hungry.

Zhao Yǎn instructed attendants to return to the Eastern Palace first to prepare according to her tastes, then lowered the carriage curtain and smiled: “In three more months, it will be our birthday, and Yan’er will come of age! What birthday gift would you like?”

Zhao Yān was taken aback, and unexpectedly blurted out: “A golden hairpin… I want a golden hairpin from my brother.”

The next day, at the training field.

Wenren Lin arrived early and waited for two quarter-hours before seeing the little princess trailing behind Zhao Shuang and Huo Zhenzhen, head lowered, dawdling as she approached, dawdling as she selected a bow…

Then, she dawdled as she stood at the shooting lane furthest from Wenren Lin.

After demonstrating two rounds of archery techniques, Wenren Lin glanced at Zhao Yān standing against the wall and walked toward her.

Standing so far away, he didn’t believe the little princess could hear the essentials.

But as soon as he approached, Zhao Yān turned away, choosing an even more secluded position, and called out to Zhang Cang, who was guarding the bow and arrow quivers: “I’ve long heard that Lieutenant Zhang’s archery is exceptional. Would you allow me to seek some instruction?”

“Oh… Ah?” Zhang Cang was flattered, with two patches of red appearing on his rugged face.

Wenren Lin stood with his hands behind his back, not far away, his face hidden in shadow, his expression unreadable.

Hadn’t she said his archery was “unparalleled in the world, with none to match”?

“Young General, why do my arrows always go astray? Could you teach me?” Huo Zhenzhen approached and asked, interrupting his thoughts.

After just a moment of silence, Wenren Lin quickly put on a proper smile: “My apologies, I’ve injured my arm. May I suggest the imperial niece seek instruction from someone more qualified?”

As he spoke, he looked toward his lieutenant, who was excitedly demonstrating bow and arrow techniques nearby, smiling even more harmlessly: “For instance, Lieutenant Zhang is quite good.”

“Well! You’re all having special lessons without me!” Huo Zhenzhen indeed joined Zhao Yān, putting her hands on her hips and declaring, “I want to learn too!”

Zhao Yān had fled to Zhang Cang not to learn archery at all.

Yesterday her mood was poor, and being provoked by Wenren Lin had made her tear up. At the time, she had only felt wronged, but after talking with Zhao Yǎn and calming down, the more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she felt.

It was too humiliating.

Putting on a show for Zhao Yǎn was one thing, but in front of Wenren Lin!

Zhao Yān shot an arrow in frustration. With her mind unsettled, the arrowhead went astray, grazing the straw target and landing in the sand.

She glanced sidelong and saw that Wenren Lin was no longer there.

Of course, today was the Crown Prince’s martial arts class. He had probably gone to Chongwen Hall.

That’s good. Zhao Yān finally let out a sigh of relief.

In the afternoon, the clouds gathered thickly, with moisture of impending rain in the wind.

When the day’s classes ended, Wenren Lin left Chongwen Hall and instinctively walked toward the training field at the back.

Then he stopped his steps.

In this weather, the little princess should have already returned to rest, shouldn’t she? What was he doing?

Wenren Lin lowered his eyes, smiling self-mockingly.

A fierce wind suddenly rose, with heavy rain approaching. Palace servants awkwardly raised their sleeves to escape. Amid the howling wind, only Wenren Lin came steadily, as if even the wind subsided where he passed.

“Young General, please wait,” came Zhao Yǎn’s gentle voice as a carriage stopped at the palace gate.

Wenren Lin halted, looked at the youth sitting upright in the carriage, and unhurriedly cupped his fist in greeting: “What does the Crown Prince command?”

“Not a command, just a few words I wish to share with the Young General,” Zhao Yǎn said. “My twin sister is tenacious and intelligent. She appears bold and carefree, seeming to take nothing to heart, but she is most sentimental. Others’ words, whether kind or cruel, can stay with her for a long time.”

Wenren Lin asked calmly: “Why is the Crown Prince telling me this?”

“When I was born, I was weak and sickly. Because my twin sister had a strong constitution, many idle gossipers arose. All were baseless words, but Yan’er cares deeply. She fears she truly harms her brother, fears Mother despises her, fears that she is disliked…”

At the words “fears that she is disliked,” Wenren Lin’s calm and unruffled eyes moved slightly.

He suddenly recalled the unexpectedly reddened eyes in yesterday’s sunset.

So that was the crux of the matter.

“I simply wanted to tell the Young General that even the most cheerful person has wounds they don’t wish to be touched. A young girl’s self-esteem is very fragile. Because she cares, she is easily hurt.”

Zhao Yǎn’s voice was soft, yet it added a solemnity never before present. “Yan’er is my only twin sister. If others don’t cherish her, I certainly do. I hope the Young General will fully understand my meaning.”

The curtain lowered again, and as the carriage moved away, Wenren Lin remained standing in place.

How curious. The usually mild-tempered Crown Prince had become assertive… Was that casual remark he made yesterday so offensive?

Offensive enough that the little princess would refuse to acknowledge him all day, and even have her brother come to support her?

Had he known, he wouldn’t have said it.

The damp wind carrying the scent of earth swept over, and large raindrops fell, becoming increasingly dense, quickly wetting his handsome, profound face and soaking his ink-colored clothes.

Zhao Yǎn had asked him to understand, which carried a “warning” meaning. Without the Crown Prince’s permission, he couldn’t move freely.

Though given his temperament, if he truly wanted to leave, no one would dare stop him. But that momentary heart palpitation—he hadn’t yet figured it out.

So he might as well just stand there.

The rain fell harder and harder, a white haze everywhere, with only Wenren Lin remaining at the palace gate. His expression was calm, his dark robe undisturbed, straight as an unsheathed blade.

In Kunning Palace, Empress Wei learned of the situation at Changqing Gate and was slightly surprised.

Looking at her son bowing before her seat, she asked: “It’s rare to see you angry. How did Wenren Lin offend you?”

Zhao Yǎn straightened up and answered: “He didn’t offend me, but he made Yan’er unhappy.”

Empress Wei pondered, tacitly approving of his actions.

“This year, Changfeng will come of age, and we must arrange it well. The Ministry of Rites has submitted several drafts for the birthday banquet. When you have time, ask Changfeng’s opinion. See if there are any changes she wants, and modify according to her wishes. This year, she takes precedence, and you are secondary.”

Empress Wei showed him the Ministry’s submission and took out another gift list, frowning in thought. “These are the gifts I’ve prepared, fifteen sets in total. I wonder if she’ll like them.”

Though her daughter was raised under her knee, messages still had to be relayed through her son from the Eastern Palace.

Zhao Yǎn suddenly recalled his sister’s words—”love that cannot be felt, is it truly love?”—and for the first time had the thought of “disobeying” his mother’s wishes.

He raised his gentle, clear eyes and smiled with folded sleeves: “I believe it would be better if Mother communicated with Yan’er directly about these matters. More than gifts, she needs Mother’s approval to see that Mother values her.”

Empress Wei placed the gift list on her lap, her red lips parting, then closing again.

Finally, she sighed: “The rain is so heavy. Why hasn’t she returned yet?”

A carriage slowly entered Changqing Gate.

Though it had already passed by Wenren Lin, it stopped.

The curtain was lifted slightly, revealing Zhao Yān’s surprised face. She had probably just returned from the Eastern Palace, and seeing Wenren Lin standing in the rain, she seemed to understand what had happened.

Wenren Lin’s eyelashes were wet, with rainwater flowing along his jaw into his collar, yet he still stood with his hands behind his back, showing no sign of dishevelment.

Without needing to look up, he could guess that the little princess must be feeling triumphant and greatly satisfied.

Let her look if she wants to. He didn’t care.

Just as he was thinking this, a low voice came from the carriage, muffled in the noisy rain, indistinct and hard to discern.

“You may go now.”

Without a hint of schadenfreude.

Wenren Lin raised his eyes in surprise but didn’t move.

The curtain dropped, and the young girl descended from the carriage. Palace maids rushed forward, holding umbrellas for her.

Ignoring her rain-dampened skirt, Zhao Yān simply frowned and passed an open umbrella to him.

The rain struck the umbrella rim, pattering like dense drumbeats.

At such close distance, Wenren Lin could see the young girl’s exquisite, bright face beneath the umbrella, youthful and vivid. His heart palpitated again.

Like a stone thrown into water, creating faint ripples.

Zhao Yān pressed her lips together, placed the umbrella on his shoulder, and walked away.