“I’ll wash myself!”

Mu Yunjin glared at Chu Li, realizing that recently, this fellow had become increasingly insufferable, with little trace of his usual aloof demeanor.

Seeing her bristling like this, Chu Li chuckled softly, reached out to ruffle her hair, then suddenly looked at his hand with disgust.

He drawled leisurely, “Indeed, you do need a bath…”

“Get out!” Mu Yunjin threw a pillow at him.

Chu Li caught the pillow, looked at Mu Yunjin, his expression somewhat unnatural, and cleared his throat. “This Prince will have Qingmeng help you bathe.”

“No,” Mu Yunjin refused. “I’ll wash myself.”

Chu Li responded with a sound of agreement, stepped closer, and extended his hand toward Mu Yunjin. “Can you walk?”

Mu Yunjin nodded, reached out with her right hand to grasp Chu Li’s extended hand, got out of bed, and began putting on her shoes.

…

…

After putting on her shoes, Mu Yunjin stood up, allowing Chu Li to lead her toward the small door. Chu Li opened the door, revealing the misty hot spring pool.

“The hot spring here has medicinal properties added. Your wound can be soaked directly without concern,” Chu Li said.

Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow, looking at the hot spring pool she had coveted for so long, and glanced sideways at Chu Li. “You’re being so generous as to lend me this hot spring pool?”

“Didn’t you say this Prince was heartless?” Chu Li also raised an eyebrow.

Mu Yunjin smiled, poking Chu Li’s arm. “Then go help me prepare a change of clothes.”

As Mu Yunjin spoke, she counted on her fingers. “I need an outer garment, trousers, and an undershirt…”

Before she could finish, Chu Li had already walked out with a dark expression.

Seeing Chu Li leave, Mu Yunjin gleefully changed out of her clothes and walked into the hot spring pool. As the gentle water touched her skin, Mu Yunjin let out a long, comfortable sigh.

Leaning against the pool wall, Mu Yunjin’s eyes unfocused. Seeing that her arm was no longer in bad shape, she wondered if it was time to resolve some matters.

She had no desire to let certain despicable people continue living carefree lives.

“Prince’s Consort, your change of clothes is in the room,” Qingmeng’s voice sounded from the small door.

Mu Yunjin made a sound of acknowledgment, got out of the hot spring pool, and entered the room.

The room was empty at the moment.

After changing clothes, Mu Yunjin wiped her still-wet hair, stretched her limbs, and walked toward the door.

“Creak—”

The door was gently opened by Mu Yunjin. The weather outside was splendid today. Upon encountering the light outside, Mu Yunjin found it somewhat dazzling and shielded her eyes.

After adjusting to the light, Mu Yunjin stretched with immense satisfaction and walked into the courtyard, looking as if she wanted to be close to nature.

Ding Xian and Qingmeng had been guarding the courtyard. Seeing Mu Yunjin suddenly come out, they were somewhat startled.

But seeing her obvious appearance of having been cooped up for too long, the two just smiled without saying much.

When Chu Li entered Li Quan Pavilion, he saw Mu Yunjin standing on the steps, leaning against the wall, leisurely basking in the sun.

Ding Xian and Qingmeng, who had been in the courtyard, immediately sensed the mood and walked out.

Chu Li approached Mu Yunjin and noticed a towel around her neck, her black hair still dripping water, dampening her outer garment. His brow furrowed slightly.

He took the towel and placed it on her head, vigorously helping her dry her hair.

Mu Yunjin felt as if her scalp was about to be lifted off. She grabbed Chu Li’s wrist and smiled sheepishly. “I’ll do it myself.”

Chu Li released his grip.

Mu Yunjin wiped her hair with one hand, stroke after stroke, leaning against the wall with a nonchalant expression.

Chu Li stood in front of Mu Yunjin. Seeing her fresh from the bath, with a faint clean scent and hints of medicinal fragrance emanating from her body, he found it particularly soothing to inhale.

Looking at her slightly pouting mouth and somewhat disgruntled expression as she dried her hair, a hint of emotion gradually welled up in his eyes. He gently placed his hand on Mu Yunjin’s shoulder, his gaze falling on her rosy lips. Bending down, he slowly leaned closer.

Mu Yunjin’s hand, which had been drying her hair, paused. Watching Chu Li draw increasingly near, her heart suddenly accelerated. Instinctively, she wanted to step back, but realized she was already against the wall.

After pursing her lips, Mu Yunjin felt her heart nearly leap to her throat. A blush secretly crept across her face. Seeing such a splendid countenance slowly approaching her, she momentarily lost her senses, her head feeling hazy as she unconsciously closed her eyes.

A cool and soft sensation gently brushed against her lips.

“Miss, you’re back!” An excited and delighted voice rang out at the entrance to Li Quan Pavilion’s courtyard.

Mu Yunjin, who had been in a somewhat dreamy state, immediately snapped back to reality in fright. She pushed Chu Li away, her face reddening as if about to burst into flames. At that moment, she was so embarrassed she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

Zixiang regretted speaking as soon as the words left her mouth. Seeing Chu Li’s almost murderous gaze, she realized she had interrupted a private moment between Chu Li and Mu Yunjin. She was so frightened that she didn’t utter another word and ran out of the courtyard at full speed.

Mu Yunjin wanted to call Zixiang back, but Zixiang had already fled quickly.

Mu Yunjin lowered her eyes and pursed her lips, only now fully realizing what had happened…

Heavens, she and Chu Li had just been…

Mu Yunjin dared not think further. She stamped her foot and looked up to glare at Chu Li, whose lips were now curving into a smile. “What are you smiling at!”

“Heh, I never realized that you, woman, could be so easily embarrassed,” Chu Li said, pinching Mu Yunjin’s crimson cheek.

“Get lost!” Mu Yunjin shouted angrily, running into the room and slamming the door shut.

Outside the door, Chu Li touched his lips, the amusement in his eyes growing stronger. This woman, it seemed, tasted quite pleasant.

…

Before nightfall, Mu Yunjin returned to her room.

Hiding in her room, Mu Yunjin lay in a rocking chair, gently swaying. She couldn’t help touching her lips, recalling that kiss, light as a dragonfly touching water.

Strangely, a hint of sweetness welled up in Mu Yunjin’s heart. A smile slowly spread across her lips, which she then gently bit, turning it into a soft laugh.

The door was gently knocked, and Zixiang’s timid voice came from outside. “Miss…”

“Come in,” Mu Yunjin put away her smile and looked toward the door.

Zixiang entered, lowering her eyes, not daring to look at Mu Yunjin’s expression. She walked in front of Mu Yunjin and stood motionless.

“Why aren’t you speaking?” Mu Yunjin knew what this girl was afraid of. She raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

“Miss, this servant, this servant…” Zixiang’s eyes were full of guilt.

“Alright, stop! Don’t mention this matter again!” Mu Yunjin said to Zixiang.

Zixiang nodded, smiled, and crouched down, looking at Mu Yunjin. “Miss, why did you accompany Empress Qin in the palace for so long?”

“I…” Mu Yunjin paused, processed Zixiang’s words, then smiled. “I had nothing better to do anyway.”

“So that’s it. Miss, are you hungry? Should this servant get you something to eat?” Zixiang asked.

“No need. It’s getting dark. Go back and rest early,” Mu Yunjin said, looking at Zixiang.

Zixiang nodded. Seeing that Mu Yunjin was not angry with her, she was reassured, breathed a sigh of relief, and walked out.

…

The next day, Mu Yunjin got up early, chose a simple dress from her wardrobe, dressed neatly, and left her room.

Arriving at the front hall, she happened to encounter Chu Li, who was preparing to enter the palace.

Chu Li looked Mu Yunjin up and down, then frowned slightly, speaking with displeasure. “You’re going out?”

“Mmm,” Mu Yunjin nodded, pouting. “Going out for some fresh air.”

Hearing this, Chu Li looked at Mu Yunjin’s arm again, his brow furrowed deeply.

“Don’t worry, I definitely won’t move recklessly. I’m just going to wander around…” Mu Yunjin seemed to see through Chu Li’s thoughts, pulled at the corner of her mouth, and explained to him.

“Then do as you wish,” Chu Li said, turning to leave the front hall.

Hearing this indifferent tone, Mu Yunjin snorted. Only after Chu Li’s figure had left the Prince’s residence did she step out, not even bringing Zixiang with her.

Walking alone on the street, Mu Yunjin wandered around. When she came to the entrance of a gambling house, she curved her lips into a smile and walked in.

The hour was still early, and there were only a few customers in the gambling house.

“Miss, are you here to gamble?” As soon as she entered, a servant approached.

“I’m looking for your boss,” Mu Yunjin said.

Hearing this, the servant hesitated, looked Mu Yunjin over, and spoke with some difficulty. “Miss, our boss…”

Before he could finish, Mu Yunjin took two gold ingots from her sleeve and threw them into the servant’s arms. “Now can you go report to him?”

The servant nodded repeatedly and went upstairs.

A moment later, the servant came down, bowed slightly to Mu Yunjin. “Miss, please come upstairs.”

Mu Yunjin smiled and went up.

On the second floor, Mu Yunjin was led to a private room.

In the room sat a man, reclining in a lounge chair, cracking melon seeds and drinking tea.

Seeing the visitor, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he sat up cheerfully. “Beautiful lady, have you come specifically to see this young master?”

“Stop right there,” Mu Yunjin said, taking out a token.

The man took the token, caught sight of the writing on it, and was so frightened his legs went weak. He looked at Mu Yunjin again and finally recognized her. “Greetings to the Sixth Prince’s Consort.”

“No need for formalities. I’ve come today because I have something to discuss with you,” Mu Yunjin sat down in a chair, looking at the man.

The man also sat down timidly, waiting for her to continue.

“Your name is Xiao Tianqi, correct?” Mu Yunjin asked.

The man nodded repeatedly.

“I heard you’re the son, and only son, of Xiao Lian, the famous merchant of Butterfly Flower City?” Mu Yunjin continued.

Xiao Tianqi continued nodding.

“I heard you’ve admired the Fifth Princess for a long time?” Mu Yunjin pressed.

Hearing this, Xiao Tianqi’s legs weakened, and he shook his head repeatedly. “No, no, this humble one is merely a merchant. I wouldn’t dare aspire to the Fifth Princess.”

Xiao Tianqi still didn’t know Mu Yunjin’s intentions. When he heard her mention Chu Qingchang, a series of bad premonitions welled up in his heart. What was this Sixth Prince’s Consort planning?

“So you don’t like my Fifth Sister? That’s truly a pity. I was going to discuss some matters with you to help you embrace your beauty and marry into the royal family as a consort!” Mu Yunjin sighed, silently lamenting what a shame it was.

With those words, she was about to stand up, preparing to leave.

Xiao Tianqi looked at Mu Yunjin’s retreating figure, his eyes darting about. He immediately got up and ran over, speaking cautiously. “Sixth Prince’s Consort, you have a way to help me marry the Fifth Princess?”