The Eastern Qin dynasty's court was a treacherous landscape, a hidden undercurrent of intrigue.
Within the capital city of Yanjing, teahouses and taverns overflowed with people, their voices a constant hum of discussion.
The most prominent topic was how the Emperor, in his sagacity, had acted justly, even against his own kin. Yun Xiao found this amusing; she hadn't expected Shangguan Yao to do such a thing, and it had indeed earned him considerable popular support.
Little did anyone know, his true intention was to regain control of the Ye family's military power.
Yun Xiao and Wanwan occupied a window seat in the main hall. It was an excellent vantage point, offering a clear view of the bustling street, a comprehensive panorama of the hall's occupants, and the ability to overhear conversations without drawing attention to themselves.
However, Yun Xiao wasn't particularly interested in these discussions until a particular topic caught her ear.
"Did you hear? Young Master Ye Wuyun, the most esteemed gentleman of Yanjing, has disappeared."
"Really?"
"Poor Young Master Ye. He's so handsome, yet not only is his health poor, but he's also encountered such misfortune."
Everyone held a favorable opinion of Ye Wuyun. He was entirely different from his father. Though he appeared cold and distant, he never bullied the weak. On the contrary, he often helped others, which is why everyone liked him. To think he had met with such a fate.
Their sentiments were filled with regret and sympathy.
Yun Xiao slightly raised an eyebrow. Thinking of Ye Wuyun, she immediately recalled his frost poison. She wondered how he was faring.
He hadn't visited since that night. After this ordeal, she wondered what would become of him.
Wanwan, beside her, was already murmuring sympathetically, "Mistress, how heartbroken Young Master Ye must be, with such a major incident happening to the Ye family?"
Yun Xiao cast a faint glance at Wanwan, reflecting on this maid. It was amusing how this girl always felt sorry for handsome men and disliked beautiful women. How had she only just noticed this today?
"Wan'er, if you don't feel sorry for your mistress but for other men, it makes your mistress feel so distressed," Yun Xiao said, adopting an elegant posture and extending a finger like a orchid. She gently stroked Wanwan's hair, causing Wanwan to get goosebumps. Wanwan then said earnestly, "Mistress, I haven't done anything wrong recently, have I? You don't need to punish me like this."
Yun Xiao gave a playful glare. "How uninteresting," she muttered. With a flick of her hand, she quietly said, "Let's go back."
"Alright."
They had heard what they needed to hear and had their fill of tea. As for other matters, they had nothing to do with them.
The two women rose and left the teahouse, returning to the medical clinic.
Mu Rongchong, whom she hadn't seen in days, appeared that night.
The clear moonlight, the light clouds drifting, the sparse stars hanging on the blue canvas.
A melody of spring flowers and autumn moon nights, lingering and distant, wafted through the night, moving and enchanting.
As Yun Xiao reached a passionate part of the music, she slightly closed her eyes, immersed in the melody, forgetting her surroundings and everything beside her.
At this moment, a light figure drifted over, leaning gracefully against the window lattice. The cool night breeze blew across his masked face, his dark hair elegantly stirring.
Yun Xiao knew he had arrived. Thinking that he hadn't appeared for several days, she felt too lazy to bother with him. Perhaps it was because she felt a slight annoyance. This man did whatever pleased him; he came when he liked and disappeared when he didn't. Did he not know that she would worry and care for him?
As this thought arose, Yun Xiao froze. When had it started that she not only relied on him and grew accustomed to him but also cared for him?
Unbeknownst to her, he had already permeated her very being, like blood flowing through her veins. This feeling was terrifying. There were no great emotional upheavals, just a gradual, consistent infiltration.
With this thought, her heart grew cold. Her hand exerted a sudden force, snapping a jade string. The sharp sound, like tearing silk, echoed. Her finger, caught between the broken strings, bled, the drops falling onto the Guqin.
The person outside was startled. He flickered into the room and exclaimed in concern,
"Xiao'er, what's wrong?"
She had been playing so well and so engrossed before, why did she suddenly become angry?
Mu Rongchong was utterly bewildered. Unfortunately, Yun Xiao had already flung her hand away and, without even looking at him, walked straight into the sleeping quarters, leaving the great hero Mu Rong to ponder intently.
It seemed this girl was angry. The fact that she had broken a string in her rage indicated she was very upset. Had he done something to infuriate her? He followed her into the room, still filled with confusion.
Her hand was injured. He would think about it after attending to the wound.
Mu Rongchong sprang forward and caught Yun Xiao, carrying her to the table. He spoke with concern, "Alright, let's tend to your wound first."
"I can handle it myself."
Yun Xiao's face remained stern and unmoved. She didn't even glance at the man, struggling to signal him to put her down.
Mu Rongchong's eyes darkened, deep as a volcanic eruption. He lowered his head and fiercely kissed her lips, his arms encircling her like iron clasps, rendering her unable to move.
She submitted to his will. When he finished, his longing finally sated, he lifted his head, breathing heavily, and spoke with intensity.
"You woman are asking for discipline. You haven't seen me in days, and you don't miss me. As soon as we meet, you pull a stunt like this."
"Hmph."
Yun Xiao let out a cold snort. Her expression showed no softening; instead, it grew colder. She glanced up at the man above her, her lips curving into a sinister smile, still silent.
"Tell me, what did I do to anger you, you rascal? Otherwise, don't expect me to let you go. I'll kiss you until you're unrecognizable by tomorrow."
As Mu Rongchong's threatening words fell, Yun Xiao grew furious. She was angry, and he was calmly kissing her.
"Mu Rongchong, let me down!"
Yun Xiao shouted, her voice so loud it startled Wanwan, who was tidying up outside. Wanwan rushed in, anxiously asking, "Mistress, what's wrong? What's wrong?"
Upon seeing the scene inside, Wanwan's face instantly flushed crimson. She retreated, waving her hands.
"You two continue, continue. I have something to attend to downstairs."
Yun Xiao called out from behind, "Wanwan, don't go! Chase this person out for me."
Wanwan had already fled the small building and stood in the open space, rolling her eyes. Could she possibly chase this man away? Her mistress was being overly dramatic. Why didn't she just say what was on her mind? She was clearly missing him but was playing hard to get.
However, women in front of people they liked would probably act a little petty and throw a small tantrum, Wanwan mused as she went to find Yanmei.
Seeing Wanwan leave, Mu Rongchong raised his narrow, sharp eyebrows triumphantly. "She dares."
"Mu Rongchong, you?"
Yun Xiao's anger flared. Her fair, delicate face grew even colder. Gritting her teeth, she spoke darkly, "Mu Rong, believe it or not, I'll make it so you can't speak. Do you prefer being mute?"