Zi Chan smiled faintly, her clear eyes lifting, the corners of her eyes curving, a hint of allure hidden within her purity.
"It is an unfortunate fate, but can one choose their birth?"
After speaking, she straightened up and said lightly, "Does the young master wish to listen to music or enjoy a dance?"
It seemed she was a woman of both talent and beauty. Shangguan Yao did not make things difficult for her, nor did he harbor any lewd thoughts. For such a woman, one should appreciate and savor her slowly. "Miss, please play a tune."
"Yes, Young Master."
Zi Chan lowered her eyebrows and retreated to the inner chamber. Behind a translucent curtain of glass beads, she was veiled in mystery, appearing and disappearing.
Shangguan Yao watched her, and his mind involuntarily conjured the image of that cold, devastatingly beautiful face and his slender figure, causing a chill to creep into his heart.
At a time like this, he was still thinking of Leng Yue. No, he couldn't think of that man. He would definitely cure him.
Zi Chan was such a wonderful girl. If he were to fall for her, he would redeem her and find an excuse to bring her into the palace, giving her a place to belong.
Her fair fingers, like flawless jade, caressed the ancient zither, and its melody flowed through the room, melodious and pleasing to the ear.
The melody was as graceful and ethereal as she was, like it originated from the peak of a snow-capped mountain. A cool breeze brushed against him, making him close his eyes involuntarily, which he did.
A mouthful of fragrant tea lingered on his lips, its aftertaste lingering. The exquisite zither music filled his ears, bringing him a sense of peace and comfort, making him feel as if he could fall asleep peacefully.
When Zi Chan finished her piece, seeing that Shangguan Yao remained silent, she continued to play another, and then another, until her hands grew numb.
Tiny specks of crimson blood scattered from her fingertips like falling peach blossoms. She furrowed her brows but did not utter a sound, continuing to play. Cool sweat beaded on her forehead, dripping one drop after another.
It wasn't until Shangguan Yao's lazy voice broke the silence, "What time is it?"
The music stopped abruptly. Zi Chan hurriedly rose and walked out, bowing her head and saying, "Young Master, it is now Hai Shi."
Hai Shi, the night was deep. He hadn't expected Zi Chan's zither playing to be so enchanting that he forgot the time. This had never happened before. He couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and smile gently, "Miss, you've worked hard."
His gaze drifted, and seeing the little specks of crimson on the beauty's fingertips, he felt a pang of concern. Beautiful women were always lovable.
"What happened to your hands?"
He reached out and tightly grasped Zi Chan's hand. Five of her ten fingers were bleeding. He couldn't help but feel a slight displeasure. "Why didn't you remind me? Does it hurt?"
Zi Chan quickly shook her head. Although her fingertips ached subtly, her face was stubborn. A hint of moisture was visible in her long lashes, making her misty countenance resemble a delicate ink wash painting, elegant and unstained by the dust of the world.
"Do you have medicine? I'll help you apply it."
"Young Master, you don't need to. I'll have a maid apply it later," Zi Chan withdrew her hand and spoke slowly.
Shangguan Yao was taken aback. He came back to his senses, realizing he had never actively cared for anyone before. This Zi Chan could truly make one lower their guard. "Alright."
Outside the door, Song Yuan and Lan Qinglun were waiting. Shangguan Yao walked out of the room, his brows raising in a cold gesture without saying anything. He casually scanned the surroundings and then said in a deep voice, "Where is Leng Yue?"
Lan Qinglun immediately put on a smiling face and hurried forward a couple of steps, saying in a low voice, "She said she was worried about something happening at the medical clinic, so she went back."
Shangguan Yao's handsome features, which had been fine a moment ago, were suddenly cast in a cold light, his pupils icy.
Song Yuan and Lan Qinglun immediately felt a knot in their stomachs, unsure what temper the Emperor would throw. To their surprise, Shangguan Yao ultimately suppressed himself. He said nothing, merely waving his hand and commanding in a deep voice, "Let's go. Back to the palace."
"Yes," the two followed him downstairs. Along the way, they attracted countless fiery, scorching gazes.
The three of them were all distinguished in their own way. Shangguan Yao was handsome and domineering, Song Yuan was robust and spirited, while Lan Qinglun was refined and elegant.
At the entrance of Fengyue Tower, the guards stood in a neat row. As soon as they saw their masters emerge, they quickly and carefully waited by the carriages.
Lan Qinglun helped Shangguan Yao mount his horse, and then he and Song Yuan also mounted their horses. The rest of the guards followed closely behind. The group swiftly departed Fengyue Tower and headed back to the imperial palace.
Inside the carriage, Shangguan Yao slightly closed his eyes, his long eyelashes casting shadows that made his face appear extremely gloomy. The confined space seemed exceptionally desolate.
The lingering scent of Leng Yue in the carriage seemed to still be present. He took a deep breath, drawing his scent into his lungs.
Tonight, facing Zi Chan, he suddenly understood something.
It wasn't that he wasn't moved; it was just that the person he was moved by was not a woman. Could it be that he actually liked men, and that was why he was so captivated by Leng Yue?
But that didn't make sense either. He had clearly enjoyed intimacy with women before. How could his entire mindset have changed after being drugged just once? This was too terrifying.
Shangguan Yao's mind was in disarray. He decided to stop thinking about it altogether. Now that Leng Yue was no longer in the palace, he wanted to be alone. Something must have gone wrong.
The carriage continued its journey towards the imperial palace.
Lan Qinglun and Song Yuan escorted the Emperor back to the palace. As they were about to leave, the Emperor secretly gave Lan Qinglun an order.
He was to find leverage against Lord Ye Si Yuan at all costs. Upon hearing this, Lan Qinglun understood the Emperor's intentions. He probably intended to use Zi Chan.
A beauty like Zi Chan, how could she be willing to be toyed with by Ye Si Yuan? There might be hidden reasons behind this. If he could instigate Zi Chan to testify against Lord Ye Si Yuan, the Emperor would definitely order the Ye family to relinquish their military power.
Lan Qinglun worked on this matter overnight. This was an opportunity for him, one he had waited for with great difficulty and could not afford to miss.
Yun Xiao finally returned to the medical clinic. Yan Mei was very happy and informed her that everything was well at the clinic, so she could rest assured. She also reported to her.
Recently, there were several people who wanted to see her. First was Young Master Yun, and second, her mother-in-law and Mo Chen had also heard about her entering the palace, so they had visited a few times to check on her.
Yun Xiao nodded to each point, indicating she had noted them. Among these, she was most concerned about her brother Yun Zhen. She hadn't expected him to still not have returned from Fengya Pass. This was no trivial matter.
Yun Xiao was a little annoyed. What exactly did he want to do? She had left the medical clinic and entered the palace precisely to make him feel at ease about going to Fengya Pass, yet he hadn't been forced to leave and was still staying in Yan Jing City with a clear conscience.
She had to go see him tomorrow. No matter what, he could no longer remain in Yan Jing City.
The night was deep. It was best to rest early. Yun Xiao waved Yan Mei away, signaling her to go rest. She herself, along with Wan Wan, headed towards the back building.
Before they could get close, they saw a faint, brilliant light emanating from the bedroom in the small building. Through the slightly ajar window, sheer gauze seemed to flow.
Yun Xiao couldn't help but smile. Could Murong have returned? She quickened her pace towards the small building. Wan Wan immediately stopped on her own and called out to the person ahead, "Tonight, Yan Mei and I are sleeping together. I miss her."
Yun Xiao glanced back coldly, but ultimately, she couldn't resist her longing to see Murong. So she didn't bother with the woman with the sly smile on her face.
The lights in the small building were like water, and the moonlight outside the window was like crimson.