Volume One, Chapter 18: Did He Reject You?

His heart stirred. Since that night, he had found an inexplicable attraction to her. Yet, at the thought of the consequences of falling for her, he no longer entertained a single thought of affection.

“The Empress is unwell. From now on, you need not pay formal visits to the various palaces. Rest well,” he said coldly, pushing her aside, his eyes devoid of any warmth. He didn’t even grant Ye Yuntang the chance to speak, turning away with a flick of his sleeve.

Ye Yuntang was momentarily stunned, then looked down and suddenly realized a coolness spread across her chest. From his vantage point, it seemed to trace through the wide collar of her robe, running down her entire body...

Her face flushed crimson in an instant.

“Your Majesty, it’s late. Allow me to assist you with your washing,” a gentle voice called as a palace maid gracefully entered from the outer chamber.

She was tall and slender, with plain features at first glance, but her eyes held a subtle chill and sharpness, barely perceptible.

Seeing it wasn’t Sang Zhi, Ye Yuntang instinctively lifted her gaze in surprise. “Bai Yanran?”

Her voice carried uncertainty, yet also a certain certainty.

Bai Yanran smiled with a hint of amusement, raised a hand to pinch Ye Yuntang’s chin, lifting her face slightly. Her gaze roamed over her features as if probing.

“Quite well trained, indeed. In such circumstances, you still managed to recognize me.”

After speaking, she released her hand and stepped back, folding her arms with an admiring look in her eyes. “The disguise by Doctor Jiang is truly unparalleled; it deceived the entire world. Yet today, you found a flaw. Tell me, how did you recognize me?”

Ye Yuntang knew Bai Yanran wielded immense power behind the scenes, but never imagined it to be this vast. The inner palace had become a place she could come and go freely?

Was this deliberate indulgence by Xie Chenyuan, or Bai Yanran’s calculated scheme?

But these questions were not for her to ponder now. Her task was to maintain balance between the two and protect herself as best she could.

“After all, Sister and I shared a room for months. I’m somewhat familiar with her,” Ye Yuntang replied, sitting up straight.

Bai Yanran smiled coldly, a sharp gleam in her eyes. “Did he just refuse you?”

“You noticed?” Ye Yuntang said dejectedly.

Bai Yanran cast a glance her way. “Naturally. Don’t be discouraged. His allowing you back is mercy enough. You only need to work harder to hold him firmly in your palm.”

“How should I do that?” Ye Yuntang looked at her.

Bai Yanran raised an eyebrow. “Simple tricks won’t win his heart. But if you appear at critical moments like a godsend, he will surely see you in a new light.”

Compelled by circumstance, Ye Yuntang resolved to try wholeheartedly.

Yet, when she carried a tray to the palace gate, she was stopped by the eunuch guard outside, realizing that all of Guan Ju Palace had been effectively sealed off.

She could not leave, nor did Xie Chenyuan come to her.

If this continued, she wouldn’t just fail to win over Xie Chenyuan—Bai Yanran might have her killed.

Thus, on a dark and stormy night, Ye Yuntang disguised herself in a young eunuch’s garments and slipped out quietly.

Arriving at the Imperial Study’s door, she subtly slipped one or two silver coins from her sleeve, bribing a tea boy to exchange positions so she could enter with the tea.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and walked into the study with the tray.

Inside, candlelight flickered, casting shadows on the walls that seemed disturbed by the tense atmosphere.

Xie Chenyuan sat tall on the dragon throne, his posture proud but weary, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to dispel the weight of his worries.

“Your Highness,” one of the ministers reported, “the officials are embroiled in heated disputes, voices rising and falling. Their words clash fiercely, spittle flying as faces redden and neck veins bulge. No one yields an inch.”

The room echoed with sharp quarrels, stirring unrest and pounding headaches.

Ye Yuntang calmly approached, poured a cup of hot tea for Xie Chenyuan, then stepped back.

He glanced sideways and beckoned her closer.

Distracted by the ministers’ bickering, Ye Yuntang failed to notice until Xie Chenyuan tapped the table impatiently.

Sensing the shift, she startled and hurried forward.

She guessed his meaning but dared not speak outright, fearful of revealing herself.

Discovery meant death.

Carefully approaching him, Xie Chenyuan’s half-closed eyes looked like a bottomless, icy pool.

“My head aches terribly.”

Headache?

Ye Yuntang understood immediately and didn’t hesitate. She moved quietly behind him.

Her fingers, gentle and warm as jade, rested lightly on his forehead before beginning to massage with just the right pressure.

Cautious and focused, she dared not slacken.

Xie Chenyuan noticed the difference but did not expose her in front of the others.

“Too hard,” he muttered, and Ye Yuntang instantly eased her touch, only for him to say it was too soft moments later.

She adjusted again, but he wasn’t about to let her off easily—alternating between instructing her to press his head, then to pound his back, or brew tea.

Too hot, no; too cold, no; lukewarm yet bland.

For a whole hour, she never paused.

Exhausted yet vigilant, Ye Yuntang began to suspect he knew it was her all along.

Perhaps that was why he deliberately tormented her.

Only when the ministers left the study did Xie Chenyuan dismiss the maids and eunuchs.

When she moved to follow, he stopped her.

She then realized her disguise had long been seen through.

“Ye Yuntang, you have a bold spirit! Daring to sneak into the Imperial Study to spy—do you know your crime?”

His cold voice was like a sword at her throat.

She knelt immediately. “Your Majesty, forgive me. I did not come to spy but to help you relieve your burdens!”

Fearing for her life, she abandoned pretense and spoke plainly.

“Oh?” Xie Chenyuan sized her up from head to toe. “What do you propose?”

Ye Yuntang smiled at him. “May I stand and reply?”

The cold floor bit into her knees.

“What, do you think you still have the right to bargain with me? Guards...” He was about to call for them when Ye Yuntang sprang up and covered his mouth.

“Your Majesty, please don’t be hasty. I truly have a way to help you. Please sit and hear me out.”

Xie Chenyuan’s face darkened instantly. He thought his fierce aura would send her flying.