Chapter 35: Let’s Sleep Together

The commotion at the Xia residence had finally ended, and Xia Jiujang packed her belongings and departed, though she left Youhua behind to keep watch on the household’s every move. As the crowd dispersed from Manspring Garden, the lively atmosphere faded into cold desolation. In a single night, Concubine Wei, the third young lady of the Xia family, and the young master were gone—some fled, some died. The already sparse Xia family was left even more forlorn.

Lin Baixue and Xia Yue’er returned to Lingxiang Courtyard. Lin Baixue, vexed, exclaimed, “What sort of demon is Xia Jiujang? She devised her plan on the spur of the moment, yet somehow managed to use a butterfly to lure Haitang out. How can there be such uncanny coincidence?”

Xia Yue’er glared angrily. “The more Xia Jiujang escapes our schemes, the more she must not be allowed to remain!”

Lin Baixue spoke viciously, “Fortunately, Haitang knew her place and shouldered all the blame in the end. Had she exposed us, not only she but her entire family would not escape death.”

Suddenly, the door was kicked open and Xia Wentao strode into the room. Lin Baixue’s expression froze. “Old… Master…”

Before she could finish, Xia Wentao slapped her across the face. “You bribed Haitang! Haitang is just a maid—she wouldn’t dare harm the young master without someone inciting her!”

Lin Baixue stammered in panic, “No, Master… things aren’t as you think…”

Xia Wentao, furious, said, “I’ve let you do as you please in this household, but now you’ve gone so far as to harm my son. You’re audacious beyond measure! No matter what, Chun’er carries the Xia family’s blood.”

Lin Baixue, caught off guard by his sudden appearance, was flustered—she hadn’t expected Xia Wentao to overhear her words. She faltered, “I… I…”

Xia Yue’er knelt and spoke, “Father, Mother did bribe Haitang, but she never instructed her to kill Chun’er. We only wanted Chun’er to suffer a minor injury, so we could accuse Xia Jiujang of abusing him over Concubine Wei and Xia Chan’s matter. We never anticipated Haitang would kill him.”

Xia Yue’er knew that even if they tried to distance themselves, Xia Wentao wouldn’t believe them easily. It was better to admit to bribing Haitang, but insist they never intended for the child to die.

Sure enough, Xia Yue’er’s words eased Xia Wentao’s expression.

Xia Yue’er pleaded earnestly, “Father, Mother has been married to you for many years. She has always been cultured and reasonable. Don’t you know what kind of person she is? Even if Chun’er isn’t her own child, she would never do such a cruel thing.”

Xia Wentao recalled their first meeting—Lin Baixue in a simple plum blossom dress, gently touching the zither, her music intoxicating. His talents had always been misunderstood, but Lin Baixue made him feel as if he’d found water after a long drought; finally, someone who understood him. And being the daughter of Marquis Guan Yuan, marrying her was advantageous for his career.

Yet all that feigned intimacy now seemed almost laughable.

Xia Yue’er, anxious, said, “Mother only meant well, wanting to help me deal with Xia Jiujang. She never imagined it would lead to such irreparable consequences. Please, Father, spare her life!”

Xia Wentao trembled with rage but finally brushed his sleeve and said, “If Xuan’er weren’t about to return to the capital, do you think I’d let you go? Reflect on your actions in Lingxiang Courtyard these next few days.”

With that, Xia Wentao stormed out, his sleeves swirling.

Xia Mingxuan would soon return to the capital, having been promoted to major general. Young and promising, he was Xia Wentao’s pride and Lin Baixue’s son. Lin Baixue’s eyes brightened with confidence—once Xuan’er returned, she’d have a powerful ally. Dealing with Xia Jiujang would become effortless.

Meanwhile, Jun Buyan and Xia Jiujang returned to the Prince Jin’s residence. To Meng Lao’s surprise, Jun Buyan brought Xia Jiujang to Xuan Third Hall—the prince’s own bedchamber!

Jun Buyan climbed onto the bed and patted the space beside him. “Come up. It’s late, and today’s events at the Xia household were exhausting. Best to rest early.”

Seeing him like this, Xia Jiujang was stunned for a few seconds. “There’s no need to keep up the act now that we’re here. I’ll just return to my West Garden.”

She thought, it would be too inconvenient to live here—she still had to study her Gu worms.

Jun Buyan gazed at her with a cold, deep stare. “Now that you’re at Prince Jin’s residence, you don’t want any contact with me?” Was Xia Jiujang trying to play hard to get?

Xia Jiujang was puzzled. What did he mean? Did every woman have to seek contact with him just because he was so handsome? Surely not all women swoon over his looks.

Jun Buyan’s gaze was sharp and chilly. Xia Jiujang felt a strange stiffness. “That’s an odd thing to say. There are no spies here, so why must we keep acting?”

She was baffled—was Jun Buyan angry? Why? He should be relieved they could drop the act, not upset. Was he addicted to pretending?

Jun Buyan scoffed, “Not necessarily. Even if Prince Jin’s residence is a fortress, there are plenty of maids and servants. If you move to another room as soon as you arrive, people will start to suspect us.”

Xia Jiujang frowned. Was Prince Jin’s residence so unreliable, with spies from other princes lurking?

Still, she obediently climbed onto the bed—there was nothing to lose, and she could enjoy the prince’s privileges.

Jun Buyan, somewhat disgruntled, said, “Lie down.”

This woman! So many others longed to throw themselves at him, yet he offered half his bed and Xia Jiujang wanted to leave?

Lying down, Xia Jiujang realized she was indeed exhausted. The prince’s bed was comfortable—silky brocade, soft enough to lull her into a doze.

Jun Buyan rolled over and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Xia Jiujang’s eyes flew open in shock. “You… what are you doing?!”

Jun Buyan closed his eyes and tentatively said, “Since you always grope me after falling asleep, I might as well hold you first.”

Xia Jiujang’s anger gradually subsided. “That’s… not entirely wrong, I suppose.” Yet something felt undeniably strange.

Jun Buyan was somewhat displeased—was Xia Jiujang rejecting him?

At the Prime Minister’s residence, Xia Jiujang had always been forward with him. Now, in Xuan Third Hall, she seemed reluctant to be close. If she had been deliberately placed by someone at his side, wouldn’t her current behavior make no sense? Was Jun Buyan overthinking?

Just then, two figures pressed against the door of Xuan Third Hall, peeking through a hole in the window, whispering, “Let me see, just once. You’ve seen it dozens of times already.”

Xia Jiujang frowned; the soft voices outside were clearly two people eavesdropping nearby.

She was surprised, “So there really are spies!”

Jun Buyan’s lips curled into a smile. “That’s why I told you—never let your guard down, anywhere.”

“Wouldn’t that be exhausting?” Xia Jiujang pouted.

Exhausted? Many women would be delighted, yet Xia Jiujang found public displays with Jun Buyan tiresome.

Jun Buyan glanced at the silhouettes outside. He’d let them watch—after all, the clever woman in his arms was not easily deceived.

Meng Lao was pushed aside by Night Slayer, who peered through the window, stiffening as he saw the scene inside.

Meng Lao said, “You’ve seen enough, move aside. Pushing an old man—have you no respect for your elders?”

Night Slayer muttered outside, “It must be the princess coveting our prince’s beauty. Last time, when the prince was ill, she climbed into his bed herself. Now she dares to grope him again.”

Meng Lao rapped Night Slayer’s forehead. “Are you blind? Didn’t you see our prince’s arm around her? Our prince has finally awakened, while you, foolish boy, haven’t even sprouted a clue.”