Chapter 6

The Fourth Princess Wang Zi Lin, the spoiled and bad-tempered daughter of the emperor's fourth brother, was known for her arrogance and tendency to bully others. She had been granted the official title of princess by the emperor, who indulged her every whim. Zi Lin screeched in irritation, "You…" as Yue Mei approached with an apologetic expression, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—are you okay?" Yue Mei tried to help her up, but Zi Lin pushed her hand away. One of Zi Lin's maids hurried forward to assist her instead.

The maid scolded Yue Mei sharply, "How dare you? Her Highness, are you all right?" Zi Lin glanced at her expensive, now-dirtied dress with dismay and growled in frustration, "This is my new gown from the emperor!" Another maid turned to Yue Mei, accusingly, "How will you make it up to Her Highness?" Yue Mei responded sincerely, "I'll clean it for you—" but Zi Lin interrupted her angrily. "You? How dare you! What is your name, and how did you even get here?"

Lang Jing stepped forward, her face stern, and answered on behalf of her mistress, "This is the Imperial Consort, wife of the Third Prince. Show some respect, Your Highness." Zi Lin was taken aback upon learning Yue Mei's identity and thought to herself, So, this is the crazy girl. Her expression changed instantly as she adopted a more gracious tone. She reached out to Yue Mei with feigned innocence. "Are you hurt? Let me see." She glared at her maid. "You, how could you treat Her Highness like this? Forgive my ignorant maid—she acted rashly."

Yue Mei smiled understandingly. "It's fine; it was just a misunderstanding. I'm the one who bumped into you, after all." Zi Lin quickly invited her, "Now that we've resolved this, please join me for tea as an apology." Linking arms with Yue Mei, she led her away, a counterfeit smile plastered on her face. Yue Mei, unaware, accepted the invitation.

They arrived at a serene open space surrounded by a small lake and a beautifully arranged garden. Sitting across from one another, Zi Lin began, "You're quite beautiful. It's no wonder Brother Shin Lian married you." Yue Mei smiled shyly, replying innocently, "Thank you. My aunt always says I'm pretty." Zi Lin chuckled, responding sweetly, "She's absolutely right."

As one of Zi Lin's maids poured their tea, she suddenly collapsed, unconscious. Yue Mei gasped in shock, while Zi Lin shouted at Lang Jing, "Help her! Take her to the healer!" Lang Jing hesitated to leave her mistress but eventually complied. Yue Mei reassured her, "Go, Jing Jing. I'll wait for you here." Lang Jing bowed respectfully before escorting the fallen maid away.

Breaking the silence, Zi Lin remarked casually, "Don't worry. She'll be fine." Yue Mei nodded hesitantly. "Yes…"

Zi Lin giggled to lighten the mood. "Hehehe, we haven't properly introduced ourselves yet. I'm Wang Zi Lin." Yue Mei offered a gentle smile. "I'm Liu Yue Mei." Zi Lin's gaze sharpened. "What a lovely name… fitting."

Yue Mei grew uneasy as Zi Lin's tone darkened. "The crazy girl…" she murmured. Startled, Yue Mei asked, "What?" Zi Lin, holding the teapot, began pouring tea into Yue Mei's cup. She continued pouring until the cup overflowed, spilling onto Yue Mei's hand. The scalding liquid burned her skin. Zi Lin sneered, "A bringer of misfortune. The reason your parents are dead. The reason the one you loved was taken from you." Yue Mei yanked her hand away, wincing in pain. "Ahh…"

Zi Lin laughed cruelly, taunting her further. "What's wrong? Does it hurt? Hahaha! Consider this punishment for ruining my precious gown. Oh, and a little note—watch yourself next time." Yue Mei, clutching her burned hand, began to cry as Zi Lin tore at her dress, adding spitefully, "I warned you—you'll regret this."

At that moment, Shin Lian appeared. Witnessing the scene, he stormed forward, grabbing Zi Lin's wrist and shoving her to the ground. Standing protectively in front of his wife, his expression was thunderous. Zi Lin, stunned, stammered, "Brother Shin Lian…" He turned to Yue Mei, his voice filled with concern. "Why are you crying?"

Zi Lin scrambled to her feet, her indignation flaring. "This lunatic ruined my dress and disrespected me!" Shin Lian's gaze was stern as he interrupted her. "You…" But she cut him off, her frustration spilling over. "Why didn't you choose me? I was your childhood companion! I deserve you more than this crazy girl. I loved you sincerely, but you picked her."

Shin Lian's tone turned icy as he issued a warning. "Do not lay a finger on her again. This is your only warning." Zi Lin cried out desperately, "You don't even love her!" Ignoring her, Shin Lian noticed the redness of Yue Mei's burned hand. "Your hand…" Zi Lin continued her tirade, "Answer me! You can't even prove how you feel!" In an instant, Shin Lian pulled Yue Mei close, one hand on her waist and the other behind her head. His lips crashed onto hers in a forceful kiss.

Breaking apart, he turned to Zi Lin, his voice cold. "Is this proof enough for you?" Zi Lin's shock was palpable, her heart shattering. "You're lying! You're pretending!" Still enraged, Shin Lian swept Yue Mei into his arms and walked away, leaving Zi Lin in tears.

---

Later that day, under a sky dotted with soft clouds, Shin Lian carried Yue Mei along a stone pathway. Her tears streamed like those of a wounded child, her lips trembling with unspoken pain. Lang Jing rushed toward them, her eyes brimming with concern. "My lady, what happened? Why are you crying?"

Yue Mei raised her injured hand, showing the burns, and whispered, "Jing Jing… it hurts…" Lang Jing's heart ached as Shin Lian continued toward the carriage. Once inside, he carefully applied medicine to her burns. Yue Mei winced and bit her lip to stifle a gasp. "Ah…" she murmured, her tears threatening to spill again.

Shin Lian's voice was calm yet firm. "Shhh…" His focus remained on her injury. Yue Mei closed her eyes tightly, whispering, "I won't speak… I won't…" Shin Lian glanced up at her and remarked dryly, "You're already speaking." Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, something unspoken passed between them.

"What was that earlier?" Yue Mei asked, curiosity flickering in her innocent gaze. When he avoided her question, she leaned closer and, without hesitation, pressed her lips to his, mimicking his earlier action.

Shin Lian froze, his composure slipping momentarily. Clearing his throat, he muttered, "That… was a punishment." Tilting her head, Yue Mei questioned, "But I didn't do anything to deserve one." His tone grew stern. "You didn't listen to me. You didn't stay out of trouble." She argued back, "You never told me that. I'd remember." He averted his gaze briefly before replying coolly, "I'm telling you now."

Smiling softly, Yue Mei responded, "Fine. I won't forget." Moments later, Shin Lian finished dressing her wound. She inspected his handiwork, beaming. "You're good at this. Thank you." He shrugged. "I've treated many injuries from the battlefield." Yue Mei's eyes sparkled as she teased, "My Shin Lian is so brave. Haha!"

As the carriage halted before their home, Yue Mei broke the silence with a request. "Let's sleep together tonight, Shin Lian." The chopsticks in his hand paused mid-air. His widened eyes betrayed his shock as he coughed, nearly choking on his food. "What… did you say?"

Yue Mei smiled spontaneously, as if unaware of the effect her words had on him. She replied smoothly, "I said we should sleep together. In the past few nights, you've stayed in your study, and the nights are cold. Even if I wanted to bring you a mattress, I couldn't enter without your permission. Also… I want to hear a story from you."

Shin Lian appeared visibly confused and couldn't respond immediately. Finally, he understood her intent. "So, you want me to sleep with you just for a story?"

As Yue Mei finished her meal, she stood up quietly, her tone soft but resolute. "Yes, I'll wait for you." She then left the room lightly, leaving Shin Lian alone, bewildered and astonished.

After leaving, Yue Mei walked slowly and steadily to her room. The dim candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, giving the room a calm atmosphere. She sat on her chair near the wooden table, her gaze focused. Quietly and in a low voice, she said, "Lang Jing, bring me my painting tools."

Lang Jing moved swiftly, bringing the requested items: a box of paints, a delicately carved wooden brush, and a pristine white sheet of paper. "Here they are, my lady."

Yue Mei looked intently at the tools before her, as though seeing more than what met the eye. She then turned to Lang Jing and said firmly, "As you've heard, Shin Lian will come here to sleep. This is your chance to enter his study and search it thoroughly, especially for the recent letters he's received. Be very careful and avoid the guards at all costs. I don't want you caught or exposed."

Lang Jing bowed lightly and replied obediently, "Yes, my lady."

A heavy silence enveloped the room, and Yue Mei's thoughts drifted back to the events of the day. The kiss Shin Lian had placed on her lips haunted her mind, leaving her feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion. She sighed, murmuring, "Playing the role of a madwoman is becoming harder."

Lang Jing smirked mischievously and asked curiously, "Did something happen, my lady?"

Yue Mei's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she tried to dodge the question, replying awkwardly, "No, nothing happened…" Lang Jing's sly smile lingered as she added lightly, "Of course, my lady."

She then said, "Regarding what happened earlier, I noticed that the princess's servant lied when she fainted, so I asked Master Shin Lian to check on you."

Yue Mei lifted her head toward Lang Jing and said, "So, you told him? Well done. A lot has happened these days."

Raising her hand toward the door to signal the end of the conversation, Yue Mei said, "Now, Lang Jing, I'm counting on you. You may go and prepare."

After Lang Jing left, a profound stillness filled the room. Alone, Yue Mei picked up the brush and began painting with quiet focus. Each stroke seemed to transport her to another world, full of thoughts and plans. Her breathing was calm and steady, but a subtle tension hung in the air that she couldn't shake off.

Elsewhere, Shin Lian sat with his assistant, Cheng Xiao. The atmosphere was charged with tension as Cheng Xiao delivered his report. "It appears the second prince is actively plotting to kill the crown prince. I've received confirmed information from his recent journey; he almost succeeded in his attempt."

Shin Lian wasn't surprised by the news. He responded in a calm and steady voice, "So, what are his next moves after this failed attempt?"

Cheng Xiao, slightly anxious, continued, "Yes, sir. He's placing his followers as special guards among the crown prince's retinue."

Shin Lian smirked bitterly and remarked, "Like father, like son—pursuing power by any means, even the wrong ones."

Suddenly, Cheng Xiao's demeanor shifted to seriousness. Hesitating slightly, he said, "There's another piece of news…"

Shin Lian's attention sharpened. He waited intently. After a brief pause, Cheng Xiao revealed, "We received an anonymous letter claiming the sender has information about your mother, sir."

Shin Lian seemed contemplative but maintained his composure, replying calmly, "Then we'll arrange a meeting to confirm it."

Cheng Xiao hesitated and objected, "Sir, many have claimed to have information about her before, but they turned out to be frauds."

Sighing deeply, Shin Lian replied with determination, "I won't lose hope. I will find her."

He then stood and headed toward the door of his study, instructing before leaving, "Keep an eye on the second prince."

As he strolled through the corridors of his residence, he eventually reached his private quarters. Entering and closing the door behind him, he noticed Yue Mei sitting at her desk. Her painting tools were scattered around, with spots of paint smudged on her face, giving her an innocent and natural look. However, her head was tilted slightly, and she had fallen asleep.

Approaching her cautiously so as not to wake her, Shin Lian stood beside her, gazing at her peaceful face. His eyes softened, a warmth in his gaze as he observed her tranquil features. Gently, he moved the painting tools away and tidied up the table quietly.

When her head stirred slightly, on the verge of waking, he placed his hand under her cheek for support. For a moment, he froze, ensuring she wouldn't notice him. Yet, Yue Mei opened her eyes slowly and looked directly at Shin Lian beside her, his hand under her cheek.

Smiling naturally, she whispered, "You came…"

For a moment, Shin Lian withdrew his hand slowly and reverted to his usual cold demeanor. "Why are you sleeping like this?" he asked in feigned indifference.

As he took a few steps back, his gaze fell on her painting. Pausing briefly, he examined its details. The artwork depicted a figure with precise and captivating features, almost lifelike.

Yue Mei excitedly lifted the painting, showing it off like a prized treasure. Smiling innocently, she said, "Look, Shin Lian, it's you! I painted it. What do you think? I made it."

Glancing at the painting with disinterest, Shin Lian muttered, "Ugly."

Shocked, Yue Mei turned toward the painting, inspecting it with questioning eyes. Innocently, she said, "Why? My aunt always praises my drawings, and I've been practicing for a long time." Tilting her head slightly, she seemed to process his words before adding, "Well, everyone has their own perspective. My aunt told me that."

Setting the painting aside, she moved lightly to the bed and sat down. Looking at Shin Lian with cheerful eyes, she asked eagerly, "So, what story will you tell me today?"

Walking toward her calmly, Shin Lian removed his heavy coat and replied indifferently, "I didn't come here to tell stories. I came to sleep."

Crossing her arms with a determined look, Yue Mei said in a childlike tone, "I want a story! Please, tell me a story!"

Shin Lian stopped, his gaze sharp, and his voice stern. "I told you not to ask for stories."

Yue Mei lowered her head in disappointment, pouting in frustration. "Yes…"

After sitting on the bed, Shin Lian noticed something unusual. He turned to her and asked with concern, "Why is your hand burned?"

Looking up at him slowly, Yue Mei replied softly, "When I started painting, I didn't feel anything… Then I fell asleep."

Frowning, Shin Lian demanded firmly, "Give me your hand."

Taking out a soothing ointment with a refreshing scent, he began applying it to her fingers. His touch was gentle but firm, and his gaze carried a mix of anger and care.

While rubbing the ointment, he said with quiet reproach, "Why didn't you stop her from bullying you?"

Yue Mei remained silent, only nodding her head faintly, unsure of how to respond. Shin Lian muttered under his breath, "Foolish…"

Yue Mei took in the fresh scent of the ointment and breathed deeply, saying, "It smells nice. Cool and refreshing."

Pausing briefly, Shin Lian spoke with an air of reminiscence, his expression softening. "When I was young, I got burned once, and my mother made this ointment for me. It worked quickly, and I healed fast. She was skilled in making medicine."

Yue Mei beamed with delight and asked with childlike curiosity, "So, did she make this ointment too?"

For a moment, Shin Lian withdrew her hand, his voice tinged with melancholy. "She's not here anymore…"

Then, placing the ointment bottle aside, he added, "I made it myself."

Yue Mei laughed lightly and said, "You're amazing, Shin Lian! You learned well."

Looking at him thoughtfully, she added, "Is she now a star in the sky, like my father?"

Pulling the blanket over the bed, Shin Lian lay down calmly beside her, saying sharply, "Go to sleep. I don't want to hear a word."

Yue Mei's innocent laughter faded under his stern orders, and she lay beside him quietly, complying with the silence he imposed.

As she drifted into a deep sleep, like a child finally finding solace, her face reflected calm and peace. Yet, while she rested, Shin Lian remained ensnared in a web of questions.

His eyes stayed on her

In the Dream

Shiin Lian stood in the midst of an infinite void, its darkness dense and profound, as if no life or escape existed within it. He moved with slow, heavy steps, his eyes scanning the mysterious surroundings in a desperate attempt to find a way out. Everything felt strange, devoid of any landmarks to guide or pave a path. Suddenly, he began to hear indistinct voices rising from afar—muffled sounds filled with screams and terror. These voices grew louder and closer, tearing through the surrounding silence.

Shiin Lian froze in place, his eyes widening in fear and confusion as he tried to comprehend what he was hearing and witnessing. The sound intensified in volume and sharpness, and then the scene began to shift. Out of the void, flames erupted before him, consuming a place he recognized—a place that had witnessed the fire that claimed his mother. He suddenly realized that the fire surrounded the very spot where his mother had once been.

He moved toward the scene, trembling with fear and anxiety, his eyes desperately searching for his mother among the rising flames. Finally, he saw her standing in the midst of the fire, her body exhausted and her face filled with worry. Shiin Lian raised his hand toward her and cried out from the depths of his heart, "Mother!" His scream carried all the pain and fear he felt.

He tried to move toward her, but his legs were frozen as if paralyzed. His body refused to respond to his desire to rush to her and save her. He stood powerless, tears streaming down his face, his voice choked with emotion. He struggled with all his might to move, but it was futile. He screamed again, his voice filled with anguish, "Mother… I'm coming… Mother!"

As he struggled, he noticed that his mother was holding a small child, around nine years old, trying to shield him from the encircling flames. With her hoarse and weary voice, Shiin Lian heard his mother speaking to the child, "Shiin Lian, my child… don't make a sound. You must stay quiet… you'll be safe."

While trying to soothe the boy, another woman approached her hurriedly. His mother's gaze was filled with fear and exhaustion, as if she were fighting a life-or-death battle. She spoke to the woman in a distressed tone, "Yan Hua, save Shiin Lian. I'll make it out. Stay away and trust me—go quickly, they'll be here any moment. Hurry!"

After the woman moved away, Shiin Lian saw his mother heading toward a specific place with the child. But then, the world around Shiin Lian began to crumble. He opened his eyes abruptly, his breaths quick and shallow, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. His body trembled as he tried to process what had just occurred. The dream was so vivid that he couldn't tell if it was merely a dream or a vision from the past.

To be followed in the next chapter ............