Chapter 1

The day after expressing my feelings to Song Lin'an, I was sent back to Qingzhou by the Prince Zhen Nan's Mansion.

When I returned to the Capital, everyone thought I would cling to him relentlessly.

Even he was worried: "A sister liking her brother, is there anything more disgusting in the world?"

To break my thoughts, he started indulging in debauchery day and night, consorting with prostitutes and taking concubines.

In the private room at Fan Building, he held a newly acquired beauty, laughing contemptuously:

"If Yue'er can put away those filthy thoughts, she and I can get along harmoniously."

He thought I was still passionately in love with him.

Little did he know, in Qingzhou, I had already been promised to someone else.

This time, I returned for the wedding!

When the shop assistant led me to push open the door of the private room, Song Lin'an was frolicking with the newfound beauty.

Seeing that the person outside the door was me, the atmosphere in the private room instantly froze.

Song Lin'an's gaze swept over me, and he tightened his hold on the person in his arms.

"Yu?" someone finally broke the silence, "Why have you returned?"

Only then did everyone snap back to their senses, scrambling to their feet, blocking in front of Song Lin'an.

Afraid that I would pounce on him the next second.

The atmosphere grew even more delicate, with everyone talking over each other:

"The road from Qingzhou is long, how could Yu return to the Capital without saying a word?"

"The journey must have been tiring, Yu must be exhausted. Sit down quickly. Let's order a couple more dishes…"

I gently shook my head, glancing at the sign by the door, chuckling softly:

"They led me the wrong way, so I won't disturb you all…"

Before I could finish speaking, a soft moan came from inside.

Song Lin'an had somehow pinched the beauty's chin and kissed her.

While deeply engaged in the kiss, he looked at me coldly.

He only let go when the person in his arms began to breathe lightly in discomfort.

He gazed at her with tenderness in his eyes.

"Xuezhu is so delicate, how will she manage in the future?"

The woman's ears and cheeks turned red with shyness, leaning in his arms, her voice trembling:

"Brother Lin'an always loves to tease, mother said no intimacy before marriage."

Song Lin'an caressed her neck, chuckling lightly: "Then let's get married."

The woman was both surprised and delighted, "Really?"

Song Lin'an glanced at me mockingly, "Of course it's real."

Having said that, he lowered his head and kissed her again.

Seeing this, no one paid me, standing by the door, any attention.

They all cheered for the couple.

I felt a bit embarrassed, looked away, closed the door, and turned to leave.

Yet someone called out:

"Nanyue."

I stood still, turning back.

It was Song Lin'an.

His gaze was slightly dark, his eyes fell on my face.

"Why did you come back without writing a letter first?"

"I did write, perhaps it hasn't been delivered yet."

"Have you met with Father and Mother yet?"

I remained silent.

He continued: "Returning without a word, and not even seeing Father and Mother, you..."

I clenched the handkerchief in my sleeve, the candles beside me crackled, and I couldn't help but interrupt him, "What exactly do you want to ask?"

He was stunned, about to speak.

"I will visit Mother later, I have something to do today, I'm leaving now."

With that, I lifted my skirt and was about to leave.

Song Lin'an blocked me once again.

I was puzzled.

He frowned, looking at my hair, his voice clearly unhappy:

"Where is your hairpin?"

I was startled, then remembered.

He meant the jade hairpin he gave me four years ago.

I looked down, my voice calm:

"I sent it with the letter to the Prince Zhen Nan's Mansion, it should be there in a few days."

In the Capital, it's customary for couples who like each other to exchange hairpins as a token of affection.

I thought at the time that when he gave me the hairpin, it meant he had feelings for me.

So I wore that hairpin every day.

Song Lin'an frowned deeper, holding my hand tighter:

"If you don't like that style, I'll give you another one tomorrow."

I was about to refuse when someone else spoke first.

"Brother Lin'an."

It was the woman who had been nestled in Song Lin'an's arms just now.

She elegantly stepped forward, affectionately linking her arm with Song Lin'an's, looking at me with a gentle and gracious smile.

"You're Yu, right? We've met before. Before you went to Qingzhou."

I frowned, trying hard to remember, "I don't recall."

"It's normal not to remember," she smiled, sizing me up in surprise: "Yu, your clothes are three years out of style?"

She smiled warmly and kindly, "I think, in that impoverished place like Qingzhou, you must have suffered a lot, so much so that you can't even afford new clothes."

"I have a few sets of clothes, I'll have someone send them to you later. They've only been worn once, they're nearly new, don't be embarrassed."

I shook my head: "I don't need them, keep them for yourself."

"If you two have nothing else, I'll be going now."

With that said, I lifted my skirt and turned to leave.

Reaching the first floor, I anxiously found the shop assistant, asking him to guide me again.

Before I could speak, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a familiar figure.

Pei Shuo stood quietly in a dimly lit area, his dark robe almost blending into the night, his nose high, his eyes deep.

From a distance, I couldn't see the expression on his face.

But I knew he was angry.

I clutched my sleeve, walking up to him.

Before I could open my mouth, he spoke first.

"You went to see Song Lin'an."

I nodded, then quickly shook my head:

"They led me the wrong way, I was originally looking for you."

Thinking of this, my heart filled with frustration.

All because of that misguided shop assistant and meddlesome Song Lin'an.

If it weren't for them, I would have made it to the appointment first thing.

I hadn't figured out how to appease this jealous jar before me when my wrist tightened, and before I could react, he was already pulling me out of the Fan Building.

I've been back in the Capital for a few days, and Pei Shuo only arrived today.

He declined the palace banquet just to see me sooner.

And yet I left him waiting there alone.

His anger was justified.

In the carriage, Pei Shuo's hand held my waist tightly.

He was truly angry.

Fingers brushed my burning earlobe, his voice low, "I should have taken you back to the Eastern Palace, locked you up, so you couldn't go anywhere."

Sweat trickled in my palms, before I could speak, someone outside suddenly spoke.

"Your Highness," Song Lin'an said respectfully, "Your humble servant was unaware of your presence and failed to welcome you properly. I have prepared a modest drink in the private room of Fan Building, please Your Highness…"

"No need," Pei Shuo's voice was cold enough to freeze.

I nestled in his embrace, clutching his lapels, intently listening to the movements outside the carriage.

Suddenly, a moist and hot sensation was felt in my ear, and before I could react, Pei Shuo had already bitten down.

I couldn't help but let out a soft hum.