ss's words were filled with disappointment and indignation, ringing clear and authoritative. Pausing briefly, she continued, "With hundreds of lives lost in this case, it has truly chilled my heart. I...VOLUME 1: Laughing at the Splendor Chapter 49
Qin Yucleaning, Rong Linglan, and Leng Shuli were all taken aback. They never expected Yun Muhuan to simply take Yun Qianyue with him like that. The three of them looked simultaneously towards Princess Qingwan, who was looking in the direction where Yun Muhuan left off with an unsatisfied expression.
Qin Yucleaning averted her gaze and turned it onto Rong Jing. Seeing his moon-shaped white brocade robe without even a wrinkle on it, she let out a sigh of relief but at the same time was annoyed by her own sensitivity. How could Imperial Son-in-Law Jing be a person who did not act like a gentleman There must be reasons for his special treatment towards Yun Qianyue other than liking her. With this thought in mind, it made her feel better.
However, Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli's gazes fell simultaneously onto the Southern Liang Crown Prince Nan Lingrui. They saw that person lightly swinging his fan, handsome beyond compare, with a unique style and unrivaled charm, their gaze unable to look away from him. Thinking about it, they never knew how incredibly handsome and charming this Southern Liang Crown Prince was, completely different from Night Tianqin who was dignified and profound.
"Imperial Son-in-Law Jing, why don't you introduce the names of these ladies" Nan Lingrui stepped on a stone table with one foot while the other lightly touched the ground. One hand supported his forehead, and the other held his fan, looking incredibly charming.
"It's not convenient to tell their maiden names in public. However, it doesn't matter if I mention their identities." Rong Jing coolly glanced at the four women and introduced them one by one: "This is Princess Qingwan of Heavenly Saint, this is Miss Qin from the Chancellor’s Mansion, this is Lady Leng Shuli of Xiaoqin王府, and this last one is my younger uncle's sister." He then added for the ladies, "That person over there is the Crown Prince of Southern Liang!"
"So it turns out that all of their identities are extraordinary! Today, I am honored to meet not only Imperial Son-in-Law Jing and the Eldest Young Master of Cloud Manor as well as Miss Yun Qianyue but also have the honor to see His Majesty's most favored princess, Heavenly Saint’s Number One Beauty, and Number One Talented Lady, Miss Qin. Moreover, both Lady Leng Shuli of Xiaoqin王府and Imperial Son-in-Law Jing's sister are incomparably beautiful. Nan Lingrui has not come in vain!" As Rong Jing pointed them out one by one, Nan Lingrui’s gaze swept over the four ladies with a smile that exuded charm.
Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli quickly retracted their gazes but their cheeks were already red. They both gave a slight bow to Nan Lingrui in unison, "Your Highness Prince of Southern Liang!"
"The two ladies are as beautiful as heavenly maidens; there is no need for such formal salutations!" Nan Lingrui smiled while remaining still.
“Greetings Your Highness Prince of Southern Liang!” Qin Yucleaning performed a proper lady’s bow to Nan Lingrui, showing no emotion at all.
"Miss Qin truly lives up to her reputation," Nan Lingrui said with a smile as he stared at Yucleaning.
“So it turns out that the Southern Liang Crown Prince Nan Lingrui will also come to Lingtai Temple. I have been told this before! Qingwan shows respect!" Princess Qingwan recovered her dignified and grand demeanor, performing a half bow as she looked in the direction where Yun Muhuan had left.
"The Heavenly Saint Emperor has countless princesses, but it's said that he only loves Princess Qingwan. Today’s meeting proves that she indeed possesses unique qualities," Nan Lingrui closed his fan and lowered his leg, returning a half bow to Yucleaning as well.
"Tomorrow is the last day of the prayer festival. Will Crown Prince Lingrui stay in Heavenly Saint for more days or immediately return home" Princess Qingwan asked.
"I came here to沐浴the emperor's grace, how could I pass by my own door and not enter I will definitely stay a few extra days and pay homage to the Heavenly Saint Emperor," Nan Lingrui replied.
Princess Qingwan nodded without further words.
"Since Crown Prince Lingrui intends to remain in Heavenly Saint for more days, there's no need to rush with our conversation. It’s getting late now. Shall we go down the mountain" Rong Jing said to everyone present.
“Excellent idea! As the saying goes, it is easy to climb up a mountain but difficult to descend. Princess Qingwan and the ladies must be cautious of the slippery path!” Nan Lingrui stood up, opened his fan and gave a smiling bow to Rong Jing: "Imperial Son-in-Law Jing leads the way!"
“Crown Prince Lingrui please go ahead!” Rong Jing gently swept his sleeve.
The two of them simultaneously started their descent down the mountain.
Princess Qingwan, Qin Yucleaning, Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli glanced at each other and followed suit. However, these four ladies who had always had clothes handed to them and food fed to them had never walked such a long distance on foot before. They all let out simultaneous gasps of pain.
Rong Jing pretended not to hear and continued walking forward.
Nan Lingrui looked back, his gaze landing on the four people’s feet. He smiled as he asked: "Are you having difficulty walking My personal guards just happen to be four in number and can assist you if needed."
“No need! I can walk,” Princess Qingwan shook her head first.
Yucleaning looked at Rong Jing, who appeared not to notice them, as she took a deep breath: “Thank you for the offer Crown Prince Lingrui, but I can manage on my own."
Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli were initially delighted by his suggestion of help, but seeing that both Qingwan and Yucleaning had refused, they felt disappointed. They quickly reconsidered their decision as they were unmarried ladies; it would be inappropriate to accept assistance from the Crown Prince’s guards. They immediately replied: "We appreciate your kindness Your Highness, we can walk on our own."
“Alright then! It seems I was overthinking things,” Nan Lingrui turned around and continued walking.
No one spoke again; all that could be heard were the sounds of their footsteps—some light, some heavy.
Half an hour later, they finally descended Mount Nan.
Princess Qingwan, Qin Yucleaning, Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli had completely run out of energy. Their faces turned pale as they all fell onto the stone steps in exhaustion, disregarding their etiquette. Their hairpins were askew, their brows loosened, and sweat drenched them; they looked rather disheveled.
“It looks like you ladies can no longer walk. What should we do then” Nan Lingrui appreciated the scene before him—loose hair and frail bodies—and asked Rong Jing with a smile.
"Stringed Song! Go and find their personal maids to assist them back," Rong Jing instructed.
“Yes, sir!” Stringed Song answered without showing his face.
“Your Highness Prince Lingrui’s bodyguards are all experts in martial arts. In the world, there aren't many who could match them,” Nan Lingrui said as he glanced at where Stringed Song's voice came from.
"The four people accompanying Your Highness also have great abilities," Rong Jing smiled slightly and asked: "Does Prince Lingrui need anything If not, please stay here for a moment to wait until the ladies' personal attendants arrive."
“Why is Imperial Son-in-Law Jing in such a hurry” Nan Lingrui asked with a smile.
"This jar of Orchid Wine was buried ten years ago by Rong Jing and Master Lingyin together. Of course, I should take it to him." Rong Jing pointed at the wine jar as he explained to Nan Lingrui.
"Ten years ago, Master Lingyin saved my life with half a Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus. Now that we've met at Lingtai Temple, how could I not visit" Nan Lingrui burst into laughter: "I will stay for a few more days to pay respects."
Princess Qingwan nodded and said no more.
"Since Prince Lingrui plans to stay in Heavenly Saint, there's no need to rush now. It’s getting dark. Let's head down the mountain," Rong Jing suggested.
“Agreed! As the saying goes, it's easier said than done to go up a mountain and harder to come back down. Princess Qingwan and ladies must be cautious of the slippery path,” Nan Lingrui stood up, opened his fan, gave a bow with a smile: "Please lead the way, Imperial Son-in-Law Jing."
“Prince Lingrui please!” Rong Jing gently swept his sleeves.
The two men began their descent simultaneously.
Princess Qingwan, Qin Yucleaning, Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli exchanged looks and followed suit. However, as these four ladies had always been served hand and foot, they were unused to walking such a long distance on foot; it was not long before all of them pained expressions.
Rong Jing pretended not to notice and continued walking forward.
Nan Lingrui looked back at the four ladies. Noticing their feet were clearly in pain, he asked: "Is your feet hurting so much that you can't walk anymore My guards could assist you with a hand."
"No need! I can manage," Princess Qingwan shook her head first.
Yucleaning looked at Rong Jing and replied: “Thank you for the offer, but I’m fine.”
Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli were initially delighted by his suggestion of help, but seeing that both Qingwan and Yucleaning had refused, they felt disappointed. They quickly reconsidered their decision as they were unmarried ladies; it would be inappropriate to accept assistance from the Crown Prince’s guards. “We appreciate your kindness Your Highness, we can walk on our own,” Rong Linglan said.
“Alright then! It seems I was overthinking things,” Nan Lingrui turned around and continued walking.
No one spoke again; all that could be heard were the sounds of their footsteps—some light, some heavy.
Half an hour later, they finally descended Mount Nan.
Princess Qingwan, Qin Yucleaning, Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli had completely run out of energy. Their faces turned pale as they all fell onto the stone steps in exhaustion, disregarding their etiquette. Their hairpins were askew, their brows loosened, and sweat drenched them; they looked rather disheveled.
“It looks like you ladies can no longer walk. What should we do then” Nan Lingrui appreciated the scene before him—loose hair and frail bodies—and asked Rong Jing with a smile.
"Stringed Song! Go and find their personal maids to assist them back," Rong Jing instructed.
“Yes, sir!” Stringed Song answered without showing his face.
After half an hour, they finally made it down the mountain.
Princess Qingwan, Qin Yucleaning, Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli were completely exhausted. Their faces had turned pale with fatigue and sweat. They collapsed onto the stone steps disregarding etiquette, their hairpins askew and their clothes disheveled, appearing rather pitiful.
“It looks like you ladies can no longer walk. What should we do then” Nan Lingrui enjoyed the scene before him—loose hair and frail bodies—and asked Rong Jing with a smile.
"Stringed Song! Go find their personal maids to help them back," Rong Jing instructed.
"We can play hide and seek!" Princess Qingwan suggested after some thought.
"Too childish, I played this when I was a child." Nan Lingrui rejected the idea again.
"Then let's guess riddles!" Qin Yuning hesitated before proposing.
"That would be too taxing on my brain! No thanks!" Nan Lingrui shook his head.
"So, what should we play then" Rong Linglan immediately said in frustration. Upon saying it, she regretted her hasty words; how could she have acted so impulsively towards the Prince of Southern Liang She quickly corrected herself, whispering an apology: "Forgive me, Prince Lingrui! I was just..."
"It's fine, you were just being straightforward. Let’s think again." Nan Lingrui waved his hand to stop her and didn't mind her outburst, even smiling at her.
Rong Linglan blushed and was immediately captivated by him. She couldn’t help but wonder when had Nie Tianqiong ever smiled at her like this He was now cold in his words towards her. Her resolve to marry into the Prince’s household wavered slightly. It would be good if she could marry Prince Lingrui instead; he seemed approachable and easy-going.
"Let's fly kites!" Leng Shuli glanced at Rong Linglan’s blushing face, then looked at the carefree Nan Lingrui. Her thoughts began to stir as well. This person not only had a high status but also was handsome and approachable. Although Southern Liang has always been subservient to Heavenly Saint, it now grew more powerful day by day, and the emperor couldn’t issue orders casually anymore. Everything needed negotiation with some consideration for Southern Liang. In terms of nobility, this person might not match Prince Shi Jing's status, but he was certainly no worse than a prince.
"But you can't move your legs! How are we supposed to find ready-to-fly kites" Nan Lingrui seemed lost in thought.
"We're too tired now. We probably won't be able to play anything. Let's just not play." Princess Qingwan glanced at Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli. She had grown up with them, so she knew what they were thinking. In her opinion, this prince was a libertine, while Yun Muhuan was cold and distant even if better than him. Her own brother was deep and calculating but not much of a womanizer.
"You're right," Qin Yuning quickly agreed. She felt that the Prince had some resemblance to Xiao Wang Rang in terms of character; both were fun-loving people, but they were very different otherwise. Xiao Wang Rang always looked down on women while this Prince was extremely approachable and easy-going. However, she couldn't read him clearly. Sometimes the easier a person is to talk to, the harder it is to figure out what he truly thinks or his genuine nature.
"Sigh, alright! I'll just accompany you and wait," Nan Lingrui suddenly looked at Qin Yuning, catching her thoughtful gaze in his eyes before smiling. He then sat on the ground without caring about his clean brocade robe getting dirty.
"Anyway, Your Highness doesn't want to leave anyway. We can play tomorrow as well," Rong Linglan immediately said.
"Yes, we could play tomorrow or even after you accompany us into the capital city!" Leng Shuli quickly added.
"Alright! Let's play another day then." Nan Lingrui nodded in agreement.
The group sat on the ground quietly and waited patiently for their personal maids to arrive. Meanwhile, Prince Lingrui kept fanning himself with his fan as it produced a cool wind sound.
After about two incense sticks (an ancient Chinese time measurement), several maids finally rushed over panting heavily. They called out the princess and ladies incessantly before helping them up. The four of them stood straight with the help of their maids, then bid farewell to Prince Lingrui.
"Goodbye, Princess and Ladies! I have fulfilled my duty as a protector today," Prince Lingrui waved and said with a smile. "I'll head to Master Linyin for some wine."
"Thank you, Prince Lingrui, we will definitely repay your kindness another day!" The princess led the others in expressing gratitude before they all headed back to their quarters. As Rong Linglan and Leng Shuli left, they glanced back at Prince Lingrui with a hint of tenderness in their eyes.
Prince Lingrui watched them walk away for a moment then burst into laughter as he said to his guards: "What do you think about Heavenly Saint The princesses there seem interesting too!"
"I didn't find the Heavenly Saint princesses particularly intriguing, but I did see Your Highness adding another notch on your belt," one of the guards in their thirties joked.
Nan Lingrui chuckled and opened his fan: "Youth is wasted without a little mischief! How can my trip to Heavenly Saint be considered successful if I don't take back any beauties It would be incomplete otherwise!"
The man didn’t reply, the other three bowed their heads.
"I couldn’t see Princess Deqing today. Do you think her younger sister might be a better choice" Nan Lingrui pondered for a moment before glaring at his men: "Night Qingran took away my beloved lady; I need to reclaim my honor. Why don't we take back his little sister What do you think"
"We should wait and see if the young miss is worth bringing back after meeting her," the man replied, adding, "I heard that Yun Qianyue from Yun王府 (Cloud Manor) seems more interesting than these women."
"Oh Yun Qianyue" Nan Lingrui raised an eyebrow.
"Yes! Prince Shi Jing is revered like a mountain; all aspire to his level. Yet, today none of the ladies, including Princess Qingwan and First Beauty Qin Yuning from the Chancellor's mansion, could hold his attention for long while he was alone with Yun Qianyue playing chess and drinking wine on South Mountain. This can’t be overlooked!" The man continued, "Could it really be that Prince Shi Jing doesn't consider her a person"
"Haha, Rong Jing is ruthless yet eloquent; those who are not treated as people by him only stand an inch away from him, so where does that leave us Are we even considered humans" Nan Lingrui laughed heartily without any hint of anger.
The man said confidently: "There must be something different about Yun Qianyue."
"Yes, you're right." Prince Lingrui nodded and tapped his fan twice with a smile. "If she truly is special, bringing other women back to the Southern Kingdom might be easy, but bringing her back could prove impossible. Not only would Heavenly Saint's Emperor pose an obstacle, even if that hurdle is overcome, Yun Manor’s approval would still be needed, followed by Rong Jing’s consent."
"Your Highness should give it a try to find out," the man in his thirties walked closer and whispered into Prince Lingrui’s ear, "There are rumors that Young Lord Ran is particularly fond of Yun Qianyue. On the day when she was saved from Night Tianqin’s clutches at Jingguan Garden, he nearly died trying to save her. And yesterday during a barbecue on North Mountain, not only did Yun Qianyue almost set Mount Xiangquan ablaze, so did Young Lord Ran."
"Oh So Night Qingran cares about her too" Prince Lingrui raised an eyebrow.
“It seems that way,” the man replied.
Nan Lingrui suddenly chuckled and opened his fan: "This is intriguing. What makes Yun Qianyue so special that Rong Jing treats her differently Is she truly extraordinary or are these rumors just surface-level Unfortunately, she was drunk today; otherwise, I could witness firsthand this notorious first rascally lady’s true character."
The man said: "Prince Lingrui isn’t leaving Heavenly Saint in a day or two. You can observe Yun Qianyue gradually."
"You’re right," Prince Lingrui nodded and patted the man on the shoulder, “Zhang Qi, it’s good you came with me as an advisor; otherwise, I might be misled by Heavenly Saint’s myriad attractions."
Zhang Qi bowed respectfully: "Your Highness is wise; I only pointed out what I observed. If it helps Your Highness in any way, that's all I can ask for."
"If there are results this time, I’ll reward you handsomely!" Prince Lingrui released his hand and started walking towards Dharma Hall: "Let’s head to the Dharma Hall first to get a taste of Master Linyin’s wine. Let's see how good it is that made even that little girl drunk with just one cup."
“Yes!” Zhang Qi and the other three men immediately followed.
The group headed towards Dharma Hall.
After they left, Rong Jing emerged from hiding and smiled faintly in the direction Prince Lingrui had gone.
"Young Master Shi," String Song, who was further back than Rong Jing, said worriedly as he came out of his hiding spot: "Prince Lingrui paid attention to Miss Yun Qianyue. This might be troublesome!"
Rong Jing shook his head unconcernedly and instructed String Song: "Inform Master Linyin that since Prince Lingrui wants to drink, let him indulge himself. Serve the whole vat of Orchid Wine I just sent over to him! I'll send a vat of Immortal Mushrooms' Intoxication later."
String Song nodded and left without further ado.
Rong Jing then waved his sleeve lightly, causing a leaf on it to flutter off. He walked towards the courtyard behind the mountains.
In the rear mountain courtyard, Yun Qianyue was already fast asleep after being tossed into bed by Cloud Muhan due to her strong alcohol smell making everyone in the room tipsy even though they didn't drink.
"Get some sobering soup and put this inside," said Cloud Muhan as he sat down at a table, taking out a jade bottle from his pocket and handing a red pill to Cai Lian.
“Yes,” Cai Lian immediately took the pill and left.
Hearing the rain, and Seeing Snow saw that Yun Muhan showed no intention of leaving. They forced themselves to stay in the room despite being drunk.
"You two can leave now! I’ll keep an eye on her," Yun Muhan waved his hand at them both.
"Yes, Your Highness!" The pair answered and left when they could no longer bear the smell of wine.
Yun Muhan looked at Yun Qianmo. She was lying still where he had laid her down, her small face as red as a blush, breathing shallowly. He thought of rain-soaked crabapple blossoms that released their fresh fragrance after the storm. His thin lips pursed together and his gaze turned away from her. He poured himself a cup of tea.
Soon Cai Lian returned with a bowl of wine-clearing soup, but she could not figure out how to feed it to Yun Qianmo who was unconscious. She looked at Yun Muhan for help.
"Your Highness, the young miss is drunk now and won’t be able to drink this!"
“Pour it down her throat!” Yun Muhan ordered.
Cai Lian nodded and placed a handkerchief under Yun Qianmo’s jaw, trying to pour the soup into her mouth. But Yun Qianmo’s teeth were tightly shut, so Cai Lian tried several times before failing again and turning back to Yun Muhan for help.
Yun Muhan got up and walked over, using his fingers to pry open Yun Qianmo's mouth. She opened her lips, and Cai Lian poured the soup in. Yun Qianmo was forced to swallow. Once a bowl of wine-clearing soup had been emptied into her stomach, Cai Lian sighed with relief.
“Your Highness is really resourceful!”
Yun Muhan remained silent, released his grip and walked out of the room.
Cai Lian was stunned. "Your Highness, aren’t you going to stay a little longer"
Yun Muhan ignored her and left the room without a word. As Cai Lian thought he wouldn’t answer, she heard his voice from outside.
"Tell her when she wakes up that I won't allow her to drink alcohol anymore!" His tone was cool and indifferent.
“Yes!” Cai Lian answered, but Yun Muhan’s figure had already left the courtyard.
Suddenly, Yun Qianmo turned over and muttered something. Cai Lian strained to hear her words, but she fell silent again. Sighing, Cai Lian thought that although the former Miss was distant with people and often caused trouble, she was still easier to serve than now that Miss had become more approachable yet caused even more trouble.
Cai Lian put down the bowl and tucked Yun Qianmo in. She could no longer bear the smell of alcohol inside the room, so she closed the door and left.
At this moment, Hearing Snow’s voice could be heard from outside, “We greet Prince Jing!”
Cai Lian looked toward the courtyard entrance to see Rong Jing walking slowly into the yard. She immediately walked over and bowed in greeting. "I greet Prince Jing!"
“Hn.” Rong Jing nodded but continued his steps towards the main room.
"Prince Jing, my young miss drank a special orchid wine given by our prince earlier. Even though she was served medicinal soup and herbal tea, she is still drunk." Cai Lian thought that since Prince Yun was her own master and also Miss’s elder brother, entering Miss’s room wasn’t inappropriate. However, Rong Jing being a guest would be improper.
"She drank specially made orchid wine. Ordinary medicinal soup or tea won't work for it. I'll go see her!" Without turning around, Rong Jing explained to Cai Lian. "Otherwise, she might stay drunk for three days."
“Ah Prince Jing, you should quickly go and look at Miss!” Cai Lian was alarmed and hurriedly opened the door.
The moment the door opened, a wave of alcohol hit them. One could imagine how potent this wine must be.
Rong Jing walked into Yun Qianmo’s room without hesitation through the curtain that Cai Lian had just lifted.
Yun Qianmo was still lying on her bed like a drunk, and the quilt Cai Lian had just covered her with was now open. She immediately went to cover it again but held her nose as she looked at Rong Jing and couldn't help complaining. "Prince Jing, this wine is too strong! How could you let Miss drink such alcohol!"
She and Hearing Snow and Hearing Rain had originally followed Yun Qianmo and Rong Jing part of the way up the mountain but stopped when they were no longer able to walk. After all, Prince Jing was there with them; nothing would happen to Miss. But now she hadn't expected that Miss would return completely drunk. It was worse than yesterday's trip to the back mountains to grill fish with Xiao Wangzi.
"She wanted it herself!" Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianmo and took out a pill from his pocket, placing it directly in front of her mouth without going through Cai Lian’s hands.
“Prince Jing, Miss is unconscious; she won’t know what to do with the medicine,” Cai Lian immediately spoke up.
"It doesn't have to be this complicated!" Rong Jing shook his head and said to Yun Qianmo: "I’ll give you a Tian Shan snow lotus pill to eat. Do you want it"
Before he finished speaking, Yun Qianmo opened her mouth again, swallowing the medicine that Rong Jing was holding.
Cai Lian’s eyes widened and she stared at him in admiration. “Prince Jing, you are truly amazing!”
"She is just a glutton; if there's something delicious, she won't let it go," Rong Jing smiled faintly and turned to walk away. He instructed Cai Lian: "She will likely wake up tomorrow. You stay here to look after her. She tends to pull the blankets off, so don’t let her catch a chill."
“Yes!” Cai Lian held her nose, dizzy from the smell of alcohol and wondering if she could endure until tomorrow.
Rong Jing walked over to the door but turned back when he saw that Cai Lian was pinching her nose as though in discomfort. He sighed and returned. "Forget it; you can’t hold your liquor, and this wine is too strong. You’d probably be drunk for half a day if you stay here with all this alcohol around." “Go downstairs, I have nothing else to do, so I’ll stay here and look after her.”
“That’s not right! How can Prince Jing take care of Miss It should be me!” Cai Lian immediately shook her head.
"Leave. If you can’t handle it, don't pretend," Rong Jing waved his hand dismissively.
Cai Lian thought that since Prince Jing was a gentleman and wouldn't do anything to Miss, she should probably leave. She really couldn't bear the smell of alcohol in here anymore; she felt dizzy and sleepy already. She bowed deeply to Rong Jing. “Then I’ll leave it to you, Your Excellency. We will wait outside if you need us.”
"Okay!" Rong Jing nodded.
Cai Lian held her nose as she left the room, initially reluctant to close the door but then deciding that leaving it open might lead people to see Prince Jing inside Miss’s room. So, she closed it and waved at Hearing Snow and Hearing Rain, who gathered together to talk.
Rong Jing walked towards the soft bed but stopped when Yun Qianmo pulled off the quilt again. He turned around to look at her, saw that she had stopped moving, and returned to cover her up before continuing his walk. But after taking just one step, Yun Qianmo pulled off the quilt yet again. Rong Jing stopped in his tracks, looked back at her, and saw that she had undone her collar buttons too, revealing a delicate neck with a flush of red on both her face and neck. He frowned slightly.
Yun Qianmo was sleeping soundly, completely unaware of the state she was in.
Rong Jing walked over to Yun Qianmo without any hesitation, took out another pill from his pocket, and put it directly into her mouth.
"Miss is unconscious; you can’t just give her medicine like this!" Cai Lian immediately protested.
“It doesn't have to be complicated.” Rong Jing shook his head. “Otherwise, she might stay drunk for three days.”
Cai Lian was stunned and exclaimed: "Ah Prince Jing, you should go check on Miss!" She hurriedly opened the door.
The moment the door was open, a wave of alcohol hit them. The purity of this wine could be imagined.
Rong Jing walked into Yun Qianmo’s room through the curtain that Cai Lian had lifted, completely unfazed by entering her private quarters.
Yun Qianmo was still sprawled out in a drunken heap on the bed. Cai Lian had just covered her with a quilt, which she pulled off again as soon as she saw it. Cai Lian immediately went to cover her up again but held her nose while looking at Rong Jing and couldn't help complaining: "Prince Jing, this wine is too strong! How could you let Miss drink such alcohol!"
She and Hearing Snow and Hearing Rain had originally followed Yun Qianmo and Rong Jing part of the way up the mountain but stopped when they were no longer able to walk. After all, Prince Jing was there with them; nothing would happen to Miss. But now she hadns't expected that Miss would return completely drunk. It was worse than yesterday's trip to the back mountains to grill fish with Xiao Wangzi.
"She wanted it herself!" Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianmo and took out a pill from his pocket, placing it directly in front of her mouth without going through Cai Lian’s hands.
“Prince Jing, Miss is unconscious; she won’t know what to do with the medicine,” Cai Lian immediately spoke up.
"It doesn't have to be this complicated!" Rong Jing shook his head and said to Yun Qianmo: "I’ll give you a Tian Shan snow lotus pill to eat. Do you want it"
Before he finished speaking, Yun Qianmo opened her mouth again, swallowing the medicine that Rong Jing was holding.
Cai Lian’s eyes widened and she stared at him in admiration: "Prince Jing, you are truly amazing!"
"She is just a glutton; if there's something delicious, she won't let it go," Rong Jing smiled faintly and turned to walk away. He instructed Cai Lian: "She will likely wake up tomorrow. You stay here to look after her. She tends to pull the blankets off, so don’t let her catch a chill."
“Yes!” Cai Lian held her nose, dizzy from the smell of alcohol and wondering if she could endure until tomorrow.
Rong Jing walked over to the door but turned back when he saw that Cai Lian was pinching her nose as though in discomfort. He sighed and returned: "Forget it; you can’t hold your liquor, and this wine is too strong. You’d probably be drunk for half a day if you stay here with all this alcohol around." “Go downstairs, I have nothing else to do, so I’ll stay here and look after her.”
“That’s not right! How can Prince Jing take care of Miss It should be me!” Cai Lian immediately shook her head.
"Leave. If you can’t handle it, don't pretend," Rong Jing waved his hand dismissively.
Cai Lian thought that since Prince Jing was a gentleman and wouldn’t do anything to Miss, she should probably leave. She really couldn’t bear the smell of alcohol in here anymore; she felt dizzy and sleepy already. She bowed deeply to Rong Jing: “Then I’ll leave it to you, Your Excellency. We will wait outside if you need us.”
"Okay!" Rong Jing nodded.
Cai Lian held her nose as she left the room, closing the door behind her. She walked over to where Hearing Snow and Listening Rain were waiting and joined them in conversation.
Rong Jing walked towards the soft bed, but Yun Qianmo pulled off the quilt again when he was just two steps away. He stopped and turned around to look at her. Seeing that she didn’t move anymore, he went back to cover her up before continuing on his way. This time, after taking only one step, Yun Qianmo pulled off the quilt once more. He stopped again and looked at her. She not only removed the quilt but also unbuttoned part of her shirt, exposing her delicate neck which was flushed with a rosy hue. Rong Jing frowned slightly.
Yun Qianmo slept soundly, completely unaware of any impropriety.
Rong Jing walked back to the bed and, after checking on her once more, gently buttoned up her shirt collar and pulled the quilt over her, not minding that his fingers brushed against her smooth skin. He warned: "If you move again, you won't be getting any more of those fish."
After saying this, he turned around and successfully made it to the soft bed where he sat down and closed his eyes.
The room was quiet, with only the lingering scent of wine filling the air.
A while later, Stringed Song's voice came from outside: "Prince, Master Lingyin followed your advice and got all that Plum Blossom Wine drunk by Prince Rui. The prince is now extremely intoxicated and has been carried away by his attendants. It's likely he won't wake up for at least ten days or two weeks."
"Hmm," replied Rong Jing.
“In addition, the Fourth Prince is heading in this direction; it seems like he’s looking for Miss Qianmo,” Stringed Song added.
"Ignore him," instructed Rong Jing.
“Understood!” Stringed Song stepped back without further ado.
Shortly after, footsteps were heard outside as the Fourth Prince entered the courtyard.
Cai Lian, Ting Xue, and Ting Yu were conversing when they noticed the Fourth Crown Prince approaching. Cai Lian trembled slightly in fear but still hurriedly greeted him, intercepting his steps and bowing respectfully: "Slave girl greets the Fourth Crown Prince!"
"Hmm, where is your mistress Has she returned" asked the Fourth Crown Prince.
"Our mistress has come back, but she drank heavily from a bottle of wine given by Prince Jǐng and now lies in a deep sleep." Cai Lian looked at Ye Tianyu, standing slightly away from him. There was still lingering fear from that day when the Fourth Crown Prince had threatened to kill her in the imperial palace, so she cautiously inquired, "Does His Highness have something important to discuss with our mistress I can inform her of it once she wakes up."
"She drank heavily and fell into a deep sleep" Ye Tianyu was taken aback.
"Yes!" Cai Lian nodded.
"Why did that happen She went to Nán Shān with Prince Jǐng, didn't she How could she have drunk alcohol then" asked Ye Tianyu.
"I'm not entirely sure. They say it was a very potent liquor; our mistress only drank one cup before falling unconscious. Now my lord prince has just given her an antidote and soup to sober up, and she's sleeping now. She'll probably wake tomorrow," Cai Lian did not mention that Róng Jǐng had come and hadn't left.
"So it is like this! One cup made her unconscious Her alcohol tolerance must be extremely poor then. I came here twice just to chat with her, but she refused me both times. Never mind; let's talk about it tomorrow," the Fourth Crown Prince looked at the closed curtain and noticed a strong scent of liquor coming from inside. He was convinced of this fact, left one sentence, turned around and walked away, thinking all the while why seeing her now became so difficult.
When Cai Lian saw Ye Tianyu leave, she sighed in relief and also returned to where she had been standing before.
Shortly after the Fourth Crown Prince left, Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong arrived slowly.
Cai Lian wondered what day it was that so many important people came one after another. She welcomed him again and bowed politely but not out of fear like she did for Ye Tianyu; due to the former crown prince’s indifference towards their mistress, she wasn’t overly courteous either, "Slave girl greets Crown Prince!"
"Hmm," nodded Ye Tianqiong as he looked at the closed door and asked, "Is your mistress back yet"
"Yes, my lord. Our mistress returned from Nán Shān," replied Cai Lian.
"Go tell her that I have something important to say," Ye Tianqiong instructed.
This was the first time since she had been serving beside her mistress for over half a year that the crown prince had sought out their mistress on his own. However, with her mistress unconscious from drinking and Prince Jǐng present in the room, Cai Lian knew there was no way to wake her up. Moreover, it seemed that her mistress truly had no intention of seeing Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong again. She immediately said, "Your Highness, our mistress returned from Nán Shān heavily drunk and is now sleeping. I can’t report back to you right now; may Your Highness wait until she wakes up"
"She drank so much that she passed out" Ye Tianqiong noticed the strong scent of liquor in the courtyard.
"Yes!" Cai Lian nodded.
"Did Prince Jǐng give her alcohol What kind of drink was it, and how much did she drink" asked Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong.
"I only know that the liquor is a specially made orchid brew. It’s apparently very strong; she only drank one cup and passed out," replied Cai Lian properly.
"Let me go see her!" said Ye Tianqiong, nodding as he went around Cai Lian to enter the house.
Cai Lian was alarmed and blocked his path again, hastily saying, "Crown Prince, please wait! Our mistress is merely drunk but fine. Besides, Lord Jǐng has already given her a sobering antidote mixed into the soup; she’ll wake up tomorrow. It would be inconvenient for Your Highness to enter her bedroom."
Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong stopped in his tracks and frowned slightly, "What kind of antidote did Lord Jǐng give her"
"I don’t know… whatever Lord Jǐng has must be a good one. Your Highness needn’t worry," Cai Lian replied.
“There's such a strong smell of alcohol here; I can't leave without seeing how she is.” Ye Tianqiong waved his hand and saw that Cai Lian was still trying to stop him, so he narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "Move aside!"
Cai Lian trembled in fright and quickly stepped back, “Yes!”
Ye Tianqiong walked forward.
"Crown Prince, please stop!" Mo Li's voice rang out as he stood before Ye Tianqiong. His dark clothes blended with the shadows; his cold tone made it seem like the sun’s heat had dimmed a bit.
“Who are you” This was the first time that Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong saw Mo Li. He felt this person's aura was different from those in the courtyard, and obviously surpassed his own cultivation level.
"I am Miss’s bodyguard," said Mo Li without bowing.
“You are Moon Sister’s bodyguard” Ye Tianqiong was taken aback, sizing up Mo Li. “Why have I never seen you before”
“Miss Yunshallow rarely used me until recently,” replied Mo Li.
"I only wish to check on her; I will not harm her. Please step aside," said Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong, nodding. He wasn't a clueless crown prince and as the ruler of a nation needed to be informed about both palace affairs and those in the outside world. Although he might lack some details regarding matters outside the royal court, Mo Li’s aura was familiar; it reminded him of mysterious Mo family members.
"This is Miss’s private quarters. Even though Your Highness is her cousin by marriage, you are not Queen Mother's biological child and thus cannot be considered a true relative. Please respect her privacy," said Mo Li firmly, refusing to budge.
“She is the legitimate daughter of Yún王府, and she will be… in the future,” Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong was somewhat irritated by this constant reminder that he wasn't Queen Mother’s biological son. This had always been a sensitive issue for him, so only those like Fourth Crown Prince who were also raised under Queen Mother's guardianship dared to show disrespect towards him. Now Mo Li reminded him of it; naturally, it made him feel uncomfortable.
"Until things are officially decided upon, anything could change," interrupted Mo Li before the crown prince could finish his statement, issuing a clear warning without treating Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong as someone of high rank.
“You… have quite some nerve!” Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong’s initial irritation quickly turned into outrage.
"My duty is to protect Miss. Please forgive me, Your Highness; even if the Emperor was here today, I would not enter her private quarters," said Mo Li coldly.
Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong glared at him as Mo Li’s determined eyes met his own. He turned and looked towards the closed curtains of the main house before suddenly swinging his sleeves and turning to leave. As he reached the courtyard gate, he warned: "You better keep an eye on her; no one else is allowed in here either, or I will personally see that your head is on the line!"
Mo Li remained silent.
Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong left.
Mo Li watched him leave and then withdrew his gaze from the closed curtains of the main house.
Cai Lian looked at Mo Li with admiration, feeling relieved that Miss’s bodyguard was here to keep her safe. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to stop Crown Prince Ye Tianqiong. However, she also wondered why Mo Li didn't come out when Lord Jǐng arrived earlier. She decided not to dwell on it since Lord Jǐng and the crown prince were clearly different individuals. With a light step, she went back to join Tīngxuě and Tīngrǔ in their conversation.
Inside the room, Róng Jing had his eyes closed as sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a dim light on his pale face which revealed no emotions.
"Water…" Yun Shallow suddenly groaned softly from discomfort.
Róng Jing opened his eyes and walked to the table to get her some water. As he picked up the teapot, his sleeve brushed against a rolled-up scroll on the table; he paused, unrolled it, and saw Nian Qingran’s image of him stepping on lily pads while catching fish. He was momentarily stunned.
The brushwork in the painting was even, with ink used appropriately to depict mountains, pavilions, waterfalls, rivers, fat fish, and Nian Qingran’s graceful dance-like pose vividly. It would be difficult for anyone not experienced in long-term practice of calligraphy and painting to create such a piece. The unique style indicated it was done quickly and effortlessly; even top painters might struggle to match its quality. Even the renowned Lady Yu Ning from the Chancellor's family, who held the title of the first talented woman of Heaven’s Sanctuary, would likely find this difficult.
Róng Jing squinted slightly as he looked at Yun Shallow.
Yun Shallow's lips were dry and she kept licking them in anticipation for water.
Rong Jing withdrew his gaze, and with his jade-like hand he lifted the scroll from atop the畫卷映入眼前，描繪了夜晚輕染蹲著身子殺魚的場景。畫中的肥魚和夜輕染臉上的笑容都刻畫得栩栩如生。筆法與前一張相同，顯然是同一人所作。
除了昨日她與夜輕染去後山烤魚外，再無他人跟隨。即便後來夜天傾、夜天煜等人來到時，他們已經快把烤魚吃完，自然看不到那一幕了。就連絃歌擔心自己的功力被夜輕染髮現而不敢靠近後山，其他人當然更是不可能見到這兩幕的。
那麼畫這幅畫的人是誰已無需猜測！
想到她先前說忘記收起兩幅畫的情形……
Rong Jing's thin lips slightly pressed together, his white jade fingers gripping the scroll tightly; with a sharp sound, he tore off one corner of it. He gazed at the painting, where Night Qingran’s boisterous smile was depicted, and for the first time, a hint of melancholy appeared in his usually gentle eyes, like a whirlpool that seemed to want to engulf the other's laughter.
"Water…" Yun Qianmo waited but saw no water; she frowned tightly as her small face tensed up.
"No water!" Rong Jing glanced at her with a cool tone.
"There’s… water…" Yun Qianmo wanted to open her eyes but couldn't, and when she tried to recall what happened, she felt utterly exhausted and thirsty.
Rong Jing seemed not to hear her, ignoring her as he continued looking at the scroll.
Yun Qianmo thrashed in bed, the bedding rolled off onto the floor; she muttered uninterruptedly.
After a while, Rong Jing suddenly took out flint from his sleeve. "Snap," a flame burst forth as he ignited it and directed the fire towards the two unfolded scrolls on the table; they immediately caught fire.
Cailian had been chatting with Tingxue and Tingyu but kept an eye on the room's movements. Hearing the sudden noise, she jumped and rushed over to ask from outside, "Young Master Jing Is there anything"
"Nothing! No need to come in!" Rong Jing’s voice was indifferent as always.
Cailian hesitated for a moment, thinking that the sound might have been her imagination. She left and returned to the room door.
Rong Jing watched as the scrolls burned until the pavilion, green mountains, fat fish, and Night Qingran’s boisterous smile were all consumed by flames; only then did he stop, letting the two good paintings turn into ashes instantly. The whirlpool in his eyes faded away, leaving them clear and calm again, as if it had never been there. He glanced at the ashes on the table without regard before tossing aside the flint and sitting back on the soft couch.
"Water… cough…" Yun Qianmo was already thirsty; being choked by the smoke from burning scrolls made her even more uncomfortable.
Rong Jing closed his eyes, ignoring her completely.
After some time, Yun Qianmo finally woke up from thirst and disorientation. She blinked a couple of times, licked her dry lips, got out of bed straightaway, and rushed to the table where she seized the teapot and drank it all in gulps. The sound was particularly clear within the room.
After drinking the entire pot of water, Yun Qianmo felt quenched; she put down the teapot, her sleeves brushing against the ashes on the table making her frown in confusion about how the table had caught fire. With a severe headache and no energy to care, she turned back to bed, but after two steps, she realized someone was still in the room. She widened her eyes in surprise, exclaiming, "Rong Jing"
Rong Jing didn't even lift his eyelids, seemingly deaf.
"Hey, you’re here in the room why didn’t you bring me water" Yun Qianmo walked up to him and angrily asked.
"Didn’t I hear you You got it yourself," Rong Jing finally raised an eye at her.
"I shouted for a long time, but no one answered!" Yun Qianmo glared at him. Although the wine was potent, she had trained herself to keep some mental awareness; she could sense someone in the room but got no response when calling for water. Now she knew it was that black-hearted guy's fault.
"I heard," Rong Jing nodded.
"You heard and didn’t bring me water" Yun Qianmo was enraged.
"Didn't want to," Rong Jing replied simply.
“你……”雲淺月氣得腦門發燙，瞪著倚在軟榻上的男人，恨不得將他那張好看的臉砸扁。但因為頭疼厲害懶得再和他糾纏惱道：“你在我的房間做什麼？”
"Not doing anything!" Rong Jing said.
“趕緊離開，我要繼續睡覺。難道不知道女子閨閣是不準男人隨便亂進的嗎？你所學的君子禮數都喂狗了嗎？”雲淺月一邊說著一邊往床榻走去，栽到床上閉上眼睛還不忘趕人：“記得走的時候給我關上門……”
話音未落，她再次睡了過去。
容景坐著冇動，瞥了一眼地上的被子也冇去給她蓋，繼續閉目養神。
房間靜悄悄的，酒香夾雜著燒紙的墨香味在空氣中迴旋纏繞。
天色將晚時候，容景睜開眼睛忽然伸手輕輕一招，落在地上的被子向他飛來。半躺著身子平躺在軟榻上拉過來被子蓋住自己繼續閉上了眼睛。
不多時，彩蓮聲音從外麵輕聲傳來，“景世子，小姐還冇醒嗎？”
"嗯！" Rong Jing responded.
“晚膳好了，奴婢給世子端進屋中嗎？”彩蓮問。
"No need. I won't eat tonight; you can go to sleep after your dinner," Rong Jing ordered from outside, still with his eyes closed.
“那怎麼行，晚上多有不便再說屋中就一張床……”彩蓮驚道。
"No problem! I'll sleep on the couch. You can go down now!" Rong Jing didn't want to argue, speaking with a tone that was both mild and unyielding.
When Cailian heard this, her hand paused as she hesitated whether to enter; not wanting to disobey his order but also needing to check on Yun Qianmo, she finally decided against it after weighing the pros and cons. She believed that for a man like Rong Jing who could make countless women yearn for even a glance from him, being looked after by him was an immense blessing for Yun Qianmo. Her worries dissipated, her tone became lighter as she softly said, "We usually sleep very alert; if you get hungry in the middle of the night or if Miss wakes up hungry, just call out."
“好！”容景應聲。
Cailian retreated and summoned Tingxue and Tingyu to not reveal a word about Young Master Jing staying overnight. Tingxu and Tingyu nodded in agreement; they both felt that Young Master Jing was much better than the Crown Prince or anyone else, something everyone knew.
At midnight, Yun Qianmo froze from cold and after searching for cover without success she fell back asleep out of exhaustion.
An hour later, Yun Qianmo was once again woken by the cold. She searched the bed again but found nothing; even when turning to search under it there was still no result. She wanted to call someone, but seeing how dark and quiet the room was, she assumed Cailian must have fallen asleep, so she pulled down her canopy as a cover and went back to sleep.
Rong Jing opened his eyes, glanced towards Yun Qianmo’s bed, tugged at his own covers, then closed his eyes again.
As dawn broke, Rong Jing got up from the bed, saw Yun Qianmo wrapped in curtains, and seemed to smile. He looked at the quilt on the couch before stepping out of the room.
"Servant greets Young Master Jing, have a good morning!" Cailian, Tingxue, and Tingyu had already gotten up, bowing as Rong Jing appeared.
“早！”容景點點頭。
"Has the young lady woken up" Cai Lian saw the creases in Rong Jing's jade-embroidered robe and felt that the Prince was being put through a lot of trouble. He had slept fully clothed all night, then spent another night on a small couch. She doubted he would have gotten much sleep.
"She is still sleeping. No need to wake her," Rong Jing smoothed out his clothes and started walking towards the western wing.
"Yes!" Cai Lian nodded, thinking that this wine really was strong. She wouldn't allow the young lady to drink again in the future.
"The Prince is very kind to her! This must be difficult for him," Ting Xue said softly as she saw Rong Jing leave the eastern wing and enter the western one after a short time.
"Yes, he does seem to care about her," Ting Yu also said in a low voice.
"Indeed! Yet Miss doesn't like him at all. After Prince Rong takes care of her tonight, I hope she will change her mind," Cai Lian nodded along with them.
"If only Miss could marry the Prince!" Ting Xue said again.
“Yes! We hope that Miss can marry the Prince!” Ting Yu also said happily.
"Shh, don't talk nonsense. Miss's status is special; she always marries into the imperial family as a Crown Empress from birth. The Prince Rong is a son of the Honored王府世子，從來都是由皇上的聖旨賜婚的。雖然我也覺得景世子很好，但你們以後再不準說這種話，若是被有心人聽到可就會闖大禍的。”彩蓮一驚，立即壓低聲音對二人警告。
“彩蓮姐姐說的是！”聽雨、聽雪小臉立即白了，連忙閉口不再言語。
彩蓮歎了口氣，也不再說話，想著如今景世子已經成年，小姐也快要及笄了。太子殿下側妃都有了，皇上如今據說是身體已經大不如前。她希望小姐能嫁給自己喜歡的人，但又覺得身處雲王府嫡女的位置，又如何會容易嫁給自己喜歡的人？除非她還是喜歡太子殿下。但顯然不可能。不過主子們的事情她一個小丫頭也管不到，希望將來能一切隨了小姐的意就好。當然，她心裡想著小姐能嫁給景世子最好。
三人剛要走開，隻聽屋內傳出一聲大大的“阿─嚏”聲。
三人一愣，對看一眼。彩蓮立即轉回身子重新走到門口，出聲詢問，“小姐，您醒了嗎？”
“嗯！”屋中傳出雲淺月鼻子不通氣發出的噥噥聲。
彩蓮立即推開門，入眼處雲淺月裹著簾帳坐在床上，一手揉著額頭一手捂著鼻子，似乎極為難受的樣子，她一驚，“小姐，您怎麼裹著簾帳？被子呢？”
“是啊，我問被子呢？”雲淺月一肚子氣。半夜到處摸被子的經曆她記得清楚。
“被子……”彩蓮在屋中搜尋，最後定在軟榻上，伸手指道：“小姐，被子在那裡，你不蓋被子蓋簾帳做什麼？奴婢出去時候記得你明明蓋著被子的。隻不過你總是扯開，後來酒氣太重，奴婢實在受不了就出去了，是景世子看顧的你，景世子……”
彩蓮說到容景，忽然想起屋中就一床被子，她忘了往屋內送被子了，景世子昨日就睡的軟榻，看來是他蓋了小姐的被子，那麼小姐就蓋簾帳了……這樣一想，她猛地瞪大了眼睛。
“被子怎麼會跑那裡去的？”雲淺月也看到了軟榻上的被子。
彩蓮搖搖頭，“奴婢也不知……”
“那你知道什麼？”雲淺月惱怒，頭昏沉沉的，鼻子不通氣，全身痠軟，這怕是凍感冒了。因彩蓮提到，她想起昨日容景在她房中了，問道：“昨日容景怎麼會在我房中？他在我房中做什麼？”
“小姐，難道您不知道嗎？從昨日你從南山回來就大醉不醒，一直是景世子在房中照顧你的啊，昨夜景世子也是陪在房中照顧你的……”彩蓮道。
“他照顧我？還一夜？”雲淺月看向軟榻上的被子，明顯被人蓋過連消滅證據都冇做，怪不得她半夜摸不到被子呢！感情是他蓋了去，她咬牙啟齒，“這麼說他蓋了我的被子？讓我半夜冇被子蓋？被凍醒兩回，凍感冒了，這就是你說的他照顧我？”
彩蓮立即噤了聲，又覺得景世子不是那種人，小聲道：“小姐，是不是你覺得熱不要被子，扯了這簾帳蓋，所以景世子蓋了被子……”
“胡扯！我熱個屁，我凍死了！”雲淺月床下粗話。
“小姐，您小聲些，您怎麼能說話這麼粗魯呢！而且昨日景世子在小姐閨房過夜之事無人知道，若被人聽見不好……”彩蓮連忙上前小聲勸道。
“你為什麼不在房間照顧我？”雲淺月對彩蓮瞪眼。居然一頭大灰狼在她房間睡了一夜她都冇發覺，果然從來到這裡之後敏感就退步了。
“小姐，您那酒氣太大，奴婢幾人熏得難受，待了一會兒就有些受不住，若是再待下去的話估計和小姐一樣會醉得昏睡不醒，正好景世子也願意照顧小姐，所以……”彩蓮聲音小了下去。
“所以你就讓那個黑心的傢夥在我房間了？”雲淺月接過話。
“小姐，景世子給您吃了醒酒藥，否則您怕是三日也不醒。景世子真的對小姐很好的。景世子大病了十年，身子一向不好，你不蓋被子蓋簾帳，他自然蓋了被子……”彩蓮小聲地給容景找理由。
“反正怎麼說都是他對了！阿——嚏！”雲淺月又大大地打了個噴嚏，心下惱恨，掃見桌子上燒得一層灰燼，又惱怒地問，“你看看桌子上？燒了什麼？”
彩蓮順著雲淺月目光這纔看到桌子上被燒的一層灰燼，她疑惑地走過去，伸手摸了一下，對雲淺月道：“小姐，像是燒的紙灰！”
“怎麼會有紙灰？誰燒的？”雲淺月也看到了軟榻上的被子。
彩蓮搖搖頭，“奴婢也不知……”
“那你知道什麼？”雲淺月惱怒，頭昏沉沉的，鼻子不通氣，全身痠軟，這怕是凍感冒了。因彩蓮提到，她想起昨日容景在她房中了，問道：“昨日容景怎麼會在我房中？他在我房中做什麼？”
“小姐，難道您不知道嗎？從昨日你從南山回來就大醉不醒，一直是景世子在房中照顧你的啊，昨夜景世子也是陪在房中照顧你的……”彩蓮道。
“他照顧我？還一夜？”雲淺月看向軟榻上的被子，明顯被人蓋過連消滅證據都冇做，怪不得她半夜摸不到被子呢！感情是他蓋了去，她咬牙啟齒，“這麼說他蓋了我的被子？讓我半夜冇被子蓋？被凍醒兩回，凍感冒了，這就是你說的他照顧我？”
彩蓮立即噤了聲，又覺得景世子不是那種人，小聲道：“小姐，是不是你覺得熱不要被子，扯了這簾帳蓋，所以景世子蓋了被子……”
“胡扯！我熱個屁，我凍死了！”雲淺月床下粗話。
“小姐，您小聲些，您怎麼能說話這麼粗魯呢！而且昨日景世子在小姐閨房過夜之事無人知道，若被人聽見不好……”彩蓮連忙上前小聲勸道。
“你為什麼不在房間照顧我？”雲淺月對彩蓮瞪眼。居然一頭大灰狼在她房間睡了一夜她都冇發覺，果然從來到這裡之後敏感就退步了。
“小姐，您那酒氣太大，奴婢幾人熏得難受，待了一會兒就有些受不住，若是再待下去的話估計和小姐一樣會醉得昏睡不醒，正好景世子也願意照顧小姐，所以……”彩蓮聲音小了下去。
“所以你就讓那個黑心的傢夥在我房間了？”雲淺月接過話。
“小姐，景世子給您吃了醒酒藥，否則您怕是三日也不醒。景世子真的對小姐很好的。景世子大病了十年，身子一向不好，你不蓋被子蓋簾帳，他自然蓋了被子……”彩蓮小聲地給容景找理由。
“反正怎麼說都是他對了！阿——嚏！”雲淺月又大大地打了個噴嚏，心下惱恨，掃見桌子上燒得一層灰燼，又惱怒地問，“你看看桌子上？燒了什麼？”
彩蓮順著雲淺月目光這纔看到桌子上被燒的一層灰燼，她疑惑地走過去，伸手摸了一下，對雲淺月道：“小姐，像是燒的紙灰！”
“怎麼會有紙灰？誰燒的？”雲淺月問。
彩蓮再次搖搖頭，“奴婢也不知道，奴婢從昨日下午景世子來就出去了，後來晚上的時候小姐冇醒，景世子也說不吃晚膳了，所以奴婢就冇進來。不過奴婢走時候是冇有這些紙灰的，想來是景世子燒了什麼東西。”
“給我檢查檢查，看看他是不是燒了我的東西！”雲淺月也看到了軟榻上的被子。
彩蓮搖搖頭，“奴婢也不知……”
“那你知道什麼？”雲淺月惱怒，頭昏沉沉的，鼻子不通氣，全身痠軟，這怕是凍感冒了。因彩蓮提到，她想起昨日容景在她房中了，問道：“昨日容景怎麼會在我房中？他在我房中做什麼？”
“小姐，難道您不知道嗎？從昨日你從南山回來就大醉不醒，一直是景世子在房中照顧你的啊，昨夜景世子也是陪在房中照顧你的……”彩蓮道。
“他照顧我？還一夜？”雲淺月看向軟榻上的被子，明顯被人蓋過連消滅證據都冇做，怪不得她半夜摸不到被子呢！感情是他蓋了去，她咬牙啟齒，“這麼說他蓋了我的被子？讓我半夜冇被子蓋？被凍醒兩回，凍感冒了，這就是你說的他照顧我？”
彩蓮立即噤了聲，又覺得景世子不是那種人，小聲道：“小姐，是不是你覺得熱不要被子，扯了這簾帳蓋，所以景世子蓋了被子……”
“胡扯！我熱個屁，我凍死了！”雲淺月床下粗話。
“小姐，您小聲些，您怎麼能說話這麼粗魯呢！而且昨日景世子在小姐閨房過夜之事無人知道，若被人聽見不好……”彩蓮連忙上前小聲勸道。
“你為什麼不在房間照顧我？”雲淺月對彩蓮瞪眼。居然一頭大灰狼在她房間睡了一夜她都冇發覺，果然從來到這裡之後敏感就退步了。
“小姐，您那酒氣太大，奴婢幾人熏得難受，待了一會兒就有些受不住，若是再待下去的話估計和小姐一樣會醉得昏睡不醒，正好景世子也願意照顧小姐，所以……”彩蓮聲音小了下去。
“所以你就讓那個黑心的傢夥在我房間了？”雲淺月接過話。
“小姐，景世子給您吃了醒酒藥，否則您怕是三日也不醒。景世子真的對小姐很好的。景世子大病了十年，身子一向不好，你不蓋被子蓋簾帳，他自然蓋了被子……”彩蓮小聲地給容景找理由。
“反正怎麼說都是他對了！阿——嚏！”雲淺月又大大地打了個噴嚏，心下惱恨，掃見桌子上燒得一層灰燼，又惱怒地問，“你看看桌子上？燒了什麼？”
彩蓮順著雲淺月目光這纔看到桌子上被燒的一層灰燼，她疑惑地走過去，伸手摸了一下，對雲淺月道：“小姐，像是燒的紙灰！”
“怎麼會有紙灰？誰燒的？”雲淺月問。
彩蓮再次搖搖頭，“奴婢也不知道，奴婢從昨日下午景世子來就出去了，後來晚上的時候小姐冇醒，景世子也說不吃晚膳了，所以奴婢就冇進來。不過奴婢走時候是冇有這些紙灰的，想來是景世子燒了什麼東西。”
“給我檢查檢查，看看他是不是燒了我的東西！”雲淺月立即推開門，入眼處雲淺月裹著簾帳坐在榻上，一手揉著額頭一手捂著鼻子，似乎極為難受的樣子。
彩蓮點點頭，將房間打量了一下，見其它的地方都完好，隻有燒了紙灰，她在桌案前檢查了一遍，忽然驚道：“小姐，昨日你說的那兩幅畫忘了收起來，奴婢回來想起就幫小姐收起來了，但冇放進櫃子裡，就放在這桌案上了，如今冇有了，會不會是……”
“什麼？他居然燒了那兩幅畫？”雲淺月騰地從榻下床，幾步都到桌前，伸手一抹桌子上的紙灰，還有一塊上好的火石，她頓時大怒，“該死啊！他是燒了那兩幅畫！”
“小姐……那畫畫的是染小王爺？真是您畫的啊？”彩蓮看著雲淺月。
昨日她回來看到那兩幅畫就震驚不已。那樣的好畫，畫功，筆墨傳神，尤其是將染小王爺刻畫得入木三分，比尋常還要俊美瀟灑。像是人從畫中隨時走出來一樣。她對染小王爺半分心思都冇有，可是看了那兩張畫都忍不住臉紅心跳，當時就想著這畫是小姐畫的？不可能吧！她從來到小姐身邊除了被世子逼迫學字外就從來冇見過小姐動過筆寫字，更彆提畫過什麼了。
“不是！”雲淺月氣沖沖的聲音磨牙一般傳來，“我什麼時候會畫畫？”
彩蓮有些歡喜的臉色一黯，原來不是小姐畫的啊！她就想嘛！那樣的好畫怎麼能是出自小姐之手呢！小姐連大字都不識幾個，如何能會畫得一手好畫？不過既然不是小姐，那這麼說就是昨日染小王爺自己畫的送與小姐的了？這樣一想，頓時覺得有可能。染小王爺對小姐很好，如今在軍機大營被事情纏身見不到小姐，難保不會給小姐送來一幅畫讓她記著他的心思。
彩蓮正尋思著，見雲淺月衝出了房門，立即追了出去，“小姐，您去哪裡？”
“去找那個混蛋算賬，你不用跟著了！”雲淺月周身似一團火燒，怒氣好比火焰山噴發。很快就出了東廂院子向西廂院子走去。
－－－－－－Outro－－－－－－
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