As Lianyi handed her the gift, Mimi's breath caught in her throat. She looked at the small, silk-wrapped bundle resting in his palms, her eyes widening with both happiness and disbelief.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for it. "F–For me?" she whispered, as though afraid the moment might vanish if she spoke too loudly. She fumbled with the wrapping, her heart pounding so hard it drowned out the faint rustle of the paper.
When the cloth fell away, the light caught on something delicate — a hairpin of exquisite craftsmanship. Its jade body shimmered softly, carved with tiny blossoms that seemed almost alive, the tips inlaid with gold so fine it glowed like captured sunlight.
Mimi's lips parted. "It's… beautiful… but… what is it for? Why would she… give this to me?" Her voice wavered, her questions spilling out between shallow breaths.
Lianyi stepped closer until the warmth of his presence surrounded her. His eyes softened, and his voice was low, steady. "She said it is a gift of acceptance… that she has accepted you as my wife-to-be."
The words hit her like a wave. Mimi's vision blurred, and tears welled, slipping down her cheeks before she could even try to hold them back. A small sob escaped her as Lianyi pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. She buried her face against him, her tears dampening his robe as he murmured quiet words of comfort, his hand stroking her hair.
Neither of them noticed the faint shadow by the open veranda door.
A maid, dressed in plain work robes, stood partly hidden behind one of the carved pillars. She had been watching — silently, patiently — ever since Lianyi had entered with the gift. She was one of Yue Rong's bought informants, a coin-filled purse has been given to her, Yue Rong had promised her more if she brought more information and this — this moment — was exactly the kind of information she had been waiting for.
Her eyes darted back and forth, memorizing the hairpin, the way Mimi clung to Lianyi, the tears on her cheeks. When Mimi's sobs finally quieted, the maid turned, slipping away as noiselessly as a passing shadow.
She left through the servants' side gate, where no guards bothered to check her. The rain has left the stone path damp, and her straw sandals slapped softly as she hurried down the narrow alleyway that led toward the outer district. There, she boarded a small hired cart,
By the time she arrived, the lamps at Yue Rong's courtyard gate were already lit. Yue Rong was seated beneath a pavilion draped in crimson curtains, sipping tea, her expression bored until she saw the maid hurrying in.
"What is it?" Yue Rong's voice was cool, but her eyes sharpened.
The maid dropped to her knees, lowering her head in respect before spilling every detail — the prince's gift, the hairpin, the embrace, the tears, the words wife-to-be.
As she spoke, Yue Rong's porcelain cup stopped halfway to her lips. Her hand tightened around it until the delicate china gave a faint crack. A slow, humorless smile spread across her face.
"So… the little witch has wormed her way into his mother's heart as well." Her tone was dripping with venom.
The maid hesitated. "My lady should I—"
"You will keep watching," Yue Rong interrupted sharply, setting the cracked cup down with a soft click. She leaned forward, her gaze cold enough to freeze the air between them. "But leave the rest to me."
Her nails tapped against the table in a slow, deliberate rhythm. "I swear, before the moon turns again, she will regret ever setting foot into the palace. I will tear her from his side — and she will never rise again."
The maid shivered. Her words were not a threat; But a promise, sharpened and ready to strike.
---
Dinner was over, but neither of them had moved from the table. The plates sat pushed aside, the candlelight throwing soft shadows across the room.
Yuyan leaned back in her chair, stretching her legs out a little. She let out a satisfied sigh, patting her stomach.
"I'm so full…" she said softly, smiling lazily.
Tian Yu rested his elbow on the table, his eyes never leaving her.
"I almost told you to stop eating," he said, his tone playful.
Her brows lifted in mock offense. "Excuse me?"
"But," he went on, smirking, "you looked like you were enjoying yourself too much. I figured I should let you enjoy yourself."
She gave him a look, lips twitching like she was trying not to smile. "How generous of you."
He stood up slowly, the chair scraping back against the floor. "Generous?" he murmured, walking toward her. "I can be… very generous."
She tilted her head at him but didn't move as he came closer. He leaned down until she could feel the heat of him beside her, his breath brushing the curve of her neck.
"Now that you're so full," he murmured, low and deliberate, "I bet you'll need me to carry you, won't you?"
Her lips parted, and she let out a short laugh. "I think I can manage..."
Before she could finish, he bent and swept her right out of the chair.
"Hey!" she squealed, laughter spilling out despite herself as she smacked his chest. "Put me down!"
"Not a chance," he said, his voice almost too close to her ear.
She wriggled in his hold, but her body softened against him, her heart beating far too fast. His grip on her was firm, and the warmth of his chest seeped through her.
He carried her straight to the bed and laid her down, bracing one hand beside her head as he leaned over.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Their faces were inches apart. She could feel the rise and fall of his chest, hear the way his breathing had slowed but deepened.
As they remained in that position,his gaze lowered to her lips, his breath quickening. Something in him shifted.
Yuyan swallowed, her pulse racing in a way she didn't understand. His eyes held a look she couldn't read completely, something deep, intense… hungry.
His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth, then traced her bottom lip lightly, parting it just enough.
"You're breathtaking," he murmured, his voice low and rough.
"I want to kiss you."