Lanting

Capítulo 15

"How did you get this, sir?" I asked stupidly.

"This time, I went to Huainan on official business and made a special trip to the Prince of Huai's residence to pay my respects. The Prince of Huai asked me to bring this, saying that you have enjoyed this kind of food since you were a child."

I picked up a piece of five-nut cake, swallowed it with tears in my eyes. It was cold around me, but the chill in my heart was being driven away little by little, and a warmth filled my whole body. I hugged the brocade box, pushed open the door, and ran outside.

"Is Madam looking for Master?" Yi Ling's voice came from behind. She was carrying a late-night snack and had a serene smile on her face. "Master is in my room. If Madam has something urgent, please come with me."

That bad feeling was still very real. I gave an awkward smile and said, "No, it's late. You should all get some rest too."

Something felt like it was tearing my heart apart. For the first time, I felt sad because of him visiting her. Even though I knew it was normal, I couldn't bear the sadness in my heart. Was I really starting to care about him?

Sitting in front of the mirror combing my hair in the evening, I caught a glimpse of the purse at my waist. My heart skipped a beat. I took out the bracelet and admired it over and over. In the flickering candlelight, its verdant glow seemed almost blinding. I turned it over and gently stroked the four tiny seal characters engraved on the inner wall—"morning and evening"—and my eyes welled up with tears.

Fourth Master, how can I be worthy of your constant devotion?

Chapter Fourteen: Entanglement

Fourth Master arrived at the manor without announcing his arrival. Lu Li happened to be away, so I was the only one there to greet him.

"How has Fourth Sister-in-law been these past few days?" I asked with a faint smile.

"Still the same." He picked up the teacup and brought it to his lips.

I waved the servants away, took the purse from my waist, and smiled apologetically, "Fourth Brother must have been confused and mistakenly gave me the bracelet meant for Sister-in-law. I really can't accept this."

His eyes turned cold as he stared at the purse for a long time.

I gritted my teeth and said, "Who am I to deserve Fourth Brother's constant attention? Please accept this and return it to Fourth Sister-in-law."

He glanced at me, his gaze lingering. He gripped his purse, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Look at my foolishness. I brought too much and got confused. I'm sorry to have made you laugh at me, sister-in-law."

I could feel the anger emanating from him. He just sighed silently.

He stood up to leave, clutching the purse tightly in his hand. As he reached the door, he stared intently at me. "You... really don't understand?"

I shuddered, feeling that if I persisted, things would spiral out of control.

"Fourth Brother... how can I be worthy of your constant love? Please..." I looked at him sadly, my heart aching.

His deep gaze held me captive, so serene.

"Why can't I..."

His voice sounded so painful!

Like a needle, piercing through the air and deeply into my heart.

His hand holding the jade bracelet trembled, as if he had used all his strength. The warm, lustrous blue color shattered instantly, accompanied by the glow of blood. The Wenhua bracelet that I had been caressing for so many days turned into fragments in his hand...

His hand, still clutching the shards, refused to let go, instead gripping them tighter and tighter. Crimson blood seeped from between his fingers, staining his dark gray robe and flowing down the conspicuous waist badge.

Her legs gave way, and she stumbled and fell in front of him, trembling as she grasped his hand, trying to stop the blood from spilling out. The air was thick with the stench of blood.

"Fourth Master...please let go..." I tried my best to control my fear.

Blood trickled from his palm into my sleeve, a glaring crimson, as he smiled hollowly.

He stared at me, his eyes unfocused.

They forcefully pried open his five fingers until they could clearly see his palm... Countless shards were embedded in his flesh, a bloody mess...

She held it carefully, her vision blurred, and tears of panic streamed down her cheeks, falling into his palm.

"Fourth Master...please don't do this..." My voice was pale and weak, trembling with panic.

Fourth Master stared at me blankly for a moment, then paused, his lips trembling, but in the end he said nothing, pushed open the door, and stepped out.

A cool breeze from outside the door cut straight into my spine, causing me to tremble slightly. After a long while, I turned around wearily. The faint blue light outside was fluttering in the wind, just like when I first saw him; his deep eyes held only indifference.

"What a pity... such a beautiful bracelet." Lu Li said indifferently, his voice devoid of any emotion; he was truly cold-hearted...

Chapter Fifteen: The Poison of Women

For the next ten days or so, Lu Li went out every day, returning late at night and going straight to Yi Ling's room, only to go out again before dawn.

We almost never bump into each other; in fact, you could say we've been avoiding each other all this time.

News of the Crown Princess's recovery spread, and I rushed to the palace early with some tonics.

When I stepped into the main hall, the Crown Prince was feeding the Crown Princess medicine.

Seeing the deep affection between the couple, I smiled, handed the things to the palace servant, went up, and bowed.

“Zhaozhi…” Jihe smiled and put her arm around me.

The Crown Prince gave me a gentle look. "When I heard you were coming last time, I was in my study looking for a prescription for Jihe. I couldn't see you then. I apologize for the neglect."

I smiled inwardly. It seems the rumors of discord within the Crown Prince's palace were unfounded.

The prince said a few casual words, then excused himself and left, leaving my sister and me to have a few intimate words.

"Is he good to you?" I asked Jihe, pointing to the prince walking away.

She smiled, blushing. "He treats me exceptionally well. Although his mother sent him other concubines, he only pretended. He treats me with all his heart and doesn't care at all that I'm from the Rong family."

I turned cold and said indifferently, "Why do you say that, sister?"

“Isn’t that right?” Jihe tilted her head and smiled. “Didn’t Aunt use me to control Hong back then? Hong has no prejudice against me and is genuinely good to me.”

I couldn't help but sigh; no one wants to be controlled for their entire life.