Chapter 31: New Complications

"Tsk, there are things she can do that I truly cannot. Wouldn't that make you the big loser?"

"What things?"

Yu Qingyan looked into his slightly darkened gaze and slowly spat out two words: "Sex."

Chu Yuchuan’s face turned from green to red, a sight to behold, though unfortunately, it was obscured by his mask. This woman was truly audacious—there was nothing she dared not say!

"Would you be willing if it were the Emperor?"

Yu Qingyan swatted his hand away again, suddenly locking eyes with his amber irises, and mocked, "What, are you jealous?"

Chu Yuchuan sneered, "Ha. You overestimate yourself far too much!"

Yu Qingyan wasn't angered; she only laughed, "Likewise."

"You!" Chu Yuchuan suppressed the surging rage in his chest, secretly cursing himself for being so easily provoked by her.

"My dear consort, I find I am growing increasingly fond of that sharp tongue of yours!"

Yu Qingyan smiled. "His Highness's tastes are truly unique."

Chu Yuchuan stepped forward, meeting her mocking, bright eyes. "One day, you will be willing of your own accord!"

Yu Qingyan raised an eyebrow. Willing? As an assassin, she had tossed her heart away to the Pacific long ago—where would she even find it?

"Fine, I shall wait to see that day."

Chu Yuchuan flicked his sleeves and stormed out, even though he had originally intended to eat breakfast with her!

This was not the first time this woman had ignited his fury! He would never believe she was the real Yu Qingyan, yet he could find no flaws in her identity. Not only was her origin a mystery, but she also held him in total contempt. If she were in the hands of his brother, Chu Yuheng, she would have died countless times over by now! How could she still be alive and well?

"Your Highness, Zuo Shen has returned."

"Where is he?"

"He is waiting for you in the study."

Chu Yuchuan led Zuo Xuan back to the study and, sure enough, saw Zuo Shen there.

"This subordinate greets Your Highness."

"How did it go?"

"Returning to Your Highness, it has been handled."

"Did the Prince of Qi’s men notice anything?"

"I strictly followed Your Highness's orders and remained very cautious. They should not have noticed."

Chu Yuchuan’s lips curled into a faint smile. "Very good." Now, it remained to be seen how his imperial brother would respond.

"You may go and rest."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Chu Yuchuan leaned back in his chair, his black mask reflecting a mysterious light in the morning sun.

"Your Highness, Lady Rou specifically ordered the kitchen to prepare bird's nest soup. Would you like to—"

Chu Yuchuan waved his hand. "No. Let’s go."

"…Yes."

Although the guards in the courtyard had been withdrawn, Yu Qingyan still did not go out. The more she read the little booklet Gu Jinshi had given her, the more she wanted to continue studying it. She sent Cui'er off to the bamboo grove, while Xique, Meixiang, and Lüju remained outside her room.

Not long after breakfast, a knock came at the door.

"What is it?"

"Your Highness, Lady Rou is here."

Lin Wanrou?

Yu Qingyan put away the booklet and got up to open the door.

"Your Highness, Lady Rou is already waiting in the front hall. Would you like to see her?"

"Wait for me to change my clothes."

When Yu Qingyan reached the front hall, Lin Wanrou hurriedly stood up and curtsied.

"This concubine greets you, sister."

"No need for formalities. Rise."

Lin Wanrou offered a gentle smile. "The weather is lovely today. It is rare to have such beautiful sunshine in winter. Since the guards at your quarters have been withdrawn, I thought I would come by to sit with you. You wouldn't find me bothersome, would you?"

"Of course not," Yu Qingyan replied with a touch of indifference.

"His Highness truly dotes on you, sister. Even the tea served here is the finest in the estate."

Yu Qingyan picked up her teacup and sniffed it. "Is that so?"