Yun Jinnian glanced at Shaoyao and nodded slightly.
She knew that Shaoyao was to return to the Empress’s side and did not plan to make things difficult for her. Setting aside her book, she washed her hands, applied the cream for her hands, and then lay down on the bed to rest.
Shaoyao waited until Yun Jinnian had fallen asleep before she returned to the Empress’s bedchamber.
Yun Jinnian lay in bed, closed her eyes, and emptied her mind to sleep.
Weiyang Palace Main Sleeping Hall
The Empress had removed her heavy makeup, revealing a bare, gentle face.
"Empress, Shaoyao has returned!"
Entering the sleeping chamber, Shaoyao greeted the Empress with a bow before speaking softly, "After spending some time with the Fourth Miss, I feel that she is a very intelligent and composed youngster with a detailed mind. She is also polite and amiable towards the servants!"
"Is it her true nature, or is she just pretending?" the Empress asked.
"That, I cannot yet discern. However, today, while being measured for clothes, one of the court ladies accidentally bumped into the Fourth Miss’s chest, causing her pain, yet she did not get angry. Instead, she let another lady wait until the clothes were tailor-made and delivered!"
The Empress smiled faintly, "Alright, I have taken note. You can go back now, and be diligent in your service!"
In the dead of night, when all thoughts are still, only the Imperial Guards continue their patrols within the Imperial Palace, their footsteps light.
A shadow swiftly leaped across the rooftops of the palace, so fast the Imperial Guards couldn’t be sure if they had seen a person or were mistaken.
"Continue the patrol. I will go take a look!" Lan Yichen, gripping his Precious Sword, quickly pursued.
Yet, the harem was a forbidden place, and him, a man, appearing there at night could lead to explanations he could not make if caught.
But as the commander of the Imperial Guards, he believed the Emperor trusted him.
Lan Yichen didn’t think he could catch up with the shadow and had even decided to go back when the shadow reappeared.
He hastily gave chase, and after several turns, followed the figure into an abandoned palace that had been deserted for many years.
Upon entering the palace, he was greeted by a chilling aura, and moaning could be heard from within the hall.
Lan Yichen was no green boy. He was married, frequented brothels, and had his affairs with a few young wives outside, including a young widow.
His martial arts were formidable; he was a loyal man but somewhat lascivious.
Especially in the presence of beautiful women.
Hearing the moans inside the room made his head heat up, his heart pounding violently.
His reason told him to leave, but his body uncontrollably stayed put. And having stood outside for quite a while, he did not hear any man’s voice, which baffled Lan Yichen.
Lan Yichen hesitated, pacing around the spot several times.
Swallowing, Lan Yichen looked left and right to see no one around. He quietly pushed the door open, tiptoed into the room, and gently closed the door behind him.
He approached the woman while undressing, a starving wolf pouncing on his prey without making a sound, and forced himself upon her...