Seducing the Heart - Chapter 5

More than half a month had passed since the grand wedding. Yun Mosheng, using the bestowal of gifts as a pretext, summoned Prince Jin to the palace.

The spring light was bright and beautiful as the two sat in a leisure pavilion within the Imperial Garden, drinking tea and conversing. The tea was a new tribute from a neighboring state, possessing a fresh and elegant fragrance.

“Are you and the Princess Consort getting along harmoniously, my son?”

“Thank you for your concern, Father. We are doing well enough.”

“And yet, I heard that only a few days after your wedding, you were frequenting a place of romance?” Yun Mosheng set down his tea cup and let out a feigned sigh. “Jin’er, do you harbor any resentment toward your Father?”

This word “resentment” was uttered plainly, yet it concealed a sharp edge. Yun Mosheng had summoned Yun Jin today specifically to test whether there was any bitterness in her heart. Although sacrificing the choice of a harem for the sake of an alliance with Northern Chu was a decision he had made without hesitation, Yun Mosheng was well-versed in imperial intrigue. He did not wish for this marriage to create a rift between them.

“This son has no such thoughts.” Yun Jin lowered her eyes with a seemingly dejected expression. “This son is naturally frail. Even if I had many wives and concubines, I fear I would lack the fortune to enjoy them.”

Her expression appeared sincere, without a hint of falsehood. In her heart, however, she felt nothing. Dealing with the Emperor’s conversations was as tedious as ever.

Hearing this, Yun Mosheng relaxed slightly and comforted her. “Do not be so hard on yourself, Jin’er. My son is surely destined for great fortune and little hardship.”

After a few more words of reassurance, the Emperor got straight to the point. “Jin’er, you should know that Northern Chu’s national strength has always rivaled Yundu’s. Their willingness to send a Princess for a marriage alliance was something I did not expect.”

“This son feels the same.”

Yun Mosheng swirled the tea cup in his hand and continued, “Three months after the wedding, protocol dictates that you accompany Zhaoning to Northern Chu for a period of time. When that happens…”

So, this was his plan.

Yun Jin smiled silently in her heart. The Emperor’s ambition was growing larger and larger. Yun Mosheng intended for Yun Jin to take the opportunity to scout Northern Chu’s true strength. If there was an opening, he would begin planning for war. At that time, Princess Zhaoning would become an excellent bargaining chip. If not, he would settle for a long-term plan, allowing Zhaoning to live in harmony with Yun Jin as a couple.

However, there was one absolute condition: the two of them must never have an heir.

Yun Mosheng hid his schemes within his eyes, having already calculated these plans thoroughly. The concern was fake, the rewards were fake; this was the true purpose of the Emperor’s summons. Yun Jin saw through it but did not speak out, acting entirely as if she were at her father’s beck and call. She accompanied him in this dance of deception for a long time before finally being allowed to leave. As usual, she received many rewards, which an internal official would deliver to the Prince Jin Manor later that evening.

After taking her leave from Yun Mosheng, Yun Jin felt something was strange. Having been frail for many years, she understood a fair amount of medicine. During this encounter, although the Emperor’s complexion looked normal, he showed subtle signs of “insufficient Qi.”

“Peace to Prince Jin, my Lady has a matter to discuss with you.” Yun Jin’s path out of the palace took her through the inner palace. Halfway there, she was stopped by a maid.

“Your Lady?” Yun Jin noticed the maid was calm and composed, a sign of being well-trained. She guessed the mistress must be capable, but she was curious. “I wonder which Lady your mistress is? And why does she seek me?”

Yun Jin had only lived in the palace during her childhood before moving to her own manor. Her visits were rare. It was difficult for a man to set foot in the inner palace, and Yun Jin did not believe she had any acquaintances there.

“Noble Consort Xi is my mistress. As for why she seeks you, you will know once you arrive. I guarantee you will not regret it.”

Yun Jin had heard of Noble Consort Xi. This woman had seemingly appeared out of nowhere six months ago and rapidly gained favor, surpassing the entire harem. She was currently at the height of her influence. Seeing the maid’s certainty, Yun Jin decided to follow.

The maid led Yun Jin into the palace of Noble Consort Xi. The hall was extremely luxurious, and a faint, haunting fragrance could be smelled from a distance.

“My Lady, Prince Jin has arrived.”

Yun Jin looked at the woman who stepped out from behind the screen. She had a graceful, swaying figure with exquisite curves. Yun Jin felt that face looked somewhat familiar.

Seeing Yun Jin’s expression, Yuan Jinxiu knew the Prince had forgotten her, and she felt a touch of disappointment. “Does Your Highness no longer remember me? I, however, remember the moment you came to my rescue quite clearly. We haven’t met for a long time, and Your Highness has become even more handsome.”

Speaking of rescues, Yun Jin had indeed helped someone by chance once. “You are… that candidate girl?”

The woman before her was a world away from the bullied girl she had saved back then. No wonder she hadn’t recognized her immediately.

“Heh, you think just because you have some beauty you can be fearless? You are just a lowly candidate who hasn’t even seen the Emperor. Do you actually dream of flying up a branch to become a phoenix?” A group of maids had gathered together, mockingly taunting a girl who was washing clothes.

The girl’s eyes were filled with tears, but her heart was full of resentment. It was only because she was prettier than the other candidates that they felt threatened, leading them to order these people to humiliate her. These people were originally her own servants, but in a harem of three thousand, the Emperor couldn’t care for everyone. Lacking power or status, she was naturally bullied by all. Initially, the servants took bribes from other candidates, but later, they found they could order her around without any guilt.

“Why are you silent? Are you defiant?” A slightly older maid in pink knew she was defiant at heart. She picked up a basin of boiling water and was about to pour it over her.

Yuan Jinxiu closed her eyes in terror, subconsciously using her hands to shield herself. If this water hit her face, her looks would be ruined. If her face were ruined, she would never have a chance to rise. Yuan Jinxiu gritted her teeth, her heart a mix of hatred and terror.

The expected pain did not come. When Yuan Jinxiu opened her eyes, she saw a tall, upright figure standing before her. The person caught the maid’s wrist, splashed the water in another direction, and threw the basin to the ground.

“To bully your own mistress like this, do the words ‘superior’ and ‘inferior’ still exist in your hearts?” The person’s voice was clear and very pleasant to the ear.

The maids knelt in a panic, bowing their heads repeatedly. “Forgive us, Prince Jin! We were momentarily muddled!”

It was Prince Jin. Yuan Jinxiu had heard of Yun Jin’s name before entering the palace. The commoners held him in high regard. Seeing him today, he was indeed as refined and elegant as the rumors said, yet he did not lack the necessary majesty.

“Whether a candidate is favored or not, she is still the Emperor’s woman. Do not break the rules in the future,” Yun Jin said calmly, standing with her hands behind her back. “Now, help your mistress up.”

Yun Jin had happened to pass by and saw these people making things difficult for the girl. After a thought, she couldn’t help but step in to save her. These maids had always been bullies who feared the strong.

“Yes, yes.” The maids scrambled up from the ground and hurriedly helped Yuan Jin up, each of them secretly terrified. It was fortunate that the person before them was Prince Jin. If someone else had witnessed such insubordination, their lives would have been forfeit.

“Since you are in the palace, if you want to survive, do not be too weak.” Before leaving, Yun Jin carelessly tossed out these words, yet Yuan Jinxiu remembered them clearly through countless days and nights.

“Thank you again for that day, Your Highness. If you hadn’t saved me, Jinxiu would likely not be where she is today.” Yuan Jinxiu’s eyes shimmered with a seductive charm. She reached out her hand, seemingly wanting to rest it on Yun Jin’s shoulder.

Yuan Jinxiu had managed to endure being a bullied candidate to reach her current state of favor; she was naturally no longer a simple person. Yun Jin had no intention of getting involved with her. She shifted her body slightly, avoiding the contact. “It was a small matter, my Lady needn’t dwell on it. If there is nothing else, this Prince will take his leave.”

Yuan Jinxiu watched Yun Jin’s back and narrowed her eyes. After a while, she called out languidly, “Ping’er.”

“Mistress,” Ping’er entered the hall and answered respectfully.

“Tell me, why was that incense ineffective against her?”

Ping’er thought hard but could not provide an answer. The incense in Yuan Jinxiu’s palace contained a secret; it had the power to confuse the mind and stir desire. This incense had never failed with the Emperor, yet it was as if it didn’t exist for Yun Jin.

Leaving the hall, Yun Jin caught the heavy scent of incense on herself and couldn’t help but frown. She disliked the smell, yet it clung to her stubbornly.

Upon returning to her manor, Yun Jin immediately headed for the bathroom. As she undid her belt and walked around the screen, she was stunned by the sight before her.

“Why has Yingxi returned so quickly?” Qin Zhanluo was soaking in a pool filled with flower petals, gently scooping water over herself. She thought it was strange; she had just sent Yingxi to get her change of clothes, so how could she be back so soon? Her skin was as smooth as jade, and her snowy shoulders were partially exposed, showing a moving beauty in every aspect.

Yun Jin turned around instantly, clutching her waist with her hands, and left the bathroom in a flurry. Qin Zhanluo recognized Yun Jin’s back and guessed what had happened. She stepped out of the water, calmly dried herself, and changed into her undergarments as if nothing had happened. Only her slightly burning earlobes revealed that she was not as indifferent as she appeared.

Yun Jin was in such a hurry that she accidentally bumped into Xie Lianjing. Xie Lianjing was about to scold whoever was being so reckless, only to find it was the usually steady Yun Jin.

“What happened to the Prince? Your face looks a bit red. Do you have a fever?” Xie Lianjing placed her hand on Yun Jin’s forehead to check.

Yun Jin gave an artificial cough to hide her embarrassment and gently pushed Xie Lianjing’s hand away. “Senior Sister Jing, I am fine.”

Xie Lianjing looked at Yun Jin with suspicion, then scrutinized her further. A hint of teasing entered her eyes. “What’s this? Where did you go to provoke someone? Your belt…”

“Senior Sister Jing…” After letting her tease for a few moments, Yun Jin calmed down and said helplessly, “Let me go. I need to change my clothes. This is improper.”

“Go on then, go on. Don’t catch a cold, or I’ll be the one treating you again.” Remembering Yun Jin’s frail constitution, Xie Lianjing finally stopped gossiping and made way.

At dinner, Yun Jin inevitably sat at the table with Qin Zhanluo. However, her attention remained fixed on the food, refusing to give the person opposite her a second glance. Seeing this, Qin Zhanluo found it amusing and intended to tease this person who was acting so awkwardly.

“Since the Prince returned today, you likely haven’t bathed yet, have you?”

The chopsticks in Yun Jin’s hand paused for a moment. Facing Qin Zhanluo’s obvious question, she wasn’t sure of her intent, so she simply replied calmly, “No.”

“Go then, in a moment,” Qin Zhanluo said, lowering her voice with an ambiguous tone. “I have already finished bathing and will not go back.”

Yun Jin looked up and happened to catch the flicker of a smile in Qin Zhanluo’s eyes. Knowing she was being teased, she arched an eyebrow. “Then that is truly a pity. I was hoping to bathe with the Princess Consort.”

Qin Zhanluo regained her usual cold demeanor. “Your Highness, one does not speak while eating or when going to bed.”

When Yun Jin returned from her bath, Qin Zhanluo was not yet asleep. After bathing, Yun Jin’s aura was softer; much of her usual masculine heroics had vanished, replaced by a touch of feminine elegance in her brow. Qin Zhanluo looked at Yun Jin, her eyes flickering. She stood up and walked toward her. “Does Your Highness wish for me to help you change?”

Yun Jin felt helpless. Though Qin Zhanluo asked a question, her actions clearly gave her no chance to refuse. She could only extend her arms and let the other woman remove her outer robe. The distance between them was extremely close; Yun Jin could even feel Qin Zhanluo’s breath. Such proximity made her feel uncomfortable after all.

Even after the candles in the room were extinguished, Yun Jin still stood in place. Qin Zhanluo’s smiling whisper from moments ago echoed in her ears.

“Your Highness, your belt make sure you don’t leave it in the bathroom next time.”

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