#125: Nestling (2)

Shen Xiling, feeling a bit embarrassed after realizing her stolen kiss had been discovered, avoided looking at Qi Yin. Her cheeks flushed as she nodded shyly while retreating into his embrace.

He probably didn’t notice her embarrassment and simply asked, “Did you sleep well?”

Shen Xiling blushed again and nodded, then turned to ask him, “And you?”

It seemed he hadn’t fully woken up yet, as his response was sluggish, taking a moment before he finally replied with a soft sound.

This groggy, just-awakened version of Qi Yin felt novel to Shen Xiling. She delighted in seeing this more vulnerable side of him, which made her love swell even further.

She wanted him to hold her tightly, but mindful of his back injury, she refrained. Instead, she tilted her head up from his embrace and looked at him with concern, asking, “Does your wound still hurt? Has it gotten any better?”

He responded again with the same languid demeanor, seemingly answering whatever she asked without much thought, which amused Shen Xiling so much that her eyes crinkled into a smile.

Sigh… how could she love him so much?

She hesitated for a moment but couldn’t resist leaning in to plant another kiss on his cheek. Immediately startled by her own boldness, she quickly scrambled off the bed, her face burning red. Afraid he might tease her, she hurriedly climbed down, pretending to be calm as she said, “I… I’m hungry. I’ll go prepare breakfast. Wait for me; we’ll eat together.”

Without waiting for his reply, she dashed out of the room, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Her abrupt departure amused Qi Yin, who chuckled softly after regaining his composure.

He sighed lightly, then leisurely sat up on the bed, gazing in the direction where the little maiden had fled. He could still feel the lingering warmth of her kiss on his cheek and muttered under his breath with a rueful smile, “What a little coward…”

The two shared breakfast in the small flower hall of Huaijin Courtyard.

Since their relationship had deepened, Shen Xiling often spent nights in Huaijin Courtyard. Lately, she had also been having meals here, rarely returning to Wuyu Courtyard. Even Shuipei and the others frequently rotated shifts to serve here, bringing more liveliness to the place.

That morning, as they sat down at the table, Shen Xiling noticed Qi Yin had changed into fresh clothes. She figured the servants must have helped him reapply medicine while she was preparing breakfast.

Biting her chopsticks, Shen Xiling hesitated for a moment before finally asking cautiously, “Master… how did you get those wounds?”

Yesterday, in the chaos, she had been too preoccupied with his injuries to inquire about the cause. Now that she had calmed down, she couldn’t suppress her curiosity any longer.

Upon hearing her question, Qi Yin glanced at her, placed a piece of mushroom on her plate, and replied indifferently, “It’s nothing serious.”

With his usual nonchalance, he briefly explained the entire situation to her.

Though his tone remained light, Shen Xiling understood the gravity of the matter. Despite her limited knowledge of court politics, her years in business dealings had given her some insight into the political landscape of the Great Liang Dynasty.

In Jiangzuo, noble families held immense power. Besides the current three great clans, countless other aristocrats dominated the scene. Each year, the spring examination mostly admitted scholars from prestigious lineages. Occasionally, one or two commoners would succeed—either due to extraordinary luck or exceptional talent.

Now, Qi Yin’s impartial grading and overt support for commoners signaled something unusual. Even someone like her, inexperienced in officialdom, could sense the underlying tension.

He… would likely face significant trouble because of this.

Shen Xiling frowned, unsure of what to say, when suddenly a servant rushed in to deliver a message. Qingzhu stepped outside to listen, returning with a troubled expression. He glanced uneasily at Qi Yin and then at Shen Xiling, hesitating to speak in front of her.

Shen Xiling, perceptive as ever, immediately picked up on the hint and rose to excuse herself. However, Qi Yin waved her back to her seat, continuing to eat as he casually told Qingzhu, “It’s fine. Speak.”

Qingzhu raised an eyebrow in surprise but dared not object. Bowing slightly, he said, “Some people have arrived outside Fenghe Garden… They say they wish to see Master.”

Though Qingzhu’s words were vague, Shen Xiling understood the situation clearly. The visitors weren’t there to “request” an audience—they had come to confront Qi Yin, much like General Han had done three years ago when she had peeked through the crack in the door of the Forgetfulness Chamber.

Her heart tightened.

Qi Yin, however, showed no reaction, maintaining his usual calm demeanor as if he had anticipated everything.

Taking another bite of the noodles Shen Xiling had prepared, he said without looking up, “Go tell them I’m recuperating and cannot receive guests.”

Qingzhu bowed and quickly left.

Shen Xiling’s heart remained uneasy. She worried deeply and wished no further troubles would burden Qi Yin.

Seeing her furrowed brows and troubled expression, Qi Yin chuckled softly. After a moment, he asked her gently, “Yesterday, my father was furious upon learning of this matter. My elder brother also disapproved, believing such actions should be approached gradually rather than hastily. What do you think?”

His gaze was warm, as if casually asking out of interest.

Shen Xiling was momentarily taken aback. He rarely spoke to her about political matters, let alone sought her opinion on them. Before she could gather her thoughts, Qi Yin repeated his question. Finally snapping out of her daze, she replied with unwavering certainty, “Master would never make a mistake. It is they who are wrong.”

Her conviction was absolute, leaving Qi Yin slightly surprised. He raised an eyebrow, finding her response amusing.

He gestured toward the door and asked, “But today, many people came to Fenghe Garden. They all believe I am wrong.”

Without hesitation, Shen Xiling declared firmly, “Then they are all wrong.”

Her expression was solemn, devoid of doubt or hesitation. Everyone present in the small flower hall knew she meant every word. In her eyes, even if everyone else erred, Qi Yin would not.

This unwavering faith stirred something complex in Qi Yin’s eyes—something difficult to define, yet undeniably tender and faintly disconcerted.

He averted his gaze and simply acknowledged her words, choosing not to elaborate further.

Meanwhile, Shen Xiling had opened up. Noticing that Qingzhu hadn’t returned for a while, she wondered if he had gotten lost or been detained by the crowd outside Fenghe Garden. After some thought, she concluded it was more likely the latter and grew increasingly concerned.

Frowning, she finally looked up at Qi Yin and said, “Master, please finish your meal. I’ll go check outside.”

Before he could stop her, she stood up and headed toward the door, looking determined enough to confront anyone. This unexpected display of fierceness caught Qi Yin off guard.

He quickly pulled her back, asking, “What do you think you’re doing?”

Shen Xiling turned to face him, her expression calm and resolute. “I’m afraid Qingzhu can’t handle it alone. I’ll go help him drive them away.”

Her earnestness was striking, as though she was ready to argue with anyone. Yet she was usually such a gentle and quiet person.

Amused and exasperated, Qi Yin pulled her back to her seat. “It’s not your responsibility. Finish your meal.”

Seemingly dissatisfied, Shen Xiling protested, speaking faster now. “I really can handle it. I’ve argued with people before when buying estates and never lost—ask Shuipei if you don’t believe me.”

Her claim wasn’t false.

In fact, she was quite capable outside the household. When she first ventured into business, she dealt with all sorts of people—not just refined merchants but also cunning tenants and workers. Initially intimidated, she gradually toughened up and could now handle situations with ease. If anything, she was far more adept at managing such confrontations than Qingzhu. But Qi Yin always treated her like a child, worrying that she might be bullied, and thus rarely trusted her abilities.

Shuipei, suddenly called upon, grew nervous, glancing between her mistress and Qi Yin, unsure how to respond.

Fortunately, Qi Yin didn’t press her. With a mix of exasperation and affection, he simply said, “Alright, I understand. Next time, I’ll let you handle it—now eat.”

Their young mistress frowned for a moment, clearly displeased. After a few more coaxing words from Qi Yin, she reluctantly picked up her chopsticks.

Shuipei and Fengchang exchanged glances, stifling giggles. They knew there wouldn’t be a “next time.” Qingzhu had already dealt with the crowd earlier that morning. No one foolish enough to challenge the master’s authority would dare return. Clearly, Qi Yin was merely humoring their young mistress.

Little did they know, someone did return that afternoon.

And it was none other than the Fourth Prince.

Years ago, the prince frequently visited Fenghe Garden, mostly for casual gatherings with friends. In recent years, his visits had become rare, save for the annual flower festival.

Today, his arrival was undoubtedly to visit Qi Yin.

Though the servants had heard from Qingzhu earlier that Fenghe Garden was closed to visitors, the Fourth Prince’s status made it impossible to turn him away. They sent someone to inform Qi Yin, who promptly came to greet him.

The Fourth Prince arrived dressed casually, accompanied by only two attendants carrying gifts. Spotting Qi Yin approaching from afar, he waved and called out cheerfully, “Between us, why must you personally come out to greet me?”

They soon met. Qi Yin, whose wounds had been aggravated by walking, appeared somewhat pale, with a faint layer of cold sweat on his forehead. Upon noticing this, Xiao Ziheng’s eyes flickered subtly, though his expression remained composed. Concernedly, he said, “Did the wound reopen? Come, hurry back and rest.”

Supporting Qi Yin, they entered Fenghe Garden together.

The Fourth Prince’s visit inevitably invited speculation. Given Qi Yin’s recent decisions favoring Prince Duan during the spring examination, it was unclear how the Fourth Prince truly felt. Whether he had come to question Qi Yin or merely to probe him, their conversation was best kept private.

After a brief consideration, Qi Yin invited the Fourth Prince to the Forgetfulness Chamber for tea. Once the servants served refreshments, they were dismissed, leaving the two men alone.

Xiao Ziheng appeared relaxed, sitting in the chamber. Observing Qi Yin’s discomfort, he remarked, “The Left Chancellor’s punishment seems excessively harsh. Your impartial judgment was for the sake of Jiangzuo’s prosperity. Surely, it didn’t warrant such severe treatment?”