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Chapter 46: Fighting for the Wind

“Your Highness, why did you come back first and not wait for me?” 

Liu Baiwei muttered softly, already bypassing the screen and heading towards the inner door. “Guess who I saw today, Your Highness…”

Zhao Yan, with her wrists bound behind her back, knew it wasn’t the right time for discussion and promptly interrupted, “Wait!”

“What’s the matter?” Liu Baiwei was puzzled, abruptly stopping in his tracks.

As soon as Zhao Yan uttered the word “I,” she felt a large hand grasp her ankle.

In the dimly lit tent, Wen Renlin was kneeling on the bed, propped up, and said, “The blood hasn’t congealed yet, why you are running…”

His voice was so soft, almost like a whisper, yet Zhao Yan still felt startled. She quickly widened her eyes, gesturing for him to be silent. The more tense she became, the more calm Wen Renlin seemed. There was even a faint, mischievous smile in his eyes.

Sure enough, he didn’t retreat but instead advanced, speaking gently, “Your Highness also fell. Shall we check it together…”

Zhao Yan couldn’t use her hand to cover his mouth and was afraid he would continue to speak nonsense, so she leaned sideways, pressing her lips against his to silence him.

The curtain swayed, cutting off the unfinished whisper, trapped between soft lips.

Wen Renlin finally quieted down, his lowered eyelashes casting a dense shadow. He leisurely ground his teeth, biting down on the moistness.

Zhao Yan winced in pain, making a sound.

“What was that noise?”

Liu Baiwei heard the movement, his shadow reflected on the hanging curtain, limping closer by two steps.

There was a suspicious rustling of fabric, followed by Zhao Yan’s unsteady breath coming through the heavy curtain. She said briefly, “Nothing, just… a cramp.”

Her voice was slightly hoarse, sounding somewhat frantic.

Liu Baiwei was suspicious, “Really? Should I call someone to massage for Your Highness?”

How could Zhao Yan allow that?

In the dim tent, Wen Renlin’s expression became even more charming, subtly indicating with a lift of his finger to gently rub his lips. When he looked up, his thick brows pressed low, his eyes especially deep and intimidating.

Zhao Yan couldn’t help but purse her lips, not wanting to go through the effort of silencing him again.

“No need, I’ve already loosened the clothes.”

Guessing that Liu Baiwei wanted to discuss matters related to her brother’s entourage, which would be dangerous to discuss in front of Wen Renlin, she hurriedly explained, “I’m really tired today. Whatever important matters you have, we’ll talk about them tomorrow.”

Liu Baiwei, quite surprised, muttered an “Oh,” and limped to the side, placing a small food box behind the screen on the table.

“There’s a superb snack shop behind Mingde Pavilion. I brought some back for Your Highness.”

Remembering something, he added with a smile, “Don’t worry, it’s crab-filled dumplings, not sweet ones. The box is lined with cotton to keep them warm. Your Highness should eat them while they’re hot; they’ll get greasy when cold.”

“Thank you.”

Zhao Yan dared not look directly at Wen Renlin’s eyes in front of her. Her gaze followed Liu Baiwei’s shadow on the curtain as he moved, and she cleared her throat, “Your leg is still injured, you should go rest.”

Perhaps her haste was too obvious, Liu Baiwei snorted, “Your Highness used to address me as sister, but now it’s all ‘you’ and ‘you,’ quite distant.”

Zhao Yan now knew Liu Baiwei’s true identity as a man, so she couldn’t address him as intimately as before. Considering Wen Renlin’s presence and the danger it posed, she couldn’t openly call Liu Baiwei by his real name either, so she chose to remain silent.

Liu Baiwei jokingly muttered, “Can’t call me sister anymore, then let’s go with addressing each other as siblings.”

He was about to spill his true identity, unaware that Wen Renlin was inside the tent.

Zhao Yan was startled, instinctively looking at Wen Renlin.

Wen Renlin leaned against the bed, one hand casually resting on Zhao Yan’s waist, calmly massaging it. His expression was serene, revealing neither joy nor anger. Liu Baiwei waited for a response for a long time before coughing lightly to disguise his disappointment and bid farewell.

As the door closed again, the small tent was filled only with Zhao Yan’s cautious breathing. She wasn’t sure if Wen Renlin knew Liu Baiwei’s true identity or what his reaction would be if he found out…

But she couldn’t tell from Wen Renlin’s calm demeanor; he seemed almost perfect.

He lifted the slightly wrinkled sleeve that Zhao Yan had pressed and casually opened the curtain, placing the unfinished ointment on the bedside cabinet.

Is he leaving?

Zhao Yan hurriedly reminded, “My hands are still bound.”

Wen Renlin tilted his head and smiled, “Your Highness is never short of attendants. Just call a sister or someone over to untie you, no need to trouble me.”

Oh, so he was waiting for her here!

Zhao Yan could indeed call someone else to untie her, but she was always conscious of her image. She couldn’t let Liu Ying and others see her in such a disheveled state. As the esteemed Princess Changfeng, she couldn’t afford such embarrassment!

Moreover, if Liu Baiwei’s identity truly displeased Wen Renlin, it might lead to trouble. It was better to handle the situation here and now.

Seeing Wen Renlin really about to leave, Zhao Yan panicked. She hooked her legs around Wen Renlin’s sturdy waist, attempting to stop him— the cool texture of the jade hook grazed Zhao Yan’s exposed calf, and no one knew better than her how “terrifying” this waist was.

But she suppressed the urge to retreat.

Wen Renlin was surprised, slightly lowering his eyelids, his gaze falling on Zhao Yan’s well-proportioned calves hooked around his waist.

The curtain lightly moved, the dim light in the room making those two calves seem to emit a faint moonlight-like glow. Wen Renlin couldn’t help but reach out and gently pat the calves that were tightening around his waist.

Under his touch, soft and smooth, Wen Renlin lingered for a moment before lightly saying, “Who taught Your Highness to act like this, hmm?”

“Don’t let others untie…”

“What is Your Highness saying?”

Pretending not to hear, Wen Renlin forced Zhao Yan to raise her voice slightly.

“I don’t want others to untie.”

She repeated, lifting her chin slightly, “I’ve said it before, you will always be my first choice, Prince Su.”

With his back to her, Wen Renlin didn’t move, seemingly unsatisfied with her words. His tall figure cast a shadow, enveloping the half-reclining Zhao Yan completely.

Feeling aggrieved, Zhao Yan thought to herself, why was this man so difficult to deal with!

With her hands bound behind her back, her half-reclining posture was uncomfortable. Annoyed, she clenched her numb fingertips and, with a bit of effort, straightened her waist and legs, biting onto Wen Renlin’s shoulder.

Through the fabric, this bite was as light as a cat’s scratch.

Wen Renlin remained unmoved for a while, then raised his hand to pat the head that was biting his shoulder, chuckling, “Not even a scratch.”

“Even if Prince Su is upset, after bullying me for so long, he should be relieved by now. Otherwise, it’s too petty.”

Zhao Yan loosened her bite, tapping her forehead lightly against Wen Renlin’s back, muttering, “Because Prince Su always forbids me from investigating cases, I had to use others. Now it’s turned into a mess. He’s too strict with the binding, with the ties, it’s really excessive.”

Wen Renlin almost burst into laughter.

“It seems Your Highness is fully recovered and has regained your usual sharp tongue. I haven’t come to settle scores with you yet, but you’re already blaming me.”

“How could I dare? But being bound for so long is really uncomfortable, my fingertips are numb.”

Wen Renlin himself tied the belt, how could he not know the strength? He didn’t expose her, just held onto the calf wrapped around his waist and the arm behind Zhao Yan, applying a twist of force.

Zhao Yan didn’t even realize what had happened; her whole body had turned half a circle around Wen Renlin’s waist as the axis, from behind him to in front, sitting face to face on his thighs.

The man’s legs were stiff, and Zhao Yan blinked, the description of “cranes entwining necks” surging into her mind.

She relaxed her legs and quickly changed to a kneeling position, about to get up, but was stopped by Wen Renlin’s single hand on her shoulder.

“Your Highness will have to get used to the binding force of this strap sooner or later.”

Wen Renlin lowered his gaze, almost embracing her with his cheek against hers, using his other hand to untie the knot on her wrist, “If you don’t behave, there will be plenty of opportunities for being locked up in the future.”

As soon as her wrist was released, Zhao Yan immediately leaned away, rubbing her slightly sore wrist. Wen Renlin held the empty belt in his hand, looking at his empty arms, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Zhao Yan also realized she had been a bit too ungrateful and tried to make amends, “Prince Su, after your hard work, would you like some dumplings?”

Wen Renlin looked at her, lips slightly curved, “I prefer cherry flavor, sweet.”

With that, he raised his finger and lightly pressed Zhao Yan’s rosy lips.

The pressure on her lips was fleeting, and Zhao Yan paused for a moment before realizing that the “cherry” Wen Renlin mentioned was not the fruit.

She touched her lips, and when she looked up again, Wen Renlin had already lifted the curtain and walked away—out of the main entrance of the Pavilion. The white stone path in the courtyard, the mountain breeze brushing past, Wen Renlin strolled gracefully in the night, his movements elegant and slow.

In the dark corner of the corridor, a figure flitted past in embarrassment, and he smirked, pretending not to see.

…

The midsummer was bright and beautiful, with lush greenery in the mountains and several palace buildings hidden among them, like a secluded paradise for summer retreats.

Zhao Yan was concerned about Liu Baiwei’s urgent report from last night, so after breakfast, she made her way to Tingyuxuan along the shaded corridor.

Tingyuxuan had its windows wide open, offering a view of the distant mountains.

Liu Baiwei sat by the window, seeming rather weary. He didn’t even have the mood to eat the lotus seed pastry she had specially brought for him. He leaned on his chin and recounted the situation of his encounter with Wang Yu the previous night.

“Cheng Jixing died suddenly in his quarters, and Wang Yu was the first to discover it. According to him, Cheng Jixing was found lying face down on the desk, the oil lamp extinguished, and there was a half-read book of ‘Feng Shui Theory’ in front of him.”

Liu Baiwei paused for a moment before continuing in a solemn tone, “Cheng Jixing was pragmatic and despised the vague and ethereal theories of Feng Shui and deities. This was also the main reason why he supported the Crown Prince’s New Policy.”

Zhao Yan understood, “So, given his personality, he shouldn’t have stayed up all night studying the ‘Feng Shui Theory.’”

Liu Baiwei nodded, “Wang Yu also sensed that something was wrong, especially considering Shen Jingming’s case. So, he immediately hid the book ‘Feng Shui Theory’ and packed up his belongings to escape to Cangzhou overnight.”

Zhao Yan narrowed her eyes and asked urgently, “Is the book still here?”

“Wang Yu… he felt ashamed to see Your Highness, so he personally entrusted the book to me last night.”

As Liu Baiwei spoke, he retrieved a tightly wrapped cloth package from the bottom of the inner door’s chest and placed it on the table.

Zhao Yan reached out to take it but was stopped by Liu Baiwei’s hand, “Don’t touch it. Wang Yu said there’s a strange faint fragrance on the book. He accidentally touched it for a while while packing up and ended up feeling dizzy for several days before recovering. I suspect there might be poison on it.”

Zhao Yan’s heart sank: if that were true, the poison technique used was similar to the one in the letter that plotted against the Crown Prince. Could it be the same person?

“We need to find a way to test it,” Liu Baiwei suggested.

Zhao Yan got up and went to the corridor, instructing Gu Xing to bring Zhang Xu over and also bring the evidence collected from Zhao Yuanyu’s secret room last time.

Zhang Xu, who was responsible for treating the “Crown Prince,” also followed them to the Yuquan Palace. In less than two moments, he entered carrying a medicine box and bowed.

Zhang Xu always had a withdrawn appearance, but when he received the volume of ‘Feng Shui Theory’ that Liu Baiwei handed over, excitement flashed in his drooping eyes.

He took the book, openly flipped through it, and even sniffed it.

Watching nervously, Zhao Yan reminded, “Be careful, it might be poisoned.”

“Your Highness, rest assured. This humble servant has been exposed to various poisons since childhood, so it won’t be life-threatening.”

Afterwards, Zhang Xu furrowed his young brows, “This fragrance, it’s somewhat familiar.”

“Any clues?” Zhao Yan asked expectantly.

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Xu shook his head, “It will take time to investigate.”

“This item is very important to me. I beg physician Zhang to do his utmost,” Zhao Yan said solemnly, then gestured for Gu Xing to present the medicines and prescriptions collected from Zhao Yuanyu’s secret room, instructing, “Please also examine these together to see if there are any similarities.”

Zhang Xu, being a medical expert, accepted all the suspicious items and said, “This humble servant needs a ventilated pharmacy and two runners.”

“Alright,” Zhao Yan instructed Gu Xing to arrange it.

Zhang Xu was overjoyed and even forgot to bid farewell properly. He turned and followed Gu Xing to the pharmacy, busy at work.

After arranging everything, Zhao Yan noticed that Liu Baiwei’s condition didn’t seem quite right. He seemed distracted, as if he had something on his mind.

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked, noting the tiredness in Liu Baiwei’s eyes. “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

Liu Baiwei came to his senses, as if about to say something, but then shut his mouth.

“It’s cloudy today. Let’s go for a walk outside,” Zhao Yan suggested, looking at the leisurely clouds outside the window.

Liu Baiwei had no objection. They walked out of the door one after the other, wandering aimlessly along the corridor, letting their minds wander.

“Aren’t you afraid, Your Highness?” Liu Baiwei asked.

Zhao Yan knew he was referring to continuing the investigation. After some thought, she replied, “Occasionally. And you?”

“Me?”

Liu Baiwei smiled. “Facing thunder and lightning with the body of a mayfly, isn’t it a thrilling experience?”

Zhao Yan also smiled softly. “I feel the same, with a clear conscience.”

Liu Baiwei glanced at her for a while, then suddenly said, “Back in the Eastern Palace, I once told Her Highness: If Zhao Yan is not here, I will protect you for him…”

He paused, then turned his head. “Her Highness’s elder brother is the Crown Prince. Although it may sound presumptuous of me to say so, I truly meant it.”

Liu Ji’s gender was fake, but that statement was true.

He just wanted to tell Her Highness that.

Although Zhao Yan didn’t understand why Liu Baiwei suddenly brought this up, she nodded, “Liu Ji is the first outsider to know my identity, and also the first person I truly trust. What she says is naturally true. I believe you.”

“Really?”

Liu Baiwei’s face brightened up, revealing a satisfied smile. But as he smiled, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, as if facing a great enemy.

Confused by his sudden change of expression, Zhao Yan was about to ask when Liu Baiwei grabbed her wrist and said, “Let’s take a different path.”

Zhao Yan was startled, instinctively turned her head to look back, only to see a familiar figure standing under the pavilion ahead.

Wen Renlin stood tall in a black robe, facing Zhao Yan’s direction, whether looking at her or the mountains behind her, it was unclear. Zhao Yan felt a chill down her spine, a sense of foreboding rising within her.

She wanted to break free from his grip, but Liu Baiwei held her tightly.

They turned and walked at least a dozen steps before Zhao Yan stopped, frowning. “Liu Baiwei, what’s wrong with you?”

Cicadas buzzed wearily as Liu Baiwei stopped with his back to Zhao Yan.

After a while, he breathed heavily and spoke the truth, “Last night, I saw him coming out of your room.”

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