Chapter 19: Probing 4

For three consecutive nights, Gu Jinshi appeared in the bamboo grove every evening to teach her internal martial arts techniques and spar with her. Chu Yuchuan hadn’t shown up during these days; no one knew what kept him busy.

“Xiao.”

“Hm?”

“I’ve never asked you—why do you practice martial arts in secret?”

Yuqing Yan looked at his profile bathed in moonlight. “Then why are you teaching me?”

Gu Jinshi said nothing. “Has the princess made any moves today?”

“No,” she replied. “The prince has confined her. She rarely goes out and seldom allows servants to attend her.”

Gu Jinshi nodded. “Then let’s end here for today.”

“So soon?”

“Yes, I have some matters tonight.”

“Alright. We’ll continue tomorrow night.”

Gu Jinshi left early, and Yuqing Yan stayed alone for a while before returning to Xiuzhu Garden.

Around midnight, lying in bed, Yuqing Yan opened her eyes at the faint rustling outside the window. Soon, a figure appeared in the room.

Startled, Yuqing Yan flipped over and sat up. After a few moves, they both paused.

“Gu Jinshi.”

“Xiao? How could it be you?”

Yuqing Yan sat on the stool by the table and poured water for them both. No wonder he said he had business tonight—so this was it…

“You are… Yuqing Yan?”

“Something like that.”

There was a brief silence. Yuqing Yan cleared her throat lightly. “And you? Were you acting under Chu Yuchuan’s orders tonight?”

Gu Jinshi suppressed his anger. “Since you are Yuqing Yan, how do you know martial arts?”

“Rest assured, I am not sent by the emperor. I only learned to protect myself.”

Gu Jinshi regarded her for a long moment. “Very well. I believe you.”

Both Yuqing Yan and Gu Jinshi tensed suddenly.

“Someone’s coming!”

Gu Jinshi frowned. “I’ll leave first.”

Yuqing Yan nodded and waited a while, but no one entered.

The next morning was bright and sunny. Winter’s warm sunlight streamed through the window. Yuqing Yan opened her eyes.

“Cuier.”

“Miss, you’re awake.”

“Yes.” After the late night, she intended to catch up on sleep this morning.

After washing up, Yuqing Yan glanced at the relatively sumptuous lunch. Just as she picked up her chopsticks, she heard the voices of Xique and Meixiang outside.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Yuqing Yan put down her chopsticks and looked toward Chu Yuchuan entering the room.

“You may leave now.”

Cuier glanced at Yuqing Yan.

“Yes, Miss.”

Cuier left promptly, leaving only Yuqing Yan and Chu Yuchuan in the room. The atmosphere was tense.

“My beloved consort, you truly have remarkable skills.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hmph! You know well enough yourself!”

Yuqing Yan frowned. Who was he sulking at in broad daylight?

“I don’t understand. Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”

Chu Yuchuan looked at her and slowly uttered three words: “Gu Jinshi.”

“What about him?”

“He has already been imprisoned by me.”

Yuqing Yan stared in surprise. “Why?”

“Of course because of you.” Chu Yuchuan’s gaze darkened. “He kept speaking on your behalf. I found it very suspicious.”

“You came all this way just to say that?”

“Hmph!”

Chu Yuchuan turned and left. Yuqing Yan stood there, even more bewildered. Why did he just leave like that?

“Miss, are you alright?” Cuier came in. “His Highness seemed in a bad mood just now.”

“I’m fine.” Yuqing Yan lost her appetite, staring at the untouched dishes on the table.