Suddenly, a pair of hands appeared on her waist, applying just the right pressure.
“Has the prince returned?” Wei Lin asked.
“Why aren’t you lying down?”
There are servants here,” Xi Lin Xuan said softly as he entered and saw her sitting pensively, massaging her waist. He wondered if she was having second thoughts.
“I know that, Fourth Prince,” Wei Lin replied, explaining the situation.
Xi Lin Xuan frowned in silence.
“What was he doing in Huo Kingdom? It’s hard to believe he had no ulterior motives…” Wei Lin pondered.
“Did you see his leg?” Xi Lin Xuan asked.
“Huh?” Wei Lin was confused. “For acupuncture, I had to see the acupoints through the fabric.”
“Come here!”
Wei Lin understood his tone—he was jealous she had seen another man’s leg. She skillfully dodged his reaching hand: “Dinner will be ready soon. I’ll check if the servants have prepared everything.”
It was already dark when she went outside, wind rushing in. Wei Lin tightened her collar, worried about Xi Lin Xuan’s temper. If only she hadn’t mentioned knowing the Fourth Prince.
“Princess Consort, why are you out in such cold weather? If you need anything, just ask the servants,” Feng Shou said.
Hearing this, Wei Lin whispered instructions to Feng Shou.
Xi Lin Xuan dined with his officials in the front hall, with Feng Shou serving.
Wei Lin had her meal, then soaked in a hot bath until her skin turned red. After changing into dry clothes and warming her half-wet hair by the heated kang, she fell asleep. In a half-dream state, she heard someone say: “Wei Lin, move inside and make room.” She dragged her blanket inward until a strong smell of alcohol forced her to open her eyes.
Looking around, she saw a pair of bright eyes watching her, with a mocking smile.
“Your Highness… How could he come back? Moreover, how does he look so sober?”
“The wine prepared by the Princess Consort is strong and fragrant, truly a fine wine from the frontier,” Xi Linxuan said.
“Why are you still awake? Could Feng Shou have added water to his wine?”
“It’s cold, and I thought strong liquor could dispel the chill,” Wei Lin said, feeling uneasy and hesitant to escape.
