He was the last to come out, organizing night duty and medical attendants to watch over Wei Shu. Noticing Ruan Ning’s strange posture, a subtle smile appeared on his lips. His fingers brushed against the light pink and gray chest wrap in his sleeve.
From this angle, her skin outshone the fabric, making her worth opposing Wei Shu and Prince Jin.
As he passed by her, he lightly touched her fingertips and whispered, “Wait for me to return.”
Ruan Ning sighed with relief, but just as she was about to follow, Wei Shu emerged, calling, “Imperial Consort, stop. I have something to say to you.”
Ruan Ning’s heart sank.
She pretended not to hear and tried to walk away, but Wei Shu wouldn’t let her escape, raising his voice, “Imperial Consort, I’m calling you to stop.”
Ruan Ning stood still, involuntarily looking at Gu Lianchang, who didn’t look back or help her, simply continuing to walk out.
Wei Shu paced in the side hall after Qin Zhi left. Delayed without satisfaction, desire for Ruan Ning had intensified significantly. With many people around, avoiding eager eyes and ears proved difficult.
As he walked, he discovered a small space between two bookshelves, hidden from view. He imagined pressing Ruan Ning against the shelves and muffling her sounds.
His thoughts were interrupted when Zhang Jing, a trusted eunuch of Gu Lianchang, reported outside the side hall: “Your Highness, this servant has been ordered to bring your midnight snack.”
Wei Shu walked out slowly, speaking gloomily: “Who told you to come?”
Zhang Jing respectfully reported, “The Supervisor saw Jade Concubine bringing a midnight snack here. According to palace rules, concubines should not meet with princes late at night, so the Supervisor had Jade Concubine return and ordered me to bring the snack.”
Wei Shu’s desire quickly cooled upon realizing it was Gu Lianchang. This eunuch always thwarted his plans, and he vowed that if he ascended to the throne, he would punish him severely.
Suppressing his anger, Wei Shu commanded, “Withdraw!”
As Zhang Jing retreated, Wei Shu’s frustration lingered. One day.
In the quiet room, Gu Lianchang lightly touched Ruan Ning’s neck, moving downward: “I just helped you out of another crisis. How will you thank me?”
Ruan Ning opened her eyes, confusion evident: “My Lord…”
