“What… bed?” Xie blinked uncertainly.
“You’re recovering, floor beds are unhealthy.” Jiang pointed out reasonably before nudging him under warm quilts. “Just sleep here tonight, hmm?”
He remained motionless, still wearing that perplexed expression.
“…And join you?” Xie ventured hesitantly.
“Of course.” She calmly turning down lanterns until the spacious bedchamber sunk into inky dimness broken only by intermittent star gleams filtering through gauzy canopy.
Fabric rustled followed by quick movements slipping under silk covers with him. Even in darkness, the heated flare of twin blushes burned bright. Their mingled exhales soon steadied into the easy rhythm of restful slumber.
Yet after some undefined stretch, Xie reluctantly cracked open an eye hoping to glimpse her unguarded visage.
She instantly tensed under his stare despite feigning sleep. Fair lashes fluttered wildly against pale cheeks further enflamed. Teeth absently worrying tender rosebud lips…
He drank in her vision greedily before low words broke heavy silence. “My apologies, I’ll leave you be-”
“Stay.” Jiang’s soft injunction stilled any retreat. “Please… look at me.”
Poised between fight or flight, capitulation came slowly to once more meet her luminous gaze.
Watery star glow blurred their features, granting some fragile illusion of anonymity. In that transient bubble stretched between heartbeats, only hushed breathing filled endless space.
Until Jiang gently prompted again when prolonged quiet grew unbearable, “Can’t sleep either?”
Xie sucked in an unsteady breath, words jamming painfully in his throat.
How could slumber find him on such an impossible night… Beside his beloved for the very first time, each second graven into memory by pounding pulse.
Liquid silence pooled between them, electric with potential. The restless shift of burning embers underscored charged atmosphere.
This exquisite tension stretched endless moments… beside a beauty who outshone polished jade. *
He never wanted it to end.
“Talk to me…” Jiang suggested softly.
Contemplating briefly, “Come morning I’ll accompany you to Prince Ruoheng’s estate to plan next steps before visiting the Imperial pharmacy upon returning. If strength permits, perhaps some sweet cakes from the private kitchens later…”
Xie’s mellow voice recounted various matters requiring their joint attention in days ahead from replacing door charms to readying firecrackers until gently trailing away mid-sentence when her companion finally succumbed to exhausted slumber.
Jiang indulged herself tracing the fine-boned features limned silver-pale in this secret interval. Like viewing mortality from a great remove… fleeting fragility somehow refining rather than diminishing bright spirit.
Leaning closer she pledged soundlessly, “Rest assured you’ll spend many new springs together with me.”
Then she carefully embraced him, commencing slowly circulating inner energy to mend what harm remained. Channel pathways gradually smoothed from jagged edges back into serene flow, his pulse steadying against hers. Through the tranquil hours Jiang labored on, determined he would never detect her ministrations.
Gradually both submerged into the same dreamscape, nestled safe within each other’s arms as scattered dust motes danced through ephemeral beams above their bed.
Dawn’s birdsong and pale sunlight awakened the Crown Prince feeling remarkably restored – even minor aches absent. Glancing down he discovered Jiang still slumbering trustingly, cheek pillowed on his chest while he cradled her closer.
Marveling at this miracle, Xie pressed fervent thanks into her unbound hair before attempting to slip free without disturbing such innocence. But she clung determinedly with low protest, refusing release until mollified by his laughing promise they would linger abed a little longer.
Misty mid morning best suited departure anyways…
So eventually they managed presentable appearances and stole away furtively through palace side gates towards Prince Ruoheng’s estate nestled nearby.
Lulled by rocking carriage, the still weakened heir soon drowsed off despite best efforts resisting her offered shoulder. Jiang simply guided his head securely against her collar, absently sifting through silken strands seeking traces of a certain wintry fragrance…
Roused shortly after by sudden stillness, Xie woke finding them swathed in warm blankets, Jiang peering out the window watching snowflakes dance past.
“We’ve arrived a while now.” She smiled at his befuddlement.
He only burrowed deeper under quilts. “Unless all present, I’m sleeping longer.”
Jiang poked the evasive lump. “Such laziness hardly suits your station!” But amusement softened her scolding. “His Excellency Zhou awaits your final companion so come along.”
They entered the cozy booklined study to find the small gathering already enjoying freshly brewed tea. Pleasantries exchanged, discussions commenced…
Jiang stole occasional glances at her partner, pride swelling at how naturally Xie presided. Compassion and approachability won over even cynical ministers. This straightforward candor completely aligned with the awkward youth met along her travels…
Sudden nostalgia made her lips quirk picturing his bumpkin antics.
How perfectly their secret reflections mirrored each other…
Eventually talk turned towards ongoing investigations on Xie’s assassination attempt. By pooling various resources, Prince Ruoheng and Academician Zhou steadily gathered irrefutable evidence for later indictment before the throne against King Qi’s treasonous factions.
The Crown Prince and his formidable wife prepared playing their roles convincingly upon emergence from secluded recovery. Solemn nods sealed the covert pact.
Three days later rumors circulated of Xie Wuyang’s dramatic reappearance and subsequent collapse.
Frantic activities filled Eastern Palace afterwards, the very air saturated by pungent herbal fumes from countless decoctions regularly prepared. Officials streamed bearing hearty commiseration and thinly veiled criticism towards divisive royal factions jeopardizing future stability…
Perfectly stage managed sentiments fanned public outrage into calls for inquiry.
Another interval passed before the trap fully sprung.
One evening Jiang hastily sought private conference, skirts flaring like war banners around her. “Husband, recall those suspicious eunuchs from Imperial pharmacy caught tampering with your prescriptions months earlier…?”
Xie’s gaze sharpened. “Indeed. Why?”
“It appears they’re on the move.”
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