Chapter 54: Your Highness, I Was Wrong!

He even addressed her directly by name.

Everyone present, including Princess Lin’an, turned their heads in unison to look. Their gazes converged; even in the thick darkness of night, the scrutiny and curiosity in their eyes seemed almost tangible.

Wu Tan suddenly felt a prickling sensation on her back, but forced herself to bow to Xiao Yue once more, “Greetings, Your Highness!”

Li Xun’er glanced between the two of them, puzzled. “Uncle, how do you know her?”

Xiao Yue, naturally, would not answer every question. He simply lifted his chin toward Li Xun’er and Princess Lin’an, “Go play.”

Princess Lin’an was equally perplexed—

Her imperial uncle had only returned to the capital a few days ago, reportedly keeping to himself while recuperating. How could he possibly know Miss Wu from the Wu family? He even knew her private name.

But with their respective ranks and identities, curiosity did not permit her to overstep boundaries. She merely cast Wu Tan a suspicious glance or two before bending her knee in salute, “We shall not disturb you, Imperial Uncle. I’ll take them to Huayang Palace.”

Wu Tan kept her head lowered, pretending to follow protocol, avoiding Xiao Yue’s face. She was about to follow the others when Xiao Yue spoke again, gesturing with his chin, “You, go to Lei Ming and fetch a cloak for me.”

His tone was far from pleasant, but this was still considered a rare honor.

Princess Lin’an and the others paused, compelled to scrutinize Wu Tan once more.

At this moment, Wu Tan would have preferred to join the fray with Huo Yunhua rather than stay and be targeted by Xiao Yue. However, in front of these noblewomen of equal standing, even a single word exchanged with Xiao Yue might stir resentment. She could only feign obedience, keeping her head down and silent.

Li Xun’er was somewhat displeased, volunteering, “Uncle, I’ll have my maid fetch it for you.”

Aside from Princess Lin’an, only Li Xun’er had a maid present. The maid immediately stepped forward, “Yes, Miss!”

“She doesn’t know Lei Ming,” Xiao Yue rejected coldly, his gaze still fixed on Wu Tan’s bowed head, as motionless as a quail.

Her attempt at helpfulness thwarted, Li Xun’er looked embarrassed.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Princess Lin’an quickly interjected, “Xun’er, let’s hurry along!”

Li Xun’er dared not be rude to Xiao Yue, but left in a huff, sneering at Wu Tan on her way out, “When did you become so familiar with Prince Sheng’s guards?”

Princess Lin’an knew this uncle, who had joined the army young, was not easy to deal with. She hurriedly took Li Xun’er’s arm and led her away.

Yet Xiao Yue’s interference had unsettled the group of ladies; as they walked along the corridor, they could not help but glance back repeatedly.

Wu Tan, inexplicably the focus of everyone’s attention, had no desire to so much as look at Xiao Yue’s face. She muttered, “Where is Lei Ming? I’ll fetch the cloak for Your Highness.”

Xiao Yue, now more straightforward, replied, “No need.”

Wu Tan looked up in surprise.

Xiao Yue asked, “The medicinal wine I sent you—was it useful?”

“It was.” That matter had nearly slipped her mind; she replied without thinking.

Xiao Yue saw through her perfunctory response. “Then why haven’t you come to thank me in person?”

Wu Tan was speechless.

It was just two bottles of medicinal wine. If you’re intent on finding fault, even if I bring pastries to thank you, you’ll send some gift in return and we’ll be stuck in an endless cycle of etiquette, won’t we?

Pressed by his words, Wu Tan felt stifled, but could only reply with proper decorum, her gaze lowered, “Your Highness is busy; I wouldn’t dare disturb you without cause.”

Xiao Yue said, “It’s no matter. Prince Sheng’s residence is usually quite deserted—I don’t mind you dropping by.”

“Oh!” Since no matter how politely she responded he would find fault, Wu Tan decided not to waste effort and simply answered perfunctorily.

Xiao Yue pressed further, “When do you plan to come? What will you bring?”

“Your Highness…” Wu Tan finally lost her composure, dropping to her knees before him and looking up pitifully, “I don’t believe I’ve offended you. If there’s anything you’re dissatisfied with, please tell me directly. I’ll change, just please don’t trouble me like this.”

If you want to punish me, just be straightforward! Don’t keep finding faults and tormenting me—

Xiao Yue stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at her.

Wu Tan’s brows were knotted in misery, her expression showing both humility and adaptability.

The two locked eyes.

After a moment, Xiao Yue looked away, his expression unchanged. “Since you know you’re wrong, don’t pretend you don’t know me when you see me again. Get up.”

Wu Tan was speechless.

All this—for that? You’re an imperial prince, the emperor’s own brother. Even if I know you, do you expect me to rush up and link arms with you for a stroll through the brothels?

If you want to pick on me, fine—I admit defeat!

Wu Tan was full of grievances but dared not utter a word.

She climbed to her feet, supporting herself by the knee.

Xiao Yue had already turned away, strolling to the entrance of the waterside corridor and sitting on the railing.

He signaled with his eyes.

Wu Tan understood the hint, so she forced herself to follow, carefully lifting her skirts as she sat beside him, deliberately leaving a space between them to avoid suspicion.

Xiao Yue glanced at her, apparently satisfied with her willingness to correct herself.

Wu Tan sat nervously, hesitating before attempting to negotiate, “Your Highness, actually, I could go to Huayang Palace and sit with Princess Lin’an.”

Xiao Yue sneered, “That daughter of Huo Wenshan, wherever she deliberately appears, what good could come of it? Since you’d rather not mix with her, don’t force yourself.”

“Uh…” So, was his presence here just a coincidence, or was he watching Huo Yunhua?

Wu Tan was curious, and observing him closely, thought his mood seemed better than usual. She asked gently, “Your Highness, forgive me for overstepping, but even though you are Princess Lin’an’s uncle, it’s not quite proper for you to meddle in the affairs of the inner palace. Are you sure you don’t need to avoid suspicion?”

Xiao Yue snorted, “Who said I was going to interfere?”

Wu Tan was thoroughly confused, “If you’re not involved, why are we sitting here?”

Xiao Yue finally lost patience, replying coldly, “If you don’t want to sit, then kneel!”

Wu Tan was speechless.

Since she couldn’t leave, she’d rather sit.

To avoid being pressed into silence again, Wu Tan simply shut her mouth and fiddled with her fingers.

Xiao Yue, seeing her silent for so long, glanced at her but seemed uninterested in conversation, closing his eyes and sinking into his own thoughts.

Wu Tan sat bored and idle. She had no idea how much time had passed when, from the direction of Huayang Palace across the lake, a sudden, fierce drumming erupted.

— Extra —

Tan (in a fit of rage): Ahhh—where did this lunatic come from? He’s picking fights with heaven and earth, making me so stifled I can’t even retort! I don’t want to be the heroine anymore, sob sob sob~

Imperial Uncle (cool and innocent): Hmm, finally convinced my wife to join me in moon gazing and enjoying the breeze. Perfect!

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