"Would you like to linger here a bit longer? I'll stay with you," Xue Wuya offered gently.
A reluctant smile flickered across Yu Xiao's face as she shook her head, waving both hands in a hurried denial.
"Thank you for your kindness, Ge...General, but I was the one who told you to rest earlier." She paused, brushing her bangs to the side so they fell and shielded her face. "And thank you for the cloak. T—Tomorrow, I'll return it to you," she said, her smile shy and lips trembling. "I swear," she added, raising her hand in a solemn oath.
Silence fell between them.
Xue Wuya's eyes narrowed as he tried to decipher Yu Xiao's hand gesture. He considered asking, but a mischievous smirk tugged at his lips instead.
Yu Xiao's smile vanished as she slipped her hand out of sight, a flush of embarrassment prickling at her skin. She moved cautiously, careful not to offend him.
"Wandering outside in the middle of the night isn't safe," he began. Yu Xiao met his gaze, unwavering. "If you choose to linger here, I will stay. If not, I'll leave immediately," he continued, stepping closer. "It is my duty to ensure the safety of anyone in my palace." He leaned in, meeting Yu Xiao's eyes directly. "Your Highness, I brought you here. That means I am responsible for you—no matter the cost."
I just want to leave. What is this strange tension between us? Is he truly serious, or just worried about my safety? Does he really have to talk to me like this? Her mind raced. Please, not so close.
Yu Xiao held her breath, clutching the cloak to her chest, nerves on edge. She stepped back and nearly lost her balance.
Fortunately, Xue Wuya caught her by the arms just in time.
"Have you hurt yourself, Your Highness?" he inquired, gently supporting Yu Xiao after her stumble.
Yu Xiao glanced over her shoulder, her hand instinctively rising to her chest where her heart hammered. She drew a shaky breath, eyes narrowing in uncertainty.
"That was close," she murmured, her eyes wide before drifting to where Xue Wuya's hand still gripped her arms. She hesitated, then looked up to meet his gaze.
It was only then that he noticed his hands were still on her arms; he released her gently, an awkwardness lingering between them.
Once the tension eased, Yu Xiao straightened her posture and gave Xue Wuya a gentle smile.
"Ah, Young Master, I've been thinking about what you said earlier. You're right—it isn't safe to linger outside," she spoke with a small, uncertain smile.
A silent frown creased Xue Wuya's brow as his eyes narrowed in contemplation.
"I suppose almost falling a moment ago counts as danger," she said with a sheepish giggle, biting her lower lip as she ducked her head.
Xue Wuya said nothing, but the gentle warmth in his gaze reassured her he wasn't angry. He watched her quietly, amusement flickering at the corners of his mouth.
After a brief pause, he inhaled deeply. Though his expression remained stern, his eyes were filled with unmistakable warmth as he looked at her.
"Permit me to escort you out, Your Highness," he said, offering a respectful bow. "For someone of your delicate constitution, remaining in this cold is unwise. Allow me to accompany you back to your quarters."
After a moment, he extended his arm, palm open and inviting, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering intent.
Yu Xiao returned his gaze, her face composed but her nerves betraying her calm. A chill traced its way up her spine, goosebumps rising beneath her robe.
Her hand, icy to the touch, hesitated before she placed it delicately in Xue Wuya's waiting palm.
As soon as her hand met his, Xue Wuya held it with gentle care; his gaze softened, and a faint smile curved his lips.
"Let's go," he said softly, leading her away.
The next morning...
Morning sunlight spilled through the window, its golden rays settling on Yu Xiao's face. She flinched, throwing an arm over her eyes in a futile attempt to escape the brightness. With a sleepy frown, she rolled over, searching for a more comfortable position.
A sudden noise pulled her from sleep—soft footsteps drew near, and the sliding door creaked open. Eyes still shut, Yu Xiao instinctively covered her ears, hoping to stave off the intrusion.
Soon, a familiar voice drifted into her room.
"My Lady, it is time to wake. The Palace Lord requests your presence in the main hall. He awaits you," Han-Yun announced with quiet courtesy.
Yu Xiao only managed a sleepy, "Hmm—" before lapsing into silence.
The Duan brothers exchanged uneasy glances, silently urging each other to be the one to wake her. After a moment's hesitation, Han-Qing finally gathered his courage and stepped forward to interrupt Yu Xiao's rest.
"My Lady," Han-Qing called softly, gently tapping her shoulder.
Two maidservants entered the room, arms laden with treasures. One carried a selection of elegant hanfu in a rainbow of colors; the other bore a collection of exquisite jewelry and a delicate hanfu headdress.
After carefully arranging their offerings on the small table, they stepped back and waited in silence for Yu Xiao to awaken.
Han-Yun and Han-Qing persisted in their efforts to wake her, as the maidservants exchanged discreet glances, quietly entertained by the scene.
"My Lady, it is time to rise," Han-Yun entreated, attempting to assist her to a sitting position.
"Han-Yun, my rest has been scarce. I beg you, have mercy," Yu Xiao murmured, her eyes remaining closed.
"Ah... My Lady, Palace Lord Xue is waiting. Please don't keep him waiting too long," Han-Qing said, giving her shoulder a gentle shake.
Yu Xiao ignored them entirely, pulling the quilt over her head in protest. "Can you please leave me for a moment. I will come later, give me a break."
Han-Qing glanced at Han-Yun and whispered, "What should we do now?" Han-Qing asked, eyes widened.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze.
Then, without warning, Han-Yun climbed onto Yu Xiao's bed and gently pushed her upright. "Forgive me, My Lady!" she exclaimed as she tried to pull Yu Xiao to a sitting position.
Han-Qing quickly caught Yu Xiao's other arm to help.
Yu Xiao resisted at first, eyes still closed, muttering under her breath.
"You two are shameless," she grumbled, raising a hand and pointing a finger at them like a sleepy drunk. "How dare you interrupt my beauty rest? Is this how you treat your queen?" Her face scrunched into a frown; she could barely muster the strength to open her eyes.
From the corner, the two maidservants stifled their laughter as they watched the scene unfold. Trying to explain, Han-Yun crouched down and whispered to her.
"My Lady, we only meant to follow Palace Lord Xue's wishes. Forgive us for waking you—we didn't want to risk his displeasure," he murmured, offering gentle support as she sat up.
Annoyance was written all over her face as she sat up, blinking sleepily.
"I thought I'd finally get a good rest… Guess I was wrong," she mumbled, stifling a yawn.
Unnoticed, Xue Wuya slipped quietly into the chamber, his gaze lingering on Yu Xiao as she grumbled and reluctantly got up. A faint smile curved his lips at her sleepy antics.
She is truly remarkable—so different from those women who scheme or act cunningly just to gain attention. In just a few days of traveling together before entering the palace, I've come to understand her nature. She isn't bold or audacious—if anything, she's a bit odd—but she's decent and genuine. Even when social situations make her awkward, she never pretends. Her politeness and respectful manner always shine through.
She's beautiful, yes, but hers is a beauty that needs no embellishment. The purity in her simplicity only makes her more radiant. I find myself wondering—who is she, really?
Yu Xiao pried her eyes open with her fingers.
"Alright, I'm up now," she muttered, shoulders sagging with sleepy resignation.
The maidservants covered their mouths to hide their giggles. Han-Qing puffed out his cheeks, struggling not to laugh, while Han-Yun poked him in the side, both pretending to be serious.
Suddenly, a soft chuckle broke the room's tension. Everyone turned and saw Xue Wuya standing there. Instantly, all but Yu Xiao—whose mind was still foggy—snapped to attention.
They hurried to straighten themselves and bowed in unison.
"Good morning, Young Master!" the twins chorused.
"It's a pleasant day for you, Young Master!" the maidservants added, bowing gracefully.
Yu Xiao blinked in confusion at the greetings. Lifting her head, she found Xue Wuya approaching. Flustered, she scrambled to her feet—almost tripping—and performed a hasty bow with her hands pressed together.
"Ha—have a nice day, Ge—General!" she stammered, blinking tiredly with a reluctant smile before ducking her head.
Xue Wuya's lips curled into a teasing smirk. "Didn't sleep well?" he asked. "What did Your Highness do last night? You look like you didn't get much rest." His tone was light, but his gaze was warm.
Han-Qing and Han-Yun exchanged glances, pretending they hadn't heard, though their eyes kept flicking to Yu Xiao.
A blush crept across Yu Xiao's cheeks as she forced a sheepish smile, glancing nervously at Xue Wuya.
"I—I guess so…" she managed, lips pursed.
What is he doing? Is he teasing me? This can't be! I can't even look at him straight. Are all cultivators this intimidating? With a single glance, I feel like I'm falling apart. Please, someone, save me—my mind is a mess!
Suddenly, Xue Wuya's voice turned cool.
"Get yourself ready. After you meet my father, I'll take you to the sect training field." He paused, stepping closer, his tone dropping to a soft, low note. "Don't be late. I'll wait outside." With a final warm glance, he turned and left the room.
Silence lingered after he was gone.
Yu Xiao's mouth fell open in surprise. She looked at the twins—both blushing and biting back laughter. The maidservants wore matching expressions.
Raising her eyebrows with a mock glare, Yu Xiao warned, "Don't even think about messing with me. I already know exactly what you're thinking."