Ze Ning was clearly taken aback. He looked at Shang Xuan, then at Hai Ling, before writing, "That's not something to worry about. The sister of the Minister of the Privy Council is certainly worthy of the status of the Yan Prince's household. What are you so afraid of? Though the Four Powers and the Five Sages may not be on friendly terms, they are not mortal enemies either. If you and Pei Tian could be together, it might ease the awkward standoff between the two factions. No longer would you have to oppose each other; instead, you could work together for the good of the empire and its people. What's so negative about that?”

  "Of course it's not a good thing," Shang Xuan said, his tone defted. "She's convinced that I'm a traitor, a rebel plotting treason. How could she possibly marry me? And besides—my father…"

  He let out a cold ugh. "He's always wanted me to seize the throne, to avenge his father's death. He doesn't desire the throne for himself, but he has pinned all his hopes on me. How… how could I betray decades of his wishes? Even if I were willing, he would make sure I wasn't. You know my father's temperament."

  His eyes darkened, turning deep and unfathomable. "Rong Yin serves the Emperor. How could I possibly marry Rong Yin's sister? Pei Tian is just like him—cold and distant, never sparing me a second gnce. Honestly, I′m relieved that she doesn′t care about me. You know… if my father ever found out about this, he might—he might force me to usurp the throne just to oppose Rong Yin."

  "It might put Miss Pei Tian in danger."

  The words came from Hai Ling. She smiled, mild-mannered as ever. "I'm staying here with the young master because of Miss Pei Tian. He has no desire to become emperor. Young Master Ze Ning, if you truly know him, you should understand that he has never cared for the throne, not even once. If it were for Yan Wangye forcing him—"

  "Enough! Stop talking! Get out, just get out. The more you talk, the more irritated I get." Shang Xuan impatiently waved her away. "I was discussing serious matters with Ze Ning, and now you've muddled everything. Just leave."

  Hai Ling nodded and turned to go, but before she could take a step, Ze Ning lifted his sleeve and blocked her path.

  Shang Xuan froze for a moment. "What are you doing? Are you saying she should stay and listen to us talk about court affairs?"

  Hai Ling looked at the young noble blocking her way, slightly surprised. His expression remained calm, his quiet gaze resting on her. He seemed to be saying something, yet at the same time, saying nothing at all.

  Being looked at by him wasn't uncomfortable—on the contrary, it was strangely soothing.

  But why?

  Why was he stopping her?

  “She cannot stay.”

  With one hand, Ze Ning held back Hai Ling, while the other lifted a piece of paper.

  “Why not?” Shang Xuan had almost asked, but in the next instant, he understood.

  A cold sweat broke out across his back. "You're right! She absolutely cannot stay!"

  Hai Ling frowned slightly. Why? She was just a maid—why were they so tense?

  “Hai Ling, you will leave with Young Master Ze Ning ter. You cannot stay here.” Shang Xuan swung his hands behind his back with a sharp motion and began pacing in the ancestral hall. “If you remain, and Yan Wang sees you—he has been to the Rong mansion, hasn't he? Rong Yin is a high-ranking official; my father must have visited their mansion before.”

  “Yan Wangye… has indeed been to the Rong mansion,” Hai Ling murmured as she began piecing things together. “Yan Wangye… has seen me before. I once served him tea, and he even praised my tea-making skills. Don't tell me—”

  “That′s right.” Shang Xuan's expression was grim. “If you stay in the Yan Wang's mansion, no matter if I send you to chop wood or stoke the fires, eventually, my father will see you. And my father—he's far too shrewd. The moment he sees you here, even if he doesn't know about… about me and Pei Tian, he will still realize that you or Pei Tian must be important to me. And if he figures that out, there's no telling what he might do—to you or to Peitian.”

  His brows furrowed deeply. “If you hadn't reminded me, Ze Ning, I would have made a grave mistake. I've always been reckless. You've been here for four days already—my father may have already seen you. He may have even begun to act.”

  “I… I can return to Miss Pei Tian's side,” Hai Ling said softly. “Young Master Rong will protect us.”

  “You cannot go back to the Rong mansion,” Shang Xuan snapped. “To you, your young master Rong may seem like a gentleman, but to him, I am nothing but a treasonous scoundrel. If you return, he'll ask you questions, and you'll answer honestly. And if he finds out that I have feelings for his sister, do you think he wouldn't use that against me? He would see it as a bargaining chip, a weakness to exploit.

  "If that happens, how could I ever stand against him in court? Forget it—you are not going back.”

  "Young Master Rong is not that kind of person." Hai Ling shook her head. "You four young masters have all misunderstood him. He has never intended to go against you." Her tone was sincere. "What Young Master Rong cares about are the affairs of the court and military matters at the border. He never concerns himself with trivial matters"—

  "So he cares about great matters, and I’m the one fussing over petty ones?" Shang Xuan sneered, his displeasure deepening. "Enough. I know your Young Master Rong has a broad mind and remarkable vision, while I am nothing but a despicable, scheming, petty man. In short, don't even think about returning to the Rong mansion to see your mistress or master. You will obediently follow Ze Ning back, and you are not to take a single step out of his mansion!"

  "I—" Hai Ling had wanted to argue, but after gncing at Shang Xuan and then at Ze Ning, she finally held her tongue. After a brief pause, she spoke softly, "Hai Ling… will obey the young master's orders."

  Ze Ning had remained silent the entire time. He did not defend Shang Xuan, nor did he speak up for Rong Yin. From start to finish, he simply watched Hai Ling, his gaze unreadable—perhaps attentive, perhaps scrutinizing, or perhaps completely vacant. He was merely staring in her direction, lost in thought.

  ----Hellowyellow note: If you like the story, the novel collection, and my transtion, please treat me to a cup of Ko-fi. Thanks! ----