Chapter

Xia Nianchu had only come to Heshou Hall because she knew Pei Dongzhou was there.

Little did she expect that upon her arrival, she would learn that the Heir Pei had gone to the west wing to visit Shen Shuyi.

Because Shen Shuyi still harbored designs on her cousin, the Heir, she could not allow Shen Shuyi any opportunity to cultivate affection with him. Fearing the worst, she hurried toward the west wing.

When she rushed into the room and saw A-Jian collapsed on the floor, she thought to herself that something was amiss. She checked the girl’s breath—it was shallow, but she was still alive. For a fleeting moment, she had feared she had stumbled upon a murder scene.

Only then did she notice Shen Shuyi sleeping soundly on the bed. She stepped forward and poked her, but Shen Shuyi did not react at all. Fearing she was feigning sleep, she reached out to tickle her underarms, but Shen Shuyi remained motionless, like a corpse. Only then did she confirm that both mistress and maid were in a deep, drugged sleep.

This was strange. Who had drugged Shen Shuyi? The maidservant had mentioned that Shen Shuyi had been dazed and sleeping for long periods lately, so her slumber was somewhat understandable. But what about A-Jian? Why was she unconscious too?

Right, hadn't her cousin come to visit Shen Shuyi? Where was he now? There was something suspicious about this; she had to find him first. She left the west wing, calling out for her cousin as she went.

Inside the west side room, Pei Dongzhou remained lost in a dream. At first, it had been an exquisite, beautiful dream, until that woman suddenly vanished from beneath him. He did not like this strange, erotic dream; this lack of control over his own emotions was unsettling, and he only wanted to escape this bizarre state.

Just as he was struggling to find a way to open his eyes, a familiar voice drifted from afar, drawing closer: "Cousin...?"

The voice was familiar. After a moment, he realized it was Xia Nianchu. She had designs on him; if he didn’t wake up soon, she would find a way to cling to him, just as she had at Dajue Temple before. A sharp sense of crisis made his consciousness increasingly clear. His senses sharpened; he could hear not only her voice drawing nearer, but the sound of her footsteps as well.

Not long after leaving the west wing, Xia Nianchu found the west side room. The door was slightly ajar, and through the opening, she saw a man lying on the bed.

Her heart began to race. With Shen Shuyi and her maid unconscious and her cousin lying on the bed, could it be that he, too, was drugged? Was this not the perfect opportunity for her? Though she didn't know the cause, it was a chance delivered to her doorstep. Still, her cousin was a treacherous man; last time, he had been drugged yet managed to wake up so quickly. Surely it wouldn't be the same this time, would it?

Hesitating, she crossed the threshold and walked slowly toward the bed, her heart drumming against her ribs like a war drum. She had coveted this man for a long time, wishing she could offer herself to him. Yet, while her cousin appeared gentle and kind on the surface, he was, in truth, ruthless. The last time at Dajue Temple, his sudden attack had nearly cost her her life. Her heart told her this was another chance, but her reason warned her that this man was not to be trifled with, lest she be ruined forever.

Yet, human greed compelled her to summon her courage and approach the bed. Indeed, Pei Dongzhou lay there, seemingly unaware. Her gaze fell upon his clear, handsome features—the bridge of his nose, his brows, those sensuous thin lips...

Her eyes fixed on his lips. They were blood-red, with a small cut as if someone had bitten them. Could it be? Had another woman violated him before she arrived? But his robes were perfect, without a single wrinkle, and even his throat was covered; he looked as dignified and inviolable as ever. He was wrapped tightly from head to toe; it was impossible for anyone to have touched him.

Moreover, this was Heshou Hall. What woman would be bold enough to lay a finger on the Heir? Perhaps only Shen Shuyi had the track record to dare such a thing. But Shen Shuyi was unconscious, and her state didn't seem feigned. That meant she hadn't been the one to act. That left only one possibility: Pei Dongzhou had bitten himself.

After a flurry of wild thoughts, Xia Nianchu stopped hesitating and decided to strike first. She only needed to remove his clothes, lie beside him, and wait for her maid, Lu Liu, to bring people to "catch them in the act." She looked toward Lu Liu, who understood and retreated silently.

The room fell quiet. Just as Xia Nianchu reached to unfasten her own clothes, Pei Dongzhou’s voice suddenly rang out: "Cousin, when will you ever break the habit of barging into a man's room?"

Xia Nianchu’s hand trembled as she reached for her buttons. Pei Dongzhou turned his head to look at her, his eyes cold and dark. They weren't even particularly sharp, yet they chilled her to the bone.

"Cousin, you are disturbing my rest," Pei Dongzhou smiled gently. "Or is it that you wish to see my dagger stained with blood this time?"

She retreated two steps, finally squeezing out a smile. Her voice was timid: "I... I was only worried about you, cousin, so I came to see what was happening. I didn't mean to disturb you. I... I will leave at once..."

She had seen how fast his dagger was last time; he was truly capable of killing her. She dared not gamble. Xia Nianchu did not dare linger in the room and retreated swiftly.

"I do not like to be disturbed. Please close the door on your way out, cousin," his voice drifted from within. Xia Nianchu obeyed and shut the door.

Blocked from his gaze, she felt her back drenched in sweat. She leaned against the door, clenching her fists. Why was it so difficult to get close to him? She was beautiful, the "daughter of destiny"—men should love her. Why did he turn a blind eye to her beauty?

Just as she was about to leave in frustration, she suddenly felt something was wrong. Even if he wanted to rest, why would he do so in the side room? This was Heshou Hall, but Shen Shuyi lived in the west wing. The side room was right next to it. Even to avoid suspicion, he shouldn't be resting there.

It was wrong. Very wrong. Perhaps, just like last time, he had been drugged and was truly unable to move, merely putting on a show of bravado. At that moment, she heard chaotic footsteps approaching; it must be Lu Liu bringing people to catch them.

Should she take the gamble? With that thought, she disheveled her collar and loosened her hairpins, intent on entering again. But as she pushed the door open, a sudden blast of force struck her. She was hit squarely, sent stumbling back several steps before falling to the ground in a sorry heap.

At the same time, the door slammed shut with a "bang," sealing everything away.