When Shumin finally opened her eyes, the sunlight was already sneaking through the paper windows.
Her whole body felt like she had fought a dragon in her dreams.
She groaned and rolled over, only to hear Shu Yan's soft but strict voice.
"Miss, please wake up. It's already breakfast time."
Shumin sat up, hair messy like a bird's nest. "Breakfast already? I swear I just blinked after saving a man's life."
Shu Yan placed the tray down and froze the moment she saw her lady's hands.
"My lady....your fingers!"
Shumin looked down. Her fingertips were red and swollen from all the sewing.
She blinked at them and gave an awkward laugh.
"Ah… battle scars of a true artist."
"Artist?"
Shu Yan nearly dropped the bowl.
"You mean you kept sewing after I went to sleep? My lady, this is not good! And the scarf...where is it?"
Shumin paused, lips twitching. "…About that. I kind of… gave it away."
"GAVE IT AWAY?"
Shu Yan's voice cracked like thunder.
"That scarf was made from Royal wool! Only the palace can use it! If any ordinary person touches it..if anyone sees..it could be considered treason!"
Shumin blinked, then smiled weakly. "Oops?"
Shu Yan looked ready to faint.
"My lady, please, who did you give it to?"
Shumin scratched her head.
"Hmm… just someone who needed it more than me."
That ungrateful masked man didn't even say thanks…"
Shu Yan looked horrified, but Shumin only sighed dreamily.
"But you know, he had this… familiar feeling. His eyes, his voice… Why did it remind me of His Majesty? Hah, that's impossible, right? According to the novel, the King never visits Concubine Wen's cold palace."
She leaned back lazily, waving her swollen fingers in the air like it wasn't a big deal. "Anyway, who cares! Maybe he's a secret handsome knight or something."
Shu Yan pressed her palm to her forehead. "My lady, this is not the time to imagine stories again…"
But Shumin had already jumped to her next thought, eyes sparkling.
"Right! Since my scarf mission failed, I'll just move on to the next stage of Operation Cupid! "
Shu Yan sighed helplessly.
"Heavens, please save us…"
Shumin grinned proudly, her messy hair shining under the sunlight.
"Don't worry, Shu Yan. The Goddess of Love is officially clocking in for duty!"
After finishing breakfast, Shumin was blowing gently on her swollen fingers when Shu Yan came in holding a small jar.
"My lady, please apply this ointment. It'll help with the swelling."
Shumin opened it and sniffed. "Smells like old tree bark and regret."
Before Shu Yan could scold her again, a sudden knock came from the door.
"Concubine Wen Qian," a deep voice said from outside, "His Majesty has summoned you."
Shu Yan froze, almost dropping the jar. "Wh-what? The King?"
Her eyes widened in horror.
"My lady, what if he found out about the Royal wool scarf? Or that you left the cold palace yesterday? Or..."
Shumin stood up with a bright smile, cutting her off.
"Or maybe he wants to thank me!"
Shu Yan blinked. "Thank… you?"
"Of course!" Shumin said, puffing her chest proudly.
"He must have realized I was trying to help him and the Queen. My cupid mission might have failed, but at least he noticed my effort. Maybe he's touched by my dedication!"
Shu Yan looked like she was about to cry. "My lady, please remember you are in the royal palace..."
But Shumin had already fixed her hair..well, tried to and skipped toward the door.
Her steps were light, almost like a happy child heading for sweets.
As they walked down the long corridors, palace maids bowed respectfully, hiding small smiles at the overly cheerful concubine who was supposed to be under house arrest.
"Shu Yan, stop worrying," Shumin whispered.
"Look, everyone is smiling. I'm basically a celebrity now."
Shu Yan whispered back urgently,
"They're smiling because they pity you, my lady!"
Finally, they reached the imperial garden. Shumin's cheerful pace slowed when she saw him.
Li Zhan was standing near the lotus pond, back turned, dressed in deep indigo. The air around him felt cold
so cold that even the wind dared not move too loudly.
He turned slightly, his sharp gaze landing on her.
"Everyone, leave us."
The guards and servants immediately bowed and stepped away, leaving only the two of them surrounded by quiet autumn air.
Shumin gulped. The sudden silence felt heavier than the whole palace.
She smiled nervously.
"Uh… Your Majesty… such a lovely morning, right?"
Li Zhan's expression didn't change.
After a moment, he said quietly,
"Concubine Wen Qian… what game are you playing?"
Shumin blinked innocently..
"Game? I'm bad at those. Unless it's rock-paper-scissors."
The King's gaze darkened slightly..