Wanyan was about to lie down when she suddenly felt like she'd forgotten something. Hmmm... What is it?
"Miss, this underfloor heating is totally useless; it's going to be freezing cold later, so I'll add more charcoal and a fur blanket!"
Qiao Wanyan shivered and also thought it was really cold in here. "Ah, Ziyuan, you're a lifesaver. Make sure you keep warm too, okay? And buy yourself some snacks to eat later."
Ziyuan beamed. "You're the best, Miss!"
Hours crawled by. Midnight. The charcoal brazier glowed orange in the dark. Qiao Wanyan was already fast asleep when suddenly she felt something crawling on her leg. She frowned and tried to slap it, but it kept moving. Then she touched something soft and bolted awake, too frightened to scream, and just jumped out of bed and ran outside the room. Clutching her heart with her right hand, when she'd calmed down, she realized it was pitch black.
She tried to see what was in front of her, but it was really too dark. The corridor was totally empty, the air felt so cold, and Wanyan hugged herself for some warmth. The wooden floor was also cold; she was now barefoot. She didn't know which part of the corridor she'd run into. While groping her way, she didn't realize she'd drifted toward the stairs.
Each step was slow to make sure she wouldn't bump into something. She was shivering from the cold when her foot caught on the edge of a step. A gasp escaped her mouth. She tried to grab something but grabbed nothing. She was going down. Wanyan closed her eyes and protected her face in case of injury; I love this face, can't let it get ruined.
Her mind screamed while waiting for the pain when suddenly someone's arms caught her steadily and slowly helped her stand to regain her balance.
After finally standing up, she reflexively said "thank you" out of habit, then caution suddenly kicked in, and she took a step back to create some distance until she bumped against a wall. "Who's there?" she whispered, her voice shaking so badly from the cold.
Silence. Then the scrape of flint, a tiny hiss. A candle flickered to life, shadows dancing like crazy, turning the hallway into something out of a ghost story.
"Your High... Brother-in-law?" The fear was still there, but now mixed with some confusion. Why is he even here?
He Zhiyu asked, somewhat puzzled, "How did you end up here?"
Qiao Wanyan said softly, "I was already sleeping when something crawled on my leg, something soft...it felt like a mouse. I was so scared, I just ran out without thinking. Before I knew it, I was already here. I tried to find my way back, but it's so dark, and I don't know which corridor I ran into..." She finished speaking, looking down at her bare feet, appearing as delicate as a fragile flower swaying in the breeze, utterly pitiful. She was dressed very thinly, and her body trembled slightly, truly a sight to behold.
He Zhiyu followed her gaze and saw her bare feet; even though the light was dim, it couldn't hide her fair feet. He looked away, it's improper to stare at a lady's feet.
He Zhiyu cleared his throat, and his hand unconsciously took off his cloak and draped it over her, carefully tying the straps.
"I'll take you back and help you see what that thing is."
Qiao Wanyan felt a little guilty and wanted to decline but realized she didn't know how to get back. "Then...thank you, Your Highness, for your help. I'm sorry for bothering you at this late hour."
He Zhiyu said gently, "It's not your fault. You've always been pampered and comfortable, so it's only natural to be frightened when you feel something crawling on you while you sleep."
He took the candle from Jingyuan's hand, lit it to illuminate the path, and walked upstairs side by side with Qiao Wanyan.
"It's dark, and it's hard to look for that thing, especially if it's a mouse. It might have already run off, but you'll likely be too scared to sleep in that room. You can stay on the third floor with your older sister. Just for tonight. I'll find you a better room next time."
Qiao Wanyan politely declined, "It's so late, and my elder sister is already asleep. I wouldn't want to disturb her. Brother-in-law, it's alright. Just please help me check if it's gone."
He Zhiyu paused for a moment, then said, "Then you can stay in my room."
Qiao Wanyan quickly shook her head, "How can that be? Brother-in-law is of noble birth; how can I possibly impose? It's really no problem; I'm already very grateful that Brother-in-law helped me check it."
"It's alright, I'm a man; I can manage just fine."
Qiao Wanyan lowered her head, pursed her lips; she really wanted to decline, but thinking about that room having a mouse, she really didn't have the courage to stay there. She was truly afraid of it. After thinking about it, she said softly with an apologetic smile, "Brother-in-law is too kind. Thank you."
I'll just wake up extra early tomorrow, Wanyan thought.