CHAPTER 024
Lu Yun'er knew that being invited to the Yun Prince’s residence today, coupled with what Chen the steward had said, indicated that the Yun Prince already knew everything. Although she had met him twice, there had been little interaction, and she knew very little about his character.
But the Yun Prince had helped the current Empress ascend to the throne, so his thoughts and methods were surely unfathomable.
If he wanted her to drink, or even if he wanted her to marry the young Prince Su, she would have no choice.
In these times, who could resist the word "power"? Lu Yun'er smiled bitterly to herself, quickly suppressing the displeasure and helplessness in her heart.
Her words eased Chen's doubts but filled Su Qingwan’s eyes with anxious unease, and his heart was full of unspeakable panic.
Mentioning wine again inevitably brought up the incident of that stolen kiss. Although Yun'er had forgiven him, thinking back, he had been sick at the time, and perhaps Yun'er had only pitied him, sympathized with him, and was forced to accept his apology.
Su Qingwan thought this, lowering his head even further, his face turning pale as his heart pounded like a drum, accompanied by a tremor of anxiety.
Suddenly, a dizzying sensation overcame him, and his frail body began to sway. Lu Yun'er, sensing something was wrong, instinctively caught him just as he was about to collapse.
At the same time, Chen and Xiaoyuan both cried out in alarm, “Young Prince Su!”
Su Qingwan, weak and lying in Lu Yun'er’s arms, smelled the familiar cool fragrance, deepening his guilt. He lowered his eyes and dared not look at Yun'er, dizzy as he tried to stand, “It’s nothing, I...” But before he could finish, he collapsed again, and Lu Yun'er had to catch him once more.
Chen, seeing the young Prince's pale and pained expression, said anxiously, “Doctor Lu, please take the young Prince back to Qinghua Pavilion first. I’ll go fetch the physician.” With that, she hurried off.
“Ah! But this...” Lu Yun'er watched the departing figure, words unspoken.
Xiaoyuan, with furrowed brows, raised her voice in urgency, “Doctor Lu, please come with me. The young Prince has just recovered and cannot afford any setbacks.”
Lu Yun'er carefully cradled Su Qingwan in her arms, following Xiaoyuan to Qinghua Pavilion, while the surrounding servants’ eyes brightened at the sight.
Entering Qinghua Pavilion, a faint, pleasant, sweet fragrance greeted them. Lu Yun'er walked past a Zitan wood screen carved with peony patterns. The room was clean and tidy, with low-hanging curtains and items typical of a young man's bedroom—warm and elegant.
After gently laying Su Qingwan on the soft couch, she prepared to leave, mindful that this was the private chamber of an unmarried man.
Su Qingwan, seeing this, immediately grabbed Lu Yun'er’s sleeve, “Yun'er Sister, wait!”
Lu Yun'er frowned, turning back, “Young Prince Su, what is it?”
Xiaoyuan, seeing this, immediately withdrew and closed the door behind her.
Lu Yun'er realized that they were now alone in the room, man and woman, and said sternly, “Young Prince Su, if you have something to discuss, let’s talk tomorrow. I must take my leave.”
“Yun'er Sister, please don’t go.”
Su Qingwan quickly got out of bed to chase after her, but his legs were too weak. He hadn’t taken a few steps before collapsing again. Hearing the sound behind her, Lu Yun'er couldn’t help but look back. Seeing him struggling to get up, his thin and pale face filled her with a sudden wave of pity.
Lu Yun'er sighed softly, her soft heart betraying her once again. She walked over and helped him up.
Suddenly, Su Qingwan, gathering all his strength, wrapped his arms around Lu Yun'er's waist, clinging to her like an octopus, as if afraid she might leave.
The atmosphere between them suddenly became tinged with ambiguity.
Su Qingwan's arms encircled her waist, and even through the fabric, she could feel his warmth. Lu Yun'er was visibly taken aback. The next second, her face showed displeasure as she tried to remove his hands, “Young Prince Su, stop this nonsense, let go of me.”
“No!” Su Qingwan clung to her tightly, burrowing into her embrace, his voice soft and sweet with a hint of childishness, a full-on plea.
“You...” Lu Yun'er was at a loss for words. Despite her racing heart, she tried to maintain outward composure, though her averted gaze betrayed a trace of panic.
She had actually been... charmed by this young boy.
Su Qingwan caught this subtle expression, a faint smile playing on his lips. The long-held restraint and patience within him had finally reached their limit. With a pleading tone and a husky voice, he murmured, “Yun'er Sister, won't you give us a chance?”
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