“Go to sleep first.” Pei Qianhao flipped through the book as he approached, his eyes never leaving the book as he lifted the quilt and lied down.
Su Xi-er carefully peeped at him, only to see that he was earnestly reading the book.
When some men read medical books that contain such pictures, they would immediately have dirty thoughts. However, Pei Qianhao’s expression makes it look like he’s studying it purely for academic value. It could be said that his restraint is much better than other men’s.
However, she saw that the section he was reading was about postures and controlling strength.
The tips of her ears immediately flushed red. She swiftly turned around and lied back down on bed.
A soft chuckle entered her ears. “Didn’t you say you don’t want to read this book? Why did you peep when this Prince was reading?”
“I didn’t.” Su Xi-er flatly denied, pulling the quilt over her ears to cover them.
“If you didn’t peep, why would you be so embarrassed? Even if you cover them with the quilt, you can’t hide the fact that your ears are red from this Prince’s eyes.”
“Pei Qianhao, your mouth is so vicious.” Su Xi-er ignored him after that.
“You were saying that this Prince’s mouth is sweet a short while ago, and now you’re saying it’s vicious? What else are you going to say in the future?” He playfully teased her before closing the book and sliding off the bed.
Su Xi-er heard some rustling sounds before the candle was blown out. Her back felt cold until suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her waist, allowing her to feel the warmth of his chest.
“Turn around and sleep.” Pei Qianhao whispered, pulling her even closer.
Su Xi-er turned around to face Pei Qianhao.
“Sleep.” Pei Qianhao planted a kiss on her forehead as he spoke, closing his eyes as he backed away.
In the darkness, Su Xi-er opened her eyes to watch Pei Qianhao’s peaceful expression. Her eyes wandered over the chiselled contours of his face as she felt his warm and steady breath brush against her cheek. It was only after a significant amount of time had passed was she finally satisfied, falling asleep with a warm feeling in her heart.
The next day, Pei Qianhao ate breakfast with her as usual, reminding her to take care before he left the Dragon Heaven Palace.
Apart from Wu Ling, there was now another guard protecting Su Xi-er. In addition to that, Pei Qianhao had planted covert guards throughout the imperial palace in order to heighten security as the wedding approached.
Just as Su Xi-er was about to leave the Dragon Heaven Palace, Grand Tutor Kond walked in with a smile on his face. “It’s very lively in the Imperial Library today. The plump lass woke up early this morning, and was discussing where the red silk should be hung. You should go over and take a look.”
Grand Tutor Kong then continued on his way with two guards following behind him.
Pei Qianhao had also sent guards to protect Grand Tutor Kong, and had even gone as far as to have people secretly monitor the Pei Residence. Nothing is allowed to go wrong during my wedding!
Soon, Su Xi-er was on her way to the Imperial Library.
As Situ Lin had yet to come of age, there were no imperial consorts in the imperial harem. With the Empress Dowager missing, authority had fallen to Consort Dowager Guo. That said, the latter had already distanced herself from worldly affairs; this left Su Xi-er, as Princess Consort Hao to-be, as the woman with the most authority in the Imperial Palace.
Thus, many of the palace maids and eunuchs bowed in respect when they saw Su Xi-er passing by. “This servant greets Miss Xi-er.”
Su Xi-er waved her hand, allowing everyone to relax as her gaze landed on the palace maid who had gone against her in the Imperial Kitchen.
Noticing her gaze, the palace maid immediately knelt on the ground in fear. “This servant failed to recognise your honourable self. Please forgive me for offending you the last time, Miss Xi-er.”
