010 Won't Let Go

Soon, the sound of splashing water drifted to her ears, accompanied by Yun Xiyin's gentle whisper, "Nanyu, I am so happy to have married you..."

Sitting on the floor, Yun Xueyan let out a cold laugh. Of course she was happy—after all, it had always been Yun Xiyin who received affection, but what about her? She could find no joy in this place.

Slowly, she rose and stood behind the screen, speaking calmly, "Your Highness, Princess, I shall take my leave now."

"Little sister, don’t be in such a hurry. After all, you are also Nanyu’s consort. Why not come in?" Yun Xiyin’s voice rang out clear and bright as she leaned against Duan Nanyu, calling out to the person outside.

With her back to them, Yun Xueyan's eyes flashed with sarcasm. Yun Xiyin loved watching her make a fool of herself, loved seeing her embarrassed—after all, she was the one who had won their second brother's favor.

Yun Xueyan did not move, merely standing where she was, watching the two in the bath through the screen, pressed tightly together. If she were to go in, wouldn’t she only invite more humiliation?

Did Yun Xiyin want her to watch them entwined together?

Bitterness tightened her lips. Why persist? Yun Xiyin had already received Duan Nanyu’s love—why torment her further?

She retreated slowly, her steps light as a feather, wary of being heard by the bathing pair. All she wished was to escape quickly; even if punishment awaited her later, it mattered little.

She could not bear to stay and witness what she wished not to see.

"Little sister? Are you shy?" Seeing Yun Xueyan remain silent, Yun Xiyin’s smile grew even more contemptuous.

Her steps halted for a moment. Yun Xueyan took a subtle breath. "Your Highness, Princess, I will not disturb you further. I am but a humble servant, unfit to enter."

Her words were calm and composed, hands clasped before her chest, head tilted slightly as she waited for a reply. But what came was not Yun Xiyin’s mockery, but the languid sounds of passion.

So they had already forgotten her presence. Of course—Yun Xiyin could hardly have truly wanted her to enter. She only wished to remind her of her lowly status.

Once again, she had overestimated herself. How ridiculous.

Turning sharply, Yun Xueyan strode out of Junyu Pavilion. She needed fresh air; otherwise, she would suffocate in this warm nest. It seemed she had forgotten her place once more.

She must remember to be a good servant, and never hope for anything else.

The sound of the door closing made Duan Nanyu's gaze grow cold, dark waves surging in his eyes, impossible to read.

In an instant, he lowered his head indulgently to look at the woman in his arms. "Yin’er, you needn’t bother with her. She won’t appreciate it. Was she always this way at the Grand Tutor’s estate?"

"Nanyu, truly, little sister is pitiful. Since Third Mother lost favor, she had to move out of the main courtyard, and with her face ruined, she is even more neglected." She pressed her head to Duan Nanyu’s chest and wept gently, appearing so kind and helpless that he could not help but feel sympathy.

She was indeed his Yin’er, so gentle-hearted.

Yet, she must have forgotten—back in the tavern, she glared at him in fury, making him want to strangle her on the spot! He truly despised her then.

It was only after the later accident that his feelings changed.

He looked down at her in his arms; she had just been speaking, but now had already fallen asleep. It seemed he had truly exhausted her these days, though all he wished was to spoil her more.

He carefully lifted Yun Xiyin, gazing at her sleeping face, his heart filled with contempt for Yun Xueyan. So proud, so arrogant!

Since she had come as part of the dowry to his estate, she would have to obey him.

If not, he would never let her go.