At night, at midnight.

The Mu Wang Mansion had returned to peace, Mu Lan took off her clothes and lay down on the bed, but did not have any sleep, perhaps because of the change of environment, perhaps because everything now could not put Mu Lan's mind at ease.

She was waiting.

Waiting for a scene from her last life to happen.

The candle flame in the room looked bright and dim.

Obviously it was only the end of summer, but in the courtyard of the west building was already a burst of gloomy cold coming from the door cracks still through the wind, the sound of the wind in the room in the quiet of the late night makes people feel scared.

Suddenly

A rustling sound came from inside the room, Mu Lan's eyes sharpened, looking at the edge of the doorway, a king cobra had already wandered in towards the room, its head held high in an attacking stance.

Its speed was extremely fast, coming directly in Mu Lan's direction.

Mu Lan's nose caught the scent.

She knew that this scent had an inexplicable stimulating effect on the snake

It could make the snake completely lose its mind and start attacking people, especially a creature like the king cobra.

As long as the mouth was opened, it would be extremely difficult to survive.

The other party was obviously aiming at Mu Lan, wanting to kill her.

Within the Mu Wangfu, Mu Lan could guess with her toes if she managed to dispose of them quickly, and this matter had also happened in her last life.

Just that time Mu Lan life, it happens to patrol the people pass by, heard Mu Lan's screams, and so people break into the door when the king cobra bites the patrol of people, patrol guards died on the spot.

Mulan escaped.

But after this incident, Mu Lan's mental state has not been very good, a shock, the slightest movement will make Mu Lan scream out.

This kind of behavior in Wang Xueshuang's serious is an extremely unseemly thing.

At that time Mu Lan seems, Mu Zhi painting from time to time to appease their own, seem to care about care, but more every time is stepping on the point, especially when Wang Xue frost and Mu House have guests, let Mu Lan scream out.

Naturally, Mu Lan's reputation would not be good.

Wang Xuefang's distaste for Mu Lan became more and more obvious.

Mu Lan, on the other hand, did not feel that this was Mu Zhi Hua's arrangement in the slightest, but instead was grateful to Mu Zhi Hua, because when everyone loathed him, Mu Zhi Hua was the only one who accompanied him.

In the end, Mu Zhiying's trap had become a scapegoat, step by step.

But this time

Mu Lan's eyebrows gradually cold down, looking at the fast towards the swim, with full aggressiveness, spitting the core of the king cobra, the slender hand precisely pinched the snake's seven inches, instantly controlled the king cobra.

Mu Lan did not move, pinched the snake's seven inches, and walked towards the outside of the house.

The moment Mu Lan pushed the door out, her eyes became sharp, following the origin of the flute sound, she looked over, but did not find any movement at all.

The snake that had been pinched in its seven inches suddenly became frantic, completely uncontrollable.

Mu Lan didn't pay attention for a moment and was recoiled by the snake's tail, the King Cobra was too big than other snakes, plus being controlled, its power was not to be underestimated.

"Damn it." Mu Lan let out a low curse.

Her hand slid a little, the king cobra broke away from the seven inches of confinement, the mouth is going to bite down at Mu Lan, Mu Lan could not dodge, her heart was shocked.

Just at this time

A sharp dagger flew accurately from Mu Lan's face, directly into the king cobra's seven inches, pinning it to the ground completely.

The King Cobra, which was originally still flailing and spitting its core, gradually lost its movement and lay straight on the ground.

Mu Lan was completely relieved.

It was really too thrilling just now.

His life was hanging by a thread.

It seemed that also after returning to her senses, Mu Lan realized that she had fallen into a solid chest with a faint musky scent, and cold eyes looking down at Mu Lan.

Li Shiyu.

Mu Lan was startled, but remained calm on the surface.

Hadn't Li Shiyu left the Mu Wangfu long ago? Why would he appear within the royal residence at this point in time.

And between her and Li Shiyu, they appeared too close, almost right next to each other.

Close enough to clearly smell the faint musk fragrance of Li Shiyu's body and hear the man's heartbeat.

But such shock was quickly hidden well by Mu Lan, she calmly looked at Li Shiyu, her voice softened with a hint of panic, "Fourth Prince, why are you here."

Again as if she remembered something, Mu Lan struggled out of Li Shiyu's arms and knelt down: ''My daughter thanks the Fourth Prince for saving her life.''

Throughout, Mu Lan's voice carried a tremor.

It was as if she was extremely frightened in the face of such a situation.

But Mu Lan rarely had some drums in her heart, not knowing how much Li Shiyu had seen. In this kind of situation where the enemy is unknown, Mu Lan could not possibly expose the slightest bit in front of Li Shiyu.

The deeper you hide, the more likely you are to get a head start in the future game.

Li Shiyu never appeared in Mu Lan's memory in her last life, she could not accurately guess Li Shiyu's thoughts, not to mention, Mu Lan also wanted to move the cake in Li Shiyu's hands.

Li Shiyu was not a generalized person.

Li Shiyu stood with his arms folded, condescendingly looking at Mu Lan.

Entering the Mu Wang Mansion was an accident.

The current Crown Prince Li Shiyuan had failed to get his hands on him before, so naturally he could not let Li Shiyu go, and as long as Li Shiyu appeared, he would inevitably be pursued by murderers, and in Kyoto, Li Shiyu's power was far less than that of the Crown Prince's at the moment.

Coupled with the body still carries injuries, so Li Shiyu will fall into the wind, turned into the back alley, then directly over the wall to leap into the Mu Wang House.

And this location is the west building, will not disturb other people, relatively safe.

As a result, Li Shiyu did not expect to see such a scene.

And in that moment, if not mistaken, Mu Lan came out by pinching the snake's seven inches, obviously the snake was controlled by the music.

Would a normal girl see a king cobra and be so calm?

This Mu Lan, was definitely not simple.

And now kneeling in front of him, the little girl who looked so pitiful was very different from the previous one with sharp and bloodthirsty eyes.

Li Shiyu sank, slightly lowered his eyebrows as if he was contemplating something.

The wound that has never healed in the chase gradually opened up again, blood seeped out, just the surface, Li Shiyu did not move.

The long and slender fingers with distinctive bone joints suddenly pinched Mu Lan's jawbone: "Look up at this king."

Mu Lan obediently looked up.

"Are you sixteen this year?" Li Shiyu asked calmly.

"Yes." Mu Lan answered.

Li Shiyu's eyes sank even deeper, looking at Mu Lan for an instant, as if he wanted to see through Mu Lan, Mu Lan's eyes vaguely carried a trace of panic, but such panic was more like an act for Li Shiyu to see.

Li Shiyu's palms tightened.

Mu Lan's expression became a bit painful, "Fourth Prince, it hurts."

Li Shiyu ignored Mu Lan's words and spoke coldly: ''Earlier, I saw you pinching the snake's seven inches, but you didn't have any panic, but now you see this king, why are you afraid?

Mu Lan listened to Li Shiyu's words, quiet, his voice still with a few points of trembling: "Fear. But that is the instinct to survive, the snake hit seven inches. But obviously it doesn't work, if the Fourth Prince didn't happen to see it, I'm afraid that the one who lost his life now is me."

Every sentence, all seemed just right.

No traces of lying could be seen, and even the shivering look, as if after a robbery, was a bout of afterthought.

Li Shiyu just watched.

The hand pinching Mu Lan's jawbone didn't let go either.

Mu Lan didn't know if Li Shiyu believed it or not. But at the present moment, there are many things that cannot be admitted, and one can only play dumb.

Moreover, Li Shiyu's appearance here at this point in time was out of the ordinary, so Mu Lan bet that Li Shiyu would not be able to make a statement, and this matter would have to be passed off as ambiguous.

Just when the two were at a standstill, Li Shiyu suddenly let out a muffled grunt.

The original open wound became more and more obvious, the blood had already penetrated the clothes, but Li Shiyu was wearing a dark purple long shirt, plus it was night, and could not be clearly seen.

And earlier when dodging, the blade of the sword that grazed the skin carried poison, at this moment entering the bloodstream, has gradually begun to flare up.

Mu Lan, who was extremely sensitive to the smell of blood, had already noticed it first.

She looked towards Li Shiyu, who was alerted and let go of Mu Lan.

Mu Lan returned to her senses and had also heard the footsteps coming from outside the west building, resounding, the guards within the royal residence, and even Mu Lan heard Mu Zhantian's voice.

Mu Zhantian has been named Yi County King, there is an independent royal residence to live, usually will not be within the royal residence, why today will suddenly appear.

Subconsciously, Mu Lan saw Li Shiyu.

Li Shiyu got up to leave, but found that his limbs were completely unable to use their strength, and the sound of footsteps outside the west building also followed the more and more approaching.

Mu Lan also hesitated for just a moment and looked at Li Shiyu, ''If the Fourth Prince is at ease, please follow me. But the Fourth Prince seems to have no choice, I'm afraid that stepping out of the West Building is a dead end.''

This, Mu Lan also said directly.

Li Shiyu looked at Mu Lan, a gust of fishy sweet taste had already come from his throat, the corners of his mouth oozed blood, but his phoenix eyes carried a few moments of coldness, his thin lips pursed, less of the warmth he saw in the daytime, more than a hint of viciousness.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Falling on Mu Lan's eyes, but also more and more probing.

Mu Lan did not avoid Li Shiyu's eyes, in the heart of the calculation for a moment: "Outside the people will soon arrive. There isn't much time left for the Fourth Prince to think.''

While on the sidelines, Hexiang also heard the commotion and hurriedly rushed over, nearly screaming out when she saw the situation in the courtyard, as well as the King Cobra that had been shot with a dagger and stiffened its body.

Mu Lan's action was faster, the first time to cover the hand of Huo Xiang, lowered his voice and commanded: ''No screaming.''

Huo Xiang hurriedly nodded her head, but her face was still white as a sheet.

Only then did Mu Lan let go of Huo Xiang, who looked at the king cobra on the ground with palpitations, and then looked at Li Shiyu, who was close at hand, and her voice stuttered: "Slave girl ...... slave girl see the fourth ...... fourth prince."

"No need to kneel." Mu Lan interrupted He Xiang, "Listen to my words, first handle this snake to the house, a moment I will get it, someone comes, you come out again, but the matter of seeing the fourth prince, absolutely can not be mentioned again."

Mu Lan's voice became more and more serious: "No panic, just as usual, do you understand."

Hexiang answered in a loud voice: ''Slave girl knows.''

Mu Lan didn't say anything more, he just looked at He Xiang, but the trust in his eyes was direct, without any doubt.

Afterwards, Mu Lan looked at Li Shiyu: ''Fourth Prince.''

Li Shiyu looked at Mu Lan, converging the light under his eyes, followed Mu Lan towards the house, Lotus fragrance watched the two go in and listened to the movement outside, even if she was afraid of the king cobra in front of her, she still suppressed her fear and quickly dealt with the scene, and then hurriedly went back to her own house.

The moment Li Shiyu stepped inside, he spat out blood.

Mu Lan furrowed her brows and walked toward Li Shiyu without hesitation. Li Shiyu eyed her warily, but Mu Lan was direct: "Fourth Prince, how long can you hold out?"

"Two hours," Li Shiyu replied.

Mu Lan nodded. "Please hide well, Your Highness. No matter what happens or what sounds you hear, do not come out."

Li Shiyu said nothing.

Mu Lan had no time to engage further with Li Shiyu.

Screams could already be heard from outside—the cries of He Xiang and the shouts of the guards, along with the sinister tone of Mu Zhantian: "Search thoroughly! The prince's manor cannot harbor assassins. Kill on sight."

Under such orders, the guards ruthlessly pushed their way in, heading straight for the small courtyard of the west wing, completely disregarding who lived there.

When Mu Lan stepped outside, she saw He Xiang trying to stop them, but her efforts were evidently futile.

Mu Lan frowned, her gaze falling on Mu Zhantian. "I'm curious, what brings the Noble Duke to the prince's manor at this hour? And why are you heading toward my courtyard?"

Mu Lan had only thrown on a cloak, appearing as if she'd been abruptly awakened from sleep.

Mu Zhantian looked at Mu Lan and sneered. "Move aside! Search the place thoroughly. There will be heavy rewards for capturing the assassin."

The guards, following Mu Zhantian's orders, ignored Mu Lan and quickly moved towards the west wing.

He Xiang instinctively tried to block them but was brutally pushed to the ground, her elbow bleeding.

Mu Lan saw this.

Her voice grew colder: "Stop! Who gave you permission to act so recklessly in my place?"

The authority in her voice was unmistakable, making her seem less like a sixteen-year-old girl and more like a ruler, exuding a chilling aura.

The guards were visibly intimidated.

Mu Lan helped He Xiang up, her gaze softening as she examined her. "He Xiang, are you alright?"

"Miss, I'm fine," He Xiang quickly replied, shaking her head.

After carefully checking He Xiang's injury, Mu Lan finally relaxed and then coldly looked at Mu Zhantian. "Noble Duke, the prince's manor is vast. Are you sure the assassin is in my room? If the assassin were truly here, why would I be unaware?"

Mu Zhantian sneered again.

His eyes grew colder as he looked at Mu Lan.

Previously, at the Gu family estate, Mu Lan had narrowly escaped, which was Mu Zhantian's miscalculation. He had underestimated Mu Lan's abilities. On her first day back, she had managed to win over the old lady, even gaining the respect of the steward, Chen Guan. Not to mention Mu Zhi's secret losses to her.

Such a woman, Mu Zhantian could not tolerate.

But given the current situation, Mu Zhantian could not openly harm Mu Lan. Fortunately, fate seemed to favor him tonight. The person they were chasing had fled into the west wing.

Regardless of whether they caught the person, he could use this as an excuse to kill Mu Lan, claiming it was because of an assassination attempt.

"Mu Lan, do you know that hiding an assassin is a capital offense?" Mu Zhantian spoke with certainty, pressing this accusation on Mu Lan without mercy.

Mu Lan suddenly chuckled, looking at Mu Zhantian. "Noble Duke, aren't you jumping to conclusions without any evidence?"

She took a step forward, unfazed by the swords pointed at her, and calmly stood before Mu Zhantian.

"Aren't you afraid people will say that the concubine's household can't tolerate the legitimate daughter of the main wife, thus using the pretext of an assassin to get rid of her?" Mu Lan bluntly exposed Mu Zhantian's intentions.

Her demeanor here was starkly different from her meek and obedient act in front of Wang Xueshuang during the day.

In the dead of night, Mu Lan was the most ruthless.

The guards near Mu Lan couldn't help but shiver, as if a chilling wind followed her wherever she went.

Suddenly, the blades in the guards' hands turned.

One guard cried out in surprise, as the blade pointed at Mu Zhantian.

Mu Zhantian's face changed, and he shouted angrily, "Are you rebelling?"

The guards were terrified, completely at a loss as to why their swords were out of control, while Mu Lan stood there calmly, watching with a mocking smile.

Mu Zhantian felt an eerie chill, as everything seemed beyond his control.

Mu Lan remained silent, knowing that since the age of ten, she had the ability to control objects from a distance.

She could manipulate the guards' swords invisibly, turning them into her weapons.

But this power came with a price; using it recklessly would cause a backlash.

Therefore, Mu Lan rarely used it unless absolutely necessary.

In her previous life, her naivety had led Crown Prince Li Shiyuan to discover this secret, tricking her into becoming the crown princess and repeatedly using her as his killing tool.

In the end, Li Shiyuan used sorcery to seal her power, injecting mercury into her, causing a horrific death.

"Continue the search," Mu Zhantian roared.

The guards, though shaken, obeyed and quickly headed into the west wing.

Mu Lan stood still, watching Mu Zhantian. "Noble Duke, if you are so sure there's an assassin in my room, I will let you search. But if you find nothing, what then?"

Mu Zhantian's eyes grew darker as he stepped towards Mu Lan, speaking each word with venomous intent. "Mu Lan, if I decide to eliminate you, nothing can stop me."

"Is that so?" Mu Lan smiled, her expression turning fierce. "Then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."

As Mu Lan finished speaking, Steward Chen hurried over from a distance. "What's going on here? Why such a commotion in the middle of the night?"

Seeing Steward Chen's arrival, Mu Lan remained calm.

His presence was within her expectations.

Having received her favor, Steward Chen was well aware of the situation in the prince's manor. With Mu Zhantian causing such a ruckus, he couldn't remain ignorant.

If Mu Lan hadn't won him over, he would have ignored this incident.

But now, standing on Mu Lan's side, he arrived at the first sign of trouble. He knew that if he turned a blind eye, he would be next to die if Mu Lan survived this night.

The image of Mu Lan sitting calmly amidst bloodshed at the Gu estate still sent shivers down his spine.

Mu Zhantian's face changed seeing Steward Chen appear, not expecting such an interruption.

"Steward Chen," Mu Lan explained calmly. "I was asleep when the Noble Duke suddenly arrived, claiming there was an assassin in my room. Since you are here, it is good to have a witness. This way, if my innocence is questioned, I have someone to testify tomorrow when Grandmother asks."

Steward Chen hadn't expected this. He glanced at Mu Lan.

Mu Lan continued, "To prove my innocence, I am willing to let the Noble Duke search my room. But if nothing is found, doesn't that suggest the Noble Duke has other motives?"

Her question was casually thrown, putting Steward Chen in an awkward position. "Miss, this..."

But Mu Lan had already stepped aside. "Noble Duke, please."

Her straightforwardness left Mu Zhantian at a disadvantage.

The assassin they were chasing had only been seen near the west wing. Whether they were actually in Mu Lan's room was uncertain. The person had been poisoned and would soon lose their strength, making it unclear if they had even entered the prince's manor.

This was just a spur-of-the-moment action by Mu Zhantian to satisfy his own desires.

Unexpectedly, his plan backfired, putting him in a difficult position.

With Steward Chen present, Mu Zhantian had to give some face. Continuing this confrontation might alert others, making it hard to explain to the old lady later.

Although Wang Xueshuang seemed indifferent to worldly affairs, everyone in the manor knew she was no pushover. Her influence over Mu Hongyuan was unmatched, which is why Chen Zirong hadn't been able to fully control the manor.

Wang Xueshuang had never relinquished her power.

"Why hesitate, Noble Duke? Aren't you here to search? Why not go in now?" Mu Lan provoked Mu Zhantian, her gaze icy and unyielding. "I've just arrived and my room only has a bed, a table, and a wooden cabinet. You can see everything at a glance."

Seeing Mu Zhantian's hesitation, Mu Lan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "He Xiang, open the door. We have nothing to hide."

He Xiang nervously looked at Mu Lan but eventually calmed down and said, "Yes, Miss."

As He Xiang walked to the door, Mu Zhantian suddenly waved his hand, and the guards sheathed their swords.

"Forget it. I trust Mu Lan's honesty and that she would not harbor an assassin. Search elsewhere," Mu Zhantian commanded.

"Yes," the guards responded and quickly moved away.

Mu Zhantian glared coldly at Mu Lan. She remained composed, meeting his gaze with a mocking smile as he stormed off.

Only after he left did Mu Lan's expression soften. She looked at Steward Chen. "Thank you, Steward Chen."

Steward Chen nodded and hesitated before advising, "Miss, try to avoid the Noble Duke in the future."

"Thank you for the advice," Mu Lan replied gratefully.

Steward Chen said no

more. "Then please rest well, Miss. I will take my leave."

As he turned to leave, Mu Lan suddenly called out, "Steward Chen, could you bring some medicinal wine and ginseng here?"

Steward Chen frowned, puzzled by her request but didn't ask further. "I will do that right away."

"Thank you," Mu Lan said.

Watching Steward Chen leave, Mu Lan hurried back inside. He Xiang was visibly shaken, sweat pouring down her face.

"Miss, I was so scared... If the Noble Duke had gone in..." He Xiang couldn't bear to think of the consequences.

Mu Lan looked at her calmly. "Stay calm. As long as I'm here, you'll be safe. Even if something happens to me, I'll do my best to protect you."

Her words were simple but carried a firm conviction that brought tears to He Xiang's eyes. "Miss..."

"When Steward Chen brings the medicine, soak the snake in it with the ginseng. Don't let anyone know, including Steward Chen," Mu Lan instructed.

He Xiang looked at her, puzzled. "Miss, what are you planning?"

"Don't ask. Just do as I say. Keep an eye on the outside and alert me if anyone approaches the west wing," Mu Lan said without further explanation.

He Xiang nodded and followed her instructions.

Mu Lan knew Mu Zhantian wouldn't return immediately, but she gave the order to prevent any surprises.

The identity of the person inside was not to be underestimated.

Taking a deep breath, Mu Lan walked back inside, closing the door behind her.

Li Shiyu leaned against the wall, blood seeping from his chest, staining the floor.

Mu Lan's expression changed, and she quickly approached him.

Without a word, she reached out to examine his chest, intending to remove his outer garment.

Li Shiyu instinctively grabbed her hand. "What are you doing?"

"Checking your wound," Mu Lan said calmly. "Unless you think I can see it through your clothes?"

Li Shiyu held onto her hand, his gaze sharp. "Do you know medicine?"

"No, but with your wound, you'll either die outside or die here. At least you'll have a whole body if you die here," Mu Lan retorted.

Li Shiyu: "..."

Ignoring his reaction, Mu Lan deftly removed his outer garment. They stood by the bed.

Li Shiyu relaxed, surprised by Mu Lan's demeanor.

Her previous actions had already astonished him. Now, her skillful treatment of his wound, her calmness in the face of blood, and her unwavering composure were far from ordinary.

His suspicion deepened, mingled with a growing curiosity about her.

Li Shiyu seemed intent on understanding everything about Mu Lan.

However, Mu Lan paid no attention to Li Shiyu’s thoughts. She focused on treating his wounds, a mix of old and new injuries that were horrifying to look at.

The attacker had been ruthless, and the poison on the sword was deadly.

Fortunately, the sword had only grazed him. If it had penetrated his wound, Li Shiyu would have been dead long before now.

"Take this," Mu Lan said, frowning as she took out a medicine bottle from the bedside and poured a pill for Li Shiyu. "Once I’ve treated your wound and the medicine takes effect, you’ll be able to leave safely."

Li Shiyu took the pill from Mu Lan, their hands touching briefly.

Mu Lan instinctively pulled back, avoiding further contact.

Li Shiyu looked at her thoughtfully. "You were calm when you removed my clothes earlier, but now you’re being so cautious?"

Mu Lan met his gaze seriously. "You’re overthinking it, Your Highness. I just don't like touching unnecessary blood."

Li Shiyu: "..."

She was blunt and straightforward.

With those words, Mu Lan finished treating Li Shiyu’s wound.

The pill she had given him was one that Gu Yuan had handed to her before his death, telling her to keep it hidden. These medicines could cure all poisons, to be used in times of need.

Mu Lan had not expected the first person to use this medicine to be Li Shiyu.

But she didn’t dwell on it, considering it repayment for Li Shiyu saving her life earlier. Without his intervention, she might have died from the snake bite.

Even if she had the medicine, she wouldn’t have lived to take it.

After wrapping Li Shiyu’s wound thoroughly, Mu Lan bluntly said, "Your Highness can leave now."

She didn’t look at him as she spoke, instead focusing on cleaning the blood off the floor to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Mu Zhantian wouldn’t return tonight, but that didn’t mean he had given up. Finding an opportunity, she was still in danger, so Mu Lan couldn’t leave any evidence for Mu Zhantian to use against her.

Li Shiyu, however, showed no intention of leaving, watching Mu Lan clean the blood with unwavering eyes.

When she finished and looked up, she asked indifferently, "Is the Fourth Prince waiting for me to invite someone to see you out?"

As she stood up, the man who had been standing with his hands behind his back suddenly grabbed her waist, pushing her onto the bed.

The hard wooden bed frame hurt her waist.

She struggled, but Li Shiyu’s strength overpowered hers.

Or rather, Mu Lan didn’t want to expose too much in front of Li Shiyu. So he managed to pin her down.

They were very close.

Mu Lan could smell the mix of blood and musk on him.

His handsome face was inches from hers.

Li Shiyu’s good looks were well known, his refined and harmless appearance making him a sought-after figure in the Da Zhou dynasty. Despite not being as favored as the crown prince, he had no shortage of women pursuing him.

The Yu Wang Manor lacked a main consort but had plenty of concubines and mistresses, known for Li Shiyu’s reputation as a philanderer.

Because of this, Mu Lan had never interacted with Li Shiyu in her previous life, despising his flirtatious nature and admiring the steadfast love between Gu Yuan and Li Ruo.

In this life, she understood that Li Shiyu’s flirtations were a façade, a strategy to lower people’s guard and achieve his goals.

Ultimately, he had failed.

But regardless, Li Shiyu was a man, and Mu Lan couldn’t afford to be reckless.

Mindful of the difference between men and women, Mu Lan placed her hand against Li Shiyu’s chest, inadvertently touching his wound. Li Shiyu winced in pain but didn’t release her.

Their proximity grew, with his nose nearly touching hers and his lips brushing against hers, creating an intensely intimate moment.

Mu Lan frowned, feeling a growing impatience.

She wasn’t sure how long she could keep up the act or maintain her composure.

Just as she was about to retaliate, Li Shiyu suddenly loosened his grip, though he still looked down at her.

Mu Lan relaxed her hand, calming herself as she looked up at him.

Li Shiyu raised an eyebrow and laughed shortly, his voice low and tempting in the quiet night. "Miss Mu, having seen my body, shouldn’t you repay me with your life?"

Mu Lan responded coolly, "Traditionally, it’s a woman who has to repay with her life if her body is seen, not a man."

She then smirked mockingly. "Or is the Fourth Prince actually a woman? That would be a crime against the emperor."

"Sharp-tongued," Li Shiyu laughed in disbelief. "Mu Lan, you refuse to take any loss, don’t you?"

"To be honest, Your Highness, I feel I’m already taking a loss. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have risked being killed by Mu Zhantian to hide you," Mu Lan replied calmly.

Li Shiyu laughed heartily.

Then he released Mu Lan.

As soon as she was free, she put distance between them, but they still shared the narrow, simple bed.

Mu Lan remained composed. "Your Highness still hasn’t left?"

It was a clear dismissal.

Li Shiyu, unperturbed, looked at her thoughtfully. "Mu Lan, my manor lacks a main consort."

His meaning was clear.

If Mu Lan was willing, she could become the Yu Wangfei. She wouldn’t have to worry about anything else; Li Shiyu would handle everything.

For a Fourth Prince to marry a noble daughter from Mu Wang Manor, it was more than enough.