The bed was warm and the presence beside her was pleasant, so Chen Wanqing slept soundly. After falling into a deep slumber, she unknowingly turned onto her side to face outward.

The day had been fine, and the night was just as clear. The clouds were thin, allowing the silvery moonlight to stream through the window, blanketing the room in a hazy glow.

In this dreamlike light, Zhao Jing gazed greedily at the delicate, peacefully sleeping face before him.

Her jet-black hair was pinned beneath her body, revealing a fair, lovely cheek and lips that were a dewy, luscious red.

’When she was awake, she was always overly serene, even her smiles were restrained. But now, in sleep, she was completely and truly relaxed.’

’She was like a Queen of the Night cactus, blooming brilliantly under the cover of darkness, freely unfurling to display her beauty and fragrance, exuding a sweet, rich nectar.’

’So tempting.’

’And he was a beast lurking in the night, coveting this flower, yearning for it. He wanted to reach out and pluck it, yet he was terrified of startling her, of making her close her petals tightly once more.’

Zhao Jing leaned in gently, watching the sleeping Wanqing in the darkness without so much as a blink.

He reached out, wanting to touch her face, but worried he might disturb her peaceful dreams. Restraining himself, he gingerly picked up a lock of hair that had fallen across her cheek and brought it to his nose, inhaling its scent.

The faint, wispy fragrance traveled from his nose deep into his lungs, seeping into his very being. The unbearable longing, born of a burning thirst, was gradually soothed.

’This is wonderful.’

’She’s right here, within my reach.’

Suddenly, a soft noise came from outside. It sounded like a restless cat, hidden in the darkness, waiting for the dead of night to come out and make mischief. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

The sound was of something trying to scale the wall, failing, and falling to the ground. It seemed to have hurt itself, but it struggled back to its feet and pressed its cheek tightly against the main gate.

Realizing someone was outside the gate, Zhao Jing’s deep, dark eyes became even more dangerous.

He got up reluctantly, draped an outer robe over his shoulders, and reached for the door. But just as his hands were about to touch the wooden panel, he was struck by a fear. ’What if all of this is just an exquisitely beautiful dream? What if I wake up and it all turns to nothing?’

He turned back and strode to the side of the bed.

The woman on the bed was sleeping soundly, her delicate nostrils flaring slightly. Perhaps the bed warmer had made her too hot, for she frowned and pushed the covers from her chest, revealing her slightly disheveled inner tunic.

Zhao Jing’s eyes fell on the flash of snow-white skin, and then on the glimpse of crimson beneath her tunic. He realized it was the garment worn closest to her body. His gaze lingered on the high, swelling curve it revealed, and his breath grew ragged. It took all his self-control to gently pull the tunic closed again.

Stepping out of the room, Zhao Jing wanted only to find an empty corner to collect himself.

But as luck would have it, the moment he stepped outside, his mother emerged from the main hall, holding a candlestick.

"Jing, why are you out here? Is Qing’er asleep already?"

Mrs. Zhao wore a padded jacket and held the candlestick. In its bright glow, a fleeting, dazed expression crossed her face.

’For the past three years of mourning, Jing hasn’t slacked off for a single day. He always rises before dawn to practice his forms and exercise, keeping himself in excellent shape.’

’But could that excellent physique of his be so... lacking?’

’Has it even been half an hour since they put out the light?’

’Half an hour... and it’s already over?’

Realizing what she was thinking, Mrs. Zhao flushed and quickly ducked her head into the shadows.

"I heard a noise outside, so I came out to have a look. Jing, you should get back inside with Qing’er. I can handle this."

Zhao Jing composed himself, hiding his discomfiture. He walked calmly to his mother and took the candlestick from her hand.

In those few short steps, he had already regained his usual air of breezy nonchalance. To any observer, he was once again Zhao Jing, the very picture of a refined gentleman.

"Mother, it’s cold out here at night. You shouldn’t come outside. If you hear anything, just call for me. I’m home now, you don’t need to handle these things yourself."

"I just thought... since today is your wedding day, I didn’t want to disturb you. Besides, it might not be a person. It could just be a stray cat..."

CREAK!

"Who’s there!"

While Mrs. Zhao was still speaking, Zhao Jing had already slipped quietly over to the main gate.

The Zhao family’s courtyard had been built only after Mr. Zhao passed the examination to become a Scholar.

The family had some savings then, so the house was built with great care. Not only was it made entirely of gray bricks, but even the doors and windows were crafted from the finest wood.