The Female Psychology PhD Who Time Traveled to the Royal Harem-Chapter 545

The willows along the embankment swayed like bashful maidens, their slender branches dancing in the breeze, while forsythia blossoms drifted lazily atop the warm stream.

It was early summer, and the gentle wind carried neither heat nor dryness. The lake was so clear it resembled a Western mirror, reflecting the spotless azure sky.

A young maiden stood atop the bridge, her sleeves fluttering like a celestial fairy about to take flight.

Ma Yiyang, unusually flustered, adjusted the deep violet ceremonial robe he had dug out from the bottom of his chest—one he reserved only for festivals.

Earlier, a maidservant had come to the Ministry of Punishment to summon him, claiming that the eldest daughter of the Jiang family wished to meet. He had thought it a jest at first.

But upon seeing Jiang Yunxia’s personal attendant, his heart raced. He rushed home to change out of his official robes and groom himself before arriving.

Afraid of keeping her waiting, he had galloped here on horseback.

Yet now that he stood before her, his earlier eagerness gave way to hesitation.

He had not yet earned prominence nor amassed enough wealth to provide Jiang Yunxia with silken robes, fine feasts, or a household of servants. How could he dare hope for her hand?

If he went through with this, and Jiang Yunxia took a liking to him, the Jiang family would surely support him—even the Empress would show him favor.

But wouldn’t that make their relationship one mired in political gain?

A true man should first establish his career before seeking a wife. Only then could he ensure a happy and secure future for his family.

"Magistrate Ma, why are you lingering below the bridge? Do I frighten you so?"

Jiang Yunxia had spotted him at once—tall, dignified, and imposing.

Today, he wasn’t wearing his Ministry of Punishment uniform but a moon-white robe with wide sleeves, layered with a sleeveless violet surcoat. A jade belt cinched his waist, adorned only by a thumb-sized emerald at its center.

The phrase "tall and mighty" seemed tailor-made for him, proving that such descriptions were no exaggeration.

With the beauty before him, Ma Yiyang found his courage. He was not one to hesitate when his heart was set.

If he desired something, he would charge forward without reservation.

---

Jiang Family Mansion—

Where the unexpected was about to unfold.

**"Bang!"**

Jiang Yanxi slammed his palm onto the table. "How could you let your sister go meet an outsider? Have you both forgotten the scandal with that good-for-nothing Su family? If that Ma Yiyang dares lay a finger on her—"

"He won’t!"

Jiang Yuncai knelt on the floor, urgently retrieving a letter from her waistband. "The Empress already knows Ma Yiyang has feelings for Sister—and Sister feels the same! That’s why she advised you and Mother to arrange a marriage."

The Empress had also said: not too soon, not too late. Ma Yiyang’s proposal must come at just the right moment.

Too early, and it would seem reckless, as if he sought to climb the social ladder without forethought. Too late, and it would reveal hesitation—a lack of courage to shield Jiang Yunxia from the world’s cruelty.

Only if timed perfectly would it prove he had weighed every consideration, that he valued her above all else, and that he possessed the resolve to stand by her side, undeterred by gossip.

Jiang Yanxi blinked twice, falling into thoughtful silence.

---

Jiang Yunxia had imagined that upon meeting Ma Yiyang, she would eloquently express her gratitude, assuring him that her intentions were purely appreciative—nothing more.

But now, walking beside him, she couldn’t even muster the courage to glance at his profile.

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The air was thick with the fragrance of blossoms carried by the stream. Butterflies flitted about, and vibrant flowers basked in the early summer glow.

**"Move! Move! Move!"**

A panicked shriek and a thunderous crash erupted ahead.

Ma Yiyang turned to see several heavy cargo crates tumbling from a wooden cart, rolling straight toward them from the bridge above.

They stood directly beneath it.

Jiang Yunxia assessed the situation in an instant—there was no time to flee. How could she protect them both?

**"Xiao Bao!"**

A woman’s scream pierced the air as a toddler, oblivious, toddled up the steps.

The crates seemed to have a mind of their own—one hurtled toward the child, the other straight for Jiang Yunxia.

In that split second, Ma Yiyang’s body moved before his mind could decide. He lunged toward the child, his right leg propelling him forward.

Yet he never loosened his grip on Jiang Yunxia.

His ingrained righteousness wouldn’t allow him to abandon a helpless child, but his love for her refused to let him prioritize duty over her safety.

Small affections and grand principles, responsibility and devotion—he would claim them all.

**"Boom!"**

The moment he released her, Jiang Yunxia seemed to understand. She dropped to the ground, shielding the child beneath her as she pressed low.

The crate, weighing over a hundred pounds, shattered under Ma Yiyang’s fists, spilling its contents.

Burst sacks of rice rained down, some striking his chest with enough force to send him stumbling back.

His face darkened as he braced against the onslaught, his left leg rigid as he skidded across the ground.

Meanwhile, the second crate smashed into a vendor’s stall, sending bystanders fleeing. Stands splintered, goods scattered—the street was a wreck.

**"Go!"**

He gritted his teeth, glancing at Jiang Yunxia, who wasted no time. Clutching the child, she darted to safety.

The next instant, the remaining force of the impact sent Ma Yiyang flying backward. Fortunately, the crate had already been reduced to debris, and the weight slamming into him was bearable.

Jiang Yunxia handed the child back to the weeping mother before rushing to Ma Yiyang’s side, her face etched with worry. "Magistrate Ma, are you—are you hurt? Does it pain you?"

What was this compared to the past…?

The stalwart man suddenly winced, bending over with a hand pressed to his chest. **"Hiss… It’s nothing… Nothing at all… Cough—"**

"Nothing? You’re in agony!" Tears welled in Jiang Yunxia’s eyes. "I’m taking you to a physician. Quickly—lean on me."

Ministry of Punishment officers arrived to handle the aftermath, only to witness their indomitable magistrate being tenderly escorted away like a storm-battered flower. They exchanged baffled glances.

"Those crates were heavy, but the boss could’ve handled two with one hand. Why…?"

"Idiot! That’s Jiang Yunxia, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family."

"Ah! The one he’s been pining for?"

Not long ago, they’d been forced to weave dreamcatchers overnight—apparently hung in the great tree of Jiang Yunxia’s courtyard.

Seemed their boss was about to get his wish.