C15 How Did They Get to Know Each Other?

Yanwu was about to step forward to help Yuvyi up when she heard Xiao Zhen speak slowly, "What fault does the little princess have? Is it wrong to dance for entertainment? The Wise King just lost his composure for a moment. If the little princess blames herself too much, it would be a shame."

"Father just lost his composure for a moment. Sister, don't take it to heart. He certainly won't blame you. With esteemed guests present, you should stand up and not lose your dignity," Yanwu said coldly. "Besides, your dance was truly stunning. There's hardly time to praise you, let alone blame you."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Yuvyi said softly as she stood up, ignoring Yanwu's attempt to smooth things over, and gave a slight bow to Xiao Zhen.

"Sister, I have something to ask. Would you mind telling me?" Yuvyi inquired.

Yanwu suppressed her anger, trying to keep her tone calm. "What is it?"

"How did you know that young man's last name is Mo?" Yuvyi asked with a cold smile. "He never mentioned his name, and His Highness didn't introduce him. How did you know? Could it be that you were acquainted with him beforehand?"

Yanwu remained silent, feeling a bit flustered. It was her own carelessness that had given her away. Yuvyi's words were clearly suggesting to everyone that she had a private relationship with Mo Ruyan. It was truly troubling.

Nan Ying, upon hearing this, cast a slightly questioning glance at Yanwu, while Xiao Zhen, still smiling, gently fanned himself, seemingly curious about how Yanwu would respond.

"Yuvyi, what wild ideas are you getting into? I just happened to run into Young Master Mo at the palace today. He looked unfamiliar, and his clothes didn't seem like those from around here, so I asked a couple of questions. Young Master Mo said he was a guard for the Crown Prince and that his last name was Mo. Then he hurried off," Yanwu replied with a light smile, maintaining her composure.

Nan Ying's expression finally softened a bit, and Xiao Zhen chuckled, "It seems I've been too lenient in my discipline, allowing him to offend the princess. The fault is mine."

"Your Highness jests. If Young Master Mo hadn't 'offended' Yanwu earlier, how could I be unharmed?" Nan Yanwu's tone was cool as she continued, "Lvyu, clean this up. I apologize for disturbing our esteemed guests over such a trivial matter. If I've been remiss in my duties, I hope Your Highness will forgive me. Father, I'll go check on Young Master Mo. Please, everyone, continue. I must excuse myself."

Without lingering, Nan Yanwu turned and left the hall, heading straight to the side chamber.

Xiao Zhen set down his folding fan, watching her moonlit figure gradually disappear from view, and chuckled softly, finding it all quite amusing.

Nan Yanwu exited the main hall and made her way to the side chamber. Though unoccupied for years, it was kept spotlessly clean.

Entering the chamber, she saw the physician preparing a prescription. Glancing at Mo Ruyan's silhouette behind the screen, she approached and asked, "Is Young Master Mo alright?"

"Princess, there's no serious harm. His clothing was thin, so he suffered some burns. He just needs to change the dressing daily, avoid getting it wet, and not overexert himself. He'll recover in a few days," the physician replied.

"Thank you," Nan Yanwu sighed in relief, grateful he was okay.

"You're too kind, Princess. It's my duty. I'll have someone bring the medicine shortly," the physician said, gathering his things to leave.

"Go ahead," Nan Yanwu waved him off.

Once the physician left, Nan Yanwu moved past the screen to find Mo Ruyan sitting upright on the couch. Seeing her approach, a gentle smile played in his eyes.

Nan Yanwu felt a softening in her heart and stepped forward slowly, saying, "I must thank you, Young Master Mo, for what happened today."

"No need," Mo Ruyan replied, his tone noticeably gentler.

"You're too modest, Young Master Mo. If it weren't for your help, I might still be lying on that bed, unable to get up," Nan Yanwu said with a slight smile, masking her embarrassment.

"You're too kind, Princess," Mo Ruyan said, turning his head as if looking at something else. "I hope you won't hold it against me for my earlier actions."

Thinking back to when Mo Ruyan had held her, Nan Yanwu's face flushed slightly, and she averted her gaze.

When Mo Ruyan turned back and saw her expression, his eyes twinkled with a deeper amusement.

Nan Yanwu caught a glimpse of Mo Ruyan's slightly upturned lips and was momentarily stunned.

Mo Ruyan. Ruyan.

Just like his name suggests, he was as steady as a rock, with a cold demeanor. He always appeared distant or serious, his words often icy.

In her previous life, his gaze had always followed her, filled with a deep sorrow she had never noticed. Or perhaps she had noticed but chose to ignore it, as her affections were entirely devoted to Xiao Zhen, leaving no room for anyone else.

Now, for the first time, she carefully observed his features, his face, and felt something inexplicable. His smile, never shown to anyone, was now freely given to her, someone he'd only met a few times. Anyone would be moved by that...

But in this life, she couldn't follow her heart. She knew the trials she would face, her eventual fate, and she couldn't bear to drag him into it, to hurt him or let him down again.

What right did she, Nan Yanwu, have to attract Mo Ruyan's affection?