The villain strikes first with accusations.

Morning at the Prince Jun’s Residence

To be a personal maid means tending to the master’s daily needs, but last night, Zhao Chengxian figured Hui Yue’er must have been exhausted from moving books and spared her from attending him. He felt conflicted about Yue’er—on one hand, he wanted to see her submit, on the other, he admired her stubborn resilience. Zhao Chengxian was never harsh with his servants. Nevertheless, at dawn, he sent a houseboy to summon Hui Yue’er to assist him with his morning routine. Yue’er had just finished washing and was about to exercise, but remembering the proverb, “Beneath the eaves, one must bow their head,” she abandoned her daily ritual and went to Qin Consort’s quarters in search of Zhao Chengxian. He had spent the night in Qin Consort’s Elegant Zither Pavilion.

Upon entering, Yue’er saw Qin Consort being dressed by her personal maid, Bi’er. Though Yue’er’s family also employed maids, she would never let them dress her. Watching Qin Consort bask in such pampering, Yue’er felt a surge of contempt. She strode to the bedside, annoyance etched on her face, glaring at Zhao Chengxian who stared back at her wide-eyed. With a cold, hard tone, Yue’er said, “Get up!”

Her distaste for Zhao Chengxian was unmistakable.

Zhao Chengxian, half-reclined and grinning roguishly, asked, “Is this how you address your master?” He knew Yue’er wouldn’t dare offend him; it would serve her no good. He wanted to see just how far she could endure.

Yue’er rolled her eyes, but for the sake of her family and the escort agency, she held back. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and, through clenched teeth, said, “Your Highness, please rise and let me assist you.” It was a smile in form only, her reluctance plain to see. Internally, she cursed: “Bookworm, don’t push me too far, or I’ll have my brothers beat you up. You’d never know it was me!” Years on the road had earned Yue’er some formidable friends.

Though Yue’er’s demeanor fell short of Zhao Chengxian’s expectations, he let the matter rest and rose with a smile. Dressed in a simple white robe, he still cut a refined figure. After washing, he expected Yue’er to help him dress, but before she could react, Qin Consort stepped in, pushing Yue’er aside and cheerily offering, “Let me dress and groom you, Your Highness.” With the air of a victor, Qin Consort cast a disdainful glance at Yue’er, assuming she longed to be Zhao Chengxian’s personal maid, unaware she was actually rescuing Yue’er from her duties.

Zhao Chengxian said nothing. Yue’er seized the chance to escape, carrying his washbasin toward the door. Unexpectedly, Zhao Chengxian, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, called out in a deep, magnetic voice, “Little Moon, bring me a glass of water. For some reason, I’m suddenly thirsty.” He didn’t realize that Yue’er was on the verge of splashing the wash water in his face. Still, she set the basin down and poured him a glass. Qin Consort watched their exchange with simmering resentment, oblivious to Yue’er’s reluctance. Qin Consort had always seen Yue’er as a threat.

Suddenly, a voice sounded at the door—it was Juan’er, the old Princess’s maid. She had come to summon Hui Yue’er. Bowing to Zhao Chengxian, she announced, “Your Highness, the matriarch wishes to speak with Miss Yue’er.” It was about last night’s incident with Hong’er and Lü’er.

Zhao Chengxian glanced at Yue’er, then nodded to Juan’er, signaling his consent. Yue’er already guessed the reason. After years in the world, if she couldn’t figure this out, her experience would count for nothing. She chuckled inwardly: “They dared to strike first and make accusations—let’s see if they regret it later!” Zhao Chengxian, catching the enigmatic smile on her face, grew curious. After dressing, he followed to see what would unfold.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those in between—shower me with gold, red envelopes, and gifts! Hold nothing back; let the storm rage on with even greater intensity!