Love at First Sight Chapter 62: Breaking the Rules

It was already deep into the night, and Zun You was feeling exhausted. Upon returning to the residence, all he wanted was to rest early. When he saw Tong’er standing in front of his door, he was somewhat surprised—could it be that Yue’er had truly been waiting for him all this time?

He had only said those words in passing earlier, never believing that, given her character, she would foolishly wait for him.

Tong’er hurriedly greeted him as he approached, “Your Highness, welcome back.”

He nodded, “Why are you standing here?”

“Your Highness, Sister Qing has been waiting for you inside,” Tong’er replied, her head lowered. She lied with such ease now, her face utterly unflustered.

Zun You responded with a simple “I see,” then said, “There’s nothing more for you to do here. It’s cold outside—go back and rest.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Tong’er had wanted to remain with Wen Yueqing, but since the prince had spoken, she couldn’t refuse.

Zun You pushed open the door and stepped inside, seeing Wen Yueqing lying at the desk, pretending to be asleep. Her cheeks were flushed—he couldn’t tell if it was from the cold or from the pressure of lying there.

He felt both touched and delighted; he hadn’t expected that she would wait so steadfastly, even to the point of dozing off in discomfort.

Wen Yueqing heard him enter, but thinking she should keep up the act, she didn’t move, determined to play her role convincingly. Inwardly, she wondered, “Why hasn’t he woken me yet? It’s really tiring staying in this position for so long.”

Zun You walked over to her, and with swift movements, lifted her into his arms in a princess carry. He frowned and clicked his tongue—his wound stung a little—but fortunately, she was light, and he could manage.

Wen Yueqing was startled, utterly at a loss. This wasn’t how things usually went—typically, he would wake her with a pat on the back and a few teasing words. Why was he carrying her now?

Could it be that he intended to lay her on his own bed? That would never do. Yet, if she woke now, she would have to explain herself, and he would pester her with endless questions.

With these thoughts, she decided to keep pretending to sleep, though not without worry. She discreetly squinted her eyes, wanting to see where he would take her.

Zun You carried her straight out of the room and slowly made his way toward her quarters.

Tong’er hurried over, hoping to help, but Zun You shook his head and gently laid Wen Yueqing on the bed himself. Sitting at her bedside, he even removed her shoes for her.

At this, Wen Yueqing felt embarrassed, but could do nothing except continue her feigned sleep, pretending to know nothing.

Zun You tucked her in with the quilt and softly said, “Let’s go outside, don’t wake her.”

Witnessing this scene, Tong’er was full of admiration: “His Highness is so gentle. Sister Qing is truly blessed.” She felt a surge of envy—how wonderful it would be to be cherished by someone like that.

As Zun You walked out, Tong’er followed and closed the door.

Hearing the door shut, Wen Yueqing slowly opened her eyes, lying stiffly on her bed. She’d heard Zun You sigh, and knew he must be in pain from his wound. Her heart ached for him.

Her cheeks reddened at the memory of being held in his arms; she found herself reluctant to leave that inexplicable sense of security. In fact, she wished he’d held her just a little longer.

Clutching the quilt, for the first time she saw a manly side of Zun You. Could she truly keep treating him as just a younger brother?

Early the next morning, Lady Tian sent Qiao’er to the front courtyard to keep watch—would Zun Yi come again?

Sure enough, at the same time as before, Zun Yi arrived with his trusted aide, Wang Xi. Seeing him cheerfully head toward Zun You’s study, Qiao’er hurried back with the news.

“Young Miss, the Fifth Prince has arrived!” she said, her face alight with excitement.

Lady Tian smiled meaningfully, “Excellent. Since he’s here, let’s prepare.”

Qiao’er hesitated, “Miss, can we trust those two? What if they betray us?”

“They won’t. I’ve already arranged their escape route. Once the deed is done, they can slip away in the chaos,” Lady Tian replied confidently.

Her recent visit to her family had been fruitful—not only had she returned with plenty of silver, but also with some special medicines.

“Wen Yueqing, if anyone is to blame, it’s you. Seducing His Highness was one thing, but you had to go after the Fifth Prince as well,” she said with a sly smile.

She took out a bottle of medicine, dividing it into two smaller vials.

This was a potent aphrodisiac; ten minutes after ingestion, the effects would be unmistakable—a burning need, overwhelming desire, and loss of self-control.

She’d procured this from home, intending to use it on Zun You. She desperately wanted a child, a bond, a tie to secure her place.

But Zun You ignored her, never coming to the rear courtyard. She was growing impatient. If Wen Yueqing began serving in his bed, Lady Tian would have even fewer chances.

Lady Tian believed that if she bore his child, Zun You would have to visit her more often. In time, affection would surely blossom.

But unexpectedly, the Fifth Prince had set his sights on Wen Yueqing. Without hesitation, Lady Tian decided to use this rare opportunity to eliminate her greatest obstacle.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

If the two of them were caught in the act, engaging in a scandalous affair within the residence, Zun You would certainly reject Wen Yueqing. Even if he didn’t have her killed, he’d drive her out.

Just the thought was enough to thrill Lady Tian.

“Wen Yueqing, such a fine thing I’m doing for you—when you’re lost in pleasure with the Fifth Prince, you’ll thank me,” she mused, shaking the small bottles.

“But, Miss, how are we to distract His Highness? If you go yourself, won’t it look suspicious?” Qiao’er asked, uneasy at her mistress’s strange smile.

Lady Tian stood, still smiling, and strolled outside. “Come, let’s find ourselves another helper.”

“Yes, Miss,” Qiao’er replied, following close behind.

Together, mistress and maid made their way to Lady Li’s quarters.

With the New Year festivities, everyone’s spirits were high. Zun You had only placed Lady Li under house arrest, not forbidding visitors.

Lady Tian often visited, so the servants saw nothing amiss.

“Sister Li, I’ve come to wish you a happy New Year. May all your wishes come true,” she said, performing a deep courtesy.

Lady Li, though not fond of her, found confinement unbearable. Having someone to talk to, even Lady Tian, was a welcome distraction.