Since that night, I deliberately avoided Xiao Yuan. Every time I encountered him in the palace, I would dodge him like he was a plague.
"Host," the system said softly, "is this really okay? That person almost lost his life to save you that day."
"What... what can I do!" I snapped in embarrassment, "You know what happened that night..."
Thinking back to that ambiguous evening, my face flushed again. The heat of his body, the refreshing scent of pine, and his murmurs while unconscious...
"Ding! The host is blushing!" the system teased.
"Say one more word and see what happens!" I shot a fierce glare at the system, nervously glancing around to ensure no one noticed my flustered state.
But you can dodge the first day of the month, but not the fifteenth. That day, the Sixth Princess suddenly summoned both me and Xiao Yuan to discuss matters in the palace. From her serious expression, it was clear that things were not looking good.
"The Emperor's health is deteriorating," the Sixth Princess said softly. "The imperial physician fears he may not last through this month."
A heavy weight settled in my heart. In the workplace, a leader falling ill always signals a power vacuum. This was when things were most likely to go awry.
Just as I was pondering this, Xiao Yuan suddenly spoke up: "The Crown Prince has already begun mobilizing troops." His voice remained as cold as ever, as if that night’s warmth had never happened.
But when he turned to look at me, I hurriedly averted my gaze. Why did this man’s eyes burn so intensely?
"Ding! The male lead is stealing glances at you!" the system exclaimed excitedly.
"Shut up!" I cursed under my breath. This nosy system!
The Sixth Princess seemed to sense something as she glanced between me and Xiao Yuan thoughtfully. "I want the Fourth Prince to ascend to the throne."
I was taken aback. The Fourth Prince was only eight years old; supporting him meant... was the Sixth Princess planning to seize power herself?
"Brilliant!" I couldn't help but exclaim. "This move of Pulling the Foundation from Under the Cauldron is executed beautifully!"
As soon as I spoke, I felt a chill run down my spine—Xiao Yuan was looking at me with a smile. His gaze held a mix of helplessness and affection that made my heart race.
"Ahem," the system coughed lightly, "that look... is quite sweet."
I turned my face away in embarrassment. It had been because I was avoiding him that I had forgotten how to speak properly in this workplace! And now, I had exposed myself right there.
The Sixth Princess chuckled lightly. "Speaking of which, you two haven't discussed matters together for quite some time." She looked at me meaningfully. "Is something... going on?"
I quickly waved my hands. "No, no! This is... just a normal work arrangement!"
But Xiao Yuan suddenly interjected: "There is indeed something."
My heart tightened: he wouldn't be bringing up that night, would he?!
"What is it?" The voice of the Sixth Princess carried a hint of amusement.
I felt my palms grow sweaty with anxiety. This man... surely he wouldn't bring up that night, would he? That would be too...
"She was injured," Xiao Yuan's voice remained cool, "so I suggested she rest for a few days."
I was taken aback. Was he... covering for me? I glanced up at him and caught a glimpse of helplessness in his eyes.
"Ding! The male lead is protecting your reputation!" the system exclaimed, touched. "How considerate!"
"Nonsense!" I denied, my face flushing. "This is... just a normal superior-subordinate relationship!"
The Sixth Princess looked at us meaningfully. "Is that so? Now that she's healed, it's time to get back to work, right?"
"Um..." I stammered.
Xiao Yuan, however, continued, "Perfect timing. I have a few plans to discuss with Miss Li." He turned to me. "Tonight at the hour of the rooster, shall we meet in the study?"
I was left speechless. Why did that sound so off? Another evening, another study—wasn't this...
"This is a date invitation!" the system squealed excitedly.
"Shut up!" I mentally shouted, but I had to maintain my composure on the outside. "It’s... as Lord Commander arranged."
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