Han Yasheng delicately ran the comb through the crown prince’s hair, adhering to her nightly ritual before his restful slumber. Aware that Li Jie’s claim of retiring for the night served as a facade, she acknowledged its positive impact on his mental well-being. Having been the crown prince’s personal maid since his inaugural day, Han Yasheng possessed an intimate understanding surpassing even that of the emperor and empress. Concealing a secret smile, she stole a glance at the eight-year-old prince reflected in the mirror.
“Your Highness?” Han Yasheng’s voice gently echoed through the room. “You will truly retire to bed once I close the door, won’t you?”
“O-of course!” Li Jie responded, the timbre of his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. Han Yasheng, in her wisdom, concealed her amusement, finding even the prince’s dishonesty endearing. As she gazed at his flushed countenance, a comforting warmth enveloped her.
“Good, good,” Han Yasheng affectionately patted the crown prince’s head, running her fingers through his silky white locks one final time. “Then I can rest peacefully.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Turning to face Han Yasheng, the prince, with wide, innocent eyes, inquired, “Why wouldn’t you sleep peacefully?”
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“It’s just… When I sense that the crown prince isn’t safe and sound in bed, I find it hard to fall asleep myself,” Han Yasheng replied, closing her eyes for emphasis. “But it’s only a feeling. You retire early and sleep soundly, so I shouldn’t have trouble sleeping either.”
Li Jie’s eyes widened, cheeks tinged with warmth. “You can’t sleep!?”
“It’s most likely just a feeling,” Han Yasheng grinned at the prince. “Your Highness need not to worry.”
Li Jie bit his upper lip, concern evident in his innocent eyes for the woman who played a maternal role in his life.
“Of course…” the eight-year-old mumbled with a tinge of shame, not elaborating further.
Han Yasheng smiled, giving Li Jie’s head a final pat before bowing and saying, “Goodnight, Your Highness. May you have a peaceful and sweet sleep.” With that, she gracefully exited the room.
That night, Li Jie had initially planned to join the Huang siblings for an adventure in the forest behind the palace. They were to rendezvous under the cherry blossom tree in his garden, a secluded spot to avoid detection. However, Li Jie found himself unable to proceed with the plan. He dispatched his personal pigeon with a note explaining his absence, then enveloped himself in his blue blanket, closing his eyes in an attempt to swiftly embrace sleep.
***
Han Yasheng, ever vigilant over the prince and his companions, couldn’t decide whether surprise was warranted when Li Jie failed to appear that night.
The following morning, the crown prince eagerly leaped onto Han Yasheng, entwining himself around her leg and gazing up with bright blue eyes.
“Did mo- you sleep well?” Li Jie inquired, his words slightly muffled against her leg.
