Chapter 39: So Tired, Give Me a Hug

Nan Xueyin timed her entrance well; no one in the study was speaking.

She bowed respectfully: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, my lords."

At the same time, she scanned the room unobtrusively; the teacups at everyone's side, including Xiao Youlan's, were empty, and the teapot on the table had been drained dry.

At the desk, Xiao Youlan looked up at her, his tightly furrowed brows finally relaxing for a moment as he asked, "Why have you come?"

Nan Xueyin spoke in a soft, gentle voice: "Your Highness and the lords have been in the study all morning. Just now, I heard the servants in the small kitchen say that no one had come in to refill the hot water. They have served in the Eastern Palace for a long time and know that some matters take precedence; when Your Highness and the lords are discussing important affairs, no one is to enter and disturb you without permission. But as a palace maid, I am perhaps a bit soft-hearted, thinking that since you are discussing important affairs, you must be parched, and how could you manage without hot water?"

Xiao Youlan's expression softened, and he said, "Come here."

Nan Xueyin responded and walked over gracefully, first pouring him a cup of hot water.

She looked at Xiao Youlan's expression, seeking his opinion: should she refill the hot water for the other lords?

Xiao Youlan understood her meaning and nodded slightly.

Only then did Nan Xueyin pick up the kettle to pour water for the other lords, following the seating order one by one.

The man at the head, who wore a long beard, smiled and said, "I didn't notice while we were arguing so intensely, but now I realize I really am parched. Many thanks for the hot water, young lady!"

"You are too kind, my lord."

After Nan Xueyin finished pouring water for the last man, she added, "If you lords don't mind, why not stay in the Eastern Palace for lunch? I had them stew old duck soup today; it is very nourishing."

Hearing her words, everyone at the table laughed in unison.

The long-bearded man said, "Come to think of it, it really is time for lunch."

He took a sip of hot tea and stood up, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, this humble official must take his leave; if I return late, my wife at home will surely be angry."

Once he moved, the others also rose one after another to take their leave.

Xiao Youlan remained seated at the desk and said, "Safe travels, my lords."

As they filed out, Nan Xueyin asked Xiao Youlan in a low voice, "Your Highness, why were they laughing just now?"

Xiao Youlan was intrigued: "I have never heard of court officials staying at the Eastern Palace to have lunch with the Crown Prince."

One moment they were discussing national affairs concerning the people's livelihood, and the next, a little maid walked in asking if they wanted to stay for old duck soup...

The contrast was so great that they couldn't help but laugh.

Nan Xueyin hurriedly said, "It is this servant who does not understand the rules."

Xiao Youlan chuckled: "I am not blaming you. They weren't mocking you just now; they just found you interesting and very cute."

As they spoke, Nan Xueyin caught a glimpse of the doorway out of the corner of her eye; after everyone had left, Feihong stepped forward to enter.

She walked slowly to a suitable position and said to Xiao Youlan, "However, I really did have them stew old duck soup today. I checked just now, and the duck meat is stewed until it is very tender; Your Highness will surely like it."

Meanwhile, with her hand hidden behind her back, she flicked that tiny pebble.

The stone struck Feihong's knee with pinpoint accuracy, causing him to lose his balance and fall forward; the basin of water he was carrying tilted, and the water splashed all over him.

"Splash!"

Xiao Youlan and Nan Xueyin both looked over in unison.

Xiao Youlan said indifferently: "Did you come to the study to bathe?"

Feihong looked miserable: "This water was meant for Your Highness to wash his hands, but I lost my grip."

Xiao Youlan was not angry: "You are permitted to go change your clothes."

Feihong acknowledged the order and walked out, carrying the empty basin while wearing his soaked clothes.

Nan Xueyin remained in the study and began to tidy up the used tea set.

Xiao Youlan grabbed her wrist to stop her and asked, "What are you doing?"

Nan Xueyin told the truth, "This servant is tidying up."

Xiao Youlan said, "These chores should be left to the servants; why do it yourself?"

Nan Xueyin blinked, "Your Highness, I am just a little palace maid; I am a servant."

Xiao Youlan did not let go, "You are not."

He rubbed his thumb against her skin and said with genuine sincerity: "I haven't seen you all morning, and I am very..."

Before the words "missing you" could be spoken, someone entered from outside.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

It was Mu Cheng who entered.

Nan Xueyin was in no hurry to speak, her gaze falling on Xiao Youlan's face to study his expression.

He stared at Mu Cheng for a moment, appearing to be trying hard to identify him.

But it did not take long before he asked, "Why are you not staying in the small kitchen? Why have you come here?"

He had not mistaken Mu Cheng for Feihong.

Mu Cheng replied, "Following Doukou's instructions, the old duck soup has been stewed for another cup of tea's time; I am not sure if it is ready yet."

Only then did Nan Xueyin respond, "I will go take a look."

She took two steps toward the door, but Xiao Youlan did not release her hand.

Nan Xueyin had no choice but to stop and look back, "Your Highness?"

Xiao Youlan gazed at her intently and said, "It has been stewing for so long; it must be ready."

He did not want her to leave.

Nan Xueyin smiled, "Your Highness is right."

She said to Mu Cheng, "The old duck soup is ready; bring it over along with the other dishes; it is time for His Highness to have lunch."

Mu Cheng acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Xiao Youlan held Nan Xueyin's hand and pulled her closer to his side.

Nan Xueyin suddenly thought that she hadn't scratched any marks onto her hand; if he were to check her injury, he would surely discover something was wrong.

Fortunately, Xiao Youlan did not.

Pulling her to his side, he opened his arms to embrace her waist, burying his face against her stomach.

Nan Xueyin lowered her head, "Your Highness?"

"So tired."

"Hug me."

As Xiao Youlan said these words, his warm breath fell against Nan Xueyin's skin through the fabric of her clothes.

She felt as if she were being scorched by some flame; inexplicably, she actually wanted to stroke the back of his head, but her hand stopped halfway, and after deliberating for a moment, she put it back down.

Feihong returned quickly, and he brought clean water with him.

While Xiao Youlan was washing his hands, the lunch dishes were also brought in one after another and set out.

Once he took his seat at the table, Nan Xueyin first ladled a bowl of old duck soup, "Your Highness, have a sip of soup first to taste it."

Xiao Youlan held a porcelain spoon and took a sip.

"How is it?"

Xiao Youlan nodded, "Very fresh and delicious. You worked hard to stew the soup."

Nan Xueyin tilted her head, "But Your Highness, this soup was stewed by Mu Cheng; this servant only moved her lips."

Xiao Youlan followed up by saying, "Talking is also hard work."

Nan Xueyin felt that if the Crown Prince were willing, he could certainly coax a young lady until her heart blossomed with joy, and he would be no worse than Xiao Mingyu.

It was just a pity that he had such a cold and ascetic personality.

Nan Xueyin seemed to think of something and said, "Your Highness, this servant would like to send some old duck soup to the Empress Dowager as well."

Xiao Youlan lifted his eyelids, "Want to make her like you more?"

Nan Xueyin nodded with a beaming smile, "Yes."

Xiao Youlan did not refuse, "Fine, go make the arrangements."

Nan Xueyin set out to leave, and Linglang was respectfully waiting outside; sure enough, she was wearing the jade hairpin she had just received this morning in her hair.

"Linglang, go find a Food Box. I remember there is a black-lacquered octagonal carrying box with hundred-treasure flowers and birds painted on the outside. If you can't find that one, then see if you can find the yellow pear wood one with the water-ripple pattern."

Linglang gave an affirmative response.

Just as she was about to leave, Nan Xueyin added, "Also find a soup tureen; I remember the kitchen has one shaped like a lotus flower."

Linglang struggled to memorize it all, muttering the items she had just been instructed to get under her breath as she walked away, counting on her fingers.

Nan Xueyin turned to Cui Mama and said, "Please trouble yourself to make a trip, Mother, and invite Miss Songyue from Baoci Palace over."

There was no other reason; this Songyue had a similar build to Linglang.

Furthermore, the jade hairpin Nan Xueyin had given to Linglang today was similar to one that Songyue also possessed.