How much did you see?

Originally, I was not supposed to speak, but I forced myself to utter a few words, my voice hoarse and incomplete. I could only manage one sentence, apologizing for my lack of composure. When I was rescued, the thief had torn my clothes, and I had no idea how much he had seen. Now, standing before him, I truly did not know what to do.

“It's nothing, such feelings are only natural,” he replied.

I nodded, feeling a little shy. Yun Heng gave me the impression of a cool breeze wafting into my chilled heart, the heart of a princess from a fallen kingdom. He was the only one who did not despise me. What I failed to realize at the time was that his acceptance was based on not knowing I was Ruan Ziyun.

“Are you a maid from the Lingyun Kingdom?” he asked.

“Yes, I serve the eldest princess.” I dared not reveal that I was the princess herself, especially when he had rescued me from her own palace chambers. If I lied, it would be difficult to cover up, for one lie leads to a hundred more.

“What is your name?”

I lowered my head, unable to say I was Ruan Ziyun.

“If you don't wish to answer, there is no need. It was thoughtless of me; a young lady’s name is not to be casually spoken,” he said, noticing my awkwardness and offering an apologetic smile.

“It’s nothing remarkable. I am not from a noble family; there’s no harm in telling you. My name is Mu Fan. When I was young, my family fell on hard times and I ended up on the streets. The princess rescued me during one of her outings and kept me by her side.”

The palace keeps records of its maids and eunuchs, so to avoid being questioned further, I had to make up a story.

I named myself Mu Fan to follow my mother's wish for me to live an ordinary life. Yet fate was never so kind; the more I tried to be ordinary, the more I was swept into the turmoil.

“May I ask you something?” he said.

“Go ahead.”

“Why did you save me?” I was merely a palace maid from a neighboring country; my death would have meant nothing. Why did he rescue me? That was something I could never understand.

“There is no special reason. A true gentleman cannot turn a blind eye,” he replied.

“And… that day, how much did you see…?” As I asked, my head nearly bowed to the ground.

He paused for a moment before smiling, “I saw nothing. Otherwise, you would already belong to me.”

He still had the heart to jest, leaving me unsure how to face anyone.

“That’s enough, no need to say more. Didn’t I tell you not to speak?” he said, troubled by the roughness of my voice.

I nodded and fell silent.

At that time, all I wished for was to exchange a few words with Yun Heng whenever I saw him. It was said he was very busy and rarely had time for me.

It made sense; there was little pleasure in speaking with someone who could hardly talk.

“I’ll have Wan Chun prepare your medicine. Rest well, and call for her if you need anything.”

I nodded again, waving goodbye to him.

He strode out, and even his retreating figure fascinated me.

The maid who had left earlier returned, carrying a bowl of porridge—she must be Wan Chun. Embarrassed, I ate in small bites while she watched me with a cheerful smile.

From then on, I recuperated in this small courtyard, waiting for Yun Heng’s visits. I laughed at myself for acting like a lonely wife awaiting her husband’s return, and before I finished mocking myself, I found my gaze drifting toward the door…

My father and mother were gone; pain was useless now. I had no idea how my brother was faring. His troubles weighed heavily on my heart, smothering any genuine smile I might have shown…