052 Stay Here

The Ugly Bride’s Dowry

At dawn, Yun Xueyan tidied her room and washed the bloodstained clothes from yesterday. It was the intention of Fengxi Tower; she could not discard them carelessly.

Once everything was in order, she went to the kitchen and prepared a plate of peach kernel pastries. She had just sat down when Yun Xiyin, supported by Yicui, entered.

“Blessings to the Princess,” Yun Xueyan rose to greet her, warily watching Yun Xiyin. Was she here to cause trouble again?

“Hmph,” Yun Xiyin snorted coldly and seated herself. “I dare not accept such courtesy now. You are the Emperor’s chosen Consort Yan. Truly, you’ve soared to the heights—though you hardly appear to be a phoenix.”

Mocking her, Yun Xiyin covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed, picking up a peach pastry from the table and tasting it. It was crisp and fragrant, sweet and delightful.

“Who would have thought you had such skill, little sister?” She glanced at the woman standing nearby, giggling. “I almost forgot how you stunned everyone at the banquet. A tiny peach pastry is nothing remarkable. Or perhaps, was it Third Mother who taught you again?”

Deliberately emphasizing her words, she stared at Yun Xueyan’s pale face, the sneer at her lips growing ever deeper.

Taking a deep breath, Yun Xueyan sat down as well, slowly chewing a pastry and responding to Yun Xiyin’s ridicule with calm composure. “That’s still better than the Princess, who knows no craft at all.”

“You!” Yun Xiyin slapped the table hard and stood abruptly. “So, you’ve become a consort, and now you’re proud as well.”

Yun Xueyan followed, rising slowly. “Princess, be careful not to disturb your pregnancy.”

“I’ll make sure you never have peace,” Yun Xiyin glared at her, then strode toward the door. At the threshold, she turned back. “Oh, by the way, Second Brother is to march out again.”

With that, she left Xuanyue Pavilion.

Collapsed and defeated, Yun Xueyan slumped into her chair as if all support had vanished.

Yun Qixiao was departing for war. Why had Yun Xiyin told her this? Was it to remind her that her mother, in the Grand Tutor’s mansion, had no one to rely on, urging her to stay in her place? Or was it to tell her she could not see her Second Brother off?

She drew her legs up onto the chair, her slender frame curling into itself, long hair cascading thinly, every strand laden with sorrow.

Duan Nanyu stood in the courtyard, lips pressed tight, emotions flickering in his eyes. Yet after a moment, they were smothered by coldness. His handsome face, sharp lines, all radiated an icy chill.

He approached Yun Xueyan, forcibly lifted her from the chair, and placed her on the bed. A displeased curve appeared on his lips, while her wide, watery eyes were vacant, unable even to reflect his image.

His large hand slid to her waist and held her tightly, as if he wanted to fuse her into his bones—yet his touch was cold and unyielding.

“Yin’er is pregnant. I’ll be staying here these days. You’d best not keep that sullen face; it vexes me to see it!” Duan Nanyu spoke coldly, his expression stern.

Always here? Because Yun Xiyin was carrying his child, he would remain? Did he really see her as nothing but a favored servant?

She yearned for even a sliver of place in his heart, even a corner—but even the corners were filled by Yun Xiyin, leaving no space for her.

“Speak!” His grip on her face tightened, his sinister eyes full of displeasure, cold enough to pierce her.

“Yes, your servant… understands.” Her reply was soft and feeble; she was truly exhausted, wishing only to close her eyes for a moment’s rest. But as soon as her eyelids fell, her lips were seized.

The force was fierce, as if he meant to drain her dry…

She had no strength to resist, only to yield as he pressed upon her, invading again and again, his arm pulling her waist in punishment. She instinctively opened her eyes.

“I told you—when you’re with me, keep your eyes open!”

So she forced her eyes wide, yet in their haze, his image was nowhere to be found.