Jian Guozhi closed the account book after scrutinizing it. He put the seal on it and sent it back to the Finance and Accounts department. Eunuch Long brought the tea for Jian Guozhi, who refused to take it. "I will not be here tonight. I will spend the night with Xue. Inform her about this," Jian Guozhi stated.
Eunuch Long was delighted to hear this. "Yes, your highness. I will inform the Princess about this," replied Eunuch Long and left the chamber.
Jian Guozhi wore the overcoat and left for Xue Yu-Yan's chamber. As he walked past the chamber of the Fourth Prince, he sighed and walked ahead. He descended the stairs and went to another building where Xue Yu-Yan was residing.
.In the chamber, Xue Yu-Yan was doing the needlework. She had made the plum blossom flower pattern on the fabric. "Princess," Zhiyi came inside, carrying a delightful expression on her face. Xue Yu-Yan lifted her head and looked at her.
"What is the reason behind this smile?" Xue Yu-Yan curiously asked.
"Eunuch Long informed me that the First Prince wants to spend a night with you," Zhiyi asserted. Leave this needlework, your highness." Zhiyi came near Xue Yu-Yan, who accidentally pricked her finger.
"Ahh," she looked at her index finger.
"Be careful, your highness," Zhiyi humbly said and inserted the needle on a thread roll. "Come, let me help you in getting ready. What kind of dress does her highness want to wear?" Zhiyi asked.
Xue Yu-Yan was still in shock as it was unbelievable to her that the First Prince wanted to spend the night with her. Her mind went blank, and she turned nervous.
"Your highness," Zhiyi shook Xue Yu-Yan, who came out of her thoughts. "Where did you get lost?" Zhiyi raised her eyebrow.
"Nothing. Isn't this good?" Xue Yu-Yan looked at the dress she was wearing. It was a green Hanfu dress with Golden Embroidery. The intricate golden patterns of flowers were also imprinted on it.
"The First Prince is here," Xue Yu-Yan and Zhiyi heard the voice of Eunuch Long. Zhiyi stepped back and lowered her head upon seeing the First Prince.
"Leave," Jian Guozhi ordered. Xue Yu-Yan looked at Zhiyi, who left the chamber and closed the doors behind her.
Jian Guozhi looked at the desk on which a piece of fabric was put. A wooden box with threads and different kinds of needles was also placed over the desk. "I was making a dress. The Crown Princess Birthday is near," Xue Yu-Yan asserted while fidgeting her fingers.
"You will present the Crown Princess a handmade dress?" Jian Guozhi queried with curiosity. Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head. "I did not know you were good at needlework," Jian Guozhi replied.
"How could Jian Ge know? We never talked that friendly," Xue Yu-Yan immediately replied.
Jian Guozhi agreed with her when he saw Xue Yu-Yan had bent on her knees and was searching for something in the drawer. "What are you looking for?" Jian Guozhi glanced at her. Xue Yu-Yan told him to be patient and, after a while, found the thing.
She closed the drawer, stood up, and came near Jian Guozhi. "This is for you," she forwarded a pink-colored silk handkerchief towards him.
Jian Guozhi grabbed it and looked at the chrysanthemum flowers that Xue Yu-Yan had made on it. The borders of the handkerchief also had a red-colored embroidery made of thread. "It's nice. Thank you," Jian Guozhi replied. He had never received presents like this, so it was new for him.
Jian Guozhi folded it and put it inside his pocket.
"I am glad that Jian Ge liked my present. I wanted to give it to you when I first made it but–" she paused and recalled their relationship, which was full of their selfish causes.
"–But we did not have a good relationship, so we could exchange such things," Jian Guozhi said. He had a jade ring on his index finger. He took it off and grasped the hand of Xue Yu-Yan. She confusedly looked at him.
"It is for you," Jian Guozhi inserted the ring in her index finger. Xue Yu-Yan's heart fluttered by this gesture of Jian Guozhi. That's why walking on a good path was considered better even if the outcome came late. Jian Guozhi let go of her hand.
"If a man gives his jade to a woman then…" Xue Yu-Yan lifted her eyes and looked at Jian Guozhi. "Then it means that the man wants that woman," Jian Guozhi completed her words.
Xue Yu-Yan hummed. Jian Guozhi grasped her wrist and drew her closer to him. "Y-You want me!" Xue Yu-Yan wanted to confirm from Jian's mouth, who nodded his head.
"Indeed," Jian replied. He brought his finger under her chin and lifted it gently. "We both suffered because of one thing and we both understand each other's pain because of that. I had developed feelings for Zhilao but her truth broke my heart. The realization hit me when I did not trust you. I want to go ahead with this relationship," Jian Guozhi professed his feelings.
"What about you?" He asked Xue Yu-Yan.
"I want to be loved. I want to get that feeling," asserted Xue Yu-Yan. "You gave me a second chance despite the evil plots I made. You are right. We both suffered for the same cause and truly understand each other. Let's start our relationship," Xue Yu-Yan reciprocated his feelings.
Jian Guozhi passed her a tiny smile. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her up. His hand cupped her cheek and sealed her lips with a kiss. Xue Yu-Yan closed her eyes as she knitted her brows. They kissed and pulled away. Their foreheads and noses touched against each other. Jian Guozhi's hand moved to her nape as he pulled her more towards him.
He captured her lips and kissed them. Xue Yu-Yan kissed him back with the same enthusiasm and passion. Jian Guozhi pulled away and traced Xue Yu-Yan's lips. "I have planned a trip for us to Mount Jishi. Tomorrow morning we will leave," Jian Guozhi informed Xue Yu-Yan, who was delighted to hear that.
"Thank you," Xue Yu-Yan answered.
"Don't be." Jian Guozhi tucked her hair behind her ear. "I shall fulfill my promise to you," he affirmed. "When we were young, I had seen that you always desired to go out of the Residence. But restrictions on you did not let you go. I will fill your heart with compassion and will love you with all my heart," Jian Guozhi assured her.
Xue Yu-Yan blinked a few times before smiling. Her heart thumped against her chest. "I will also do the same," she said.