Daqing Reborn Prince, Intercepting Si Lili at the Beginning

Chapter 8: Sang Wen Enters the Prince’s Mansion! Preparing to Write Journey to the West!

“Your Majesty, it is indeed true!” Eunuch Hou carefully reported, afraid that the emperor would be angered.

The emperor was indeed a bit annoyed, but in the end, he laughed in exasperation and scolded, “That rascal!”

Eunuch Hou quickly responded, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The Third Prince has just left the palace; he’s still in his playful years. It’ll pass in a few days.”

The emperor shook his head, then suddenly asked, “Wasn’t the Miaoyin Pavilion supposed to focus on performances without selling themselves? How did Li Chengyuan manage to take someone away from there?”

Eunuch Hou thought for a moment and replied, “Your Majesty, with the Third Prince’s status, even if the Miaoyin Pavilion were more mysterious, I doubt they would dare refuse him once he spoke up.”

The emperor nodded noncommittally and asked again, “I remember instructing the Inspection Bureau to investigate this Miaoyin Pavilion. Has there been no result?”

Eunuch Hou quickly said, “Your Majesty, Director Chen reported that on the surface, the background of the Miaoyin Pavilion seems simple, but its true owner is extremely mysterious and has yet to show any trace.”

“Hmm. Tell Chen Pingping not to slack off. I want to know all the details about this Miaoyin Pavilion.”

“Yes!” Eunuch Hou responded immediately. After a brief hesitation, he cautiously asked, “Your Majesty, should we remind the Third Prince? His visit to the Miaoyin Pavilion tonight might spread throughout the city by tomorrow.”

Without looking up, the emperor replied, “No rush! Let’s wait and see.”

Eunuch Hou, hearing this, immediately shut his mouth and dared not speak further.

’

Night, just after the second watch (around 9 PM).

Li Chengyuan finally returned to the Prince of Li’s Mansion. He led Sang Wen out of the carriage, and under the guidance of the guards holding lanterns, they made their way to the rear courtyard.

Even though it was evening, the mansion remained brightly lit. The maids and servants were still on duty for the night watch. Such was the hierarchical nature of ancient society—those at the top enjoyed the finest luxuries. Meanwhile, in the homes of ordinary citizens, they probably couldn’t even afford to light an oil lamp at this hour.

Sang Wen followed Li Chengyuan closely, her heart both nervous and excited as she gazed at the opulent mansion. She was just an ordinary girl from the lower class. Her greatest dream in this life had been to marry a decent man and live a peaceful life. But never had she imagined that one day she would be brought into the prince’s mansion.

Although, even if she entered the mansion, she could only be a personal maid by the prince’s side. However, Sang Wen was already very content with this! Being the personal maid of a prince could not compare to working at Liujinghe or Miaoyin Pavilion. Especially at Liujinghe, where she had always feared being forced into compromising situations. She had managed to remain safe all these years, which had not been easy.

But now, finally, she no longer had to worry. From this day on, she belonged solely to the Third Prince. As long as she served him well, she could at least live without want for the rest of her life. Such a life was already more than she had ever dared to dream of.

’

“You’ll live here from now on. This room is yours, and yours alone.”

Sang Wen was deep in thought when suddenly, the prince assigned her a luxurious room. She peeked inside, then hastily exclaimed, “Your Highness, this isn’t right. I’m just a maid, it’s inappropriate for me to live here.”

Li Chengyuan waved her off and said, “There’s nothing inappropriate about it. You’re my maid, different from the others. In this mansion, I have the final say. This room is yours from now on.”

Sang Wen, feeling both grateful and touched, immediately thanked him, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness!”

Li Chengyuan shook his head, “Alright, settle yourself in first. I’ve already instructed the other maids in the courtyard to follow your orders. If you need anything, just ask them. Take care of yourself first, and we’ll talk about the rest later.”

Without waiting for Sang Wen’s response, he turned and went back to his chambers.

’

After returning to his bedroom, Li Chengyuan called for hot water to be brought in, and then he sank into the bath, thoroughly enjoying the warmth. While soaking, he also found time to practice his cultivation. However, before long, he heard Sang Wen’s voice from outside.

“Your Highness!”

“Sang Wen? Come in.”

“Yes!”

Sang Wen entered, holding a towel.

“Is there something you need?” Li Chengyuan asked.

Blushing shyly, Sang Wen hesitated, then timidly said, “I heard that Your Highness is bathing, so I came to attend to you.”

Li Chengyuan initially wanted to refuse. But seeing Sang Wen, with the steam making her appear even more alluring, he couldn’t help but feel a bit moved. He had been in this world for eighteen years. Until now, he had always lived cautiously, so much so that he was still inexperienced in such matters. But now, he no longer had to restrain himself.

Gazing at the delicate Sang Wen, Li Chengyuan smiled softly, “Come here.”

“Yes!” Sang Wen, hearing his consent, was overjoyed. She hurried over, wetting the towel before starting to scrub his back. However, the towel moved lower and lower, and the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly heated. Finally, Li Chengyuan extended his hand…

And then, the nightingale sang, and the night turned seductive.

’

The next morning, Li Chengyuan woke up early. Ever since he began cultivating, he rarely slept in. His energy was so abundant that he couldn’t sleep even if he wanted to.

Sang Wen, on the other hand, woke up a bit late. She was exhausted from the night before, and as it was her first time, her body still felt a little sore when she woke up. At first, she was anxious about waking up late, thinking that as a maid, it was a grave mistake to rise later than her master. She was worried that the prince would be displeased.

But to her surprise, when Li Chengyuan noticed she was awake, the first thing he asked was how she was feeling. He even had the other maids bring her breakfast, told her to eat it in bed, and gave her the day off to rest.

Sang Wen was both anxious and deeply moved. Such a kind and gentle nobleman—this was the first time she had ever met one. She felt incredibly lucky. However, even though the prince was so considerate, Sang Wen didn’t dare to be complacent. She quickly got out of bed, went back to her room, washed up, and ate breakfast. Then she immediately returned to Li Chengyuan’s side.

Sang Wen’s health was quite good. After breakfast, her body had already recovered.

At that moment, Li Chengyuan was in his study. Seeing that she looked well, he didn’t insist that she rest any longer. Instead, he called her over, gave her his seat, and said, “I want to write a book, but I don’t feel like doing it myself. I don’t trust anyone else, so I’ll have to rely on you to write for me.”

“You want to write a book?” Sang Wen was not only unbothered but delighted. For someone of her status, being asked to write a book for the prince was the highest honor.

She immediately picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and asked, “What book would you like to write Your Highness?”

Sitting beside her, sipping tea, Li Chengyuan smiled faintly and said, “Journey to the West.”

’’