Chapter 67

The two looked at each other, and Shen Qingnian was clearly taken aback when she saw Song Xuan standing at the window.

The girl's fair cheeks were slightly flushed from the steam, her eyes glistened with moisture, and her long, black hair cascaded down her chest, making her skin appear even whiter and more radiant.

"Ah!" Shen Qingnian exclaimed softly, her originally slightly flushed cheeks turning completely crimson, and her watery eyes filled with panic, like jasmine swaying in the wind, exuding a fragrance that was both alluring and repulsive.

Song Xuan could indeed smell the fragrance of jasmine. The faint incense in the boudoir was rising slowly, carrying a light mist that brushed against his face, making him feel as if he were in a sea of ​​jasmine flowers, and the girl was the fairy among the flowers.

But he didn't dare look too much, and quickly turned his back, even closing his eyes slightly.

Song Xuan's usually gentle voice carried a rare hint of panic as he explained somewhat hoarsely, "Qing... Qing Nian, I didn't mean it..."

He was unaware that Qing Nian was taking a bath.

The night was deep, and the cool night breeze could not dispel the heat on Song Xuan's ears and cheeks.

Although the bathtub was surrounded by steam, his eyesight was excellent, and he could clearly see the crimson mark on the girl's collarbone and the water droplets on her glossy skin. Although her chest was covered by black hair, he could still catch a glimpse of her beauty.

With his back turned, Song Xuan felt a surge of heat throughout his body, a mix of shame and lingering fantasies filling his heart...

He heard the sound of splashing water coming from inside the house. The sound wasn't loud, but it felt like it was hitting his heart. He couldn't help but try to catch the sound of the water.

The sound of water didn't last long. Soon, the rustling of clothes could be heard from inside the house. A moment later, a girl's somewhat shy voice sounded from behind.

"Your Highness, please come in."

Song Xuan's heartbeat, which had been calming down, quickened again because of these words. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, but he did not turn around, only responding softly.

Shen Qingnian looked at the man's moon-white back. He was tall and slender with a straight back, like a pine tree, a gentlemanly figure.

She turned her gaze back to the table and chairs, and began to pour tea for Song Xuan. Xiao Ju had already been sent away by her.

After she poured the tea, Song Xuan nimbly climbed through the window into her boudoir and walked up to her.

Shen Qingnian handed the tea in her hand to the man beside her: "This is Mengding white tea. Although it is not as good as the one in the palace, it is still refreshing to drink."

Song Xuan took the tea and drank it all in one gulp. He said softly, "Like a lotus emerging from clear water, the tea is refreshing. Qing Nian poured the tea for me herself, so this is the best taste."

He now understands what it means for a beautiful woman to ruin a man's life. Even if it were poison, he could drink it with a smile in front of him.

Shen Qingnian gestured for Song Xuan to sit down, and then took out a purse from the cabinet. The purse was embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water, and the embroidery was so lifelike that it was even better than that of the embroiderers in the palace.

She handed the purse to Song Xuan: "I know Your Highness doesn't often use folding fans, so I embroidered this purse. Inside are some refreshing mint and licorice."

Shen Qingnian's gaze fell on the folding fan in Song Xuan's hand. She knew that even in the height of summer, men rarely used folding fans.

"Qing Nian is really thoughtful," Song Xuan said with some delight.

He didn't lack purses, but he desperately needed the purses Qing Nian made for him.

Shen Qingnian sat down opposite Song Xuan, her fair face showing a hint of shyness. She said softly, "Your Highness received my message and took time out of your busy schedule to come tonight. This purse is my way of expressing my gratitude."

The beautiful woman's black hair was loose and unadorned, and she wore a simple white long gown, which, though simple, accentuated her delicate and beautiful appearance.

“I like it very much,” Song Xuan couldn’t help but say.