Chapter 4

Xie Chen’s younger brother, Xie Mo, relaxed his tightly furrowed brow a little when he saw me.

“Sister-in-law, you’re here. I failed to stop them. Brother has suffered again because of me.”

I shook my head, understanding his concern. “It isn’t your fault. How is His Highness?”

Xie Mo glanced into the room. “The physician is using acupuncture to ease the effects of the wine. It will probably take a little longer.”

Relieved, I ordered a servant to fetch Xie Chen some fresh clothes, then turned a grateful face to Xie Mo.

“Thank goodness you were here today. Without your help, His Highness might have drunk even more. Go and rest in a side room. I think he’ll need a little more time. You’ve had quite a bit yourself. Have some tea to clear your head.”

Only then did the strain leave Xie Mo’s face. I led him into the room next door and brewed his tea myself.

Perhaps because we scarcely knew each other, neither of us had anything to say once we sat down. To avoid the awkwardness, Xie Mo kept drinking tea.

I smiled faintly and considerately refrained from speaking. Then I got up and went out.

Only after the physician gave me a definite answer did I breathe freely. I went to tell Xie Mo the good news.

He was visibly relieved too, his whole expression easing.

“Thank heavens Brother is all right. I’d never have forgiven myself otherwise. Sister-in-law, I’ll take my leave. I’ll come to visit you both another day.”

“Of course. Take care on the way home.”

I watched him leave, then carelessly let my teacup fall and shatter. Looking exhausted, I told a maid to clean it up. At last, I could see Xie Chen for myself.

He was sound asleep, his cheeks a little flushed, probably from the wine. I found him so adorable I couldn’t bear to look away.

I had no idea how long I’d watched him when the steward came in. “Your Highness, the Fourth Prince fainted before he reached home. He’s covered in a red rash. The imperial physicians have gone to treat him urgently. Word is that it’s an allergic reaction.”

I sighed, looking troubled.

“I don’t know what’s come over these two brothers. Please make a list of everything the Fourth Prince ate today and send it to the physicians. Oh, and he had some tea afterward, while waiting for His Highness to wake.”

The steward agreed and left. I stayed beside Xie Chen, looking at him in silence.

What had you ever done to deserve a brother like that?

In the dream, Xie Chen had trusted Xie Mo completely. Xie Mo, meanwhile, had tried to kill him.

After Xie Chen finally woke from several days of unconsciousness, Xie Mo came to visit. That was the first time I met him.

Once he left, Xie Chen took my hand and told me this was his full brother, born to the same mother. If anything ever happened to him, I could ask Xie Mo for help. Xie Mo was his right-hand man.

I nodded. Yet only days after he said it, Xie Chen was gravely wounded during the autumn hunt. The arrow missed his heart by a hair.

Everyone panicked. I alone was swallowed by overwhelming terror.

First, because I was afraid Xie Chen would die.

Second, because I had seen that arrow perfectly clearly. Xie Mo had fired it at him.

Only when Xie Chen was out of danger did my heart settle. Then I caught the fleeting disappointment on Xie Mo’s face.

I turned away and concentrated on Xie Chen’s pale face.

I’d been worried from the moment they entered the hunting grounds, because his health was so poor. As a Crown Princess no one paid attention to, I could slip away without anyone noticing. Yet just as I caught sight of Xie Chen, I witnessed that scene.

From then on, I was extremely wary of Xie Mo. But I didn’t dare tell Xie Chen the truth, afraid he couldn’t bear it.

I had learned of Xie Mo’s peanut allergy by chance, too.

Everyone attended the Empress’s birthday banquet, and all the wine came from the palace. That day, it happened to be peanut wine. Xie Mo probably hadn’t known about his allergy himself. The Emperor had been showing him considerable favor lately, putting him in an excellent mood, so he drank a great deal.

He nearly lost his life that time. I had never dared forget it.

I was quite certain Xie Mo had played no small part in getting Xie Chen drunk today.

Better to strike first. Besides, I wasn’t all that vicious. I’d only used half a packet of peanut powder.

I wanted to accumulate blessings for Xie Chen. I couldn’t let Xie Mo die that quickly.

And I’d given him a warning, hadn’t I? Now he’d know to stay well away from peanuts and preserve his own little life.