Resplendent – Chapter 557

Chapter 557: Moonlit Peeping

Gu Ye covered her face, her shoulders trembling. “Father even said the young ladies of our Duke’s Manor could say whatever they wished and do whatever they pleased—that we needn’t care about any damn rules or others’ opinions… But after just a few days, does that no longer hold true?”

Lady Jun immediately conceded defeat. She gently stroked her daughter’s shoulder and spoke softly, “Mother never meant to force you. Since you don’t wish to learn, I won’t mention it again. Don’t cry, Bao’er. It’s all my fault.”

When Gu Ye turned back, her eyes were bright and clear, not a trace of tears left. She grinned, revealing pearly white teeth: “Mother is the best! You’re the best mother in the whole world!”

Lady Jun shook her head helplessly, once again charmed by this little girl. Her daughter truly was innocent and lively, bright and adorable!

Gu Ye threw her arms around her mother’s shoulders, nestling close. “Really, Mother, think about it. After the Great Pharmacists Convention, I’ll be busy arranging the new pharmacy, staffing, relocating the old one… I’ll be swamped with daily tasks. When would I have time to learn all those rules? Don’t worry, Mother. With your genes and Father’s, even if I grow wild, I won’t go astray.”

Seeing her hesitating, she continued, “Mother, I know what worries you. Rest assured, I’ll keep my distance from those stinking men. I’ll engrave the words ‘separate spheres for men and women’ deep in my heart. I won’t give the slightest encouragement to those with ulterior motives. I’m a girl, after all. I must be reserved and avoid suspicion… I understand all that!”

“Good that you understand! Society imposes too many constraints on women. Now you’re a Level 9 Pharmacist, a once-in-a-century achievement. Only Lady Apothecary has ever reached this height. You’ll inevitably become the center of attention. I fear those with ulterior motives might deliberately find fault with you and tarnish your reputation,” Lady Jun poured out her worries that weighed on her heart.

“Mother, you can rest assured! In the world of pharmacists, I have my master and two senior brothers protecting me, plus the backing of Gu Pharmaceutical. Few in this world dare cross a Grand Pharmacist. Unless they’ve grown tired of living, they’d be playing with their own lives!” Gu Ye beamed with excitement, her eyes sparkling.

Lady Jun reflected. She really had been worrying needlessly. Her precious daughter wasn’t just an ordinary young lady from a distinguished family. She also held an enviable, indispensable status—a ninth-level pharmacist.

People eat grains and vegetables; illness is inevitable. When illness strikes, medicine is needed. Medicines from high-level pharmacists could often extend one’s life! Wasn’t she herself living proof? Without her daughter’s medicine, she’d still be clinging to life in a sickbed!

Unless someone was brain-dead, no ordinary person would dare offend a high-level pharmacist. Moreover, her daughter’s senior brothers and master were all renowned figures in the pharmacist world. Even if she relied solely on their reputation, her daughter’s life wouldn’t be too difficult to navigate!

Thus, through Gu Ye’s silver tongue and relentless persistence, the ‘etiquette controversy’ was quelled. She wiped away a cold sweat, mentally pinning the blame squarely on Ling Juechen. If not for him, why would her mother have taken it into her head to teach her manners?

Didn’t she realize who had climbed onto someone’s neck and ridden them to pick fruit? If Ling Juechen found out, he’d surely sigh: Women and petty people are the hardest to deal with…

Gu Ye was having the time of her life at the estate. Soaking in hot springs daily, picking fruit, teasing the mountain animals, grilling barbecues, feasting on wild game—she was so happy she forgot all about going home.

That evening, she soaked in the open-air hot spring within her own garden, wearing a homemade crop top that hugged her curves. Her two white arms rested on the edge of the pool, with freshly squeezed juice and thoroughly washed fruit within easy reach.

Though open-air, the hot spring was shielded by rockeries and bamboo groves, creating a secluded little space. She couldn’t help but sigh—how wonderful it would be in winter, especially with snow drifting down while soaking in the steaming hot spring, creating a uniquely charming atmosphere.

She took a sip of juice and closed her eyes contentedly. Suddenly, a cool breeze swept past her, carrying a familiar crisp scent that lingered in her nostrils. Without opening her eyes, she knew who had arrived: “Your Highness, the esteemed Prince Ning, is actually spying on a young lady bathing in the hot springs. If my father found out, he’d break your dog legs!”

“Don’t worry,” Ling Juechen’s magnetic voice murmured in her ear. “With your exceptional medical expertise, you could mend them if they were broken. Because I know you wouldn’t choose a cripple for a husband.”

Gu Ye snorted, shooting him a sidelong glance. “This lady certainly wouldn’t pick a cripple for a husband, but you’re not the only one I could choose. If you become crippled, I’ll simply choose someone else!”

“No matter who you choose, I’ll kidnap you away and hide you at home!” The moonlight was dim, its shadows hazy. In the misty hot spring, the young girl’s slender neck and rosy cheeks seemed especially chilling.

“Hey-hey! Keep your eyes to yourself. This body of mine is only thirteen—just a middle schooler in my past life. You wouldn’t be that beastly, would you? Having thoughts about ‘her’?” Gu Ye sensed the intensity in his gaze, like a startled little beast, her round eyes wide as she stared at him.

Ling Juechen slipped off his shoes and submerged his feet in the hot spring. “I only have thoughts about you…”

Gu Ye stared at his feet with utter disgust, then splashed water over him. “Confess! Did you harbor any romantic thoughts for me in your past life?”

“Romantic thoughts? I had vivid dreams…” Ling Juechen didn’t flinch as she drenched his white robes. Though late autumn had arrived, his garments remained as thin as ever. The damp white fabric clung to his body, tracing his exquisite contours, making Gu Ye’s eyes sparkle.

“You beast!” Gu Ye tossed him a pear, then picked up the orange juice to quench her thirst. “Brother Chen, I’m noticing your skin is getting thicker by the day.”

“Without thick skin, how could I ever win An Ye’s heart?” ” Ling Juechen caught the pear, took a big bite, and hid the heat and flush on his face.

Gu Ye suddenly giggled: “My dad is keeping a close eye on you now. He took sick leave just to guard against you at home. The estate is practically ready to hang a banner saying ‘Guard Against Fire, Thieves, and Prince Ning’! Too bad, the devil finds a way. He still couldn’t stop you!” “

When Ling Juechen smiled, his lips pressed together, it carried a hint of bashfulness. It was precisely this smile that made Gu Ye find him irresistible. “Tsk-tsk, Brother Chen, have you been taking some kind of beauty elixir lately? You’ve gotten even more handsome!”

“Stop teasing me!” Ling Juechen pulled his feet out of the hot spring pool, grabbed the large bath towel hanging from a branch, and said, “The hot spring is wonderful, but you shouldn’t soak too long. Come on out!”

Gu Ye set down her juice glass and swam toward the opposite side, teasing, “Come on then, catch me if you can!”

“Stop being so mischievous, get out already!” Ling Juechen couldn’t help but shake his head. From the other end, Gu Ye raised an eyebrow at him with a mischievous grin, her hands splashing the hot spring water gleefully. Droplets flew everywhere, splattering her face.

Just as she blinked away the droplets from her lashes, her wrist was grabbed, and she was lifted out of the hot spring.

Gu Ye’s bathing suit was quite conservative by her past life’s standards—a tank top-style top and hot pants-style bottoms. The luxurious hot spring attire was crafted from water-glistening brocade; when she emerged from the water and shook it off, not a single drop clung to it.

Feeling the heat in his gaze intensify, Gu Ye glanced down at herself. Nothing she shouldn’t show was exposed.

The water-glow brocade swimsuit shimmered with a soft aqua glow under the moonlight. Yet, even more luminous than the fabric was Gu Ye’s milk-white skin. Though petite, she possessed impeccable proportions—long limbs, a slender waist barely a hand’s width, and a firm, pert derrière concealed beneath her robe.

The sole flaw, in her own estimation, was her undeveloped chest—flat and bean-sprout thin.

To Ling Juechen, however, she resembled a flawless work of art, every inch perfect, every curve captivating. Unable to tear his gaze away yet forcing himself to look away, Ling Juechen hastily wrapped the large bath towel around the young girl, ignoring her struggles as he swaddled her like a cocoon. He feared he might lose control if he continued watching, unsure what he might do.

Gu Ye wriggled to pull her head free from the towel, glaring at him furiously. “What are you doing? Are you trying to murder me?”

“Miss, are you speaking to this servant? Shall I come up?” Liangchen’s voice drifted in, footsteps growing closer.

Gu Ye glanced sideways at Ling Juechen—Still not leaving? Are you waiting to get caught?

Ling Juechen stood motionless, silently watching her. His eyes shimmered with a faint glow under the dim moonlight.

Gu Ye raised an eyebrow: Fine, if you won’t leave, then don’t. If caught, she’d get scolded at most. Ultimately, all blame would fall on the man.

“Miss, I’m coming in!” Gu Ye never allowed anyone near her while bathing in the hot spring, not even during the full moon or flower festivals. Thus, Liangchen approached the spring with some trepidation.

Just as Liangchen navigated past the surrounding obstacles and her figure appeared within their line of sight, Gu Ye felt only a gentle breeze stir beside her. Turning her gaze, the white-clad figure had vanished without a trace.

She slipped on her slippers, took a hot shower in a nearby room, and changed into a comfortable nightgown. After the hot spring bath, her body felt light and relaxed, making sleep come especially sweet.

The next day, Lady Jun’s personal maid, Yayi, came to fetch her. She said the Second Grand Secretary’s wife had brought gifts and wished to thank Gu Ye for saving her life.

The Second Grand Secretary’s wife? When had she saved her life? Could it be that she had treated her in passing before? 

Gu Ye sat at the dressing table, utterly confused, as Meijing combed her hair.

The sky hung heavy with gloom, autumn winds whistling through the trees. Meijing selected a short robe for her mistress, a soft peony hue embroidered with crabapple blossoms, paired with a moon-white twelve-panel skirt of shimmering pearl-embroidered satin. She styled her hair into sweet twin buns, adorned with vermilion coral hairpins, creating a look both charming and adorable.

When Meijing tried to place a jade necklace around her neck, Gu Ye refused: “It’s just meeting a guest. Why make it so elaborate, like a matchmaking ceremony?”