On the second day, when Hua Yan awoke, Yun Chi had already left for the early imperial court session. She peeked outside the curtains and saw sunlight streaming in through the window, illuminating more than half of the inner chamber—it was clearly well into the morning.
She sat up, rubbing her sore body and, seeing the speckled red marks on her skin, her face flushed red as she recalled the previous night. She had truly overestimated the proprieties Yun Chi had been taught since childhood. In bed, how was he so energetic? He was like a wild horse that had thrown off its reins.
Yun Chi had tossed and turned her to the point of confusion last night; she didn't even know when she had fallen asleep.
Caiqing heard the noise and asked softly from outside, "Crown Princess Consort, have you awoken?"
"Hmm, I'm awake," replied Hua Yan, quickly lowering the curtains again and then sliding the Spring Palace Picture under her pillow.
