I stared at Jin Wei with the purest form of betrayal in my eyes.
"Write the full script of *Virtue of a Woman*??? Seriously?"
Out of all punishments possible in this ancient setup, he chose *homework*. Not just homework—*moral teaching homework*. For women. Ancient women.
I'm officially done.
I glared at him with the kind of expression that said: *Congratulations. You've just ruined my life. Again.*
He, of course, looked completely unfazed.
"Start writing," he said flatly and turned away as if he'd just asked me to take a casual walk, not emotionally destroy myself with elegant brush strokes.
Wow. Just wow.
*Is he a human or a fully functioning disappointment machine?*
Yeah, he saved me from kneeling—but instead made me write ancient-life guidelines? What is this, a *spiritual therapy session conducted by Confucius?*
I sighed dramatically and picked up the brush like I was accepting my execution. The teacher placed the script in front of me with relief, as if finally the drama was over.
Good for her. I, however, just received a lifetime supply of internal suffering.
Yueran looked *furious*. If looks could kill, I'd have died twice already.
She stomped her foot. "Brother! You—!"
He didn't even turn around.
"You may leave," he said calmly.
She froze. Mouth hanging open like someone hit pause in the middle of a tantrum. Then she shot me a murderous glare before exiting, robes fluttering dramatically like she was auditioning for 'Villain of the Year'.
Low-key? Ten out of ten for walkout presentation.
I dipped the brush and began writing.
*"A virtuous woman must…"*
God. Please. Just. Give me strength.
Xiaomei sat beside me carefully. "Madam… are you okay?"
"No," I whispered. "But it's fine. Pain is my only constant companion now."
She blinked rapidly. Probably reconsidering her decision to ever speak to me again.
Time dragged like a ruined eyeliner stroke. My hand hurt, my back hurt, my soul was just floating somewhere above my head judging my life choices.
I briefly considered faking a faint—but last time they almost summoned a shaman, so… we're not doing *that* again.
The teacher came over and checked my writing. She nodded.
"You have good handwriting."
I looked at her, completely dead inside.
"That's great. Maybe I'll become an ancient-era calligraphy printer."
She didn't get it. Good. That would have been embarrassing.
After what felt like three emotional lifetimes, Jin Wei walked back in. Casually. As if he hadn't assigned me the most torturous punishment known to a modern soul.
He glanced at my writing. Then at me.
"Done already?"
I stared at him.
No, sir. But my patience is.
He nodded. "When you're finished, bring it to the **East Court**."
East Court? Why? A review meeting? A secondary punishment? A handwriting evaluation panel?
I couldn't stop myself. "Do you… secretly hate me?"
He looked at me.
Then turned.
And left.
*He walked away. Without answering.*
What is this man? Air? Smoke? A tragic love song in human form?
"I hate him," I muttered.
"…But maybe a *tiny* bit thankful?" Xiaomei attempted.
I glared at her. Hard.
"He made me do homework. I completed my graduation already."
Xiaomei coughed. "Madam… by making you write, he probably saved you. If the princess went complaining without seeing punishment, His Majesty could have given something worse. She's the youngest princess in the royal family… pampered by everyone. The Third Prince gave you the lightest punishment possible."
I scoffed. "Yeah, sure… whatever helps you sleep at night."
She was quiet.
Then out of nowhere, she said, "Madam… I don't understand one thing."
"What now?"
"How are you *still alive*?"
I blinked. *Excuse me?*
She panicked. "No! No, Madam—I mean—there's a rumor that every girl who even gets close to the Third Prince is… dealt with. But…"
"I wasn't just speaking to him," I said slowly. "I literally held his hand. And… ran like a missile towards him. "
Xiaomei nodded. "Exactly. He didn't react. Didn't say a word. You… should be thankful."
I rolled my eyes and turned away. "Don't say it out loud. I still have a reputation to maintain."
Because yes…
Somewhere deep inside…
He saved me.
Even if he did it in the most *infuriating* way possible.
Xiaomei cleared her throat again. I glanced at her.
She raised a brow. "You might want to stay low for a while."
"What now?"
"Because you running and holding the Third Prince's hand*…" she said slowly.
"…is probably already spreading across the entire capital."
I froze.
Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.