Xiao Yun's forehead was injured, and the wound was obvious.
However, he had been driven out to live in the outer study, which proved to be advantageous at this time. He had also specifically instructed those around him not to disturb the Old Imperial Consort, Consort Fang, or the Princess Consort.
He did not go to the inner courtyard for two consecutive days. The Old Imperial Consort and Consort Fang merely used business as an excuse, and with Xiao Mo's assistance, they suspected nothing.
He had not sent anyone to Kangping Courtyard to speak with Wang Qingyao. Stubbornly holding onto his pride, he refused to back down.
Seeing that he wouldn't even come to see their child, Wang Qingyao was furious, her six parts of anger turning into ten.
On the third day, rumors spread from outside that the Xiao family's curse had not been broken at all, and that the two consecutive accidents involving the Prince of Ding'an were the curse beginning to manifest.
It was only then that the Old Imperial Consort and the others learned that Xiao Yun had hit his head. They immediately sent for Xiao Yun to inquire about the situation.
The wound on Xiao Yun's head had already scabbed over, looking less frightening than it had initially.
Yet, the Old Imperial Consort and Consort Fang were still heartbroken to see it.
"How did this happen?" the Old Imperial Consort asked with concern.
Xiao Yun recounted the events in the palace, which sounded like a genuine accident.
"And what about those rumors?"
Since the Old Imperial Consort was aware of the rumors, Xiao Yun had naturally heard them as well. He was unconcerned. "It's just some people spreading nonsense. Grandmother and Mother need not pay it any mind. If it were truly a curse, would it have allowed me to sustain such a minor injury so easily?"
The Old Imperial Consort and Consort Fang remained worried.
The talk of the Xiao family's curse had existed for four generations, leaving a shadow in the hearts of the Xiao family members that could not be dispelled in a short time.
With any slight disturbance, the Old Imperial Consort worried about the curse returning.
"Since you're in this state, you shouldn't stay in the outer study anymore," the Old Imperial Consort said, caressing his wound with affection. "A quarrel between husband and wife is easily mended. With the Princess Consort taking care of you in Kangping Courtyard, I can rest easier."
Xiao Yun remained silent.
Consort Fang said, "If you don't wish to return to Kangping Courtyard, then go stay with Concubine Wei for a few days. You should at least have someone to look after you."
Concubine Wei, who had been silent all along, looked up at Xiao Yun with affection upon hearing this, then quickly lowered her head, appearing shy.
Xiao Yun replied, "Alright, I'll return to Kangping Courtyard."
Consort Fang was exasperated.
The maidservant at the gate saw Xiao Yun approaching from a distance and excitedly reported his arrival. Yin Zhu and the others were surprised and delighted. They prepared tea and refreshments, and the room was even scented with Xiao Yun's favorite incense.
Wang Qingyao's anger had long since subsided. Hearing that Xiao Yun had arrived, she was also quite happy. However, for the sake of her pride as a woman, she maintained a stern expression, trying her best to appear displeased.
Yin Zhu advised, "Princess Consort, the Prince is willing to humble himself to you. You should reconcile with him. You can't continue like this. If Concubine Wei seizes an opportunity, you'll regret it."
Wang Qingyao thought to herself, *If he truly gets involved with Concubine Wei, then we will have no future.*
With this thought, Xiao Yun entered the room.
Wang Qingyao looked up and glanced at him, her eyes immediately falling on the wound on his forehead.
"What happened to your head?" she exclaimed, standing up abruptly, her mind not even processing before she asked urgently.
After asking, she regretted it.
*Hmph, we're still in a cold war, why should I be so concerned?*
She coughed lightly, pretended to sit down, and picked up the book she had been reading.
Yin Zhu and the others suppressed their laughter and quietly left the room, closing the door behind them.
Xiao Yun sat opposite Wang Qingyao, calmly poured himself a cup of tea, and slowly savored it.
Wang Qingyao, who was not one to remain patient, was no longer as angry. Seeing Xiao Yun continuously drinking tea, she put down her book.
"How did you injure your head?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady and devoid of emotion.
Xiao Yun put down his teacup and retorted indifferently, "You still care about me?"
*Hmph, you scoundrel. It's clearly your fault, and I'm giving you an out, yet you still won't take it?*
Wang Qingyao's anger flared up instantly.
"Are you sick? Who are you putting on a show for? We're both adults, can't we talk things through properly? What did I do to offend you that you're giving me such a cold shoulder?"
Xiao Yun looked at her with disbelief. "You still haven't remembered?"
This expression of surprise made Wang Qingyao feel a little guilty.
*Could I have sleepwalked? Did I cheat on him while sleepwalking?*
"Let's talk," Wang Qingyao said, maintaining her composure. "Let's clarify everything."
There was one sentence she didn't say.
*If we can make it work, we'll continue. If not, we'll part ways.*
Since there was no one else in the room, Xiao Yun was willing to speak.
"Do you remember where we had our first drink together?"
Wang Qingyao recalled, "Xinghua Tower?"
That was where they first met. Had they drunk there?
It seemed not.
Xiao Yun said with disappointment, "It was Qingfeng Tower. Qingfeng Tower's signature wine is Jade Marrow."
Qingfeng Tower? Jade Marrow?
At the warm room banquet of the Prince of Dingnan's mansion in Duanjing, they had drunk Jade Marrow.
Wang Qingyao frowned and pondered for a long time, then her expression suddenly changed.
She remembered.