Tian Tian was so touched that tears welled up in her eyes. “Guard, you’re too kind. Thank you so much.”

Gao Heng chuckled softly. “Come with me. I know another path with fewer patrol guards.”

Tian Tian nodded repeatedly, overwhelmed by gratitude. She really had encountered a kind-hearted person.

The night sky was shrouded with heavy clouds, obscuring the moon and leaving everything in darkness. Gao Heng led the way, his black attire blending seamlessly into the night. Tian Tian followed closely behind. Occasionally, when the moonlight peeked through the clouds, its faint glow illuminated his tall, upright figure, which exuded a mountain-like strength and gave her a deep sense of security.

Before long, Gao Heng brought Tian Tian to the kitchen, moving silently and skillfully.

The kitchen was locked as usual, but Gao Heng effortlessly led her inside through the window.

Tian Tian, feeling nervous, clutched her chest, trying to calm her wildly beating heart. Even though this was her second time doing such a thing, the idea of sneaking food still made her feel guilty.

In stark contrast to her apprehension, Gao Heng moved with familiarity. Once inside, he began rummaging for food as though he owned the place.

He gathered chicken, duck, fish, crab, and shrimp, presenting them all before Tian Tian.

Tian Tian was utterly dumbfounded.

“You must be starving. Go ahead, eat. Take whatever you want.”

“This is so much! Why is there so much food left in the kitchen?” She was shocked by the sheer abundance, thinking it was incredibly wasteful.

Gao Heng, of course, didn’t tell her that he had specifically instructed the kitchen staff to prepare and leave it.

“I’ll light a fire to make it easier to see,” Gao Heng said, reaching into his robes for a firestarter.

Tian Tian quickly waved her hands. “Don’t! If there’s light here, anyone who sees it will know someone’s inside. If the patrols come, we’re done for.” She had no intention of becoming infamous.

“Don’t worry. At this hour, besides the patrol guards, everyone else is asleep.” He thought to himself that even if someone noticed, no one would dare interfere while he was there.

Still, Tian Tian insisted. She was timid by nature and wanted to avoid trouble. “I’d rather just take some food back to my room to eat. It’s safer that way.”

Gao Heng relented.

Tian Tian grabbed a large bowl and began portioning out food. She filled it with a mix of meat dishes and rice, piling it high until the bowl was brimming.

“Are you sure you can finish all that rice?” Gao Heng asked, bemused.

Tian Tian explained, “I have an injured maid who also needs to eat.”

“You really are kind-hearted.”

“She’s been with me since I was young. Her injuries this time were because of me.”

“Do you need anything else?”

“No, this is plenty. Taking too much might attract attention, and it’ll make it harder to sneak into the kitchen in the future.”

Gao Heng nodded. “Then let’s go.”

Tian Tian hesitated, then said, “Guard, don’t you want to take something for yourself? After all, you went through the trouble to come with me.”

“I’ve already had dinner. I’m not hungry.”

“Alright then.”

With Gao Heng leading the way, Tian Tian safely returned to Taihe Palace.

At the palace gates, Tian Tian turned to thank him, her face lighting up with a sweet smile. “Thank you so much, Guard. I really appreciate it.”

Gao Heng nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on her. She wore a light green dress tonight that blended into the shadows, making it hard to spot her in the dark. Her skin, however, was so fair and radiant that even in the dim night, it stood out brilliantly.

She truly was a delicate beauty.

“I’ll wait for you here again tomorrow night,” Gao Heng said.

Tian Tian felt a little embarrassed. She didn’t want to inconvenience him.

“Won’t that trouble you too much?”

Gao Heng shook his head. “I don’t have much to do anyway.”

Tian Tian wanted to refuse. Sneaking out to the kitchen with a man every night seemed risky. If they were ever caught, her reputation would be ruined beyond repair.

But Gao Heng didn’t give her a chance to decline. “It’s settled. I’ll be here tomorrow night,” he said, disappearing quickly before she could respond.

Tian Tian opened her mouth to speak, but he was already gone.

She sighed helplessly. Forget it. There was no point dwelling on it now. Eating was more important—she was starving.

Back in Taihe Palace, she set aside half of the food for Qiujü and ate the rest herself. Afterward, she took a bath and went to bed.

The next day passed quickly, and night fell once again.

Thinking about the trip to the kitchen, Tian Tian prepared early. When the palace was quiet, she snuck out of Taihe Palace.

Gao Heng was already waiting, emerging from the shadows as soon as he saw her.

Tian Tian greeted him with a smile. “I’m troubling you again tonight, Guard.”

Gao Heng nodded slightly. “Let’s go,” he said, leading the way.

Tian Tian followed closely behind.

When they reached the garden, Gao Heng suddenly stopped and whispered, “Careful. There are patrol guards ahead.”

Tian Tian froze, too scared to move.

Gao Heng kept his eyes fixed on the patrol, monitoring their movements. “Trouble. They’re heading this way.”

Tian Tian panicked. “What should we do? Do you think they’ve spotted us?”

Gao Heng shook his head and reassured her softly, “No. If they’d noticed us, they would’ve called out to alert others immediately.”

Tian Tian exhaled in relief. As long as they hadn’t been discovered, they were safe for now.

But the patrol guards were steadily approaching. If they stayed in place, they would surely be found. The only option was to find a hiding spot.

Gao Heng scanned the area. “There’s a rock formation to the left. I’ll carry you over quickly. If we move fast and quietly, we should avoid detection.”

Tian Tian was nearly in tears. “If we’re running, how can we stay quiet? Besides, I’m wearing a long dress. What if I trip or fall?”

Realizing the problem, Gao Heng’s expression grew serious. “There’s only one solution.”

Tian Tian looked at him anxiously. “What is it?”

“I’ll carry you. I know some martial arts, so they won’t notice us. But this might offend you,” Gao Heng said before scooping her up in one swift motion. “Apologies, Madam, but the patrol guards are closing in, and we don’t have much time.”

With a sly smile hidden by the shadows, he carried her in his arms.

Tian Tian found herself pressed against his chest, her face brushing against his firm muscles. His faint scent of powder lingered in the air, tickling her senses. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck for stability.

The sensation of holding the delicate beauty in his arms was intoxicating for Gao Heng. She was soft, fragrant, and utterly enchanting. He couldn’t resist tightening his hold just a little.

Reaching the rock formation, Gao Heng finally put Tian Tian down, albeit reluctantly.

Tian Tian, flustered, tapped his arm to signal for him to let go. Being held by such a dashing and upright guard was overwhelming, even for someone like her who had lived many lives. She didn’t want to make a mistake that could jeopardize her mission.

Still, she couldn’t deny how captivating he was. His strength and gallantry were intoxicating.

Gao Heng leaned close and whispered, “Stay still for now. The rock is small, and it’ll be cramped for both of us. Once the patrol passes, I’ll let you down.”

His logic was sound, so Tian Tian nodded and stayed put.

Moments later, the patrol guards moved away into the distance.

Reluctantly, Gao Heng released her from his arms.

“Guard,” Tian Tian asked hesitantly, “do you have someone special in Gao Palace?”

Gao Heng frowned. “This is Gao Palace. How would I dare? Besides, meeting someone who truly understands me is no easy task.”

“Then why do you smell like powder?” she pressed.

Gao Heng paused before explaining, “I serve Nine Thousand Years closely. He often uses powder, so it’s natural for me to pick up the scent.”

Tian Tian nodded, accepting the explanation.

“Let’s move,” Gao Heng said, leading the way again.

They retrieved food from the kitchen and returned to Taihe Palace. On the way back, they encountered another patrol. Gao Heng, once again, quickly pulled Tian Tian into his arms to hide her.

Once might not have meant much.

But twice in a row made Tian Tian overthink.

Could it be that the guard liked her?

The thought had barely surfaced when Tian Tian immediately dismissed it.

Impossible. The guard was fiercely loyal to the Nine Thousand Years. She was the Nine Thousand Years’ woman; he wouldn’t dare harbor inappropriate thoughts.

The only plausible explanation was that he found her beautiful and knew that she would likely become favored by the Nine Thousand Years. He was currying favor early.

If he waited until she was in a position of power, it would be too late to cozy up to her.

This guard was indeed shrewd. Helping her during her time of need ensured she would owe him a favor when she eventually rose in status.

At the entrance of Taihe Palace, Tian Tian thanked Gao Heng profusely again.

Gao Heng, who had just tasted a bit of sweetness, wasn’t ready to let the little beauty leave. But to avoid exposing his true identity, he suppressed his impulses and let her go.

There were fewer than two people in the world who knew his true face and his secret that he wasn’t really a eunuch. Now that she knew, there were only two options: she would become his completely, or she had to die.

For now, she had met his expectations. He just didn’t know what the future held.

“I’ll wait here for you again tomorrow night,” Gao Heng said.

Tian Tian thought the guard’s kindness was just a strategy to curry favor. She didn’t feel burdened by it and nodded in agreement. If she really became successful, she’d make sure to repay him generously.

“Alright, guard, you should get some rest early.”

The two said their goodbyes, and Tian Tian carried her food into Taihe Palace.

In the servant quarters, Qiuju was waiting for her.

When Tian Tian entered the room and saw Qiuju sitting on the edge of the bed with a serious expression, she couldn’t help but ask, “Qiuju, what’s wrong with you?”

Qiuju fixed her gaze on Tian Tian, then suddenly dropped to her knees with a thud.

Tian Tian was startled. “Qiuju, what are you doing?”

Qiuju’s face was tense with anxiety. “Madam, this servant saw it tonight.”

Tian Tian froze. “Saw what?”

“You… you and a man…” Qiuju stammered, unable to finish her sentence. She kowtowed deeply. “Madam, you are the Nine Thousand Years’ woman. You mustn’t act recklessly. If such a thing were to spread, it would be a crime punishable by death. This servant’s life isn’t worth much, but you are of high status and must not be careless.”

Madam had always been kind to her, and she couldn’t stand by and watch her fall into a pit of no return.

Previously, Qiuju had thought the food was just something Madam had bribed for. But as she recovered over the past two days, she noticed things weren’t quite right. Tonight, she had deliberately kept an eye out and had indeed seen Madam leave Taihe Palace to meet a man.

That man was handsome and dignified, and standing next to Madam, they looked like a match made in heaven. But it was impossible for them to be together. Madam was the Nine Thousand Years’ woman. If this matter were exposed, it would mean a death sentence.

So, she risked everything to speak up tonight.

Tian Tian sighed. “You saw everything? It’s not what you think. That man is someone close to the Nine Thousand Years. He’s currying favor early because he sees I have potential. There’s nothing improper between us.”

Qiuju carefully studied Madam’s serious expression. It didn’t seem like she was lying, and she finally breathed a sigh of relief. “If that’s the case, then it’s fine.”

“Eat now. These are all delicacies from the kitchen.” Tian Tian quickly distributed the food.

Qiuju hesitated.

“Eat first and don’t overthink it,” Tian Tian said firmly.

“Yes,” Qiuju replied, obeying her orders.

Several nights passed in this manner. Thanks to Gao Heng’s secret care, not only did Tian Tian avoid losing weight from hunger, but her complexion improved dramatically. She appeared even more radiant and lovely, drawing admiration from anyone who saw her.

One night, as Tian Tian and Gao Heng returned from the kitchen with food, the ground was slippery from the day’s rain. Tian Tian accidentally stepped wrong and slipped forward.

Gao Heng, walking ahead, felt her lose her balance and instinctively reached out to catch her, pulling her into his arms.

Holding the soft, fragrant beauty once again, Gao Heng’s heart surged. The woman in his arms had wide, startled eyes, clearly frightened by the fall.

Her hands clung tightly to the food box, and when she saw it was unharmed, she sighed in relief.

Reluctantly, Gao Heng let her go.

Tian Tian patted her chest, still shaken. “That was so close! Thank goodness you saved me, guard. Thank you.”

Gao Heng’s eyes stayed fixed on her. He watched her petite hand patting her chest, making the soft flesh there tremble slightly. His blood surged, and a taut string in his mind snapped with an audible ping.

Unable to restrain himself, Gao Heng grabbed her hand, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and pulled her back into his embrace.

Before Tian Tian could react, she found herself back in his powder-scented arms. She opened her mouth to speak, but the guard’s warm lips were already on hers.

Tian Tian’s eyes widened in shock, her mind going blank. She felt as if she had been frozen in place, unable to move.

She couldn’t believe it. She was utterly stunned.

The guard had just kissed her.

He had kissed the Nine Thousand Years’ woman.

In that moment, Tian Tian could no longer deceive herself. The guard wasn’t currying favor—he liked her. He was seducing her shamelessly.

It seemed the guard had never kissed a woman before. He was gentle but inexperienced, lingering on her lips with a clumsy yet tender fascination.

But this was no time to analyze his technique. Mustering all her strength, Tian Tian pushed the guard away.

Gao Heng was engrossed in savoring her sweetness, not expecting her resistance. Unprepared, he was genuinely pushed back, leaving him feeling a twinge of regret.

Tian Tian was livid. “Guard, are you out of your mind?”

Gao Heng’s eyes stayed on her, unflinching. “I suppose I am.” He had only known her for less than half a month, yet he already liked her. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. The realization was so absurd, even he thought he must have lost his mind.

“I like you,” he said plainly.

Hearing this, Tian Tian felt as if she had been handed a death sentence. “Shut up! I am the Nine Thousand Years’ woman. I will not betray him. What happened tonight stays between us.”

With that, she turned and left in a hurry.

Gao Heng snapped out of his daze, realizing he had been too impulsive and rude. Yet he couldn’t help himself. In that moment, all he wanted was to kiss her, propriety be damned.

At the entrance of Taihe Palace, Tian Tian walked straight in without saying a word.

Gao Heng hurried after her. “I’ll wait for you here again tomorrow night.”

Knowing his feelings now, Tian Tian couldn’t risk being with him anymore.

“No need. The Nine Thousand Years’ ten-day punishment ends tomorrow. I can endure one night of hunger.” She had previously gone out to eat because the prolonged hunger was unbearable.

But now, knowing the guard’s intentions, she felt a chill deep in her heart. Missing one meal was fine as long as they didn’t cross any more lines.

“Your health is important. Don’t be stubborn. I apologize for my actions earlier,” Gao Heng said, lowering his voice. For the first time since gaining power, he found himself humbled. “Tomorrow night, I’ll wait here for you regardless. Even if you don’t come, I’ll be here.”

With that, he disappeared into the night.

Tian Tian sighed. Gao Heng had clearly found her weak spot, knowing she was too soft-hearted to leave him waiting.

Frustrated, she carried the food inside, but this time, she couldn’t finish it.

Qiuju noticed. “Madam, is something wrong?” Normally, Madam would finish every last grain of rice in her bowl.

Tian Tian looked at the half-empty bowl and sighed. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

Qiuju wisely said no more.

That final night, Tian Tian resolved not to leave her room. No matter how long the guard waited, she wouldn’t go out.

He had chosen to wait, and it had nothing to do with her.

After bathing, Tian Tian lay down, determined to sleep.

But her mind was restless. No matter how much she tossed and turned, sleep refused to come.

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