A Bed-Warming Maid and the First Imperial Princess's Midnight Visit

Though Xiao Yan's eyes were closed, he was a little bewildered.

Why did something feel off about this woman?

He coughed softly. "Forget it. Go back to your room."

"If Yanran is your bed-warming maid, how can she go back to her room? Which room would that be?" Nalan Yanran asked softly.

"Uh..." Xiao Yan was stumped. Only then did he remember that although Nalan Yanran was nominally his bed-warming maid, Cai Lin was always at his side, or Qing Lin was tending to him. Nalan Yanran alone was left in an awkward position, neither close nor distant.

"Then stay," Xiao Yan said after a long silence.

"Yes!" Nalan Yanran's voice was bright and sweet. Nimble as a fawn, she darted to the bed, where a soft rustling followed.

Xiao Yan closed his eyes and focused. He soon went still, but then a beautiful woman slipped under the covers, her body bare. Only her lively eyes remained visible, staring at him without blinking.

Xiao Yan: "..."

Was he going to get any sleep tonight?

"Phew..."

As energy coursed through his meridians and Dou Qi surged, Xiao Yan slowly finished his cultivation. He had grown a little stronger.

He glanced at Nalan Yanran beside him. Her eyes appeared shut, but her delicate hands gripped the quilt, and her lovely face was flushed with shyness and impatience. Xiao Yan fell silent. This antiquated, decadent custom really made him want to... condemn it.

Fine. He would condemn it thoroughly.

He went straight to the bed. Nalan Yanran had already left room for him, giving him the warm spot while she curled up in a corner.

Xiao Yan lifted the quilt and lay down.

Warmth enveloped him. A faint feminine fragrance filled his nose, and his thoughts instantly became a jumble.

Nalan Yanran propped