Chapter 103: A Deep Sleeper
The moment Xie Rong stepped around the folding screen, the lingering warmth of the bath chamber enveloped him.
Mist drifted lazily through the air, blurring the room ever so slightly. The large wooden bathing tub stood near the window, its surface still releasing gentle wisps of steam.
His gaze immediately landed upon the figure inside.
"Furen!"
His pupils contracted.
Shen Taotao remained motionless.
Her head rested limply against the edge of the tub, her eyes closed as if she had long since lost consciousness. One arm hung weakly over the rim, fingertips nearly brushing the floor, while the once-gently rippling water had become perfectly still.
For a split second... Xie Rong felt his heart stop and his expression changed instantly.
"Taotao."
Receiving no response, he closed the distance in just a few hurried strides.
"Taotao!"
He stopped beside the bathing tub, his heartbeat quickening.
No response.
He crouched down and his fingers immediately reached for her wrist beneath the surface of the warm water, finding her pulse.
After a few moments, the tightness in his expression gradually eased.
Her pulse was steady. Only then did he notice the slow, almost imperceptible rise and fall of her shoulders. She was breathing.
The suffocating tightness in his chest loosened slightly, yet the unease lingering within him refused to disappear.
"Taotao." His voice softened as he gently patted her shoulder. "Wake up. You are not supposed to fall asleep inside the bathing tub."
No response. Her head merely tilted slightly to one side, as though his touch had done little more than disturb a pleasant dream.
Xie Rong frowned.
"Furen..." He patted her shoulder a little more firmly this time. "You will catch a chill."
At that moment, soft footsteps approached outside the bath chamber.
"Young Madam?"
Qing’er’s gentle voice sounded from beyond the folding screen.
"This servant has brought your fresh clothes."
Receiving no response, Qing’er assumed Shen Taotao had simply not heard her over the sound of the water.
She carefully stepped around the folding screen. The moment she caught sight of Xie Rong crouching beside the bathing tub, she froze.
"Y-Young Master!" Her face paled in surprise as she immediately lowered her head, "This servant greets Young Master. This servant did not know Young Master was here."
She hurriedly turned her face aside, not daring to look toward the bathing tub again.
Xie Rong paid no attention to her flustered reaction.
"Bring a large dry cloth." His eyes never left Shen Taotao, "Yes... Yes, Young Master."
Qing’er quickly fetched the neatly folded cloth she had brought with her.
Only then did she cautiously glance toward Shen Taotao.
"Young Madam?" She stepped closer and gently called out. "Young Madam... it’s time to wake up."
Still... No response.
"Let her be..." Xie Rong’s deep and low voice echoed in silence.
Shen Taotao merely frowned faintly before leaning her head against the rim of the bathing tub once more, seemingly determined to continue her sleep.
Qing’er could only smile awkwardly, "Young Madam has always slept very deeply. She must have been exhausted today."
"Mm..." Xie Rong responded with a quiet hum before carefully slipping one arm beneath Shen Taotao’s knees while the other supported her back.
With practiced steadiness, he lifted her from the bathing tub.
Warm droplets slid from the ends of her damp hair, soaking into the front of his robe. "Cover your Young Madam."
"Yes, Young Master."
Qing’er hurried forward and unfolded the large dry cloth, wrapping it securely around Shen Taotao before gently tucking the edges in to ensure not a trace of skin remained exposed.
Only then did Xie Rong carry her out of the bath chamber.
His footsteps were slow and measured, as though even the slightest jolt might disturb the sleeping woman in his arms.
To his surprise... She remained completely asleep. Not even the movement of being lifted from the water had awakened her.
Qing’er couldn’t help stealing a glance at her young madam before lowering her head again.
’A deep sleeper was one thing... But sleeping through all of this... Young Madam truly had remarkable talent.’
Reaching the bed, Xie Rong bent slightly and gently laid Shen Taotao upon the mattress.
"Help her change." His voice remained calm and composed. "I shall wait."
"Yes, Young Master."
Without another word, Xie Rong turned his back to the bed and walked behind the embroidered folding screen near the window, leaving only his silhouette visible beneath the warm lantern light. His gaze rested upon the moonlit courtyard beyond the lattice window, giving Qing’er sufficient privacy to attend to Shen Taotao.
Qing’er quietly let out the breath she had been holding.
She quickly untucked the dry cloth wrapped around Shen Taotao before changing her into a clean set of soft inner robes. Throughout the entire process, her young madam merely shifted slightly, mumbling something incoherent beneath her breath before continuing her peaceful slumber.
Qing’er could only shake her head with a helpless smile. "Young Madam..."
She gently gathered the still-damp strands of Shen Taotao’s hair and carefully dried them with another clean cloth, making sure not to leave any moisture behind.
After making certain the quilt was tucked securely around her, Qing’er quietly stepped back.
"Young Master."
Xie Rong slowly turned around. His gaze instinctively fell upon Shen Taotao’s peaceful sleeping face.
The slight furrow that had remained between his brows since entering the bath chamber finally eased.
After a brief moment of silence, he looked toward Qing’er. "Come outside."
Qing’er lowered her head. "Yes, Young Master."
The two quietly left the bedchamber, gently closing the door behind them so as not to disturb the sleeping Shen Taotao.
Standing beneath the corridor’s hanging lanterns, Xie Rong remained silent for a moment before speaking, "I have something I wish to ask you."
Qing’er’s heart skipped a beat but she still respectfully lowered her head further. "Young Master, please ask."
Xie Rong remained silent for a moment before his gaze drifted toward the tightly closed bedchamber door.
Only after confirming no sound came from within did he speak.
"Tell me..." His voice was low and steady. "Everything that happened by the palace lake after Furen left the banquet."
Qing’er’s eyes widened slightly.
He continued, "Leave nothing out."