Chapter Twenty-Five: The Crown Prince of the Western Court

Zhongli Yu had gone to the palace, leaving Zhanyan sitting alone in the study, feeling an emptiness. After finishing her work, she picked up a book from the shelf and flipped through it absentmindedly. Night fell and still there was no sign of Zhongli Yu’s return. Guessing that the emperor must have summoned him to discuss important matters, Zhanyan decided not to wait any longer. As it was late, she went to bed first. Perhaps the day’s work had left her exhausted, for she fell asleep almost instantly.

Deep in slumber, she was suddenly drawn into a familiar embrace. The scent she knew so well surrounded her. Zhanyan turned over, nestled comfortably into his arms, found an even cozier position, and drifted back into a deep sleep.

Zhongli Yu gazed at her, defenseless in his arms, and his heart melted into a pool of spring water. He placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead and, holding her close, fell asleep as well.

At dawn, Zhanyan awoke and saw Zhongli Yu still sleeping quietly beside her, his arm draped over her waist. Warmth filled her heart as her fingers traced his features. She couldn’t help but marvel at how his appearance seemed crafted by heavenly hands—perfection itself. Her gaze lingered on his sensuous lips, pressed together lightly, and she blushed, recalling the countless times those lips had kissed her.

“My dear, are you satisfied with your husband’s looks?” Zhongli Yu’s voice was husky as he spoke. He had been aware for some time that his little wife was watching him, pretending not to notice, but seeing her blush, he guessed she was recalling their intimate moments.

“Mm, not bad,” Zhanyan replied, her voice tinged with the laziness of just waking.

“It’s still early. Why don’t we do something together?” With his beloved wife in his arms, he saw no reason to restrain himself. He pressed his lips to hers before she could reply, giving her no chance to refuse.

Within the silken canopy, passion bloomed once more.

Utterly spent, Zhanyan drifted back into sleep, awakening only when the sun was high in the sky. When she finally rose, there was no trace of Zhongli Yu; this imbalance irked her—why was it that she was left drained while he remained so energetic? Was the difference between men and women truly so vast?

“Miss, are you awake?” Qingyun called from outside the door.

“Yes, come in.”

“You’re finally up, miss. His Highness instructed early this morning that special tonics be prepared for you, saying your health is too weak and you must be well-nourished. He also told the kitchen to keep the food hot until you woke,” Qingyun said with a smile, her cheeks reddening as she noticed the marks left all over Zhanyan’s skin.

Zhanyan rolled her eyes. Too weak? It was clearly him who had no sense of moderation, constantly wearing her out. Luckily, she had martial arts training; otherwise, who knows what state she’d be in? Men who’ve just gotten a taste really are hard to handle.

“Where is His Highness? Gone to the palace again?” Zhanyan’s voice was still languid.

“Yes, he left for the palace early and told you to have your meal without waiting for him.”

After breakfast, Zhanyan took Qingyun with her to visit Shuyi Tailor Shop.

Walking through the streets in her white gauze dress, her hair styled in a matron’s bun, she moved with measured grace. The wind caught her skirt, making her appear otherworldly, like a celestial being untouched by mortal concerns.

On the third floor of Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, a tall, handsome man stood by the window, his expression cold and indifferent, a hint of derision in his eyes as he surveyed the world below. This was Prince Yang Rui of Xiyuan. When he caught sight of Zhanyan passing by, his heart faltered. Never had he seen such a beautiful woman—not even his own sister, Yang Birou, famed as Xiyuan’s greatest beauty, could compare. The woman below exuded gentle serenity, as if she had no quarrel with the world, her eyes clear and tranquil, radiating a peaceful contentment. Yang Rui withdrew his gaze; such a woman, seen only once, would be remembered forever.

“Weiyan, go find out who that woman in white who just passed by is,” Yang Rui ordered in a low voice.

“Yes, Your Highness.” The man was gone before he had even finished speaking.

Within a quarter of an hour, Weiyan returned. “Your Highness, the woman in question is Princess Consort Chun, recently married a few days ago. Her name is Gu Wuyou, from a small town called Wenyang. No one here had heard of her before.”

“A small town?” Yang Rui frowned, surprised by the description. The woman looked every inch a lady of noble birth, appearing more regal than a princess. How could she possibly be from a humble family?

“You may go,” Yang Rui said, his voice deep.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

So, she was Princess Consort Chun—already married? A trace of regret flickered in his heart, yet her graceful figure lingered in his mind, impossible to dispel.

Leaving the tailor shop, Zhanyan found it was already midday. At the door, she saw Zhongli Yu approaching. When he caught sight of her, he smiled gently. “I’ve come to take you to lunch. Afterwards, we can stroll together, if you like?”

“Yes, I’m hungry, too,” Zhanyan replied with a smile. It felt wonderful to be so cherished.

“Shall we go to Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion again, or try someplace new?”

“No need. Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion is fine,” she said, shaking her head.

“Alright.”

When they entered, the hall was already bustling with diners. Zhongli Yu led her straight up to the third floor.

“Qingyun, go order something for yourself. No need to follow,” Zhanyan said, knowing Zhongli Yu disliked being disturbed.

“Yes, miss.”

It seemed Zhongli Yu had already arranged everything. As soon as they sat down, the dishes were served—all of Zhanyan’s favorites.

“Why didn’t you order something you like? You ordered all my favorites—I can’t eat that much,” Zhanyan said softly.

“I like whatever you like,” Zhongli Yu replied with a gentle laugh.

Zhanyan’s heart warmed. She had never realized before how blissful it was to be cherished so deeply.

“Eat more. The Crown Prince of Xiyuan arrived in Dongling today. There’s a banquet at the palace tonight, and I’m afraid you’ll go hungry if you don’t eat enough now,” Zhongli Yu said as he served her food.

“He arrived today? I hadn’t heard.”

“That’s why the emperor summoned me in such haste yesterday. Fifteen years ago, Dongling and Xiyuan signed a peace treaty, which is now nearing its end. The Crown Prince is likely here to discuss relations between our two countries.” As Zhongli Yu spoke, the noise from the street suddenly died away.

They looked out to see the townspeople moving aside, clearing the way for Xiyuan’s ceremonial procession. A tall, handsome man rode at the front, clothed in a maroon brocade robe. His features were sharp, his gaze deep and mature. Sensing their attention, he looked up at their window, his eyes lingering briefly on Zhanyan’s face before turning away.

Behind him was an ornate carriage, its curtains drawn. Both Zhongli Yu and Zhanyan, with their keen eyesight, could just make out a woman seated inside.

“Who’s in the carriage?” Zhanyan asked, tilting her head.

“Princess Birou of Xiyuan.”

“Oh? She’s said to be the most beautiful woman in Xiyuan. I wonder if she’s truly as stunning as the rumors claim.”

“We’ll find out at tonight’s banquet.”

“Must we go?” Zhanyan frowned; she disliked such occasions.

“It’s an imperial order—officials of third rank and above must attend with their families.” If he could, he would have hidden her away.

“Oh, very well,” Zhanyan replied with resignation. She had known that marrying him would not be easy, but she hadn’t expected the challenges to come so soon.

Zhongli Yu couldn’t help but laugh. So many people longed for a chance to enter the palace, yet for the little woman before him, it felt like a punishment. Clearly, being his princess was a grievance for her. He had always known she cherished her freedom and hated restraint, but what could he do? He loved her too much to let her go.

Seeing a hint of apology in his eyes, Zhanyan felt a little embarrassed. Wasn’t it just a palace banquet? It was nothing insurmountable. Everything in life comes with gains and losses—since she’d chosen this path, she would see it through.

“You should eat more too,” Zhanyan said, piling his bowl high with food until it resembled a small mountain.

“Alright,” he replied with a soft laugh, obligingly finishing every last bite.