Chapter Thirty-Three: Settling Biro

"Go and summon the princess," Yang Rui instructed the guard.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Before long, Bi Rou appeared in Yang Rui's chamber. When her gaze fell on Zhongli Yu, admiration flickered in her eyes despite herself.

"Brother Crown Prince, you called for me," Bi Rou said gently.

"The Princess Consort of Chun has agreed to help you find a place to stay. I fear I might not be able to look after you if you remain here, so it’s best to settle you somewhere safe," Yang Rui spoke solemnly.

"Brother, must I leave? I can stay and help you." Bi Rou was both learned and skilled in martial arts—no useless person. She did not wish for her brother to face everything alone.

"Be good and listen. If you stay by my side, I’ll be distracted. No matter what happens, I only hope that you will be well," Yang Rui replied with gentle affection.

"Brother..." Bi Rou could not hold back her tears, her heart aching for her brother. Once the crown prince of a nation, he had fallen to the point of being assassinated by his own father. This brother had protected her since childhood, never forgetting to shield her, no matter the circumstances.

"There now, don’t cry," Yang Rui soothed, patting her back.

"Will you really take me in? Don’t you resent me?" Bi Rou turned to Zhan Yan, confusion in her voice.

"There is no wrong in loving someone. I cannot ignore you simply because you love my husband, can I? Besides, you have only harbored feelings, not committed any harm against me. So I am willing to help you this once," Zhan Yan replied gently. She believed in showing mercy where possible. In these years, she had aided countless people; the villagers living in Wuyou Valley were proof enough. Taking in one more princess was hardly a concern.

"But are you not afraid that helping me will bring you trouble?" Bi Rou was kind by nature, and upon hearing Zhan Yan's words, she began to admire this woman, feeling genuine concern for her.

"Rest assured. The whole world knows what happened between us in the Golden Hall, and everyone believes there is enmity between us. Who would suspect that I would take you in?" Zhan Yan saw that Bi Rou’s worries were sincere, and her own sympathy for her deepened. It seemed she had made the right choice.

Those present all agreed with Zhan Yan’s reasoning. Truly, what woman would help another who had tried to win her husband? Entrusting Bi Rou to Zhan Yan’s care was, indeed, the safest option. Previously, Yang Rui had asked Zhan Yan to look after Bi Rou, relying on the power of the Prince of Chun, but he had not considered this aspect. Now, he was even more at ease.

"Then I must thank you, Princess Consort," Bi Rou said politely. For now, she had no other choice. Returning to Xiyuan was out of the question, and if she remained in Dongling, should war break out, as a princess of an enemy nation, she would only become a target of scorn—perhaps even be killed in the streets by an enraged populace.

"It’s good that you understand, Princess. What could be more important than staying alive?" Zhan Yan sighed softly. To live in this world was no easy feat; one must cherish life above all.

"Does Your Highness have any plans?" Zhongli Yu, seeing Zhan Yan’s mood grow somber, hurriedly changed the subject.

"I believe I must go to the palace and see the King of Dongling. I must make him understand my current predicament and explain all that has happened." Yang Rui trusted that someone as wise as Zhongli Yu had already discerned the identity of his would-be assassin.

"That is a sound idea. Our emperor is a wise ruler—he knows right from wrong. I too hope that you will survive and do all you can to stop this war," Zhongli Yu replied. His decision to aid Yang Rui was not only because Yang Rui was loved by the people of Xiyuan and possessed the talents of a statesman, but also because he seemed not to relish the prospect of war.

"I have never wished to wage war. War brings only suffering to the people. But now I have no power to stop anything, though I will do all I can," Yang Rui said with a bitter smile. If he wished to live, he could not return to Xiyuan; and if he could not return, much remained beyond his reach.

"I understand," Zhongli Yu replied calmly.

"Madam, we should return," Zhongli Yu addressed Zhan Yan formally in the presence of others.

"Very well. Princess Bi Rou, prepare yourself tonight. Tomorrow I will send someone to fetch you," Zhan Yan said sincerely.

"Thank you, Princess Consort," Bi Rou replied, expressing her gratitude once again.

Upon their return to the Prince of Chun’s residence, Zhan Yan instructed Lan Yun and Lan Xiang to fetch Princess Bi Rou early the next morning and escort her safely to the Gu family estate. She then joined Zhongli Yu in the study to attend to matters at hand.

Before dawn the next day, Lan Yun and Lan Xiang arrived at Princess Bi Rou’s lodgings. Bi Rou had already packed, evidently having awaited their arrival for some time. Seeing that they were Zhan Yan’s people, she asked no questions and boarded the carriage with them.

During the journey, Bi Rou glanced at Lan Yun and Lan Xiang, reflecting that Gu Wuyou must be no ordinary woman; even her two maids seemed intelligent and skilled in martial arts.

"The Princess Consort of Chun certainly trains remarkable people. Just looking at you two, it’s clear," Bi Rou remarked, making conversation to pass the time.

"How can you be sure we serve the Princess Consort and not the Prince?" Lan Yun asked, curiosity in her voice.

"Isn’t it obvious? It’s said that the Prince of Chun never allows women near him; even his attendants are all men. This rumor has spread to Xiyuan, so it’s no surprise I know it," Bi Rou replied softly, a trace of melancholy in her heart. A man like that would forever be out of reach.

Lan Yun and Lan Xiang exchanged a glance but said nothing more. They could not comfort Bi Rou—after all, this woman had nearly become the culprit behind their mistress’s heartbreak. Fortunately, the prince’s affections were unwavering; otherwise, who knew what might have become of their lives now.

The three women fell silent, the only sounds the rumbling of the carriage wheels and the steady beat of hooves. After nearly two hours, they finally arrived at the gates of the Gu family estate.

Lan Yun stepped forward to knock, and it was Old Yang who answered. Clearly, he had already been informed and was waiting for them.

"Old Yang, is the room prepared? Our honored guest has arrived," Lan Yun spoke softly.

"Everything is ready. We’ve been waiting for our guest," Old Yang replied, wisely avoiding any mention of Princess Bi Rou’s true identity.

"Let’s go in," Lan Yun said, lifting the carriage curtain and offering her hand to Bi Rou.

As Bi Rou entered the Gu residence, she saw a tall, imposing man approaching. His expression was cold, lips pressed into a stern line, his demeanor forbidding. This was Zhan Yan’s senior brother, Gu Qinghan.

"Young Master, I didn’t know you were here. Old Yang didn’t mention it," Lan Yun greeted him respectfully.

Gu Qinghan nodded. "I came on a whim to look around, arrived only last night. Old Yang likely hadn’t had the chance to inform you."

"Our lady asked us to bring Miss Yang here to stay for a while," Lan Yun explained politely. "Miss Yang, this is the Princess Consort’s elder brother."

"Hello, my surname is Yang, given name Mingbi. Please call me Yang Bi," Bi Rou replied courteously, understanding Lan Yun’s intention not to reveal her true identity.

"I am Gu Qinghan. Since my sister has arranged for you to stay, please make yourself at home. If you need anything, just ask Old Yang," Gu Qinghan said politely. He glanced at Bi Rou; though she was beautiful, his gaze lingered no longer than courtesy required.

"Thank you," Bi Rou replied with equal politeness. Men who were unmoved by her beauty were rare, and so Gu Qinghan left a deep impression on her.

When Lan Yun and Lan Xiang returned to the Prince of Chun’s residence, night had already fallen. They slipped through the gates just before they closed for the night. Learning that Zhan Yan had already retired, they decided to rest themselves, leaving their report for the morning.