Chapter 11: Leaving Home as a Bride, Part Two

"His Highness is indisposed; I must ask the Princess Consort to make do."

Cuier’s face turned pale. "This... how could this be?"

Yu Qingyan frowned and ripped the red bridal veil from her head, revealing a rooster adorned in red silk standing before her.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"His Highness is unwell and is represented by this rooster. I suggest the Princess Consort proceed with the ceremony quickly, lest we miss the auspicious hour."

Yu Qingyan glanced around. There were no friends or family present, only servants whispering and pointing. It was to be expected. Everyone in the Yu family was dead, and those associated with them avoided the family like the plague. As for the Prince of Leisure, the Emperor’s intent to humiliate him was obvious, and since he was unpopular, no one would bother to show up.

Yu Qingyan pulled a gold hairpin from her hair and plunged it with precision into the rooster’s heart. A spray of blood splattered outward.

"Since His Highness is unwell, take this away and prepare it for him to nourish his health," Yu Qingyan said, looking at the stunned crowd. "This marriage was bestowed by the Emperor. Regardless of whether I wanted to come, I am here, and the vows have been exchanged. I assume you are all witnesses."

The people in the hall did not dare to breathe, nodding frantically.

Standing in the blood-stained hall in her bridal finery, she watched their reactions, a smirk slowly curling on her red lips. "Very well. I am tired. What is your name?"

The steward, who was holding the dead rooster, gulped and finally regained his composure. He bowed his head. "I am the steward of this manor, Wang Fu."

Yu Qingyan raised an eyebrow at him. "Wang Fu, lead the way."

"Yes."

***

Chu Yuchuan sat in his study, a black mask covering half his face. His long eyelashes cast beautiful shadows against his fair skin, and his phoenix eyes shimmered as he looked up at the steward, who had been silent for some time.

"What is it?"

Wang Fu took the chicken soup out of the food box and placed it on Chu Yuchuan’s desk.

"Sent by Lady Rou?"

Wang Fu shook his head. "No, it is from the new Princess Consort."

Chu Yuchuan paused and glanced at the soup on the table. "What is going on?"

Wang Fu recounted the events exactly as they had unfolded. It was Yu Qingyan who had instructed him to prepare the soup.

"...I see. You may leave."

"And this soup?"

Chu Yuchuan’s gaze returned to the bowl, which appeared to be in a state of great honor. "Leave it here."

"Yes."

***

At the same time, a report detailing the same incident had arrived at the Emperor’s imperial study. A flicker of surprise crossed his phoenix eyes, which bore a striking resemblance to those of Chu Yuchuan.

Is this truly what she is like?

***

As he pondered this, he could not help but recall the events at the Fengming Palace that day.

***

Yu Qingyan was currently relaxing, half-reclining in a bathtub. That afternoon, Wang Fu had brought her to the Bamboo Garden. The garden was fairly quiet, and she had known before arriving that the Prince of Leisure would not welcome her. However, she was no pushover to be manipulated at his whim.

If they could coexist peacefully in this manor, that would be for the best. If not, she could always leave. But there was Cuier—the girl had been loyal to her former mistress and had treated her well enough. If she left, where would she place her?

As for that maid, Xique, she was clearly a spy sent by the Emperor. The events of today had surely already reached his ears.

"Cuier."

"Yes, Miss."

"Do you have any family left?"

"I grew up in the Yu household. I have no living relatives," Cuier said, kneeling before her.

"Why are you kneeling again? What is it?"

"I beg you, Miss, please teach me martial arts."

"Martial arts?" Yu Qingyan frowned.

"A few days ago, at the Zhenning Hall, I saw..." Cuier glanced cautiously at Yu Qingyan and fell silent.