Chapter 17: The Second Trial
“Cui’er, what is the name of the Leisure King?”
Upon hearing this, Cui’er couldn’t help but look over, glancing at her mistress with surprise. “Miss, you don’t know?”
Yu Qingyan shrugged. “No, I don’t.”
“The prince’s name is Chu Yuchuan. He is the seventh son of the late emperor.”
Chu Yuchuan... The pebble in Yu Qingyan’s hand shot swiftly, striking the bamboo over ten meters away. “Why did the late emperor dislike him?”
“The prince and the late second prince were both born to Consort Liu. Consort Liu passed away giving birth to the prince. The late emperor was heartbroken over her death and thus grew distant from the prince.”
“I see.” Yu Qingyan nodded. “Continue, it’s nearly dark.”
As twilight deepened, Yu Qingyan returned with a weary Cui’er and was immediately approached by Magpie, who wore an anxious expression.
“Princess! Where have you been? The prince has arrived and is waiting for you in the room!”
Again? Didn’t he leave just this morning?
“I understand.”
Frowning, Yu Qingyan entered the room and sure enough, saw Chu Yuchuan preparing to eat.
“Your Highness’s presence truly brings honor to Xiuzhu Garden.”
“I’m here on a whim. But, beloved, you kept me waiting.”
“What is Your Highness’s purpose?”
“Of course, to dine with my beloved. Please take your seat.”
Yu Qingyan frowned. Eating with him? That felt awkward.
Chu Yuchuan looked at her. “Is the food at the mansion not to your taste?”
Lowering her eyes, a faint smile graced Yu Qingyan’s lips. “No, it’s just that Your Highness is so delectable that I’ve lost my appetite.”
After a moment of silence without his usual outburst, Yu Qingyan looked up to meet his amber eyes, which held anger as well as an expression she couldn’t quite decipher.
“The princess is also a feast for the eyes, making the entire table of food pale in comparison. So, I’ve decided to have a taste.”
Sensing his move, Yu Qingyan quickly dodged, but he was swift beyond expectation, instantly striking her acupoint and lifting her horizontally.
“You all may leave.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Watching his profile, Yu Qingyan said, “Is that the only trick you know?”
“Who told you to act like a wild little cat? I have to do this to keep you in line.”
“So the prince enjoys this, huh? Well, suit yourself. I’m going to sleep.”
“Don’t be in such a hurry, beloved. I won’t let you fall asleep.”
Yu Qingyan watched as he removed her clothes. “At a time like this, do you think of other concubines? For instance, Lady Rou?”
“Jealous, beloved?”
Yu Qingyan smiled. “You’re overthinking. I’m just putting myself in your shoes…”
Chu Yuchuan paused, then suddenly grabbed her throat. “Who exactly are you? Were you sent by the emperor?”
Yu Qingyan met his cold amber gaze. “And if I were?”
He looked at her for a long moment. “What do you think I would do?”
Then he stepped off the bed.
“I’m curious. You’re just a carefree Leisure King, so why would the emperor send someone here?”
Chu Yuchuan glanced back at her, his expression flickering. He had already sent people to investigate thoroughly and had just confirmed the flame-shaped red birthmark on her back, which perfectly matched Yu Qingyan’s profile. If she weren’t sent by the emperor with such care, she would be the real Yu Qingyan—who would never serve the emperor’s purposes.
Yet, her behavior these past two days hardly resembled that of a refined lady.
“Hey!”
Chu Yuchuan snapped back to attention.
“Help me unblock my acupoints.”
He reached out to release the pressure, as if their earlier conversation had never happened.