Chapter 22: Entering the Palace 1
Chu Yuchuan remained calm for three seconds.
"What is it that you want!"
Yu Qingyan smiled, pulled up a stool, and sat opposite him. "From now on, under the same roof, let’s just keep the peace. My presence here is nothing more than adding an extra bowl of rice to the Idle Prince’s estate. Besides, I truly will help you deal with the Emperor; you won’t be the one losing out."
"..."
"Do not press my acupoints again."
"...Fine."
"And that Gu Jinshi—stop making things difficult for him because of me."
"You really do care about him," Chu Yuchuan sneered. "Very well!"
He agreed so readily—could there be a trap?
"My Lady—"
Yu Qingyan instinctively stood up, shielding Chu Yuchuan completely from view. "Get out."
Cuier was startled and hurriedly retreated.
Yu Qingyan turned around. Chu Yuchuan, whom she had just bound, had already broken free and put his black mask back on.
Yu Qingyan tried to jump away, but Chu Yuchuan didn't give her the chance. Channeling his internal energy without reservation, he pulled her into his arms within a few moves and planted a punitive kiss on her vibrant, red lips.
It seemed he had wanted to do this days ago.
"I have agreed to your demands, but remember this clearly: whether now or in the future, you are my Princess!"
Yu Qingyan wiped her lips fiercely, though she was no match for him now. Of course, that was only for the moment; as for the future...
Once she regained her strength and dealt with the Emperor, no one would be able to keep her in this so-called Idle Prince’s estate.
"Someone come in," Chu Yuchuan said, having already dressed, calling out to those outside.
Luju and Meixiang entered to help them wash and dress. Yu Qingyan mostly did things herself, feeling an indescribable awkwardness as she watched Chu Yuchuan acting as if he were waited on hand and foot.
"What are you doing now?" Yu Qingyan frowned as Chu Yuchuan grabbed her hand.
"Eat breakfast."
Yu Qingyan rolled her eyes silently. Did he really think they were a married couple?
"We are entering the palace shortly."
"Oh."
"You are coming with me."
Yu Qingyan frowned. "Understood."
Ancient etiquette was exhaustive, and as the Princess of the Idle Prince, there were bound to be plenty of rules.
Entering the palace to see the Emperor? That was Yu Qingyan’s ex-husband...
"You need not worry; we are only going to see the Empress Dowager."
The Empress Dowager? So there was still an Empress Dowager in the palace.
"Understood."
Chu Yuchuan set down his chopsticks. "I am going to change my clothes. You should hurry as well."
Xique and Cuier applied her makeup, and Yu Qingyan felt as if her neck were about to snap under the weight.
"Cuier, bring me the mirror." Looking at her head full of pearls and emeralds, Yu Qingyan frowned and pulled out all the golden hairpins, leaving only two white jade ones.
"Your Highness—"
"Leave it as it is."
"Please, Your Highness, other things may be negotiable, but this headdress is mandatory."
"..."
And so, bearing two pounds of golden headwear and dressed in a magnificent court gown, Yu Qingyan followed Luju and Meixiang out the door.
Chu Yuchuan was already waiting in front of the estate. Hearing the commotion, he turned around.
The woman approaching was dressed in standard court attire. Her exquisite face was made up, making her features appear even more striking, and her bright, piercing eyes showed little ripple as they met his gaze.
"Let’s go." Chu Yuchuan climbed into the carriage first.
"Cuier, Xique, you two stay at the estate. Meixiang, Luju, you will accompany me into the palace."
"Yes."
Yu Qingyan stepped into the carriage without waiting for Meixiang or Luju to assist her. Inside, Chu Yuchuan was holding a hand warmer, eyes closed in meditation.
Yu Qingyan sat upright and closed her eyes as well. The carriage rumbled forward, and occasionally, the cries of street vendors could be heard from the main thoroughfare.