Chapter 38: Leaving the Manor (1)

"I hardly need a reminder from Your Highness." Yu Qingyan smoothed the brocade quilt. "Besides, I was the Empress not long ago. If you truly wish to quibble over such things, you should take it up with the Emperor first!"

"Yu Qingyan!"

Yu Qingyan smiled, seemingly quite satisfied with his current display of anger. "Your Highness should go find Lady Rou. I am sure she will be perfectly compliant and eager to please you."

"Both you and she are mine. She has her merits, and naturally, you have yours." Chu Yuchuan frowned as he spoke. "I will handle this matter. You just focus on resting."

By evening, as Yu Qingyan was preparing to eat, Cui'er ran in, looking delighted.

"What is it? Did someone confess their love to you?"

"My lady, what are you saying!" Cui'er gave her a playful glare. "It’s Lady Rou! His Highness has punished her."

Yu Qingyan frowned. "Why?"

"Why else? Naturally, it’s because she injured you! Hmph! That detestable woman!"

What exactly was Chu Yuchuan planning?

"Your Highness!"

Yu Qingyan looked toward Xique, who was walking in from outside. "What is it?"

"His Highness has arrived. You should come out to dine, Your Highness."

"Very well."

Yu Qingyan stepped out of the room, and sure enough, Chu Yuchuan was already seated.

"What are you standing there for? Come over here at once."

Yu Qingyan sat across from him. "What brings Your Highness here again?"

"I wish to dine with my beloved wife. Is that not allowed?"

Yu Qingyan did not answer. She picked up her chopsticks and began to eat on her own, though in her heart, she could not quite grasp the intentions of this Prince.

"Did Master Gu stop by this afternoon?"

Yu Qingyan’s movements paused. "No."

"The year is coming to an end. The Emperor is hosting a banquet at the Zhaoran Palace on New Year's Eve. You will accompany me."

"Very well." She was the Princess consort in name, and it was only right that she attend with him.

Another silence followed, broken only by the sound of bowls and chopsticks clinking—mostly caused by Yu Qingyan. She frowned as she watched him; even eating, this Prince was truly a sight to behold.

Chu Yuchuan stopped and looked up at her. "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing. Keep eating."

Yu Qingyan withdrew her gaze, but as soon as she picked up her chopsticks, she found a few stalks of celery added to her bowl.

"Eat more."

Zuo Xuan, standing respectfully behind them, nearly had his eyes pop out of his head.

"Thank you," Yu Qingyan said politely.

"Qingyan."

Yu Qingyan frowned. He spoke the name so naturally. It wasn't the first time he had called her that, but why did it sound so awkward?

"Is something the matter?"

"...No, nothing." Chu Yuchuan set down his bowl and chopsticks. "I am leaving now."

"Mm."

Chu Yuchuan stood up, cast a look of helplessness her way, and then departed from the Xiuzhu Garden.

Once outside the garden, Zuo Xuan looked at his master. "Your Highness."

"What is it?"

"If you did not wish to leave, you could have asked the Princess to stay the night." Zuo Xuan suggested helpfully.

Chu Yuchuan’s expression turned gloomy and inscrutable. "To Xinyue Pavilion."

"Yes."

The next morning, at the Ningshuang Pavilion, Gu Jinshi had just finished dressing when he suddenly looked toward the window.

"How did you get here?"

"I snuck out. Do you have any time today?"

"But your injuries—"

"These minor wounds are nothing at all, you know that."

Gu Jinshi looked at her, then took a set of white garments from his wardrobe and handed them over.

Yu Qingyan smiled and quietly slipped behind a screen. A short while later, a graceful young gentleman emerged from behind it.

"The clothes are a bit large, but they will do."

"Qingyan—"

Yu Qingyan frowned. "That name won't do. I must choose another."

"..."

"Let’s use the surname Gu as well. How about Gu Yan? What do you think?"

"If you think it is good, then it is good."