Chapter 43: Following Wherever He Goes, Part 2

“Compared to Zuo Xuan?”
Magpie’s expression turned serious. “It’s worth a try.”
Yu Qingyan smiled. “Magpie, I have a task for you.”
“Your Highness, please command.”
“Teach Cui’er martial arts.”
Magpie was momentarily taken aback, then exchanged a glance with Cui’er. “I will do my utmost.”
Yu Qingyan looked at Cui’er. “Make sure you learn well from Magpie.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Yu Qingyan returned to her chamber, took a bath, and changed her clothes. When she came out, Chu Yuchuan was already in the Bamboo Garden.
“You two go ahead first.”
Magpie and Cui’er glanced at Yu Qingyan and responded, “Yes.”
“What’s the matter?”
Chu Yuchuan remained seated, pointing to the seat beside him. “Come eat.”
Yu Qingyan glanced at the dishes on the table and sat opposite him.
Chu Yuchuan looked at her admiringly—her bright eyes and white teeth, without a trace of makeup, her long hair loosely tied at the back.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“My beloved consort is stunningly beautiful; I cannot take my eyes off you.”

Yu Qingyan raised an eyebrow. “Your Highness, that’s mistaken. If you want to admire a beauty, just take off your mask and look in the mirror.”
“...” Chu Yuchuan shot her a glare and picked up his chopsticks. “Eat.”
Yu Qingyan smiled and picked up her chopsticks as well.
After the meal, the sky darkened, and the man before her seemed unwilling to leave. Yu Qingyan had no choice but to urge him.
“I’m not leaving tonight. No need for you to say more,” Chu Yuchuan spoke before she did.
“Have you forgotten your earlier promise?”
“I have no intention of doing anything to you, my beloved consort. You need not fear.”
“...”
As night deepened, Yu Qingyan glanced at Chu Yuchuan, who was engrossed in his book on the couch. She decided to go to bed herself.
Late at night, in the darkness, Yu Qingyan glanced at the space beside her. “Get down.”
“...” Chu Yuchuan paused. “I’m not going to do anything.”
“Get down.”
“...”
Early the next morning, Yu Qingyan saw a certain prince curled up pitifully on the couch, his whole body wrapped in the embroidered quilt, only his masked face exposed.
Yu Qingyan frowned. This man clearly had the wrong idea—he had tried to climb into her bed several times, but she always woke as soon as he approached, leaving her sleep restless.
Yu Qingyan opened the door and left. Chu Yuchuan pulled the quilt over his head, thinking, “What a heartless woman!”
After washing up, Yu Qingyan was about to have breakfast when she saw Chu Yuchuan already seated at the table waiting for her.
“Good morning, my beloved consort.”
Yu Qingyan glared at him. “Did you sleep well, Your Highness?”
“You’ll understand if you sleep on the couch yourself for a night.”
“Why invite such suffering upon yourself?”
Chu Yuchuan sighed. “What choice do I have? I married a consort who won’t let me into her bed, so I have to sleep on the couch.”
Yu Qingyan stood to leave, and Chu Yuchuan immediately followed. “Where are you going? Breakfast is ready.”
“I won’t eat.”
Yu Qingyan stepped outside, with Chu Yuchuan trailing behind.
“Is there nothing else for Your Highness to do?”
“I am an idle prince with plenty of free time. Wherever you go, I will accompany you.”
Yu Qingyan rubbed her temple in frustration, wondering what this man was really up to.
She wandered out of the Bamboo Garden. The last time she had strolled through the Idle Prince’s mansion was because of Lin Wanrou, but that woman had ill intentions, trying to lead her to the lakeside.
As she walked, the plaque of the Ruoyue Pavilion appeared before her.
“Why was Madam Yin driven out of the mansion?”
Chu Yuchuan stepped forward beside her. “Do you want to hear the truth, my beloved consort?”