Yun Kui returned to her chamber to bathe and freshen up, waiting for a long time without seeing the Crown Prince return.
Was he really angry with her?
Just because she called him "grumpy"—was that worth ignoring her the entire way back?
Before their wedding, he had always maintained an aloof, unapproachable demeanor in front of her, never even sparing her a proper glance. Wasn’t that the very definition of grumpy?
Oh well. He was the Crown Prince, after all, and she had been the one to speak out of turn. She ought to find a way to make amends.
While he was still absent, she secretly pulled out the illustrated manual again to study. Seeing the woman in the painting place that thing in her mouth while the man wore an expression of ecstasy, Yun Kui couldn’t help but frown.
His Highness was fastidious about cleanliness. Whether he rose early to practice swordsmanship or exhausted himself late into the night, he always insisted on bathing afterward. Though Little His Highness was unsightly, it shared its master’s fastidiousness. Pleasing him wasn’t impossible, but… with her small cherry-like mouth, could she even manage it? The illustration showed the entire length, but given His Highness’s proportions, just covering the tip would be an achievement.
Yun Kui stretched her jaw, testing its flexibility—she didn’t want to dislocate it.
After a long while, footsteps finally sounded outside. She quickly composed herself, ready to surprise him!
The man entered unhurriedly, pausing at the bedside to gaze at his seemingly slumbering Crown Princess.
Her brows were like delicate feathers, her cheeks luminous as polished jade. Even in the candlelight, her sleeping face exuded a captivating charm, as tender as a blooming crabapple.
And when she fixed those shy, shimmering almond eyes on you, it was utterly mesmerizing.
Hers was not the flamboyant beauty of a peony, dazzling and opulent. Yet once your gaze settled on her, no one else could hold your attention.
No wonder King Moshan had fallen for her at first sight, insisting on marrying her. No wonder Wei Qian, the Vice Minister of Revenue, still pined for her even after she had wed into the Eastern Palace.
And he, who prided himself on self-restraint, had let her sway his emotions so easily. The reports Qin Ge had brought him only stoked the fire in his chest, a searing fury simmering beneath the surface.
"Lady Qi of the Marquis of Wuning household is well-versed in medicine. Over the years, she often volunteered at orphanages and charity houses. The Crown Princess, with time to spare, would accompany her, which is how she became acquainted with Vice Minister Wei during his inspections."
"The two were not particularly close, but… whenever the Crown Princess stepped out, Vice Minister Wei would find excuses to cross paths with her…"
So every "chance encounter" had been carefully orchestrated. Wei Qian was refined, gentle as jade—had he not been plagued by poor health, he might have been the ideal son-in-law in the eyes of the Marquis and his wife.
From the day the imperial decree was announced until now, over a year had passed. Wei Qian was long past marriageable age, yet he had never shown interest in taking a wife.
So his Xiao Qi’an’s wife had been the object of another man’s longing all this time.
The Crown Prince closed his eyes, veins bulging on the back of his tightly clenched hands.
The bedchamber was oppressively silent. Yun Kui, hearing the slightly ragged breathing beside her, grew uneasy.
Is he still angry? His temper is ridiculous!
Calling you grumpy—was it even untrue?
So angry you’ve lost interest in bedplay? No kisses, no embraces? And here I prepared a surprise for you…
She considered turning toward the wall and ignoring him, but before she could, his heavy, feverish body pressed down on her without warning. A large hand cradled the back of her head, and before she could even gasp, his lips sealed hers, stealing her breath in a ruthless invasion.
This kiss was fiercer, more domineering than any before—a conquest, a claiming. His tongue forced past her teeth, plundering without mercy. She instinctively pushed against him, but his grip only tightened, as though he wanted to crush her into his very bones.
Air grew scarce, her heart pounding violently. Yun Kui’s mind blanked, tears welling from sheer physiological overwhelm.
Only then did he seem to notice, easing his assault and slowly releasing her.
Freed from his grasp, she finally saw his face—usually so unreadable, now dark with storm clouds, his bloodshot eyes like smoldering embers in a pitch-black abyss.
Timidly, she asked, "Your Highness… what’s wrong?"
The Crown Prince stared at her in silence. "What did you call me outside the palace today?"
Yun Kui blinked, then lowered her gaze. "Within the palace, it’s better to address you as ‘Your Highness.’"
"Why?"
"Hierarchy must be observed. You already scold me for lacking propriety. If I were disrespectful, wouldn’t you punish me…?"
His jaw tightened imperceptibly. "When have I ever punished you?"
She pressed her lips—swollen from his kisses—and muttered, "Just now… wasn’t that punishment?"
"Look at me when you speak."
She dared not raise her head. Tonight, he was different. "Are you still angry with me?"
Instead of answering, he asked coldly, "Do you find me too harsh?"
She chose her words carefully. "A little."
His voice dropped lower. "So you prefer gentle men?"
The question baffled her. "Who doesn’t? Naturally, I’d hope my husband would be tender and considerate."
A humorless laugh escaped him. "Then why marry me? Wouldn’t a mild-mannered man have suited you better?"
Yun Kui was taken aback. "Didn’t you personally come to the Sheng residence and claim we were betrothed, forcing King Moshan to back down…?"
His chest burned hotter. "So I coerced you."
"Not entirely…"
Of course not entirely.
The Crown Prince knew better than anyone—she was vain for beauty.
She had often ogled his looks in her thoughts. Naturally, she would ogle others too. Any passably handsome man from a respectable family could have won her hand.
This marriage had always been a political union, a transaction under their parents’ arrangements. Yet he had behaved like a lust-addled fool, drowning in her night after night, losing control over something as trivial as another man’s lingering gaze.
Perhaps this was a wake-up call. From the start, he should have kept a respectful distance, instead of deluding himself into thinking… Never mind.
Yun Kui felt the air grow heavier. Clueless about the source of his anger, she gave up trying to understand and burrowed deeper into the blankets.
No surprise for you now! Mean Crown Prince!
His expression darkened further as he shut his eyes.
What surprise could she have prepared?
The last extra stick of candied hawthorn had gone to Wei Qian.
---
Yun Kui continued her studies diligently, learning etiquette under Nanny Wen’s guidance while the court ladies appointed by the Crown Prince instructed her in the arts. Over time, her skills showed marked improvement.
The Empress, ever encouraging, never missed a chance to praise her.
Yet at the same time, Yun Kui couldn’t ignore the shift in the Crown Prince’s demeanor toward her.
It wasn't exactly neglect. Every day, they still shared the same room as usual, but there was never any enthusiasm. They were more like a couple who "presented the food with respect," exuding an air of politeness and aloofness from the inside out.
Moreover, the Crown Prince threw himself whole - heartedly into official business and was no longer as concerned about her studies as before. As a result, Yun Kui felt embarrassed to ask for rewards.
One day, after the Crown Prince had looked at the calligraphy she had practiced, he didn't give any comments. He just said indifferently, "It's the birthday of the Lady of the Marquis of Wuning at the end of the month. If you want to go back to your natal family, just inform the Empress."
Yun Kui was surprised. How did His Highness know that she wanted to go back home...
She had just left the palace on the Qixi Festival. Going back to her natal family again at the end of the month was too frequent, so she had hesitated to mention it.
Fortunately, now that she had received permission, the Empress would surely not object. So she happily waited to leave the palace.
On the evening of the 26th, the Crown Prince finished his official business and returned to the Chengguang Hall. The huge bedroom was empty, filled with a long - lost silence.
Asking the servants, he learned that the Crown Princess had already left the palace.
Qiuchan stepped forward and said, "The Crown Princess got the approval of the Empress and can go back to the mansion to reunite with the Marquis and his wife for three days. She had dinner just now. Since she didn't wait for Your Highness to come back, she had to go back first and asked this servant to report this matter to you."
During this period, he had specifically instructed that he didn't need to be informed of every movement of the Crown Princess at all times. So even when she left the palace, the servants didn't report it to him immediately.
The Crown Prince clenched his fist and silently closed his eyes.
Sleeping alone was nothing. He had lived like this for nearly twenty years before.
But tonight, he suffered from insomnia, which was rare for him.
Maybe it was because he went to bed one or two hours earlier without the routine activities, or maybe it was because there were no more noisy thoughts in his ear, which made him feel uncomfortable.
He pressed his temples and simply got up and went back to the study to deal with official business.
There was a list of personnel transfers in the court this year on the table.
He pondered over the documents for a long time, crossed out the original candidate for the Education Commissioner of Jiangnan Road, and wrote the name "Wei Qian" with his pen.
There were numerous and complicated affairs in the Ministry of Revenue. Wei Qian was weak and sickly. He might overwork himself. It would be better for him to go to the beautiful Jiangnan area. While overseeing the educational administration, he could also recuperate his body. Maybe he could even live a few more years.
Early the next morning, the Crown Prince ordered Qin Ge to take the birthday gift and go to the Sheng Mansion on his behalf.
On the birthday of the Lady of the Marquis of Wuning, the proper courtesy still had to be shown.
The birthday gift was a cloisonné bonsai inlaid with red coral and full of pearls and emeralds. It was an extremely precious and rare ornament even in a noble family like the Marquis of Wuning's. But Lady Qi noticed that her money - loving daughter looked indifferent, and there was no sparkle in her eyes as there usually was when she saw gold and silver jewelry. She had a bad premonition in her heart.
When they were alone, Lady Qi called her daughter aside and said, "Yun Kui, did you have a quarrel with the Crown Prince?"
Yun Kui shook her head. "No, how dare I."
Seeing her mother's worried face, she forced a smile and said, "You know the Crown Prince's temper. He treats everyone like this. But he treats me well. Don't worry, Mother."
Lady Qi wanted to ask more, but Yun Kui hugged her arm and said, "Let's not talk about him. By the way, aren't you going to the Foundling Hospital for a free medical consultation tomorrow? I happen to have one more day of leisure. I'll go with you."
Lady Qi originally thought that the status of the Crown Princess was not suitable for showing up in public. But then she thought that the Crown Prince had even taken her out of the palace on the Qixi Festival, so it might be all right.
But then, after hesitating for a moment, she still reminded her, "If you meet Minister Wei of the Ministry of Revenue, don't get too close to him."
Yun Kui was slightly surprised. "Why do you suddenly mention him, Mother?"
Lady Qi didn't hide it from her. "Don't you know? A few days ago, when King Moshan came to propose marriage and our family was stalling for time, Minister Wei proposed marriage to your father and me."
Yun Kui was extremely shocked and couldn't say a word.
Lady Qi sighed and said, "He is gentle and elegant. At a young age, he has become an important official in the court. He was originally a very good candidate. It's just a pity that his parents died early, and few of the family members are in good health. He also suffers from a chronic cold disease that recurs every year. Your mother was afraid that you would have a hard life if you married him. After much thought, I asked your father to decline his proposal."
Only then did Lady Qi realize that the frequent meetings at the Foundling Hospital might not have been coincidences. It turned out that he had feelings for her daughter.
At that time, he was unmarried and she was unwed. It was harmless to talk to each other. But now that her daughter had married into the Eastern Palace, it would be inappropriate to have further contact.
Yun Kui's head was buzzing, and many things came to her mind.
Wasn't it on the Qixi Festival night that she had a chance encounter with Minister Wei?
They had left the palace happily that day. He had even asked her to call him husband in the carriage and held her hand all the way. How could he have gotten so angry just because of Little Wu's words "so fierce"?
When they came back, he had kissed her so passionately and said those strange things -
"So you like gentle men?"
"In that case, why did you marry me back then? Wouldn't it be better to find a gentle - natured man?"
Did the "gentle - natured man" he mentioned refer to Minister Wei?
Otherwise, Yun Kui really couldn't figure out why he had suddenly asked such questions.
The Crown Prince was extremely capable and could find out anything. So... did he already know that Minister Wei had feelings for her?
...
Early the next morning, in the Chongming Hall.
The Crown Prince was still looking through the documents. Qin Ge came back from outside the palace. He had gathered some information but didn't know whether he should report it or not.
[Should I tell His Highness that the Crown Princess is going to the Foundling Hospital for a free medical consultation with the Lady of the Marquis today, and Minister Wei happens to be there to handle some affairs? They are likely to meet again.]
[In such a small Foundling Hospital, how much official business needs to be handled? Maybe he went there specifically to say goodbye to the Crown Princess...]
As soon as this thought flashed through his mind, he heard a "snap". The purple - haired writing brush in the Crown Prince's hand suddenly broke in the middle, and a large area of ink spread on the document.
The Crown Prince's face was cold. Without bothering to deal with the stain, he got up and stepped out of the hall.
At the Foundling Hospital.
Yun Kui had come early with Lady Qi, bringing a lot of snacks and fruits that the children liked.
It was a rare opportunity to leave the palace. She couldn't just hide in the mansion because of a man she might not even see. Moreover, the children at the Foundling Hospital all liked her. When her mother was giving free medical consultations, the sick children inevitably needed to have acupuncture and take medicine. With her there, she could comfort them a little.
She just didn't expect that she would really meet Wei Qian.
Before she knew that he had proposed marriage to her family, Yun Kui could still greet him calmly. But now that she knew, she just couldn't pretend to be calm. She even subconsciously avoided his eyes.
Wei Qian was a smart man. How could he not notice?
Miss Sheng, just like her name, was as bright and lively as a sunflower. He had fallen in love with her at first sight. But he knew that he was not worthy of such a passionate and radiant woman, so he could only turn this love into admiration and hide it in his heart, not daring to express it.
It was not until King Moshan came to propose marriage and the Sheng family was in a difficult situation that he boldly proposed to the Marquis. However, considering many factors, the Marquis and his wife declined his proposal for the sake of their daughter's happiness. Knowing that he was weak and sickly, he didn't pester them. But he never expected that she would marry into the Eastern Palace.
Wei Qian wore a gentle smile on his face. "Don't be alarmed, Princess Consort. I'm here today just to hand over some affairs. I'll be leaving the capital next month and heading to the South of the Yangtze River."
Yun Kui was slightly startled. "You're leaving, Lord Wei?"
Wei Qian nodded.
The previous meetings were indeed "chance encounters" he had arranged. However, on the night of the Qixi Festival, he truly hadn't expected to meet her outside the palace. Moreover, he never thought that the Crown Prince would take notice of him and transfer him out of the capital.
Well, perhaps it was for the best. If the Crown Prince didn't care, why would he secretly investigate him and even transfer him thousands of miles away?
Yun Kui also vaguely guessed the reason. If it was really the Crown Prince's idea, she felt a bit sorry for Wei Qian.
In fact, she didn't dislike him. On the contrary, she always thought that Minister Wei was a very nice person. It didn't seem very kind of the Crown Prince to make him, who was still sick, be transferred so far away just because of this.
Wei Qian noticed her thoughts and comforted her instead. "The South of the Yangtze River is rich and has pleasant scenery. It might be more suitable for me to recuperate. Please rest assured, Princess Consort."
Just as Yun Kui was about to speak, a cold and indifferent voice came from outside the door. "The transfer of officials is a decision of the court. It's not up to my Princess Consort to worry about."
Yun Kui stared blankly at the man in the black robe who stepped in. She had been a bit nervous when talking to Wei Qian, and sure enough, she was caught by him!
Wei Qian remained calm and bowed.
Due to the Crown Prince's authority, Yun Kui couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. But then she thought that she hadn't done anything wrong and definitely hadn't had an affair. What was there for her to be afraid of?
She stiffened her neck and averted her gaze.
The Crown Prince stared at her with a gloomy face.
Wei Qian felt the undercurrent between the two of them. He didn't want to cause her more trouble. It was already a blessing to see her one last time. From now on, they would go their separate ways and forget each other in the rivers and lakes.
He swallowed the bitterness in his mouth and said with a smile, "Your Highness and the Princess Consort, please have a good talk. I still have some official business to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."
Yun Kui nodded at him.
The Crown Prince stared coldly at this scene. Until Wei Qian was out of sight, Yun Kui still kept her neck turned and didn't look back. But she could feel a heavy gaze on her.
Just then, the cry of a child came from inside the house. Yun Kui whispered, "If there's nothing else, Your Highness, I'll go inside."
She took a step forward, but her wrist was suddenly grabbed. The man's grip was like an iron clamp. Before she even had a chance to struggle, she was pulled forcefully under the pagoda tree outside the nursery.
There was obvious suppressed anger in the man's eyes, and his voice was cold and tense. "You knew his feelings for you, yet you still came out to see him today. Don't you know what your current status is?"
Yun Kui was also annoyed and had to defend herself. "I came with my mother for a free medical consultation. I didn't expect to meet Minister Wei. Even if I did, I've never overstepped the boundaries. Your Highness wrongly accuses me without reason. It might damage your wisdom."
The Crown Prince sneered. "When did you learn to be so sharp - tongued? Don't you understand the principle of avoiding suspicion?"
Yun Kui gritted her teeth and muttered in a low voice, "You're just being petty."
The Crown Prince's face turned ashen. "What did you say?"
Yun Kui gritted her teeth and held back, but she still couldn't help but grumble in her heart.
[Such a narrow - minded person! A petty and jealous man!]
The man stared at her gritted his teeth, with veins popping out on his forehead. Unable to bear it any longer, he pulled her into his arms. His thin lips covered hers, and his teeth bit down hard on her lower lip as a punishment.
The sharp pain made her let out a soft moan, but she couldn't resist the man's strong force. Amidst their entanglement and pushing, the man suddenly stiffened and let her go on his own.
Yun Kui licked her lips and tasted a bit of blood. Seeing the man's strange expression, her heart sank. She turned around and found Lady Qi standing behind them, looking a bit embarrassed.
The Crown Prince restrained his anger and quickly regained his usual calm and self - composed state. He nodded and saluted Lady Qi.
Yun Kui was extremely embarrassed. "Mother..."
Lady Qi was also a bit at a loss. Just now, Little Wu had told her that "Princess Sunflower" had been "captured by the Black Whirlwind". Who would have thought that she would see this scene as soon as she stepped out...
He was the Crown Prince. Even if he forcefully kissed her daughter, as a mother - in - law, she couldn't interfere.
Staring at her daughter's slightly swollen lower lip, she blurted out in a moment of impulse, "I have some medicine. Do you want me to apply it for you?"
Yun Kui's face turned as red as blood, and the Crown Prince also embarrassedly averted his gaze.
Seeing the young couple having a quarrel, Lady Qi simply told her daughter to go back with the Crown Prince early.
Inside the carriage.
The Crown Prince closed his eyes to rest, but his fists were clenched tightly.
Yun Kui didn't want to look at him either. She would lift the curtain to look out of the window one moment and play with the ties on her skirt the next.
Suddenly, there was a violent jolt. Yun Kui couldn't sit still and let out a scream. She fell forward uncontrollably. In a split - second, her waist was suddenly tightened, and the next moment, she was in the man's warm and firm embrace.
When the carriage stabilized, the coachman's voice came from outside. "Please forgive me, Your Highness. I wasn't paying attention and ran over a stone just now."
The Crown Prince gave a cold glance at the little girl in his arms, who still looked terrified, and said in a deep voice, "Go back to the palace and receive your punishment."
The coachman quickly replied, "Yes."
This was a relatively lenient punishment. The coachman let out a sigh of relief and continued to drive the carriage towards the Donghua Gate.
Yun Kui was still in the man's arms. She struggled but couldn't break free, so she said, "Your Highness, please put me down. It's more appropriate for us to treat each other with courtesy."
The Crown Prince said coldly, "You're my Princess Consort. I'll do as I please."
Yun Kui boldly said, "But the smell of your jealousy is overwhelming the Princess Consort."
The Crown Prince's face turned ashen. "You say I'm jealous?"
Yun Kui gave a soft snort.
The Crown Prince said seriously, "I'm teaching you to read and understand etiquette. This is also part of it. Even if I know you're innocent, if someone with ill intentions sees this and fabricates rumors that are unfavorable to you, it will damage your reputation..."
Before he could finish speaking, his lips were kissed.
The Crown Prince's face was gloomy, and he ignored it. "As the Princess Consort, you should keep a distance from other men and avoid inappropriate communication..."
Yun Kui kissed his lips again. This time, the kiss lasted longer, almost disturbing their breathing and completely cutting off the man's unfinished words.
As they kissed, Yun Kui noticed that the man couldn't help sticking out his tongue. She found it funny and teased him, "Your Highness, are you afraid that I'll fall in love with someone else and stop liking you?"
The Crown Prince tried to push her away, but she hugged his waist tightly and lazily clung to him.
He scolded her coldly, "What kind of behavior is this for a Princess Consort?"
Yun Kui admitted, "I've never had any proper behavior. Didn't you already know that, Your Highness?"
She paused for a moment and then said with a smile, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I don't like men like Lord Wei."
The Crown Prince sneered. "Don't you just like gentle men? I'm indeed not gentle and considerate enough. I've disappointed you."
Yun Kui stroked his strong and firm chest and said shyly, "Compared to gentle men, I prefer strong and passionate ones..."
The Crown Prince's face rarely flushed and paled in turn. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Yun Kui said, "I'm not talking nonsense. I'm just explaining it to Your Highness."
The Crown Prince didn't interrupt again, so Yun Kui continued, "Your Highness is handsome and valiant. When you came to propose marriage that day, I immediately fell in love with you. By 'gentle', I just hope that Your Highness can be both firm and gentle at night. Be fierce when it's appropriate and show more consideration for me when it's time to be gentle."
Only then did the Crown Prince's expression soften a little. He asked casually, "Where's the surprise for me?"
Yun Kui was stunned. "What surprise?"
The Crown Prince glanced at her. "The surprise you prepared for me on the night of the Qixi Festival."
Only then did Yun Kui remember that seeing him sulking that night, she did prepare a surprise for him. But this man insisted on arguing with her, and in the end, he had no luck to enjoy it.
Her little face blushed slightly, looking embarrassed. "There is a surprise, but it's not suitable for proper and respectful couples like us. If Your Highness insists on keeping a distance from me, then forget it."
The Crown Prince said, "As long as you are whole - hearted, how could I keep a distance from you?"
He had been piqued by her curiosity. What kind of surprise couldn't proper couples do? And he just couldn't hear it from her thoughts.
Yun Kui moved closer to him. "Your Highness isn't angry with me anymore?"
The Crown Prince reluctantly replied, "Yes. Then you can give me that surprise now."
"No," she still didn't give it readily. "Unless Your Highness says he likes me personally, otherwise, I can't give it..."
The Crown Prince's eyebrows twitched. "What on earth is it?"
Yun Kui still refused to say.
The Crown Prince had no choice but to say, "You are the Crown Princess, and naturally, I only like you."
Yun Kui smiled, then hesitated. "I can give it, but it's probably not appropriate in the carriage. How about we talk about it when we get back?"
The Crown Prince's patience was completely worn out. He gritted his teeth and said, "What on earth is it? Take it out now. I won't bother with all your previous mysterious acts. Otherwise..."
Yun Kui said, "Oh, all right~_~ Then Your Highness closes his eyes first. I need to get ready..."
The Crown Prince decided to tolerate her one last time. He heaved a deep sigh and closed his eyes as she asked.
Immediately afterwards, he felt his belt loosen, and then his robe was slowly opened. He roughly guessed what it was and didn't stop her. He just couldn't help sneering in his heart. This surprise was so ordinary that it was worth her repeatedly making things difficult and refusing to give it to him.
Until a warm sensation came from below. The young girl's soft lips wrapped around him. Instantly, veins bulged on his forehead. He clenched his fists and tilted his head back, taking a deep breath.
He finally understood.
In this life, he was destined to be captivated by her.
