Yun Kui nervously rubbed the thickness of the property deeds between her fingers, her fingertips trembling. "I’ve never seen such things before. Your Highness, could you tell me roughly how much these are worth?"
The Crown Prince chuckled. "Every inch of land near the imperial city is priceless. These are the most prosperous shopfronts along the entire Royal Street. Each shop is worth anywhere from a hundred to a thousand taels of silver. Once the rent is collected later this year, a conservative estimate would be around a thousand taels."
Yun Kui’s eyes widened, dizzy with the sudden wave of joy. "So… this amounts to tens of thousands? And there’s a steady income every month and year?"
The Crown Prince: "Mm."
Yun Kui’s eyes sparkled like stars, brimming with excitement. "Does that mean I’m the wealthiest young lady in the capital now?"
The Crown Prince’s lips curved as he gazed at her with deep intensity. "The Empress receives a stipend of two thousand taels, and the Crown Princess receives one thousand. With these added, you could indeed be considered the wealthiest."
Yun Kui’s smile froze, her heart pounding under his stare. She lowered her head and continued counting the deeds. "Your Highness, what are you saying?"
The Crown Prince pulled her closer. "What, don’t you want it?"
"Or," his expression darkened, "do you only like my money and not me?"
He was too close, each word carrying a scorching heat that sent shivers down to the tips of her ears.
"I like both, but…"
She seemed to suffer from a fear of status—afraid that her humble origins would make her unworthy, turning her into a laughingstock in others’ eyes. So she always instinctively avoided such topics.
The Crown Prince frowned, his expression turning stern. "The person I’ve chosen is worthy in every way. Do you wish for me to favor other women in the future?"
Yun Kui hurriedly replied, "Of course not."
Though she knew it was impossible, the mere thought of the Crown Prince, like Emperor Chunming, filling his palace with countless beauties—of the person she loved most being intimate with others, his chest touched by other hands—made her heart ache faintly.
The Crown Prince gritted his teeth. "If you refuse to become the Crown Princess, my chest and abs will be fondled by others. The gold and jewels meant for you will be divided among the harem, and you’ll never be the wealthiest young lady in the capital. Hand those deeds back to me now, lest there isn’t enough to share later…"
Only then did Yun Kui clutch the brocade box protectively to her chest. "Your Highness, how can you go back on your word?"
The Crown Prince shot her a cold glance. "You’re the one who refused."
Yun Kui let out a frustrated sound and muttered, "It’s not that I don’t dare to dream big. You know me—I’ve never studied the classics, never seen the world. How could I possibly be a queen?"
The Crown Prince said, "You don’t need to do anything. Just stand by my side, bathed in glory, worshipped by all."
Yun Kui: "But I—"
The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed. "Are you still defying my decree?"
After wrestling with herself for a long moment, Yun Kui held up two fingers. "I have two last questions."
The Crown Prince: "Speak."
Hesitantly, she ventured, "How much do consorts and concubines receive in stipends per year?"
The Crown Prince laughed in exasperation. "There will be no consorts or concubines. If you insist on becoming one, I won’t give you a single coin."
Yun Kui: "…"
That’s just unfair.
"Then, one last question."
She lifted her eyes, looking at him seriously. "Your Highness… will you regret it?"
The Crown Prince’s expression darkened.
Yun Kui knew he disliked the question, but she had to ask. "My mother and I… we’ve never met many good men in our lives. If in the future, you encounter some noble lady—graceful, wise, from an illustrious family, more suited to be your wife than I am—can you swear you won’t change your heart? You are the sovereign of the realm, and I am insignificant. I can’t control your thoughts."
The Crown Prince smirked. "In your eyes, am I so fickle and faithless? Even if you were to stray, I wouldn’t. Don’t forget—for over twenty years, there’s only been you. Meanwhile, you’ve cast your net far and wide, seducing me at first sight, full of greedy intentions. I haven’t even held you accountable, and yet you dare to accuse me?"
Yun Kui laughed awkwardly and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Your Highness is the greatest and most handsome. I’d never look at anyone else."
The Crown Prince stared at her intently. "If one day I grow old and withered, would you turn to younger, more beautiful men?"
Yun Kui pretended to ponder, but before she could even blink, her waist was seized and yanked forward.
His scorching lips crashed onto hers, parting them with ruthless dominance, stealing her breath away.
The kiss left her weak and trembling, utterly defenseless. Seated on his lap, she could already feel the fierce heat beneath her.
Afraid he might take things too far in the carriage but unable to plead with her mouth occupied, she could only beg silently in her heart.
I was wrong! I’ll only ever love Your Highness! Please let me go—we’re almost at Banruo Temple! How will I face anyone after this? And you still have to ascend the altar for blessings—don’t offend the gods!
Good Your Highness, dear ancestor, Prince brother, husband, husband…
At the last word, he bit her lip sharply before finally releasing her.
Freed from his grasp, Yun Kui gasped for air, her eyes red, looking thoroughly ravaged.
Shakily clinging to his shoulders, it took her a long while to recover before she whispered, "With Your Highness’s vigor, even at seventy or eighty, you’d outmatch any ordinary man. But you mustn’t overindulge—moderation is key to longevity."
The Crown Prince replied coolly, "I know my limits. No need for your reminders."
Yun Kui grumbled inwardly.
What limits? Five times a night counts as ‘knowing your limits’?
Catching his icy glare, she quickly ducked her head, slid off his lap, and busied herself counting the deeds again.
Still, she couldn’t suppress her giddiness, her lips curving uncontrollably. "When I was little, my aunt had a fortune-teller read my fate. They said I was destined for great wealth and honor. Turns out they were right—I’m so happy!"
The Crown Prince watched her radiant smile, his gaze softening.
But as Banruo Temple drew nearer, Yun Kui’s joy was soon replaced by unease.
Noticing her peeking through the carriage curtains again, the Crown Prince said, "He’s not among my personal guards. You won’t see him yet."
Her fingers tightened around the fabric before she withdrew, forcing calm into her voice. "I wasn’t looking for him. I just… needed air."
After a pause, the Crown Prince added, "He currently holds the rank of Third-Grade Embroidered Uniform Guard Commander. Today, he’ll be escorting the Emperor. Once we arrive, wait outside the ritual grounds. Stay with Huaiqing and Huaizhu for protection—then you’ll see him."
So he’s still in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The feiyu robes and xiuchun sabre should make him easy to spot.
Yun Kui fell silent, then suddenly asked, "Will Your Highness be in danger?"
The Crown Prince squeezed her fingers. "Nothing will happen. Don’t worry."
The grand Buddhist event of the Bathing the Buddha Festival was an occasion where imperial relatives and high-ranking officials above the fifth rank would all be in attendance. Emperor Chunming was certain to make his move.
Qin Ge had also uncovered that Lu Qi had been concealing his whereabouts these days, remaining hidden within Banruo Temple. What kind of ambush he had set up remained unknown.
The Crown Prince had initially considered leaving her behind in the palace, but the thought of her being alone there, vulnerable to abduction or poisoning—whether by force or deceit—left him uneasy. It was simply too risky.
Keeping her by his side was the safest option.
No traces of explosives or ambushes had been detected near Banruo Temple. If it were merely ordinary assassins, there was little to worry about—he had brought enough personal guards and hidden protectors to ensure her safety.
The Crown Prince’s carriage came to a gradual stop at the foot of the mountain.
He stepped out first, followed closely by Yun Kui, who pretended to casually survey her surroundings. The imperial procession was a grand sight: the Emperor’s palanquin adorned with ornate canopies, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and a seemingly endless line of imperial guards and attendants.
Yet, amidst the sea of dark-clad guards, her eyes caught a strikingly distinct group—the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Their leader, in particular, stood out. Clad in a vibrant crimson flying fish robe embroidered with gold, his jade-like features and tall, upright posture made him impossible to miss among the sea of indigo-clad guards.
His sharp brows and starry eyes, paired with a nose as refined as a jade peak, gave him an air of dignified elegance. Though time had left its mark, it only added to his noble bearing.
The bronze-masked commander seemed absent today, leaving the highest-ranking official present as the deputy commander. Standing at the forefront, his attire distinguished him from the rest—was this him?
But her father should have been at least forty by now. She had even imagined him as a disheveled old man—how could he be so young and handsome?
Yun Kui stole a glance, only to find his gaze meeting hers. Her heart pounded, and she immediately lowered her lashes.
Her instincts told her it was him, yet she dared not look longer, afraid he might mistake her curiosity for eagerness to acknowledge him.
From the moment the Crown Prince stepped out of the carriage, Sheng Yu’s attention locked onto the young woman in the pink-green embroidered skirt trailing behind him.
Aside from two female shadow guards, she was the only attendant accompanying the Crown Prince—impossible to overlook.
And when he saw her face, his already unsettled heart trembled violently.
The girl, no more than a teenager, had rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and teeth like pearls. Her doe-like amber eyes shimmered, and her skirt swayed gently in the breeze like tender willow branches in spring—graceful and full of life.
He couldn’t deny it—she bore a striking resemblance to him.
As for her mother, Qi Ying, Sheng Yu had never seen her face. His memories of her were built solely from her voice and gestures—gentle yet bold, like a wildflower in full bloom, exuding both youthful shyness and vibrant vitality.
At first glance, Sheng Yu was certain—this was Qi Ying’s child. His child.
And unlike the frail figure he had imagined, she seemed well cared for, her eyes bright and complexion healthy. Perhaps the Crown Prince, having uncovered their connection, had ensured her comfort.
She must have been forewarned of his presence today, for after that single glance, she lowered her gaze, lips pressed together in faint unease.
The Crown Prince, too, had noticed Sheng Yu.
Meanwhile, Cao Yuanlu’s inner monologue ran wild:
"Master Sheng is certainly making an effort! Usually dressed in dull blues, today he deliberately dons a striking red robe—just like the dashing top scholar of his youth! Who could resist such a handsome father?"
The Crown Prince frowned.
Sheng Yu’s attire was indeed bold and eye-catching. His striking features, accentuated by the flying fish robe, made him appear no older than thirty, far from his actual age.
Even Emperor Chunming couldn’t help but glance his way, while the imperial consorts, upon learning he was the martial arts champion from the previous reign, stole frequent looks.
But Sheng Yu paid no mind to the attention. His sole focus was on speaking to his daughter—explaining the past, presenting the birthday gifts he had prepared.
Whether she chose to acknowledge him or not, he would give her everything she deserved.
At Banruo Temple’s Bathing the Buddha ceremony, all preparations were complete.
The Crown Prince ascended the stone steps, turning to Yun Kui with a command: "Wait here. Do not wander."
She hesitated, words unspoken, before finally murmuring, "Be careful, Your Highness," and obediently remained outside the ceremonial grounds.
Pretending nonchalance, she scanned the surroundings once more. The Embroidered Uniform Guard followed Emperor Chunming’s procession into the ceremony, their crimson-robed figures gradually disappearing from view. Only then did she exhale quietly in relief.
As soon as the Crown Prince entered the ceremonial grounds, the thick scent of incense assaulted his senses, making him grimace.
His chronic headaches made him acutely sensitive to fragrances. Even this supposedly calming incense only worsened his discomfort.
Cao Yuanlu, noticing his expression, suggested, "Shall I summon the young lady to attend you?"
The Crown Prince pressed his temples. "No need."
Today’s ceremony would not remain peaceful—why expose her to danger?
At the center of the altar stood a towering golden Buddha statue. Below it, rows of monks in kasayas stood solemnly, followed by imperial relatives and officials arranged by rank.
With the tolling of bells and chanting of sutras, eight monks carried forth a gilded basin of fragrant water, placing it before the Buddha. Warrior monks poured the scented liquid in, filling the basin until mist curled above the petals floating on its surface. The deep, solemn aroma of incense permeated the altar.
Emperor Chunming, clad in imperial yellow robes, ascended the platform under heavy guard. He ladled a scoop of the fragrant water and poured it over the golden Buddha—a ritual to purify the soul and cleanse sins. The monks’ resonant chants filled the air as incense smoke swirled around them.
Next, the Empress stepped forward, performing the same rite to bless the people.
Then, a monk presented the golden ladle to the Crown Prince.
Amid the thickening mist, an inexplicable agitation surged within him, his skull prickling as if pierced by countless needles.
And then, amidst the chanting, Emperor Chunming’s voice suddenly echoed in his mind:
"Xiao Qi’an, today will be your end."
"This incense is harmless to others, but for the parasite in your skull, it is the most potent stimulant. You’ll die without ever knowing your headaches were caused by a gu worm, won’t you?"
"I’ve endured you for twenty years. It ends now."
So… it was a gu worm.
The Crown Prince’s eyes reddened, his fists clenching silently.
Emperor Chunming watched his expression intently from below the altar.
Hidden in the shadows, Lu Qi tensed, waiting for the Crown Prince to approach the incense. Once the poison fully seeped into his body, agitating the gu worm in his skull, he would either perish from its frenzy or be slain by Lu Qi under the pretense of protecting the Emperor from a madman.
Emperor Chunming had clearly seen the Crown Prince’s pale face and bloodshot eyes, yet the man stubbornly refused to ascend the sacrificial altar. Even under the overwhelming haze of incense, he showed no signs of agony or losing control.
Soon, Emperor Chunming’s patience wore thin, and he personally urged, “Why does the Crown Prince delay? Ascend at once to offer prayers, lest we miss the auspicious hour!”
The Crown Prince tightly shut his eyes.
After a long silence, he spoke in a heavy voice, “Your Majesty harbors sinister schemes. No amount of worship or prayer will avail. I suggest today’s Buddha Bathing Ceremony be called off.”
His voice was quiet, yet it carried clearly to the eminent monks below the altar and the gathered nobles and ministers nearby.
The crowd exchanged uneasy glances. Emperor Chunming’s eyes blazed with fury, his facial muscles twitching uncontrollably.
Here we go!
Once the final plot threads are tied up in the main story, we’ll move on to showering you with sweetness in the extras! Feel free to let me know in the comments what kind of extras you’d like to see, dear readers!
