Yun Kui hadn’t expected him to bring this up so abruptly. Her fingers instinctively tightened around themselves as she stammered, "I..."
He Bailing also seemed uneasy. "Your Highness, how did you come to know of this method?"
Sheng Yu, too, was puzzled. The Crown Prince had merely probed with a few questions earlier, never once mentioning a cure for the gu poison. Moreover, Feng Yu had claimed he could remove the poison for His Highness—likely just a dying man’s desperate ploy to buy time, hoping to use it as leverage to secure his wife’s release. He hadn’t revealed the actual method, so how had the Crown Prince learned of it?
The Crown Prince’s expression remained calm. "Feng Yu and Emperor Chunming sought to deal with me. They would never have left that gu poison master alive. This poison has no antidote. The only way forward is to lure the gu worm out and destroy it—only then can my chronic headaches be truly cured. Otherwise, it will remain a lifelong affliction."
He Bailing sighed. "The medical texts do indeed record such a method, but the risks are immense. Are you truly resolved to attempt this, Your Highness?"
Yun Kui quickly added, "I can stay by Your Highness’s side the entire time. I won’t let anything happen to you..."
Sheng Yu observed the worry in the young woman’s expression, silently contemplating the deeper meaning behind her words.
She said she would stay by the Crown Prince’s side—always?
Did that mean she no longer wished to return home with him? Did she intend to remain in the palace indefinitely, serving as an attendant? Or perhaps, once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, she would stay as a consort in the imperial harem?
The Crown Prince studied her for a long moment before speaking with finality. "My decision is made. There’s no need to dissuade me further."
As long as the gu worm remained inside him, he could never live as an ordinary man. Even the faintest trace of common incense could send him into a frenzied, uncontrollable state.
He bore the weight of the realm on his shoulders—destined to become a ruler revered and trusted by the people. He also owed peace of mind to the one he loved. The man she relied upon as her husband should be healthy, free from illness and calamity, steady in temperament—not perpetually teetering on the brink of losing control.
Yun Kui’s eyes stung, reddening as she fought back tears.
Cao Yuanlu glanced at her, then at Sheng Yu. "And what of the young lady during this time...?"
Yun Kui had no intention of leaving the Eastern Palace. She wanted to be kept abreast of the Crown Prince’s safety at all times—nor had she ever entertained the thought of returning to Sheng Yu’s residence...
After a brief silence, the Crown Prince spoke. "Stay. There’s something I wish to say to you."
The words were directed at Yun Kui.
The others in the hall exchanged glances. Sheng Yu suppressed his surprise and withdrew with the rest, bowing as they exited.
Seated on the divan, the Crown Prince beckoned to her. Yun Kui obediently stepped forward—only to be slowly drawn into his embrace.
The warmth of his breath brushed against her ear as he held her in silence.
Softly, Yun Kui murmured, "Your Highness, must you really remove the gu poison? If I stay by your side, we can manage it together. But if you insist on this method... what if something goes wrong?"
The Crown Prince replied, "Before, you didn’t know. Now that you’re aware of the gu worm inside me—aren’t you afraid?"
Yun Kui shook her head. "I stopped fearing Your Highness long ago. The only thing that frightens me is the thought of you in danger, of you in pain. If I remain in the Eastern Palace, I can help you whenever needed."
"True, you could help me," the Crown Prince said with a faint smile. "But what if the gu worm, freshly lured out, takes one look at you and scurries back inside? If we go back and forth like that, how will I ever be cured?"
Yun Kui bit her lip. "Then I’ll stay in the side chamber. I can restrain myself from seeing Your Highness—just wait there for news of you."
The Crown Prince gently stroked her hair. "But what if I can’t resist seeing you? What then?"
Her heart seemed to cave in, a slow, aching tenderness spreading through her chest.
After a pause, the Crown Prince asked, "You don’t wish to acknowledge him? You have no desire to return to his household?"
Yun Kui lowered her voice. "I’m not sure."
Though she knew he, too, had suffered—that his life had not been easy—what of the hardships she and her mother had endured?
Even if he sought to make amends, her mother’s life could never be restored.
And as for her—she had stumbled through life, growing up without ever relying on this man who called himself her father. To her, he was a stranger.
Should she really follow him back, sharing a roof with a father in name only?
The Crown Prince said, "The Eastern Palace will be dangerous in the coming days."
At today’s Bathing the Buddha ceremony, he and Emperor Chunming had openly severed all pretense of civility. Now that Feng Yu was in his custody, the emperor would surely fear the truth of the Battle of Wolf Mountain being exposed. Either Feng Yu would be silenced—or the Crown Prince himself eliminated to sever all loose ends.
As for Sheng Yu, he was no immediate threat in Emperor Chunming’s eyes. The Sheng residence would remain safe for now.
The Crown Prince smiled slightly. "You saw for yourself today—his martial prowess is exceptional. Even the Commander of the Imperial Guards was no match for him. He’ll be more than capable of protecting you."
Yun Kui recalled the moment on the imperial avenue when Sheng Yu had descended like a force of nature—his bearing heroic, his demeanor striking.
And this was him past the age of forty. Twenty years prior, he must have been a vision of peerless grace. No wonder her mother had defied all odds to bring her into this world for such a man.
The Crown Prince observed her quietly. "You do wish to see him, don’t you?"
Yun Kui’s lashes trembled faintly. "But I don’t know how to face him. Should I hate him? Or simply forgive him and accept whatever reparations he offers?"
The Crown Prince said, "You are his only daughter. Whether he seeks to atone or genuinely wishes to cherish you—take everything he gives. Regardless of whether you acknowledge him as family, those things rightfully belong to you."
When she remained silent, he added, "If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you. For now, I’ll arrange secure lodgings for you and assign guards to ensure your safety."
Yun Kui clenched the handkerchief in her hand, hesitating for a long while before finally whispering, "If he’s already made the offer... why go to the trouble of arranging another place?"
The Crown Prince hummed in agreement, his thumb brushing the corner of her eye. "If you find it unbearable—if you decide you don’t wish to acknowledge him—you may return at any time. I’ve told you before: the Eastern Palace is your home."
Yun Kui lifted her gaze. "Does that mean... I won’t see Your Highness for a long time?"
Cradling her face, the Crown Prince pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I won’t make you wait too long. I’ll resolve matters as swiftly as possible, then come for you myself."
Her fingertips traced his forehead lightly, her eyes burning with unshed tears.
She didn’t know where the gu worm lurked within him—only that this vile thing had tormented him for over twenty years, buried cruelly inside him since birth. The mere thought of such suffering was enough to bring her to tears.
"Your Highness... will you be in danger?"
"No," he reassured her, kissing her cheek again. "I promised to come for you. I won’t break my word."
Yun Kui insisted, "If the process of removing the gu becomes too agonizing, you mustn’t force yourself. Summon me back at once. Even if it can’t be cured, it doesn’t matter—I’ll be here for you always."
The Crown Prince’s lips curved slightly. "Mm."
This would be their first real separation, and there were still things he needed to impress upon her: "I’ll assign personal guards to you. Avoid leaving the residence unless necessary."
Yun Kui nodded obediently.
The Crown Prince continued, "Keep the black jade thumb ring with you. In the eyes of my agents, it carries the authority of the Crown Prince himself—they will obey your commands."
Yun Kui mused inwardly—so the ring truly did command respect.
His expression turned stern. "And mind your thoughts. No admiring other men—especially not your father’s subordinates."
Yun Kui murmured, "Mm..."
To begin with, she had always thought the Imperial Guards were the most impressive sentinels in the entire royal city—aside from their terrifyingly fierce commander, the rest were all tall, imposing, and handsome.
Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly felt a chill on her neck and belatedly realized—this man could read minds! He knew everything she was thinking!
Lifting her gaze to meet his deep, inscrutable eyes, she hastily wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face against his chest, rubbing her cheek against his firm muscles. "I won’t look at anyone else! I just… I can’t bear to leave Your Highness..."
"Can’t bear to?" The Crown Prince’s expression darkened. "Then perhaps we should do this a few more times. Let Sheng Yu wait outside for another two hours—how does that sound?"
Yun Kui: "..."
Bad Your Highness!
The Crown Prince gripped the back of her neck, his thin lips descending upon hers with an intensity that brooked no resistance. What began as a domineering kiss gradually softened into a tender, lingering exchange, their heated breaths entwining as neither wished to pull away.
Outside the palace doors, Sheng Yu stood with his hands clasped behind his back, growing more restless by the minute.
His earlier impulsive words had inadvertently backed the girl into a corner. He wasn’t sure if she would agree to return with him.
If His Highness had kept her behind to speak privately, surely it was to persuade her to go home—otherwise, why would he have gone to such lengths to help locate his daughter?
Yet something about the relationship between the girl and the Crown Prince felt… off.
She could alleviate His Highness’s headaches, so she must have been serving closely—far from an ordinary palace maid. But today, during the assassination attempt on the street, the Crown Prince had tightly held her hand. They had shared the same carriage, and now he had dismissed everyone else to speak with her alone in his chambers. Could it be…?
Just as he was about to ask Cao Yuanlu for more details, the palace doors creaked open. Sheng Yu stepped forward immediately and saw the girl emerge, her eyes rimmed red.
Her lips also seemed… swollen.
He hesitated, wanting to ask if she had made a decision, but fear of hearing an answer he didn’t want held him back.
Yun Kui’s lips still tingled from the prolonged kiss. She pressed them together lightly before finally looking up at Sheng Yu. After a long pause, she said, "If I stay here, I might only hinder His Highness in breaking the curse. I… I’ll go back with you, my lord."
Sheng Yu’s face lit up with joy. "Good, good!"
Though the formal address of "my lord" wasn’t what he had hoped for, the fact that she was willing to return home with him was already an unexpected blessing. He dared not ask for more.
At that moment, the Crown Prince emerged from the palace. Sheng Yu immediately bowed and clasped his hands in gratitude. "This humble official thanks Your Highness!"
The Crown Prince replied, "For the time being, I will have men stationed to protect the Sheng residence in secret. General Sheng should rest and recover at home while awaiting further instructions."
Sheng Yu responded firmly, "Understood!"
Yun Kui turned back to glance at the Crown Prince, whispering silently in her heart: Your Highness, I’m leaving now. Please take care of yourself.
The Crown Prince gave her a slight nod.
Watching the father and daughter depart, a pang of regret struck him. Keeping her in the palace under heavy guard wouldn’t have been difficult.
Now Sheng Yu was getting off too easily—not only had he effortlessly gained a daughter, but he was also being given a chance to make amends. What son-in-law in the world had ever been treated with such leniency?
But let him enjoy these few days. If he failed to win her over, the Crown Prince would personally retrieve her and ensure Sheng Yu never laid eyes on his daughter again.
After gathering her belongings in the side chamber, Yun Kui saw Cao Yuanlu move to help carry her bundle—only for Sheng Yu to take it from him. "I’ll handle it."
Cao Yuanlu chuckled knowingly, happy to give the esteemed father his moment. Yun Kui felt awkward but said nothing.
A carriage awaited them outside the Eastern Gate. Cao Yuanlu personally escorted the pair and saw them off.
The ride was silent.
Sheng Yu’s hands rested on his knees, clenching and unclenching as he slowly exhaled. Finally, he spoke. "What… is your name?"
Yun Kui pressed her lips together. "Yun Kui."
Sheng Yu guessed the characters and smiled. "May I call you Ah Kui from now on?"
After a pause, Yun Kui replied, "Just Yun Kui is fine."
The smile on Sheng Yu’s face faltered slightly. "Alright. Whatever you prefer."
Hearing the disappointment in his voice, Yun Kui almost explained herself—but the words died in her throat.
As the carriage entered the bustling main street, the clamor of vendors hawking their wares drifted in.
Sheng Yu lifted the curtain to look outside before turning to her. "Are you hungry? Would you like some candied hawthorns? Or pastries? I can have someone buy some for you to take home."
Yun Kui shook her head. "Candied hawthorns are for children."
Sheng Yu’s expression dimmed. Thinking of her lonely childhood, he doubted she had ever enjoyed such treats. Later, entering the palace, she must have lived under others’ orders, with no freedom of her own. After a moment, he still instructed a subordinate to purchase some snacks.
With a sigh, he met her gaze again. "All these years… I failed you. What happened back then—I truly wronged your mother. Had I known she was pregnant, I would have brought you both to me, no matter what."
Yun Kui’s nose stung. She turned away, staring at the carriage curtains.
The Sheng residence wasn’t far from the palace. Back when Sheng Yu had been promoted to the third rank and served as one of the late emperor’s most trusted generals, he had been granted a spacious three-courtyard home in a prime location.
Sheng Yu had never cared much for lavish estates—in Pengcheng, he had even lived in the barracks alongside his soldiers.
His neglected capital residence had fallen into disrepair. Even after his return, he kept things simple. It wasn’t until a few days ago that Steward Liu learned of the master’s long-lost daughter and her imminent arrival. He quickly hired craftsmen to renovate the garden, cleared out the vacant east wing for the young lady’s chambers, and purchased two clever maids to serve her.
When the carriage halted outside the Sheng estate, only a handful of people stood waiting: Steward Liu, two longtime attendants who had followed Sheng Yu from Pengcheng, and the two newly bought maids.
Unaccustomed to such a reception—having been a palace maid herself—Yun Kui nodded stiffly at the small crowd.
Steward Liu, who had fought in his youth before a leg injury ended his military career, had been taken in by Sheng Yu when he found himself alone in the world. Dressed in plain blue robes and walking with a slight limp, he beamed at Yun Kui, his face crinkling with wrinkles. "The young lady looks just like the master—like two peas in a pod!"
Sheng Yu smiled at his daughter. "Let’s go inside."
Yun Kui nodded, relieved that the household was small and everyone seemed warm and unpretentious. Her tension eased slightly.
Steward Liu led the way through the ornamental gate.
The courtyard couldn’t compare to the Crown Prince’s Pine Garden in Pingzhou, but it was tidy and unassuming—typical of an official’s residence. The inner garden boasted a few towering old trees, along with peonies and herbaceous peonies in full bloom. The freshly turned soil showed they had been transplanted recently.
Gesturing toward the east wing, Steward Liu announced, "This will be the young lady’s chamber."
Yun Kui was taken aback. They had prepared a room for her already? Had they been so certain she would return?
The scent of jasmine drifted along the corridor. When the door opened, the interior took her by surprise.
The carved nanmu canopy bed stood with its gauzy curtains drawn up, its apricot-pink brocade pillows and bedding neatly arranged. Beside the bamboo-framed window sat a writing desk adorned with a celadon brush rest and a rose-quartz censer shaped like coiled dragons. The vanity table to the west was laden with delicate mother-of-pearl inlaid boxes—even jewelry, cosmetics, and rouge had been prepared for her.
Sheng Yu said, "Time was short, so we couldn’t prepare much. I don’t know much about a young lady’s needs, so I simply told them to buy the finest things. At least it’s properly furnished now—do you like it?"
Yun Kui didn’t know how to respond. Like it? How could she not? This was the kind of boudoir reserved for noble young ladies, the sort she had only ever read about in storybooks. She had often envied those elegant daughters of wealthy families, even fantasized that if she, too, had a father who was a high-ranking official, she might have had such a beautiful, exquisite room of her own.
But now, no matter how fine the things before her were, her mother would never see them.
Sheng Yu sighed. "You should have had all this from the day you were born. I failed both you and your mother."
Yun Kui’s eyes stung, and she bit her lip hard.
Sheng Yu didn’t press for an answer. Glancing at the sky, he added, "It’s getting late. Shall we have dinner first? Today is your birthday. I had the kitchen prepare everything this morning—whether you came back or not, I made sure the meal would be ready for you."
Yun Kui followed him to the dining hall adjacent to the main hall.
At the sight of the table laden with dishes—and especially the steaming bowl of longevity noodles topped with scallions and a poached egg—her eyes finally welled up with tears.
She had never imagined she would one day have a home of her own, a boudoir of her own, a table full of sumptuous dishes waiting for her, and someone to celebrate her birthday with her.
But this day had come far too late.
