The Crown Prince called for water and had servants come in to clean up.
Cuihuan and Dongyue were well-trained maidservants who entered with lowered eyes and restrained expressions. Before their master, they would never reveal any shock openly—all their turbulent thoughts were buried deep in their hearts. Yet nothing escaped the Crown Prince, who could read minds.
"Is this... from biting?"
"Ah, there are even fingerprints on her waist..."
"That must have been at least three rounds earlier. The Crown Princess is so delicate—how could she endure it?"
"His Highness must have been holding back for too long..."
The Crown Prince’s expression darkened, but he couldn’t reprimand them—after all, they were only thinking it, not speaking disrespectfully.
Originally, he had intended to simply wipe himself down and change into sleepwear, but then he recalled Qin Ge’s earlier report: "Miss Sheng dislikes sweat and finds it unpleasant." Unconsciously, he sniffed himself. Though there was no odor, he had indeed perspired earlier. So he let them attend to him while he went to the bathing chamber to wash properly.
By the time he returned, the beddings had been replaced, and the little one—utterly exhausted—had already fallen asleep hugging the quilt.
The dragon-and-phoenix wedding candles had not yet burned out, their golden light casting a warm glow over her face. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, smooth as fine jade without a single blemish. Her long lashes still bore tiny teardrops, which he gently brushed away with his finger.
His gaze drifted lower. The slightly parted collar of her robe couldn’t conceal the dazzling fair skin beneath. His fingertips twitched as he recalled the overwhelming softness beneath his palms earlier. His eyes darkened, and the heat he had just subdued flared anew.
Suppressing his desires, he reminded himself not to indulge and left for the study.
Yun Kui had barely slept an hour before being roused. On the second day of marriage, she had to pay respects to Emperor Jingyou and the Empress, presenting tea without fail. Though she lingered in bed for a few more moments, she forced herself up and let Cuihuan dress her.
Qiu Chan entered and announced, "The Crown Prince is already waiting for you in the side hall for breakfast."
Yun Kui’s legs still trembled, and her lower abdomen ached faintly. She couldn’t move quickly, arriving late to the side hall.
The Crown Prince sat upright in a black robe embroidered with golden serpents, a scroll in one hand and a teacup in the other, flipping pages and sipping tea with his usual detached calm.
As if the man who had held her waist until dawn was someone else entirely.
Cuihuan whispered a reminder, "Your Highness, you must bow to His Highness."
Yun Kui’s waist and legs were sore, making the motion difficult. Just as she began to bend, the Crown Prince stood and interrupted, "No need for formalities here. But when we reach Kunning Palace, do not forget your manners before His Majesty and Her Majesty."
Yun Kui: "..."
"This is all your fault!"
In the faint morning light, the Crown Princess’s hair was elegantly coiled, adorned with a pair of gold-and-gem phoenix hairpins that swayed with her steps. Ruby earrings accentuated her slender, snow-white neck. Her water-red embroidered blouse paired with a flowing moonlit skirt, its folds shimmering like radiant moonlight.
The Crown Prince’s throat moved slightly as he averted his gaze. "Let’s eat."
His dining manners were refined, every movement deliberate. Even the faint clink of his teacup sounded crisp as a spring.
Yun Kui, influenced by his demeanor, dared not devour her food despite her exhaustion and hunger. She slowly finished a bowl of congee, three side dishes, and four pastries.
"The Crown Princess has quite the appetite."
"Serving such a mistress is truly uplifting."
The Crown Prince: "..."
After breakfast, they headed to Kunning Palace together.
The two princesses had arrived early, eager to meet their new sister-in-law.
Yun Kui had visited Kunning Palace before with her mother, but today was her first time paying respects as a daughter-in-law. Nervousness prickled at her heart.
Fortunately, she had memorized the tea ceremony rituals at home. Before Emperor Jingyou and the Empress, she bowed deeply, then carefully presented the tea with both hands.
The Empress noticed her unsteady posture and quickly had her rise.
Initially, she had worried her son might be too restrained on his wedding night, so she had discreetly inquired. That morning, she was informed that the Crown Prince had kept his bride occupied until dawn before bathing and retreating to his study.
The Empress nearly laughed. So much for his facade of self-control—how long could he keep deceiving himself?
The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed slightly as he lowered his gaze.
The Empress gifted her daughter-in-law a set of ruby-studded gold jewelry, which Yun Kui accepted with gratitude.
Emperor Jingyou was a formidable ruler, revered by all. Even in the presence of family, his gentle demeanor couldn’t fully mask his authority. Yun Kui dared not treat him as an ordinary elder, her every move cautious under his gaze.
The Emperor’s gift was a pair of jade bangles left by the Late Empress Dowager—a priceless heirloom.
Yun Kui’s heart sank like a stone. She hesitated, too overwhelmed to accept.
Noticing her tension, Emperor Jingyou said kindly, "There’s no need for restraint. Treat the palace as your home. From now on, you and the Crown Prince must support each other."
Yun Kui bowed obediently.
"But it still feels improper to take this..."
The Crown Prince glanced at her. "Since His Majesty has bestowed it, accept it."
Only then did she take the bangles, thanking the Emperor.
She then presented gifts for the princesses: for Xuan He, a pair of gold-and-tourmaline butterfly hairpins; for Wanning, a double-sided embroidered orchid fan. Both princesses were delighted.
The Empress watched with satisfaction.
Xuan He adored hair ornaments, especially butterfly designs, while Wanning loved embroidery. The fan, clearly crafted by a master of Suzhou embroidery, showed Yun Kui’s thoughtfulness.
The Crown Prince observed his sisters’ gifts expressionlessly.
After the tea ceremony, Xuan He eagerly took Yun Kui’s hand. "I’m so glad you’re our sister-in-law! I’ll visit the Eastern Palace every day to play with you."
The Crown Prince frowned. "The Crown Princess has duties to manage, and your own marriage arrangements will soon begin. How can you spend every day idling?"
Yun Kui exchanged a helpless glance with Xuan He before bowing to the Empress. "His Highness is right. I lack knowledge of palace etiquette and beg Your Majesty’s guidance..."
The Empress waved a hand. "No rush. We have plenty of time for that. What matters now is nurturing your bond as newlyweds."
She then fixed her son with a stern look. "By tradition, you must share chambers with the Crown Princess for a full month. Set aside trivial affairs. And don’t forget—tomorrow, you’ll accompany her for the bridal return."
The Crown Prince nodded.
Yun Kui’s face fell.
"A whole month together... does that mean every night...?"
"Wah... this little sunflower is going to be crushed to pulp."
The Crown Prince’s frown deepened as he looked away uncomfortably.
The Empress watched the couple’s reactions with amusement.
After everyone had left, Emperor Jingyou sighed, "That girl from the Marquis of Wuning's household is young and naive, still childish at heart. Qi An is strict with rules and has a cold temperament—I fear she may end up feeling wronged."
The Empress, however, smiled and said, "I believe the Crown Princess might just soften his aloof and distant nature. You'll see."
...
During the day, while the Crown Prince was discussing state affairs with his ministers in Chongming Hall, Yun Kui strolled through the imperial gardens with the two princesses.
Princess Xuan He was both delighted that Yun Kui would become their sister-in-law and worried that she had ended up with such an unfeeling husband. Afraid that her sister-in-law might retreat in the face of difficulty, she racked her brains to console her.
Wanning said, "His Highness has always been stern with everyone, Sister-in-law. Please don’t take it to heart."
Xuan He nodded. "Look at it this way—his indifference toward women isn’t entirely a bad thing. Even if he isn’t close to you, he isn’t close to anyone else either. At least those flirtatious women wouldn’t dare approach him."
Yun Kui rested a hand on her waist, recalling how he had panted in her ear last night and how he had liked to bite her there... Was this what they called "indifference toward women"?
Seeing her frown, Xuan He desperately searched for her brother’s redeeming qualities. "At the very least, he’s still good-looking, isn’t he? Didn’t you always say you liked handsome men? Just think of him as a free male companion—one you can enjoy. Handsome men are allowed to have a temper, right?"
Yun Kui thought it over and finally nodded in agreement. "You’re right."
In those romance novels, princesses often had a dozen male consorts, and the most handsome one was always the most temperamental, prone to fits of jealousy—yet he remained the princess’s favorite.
She rubbed her belly. Though last night had been exhausting, and the first time had been painful, afterward... well, it had been... heh. The only downside was that, as the Crown Princess, she couldn’t cry out as freely as she wanted.
She had endured it with great difficulty—over and over, until she was overwhelmed. Even now, the memory made her legs weak.
If she thought of him as a free consort—one who not only cost her nothing but even provided her with money, diligently serving her every night—what more could she ask for?
With this thought, Yun Kui’s mood brightened.
That evening, Deshun came to report that His Highness was still handling state affairs in Chongming Hall and instructed her to retire on her own.
After dinner and a bath, Yun Kui lay in bed in her nightgown, reviewing the list of gifts for her return visit the next day.
The Crown Prince had planned to spend the night in Chongming Hall, lest he succumb to the temptations of the boudoir.
The lessons of rulers who had been led astray by beauty were clear. He had practiced self-restraint since childhood, determined to surpass his father and become a wise ruler—how could he fail to resist such a trivial temptation?
Yet as he held his vermilion brush, the memory of last night’s soft warmth lingered in his palm, distracting him.
Seeing how late it was, Deshun seized the moment to urge him, "Her Majesty the Empress has decreed that during the first month of marriage, the Crown Prince must not sleep apart from his bride. It’s late—Your Highness should return to Chengguang Hall to rest."
The Crown Prince shook his head. "I will explain it to Her Majesty tomorrow."
Deshun hesitated before adding, "Tomorrow, Your Highness will accompany the Crown Princess back to her family. If the Marquis of Wuning and his wife hear that you only consummated the marriage on the first night and then slept separately afterward, it might..."
The Crown Prince paused, the tip of his brush hovering. After a long moment of contemplation, he finally set down the document.
Fine.
If he needed to sleep apart to resist temptation, then the self-discipline he had cultivated over the years would be meaningless.
When he returned to Chengguang Hall, he found the Crown Princess sprawled on the bed, her slender, snow-white legs kicking idly in the air. An inexplicable restlessness surged within him.
"Why haven’t you retired yet?"
Startled, Yun Kui quickly tucked her legs under the covers and turned to face him, her tongue stumbling under his heavy gaze. "I—Your servant was reviewing the gift list for tomorrow’s return visit."
The Crown Prince took the booklet from her hands. "Is there anything that needs to be added or changed?"
Yun Kui hurriedly replied, "No."
She had been calculating the total value in silver taels before he interrupted her... Wait, how much had she counted up to? Thirteen thousand four hundred taels?
Imperial treasures shouldn’t be measured in mere silver and gold. Frowning, the Crown Prince said, "Since you’ve already reviewed it, you should retire early."
Yun Kui nodded and handed the list to Cuihuan to put away before burrowing under the covers. Then, another thought occurred to her, and she grew uneasy. "Your Highness, why have you come so late?"
I thought you weren’t coming to serve me tonight.
The Crown Prince’s expression darkened. Him—serve her?
His voice dropped. "It’s an ancestral rule that newlyweds must not sleep apart during the first month."
When he lifted the covers, Yun Kui instinctively shrank back. The moment his scent enveloped her, warmth pooled between her legs, and she pressed her thighs together.
Has the effect from last night not worn off yet? Will His Highness want to do it again tonight?
It’s fine if he doesn’t. I’ll conserve my energy, and by tomorrow, I should be able to move around freely again!
Though once wouldn’t be bad either...
The Crown Prince had been trying to ignore the person beside him, but these shameless thoughts kept forcing their way into his ears.
Eyes still closed, he said in a low voice, "Clear your mind and rest."
Yun Kui: "..."
What? I didn’t even say anything! Is even breathing a crime now?
Who does this little Crown Prince think he is, talking to me like that!
The Crown Prince: "..."
I haven’t even asked you to serve me, and you’re already putting on airs!
Unable to bear it any longer, the Crown Prince seized her slender waist and pulled her close, his scorching breath brushing her lips.
Yun Kui’s heart trembled as his powerful arms locked her in place, her breathing growing uneven. "Your Highness..."
Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with innocence as she gazed up at him.
The Crown Prince lowered his head and captured her plump, rosy lips, biting down hard. Just as he was about to bite harder, the little girl pushed at him in a panic. "No—if you leave a mark, how will I face anyone tomorrow...?"
Gritting his teeth, the Crown Prince reluctantly relented.
His hand slid downward, intending to teach her a lesson, only to find nothing but a thin, gauzy nightgown. His fingers twitched as he asked hoarsely, "Why aren’t you wearing undergarments?"
So he had noticed. Blushing, she admitted awkwardly, "They were chafing... I thought Your Highness wasn’t coming tonight, so I didn’t..."
The Crown Prince’s Adam’s apple bobbed as the last thread of his restraint snapped.
