With renewed motivation, Yun Kui worked diligently all afternoon and actually finished memorizing the book an hour ahead of schedule. Though she hadn’t yet decided what reward to ask for, since the Crown Prince had said she could request anything at any time, didn’t that mean she could leave the palace whenever she wanted, reunite with her parents, or ask for gold, jewels—anything he could give?
The temptation was too great. Yun Kui even previewed the poems assigned for the next day.
At Chongming Hall, the Imperial Treasury delivered an assortment of precious jewelry and ornaments—an unprecedented move, as this was the first time the Crown Prince had ever requested gems from the imperial vaults. Emperor Jingyou’s harem was sparse, and the Empress was not one for extravagance. Apart from ceremonial regalia for major royal events, the most significant use of the treasury’s jewels had been for the betrothal gifts to the Crown Princess’s family. Today’s delivery to the Eastern Palace consisted of exceptionally rare and dazzling treasures.
The Crown Prince selected a pair of heavy gold bracelets inlaid with rubies and sapphires. The Crown Princess favored gold ornaments, and these would surely please her.
That evening, when he returned to Chengguang Hall, the little maid eagerly asked him to test her recitation. The Crown Prince quizzed her on several passages. Though she stumbled at times, she managed to get through them, and when asked for interpretations, she could explain them well enough.
The books he had assigned her were ones he had annotated in his youth. Since she was willing to put in the effort, he saw no reason to be overly strict. With a smile, he asked, "What reward would you like?"
Yun Kui pressed her lips together. "I told you—I’ll let you know when I think of it."
The Crown Prince nodded. "Go bathe first."
Yun Kui’s cheeks flushed slightly.
It wasn’t even 8 p.m., and she wouldn’t need to rise early tomorrow. That meant tonight would likely be...
Her heart raced wildly. By the time she returned from the steamy bathing chamber, her entire face was flushed red. Seizing the moment while he went to bathe, she hurriedly retrieved the illustrated manual she had bought earlier and skimmed a few pages.
Hearing movement outside, she hastily tucked it back into its hidden compartment.
After several nights without intimacy, even the sound of his footsteps stirred memories of those heated encounters in the dark. A warm dampness gathered between her legs—had it soaked through her undergarments? When he reached the bed and met her gaze with those dark, desire-filled eyes, her body tensed instinctively, and the wetness only intensified.
The Crown Prince’s throat moved as his gaze darkened further.
Pulled into his embrace, Yun Kui felt the hard, scorching heat of him against her. She shivered lightly as he gripped her wrist, tilted her chin up, and claimed her lips in a fierce, demanding kiss.
Then came the nightly ordeal—being pinned beneath him, her body melting inch by inch. Eyes reddening, she clutched the bedsheets and finally asked, "Can’t I just... look?"
His voice was rough. "Look at what?"
She bit her lip. She wanted to see why it was always so difficult—what this thing that tormented her to the brink of madness actually looked like. And why she was always the one left disheveled while he remained nearly fully dressed, not a hair out of place.
"It’s not fair," she muttered.
Then, remembering something, she lifted her gaze. "You said if I finished memorizing, I could have any reward. So I want..." She hesitated. After painstakingly memorizing an entire book, she deserved more than just a glance. Recalling the poses from the manual, she blushed and whispered, "Let me be on top. I’ll do it myself."
The words shocked even her, especially under the weight of his pitch-black stare. Her face burned to the tips of her ears.
But there was no taking it back. Afraid he’d refuse, she steeled herself. "Will His Highness go back on his word?"
The Crown Prince was silent for a long moment. Then he recalled her thoughts on their wedding night—how she’d "studied thirty-some techniques" and later sneaked out to buy that manual. He was curious to see what she’d do.
With that, he lay back and let her take charge.
Freed from his grip, Yun Kui’s heart pounded harder.
Was he really letting her look?
Swallowing her nerves, she pushed herself up. His sleeping robe still covered him, and she hesitated to lift it outright, feeling like some fumbling rogue.
After a long inspection, she realized the problem. "Your Highness, close your eyes."
Without that intense gaze on her, she could examine him openly—maybe even do more.
The Crown Prince gave her a deep look but complied.
Yun Kui’s hands trembled.
Noting the pronounced tent in the fabric, she carefully lifted the last barrier—and finally met her long-time unseen "acquaintance."
She gasped.
Words failed her. It was nothing like the books—in color, size, everything.
If the Crown Prince’s appearance was refined and ethereal, then "Little Highness" was like a battle-hardened general: sun-darkened, bristling with vigor, standing at attention with an intimidating aura that demanded submission.
The Crown Prince’s brow twitched.
"Little Highness"?
Earlier, when discussing rewards, her deepest wish had been to see "Little Highness." He’d assumed she wanted an heir soon. But it was this...?
Yun Kui marveled, trying to measure its length with her hands, but even at full stretch, she couldn’t match it.
No wonder it felt so overwhelming every time. No wonder she ached for days afterward. "Little Highness" was truly awe-inspiring—enough to make her doubt whether the manual’s author had ever seen the real thing, or how she’d ever taken it in.
Not daring to stare too long (the books warned that prolonged restraint harmed men’s health), she attempted the manual’s instructions: spreading herself, lowering slowly. But the moment she made contact, her legs shook. The tip was too much; she’d retreat at the slightest pain.
After several failed attempts, the man lost patience. Gripping her knees, he yanked her down hard. She gasped as their bodies slammed together, the sudden stretch wringing a cry from her.
Then she saw the Crown Prince’s eyes open.
Holding her thighs, his voice was low. "You like it like this?"
Yun Kui’s face burned under his scorching gaze. Her legs went weak as he gripped her firmly, moving her up and down in a slow, controlled rhythm.
Unable to bear his stare, she ducked her head and grumbled, "You promised not to look."
The Crown Prince: "If I didn’t, how long would you have kept me waiting?"
Yun Kui: "I was... studying."
The Crown Prince’s gaze deepened. "Well? What’s the verdict?"
She bit her lip. "Ugly."
He thrust harder, and she clutched his arm. "I’m being honest! Compared to Your Highness’s beauty, it’s... unsightly."
The young Crown Prince, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, had always been domineering and arrogant. Never before had he been belittled like this, and he was determined to teach her a harsh lesson.
A night of stormy passion ensued.
Yun Kui felt like a delicate blossom on a branch, helplessly tossed by the tempest. The relentless downpour battered her fragile petals, pushing her to the brink of snapping. Even as he gently cleaned her afterward, she was too exhausted to lift a single finger.
When the Crown Prince applied ointment to her, he noticed faint redness on both her knees. His rough fingertips brushed over them lightly, and she instinctively flinched, curling her legs beneath the blankets to hide.
Knowing he had lost control earlier, he sighed and pulled her close. "Be good. This will heal by tomorrow," he murmured.
He always did this—when force failed, he softened his words, and she always fell for it.
"Yun Kui, stand your ground! Even if he calls you 'baby' this time, don’t give in!"
The Crown Prince lifted her knees and carefully applied the ointment. Seeing her still pouting with her back turned, he leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to her ear. "Baby."
"Seduction! Outright seduction!"
Yun Kui gritted her teeth, but just then, a golden glint caught her eye—a pair of gold bracelets inlaid with rubies and sapphires materialized in her hands. Her eyes sparkled instantly. "So beautiful!"
And heavy too. Each bracelet weighed at least three taels, not to mention the exquisite craftsmanship and the rarity of the gems.
"What is this…?"
"Originally meant as your reward," the Crown Prince said, gazing at her. "But since you asked for something else, and I broke my word by opening my eyes, consider these bracelets compensation. Do you like them?"
"I love them! Absolutely love them!"
Yun Kui pressed her lips together, feigning composure. "A noble heart cannot be swayed by wealth, nor bent by force. Does Your Highness mean to bribe me with these?"
The Crown Prince chuckled. "Yes. To bribe you."
After a moment of exaggerated deliberation, Yun Kui relented. "Well, I suppose I’ll accept them, but let me remind Your Highness—what was that saying again? 'A steady stream makes a long river.' Though Your Highness is vigorous and full of vitality now, moderation is key. Overindulgence harms the imperial health."
She rambled on, but the Crown Prince fixated on the word "steady," his expression darkening.
Noticing his displeasure, Yun Kui’s legs went weak. She quickly pulled the blankets over herself, vowing inwardly: I must study harder! I must seize control in the bedchamber! If this continues night after night, even iron would wear out.
Freed from the usual dawn wake-up call, Yun Kui slept until she woke naturally, dragging her aching body to continue her battle with the books.
But the next examination wasn’t as simple as before. Though she had memorized and understood the texts, the Crown Prince no longer tested mere recitation—he demanded analysis, cross-referencing classics, even challenging her to rebut his arguments.
After a month of stumbling through, she barely passed the second exam. Just as she mustered the courage to demand control over their intimate affairs, the Crown Prince handed her an embroidered box. "Your reward."
Yun Kui took it, nearly dropping it from the weight. What’s inside—rocks?
Unlatching the clasp, she was met with the blinding gleam of ten gold bars. Her vision swam, her knees nearly buckling.
"This… is my reward?"
The Crown Prince nodded. "Yes."
What kind of husband rewards his wife with gold bars?! Yet it was exactly what she adored.
Seeing her hesitation, he asked softly, "Don’t you like it?"
Yun Kui shook her head frantically. "No, it’s not that…"
But this wasn’t the reward she’d wanted! Still, how could she refuse? Once gold was in her hands, she could never give it back. As for the bedroom initiative… maybe she could endure a little longer? Focus on his good points, and make her demand after finishing the next book.
Clutching the box of gold bars, she wept tears of joy—only to weep even harder that night, pleading in vain as the Crown Prince remained unmoved. Resolute, she swore to study her way to dominance.
Yet each exam grew more grueling, demanding ever more hours of study.
Even Princess Xuanhe, assuming Yun Kui had abandoned their mischievous alliance, came to persuade her: "Sister-in-law, there’s no need to push yourself so hard. Even if you don’t study, His Highness won’t punish you. If he bullies you, I’ll tell Her Majesty the Empress."
Yun Kui could only shake her head helplessly before burying herself in her books again.
After another month of relentless effort, she tearfully passed the third exam. Just as she prepared to claim her reward, the Crown Prince spoke first.
"Tomorrow is the Qixi Festival. Let me take you to the market as your reward. How does that sound?"
Yun Kui: "…"
"Damn you! I’ll fight you for this!"
