The couple turned back in astonishment.
Emperor Jingxuan had arrived with Yun Wan, appearing as if from nowhere.
Faced with his cold interrogation, Princess Yongshou gave an awkward smile: "This sister spoke out of turn. Your Majesty is majestic and noble, a perfect match for Her Highness—truly a celestial pair."
The words sounded more palatable, and Emperor Jingxuan's expression softened slightly.
Seeing this, Princess Yongshou grew bolder. She turned her gaze to Yun Wan and said warmly, "Pei Qian hasn’t been troubling Her Highness and little Sui these past few days, has he?"
She was well aware that her son had been frequenting the inner palace, and a quick inquiry had revealed the reason for Sui’s illness.
Yun Wan smiled faintly and shook her head. "Not at all. The young lord is very well-mannered."
Encouraged, Princess Yongshou’s smile deepened. "That boy is a mischievous little monkey—always bouncing around the moment you take your eyes off him, never giving me a moment’s peace."
Yun Wan replied, "It’s good for children to be lively and energetic. It keeps them healthy. With young Pei Qian around, I don’t have to worry about my Sui becoming a little bookworm at such a tender age."
"True enough," Princess Yongshou agreed. "The two boys complement each other—one active, the other quiet. Ever since Pei Qian befriended your Chang Sui, he’s even started doing his homework on his own during breaks."
"......"
Once the topic turned to their beloved children, the two young mothers—despite their differing statuses—found endless common ground.
Princess Yongshou stepped forward to walk side by side with Yun Wan, chatting and laughing like sisters from afar.
Gradually, the two fathers were left behind.
Seeing them get along so well, Duke Chengen chuckled helplessly and asked the man opposite him, "Your Majesty, a game of chess?"
Emperor Jingxuan had no intention of wasting such fine hours on chess.
But his wife had clearly forgotten him, walking off with another woman.
He glanced at Duke Chengen, expressionless, then strode away without a word.
The duke, having received a sharp look, followed behind and ordered a chessboard to be prepared.
Meanwhile, Yun Wan and Princess Yongshou had moved from discussing children to clothes, jewelry, beauty regimens, and household affairs.
Recalling the rumors she’d heard lately, Princess Yongshou remarked thoughtfully, "This is the first time I’ve seen His Majesty so devoted to a woman. It’s quite surprising."
She turned to study Yun Wan for a moment before smiling. "But then again, if it’s Consort Yun, it’s hardly unexpected."
Though their children were close, Yun Wan had never imagined she’d find herself in private conversation with the princess.
She replied politely, "You flatter me, Princess. To earn His Majesty’s favor is my good fortune."
The words sounded perfunctory, and Princess Yongshou hesitated before asking, "Surely Your Highness doesn’t think just anyone could catch His Majesty’s eye?"
Yun Wan blinked, puzzled.
Princess Yongshou sighed and explained, "My earlier words weren’t mere flattery—they’re the truth. Though not born of the same mother, I’ve known His Majesty for years as his sister, and I can tell his feelings for you are genuine."
"He’s ruled for many years, and the harem has never been free of strife. Yet he’s always maintained impartiality. Never have I heard of him favoring any consort so openly, much less taking one on outings."
Let alone going to such lengths to bring her into the palace, bestowing titles with great fanfare—as if a single imperial decree could proclaim his affection to the world.
Not only that, but even her child from another man had benefited from his grace. The grand ceremony for Sui’s tutorship had made it clear to all that Yun Wan was under his special protection.
Such blatant favor—and she thought it ordinary?
Yun Wan’s eyes flickered with doubt, as if to say: Really?
Princess Yongshou sighed inwardly, suddenly feeling a pang of sympathy for her brother.
Well, she’d do her good deed for the day.
She leaned in slightly and asked in a suggestive tone, "Has Your Highness ever seen the scars on His Majesty’s body?"
Yun Wan’s cheeks warmed as she nodded. "I have."
Princess Yongshou said, "Those were from his time guarding the northern borders before ascending the throne."
The late emperor had many sons, but he doted most on the Eldest Prince and Second Prince. Emperor Jingxuan, the third prince, was neglected—all because the late emperor despised his mother, Concubine Li.
As her name suggested, Concubine Li was a stunning beauty, renowned throughout the palace.
But the late emperor had peculiar tastes—he disliked women of striking beauty, preferring plain-faced ones like the mothers of the Eldest and Second Princes.
To him, Concubine Li’s allure was worthless, even repulsive. And the son who inherited her looks fared no better.
Hearing this, Yun Wan was taken aback.
"Confusing, isn’t it? I never understood it either," Princess Yongshou said with a bitter laugh.
An unloved prince lived a hard life in the palace. Princess Yongshou’s mother, pitying the boy, had often aided him in secret. That small kindness had later brought immense fortune to her and her daughter.
Thanks to that bond, Princess Yongshou had risen above her sisters, thriving in the capital all these years.
At thirteen, Emperor Jingxuan followed Marquis Zhenbei to the northern frontier. There, he displayed a genius for warfare, winning battles and hearts alike. By eighteen, the late emperor fell ill, and the princes turned on each other, plunging the court into chaos.
Just as the Great Qi dynasty teetered on collapse, Emperor Jingxuan led his army back to the capital under the banner of "saving the nation." With ruthless efficiency, he purged traitors, stabilized the realm, and claimed the throne.
Under his rule, Great Qi flourished anew. Over a decade of diligent governance brought prosperity to the people.
That was why no one in court dared truly oppose him—none could leash him as they had the late emperor.
After hearing Princess Yongshou’s account of Emperor Jingxuan’s past, Yun Wan fell silent.
That day, when he’d told her how he’d been punished as a child—kneeling for three days before the palace gates—she’d recognized a kindred spirit: a child unwanted by their father.
Seeing her deep in thought, Princess Yongshou felt gratified. "On the day of my birthday banquet, during the downpour… you and His Majesty were alone together, weren’t you?"
Yun Wan stiffened in surprise.
The princess merely said, "His Majesty never acts without purpose. Even then, I suspected his interest in you. Now, it seems I was right."
......
With her mind full of revelations about Emperor Jingxuan, Yun Wan returned to Qiyun Palace.
Fuling greeted her: "Your Highness, His Majesty is bathing inside."
Yun Wan wasn’t surprised. After their reconciliation over the ring incident, seeing that she wouldn’t return to Zichen Hall, Emperor Jingxuan had simply moved into Qiyun Palace instead.
Thus, the wardrobe, bed, bathtub—once hers alone—were now shared with him.
Stepping into the inner chamber, she found the air thick with steam. In the spacious tub, Emperor Jingxuan sat with arms outstretched, revealing broad shoulders, a sculpted back, and corded muscle.
Suddenly, a pair of delicate hands traced the lines of his back, climbing slowly upward.
His eyes snapped open, sharp as blades—until recognition dawned.
The coldness melted away as he tilted his head slightly. "You’re back, my love."
