After the Cold Dew season passed, the hottest topic among the people of Great Yan became their Crown Princess.
After all, this Princess Zhaoning was the first Crown Princess in the history of Great Yan!
It was said that the Imperial Censor had led many ministers to kneel in protest at court, yet His Majesty ultimately overruled all opposition and appointed Princess Zhaoning as the Crown Princess.
When the news first spread, not only the officials but even the common folk wondered if their Emperor had lost his mind... Spoiling one's daughter shouldn’t cross such boundaries!
But soon, the Crown Princess proved herself through action.
The old Khan of the grasslands had harassed Great Yan’s borders for years, relying on the advantage of his cavalry. When Princess Lingshuang was sent for a political marriage, the Crown Princess accompanied her.
No one knew how she managed it, but the new Khan had since withdrawn his people nearly a hundred miles away. Not long ago, he even sent a tribute of livestock and specialties, specifically thanking their Crown Princess!
Thanks to her, the people along Great Yan’s borders could finally enjoy a peaceful New Year.
And before the year’s end, there was another joyous event—the impending wedding of the Crown Princess and the Regent Prince of Tianqi!
"That Regent Prince is extraordinary—half of Tianqi’s prosperity today is thanks to him!"
"Extraordinary indeed... For someone of his status to willingly become a consort in Great Yan..."
"I heard it’s for diplomatic relations. Once this marriage is sealed, the two nations won’t go to war for twenty years."
"So that’s the reason... Still, our Crown Princess is sacrificing so much. There are so many fine young men in Yan Capital, yet this Regent Prince snatched the position of royal consort... I even heard he doesn’t bathe often!"
"That can’t be true!"
"I don’t believe it either... Just the other day, Wang Gui mentioned seeing the two dining at Fengkelai. That Regent Prince looked quite dashing, hardly the type to neglect hygiene."
"Well, as long as Her Highness is happy."
"I heard the Imperial Astronomers have set the wedding date—the fifteenth of this month!"
"So soon? It’s already the sixth today. Isn’t that a bit rushed?"
"Apparently, it’s because the Regent Prince’s health is poor, so Her Highness agreed to an early wedding. If they delay, the colder weather might worsen his condition, and he might not even last through the ceremony."
"Our Princess is truly making a sacrifice... Though I suppose His Majesty will arrange for her to take additional consorts later..."
"That depends on Her Highness’s wishes..."
The people chattered animatedly, completely unaware of the man who had been standing nearby, listening for who knew how long.
"Your Highness." Qiu Dongfang hurried over. "Her Highness has made the arrangements and is waiting for us... What are you looking at?"
He followed Sima Qing’s gaze but saw nothing unusual—just a group of commoners laughing and chatting.
Puzzled, Qiu Dongfang turned back only to find Sima Qing already striding far ahead.
He quickly caught up, only to hear his prince muttering coldly to himself.
Qiu Dongfang: "..."
He fell into silence.
Ever since arriving in Great Yan, his prince had become increasingly unpredictable. None of them could understand him anymore!
Meanwhile, the "unpredictable" prince was preoccupied with thoughts of additional consorts.
Given Jiu Yue’s straightforward nature, Sima Qing trusted she wouldn’t seek out other men. But as the Crown Princess of Great Yan, political necessities might force her into personal sacrifices.
He lowered his gaze, steadying his thoughts.
Still, as long as he was around, no one would have the chance to pressure her.
Just as he was reviewing the geopolitical landscape around Great Yan, Sima Qing arrived at the private room Jiu Yue had reserved. Faint voices drifted from inside. He paused briefly before pushing the door open.
The sight that greeted him was Jiu Yue playfully pinching a man’s cheek, her laughter bright.
The man seemed to be enjoying himself, showing no discomfort—only delight.
Sima Qing: "..."
Jiu Yue and the man: "..."
Instantly, they both felt like students caught misbehaving by a strict teacher. Jiu Yue swiftly withdrew her hand and hurried forward with a smile.
"You’re here! I was just about to fetch you." She had intended to leave, only to unexpectedly run into an old acquaintance.
Sima Qing regarded her coolly, forcing a smile. "You were about to, but didn’t. In the future, Your Highness should refrain from such empty pleasantries."
Jiu Yue: "..."
She studied him suspiciously, her expression shifting. "Did someone offend you on the way?"
With a disdainful sniff, Sima Qing’s gaze flickered toward the man at the table. His voice was soft but clear. "This prince is the royal consort. Who would dare offend me?"
Fair point... Then why was he acting so prickly, as if ready to explode at any moment?
Jiu Yue was baffled.
Sima Qing, however, had already brushed past her and taken a seat. He fixed the other man with a deceptively pleasant smile. "Your Highness didn’t inform me we’d have company."
Nangong Xun, under that stare: "..."
He glanced helplessly at Jiu Yue, who cheerfully bounded over to introduce him. "He’s not just company—this is Nangong Xun! I ran into him by chance and invited him to join us."
Jiu Yue had genuinely meant to fetch Sima Qing.
But the moment she stepped out, she caught a would-be thief attempting to pick her pocket. She was ready to teach the fool a lesson when the stranger excitedly called her "Senior Sister!"—leaving her stunned.
Unlike the Tianqi storyteller "Nan Xun," this Nangong Xun now wore a different face—a disguise.
Overjoyed, Jiu Yue immediately dragged him to the private room for a lively catch-up.
Learning that he and Doctor Tang had come to Great Yan to expand their influence, she was impressed.
So the Reclusive Manor was establishing a branch here!
Before they could talk further, Sima Qing arrived.
Jiu Yue was still figuring out how to explain Nangong Xun’s identity when Sima Qing studied him briefly—and smiled even more amiably.
"So it’s Young Master Nangong. It’s been a while." Sima Qing slid a cup of tea toward him.
Nangong Xun looked between Sima Qing and the oblivious Jiu Yue, his lips twitching. After finishing the tea, he tactfully stood.
"I’ve kept you waiting, Your Highness. This is a congratulatory gift from my father." He produced an exquisite wooden box from his robes. "Regrettably, he’s tied up with affairs and won’t make it to your wedding. I hope you’ll understand."
"The Manor Master is too kind." Sima Qing smiled faintly. "I’ll pay him a visit when time permits."
Nangong Xun didn’t linger. After a final meaningful look at Jiu Yue—You’re on your own—he made a swift exit.
Jiu Yue: "...?"
