Chapter 17

~At Qiluan Palace.~

“Master, His Highness has returned. The servants report that he is on his way here now.”

Meixiang stood to the side, softly informing Ling Yue.

Hearing this, Ling Yue’s body trembled slightly, and a sorrowful expression appeared on her face.

“Meixiang, I no longer know how to face him…”

As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears. Since returning to the Eastern Palace this morning, she had been crying nonstop, like a broken string of pearls. Every time she thought about how she had seen Jun Zechen and Su Jingyao so close and intimate last night, her heart ached as if it were being torn apart.

Seeing this, Meixiang quickly stepped forward to comfort her.

“Master, you must stay strong. You cannot argue with His Highness again. If you do, won’t you just push him closer to Side Consort Su?”

Ling Yue bit her lip and frowned slightly.

“Meixiang, you’re right. Aze still loves me. He must be coming to explain what happened last night. I must not be angry with him again.”

Ling Yue gently wiped away her tears and forced herself to remain calm.

“His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived—”

A eunuch outside the hall loudly announced as soon as he saw the prince approaching.

Jun Zechen walked into the hall with heavy steps, his heart also filled with conflict. He didn’t know how to face Ling Yue. Some things had to be dealt with and made clear. Ling Yue looked up and saw Jun Zechen approaching. She took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Greetings, Your Highness.” Her voice trembled slightly, and her posture appeared fragile.

Jun Zechen gazed at Ling Yue, feeling a strange emotion rise in his heart. He had long since excused her from such formal greetings in private and had even allowed her to address him more intimately. Her respectful manner today felt unfamiliar to him.

But he said nothing. By now, he understood that some words should not be promised lightly.

“Rise,” he said, his voice as calm as still water, revealing no emotion.

Ling Yue stood up, her red-rimmed eyes filled with grievance as she looked at him. Jun Zechen sighed and gently pulled her into his arms. Feeling his warmth, Ling Yue could no longer hold back her tears. They flowed like a flood breaking through a dam.

“Aze, I thought you didn’t love me anymore,” she sobbed, her voice filled with sorrow and grievance, her shoulders trembling.

Jun Zechen said nothing. He simply reached out and gently stroked her silky hair, his touch full of tenderness, as if he were soothing a wounded little creature. His dark eyes reflected pity and affection, but there was also a complex emotion in their depths—deep and unreadable. Ling Yue cried for a long time before her sobs finally subsided. Only then did Jun Zechen speak.

“Last night, the concubine accidentally drank some tea from Mofeng Tower that had been laced with something. That’s why I stayed with her…”

His voice trailed off slightly, a fleeting trace of complexity flashing across his brow. What he didn’t say was that, more than the drugged tea, it was his own weakness that led him to succumb to Su Jingyao’s seduction. In that moment of intimacy, he had enjoyed it.

Hearing his explanation, Ling Yue felt a small weight lift from her heart. As long as Jun Zechen hadn’t deliberately broken their promise, she could accept it. Yet deep inside, she knew—he had already been drawn to Su Jingyao.

“Aze, as long as you still have me in your heart, I won’t mind how many women you have. You will be the emperor of Jun Kingdom in the future. The ministers won’t allow their ruler to have too few heirs.”

Her voice carried a mix of helplessness and compromise, but her eyes were firm and unwavering.

“I… I don’t know why I haven’t been able to bear children, but as long as it’s your child, I will love them. I just want to grow old with you, to live and die together.”

Her words were filled with sorrow and longing. Hearing her so submissively endure the situation, a wave of guilt crashed over Jun Zechen. He had thought he understood her well, but he never expected she would be willing to humble herself so much for him.

He felt heartache for the once-proud Ling Yue, now worn down by palace life. But there was nothing he could do. He could only hold her tightly and offer what little comfort he could.

At that moment, Jun Zechen realized his own selfishness. He could not choose between Ling Yue and Su Jingyao. He was greedy for Ling Yue’s devotion but also unable to resist Su Jingyao’s allure.

“Alright, Yue’er will always be my wife.”

His deep, magnetic voice carried a soothing power, rekindling a spark of hope in Ling Yue’s heart. Hearing his reassurance, a bright smile bloomed on her face. She lifted her head and nestled deeper into his embrace, clinging to his warmth and the sense of security he provided.

~Xiyan Palace~

Su Jingyao returned to her chambers and leisurely stepped into a bathtub filled with flower petals. The warm water soothed her exhaustion. She soaked for a long time before finally rising, allowing her maids to gently wipe her skin with soft cloths.

Afterward, they performed an elaborate skincare and massage routine. Their hands were skillful and gentle, easing the fatigue from the previous night’s “torment” by that “dog of a man.” Every inch of her skin reveled in the pampering.

When everything was done, Su Jingyao lay limply on a chaise lounge, resembling a flower in full bloom, now basking in its own beauty. Her damp hair cascaded lazily over the cushion, adding an extra touch of allure.

Miaoyun sat on a low stool beside her, slowly waving a fan to create a gentle breeze.

“Master, after His Highness returned today, he went straight to QiLuan Palace and never left. I heard that even the memorials were sent there, and he reviewed them inside.”

Upon hearing this, Su Jingyao chuckled softly.

“It seems our dear Crown Princess has finally learned how to please a man.”

A subtle, unreadable smile played on her lips. She didn’t even have to guess—Ling Yue must have chosen to play the “weak and pitiful” role. If she had been reckless like last night, Jun Zechen would have stormed out in anger.

“Then, Master, will you not take back His Highness?” Miaoyun asked quietly.

“Take him back? Since entering the Eastern Palace, have I ever needed to? Hasn’t he always come to me of his own accord?”

Su Jingyao’s tone was lazy yet brimming with confidence. She slowly opened her eyes, and within their bright depths, a knowing gleam flickered.

“Miaoyun, remember this: if you fight openly for something, even if you win, it won’t taste as sweet.”

With that, she closed her eyes again, sinking into rare relaxation. Her expression was serene, as if the world outside had nothing to do with her. Miaoyun nodded, half-understanding, but she trusted her mistress completely.

After all, just look at the Crown Prince—hadn’t he once sworn he would never touch her? That he didn’t like her? And yet, wasn’t he the one who kept coming back to her now?

For the next few days, Su Jingyao continued to enjoy her leisure in Xiyan Palace. Whether she was reading, painting, or playing music, she ensured that even when she wasn’t vying for a man’s affection, she still lived comfortably.

That day, Su Jingyao was sitting in the study, quietly practicing her calligraphy. Her posture was elegant, and she looked calm and focused. Miaoxue, the most lively of her four maids, tiptoed into the room. She hesitated for a moment before standing behind Su Jingyao, looking a bit nervous. Miaoxue opened her mouth as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. Finally, she gathered her courage and said softly,

“Mistress, Miaoyun, Miaoxia, and Miaoyue didn’t dare to ask you, so I came…”

Su Jingyao’s brush paused slightly, but she didn’t lift her head. She asked calmly,

“Ask me what? You’ve been with me for years, yet you still can’t stay patient?”

Miaoxue bit her lip, then said,

“Mistress… the Crown Princess has been calling His Highness to her palace every time he returns to the Eastern Palace these past few days.”

“She’s keeping His Highness away from us, and that’s one thing, but now Miaoyue even had trouble getting food from the kitchen. Do you think the Crown Princess is deliberately making things difficult for us?”

Su Jingyao’s meals were always specially prepared in her own small kitchen by Miaoyue.

“Don’t speak nonsense. How was she troubled?” Su Jingyao’s voice remained calm as she continued writing.

“Yesterday, Miaoyue wanted to make fish for you, but the kitchen said there were no fish left. But she clearly saw live fish in the water tank. When she asked, the chief eunuch of the kitchen said those fish were reserved for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”

Miaoxue sounded increasingly frustrated.

“And today, when I went to get fine salt for our kitchen, the chief steward ignored me for a long time. He only gave me the salt after mealtime was over, and his attitude was very unfriendly.”

Su Jingyao’s eyes darkened slightly, and she frowned a little. It seemed the simple Crown Princess had finally learned to fight back, but her methods were still too childish. Su Jingyao didn’t even want to waste energy on these small tricks. As for the Crown Princess keeping the Crown Prince by her side all the time, Su Jingyao just found it amusing.

Ling Yue still had too many expectations of men.

For a day or two, the Crown Prince might accompany her out of guilt. But if she kept forcing him to stay, he would only grow irritated. Men didn’t like being forced—especially someone like the Crown Prince.

“Did His Highness go to the Crown Princess’s palace today as well?” Su Jingyao finally looked up slightly, her expression calm as ever.

“Not today. The Crown Princess sent people to invite him, but His Highness said he was busy with government affairs and needed to rest in Yude Hall instead.”

Miaoxue sounded a little smug. Su Jingyao’s lips curved into a slight smirk. Just as she expected.

The Crown Prince’s feelings had already changed. Ling Yue’s constant interference would only make him more annoyed. After all, the food you haven’t tasted enough is always the most tempting.

“The sky looks dark today. It might rain tonight,” Su Jingyao said, gazing out the window at the gloomy sky.

Miaoxue didn’t understand why her mistress suddenly mentioned the weather.

“Mistress, it might rain, but it’ll probably just be light drizzle. It already drizzled earlier this afternoon, and there won’t be any thunder. You don’t have to worry.”

“If you’re scared, I can stay with you,” Miaoxue added sincerely.

Su Jingyao chuckled. “What if I want His Highness to stay with me?”

“Then I’ll go to Yude Hall and invite him for you,” Miaoxue said firmly without hesitation.

“Good. Tonight, you will invite him,” Su Jingyao said meaningfully, a sly glint in her eyes.

Miaoxue was excited. It seemed her mistress was finally going to fight for the Crown Prince’s attention. At the beginning of the Xu hour (7-9 PM), Su Jingyao had just finished bathing. She wore a light pink gauzy dress, as delicate as a peach blossom in spring. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders, adding to her soft and alluring beauty.

She walked gracefully to the soft couch and sat down. On the small table in front of her lay a blank piece of paper. Su Jingyao picked up a brush with her slender fingers, dipped it in ink, and carefully wrote on the paper. Her expression was focused, and after finishing, she looked at her handwriting with satisfaction. A sweet smile appeared on her lips.

She folded the paper neatly, placed it in an elegant envelope, and handed it to Miaoxue.

“Miaoxue, take this to His Highness personally,” Su Jingyao said playfully, blinking mischievously.

“Yes, Mistress,” Miaoxue said excitedly.

She held the letter tightly as if it were a precious treasure. Stepping out into the night, Miaoxue grabbed an umbrella to shield the letter from the light drizzle. Outside Yude Hall, Eunuch An shun saw Miaoxue approaching and quickly stepped forward to greet her.

His expression was complicated—respectful yet helpless.

He had served in the Eastern Palace for more than ten years, and now, faced with the two mistresses of Qiluan Hall and Xiyan Hall, he found himself in a difficult position. An shun had originally thought that this beautiful side consort was not favored by the crown prince and even felt sorry for her. But now he realized—he had been completely wrong.

This side consort was not simple at all.

“Miaoxue, it’s raining outside. Why have you come?” An shun’s voice carried a hint of concern.

“Eunuch An shun, my mistress asked me to deliver a letter to His Highness and instructed me to hand it to him personally. Could you please inform him?” Miaoxue’s voice was clear and pleasant, her eyes filled with anticipation.

“Wait here for a moment. I’ll go ask.”

With that, An shun turned and entered Yude Hall.

Inside, Jun Zechen sat upright in the main seat. He had a tall and dignified posture, exuding an aura of authority. He was engrossed in reading a book, the candlelight flickering over his handsome face, making his features even more defined.

His face had sharp, masculine lines, yet carried a touch of softness. His deep-set eyes, straight nose, and tightly pressed lips gave him a cold and mysterious demeanor—like a deity, making others instinctively respect him.

“Your Highness, Miaoxue, the personal maid of Consort Su, seeks an audience,” An shun said with a slight bow.

Jun Zechen’s deep eyes flickered slightly upon hearing it was from Su Jingyao’s palace. He then asked indifferently,

“For what reason?”

“Miaoxue said Consort Su wrote a letter for Your Highness and specifically ordered her to deliver it personally,” An shun replied respectfully.

“Let her in.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

An shun obeyed and soon brought Miaoxue inside.

Miaoxue followed closely behind, feeling a little nervous. She stepped carefully and approached Jun Zechen.

“Greetings, Your Highness.” She curtsied respectfully.

“Rise and present it.”

Jun Zechen’s voice remained calm, yet carried an inherent pressure. Miaoxue quickly stood and handed over the letter with both hands. Jun Zechen took it, unsealed it, and read:

“Tonight, the rain falls gently. A pity there is no thunder. I hope Your Highness rests well.”

Just three sentences. Jun Zechen frowned slightly, narrowing his eyes in confusion. He couldn’t quite understand this woman’s intentions.

“Did your mistress say anything else?” He looked up and asked Miaoxue.

Seeing his puzzled expression, Miaoxue was curious about the letter’s contents but honestly replied,

“No, Your Highness.”

“Alright, you may leave.”

Jun Zechen waved his hand. Miaoxue bowed and quietly exited. Left alone, Jun Zechen read the letter over and over again, his brows furrowing deeper. His slender fingers gently traced the paper, as if trying to uncover some hidden meaning.

Outside, the rain indeed drizzled lightly. He clearly remembered that this woman had always been afraid of thunder. Yet, she regretted that there was none tonight?

That didn’t make sense. If there was no thunder, shouldn’t he sleep more peacefully? Then why did she regret it? His mind was consumed by this letter. Even the book in his hands no longer held his attention. He kept pondering—this woman was intelligent and well-read. Could these three sentences have a deeper meaning?

No matter how much he thought, he couldn’t figure it out. The curiosity gnawed at him.

“An shun, to Xiyan Hall.”

Jun Zechen’s low voice broke the silence. A trace of urgency flashed in his eyes. An shun was startled. His Highness had refused the crown princess’s invitation earlier, but now, in the rain, he was heading to Xiyan Hall? Consort Su had only sent one letter, yet His Highness had spent so much time staring at it, even deciding to visit her so late at night. This side consort was truly skilled.

Despite his thoughts, An shun responded respectfully,

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Upon arriving at Xiyan Hall, Jun Zechen found only a single candle flickering in the sleeping quarters. The woman was already fast asleep. He quietly stepped inside without making a sound. Standing by the bed, he gazed at her with warmth in his eyes.

Her sleeping face was peaceful and sweet. Under the dim candlelight, her long lashes cast soft shadows on her cheeks. Her small, delicate nose moved slightly as she breathed, and her rosy lips curved into a faint smile. She looked as beautiful as a dream.

Jun Zechen stood still, simply watching her, as if time had stopped. After a long while, Su Jingyao seemed to sense something but  open her eyes.

“How long does Your Highness plan to watch me?” Her voice was soft and playful.

Jun Zechen was slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected her to notice him.

“How did you know it was me?”

Su Jingyao opened her eyes, turned onto her side, and propped her head up with one hand. She looked at him with a bright smile, playful and charming.

“Because Your Highness and I have a special connection. The moment you arrived, I felt it.”

“You’re quite the sweet talker. Why did you send me a letter today and then go to bed so early?”

“I asked Miaoxue to deliver a letter in the rain. Does Your Highness still not understand why?”

Jun Zechen pursed his lips slightly. He still hadn’t fully grasped her meaning. But he kept his expression unreadable. He was the crown prince—how could he let a mere woman outsmart him in literature? With long strides, he moved closer, his tall figure instantly enveloping her. He leaned down, placing both hands on either side of her, his deep eyes locking onto hers.

“If you want me to sleep peacefully, then why regret that there is no thunder?” Jun Zechen’s deep and magnetic voice asked.

“If there’s no thunder, how would I have an excuse to sneak into Your Highness’s arms?”

Su Jingyao smiled like a blooming flower, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Then, she tightly wrapped her arms around his lean waist, pressing her face against his chest. Jun Zechen’s heart trembled, and his eyes froze for a moment. How could she say such things so boldly?!

His gaze grew even more intense, as if he wanted to melt her with his eyes.

“Why is your mouth so sweet?” His voice was low and husky, carrying an almost imperceptible trace of desire.

A flicker of heat appeared in his eyes, and his breathing became slightly heavier.

“Because my heart is sweet,” Su Jingyao said with a playful smile. Then, she took Jun Zechen’s hand and placed it over her chest.

“Your Highness, can you feel it?”

“I don’t feel anything.”

Jun Zechen leaned in close to her ear, his voice deep and slow, with a husky edge, as if deliberately teasing her.

“I miss Your Highness. My heart is full of you, so it is sweet.”

Su Jingyao blinked her big, sparkling eyes and looked at him with sincerity. Jun Zechen couldn’t hold back anymore. Where did this woman learn such seductive tricks?!

“Then I have to taste it!”

He lowered his head and captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss, greedily savoring her sweetness.