Chapter 6

After Zhao Mingzhu finished eating and looked up again, she realized that Gu Qingheng’s seat beside her was empty. She glanced around but didn’t see him anywhere.

Across from her, the Duke of Zhen’s temple twitched in frustration. This rebellious daughter—if she were a son, he’d have skinned her alive!

“Stop looking. He left half a cup of tea ago.”

Zhao Mingzhu was puzzled. Seriously? Gu Qingheng left that quickly?

The Duke of Zhen couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong with the family’s ancestral tomb. How had he ended up with such a heartless child?

“Before your marriage, I warned you countless times to win His Highness’s favor! And you? You treated my words like wind in your ears. He’s been gone for ages, and you didn’t even notice!”

Zhao Mingzhu lowered her head and muttered, “I did try.” She had proof—the original host had genuinely tried, spending money to buy love charms, hoping to win his affection for life. But it hadn’t worked. In the end, she’d ended up drinking the potion herself.

Thinking of that made Zhao Mingzhu feel utterly dejected.

The Duke of Zhen’s gaze grew complicated. He finally sighed deeply. “Forget it. You’ve always been like this. At least I’m still alive for a few more years.” As long as he lived, he could still protect her somewhat.

He sat down beside his daughter and asked earnestly, “How are things between you and His Highness? No new troubles, I hope?”

Zhao Mingzhu fiddled with the jade pendant at her waist and shook her head. “None. I’ve really been behaving.”

The Duke didn’t believe her for a second, but the maid Qiao’er chimed in, “It’s true, Your lordship. Miss has been enduring everything—neglect, scolding, even beatings—without a single word of protest.”

Zhao Mingzhu choked slightly—no need to describe her treasured ‘doormat strategy’ so vividly.

The Duke fell silent. His eyes softened with pity. He had indeed given her such instructions before her marriage, but he hadn’t expected her actually to follow them. He felt guilty. If he hadn’t spoiled her since childhood, how would she have ended up like this?

“Mingzhu, you’ve suffered.”

Zhao Mingzhu looked up at the sorrow in Zhao Qing’s eyes. She knew he was grieving for the original host. But she was still moved by the warmth of his concern. As an orphan, she had never known such familial affection.

“Don’t worry, Father. Your daughter is grown now—not a child anymore, and not as fragile as you imagine.”

Zhao Qing felt that his precious daughter had changed so much in just two days—she must have endured something immense. He regretted it. “Mingzhu, don’t take all my words to heart. As long as I live, you’ll always be the pearl of the Duke of Zhen’s household.”

“If you ever need money, just send someone to fetch it. Don’t force yourself to endure. You never need to be polite with me.”

Zhao Mingzhu smiled and nodded. This was why she firmly believed she could carve out a peaceful and prosperous life for herself. With such a strong family backing her, and as long as she didn’t self-destruct, how bad could things really get?

The Duke and Zhao Mingzhu chatted a while longer. In the end, he truly believed his daughter had matured and felt much comforted.

Looking at the darkening sky, he added, “Child, the closest can become the most distant—such is marriage. When it comes to the Crown Prince, you shouldn’t love him, but respect him. Do you understand?”

People of the royal family are often cold and indifferent—he didn’t want his daughter diving headfirst into an illusion of love.

Zhao Mingzhu wholeheartedly agreed. “Don’t worry, Father. I’m ready to set up an altar and offer him three sticks of incense a day.”

She’d already made up her mind: treat Gu Qingheng like a high-maintenance client. Safe and professional.

“You cheeky girl.” The Duke of Zhen glared at her again, then waved his hand. “Go on now, it’s getting late. I’ll see you to the carriage.”

Zhao Mingzhu returned to the Eastern Palace with bags in tow, dragging Qiao’er along as they headed straight to her quarters. Only after confirming no one was around did she open her palm and unfold the crumpled paper ball. It had been tossed to her in the Buddha hall, just moments before the old matron entered. The timing had been off, so she hadn’t opened it until now.

Unfolding the paper, she saw a message, “Tomorrow at noon, meet in the peach blossom grove at Cangyun Temple.

The paper was a soft peach-pink, flecked with gold foil, and carried a faint, elusive fragrance.

Zhao Mingzhu didn’t need to think hard to know something was off. She racked her brain for clues—nothing.

Qiao’er had seen it too. Her eyes widened as she whispered, “Crown Princess, didn’t you say you wouldn’t…” have an affair.

Zhao Mingzhu folded the note and burned it, sighing. “Honestly, I don’t even know who sent it.”

Qiao’er’s eyes lit up. “It must be someone who’s long been smitten, and now that you’re married, he rushed over in desperation!”

Her mistress was just that charming!

Zhao Mingzhu rubbed her forehead at Qiao’er’s blind adoration and reminded her, “If anyone else finds out about this letter, your mistress will be ruined. You still think it’s romantic?”

Qiao’er shook her head instantly. Zhao Mingzhu sighed again, watching the ashes in the incense burner.

“If he truly cared, couldn’t he have shown up earlier? Why wait until I’m already married?”

If this were a novel—with forbidden love, dramatic pursuit, and emotional fallout—it’d be thrilling. She’d eat it up. But now that it was happening to her? It felt more like a sword hanging overhead.

Qiao’er finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Zhao Mingzhu was now the Crown Princess. If a lover emerged now, even a whisper of scandal would brand her a disgrace.

The thought made Qiao’er shiver. “Crown Princess, let’s just not go.”

Zhao Mingzhu shook her head. Pretending it didn’t exist wouldn’t make it go away. It was a ticking time bomb. If even Qiao’er didn’t recognize the sender, then she had all the more reason to investigate.

“I’ll go tomorrow. But Qiao’er, I need you to handle something for me.” She beckoned her close.

Qiao’er listened, then nodded vigorously. “Don’t worry, Crown Princess. I’ll have it ready!”

Zhao Mingzhu watched her leave, then headed toward the Eastern Palace’s study.

“Crown Princess?” Chang He spotted her and stepped forward.

Zhao Mingzhu held a bowl of sweet soup and said, “Guard Chang He, I noticed His Highness enjoyed this dessert today, so I had the kitchen prepare another portion.”

Chang He glanced at the soup and understood immediately. “Forgive me, Crown Princess, but His Highness is currently in a meeting. I’m afraid he can’t receive you.”

Zhao Mingzhu had come only to make her presence known. Seeing him wasn’t necessary—intent was enough. She didn’t press. Handing over the soup, she said, “Then I’ll trouble you to deliver it when there’s a moment. I won’t intrude.”

Chang He accepted it and nodded. “Your servant respectfully sees you off.”

Once Zhao Mingzhu’s figure disappeared around the corner, Chang He entered the room. There were people inside—but no meeting.

“Oh? This is the sweet soup sent by the Crown Princess?”

Chang He looked to his master. Gu Qingheng didn’t even glance up. “Pour it out.”

The man in blue seated beside him quickly intervened, snatching the bowl and taking a sip. He smacked his lips. “Perfect timing. I was just thirsty.”