Chapter 10

As dusk settled, the light in the Eastern Palace study grew softer.

Jun Zechen sat upright at the head seat, his figure appearing particularly imposing under the dim candlelight.

He had just finished reviewing the memorials sent by Emperor Jingsheng. Lifting his head slightly, a trace of exhaustion flickered in his eyes.

Then, in a casual tone, he asked, “What has the concubine been doing these past few days?”

Standing respectfully to the side, An Shun lowered his head and replied, “Your Highness, these past few days, the concubine has been summoned to Kunning Palace by the Empress. She stays there for two full hours each time.”

As the chief eunuch by the Crown Prince’s side, nothing in the Eastern Palace could escape his watchful eyes.

However, An Shun was somewhat surprised. He raised his eyes slightly for a quick glance at Jun Zechen. Wasn’t His Highness only concerned about the Crown Princess in the past?

Jun Zechen’s fingers lightly tapped the surface of the desk as if lost in thought.

“Do you know why Mother summoned her?”

Anshun hesitated for a brief moment before cautiously replying, “It should still be about Your Highness’s heir. Concubine Su, she—”

At this point, Anshun’s voice involuntarily lowered, becoming somewhat hesitant.

Jun Zechen frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

He pressed further, “What about her?”

“Her Majesty has been making Concubine Su copy palace rules and the Women’s Precepts every day. She only returns to the Eastern Palace around dinner time.”

The Empress’s actions were clearly meant for the Crown Prince to see, so it was no surprise that An Shun was aware of it.

Jun Zechen’s gaze darkened—he hadn’t expected his mother to be making things difficult for Su Jingyao all this time.

“Why did you not inform me earlier?”

“This servant is guilty.”

Anshun felt bitter but dared not express it. Affairs in the Eastern Palace’s inner court—aside from matters concerning the Crown Princess—were only ever reported when His Highness inquired about them.

After a brief silence, Jun Zechen slowly stood up, his voice deep and resolute.

“To Xiyan Palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Anshun responded hurriedly.

Xiyan Palace.

Su Jingyao reclined gently on the soft couch, her delicate figure exuding an air of fragility. Beside her, Granny Li carefully applied medicinal ointment to her wrist, massaging it gently.

“Master, your wrist is already starting to swell. If you continue copying scriptures every day, how will this go on? You should speak to His Highness about it,” Granny Li said, her face full of concern, her brows tightly furrowed with worry.

Su Jingyao was about to comfort her with a few words. After all, Granny Li had been by her side for many years, and she was well aware of the older woman’s deep care for her.

But just then… the wind chime by the window suddenly rang.

A flicker of emotion flashed across her eyes before she composed herself, a look of helplessness appearing on her delicate face.

Su Jingyao frowned slightly, her red lips parted as she spoke softly, “The Empress has always wished for me to consummate my marriage with His Highness. Last time, she even created an opportunity for it, but I refused. It is only natural that she would be angry these past few days.”

“If copying palace regulations can appease the Empress and stop her from pressuring His Highness, then what harm is there in doing it?”

Her voice was as soft as a murmuring stream, yet there was an undetectable trace of bitterness hidden within.

Lowering her head slightly, her long, thick eyelashes trembled gently like fluttering fans. Her gaze dimmed, as if shrouded in a faint mist.

“Besides, His Highness has no desire to consummate our marriage. His heart belongs solely to the Crown Princess. He is busy with court affairs every day, and when he returns to the inner palace, why should I add to his burdens?”

Su Jingyao let out a quiet sigh, her eyes as clear as autumn waters, tinged with a faint sorrow, as if a thousand unspoken sorrows were tangled within them.

Yet, she was not one to wallow in despair. After a brief pause, she lifted her face and smiled faintly. “How can everything in this world go as one wishes? I only seek to have no regrets in my heart.”

The corners of her lips curved into a gentle, serene smile, blooming like a flower in spring—radiant and captivating.

“No regrets in your heart, is it?”

Just then, a deep, chilling voice echoed through the hall.

Jun Zechen strode inside, his expression dark and unreadable.

He had been standing outside for quite some time, listening to every word exchanged between the mistress and her servant.

Su Jingyao had, of course, already sensed his presence. Otherwise, why would she have put on such a performance?

At that moment, she trembled slightly, her expression full of shock and panic—like a startled fawn. Quickly, she stepped down from the couch, her graceful figure moving with practiced elegance as she walked toward him. She bowed deeply.

“Your Highness.”

“Rise. All of you, leave,” Jun Zechen commanded coldly.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the servants answered before silently retreating.

Once they were alone, Jun Zechen sat down on the soft couch, his posture composed and leisurely, as if he were in his own domain.

Then, in a quiet voice, he said, “Sit.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Su Jingyao responded softly, moving to sit at the other end of the couch.

“The Empress has punished you to copy scriptures these past few days. Why did you not tell me?”

As he spoke, Jun Zechen absentmindedly rubbed the jade ring on his thumb. His tone was casual, but there was an underlying pressure in his gaze.

“It is merely a trivial matter. I did not wish to trouble Your Highness,” Su Jingyao replied, her voice calm and gentle, as if the matter truly did not concern her.

Yet, within her slightly lowered gaze, a faint trace of sorrow flickered.

Jun Zechen’s irritation flared.

Reaching out swiftly, he grabbed her right wrist and lifted it in front of him.

His movement was sudden and forceful, leaving no room for resistance.

As expected, her fair and delicate wrist was already slightly swollen, resembling a flawless piece of jade marred by a tiny flaw—heart-wrenching to behold.

This woman was fragile, clearly unfit for hardship, yet her unwavering determination defied expectations. This realization only made Jun Zechen more infuriated.

Su Jingyao winced slightly, her slender eyebrows trembling as she instinctively tried to pull her hand away.

However, the man’s grip was firm, rendering her efforts futile.

Her arm trembled faintly within his grasp, her silent struggle evident.

“If I had not found out, would you have continued going to Kun Ning Palace every day to copy scriptures—until your hand was ruined?”

His gaze was sharp, burning like a scorching flame as he locked eyes with her. There was both anger and an unspoken tenderness he himself failed to notice.

His voice remained steady, devoid of any emotional fluctuation, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

As the Crown Prince, he had been waiting for this woman to yield. He had deliberately refrained from seeing her these past few days, hoping that she would soften and come to him first.

Yet, her unwavering defiance left him at a loss.

“The Empress is kind and benevolent. She would never allow my hands to suffer lasting harm,” Su Jingyao replied, her cherry-red lips parting slightly. Though her voice was soft, there was an unmistakable stubbornness in it.

She lifted her gaze and met his eyes, unwavering and resolute.

Jun Zechen’s anger only burned hotter.

In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, his strength undeniable.

Then, with ease, he lifted her onto his lap.

The movement was seamless, filled with a domineering possessiveness.

A soft gasp escaped Su Jingyao’s lips.

Sitting atop his strong, steady legs, her wide, startled eyes mirrored the brilliance of autumn waters, filled with shock and disbelief.

Her delicate body trembled slightly, as if she had yet to fully comprehend the sudden turn of events.

Before she could even react to their newfound intimacy, the words that followed struck her like thunder.

“If you share a bed with me, Mother will not trouble you anymore. Beg me, and I will grant you what you desire.”

Jun Zechen’s deep, piercing gaze bore into her, exuding the weight of an emperor’s command.

His eyes, like the stars in the cold night sky, held an icy aloofness—yet beneath that frost, there was an undeniable heat, luring her into an abyss from which there was no escape.

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His eyebrows were sharp like swords, slanting toward his temples. Beneath his high nose bridge, his thin lips parted slightly, and his words made Su Jingyao’s heart race.

Jun Zechen’s hand rested on her slender waist. The faint fragrance from her body mesmerized him, making him pull her even closer.

Su Jingyao stared at his handsome face, so close to hers, her small mouth slightly open.

After a long moment of eye contact, she realized he wasn’t lying and quickly hid her surprise.

Softly, she asked, “Has Your Highness forgotten what you once said?”

Hearing her quiet question, Jun Zechen unconsciously tightened his grip around her waist.

At first, Su Jingyao only frowned slightly and let out a soft whimper.

But as his grip grew stronger, the pain became unbearable, as if her waist was trapped in an iron vise.

Her delicate waist twisted in his strong hands, trying to break free, but it was useless.

Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore and cried out, “It hurts!”

Tears welled up in her eyes, shimmering like water, as she looked at him with grievance and confusion.

“Now you know pain?”

“If it hurts, you should speak up. The same goes for when Mother punished you with copying scriptures.”

Su Jingyao bit her lip tightly, her teeth almost sinking into her soft lips. Her beautiful eyes burned with anger as she glared at him, refusing to say another word.

How shameless! How could asking him to let go of her waist be the same as begging him to share a room with her?

But Jun Zechen was like a patient hunter. His grip remained firm, showing no sign of loosening.

Time passed, and as the pain in her waist grew worse, along with the bitterness in her heart, tears began to fall.

Her waist was surely bruised by now. This man had no pity for her at all. In his mind, he was the noble Crown Prince—how could he lower himself to care for a mere woman?

That was why he kept forcing her to beg him, again and again.

Hah. What a stubborn, self-deceiving man.

If strength wouldn’t work, then softness would.

“Why does Your Highness always bully me? Wuwu…”

Her delicate sobs were heartbreaking, her tears falling like raindrops on a pear blossom. It was as if she was pouring out all the grievances she had endured since entering the Eastern Palace. Her sorrowful voice, like a nightingale’s song, was filled with endless despair.

This man had told her not to have any foolish hopes.

Yet now, when she had withdrawn and hidden her feelings, he cruelly dragged her back into his world, disregarding her pain.

Jun Zechen’s frustration only grew stronger at her stubbornness. His brows furrowed deeply, anger flashing in his eyes.

But when he saw her tearful, pitiful gaze, his heart trembled for a brief moment, and his grip unconsciously loosened.

However, that moment of softness vanished quickly. His eyes turned sharp again, and an overwhelming aura of dominance filled the air.

He was the Crown Prince of the Jun Empire. In this world, there was no woman he couldn’t have—only women he wanted or didn’t want.

With a sudden movement, he lifted her into his arms, effortlessly carrying her. His strides were steady and firm, each step exuding determination as he walked toward the bedchamber.

He gently placed her on the bed.

“The Crown Princess has not conceived in two years. For the sake of my bloodline, the Emperor bestowed you upon me. You should understand your duty.”

His deep voice carried an undeniable authority, each word striking like a heavy blow to her heart.

She was merely a tool for producing an heir—something to be given and taken at will by those in power.

Jun Zechen’s hand gently caressed her cheek, but his words remained cold and commanding.

“Bear a child for me.”

“To give birth to an heir for Your Highness is indeed my duty.”

Her voice was soft, yet filled with an unshakable resolve.

“But I am like a fallen flower, while Your Highness is like flowing water. I will only act in a way that brings no regret to my heart.”

With that, she lifted her gaze, fearlessly meeting the eyes of the high and mighty Crown Prince.

Jun Zechen’s expression darkened instantly, a flicker of anger flashing across his handsome face.

Was she calling him fickle?!

How could such a fragile and delicate woman possess such a strong and unyielding spirit?

Yet, instead of deterring him, her defiance only fueled his desire.

He refused to be the only one entranced—he wanted Su Jingyao to fall into the same abyss of desire with him!

Chapter 11: Morning

There was no need to attend court early today. After waking up, Jun Zechen quietly gazed at the woman still sleeping in his arms.

She lay with her back to him, her smooth, jade-like skin pressed tightly against his chest.

His eyes slowly trailed downward. He had never imagined that he could lose control so completely in such an intimate moment.

When he had been with Ling Yue, though she had a bold personality, she was still shy in such matters. She was easily embarrassed, and he never pushed her beyond her comfort.

But last night was different.

Even though the woman in his arms had resisted at first, under his dominance, she had no choice but to submit and follow his lead.

He had wanted her to fall into the same desire as he did.

But in the end, did she truly lose herself in it?

Or was it only him—unable to control his body, unable to control his wildly beating heart?

From the first time he saw her, her breathtaking beauty had stunned him. Though he refused to admit it, his body had betrayed him, drawn to her irresistibly.

But he wasn’t an animal. His feelings weren’t just about her looks.

So he had deliberately kept his distance, wanting to see if she was like the other women in the palace—calculating, selfish, and only after power.

He tested her again and again. Yet each time, she endured silently, never retaliating.

All he saw was her kindness, her patience, her ability to understand the bigger picture—always putting others before herself.

In the end, he realized it was not her who had failed his tests.

It was him.

Somewhere along the way, without even noticing, his attitude toward this woman had completely changed.

However, Jun Zechen Refused to Admit His Feelings

Jun Zechen didn’t want to acknowledge that his feelings for Ling Yue had changed.

He had always despised his father’s massive harem. Since childhood, he had longed for his father to love only his mother.

So when he chose Ling Yue, he silently swore in his heart that his wife would receive his undivided love.

But now, the woman in his arms had shattered that belief—one he had held for over a decade.

In this moment, he wasn’t even sure what “liking” meant anymore.

He thought he loved Ling Yue. But his body told him that he could also desire another woman.

What exactly was love?

Was it the uncontrollable passion he felt for Su Jingyao?

Or the guilt-ridden tenderness he felt for Ling Yue?

His emotions tangled and twisted within him, but they would never cloud his judgment.

Jun Zechen was rational. He was strong.

He would only make the best choice for himself.

Ling Yue and Su Jingyao were both his women. If he could move past his inner conflict, there was no reason they couldn’t coexist.

“Mmm…”

A soft, sleepy murmur broke the silence.

The woman in his arms stirred, her long lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her misty eyes.

Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, as if she felt some discomfort.

She could feel the warmth of his large hand moving lazily along her waist, and it made her uncomfortable.

Still half-asleep, she mumbled in a husky, drowsy voice, “Move your hand.”

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a slight rasp, carrying an unconscious hint of coquettishness.

She tried to wiggle away from him, but the moment she moved, his arm tightened around her, pulling her closer.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

His deep, magnetic voice rumbled behind her, carrying a teasing yet commanding tone that made her shiver involuntarily.

He was so close that his lips seemed to brush against her ear, his warm breath tickling her skin.

Su Jingyao shrank back slightly, then suddenly turned around to face him.

Her clear, watery eyes met his.

“Your Highness…”

Her gaze carried a mix of confusion and shyness.

Lying in his arms, her fair skin glowed under the soft morning light.

Memories of last night’s passion flooded her mind.

She had pretended to resist, feigned unwillingness, yet in the end, her body had surrendered to him.

It was exhausting, really.

Jun Zechen studied her, noticing the soft pink blush spreading across her delicate face.

Unable to resist, he lifted her chin with his slender fingers, his touch both gentle and possessive.

He was so close.

So close that she could feel his breath ghosting over her skin, his deep voice vibrating against her very soul.

“What are you thinking about?”

Su Jingyao snapped back to reality, her eyes flickering.

“I thought Your Highness had already gone to court… I didn’t expect you to still be here.”

“Today is a rest day,” he said with a smirk. “I also didn’t expect my side consort to sleep in so late.”

Hearing his teasing remark, Su Jingyao’s brows knitted together as she shot him an indignant glare.

“I do not sleep late! I always wake at sunrise… It’s just that last night, Your Highness—”

She trailed off, realizing what she was about to say.

Her face flushed an even deeper shade of red, the blush spreading to the tips of her ears.

Jun Zechen enjoyed watching her like this—the way she struggled to hold onto her composure. A faint, amused smile flashed in his dark eyes.

He pressed on. “What about last night?”

Su Jingyao bit her lip, her soft lips trembling slightly.

She simply couldn’t win against this shameless man.

With a huff, she buried herself under the blankets.

Jun Zechen chuckled softly, satisfied with her reaction. He didn’t tease her any further.

“It’s already mid-morning. Get up and have breakfast.”

With that, he finally released her and got out of bed, draping his robe over his shoulders.

Hearing the movement, An Shun entered the chamber.

From beneath the red canopy, Su Jingyao peeked out, watching Jun Zechen as he changed his robes.

His tall, lean figure moved gracefully, but her mind was still filled with the images of last night.

He was ruthless, as if he had been starved for years, taking everything from her without restraint.

She sighed inwardly, shaking off the thought.

After Jun Zechen left, Su Jingyao slowly sat up.

Her silky hair cascaded down like a waterfall, shifting slightly as she moved.

“My lady, you have finally won his heart,” Miao Yun said, unable to hide her excitement.

As she helped Su Jingyao up, her gaze fell on the countless marks scattered across her mistress’s pale skin.

Red, lingering imprints covered her body, like blooming flowers against porcelain.

Even as a fellow woman, Miao Yun couldn’t help but blush at the sight.

How had the Crown Prince managed to resist her mistress for so long?

Su Jingyao casually draped a robe over her shoulders, its soft fabric flowing around her like clouds.

With Miao Yun’s support, she made her way to the dressing table.

Her steps were unsteady.

Last night’s madness had left her legs weak.

That damned man—he had shown no mercy, as if he hadn’t touched a woman in years.

Not to mention the patches of bruises covering her body, each one seemingly telling the story of last night’s passion and madness.

Su Jingyao quietly studied her reflection in the mirror. Unintentionally, a hint of allure flickered in her gaze, her eyes rippling like spring water, her rosy cheeks resembling blooming peach blossoms—truly a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.

Casually, she reached for one of the many small jars of ointments on her dressing table, selecting a purple one.

Miaoyun’s eyes flashed with a trace of surprise.

Was the mistress really planning to prevent pregnancy?

Although Miaoyun had her doubts, she had served by her mistress’s side since childhood, learning much about her ways and principles.

She understood that if the mistress did not speak of something, then there was no need to ask.

Su Jingyao carefully opened the small jar, revealing a layer of pearl powder. Beneath it, hidden away, was a single pill.

With great care, she used tweezers to extract the pill, gently wiped it clean, and swallowed it without hesitation.

Of course, she would not conceive at this moment—her child must be born only when Jun Zechen was filled with longing and joy.

Moreover, now was not the right time. If she became pregnant now, what excuse would Jun Zechen have to betray Ling Yue? What reason would he have to keep coming to Xiyan Palace?

Thinking of this, Su Jingyao couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

She was always so understanding—she had to leave a way out for that heartless man, or else how could Jun Zechen continue deceiving himself?

After freshening up, Su Jingyao gracefully made her way to the dining hall.

Jun Zechen sat upright, his posture straight as a pine. He remained still, exuding an innate air of authority.

Upon seeing her enter, Anshun swiftly and methodically ordered the servants to bring in the dishes one by one.

Su Jingyao walked elegantly to Jun Zechen’s side, offering a slight bow before taking her seat beside him.

Once seated, a subtle tension filled the air between them, an invisible barrier making both feel slightly uneasy.

Jun Zechen lowered his gaze slightly and began eating his meal, while Su Jingyao sat still, not picking up her chopsticks.

“Why aren’t you eating?”

Jun Zechen’s voice broke the silence, his eyes casually drifting toward Su Jingyao.

“My morning meal is being prepared by Miaoyue. It will be served shortly,” she replied softly.

Hearing this, Jun Zechen suddenly recalled that her meals always seemed to be different.

About fifteen minutes later, Miaoxia and Miaoyue carefully entered, carrying trays of delicately prepared dishes.

Miaoyue gently placed the dishes before Su Jingyao—jasmine tofu soup, lotus-scented cakes, honey-glazed osmanthus crisps—while Miaoxia followed behind with a pot of peony tea.

Jun Zechen glanced at the exquisite floral dishes before her, each one crafted with meticulous artistry.

The jasmine tofu soup was served in a small, delicate bowl, emitting a faint floral fragrance. The lotus-scented cake resembled a blooming lotus flower, vivid and lifelike. The honey-glazed osmanthus crisps looked like a work of art.

Such intricate dishes—any skilled chef would likely need at least one or two hours to prepare them.

“My Su Side Consort eats such refined meals every morning?”

His tone carried a hint of curiosity and teasing as he looked at her.

“Your Highness, do not mock me. Though these dishes are made from flowers, they each have a unique and delightful taste. Would Your Highness like to try?”

Su Jingyao picked up her chopsticks and gracefully lifted a piece of jasmine tofu soup, offering it to Jun Zechen.

“This dish is made primarily from tofu, infused with jasmine flowers. It is not only delicious but also beneficial for one’s complexion.”

At a glance, Jun Zechen could tell these were beauty-enhancing foods. This little woman’s devotion to preserving her looks was truly astonishing.

Taking a small taste, his indifferent expression shifted to one of surprise. The dish was not as bland as he had expected but rather fresh and flavorful, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

“It is indeed quite good.” He nodded in approval.

Seeing his reaction, Su Jingyao’s eyes curved into a smile, and she picked up another piece of honey-glazed osmanthus crisp for him.

Her every movement was refined and deliberate, carrying a unique charm.

“This is also made with jasmine, lightly glazed with honey. It is not only delicious but also nourishing for the skin.”

Intrigued, Jun Zechen continued tasting each of her floral dishes.

Ignoring the food Anshun had served for him, he sampled each one of hers in turn.

He picked up a piece of lotus-scented cake and savored it thoughtfully.

“This lotus cake seems different from others I have tried.”

“This particular cake is made from ‘twilight lotus,’ a variety whose petals do not easily wither. It is said to keep one’s breath fragrant after consumption. When preparing it, I specifically instructed the chef to preserve the original essence of the lotus, so the technique and recipe are quite delicate.”

Su Jingyao explained patiently, her gaze earnest and focused.

“There is no one in my Eastern Palace who can craft such dishes. Who prepares your meals?”

“Most of my meals are made by Miaoyue.”

She turned her head toward Miaoyue as she spoke. The young maid lowered her gaze modestly, looking a bit shy.

Jun Zechen studied Miaoyue for a moment before nodding slightly. “Not bad.”

“Where did you learn all of this?”

Jun Zechen was genuinely curious. This little woman always managed to surprise him, revealing aspects of herself that set her apart from others.

“I simply love reading,” Su Jingyao replied with a soft smile. “Has Your Highness never heard the words: ‘At dawn, drink the dew of magnolias; at dusk, feast on the fallen petals of autumn chrysanthemums. Thus, one’s spirit becomes as jade, and one’s manner transcends the mortal realm.’”

Her eyes sparkled with a hint of playful mischief as she teased,

“But then again, Your Highness is already unparalleled in beauty. There is no need for you to drink dew and eat flower petals like me.”