Chapter 3

After Jun Zechen left Xiyan Palace, Maoyun and Maoxia entered.

Su Jingyao got up from the couch and walked to her dressing table, with Maoyun following closely. Maoyun carefully helped her wash and do her makeup. After some time, Su Jingyao was ready.

She wore a light, rose-scented top that was thin and delicate like a butterfly’s wing. Her green skirt with floral patterns hugged her waist, showing off her slim figure. Over this, she had a long, flowing white veil that swayed gently as she moved, making her look elegant and otherworldly.

The morning sun shone through the window, lighting up Su Jingyao’s lovely face. She stared at herself in the mirror, her expression calm and steady.

Maoxia, who had just finished tidying the bed, came up quietly behind her, frowning slightly.

“Miss, last night, you and His Highness didn’t…” Maoxia asked with concern.

“No. His Highness doesn’t like me and didn’t want to stay with me,” Su Jingyao said plainly, as if it didn’t bother her.

Her gaze remained fixed on her reflection, showing no emotion.

Maoxia looked at her sadly. She had grown up with Su Jingyao and followed her to the palace.

Back in the Shangshu Manor, Su Jingyao was pampered and adored. But now, in the palace, she was met with coldness from the Crown Prince.

“How can His Highness treat you this way? He—”

Before Maoxia could finish, Su Jingyao turned around, her voice calm but firm.

“Be careful what you say. This is the Eastern Palace, and the Crown Prince is the master here. We must not judge him. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Miss,” Maoxia said, lowering her head.

“Let’s go. It’s time to greet the Crown Princess,” Su Jingyao said.

With graceful steps, Su Jingyao left Xiyan Palace.

Outside, the sky was bright and clear, and soft clouds floated lazily.

She walked with a sweet smile on her face, occasionally stopping to admire the flowers along the way. She looked like a pure and innocent young girl.

The palace servants, seeing her for the first time, were stunned by her beauty and grace. Her warm smile made her seem friendly and kind.

But some couldn’t help feeling sorry for her. Since the Crown Princess came to the palace, the Crown Prince had shown love only to her. Now that Su Jingyao had arrived, they feared she might be ignored and left lonely.

Still, they couldn’t help but wonder: could the Crown Prince really stay indifferent to someone so beautiful?

Su Jingyao, used to being stared at since her days in the Shangshu Manor, didn’t mind the curious looks as she walked through the palace.

When she reached the Crown Princess’s palace, she looked up at the words “Qiluan Hall” written on the entrance.

Su Jingyao smiled. The name was beautiful, symbolizing harmony and happiness.

She walked into the hall with elegance, admiring the decorations along the way.

Outside the hall, pavilions and gardens were arranged beautifully. A clear pond reflected the blue sky and clouds, and lotus flowers stood tall and vibrant, their colors bright and eye-catching.

The palace itself was grand and elegant, with carved beams and painted ceilings that showed wealth and class.

Inside the hall, the Crown Princess sat calmly in the main seat, her face calm and expressionless.

Ling Yue, who had once lived freely in the borderlands, had entered the palace hoping for a simple life with the Crown Prince. She had believed his promises to her.

But in just two years, he now had a secondary consort. Though she knew she couldn’t defy the Emperor’s decree, she couldn’t help feeling sad.

“Your concubine greets the Crown Princess and pays her respects,” Su Jingyao said in a soft, sweet voice, like a songbird.

“Rise,” Ling Yue said.

“Thank you, Sister,” Su Jingyao replied respectfully.

As Su Jingyao stood up, Ling Yue looked at her closely and was momentarily stunned.

Su Jingyao was breathtakingly beautiful, with flawless features and long, fluttering lashes. Her eyes, clear like morning dew, were pure and bright. Seeing her beauty, Ling Yue felt a flicker of doubt and worry.

Could the Crown Prince really resist falling for someone so stunning? Ling Yue felt unsure of herself for a moment, wondering if she could truly trust her husband.

No, she told herself. The Crown Prince wasn’t someone who cared about looks. If he loved beauty, the palace would already be full of concubines, not just two lowly maidservants.

She needed to trust him.

Ling Yue’s eyes steadied with determination. She remembered how much the Crown Prince had gone through to make her the Crown Princess and how he had endured pressure from the Empress and ministers because she hadn’t yet given him a child.

A palace maid quietly brought tea to Su Jingyao, who glanced at the cup before delicately reaching out to take it. Her movements were graceful and smooth, like flowing water.

When she stood, her posture was natural and elegant. She walked forward, bent slightly at the waist, and respectfully offered the tea. Every action reflected the composure and refinement of a noblewoman from a prestigious family.

Ling Yue, who had grown up on the frontier, wasn’t used to the strict etiquette of the palace and often found it frustrating. Even though she had spent two years in the Eastern Palace learning proper manners to please the Empress, who didn’t like her because of her background, Ling Yue had believed her behavior was graceful enough.

But after seeing Su Jingyao, Ling Yue realized what true poise looked like. Su Jingyao wasn’t just elegant—her demeanor was enchanting, blending dignity with charm. Ling Yue couldn’t help but admire her.

Accepting the tea, Ling Yue lowered her eyes and took a sip before speaking softly.

 “Lady Su, please have a seat.”

“Thank you, Sister,”

Su Jingyao replied with a bright, innocent smile. Up close, Su Jingyao took in Ling Yue’s appearance. Ling Yue wasn’t as delicate or flawless as Su Jingyao, but she had her own appeal—her skin glowed softly, her eyebrows arched with a hint of strength, and her eyes sparkled with bold confidence. Her features gave her an air of freedom and independence, a stark contrast to Su Jingyao’s quiet elegance.

Perhaps this unique charm was what had captivated Prince Zichen. Growing up in the palace, he disliked scheming women and had been drawn to Ling Yue’s free spirit when they met on the frontier. Ling Yue’s honesty and sincerity had won his trust, and she became someone special to him.

Su Jingyao glanced at Ling Yue with pure curiosity, her gaze friendly. She didn’t look for long before sitting down gracefully. Her expression shifted slightly, as if something was on her mind but she was hesitant to speak.

Noticing this, Ling Yue asked gently,

 “Is there something you wish to say, Lady Su?”

“I do have something to share, Elder Sister,” Su Jingyao said hesitantly.

“But… I’m not sure if it’s appropriate.”

Ling Yue, curious, dismissed the maids. Relieved, Su Jingyao’s nervous hands fidgeted as she struggled to find the courage to speak. Finally, she lifted her gaze to meet Ling Yue’s and softly said,

“Elder Sister, though the Crown Prince stayed at my quarters last night, nothing happened.”

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. Ling Yue was surprised—she already knew about this from the Crown Prince but hadn’t expected Su Jingyao to mention it herself.

“Why are you telling me this?” Ling Yue asked, puzzled.

Su Jingyao’s voice was gentle but firm.

“I know you and His Highness share a deep bond. I had no choice but to marry into the palace due to royal orders. Last night, I asked His Highness to stay in my quarters only to protect my family’s reputation. I even promised him I would explain this to you myself because I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding or tension between you two because of me.”

Her words were sincere, her gaze honest and earnest. Ling Yue was moved, guilt creeping into her heart. She realized Su Jingyao’s situation wasn’t easy—she had been forced into this marriage and was now destined for a lonely life in the palace, despite being a noblewoman who could have had a happy marriage elsewhere.

Feeling remorseful, Ling Yue reflected on her earlier jealousy and began to see Su Jingyao in a new light. When Su Jingyao noticed Ling Yue’s silence, she grew worried and bit her lip, fearing she hadn’t been believed.

“Sister, even though I’ve married into the Eastern Palace, I’ll never see His Highness as my husband. To me, he’ll always belong to you.”

Her voice was soft but firm, though her trembling lips betrayed her unease.

Ling Yue’s lips quivered slightly. After a moment of silence, she said gently,

 “Sister, it’s my fault. If I could have children, you wouldn’t have been forced to marry into the Eastern Palace.”

Her eyes were full of genuine regret.

Hearing Ling Yue address her as “sister,” Su Jingyao knew that Ling Yue believed her.She lowered her eyes, hiding the sly glint in them, and smiled to herself.How easy to believe. The kind, simple-hearted heroine indeed.

She quickly concealed her smile and replaced it with an innocent, slightly sorrowful expression.

“There are so many people in this world who can’t control their fate. I’m one of them, as is His Highness. I don’t blame anyone. But here in the Eastern Palace, I don’t have anyone familiar to talk to. I wonder if I could visit you for tea sometimes?”

She hesitated, then quickly added, “I’ll come when His Highness isn’t around.”

“Of course, Sister,” Ling Yue said warmly, smiling. “You’re always welcome at Qiluan Hall.”

Su Jingyao’s smile became brighter, though her thoughts were far from what she showed. She didn’t believe in things like fate.Fate is just a way for failures to console themselves.

She had long known she’d enter the Eastern Palace by imperial decree—a choice she’d made for herself. In her modern life, she had hated the helplessness of her childhood. As an adult, she had worked tirelessly to climb the social ladder. In this ancient world, even as the daughter of a noble family, she knew the emperor’s will could end anyone’s life. If she couldn’t rule as a woman, she would control the men who did. She wanted power. She wanted freedom.

…

At the doorway, Jun Zechen stood silently, having heard everything.

Last night, she had promised to explain things to Ling Yue, but he had thought it was just an excuse. This morning, her teasing had made him even less inclined to believe in her sincerity. Yet now, hearing her explain so clearly that nothing happened between them and that she wouldn’t interfere with his relationship with Ling Yue, he was deeply moved.

He knew noblewomen valued their reputation above all else. Even those in loveless marriages wouldn’t admit it aloud. But Su Jingyao… she was so calm and open-minded.

Maybe I’ve wronged her.

Jun Zechen sighed. A trace of guilt stirred in his heart. He resolved to ensure she had a life of luxury and honor as compensation.

With that thought, he stepped into the room.

Seeing him, Su Jingyao looked startled and panicked. She quickly stood and bowed. “Your Highness.”

“Rise,” he said, his voice calm, his gaze indifferent.

“Ah Ze, why are you here?” Ling Yue’s face lit up with joy, her smile bright and cheerful.

“You said you wanted to ride horses. There’s a new Ferghana horse at the stables. I thought I’d take you to see it,” Jun Zechen said with a soft smile.

Yesterday had been his wedding day with Su Jingyao, and he had delayed this outing with Ling Yue to avoid upsetting her. But today, he wanted to cheer Ling Yue up.

Ling Yue’s excitement was evident. Her entire face glowed with happiness.

“Ah Ze, you’re the best!” she said, unable to hide her joy.

She had often longed for the carefree days of horseback riding at the border. Since entering the palace, the rules and the Empress’s dislike for her had made such outings rare.

Jun Zechen glanced at Su Jingyao. She stood quietly, her head slightly lowered, her expression tinged with sadness.

A faint sense of pity stirred in him. She was innocent in all this, and her life in the palace must be lonely. Perhaps letting her join them would make her feel better. Before he could speak, Su Jingyao forced a small, difficult smile.

“Your Highness, Sister, please enjoy yourselves. I’ll return to Xiyan Hall,” she said softly.

In her excitement, Ling Yue had almost forgotten Su Jingyao was there.

“Oh, Sister, if you’re free, why don’t you come with us?” Ling Yue said with a smile.

Jun Zechen felt a sense of relief. Yue’er is still as kind as ever. Su Jingyao’s eyes brightened instantly, like a light suddenly flickering to life in the darkness. She trembled slightly with excitement.

“Really? I can come?” she asked softly, looking at Jun Zechen with anticipation.

He nodded slightly.

Ling Yue added warmly, “Of course! The stables are so spacious, and riding is the best way to relax.”

Jun Zechen glanced at Ling Yue with affection. Ling Yue’s lively, spirited nature loved horseback riding and archery, but palace rules had always constrained her true self.

…

When they arrived at the horse ranch, three servants followed closely behind Eunuch Anshun, each leading a horse.

“Your Highness,” Eunuch Anshun said respectfully, “the horse on the left is a spirited one recently brought in for the Crown Princess. The one in the middle is your usual mount, and the one on the right is a gentle horse I selected for Lady Su.”

Su Jingyao’s face lit up with happiness, and she thanked Eunuch Anshun warmly.

“Thank you, Eunuch Anshun. I really like this horse.”

Ling Yue, however, had her eyes fixed on the striking black horse. Her excitement was clear as she leaned forward, eager to ride.

“Ah Ze, I’m going now,” Ling Yue said with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Jun Zechen smiled slightly and replied, “Go ahead, enjoy yourself.”

Ling Yue quickly and gracefully mounted the horse. She cracked her whip, and the horse galloped off like the wind.

Jun Zechen’s smile faded as he turned his attention to Su Jingyao. He asked casually,

“Do you know how to ride?”

Su Jingyao was surprised he’d ask and felt flustered. She lowered her head and replied softly,

“I do, but I’m not very skilled.”

“Go ahead and mount the horse,” he said calmly.

“Alright.”

In truth, Su Jingyao didn’t really know how to ride. In modern times, she never had the chance to learn, and in this ancient world, as a pampered daughter of a high-ranking official, she avoided such activities. The little she knew came from a time she once tried horseback riding with a boy-friend.

She carefully stepped into the stirrup, holding onto the reins tightly, and awkwardly climbed onto the horse. Her movements were clumsy and unsteady.

Watching her struggle, Jun Zechen realized immediately that she didn’t know how to ride.

He sighed inwardly. Of course, as the cherished daughter of Minister Su, she’d never have the chance to learn such things.

After mounting his own horse, Jun Zechen adjusted Su Jingyao’s posture to help her sit properly. With a slight frown, he asked,

“Are you sure you’ve ridden before?”

Su Jingyao’s face turned bright red. She lowered her eyes and admitted softly,

“I lied earlier. I don’t really know how to ride.”

Jun Zechen didn’t blame her and instead rode slowly alongside her while Ling Yue galloped joyfully around the field.

“Your Highness, aren’t you going to race with Sister Ling Yue?” Su Jingyao asked, stealing a glance at him.

“I came here to make sure the Crown Princess enjoys herself. As long as she’s happy, that’s enough,” he replied calmly, his gaze soft as he watched Ling Yue.

Ling Yue had already completed several laps and noticed Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen leisurely strolling. A mischievous idea came to her.

Grinning, she raised her whip and struck Su Jingyao’s horse on its hindquarters.

Startled, the horse bolted.

Su Jingyao wasn’t ready for it and clung tightly to the reins, her face turning pale with fear.

Jun Zechen was startled by Ling Yue’s actions. His expression darkened, and he called out,

“Yue’er! She doesn’t know how to ride!”

Without hesitation, he spurred his horse and quickly caught up with Su Jingyao’s runaway horse.

Seeing her swaying dangerously, Jun Zechen reached out and pulled her onto his horse, placing her securely in front of him.

Terrified, Su Jingyao clung to him tightly, burying her face in his chest as tears streamed down her face.

Feeling her trembling, Jun Zechen asked gently, “Are you alright?”

She shook her head, too shaken to speak.

When the horse finally slowed down, Jun Zechen dismounted and carefully helped Su Jingyao to the ground.

Her legs were trembling so much that she could barely stand. She whispered softly,

“I think my thighs got chafed.”

Seeing her pale face and her obvious discomfort, Jun Zechen supported her gently, his concern evident. Su Jingyao tightly bit her red lip, feeling the pain in her thighs from the speed earlier. Without saying a word, Jun Zechen picked her up in his arms.

At that moment, Ling Yue rode up on her horse.

“Little sister, I thought you could ride, so I jokingly suggested we race. I didn’t mean to hurt you, please don’t feel bad.”

Ling Yue’s face showed guilt, and she tightened her grip on the reins, clearly regretting what happened.

Su Jingyao forced a smile, trying to hide the pain, and softly said,

“Sister, it’s okay, don’t feel guilty. It was my fault for being too playful and wanting to ride. I’m sorry for interrupting your fun with His Highness today…”

“Yue’er, her leg is scraped. I’ll take her back to the palace for treatment. Anshun will stay at the horse track, and you can go back whenever you’re done.”

Jun Zechen’s eyes stayed on Su Jingyao, showing a hint of concern.

Before Ling Yue could respond, Jun Zechen quickly carried Su Jingyao and left.

Ling Yue watched them leave, feeling more and more regretful. Her excitement faded, and she lost interest in riding.