Chapter 28: Rarely Are Husband and Wife So Young

The conversation lasted a long time.

Chu Tingyan held her hand as he led her inside, releasing it once they passed through the palace doors. Still, they sat quite close together. He knelt upright in proper posture, and Yun Huan could glimpse his straight-backed figure from her peripheral vision.

The Emperor and Empress asked several questions. Chu Tingyan answered each one steadily at a measured pace. Yun Huan remained largely silent, only nodding when directly addressed.

The attending palace servants stood at a distance, making the vast hall seem occupied by only four people, creating an atmosphere of emptiness and solitude.

Chu Tingyan remained seated beside her throughout, so close she could almost feel the faint warmth radiating from him.

This man who was usually so fierce and domineering now seemed reliable, as if he had become her sole support in this moment.

Enough, the Emperor finally said, pressing his temples after the lengthy discussion. We shall do as you wish.

The Empress nodded. You must be tired today. Let us stop here. Other matters can wait until tomorrow.

Yes, Yun Huan and Chu Tingyan bowed in unison.

Remember to apply medicine to the wound on your forehead, she said to Chu Tingyan before turning to Yun Huan. Sunset approaches. You shall stay in the side palace temporarily today. Another day I will have a proper chamber prepared for you. Rest assured here for now, and you’ll move to the Eastern Palace after the wedding. Since you lack suitable attendants, we must gradually select some for you.

Yes, Yun Huan responded.

Only today had she learned that the Empress originally planned to have her adopted by a fallen noble family to give her a legitimate identity as a noble daughter.

After years of warfare, countless noble families had perished, some completely wiped out. Finding a long-declined surname in the noble registry wasn’t difficult, providing her with a suitable background.

Now that she was known as a former dynasty princess, there was no need for such arrangements—no one could question her status.

With so many matters still pending, Yun Huan felt nothing but headache. Walking out of the hall with Chu Tingyan, she finally let out a long sigh.

Without turning around, Chu Tingyan grasped her hand beneath their sleeves.

What was he doing? This was Danfeng Palace!

Yun Huan hesitated whether to pull away as he led her thus to Mo Gugu.

Thank you for your trouble, Auntie, Chu Tingyan said with a smile.

Just as Yun Huan steeled herself to pinch him, Chu Tingyan released her hand as if nothing had happened. He glanced at her, their wide sleeves overlapping and swaying gently as their hands briefly touched then parted.

Your Highness need not worry, Mo Gugu said with a smile, bowing to them both before addressing Yun Huan. Your chamber has been prepared. Please come with me, Your Ladyship.

Her demeanor was perfectly measured—the respectful attitude due to nobility, asking no unnecessary questions, every word perfectly appropriate, as if Yun Huan had never been a second-tier maid under her supervision.

Yun Huan nodded. Very well.

Having delivered Yun Huan to Mo Gugu, Chu Tingyan turned to leave. A servant approached with medicine for his fresh forehead wound. Your Highness, His Majesty decrees you should apply this before departing.

Leave it, Chu Tingyan waved dismissively. I have another matter to attend to. I’ll deal with it when I return to the Eastern Palace.

The servant looked confused. Yun Huan turned to look back, but Chu Tingyan had already strode away.

Your Ladyship, please come with me, Mo Gugu said quietly.

Yun Huan withdrew her gaze and turned with Mo Gugu down the long covered corridor. As they rounded a corner, the scenery behind them gradually faded, and Chu Tingyan’s figure slowly vanished, merging into the pitch-black night.

In the spacious hall, Chu Tingyan returned after having left.

What is it? the Emperor said. Aren’t you going to bandage the wound on your head? Do you want your Father and Mother to worry?

I wouldn’t dare, Chu Tingyan smiled. I deserved it for causing trouble today.

So you know you were being reckless? The Emperor waved his hand. Sit.

Chu Tingyan sat properly, and the Empress shook her head with a faint smile.

If you truly wish to be with her for the long term, you shouldn’t have made such a scene, the Emperor said. Your Father and Mother are human too. Humans have biases and favorites. Even though we know you were the one acting out, we might end up taking it out on her. It’s not fair, but that’s how things are.

Having already agreed to Chu Tingyan’s request, he no longer dwelled on the matter. His initial anger had dissipated, and he began to analyze the situation: You’ve always been thoughtful and forward-thinking, which is good. But if you keep even your Father and Mother in the dark, you’re taking a risk.

—Not because we are your parents, but because we are the Emperor and Empress. Your marriage is both a family matter and a state affair. The slightest concealment or oversight could lead to disastrous consequences. Given her sensitive background, if you had informed us beforehand instead of stubbornly hiding it, your Father and Mother could have been prepared. Perhaps today’s situation wouldn’t have spiraled out of control.

It was my fault, Chu Tingyan bowed his head, accepting the reprimand. I truly didn’t know beforehand and caused you and Mother to worry.

The Emperor waved his hand, not bothering to argue whether Chu Tingyan had known in advance, and continued, Fortunately, you’re not a fool. You showed responsibility and knew how to clean up the mess you made.

The Empress nodded slightly and added, It seems our teachings since childhood weren’t in vain.

Well done, worthy of being my son, the Emperor paused, a trace of satisfaction in his eyes. It’s normal to have biases, but in this position, you must never let personal feelings override public duty. Thankfully, you understand what’s important. If you didn’t care about the nation and its people, I would truly have to consider deposing you as Crown Prince.

Everyone has their biases, but Chu Tingyan hadn’t let his personal desires cloud his judgment. He remained steady and proposed an excellent strategy—that was commendable.

Only with foresight and capability could one shoulder the weight of the realm. As the future heir, as long as he understood his priorities and remained composed, a bit of ambition and shrewdness were acceptable—far better than being an ignorant, weak coward.

Compared to the burden of ruling the empire, youthful infatuation was hardly worth mentioning. As long as Chu Tingyan could protect her, the Emperor wouldn’t say more.

As a ruler, you cannot have everything go your way. You must know what you want and what you don’t. Learn to let go, understand compromise, move steadily toward your goal, and strike decisively when the time comes. Everything in the world follows its own balance. Learn to go with the flow, and you will grasp the greater momentum of the realm, the Emperor said calmly.

Before anyone noticed, the palace servants had lit the lamps. The bright candlelight flickered gently, illuminating the hall in a radiant glow. In a daze, it felt as if he had returned to the Duke’s residence of the previous dynasty—back when his younger siblings were still small, and the Emperor always brought him along when discussing state affairs with his advisors. Pointing at the high-hanging territorial maps, the Emperor would explain the broader situation of the realm. It also felt like being in a military tent, where the scent of beacon smoke still lingered in the air, and a large sand table stood in the center. The Emperor would gesture at the battle formations while turning his head to explain things to him.

Chu Tingyan said solemnly, Yes, thank you for your guidance, Father and Mother.

The Emperor scoffed, Enough with the flattery.

This is the truth, Chu Tingyan smiled. In my view, Father is nothing short of a wise ruler for the ages.

You little rascal! Always so smooth-tongued and good at pretending to be well-behaved, the Emperor laughed. Go on! Your mother and I aren’t that angry, and we won’t take it out on your Crown Princess either. If that’s what you’re worried about, there’s no need. Hurry up and get out of here.

That’s not why I came, Chu Tingyan said softly. It’s really because today, I caused you and Mother distress. That was inexcusable. I came to apologize.

He stood up, moved behind the Emperor, and began massaging his shoulders and neck.

The Emperor shook his head and laughed again.

He certainly knows how to charm people, the Empress remarked.

Chu Tingyan said, I also brought back ten hu of fine Eastern Pearls from Shu. I had them stored away secretly when I returned to the capital earlier, but they’ve been buried in the treasury ever since. I’ll have someone bring them to Danfeng Palace tomorrow.

The Empress couldn’t help but laugh as well.

You little rascal, at least you have some conscience, the Emperor said. Now hurry up and leave! It’s already dark—don’t delay your mother and me from having our meal!

Chu Tingyan smiled, moved in front of both of them, bowed respectfully once more, and then departed.

That little rascal—he makes my teeth itch with frustration, the Emperor grumbled.

It seems to me Your Majesty is quite pleased, the Empress remarked.

…After all, he is my son. He does resemble how I was in my youth.

No one could truly stay angry when faced with a son who so closely mirrored themselves.

The Empress covered her mouth with her sleeve and laughed. Your Majesty certainly knows how to flatter yourself.

What? Wasn’t I the same back then? Riding through the night to my uncle’s house, begging him to send a matchmaker to propose on my behalf, the Emperor raised his eyebrows, his face genuinely lighting up with the vigor of his younger days. If I hadn’t acted quickly, you would have ended up married to that old fool Wei Fan!

Their eyes met, and both laughed.

At that time, although the Emperor held a hereditary dukedom, his parents had passed away early, leaving the dilapidated Duke’s residence as little more than an empty shell. The Empress was an orphan from a noble family with little say in her own fate. If not for the Emperor’s persistent arguments with his uncle, this long-arranged marriage would have slipped away.

The Emperor sighed softly, Yan’er…

Their firstborn, who arrived in the second year of their marriage—so tiny, crying every night after taking the Pagodatree Pill, with countless imperial physicians at a loss.

The child they once thought they couldn’t keep had now grown so much—defying all opposition to marry the one he loved as Crown Princess, daring to face the Emperor’s wrath, and still remembering to make amends afterward, fearing that he and the Empress might hold a grudge against the girl.

The Empress pondered for a moment. Since Yan’er has made his choice, the one he favors may not be so bad after all.

I know, the Emperor said, still frowning slightly. In theory, youthful infatuation is common, but…

But Yun Huan’s background remained somewhat delicate.

What can we do about it? Weren’t there people who advised against Your Majesty’s choice back in the day? Did you listen? the Empress asked, smiling meaningfully at him.

The Emperor shook his head and laughed.

Besides, Yan’er has suffered plenty since childhood. Since he’s finally developed feelings for someone, let him follow his heart, the Empress softened her voice. He matured early, and I’ve always hoped… he could have more happiness in life.

Let’s leave it at that, the Emperor said. Before I came, the two were quarreling in Danfeng Palace. I heard it was quite a commotion. Who knows what’s going on with young people these days.

Let them quarrel, it’s nothing serious, the Empress laughed. Young couples are always like this. How rare it is for a married couple to be so youthful.

How rare it is for a married couple to be so youthful.

The Emperor repeated these words silently and smiled.

Yun Huan sat on the bed in a daze.

The golden-embroidered bed curtains, fluffy soft quilts, and the plush mattress beneath her felt like clouds.

After experiencing such dramatic ups and downs, narrowly escaping death, she truly felt as if she were floating on clouds.

A light cough came from outside the hall doors. Mo Gugu said, Your Highness, it’s already dark. Please come back tomorrow.

The side hall was quite spacious, with the bedroom some distance from the main doors, but Yun Huan possessed naturally sharp hearing and clearly heard Chu Tingyan say: It’s fine, I just came to check… is everything properly arranged?

It’s already dark, what is he doing here again?

Yun Huan sat on the edge of the bed, secretly peeking outside.

The bedroom door was open, but it was some distance away, and a screen stood outside the door, blocking the view.

She rose quietly and tiptoed out of the bedroom.

There’s a screen blocking the view anyway, she thought. She’d just stand behind it and take a quick peek – no problem.

Eh!

What’s going on? This screen is too short!

Yun Huan stood frozen in place, caught squarely by Chu Tingyan’s gaze. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes carrying a faint trace of amusement.

She hadn’t looked carefully when she entered – the decorative screen by the doorway wasn’t tall, serving merely as ornamentation.

The sun has already set, and the hall was just arranged today. It’s still quite messy, Mo Gugu reminded. Your Highness, if you have matters to discuss, please say them here.

Understood, Chu Tingyan said.

Mo Gugu led the servants to wait nearby but didn’t withdraw completely. Since the two weren’t married yet, any improper behavior could damage their reputations.

He didn’t actually intend to do anything. Thinking seriously, there wasn’t really any compelling reason he had to come.

He just wanted to see her… the thought had grown in his mind like wild grass, sprouting in clusters before spreading wildly across fields.

Chu Tingyan looked at Yun Huan.

Having just returned to the hall to rest, her clothes remained neat, her hair still properly arranged – no different from before. Yet in his eyes, she appeared more vibrant and adorable.

She’s mine now, he thought, looking at her again as if to confirm something.

Yun Huan half-turned her face away, not looking directly at him. Mo Gugu waited nearby with the other servants, smiling. Though the palace maids remained professionally expressionless, she still felt embarrassed.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the surroundings grew quiet, so silent she couldn’t even hear breathing.

Mo Gugu said: This servant will take people to fetch the evening meal.

The palace maids retreated outside the door, then filed in carrying whisks, rinsing bowls, and towels. Someone set bowls and chopsticks on the kang table while the remaining servants stood further away, still maintaining complete silence.

Yun Huan was surprised to find that before she could even speak, Mo Gugu had understood her intention. Though most people remained in the room, everyone became busy with tasks, making the situation feel genuinely less awkward.

When Mo Gugu passed by her, she glanced at Yun Huan with a smile.

From her gaze, Yun Huan read reassurance and encouragement. She glanced at Chu Tingyan.

It seems… facing the current Crown Prince, her future husband, she ought to please him now—or at least feign some customary shyness.

Mo Gugu had already set the mood; it would be impolite not to cooperate. Yun Huan instinctively pursed her lips into a slightly bashful smile.

But she couldn’t do it.

Perhaps Yun Huan was born with a rebellious streak—yielding to kindness but resisting force, instinctively opposing domineering people.

A faint spark of defiance flared within her—why should she be the one to coax him?

Especially when he was so overbearing and fierce! He did everything according to his own will, never consulting her opinion.

She simply couldn’t reconcile Li Yan with the Crown Prince.

Chu Tingyan’s expression remained unchanged, but a hint of arrogant confidence tinged his brows and eyes. That subtle demeanor, infused into his noble features, made Yun Huan desperately want to… scratch his face.

What are you thinking? Chu Tingyan asked.

I’m thinking of turning into a cat and clawing your face.

Of course, she couldn’t speak the truth. Yun Huan said, I’m going to have my evening meal.

Chu Tingyan: Mm.

But he didn’t leave.

Yun Huan sat expressionlessly at the table, picked up her chopsticks, and glanced up at him again.

Chu Tingyan still didn’t leave.

What was wrong with this man! Didn’t he know that watching a kitten eat would get him scratched?

What are you staring at?

Her animated expressions vividly betrayed her thoughts.

A trace of amusement returned to Chu Tingyan’s eyes.

She seems a little angry.

It doesn’t matter if she’s angry—she’s mine now.

In the end, Chu Tingyan was driven out.

A few palace servants peeked curiously—how could the Crown Prince be chased out yet still be smiling?

I’ll return tomorrow, he said.

———————–

Author’s Note: Thank you all for the nutrient solutions! [Calico cat emoji]

Tomorrow’s update will still be at midnight! [Dog emoji holding a rose][Dog emoji holding a rose][Dog emoji holding a rose]

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