The carriage rumbled along the bustling streets of the capital. Outside, people were whispering about the Eldest Princess.
Hearing this, Li Xinyue abruptly lifted the curtain, eager to see who dared to gossip about a princess of the realm. To her shock, out of every ten passers - by, at least seven were chattering away with great gusto about the Eldest Princess.
Her gaze hardened slightly, and she dropped the curtain with a huff.
This is outrageous! How dare they gossip so freely about a princess? If this continues, won't the title of 'princess' become a term of disgrace? What dignity would remain for all the princesses of the Great Yan Dynasty, including herself?
"Clearly, the public opinion in the capital needs to be rectified. I'll show them that besides the Eldest Princess, there's also the Princess Yuanyang! And she has a fiery temper and won't tolerate the slightest insult!"
Chu Junyi let out a soft chuckle. His eyes shifted towards her, and he affectionately pinched her pouting cheek.
The word 'fiery' reminded him of her tenderness from the previous night. Scenes of intimacy flashed through his mind, sending ripples through his heart. Unable to resist, he leaned in, yearning to kiss those lips again.
Li Xinyue turned her head away, ignoring him. She seemed to detect a hint of doting in his eyes, as if he were looking at a child. Her authority and dignity as a wife seemed to have crumbled overnight.
Alas! Where could she find justice for this?
Chu Junyi was amused by her helpless expression. He gave her a comforting hug and then quickly got back to the topic.
"The rumors stem from those profit - driven merchants. I'm sure they've made a fortune overnight after last night. Fortunately, the north is suffering from a severe drought, and the Crown Prince has been worried about the relief funds. Now we have a solution."
"Don't trouble yourself, my dear. I'll handle this for you. I won't allow anyone to sully the reputation of the princesses." Otherwise, he, as a son - in - law, would be in an awkward position.
Hearing the word 'Crown Prince', Li Xinyue suddenly remembered her plan to introduce Chu Junyi to the Crown Prince. She had been waiting for an opportunity, and now it had presented itself. So she decided to let Chu Junyi take care of it.
The carriage swayed gently as it passed through the bustling streets and the throngs of people. Then it turned a corner and stopped in front of the Princess Mansion.
The horses snorted and flicked their tails as the carriage came to a halt.
Chu Junyi leaned over, picked up Li Xinyue, and carried her out of the carriage and into the mansion.
Inside the mansion, Lian'er, Hongxiu, Jingbai and others were all left gaping in shock.
They had only been apart for one night, yet the princess and the son - in - law seemed inseparable. What on earth had happened last night?
They felt as if they had stumbled upon a big secret!
Li Xinyue closed her eyes, feigning calm to hide her shyness. It was only when they reached her bedroom and the door closed behind them that her ears gradually turned red, and her heart began to race.
Chu Junyi watched the slightly trembling ear, his gaze darkening for a moment before he managed to compose himself.
"If you're still sleepy, go and take a nap. I'll go back to the yamen and come back to accompany you after work."
Li Xinyue nodded.
Chu Junyi planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. Then he tightened his fist. Despite his reluctance, he knew he had to attend to his official duties.
After Chu Junyi left, Li Xinyue opened her eyes. She scanned the room and was surprised to find a few of his clothes in her bedroom. Without a doubt, Lian'er must have helped him.
She couldn't help but burst out laughing. She thought to herself that after just a few days as a son - in - law, he had already won over her confidant. In a while, the Princess Mansion might as well be renamed the Chu Mansion.
Remembering how he had stubbornly refused to leave her bed that day, she knew he had no intention of leaving. She just hadn't expected him to move his clothes in so soon.
Li Xinyue was both amused by his speed and secretly accepting of his actions.
"Princess!" Lian'er pushed open the door and was startled to see the princess sitting on the couch with her knees hugged, her head bowed and a gentle smile on her face. She looked as gentle as a celestial beauty under the moon.
Even Lian'er blushed at the sight. What would the son - in - law think if he saw this?
The son - in - law was truly an extraordinary man. He had managed to transform their princess into a different person.
Even Lian'er was surprised that the princess had such a tender side. It was truly amazing!
The son - in - law must have some kind of magical power!
No, no, no! She had said the wrong thing. How could the princess be anything but perfect?
It should be more like turning stone into gold!
No, that didn't seem right either!
Lian'er's heart was pounding, and her thoughts were in a jumble. It was only when Li Xinyue asked her that she snapped back to reality and reported, "The Eldest Princess is on her deathbed. She wishes to see you before she passes away."
Li Xinyue was slightly taken aback.
...
"Eldest Princess!" Li Xinyue pushed open the door. A gust of wind blew through, causing the scattered papers and severed hair on the floor to flutter.
Li Xinyue stared at the mess for a moment, then scanned the room. The Eldest Princess's bedroom was now empty. Apart from the dust on the floor, the white hair tumbling in the wind, and the fragments of porcelain, there was also a stench of spoiled food and the smell of burnt charcoal in the air.
Looking at this scene and smelling the odor, Li Xinyue then turned to the Eldest Princess on the couch, who was slowly opening her eyes and turning her head towards her with great difficulty. A wave of emotions welled up in her heart.
She never would have imagined that the aunt she had once respected would be in such a desolate state on her deathbed.
If only her aunt had been kinder and not committed those evil deeds, she could have enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous old age.
She quickened her steps, kicked aside the porcelain fragments, and helped the Eldest Princess sit up against the soft pillow. Then she pulled over an embroidered stool and sat down beside her.
Li Xinyue looked at Li Huaning with a hint of reverence.
Li Huaning, on the other hand, looked at Li Xinyue and was reminded of her former self. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and a few tears of remorse rolled down her cheeks.
Li Xinyue's heart skipped a beat. She awkwardly wiped away the tears for her, wondering why the Eldest Princess had asked to see her.
Wasn't she supposed to hate the emperor and his descendants? Why would she want to see her on her deathbed?
"In the second drawer of the study, there's a calligraphy and painting. Consider it a wedding gift from me and my son - in - law. Go and get it."
Li Xinyue's hand trembled violently. She was surprised that her aunt would actually bless her. Was it sincere, or did she have an ulterior motive?
"Go. Take a look."
"But what about you..."
"Don't worry about me. I know you have nothing to say to me, and I feel the same way."
"Then why are you blessing me?" Li Xinyue looked at Li Huaning suspiciously.
Li Huaning closed her eyes and remained silent.
Li Xinyue waited for a while. When she didn't get an answer, she stopped waiting. She got up and headed towards the study to look for the calligraphy and painting. Halfway there, she suddenly remembered something important. If she didn't say it now, she might never have another chance.
"The former Crown Prince, your elder brother, is still alive."
Mini - drama: One day, the two of them were in danger in the forest outside the city. Chu Junyi sacrificed himself to protect Li Xinyue.
Li Xinyue was deeply touched. She wanted to take this opportunity to reconcile with him and asked, "What reward do you want? As long as it exists in the Great Yan Dynasty, I'll find it for you."
Chu Junyi held Li Xinyue's injured bare foot. His eyes darkened. "Your servant," his usually calm eyes now filled with hidden passion, "wishes to reach for the moon in the sky."
Li Xinyue didn't understand at first. She thought this man was just being argumentative again. She was about to pull her foot back when...
The man leaned in, his cool lips brushing against her cheek. His slender fingers gently lifted her chin.
She looked up and met his deep, unfathomable eyes. Only then did she understand the meaning behind his words. Blushing, she scolded angrily, "You're overstepping your bounds!"
"The kindness of saving one's life should be repaid with one's body. Haven't you heard of this, Your Highness?"
Li Xinyue, "You're using your kindness to extort favors!"
Chu Junyi, "Your Highness asked me. I dare not deceive the monarch."
Li Xinyue slapped away his wandering hand. "Then what are you doing now?"
Chu Junyi, "Serving the monarch with my body."