A Precious Pearl in the Imperial City

Chapter 75

After lunch at Bright Moon Palace, the married couple stepped out together. Prince Chen asked Jiuzhu, "Do you usually take afternoon naps?"

Jiuzhu replied, "Occasionally skipping one is fine."

"Then go rest today as well." Prince Chen escorted her back to Kirin Palace. "After you wake up, we’ll visit Zhangliu Palace."

"Won’t that be too late?" Jiuzhu lifted the hem of her skirt. "Perhaps we could go to Zhangliu Palace first and then return to rest?"

"They also have the habit of napping." Prince Chen pinched her earlobe lightly. "You go sleep first. I’ll come fetch you later."

Jiuzhu glanced at him and nodded. "Alright."

"Miss," Chunfen followed Jiuzhu into the room, closing the door softly before whispering, "Why didn’t you ask where His Highness is going?"

"Why should I?" Jiuzhu removed the hairpins from her bun. "His Highness said he’d come wake me later."

Chunfen was momentarily stunned. Though she was usually composed, having just entered the inner palace with her mistress, she couldn’t help feeling uneasy. She had worried that Jiuzhu might struggle to adjust as well...

"My apologies, Miss." Chunfen helped Jiuzhu remove her hair ornaments. "This servant spoke out of turn."

"Sister Chunfen." Jiuzhu took her hand. "You’ve already done wonderfully. If not for me, you wouldn’t have had to come to the palace at all."

"Miss, how can you say such things?" Chunfen carefully put away the jewelry. "I was abandoned by my parents at birth for being a girl, left to be an orphan in others’ eyes. Madam took me in out of longing for you. All these years, she ensured I was well-fed and clothed. Unlike other girls from poor families, I wasn’t forced to hastily marry some unknown man and live a chaotic, exhausting life."

"Even noblewomen don’t always have their way—how could someone like me expect better?" Chunfen picked up a comb and gently smoothed Jiuzhu’s hair. "I’m just fortunate that Madam and you gave me a new path."

A sixth-rank palace maid—how many ordinary women could ever dream of such a position?

Her only fear was that she might fall short and burden her mistress.

"This servant has one more matter weighing on her heart..." Chunfen hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject of her mistress’s private affairs with the prince. Yet she worried whether Prince Chen truly cared for Jiuzhu.

But she knew one thing: no man could remain a gentleman on his wedding night—unless he was less than human.

"What is it?" Jiuzhu sat on the edge of the bed and looked up at her. "Ask freely."

"It’s nothing." Chunfen shook her head with a smile. She wasn’t as perceptive as her mistress; pressing further would only cause trouble. "Miss, you should rest now."

"You can ask me anytime later if you wish." Jiuzhu flopped onto the bed, her head hitting the pillow. Suddenly, she remembered the illustrated book His Highness had thrown under the bed last night, refusing to let her see it.

She scrambled off the bed and crouched to search beneath it.

"Miss, what are you looking for?" Chunfen knelt beside her. "Be careful not to dirty your clothes—let me do it."

"Found it." Jiuzhu pulled out the scattered book from under the bed, remarking, "The servants at Kirin Palace are so thorough—they even clean under the beds."

"His Majesty and Her Majesty specially prepared this bridal chamber for you and His Highness. Naturally, not a speck of dust remains." Seeing her mistress had retrieved what she wanted, Chunfen stood. "Miss, I’ll wait outside. Call if you need anything."

"Mm-hmm." Jiuzhu burrowed under the covers and opened one of the books.

After flipping through a few pages, she set it down abruptly, cupping her flushed cheeks in her hands.

Perhaps what she had opened wasn’t just a book—but the very gates of yin and yang.

In the outer courtyard of Zhangliu Palace, the three princes sat idly after lunch—one reading, another playing chess, all occasionally glancing toward the gate.

Footsteps approached.

When Prince Chen’s face appeared, they put on restrained smiles—only for those smiles to falter upon realizing he hadn’t brought his bride.

What was this? Presenting the new wife to her elder brothers and sisters-in-law was a centuries-old tradition of the Yun clan. How could Yun Duqing just ignore it?

"All three elder brothers are here?" Yun Duqing strode into the courtyard as if oblivious to their thoughts. "It’s only been a day since I moved out, yet I already miss this place."

Prince Huai was thoroughly disgusted by the remark. If he missed it so much, why not move back?

Prince An, however, merely asked curiously, "Fifth Brother, why didn’t you bring your bride?"

"That’s actually why I’m here." Prince Chen took a seat beside Prince Huai. "Elder Brothers haven’t been busy lately, have you?"

The three princes nearly rolled their eyes. Confined to Zhangliu Palace, with even their outings on Lantern Festival night monitored by the Imperial Guards—what could they possibly do?

"If Elder Brothers aren’t occupied, then I needn’t hurry either." Prince Chen accepted a cup of tea from a eunuch. "I’ll bring my wife to pay her respects in two hours."

They’d waited all morning, and now he wanted to delay another two hours?

By then, it would nearly be dusk.

"Fifth Brother," Prince Huai couldn’t resist saying, "Women shouldn’t be indulged. The more you spoil them, the more troublesome they become."

"If she’s married me and become a princess, why shouldn’t she be spoiled?" Prince Chen feigned shock. "Otherwise, what’s the point of us being princes?"

"Fifth Brother is right." Prince An set down the book he’d barely turned a page of. "As princes, we ought to—"

Prince Huai shot him a glare, and he swallowed the rest, though his smile still conveyed agreement.

"Mutual respect between husband and wife—the man ensuring his lady’s well-being, the lady offering gentle devotion—that’s the way to lasting harmony." Prince Jing mediated. "Both Eldest Brother and Fifth Brother make valid points."

Just then, Yun Yanze and Sun Caiyao arrived arm in arm, the picture of an exemplary royal couple.

"Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law, perfect timing. Saves me a trip to your courtyard." Prince Chen looked up at them. "My wife and I will visit later tonight—please bear with us."

"On the first day of marriage, it’s only natural for the Fifth Prince and Princess to take their time." Sun Caiyao’s gaze lingered briefly on Yun Duqing’s striking red robes.

She had married the man of her heart, and Ming Jiuzhu was with Prince Chen—far better than the ending in her dreams.

"Ah." Prince Huai seemed to finally grasp the situation, waggling his brows at Prince Chen. "Newlyweds, thick as thieves—I understand wanting extra rest."

Prince Chen’s expression darkened. "Eldest Brother, if your head is filled with nonsense, it might just roll off your shoulders."

Being chastised so bluntly in front of his brothers left Prince Huai red-faced.

"I may be young and impulsive, but I’d never jest about Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law’s private affairs." Prince Chen’s temper flared without restraint—when teaching someone a lesson, he saw no point in holding back.

"Elder Brother, as the senior, you should be more careful with your words." Prince Chen slightly lowered his head, looking down at Prince Huai seated by the chessboard. "Brother, don’t you think I’m right?"

Prince Huai froze. In Yun Duqing’s gaze, he saw a sharp, oppressive aura.

Since when did Yun Duqing, who usually spent his days fighting crickets and roosters, possess such presence?

"You’re right," Prince Huai masked his shock with a strained smile. "This elder brother spoke carelessly just now. Fifth Brother, don’t take it to heart."

"It’s fine." Prince Chen chuckled lightly, straightening up. "I believe Elder Brother won’t make such a mistake again."

"Fifth Brother, Elder Brother?" Prince An set down his book, glancing between them in confusion. "What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing much, just discussing some life principles with Elder Brother." Prince Chen looked at him. "Does Second Brother want to join?"

"No, thank you." Prince An immediately declined.

Your lives are too serious—I’d rather not get involved.

Prince Jing’s eyes swept over Prince Huai’s forced smile before lowering his head further.

"Thank you for your understanding, elder brothers. I’ll take my leave now."

The princes watched Prince Chen’s retreating figure, none of them willing to speak.

If they weren’t afraid of provoking him, who would bother being "understanding"?

"Elder Brother, Fifth Brother has always been like this. Now that he also has the Empress Mother’s favor..." Prince Jing attempted to console him. "Don’t let this affect the bond between us brothers."

Prince Huai glanced at him and scoffed.

The idea of genuine brotherly affection among royals was the most laughable joke of all.

In high spirits from good fortune, Prince Chen walked from Bright Moon Palace back to Kirin Palace. The palace walls gleamed like blood-red jade, the green tiles crisp as fresh leaves. Birds sang, flowers bloomed—early spring had arrived.

At the palace gates, he slowed his steps and softly asked the maid waiting outside, "Is the Princess Consort asleep?"

"Lady Chunfen just accompanied Her Highness to the bedchamber," the maid whispered. "This servant didn’t dare enter to attend, fearing I might disturb Her Highness."

Prince Chen pushed the door open just enough to slip inside sideways.

The maid gaped at the prince’s stealthy movements, nearly popping her eyes out.

His Highness would go this far just to avoid waking the Princess Consort from her nap?

Chunfen was embroidering a handkerchief in the outer chamber when Prince Chen tiptoed in unexpectedly, startling her. She hurried to her feet. "Your Highness."

"Is the Princess Consort asleep?" Prince Chen asked in a hushed voice.

Chunfen nodded.

He crept into the inner chamber, lifted the bed curtains, and found Little Pig Ming sitting cross-legged on the bed with several open books spread before her, her expression oddly peculiar.

"Your Highness, you’re back?" Ming Jiuzhu looked up at him, calmly closing the books before... tossing them back under the bed.

"Why did you dig these out?" Prince Chen nudged the books further beneath the bed with his foot, his face burning as he sat beside Jiuzhu. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Those nonsensical books aren’t worth reading."

"Mhm." Jiuzhu nodded, lying down and turning her back to him. "Your Highness, I’m going to nap now."

Staring at the back of her head, Prince Chen sensed something amiss. Thinking she might be upset about those indecent picture books, he quickly explained, "I didn’t buy those."

"Oh."

All he got in response was the back of her head.

"What’s wrong?" He poked her shoulder, peeking out from the blankets. "Are you unhappy?"

"Your Highness." Jiuzhu sat up abruptly, fixing him with a solemn gaze. "If you ever find someone you like in the future, you must tell me. I won’t make things difficult for you."

"What nonsense is this?" Prince Chen ruffled her loose hair with a large hand. "Did someone fill your head with rubbish? In all my years, I’ve never held hands with any girl besides you."

"Maybe not now, but someday you will." Jiuzhu clutched the blankets, her eyes glistening as if holding back tears, though her gaze remained stubborn. "Whatever you do is fine."

Seeing her watery eyes, Prince Chen sighed and pulled her into his arms. "There was never anyone before, and there won’t be anyone after. Just you. Don’t overthink it."

He’d once heard those royal wastrels say women tended to be insecure early in marriage. He’d thought they were spouting nonsense—yet here it was, true after all.

When his Princess Consort threw an inexplicable tantrum, what choice did he have but to coax her?

"Your Highness is lying." Jiuzhu shoved him so hard he nearly toppled off the bed, only for her to yank him back. "You can’t do this."

"I’d never lie to you." As for those boasts about the Ministry of Rites relying on him—well, that was just male pride, not technically a lie.

"Really?"

"Really." Prince Chen scooted further onto the bed to avoid actually being pushed off.

"I see." Jiuzhu studied him intently for a moment, her gaze softening—almost pitying. "Your Highness, it’s alright. No matter what, you’ll always be the best in my heart."

Prince Chen blinked at her tone and expression. Something felt... off.

He wisely stayed silent.

When he didn’t respond, Jiuzhu wrapped her arms around his waist. "Don’t overthink it. I don’t mind those things."

Don’t mind... what?

In a flash, he remembered the books under the bed.

No man could ignore that implication.

"Little Pig Ming, tell me exactly what you’re thinking."

"I’m not thinking anything!" Jiuzhu shook her head vigorously. "Your Highness, don’t be upset."

"I’m not upset. I just regret something." Prince Chen gritted his teeth, regretting that he’d let her sleep early last night out of pity for her exhaustion.

"Regret wh—"

Warm lips met hers. Prince Chen murmured by her ear, "Little Pig Ming, some things aren’t okay just because you say you don’t mind."

He minded. Very much.

Apricot ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????blossoms bloomed as spring rain wove through the air, dotting petals with glistening droplets.

A breeze stirred, scattering a shower of petals—nature’s most breathtaking spring scenery.

"It’s raining." Prince Huai looked up at the gloomy sky. Dusk was approaching.

"Elder Brother, should we keep waiting?" Prince An tucked his book into his robes to protect it from the rain.

"First, we waited from morning till noon, then noon till afternoon," Prince Huai grumbled. "Are they really going to make us wait until night?"

They waited and waited, until darkness fell and Bright Moon Palace lit its lanterns—yet Prince Chen and his consort never appeared.

In Kirin Palace, Prince Chen held the soundly sleeping Jiuzhu, vaguely feeling he’d forgotten something.

Oh well. If it slipped his mind so easily, it couldn’t be important.

He pulled her closer, gently patting the blankets around her, and drifted back to sleep.