Chapter 37: If You Dare Come, I'll Leave You Broken

As soon as she stepped inside, Qiao Qingyun was stunned by the buildings before her.

“You actually built a tea room for me?”

“Yes. I believe Miss Qiao is a person of refined taste, so since you entrusted me with something as important as the decoration, I of course made it my first priority to prepare everything for you.”

With that, he led Qiao Qingyun and the others into a bedroom. As they passed, the beaded and jeweled curtains exuded a cool touch; just a gentle brush sent a chill deep into one’s heart.

Moreover, such exquisite craftsmanship would leave no one with grounds to criticize.

“Look, I even prepared a lounge for you, Miss Qiao. Naturally, if His Highness the Crown Prince visits in the future, it’ll be much more convenient for you both.”

“You!”

Qiao Qingyun’s face darkened, and she raised her hand to strike him. Startled, Feng Ke hurriedly dodged. “Don’t hit me, don’t! I was just joking!”

“That’s not funny at all.”

Though she scolded him, Qiao Qingyun’s cheeks flushed bright red. After all, it was her first time as a bride, and who could say what might happen?

“Oh, Miss Qiao, you can be completely at ease. This place is absolutely private. If you don’t bring the Crown Prince here yourself, he’ll never find out.”

“All right, all right, go on, I understand.”

With that, she quickly shooed everyone out, pointing out details about the bed, still feeling thoroughly unsettled.

“Haha, so even a beauty can get shy. Don’t worry, after today, only the Crown Prince will be allowed here—I won’t come again.”

“If you dare, I’ll break your legs.”

Qiao Qingyun threatened fiercely, making Feng Ke’s lips twitch in a wry smile, a trace of sorrow in his heart.

Who would have thought that after finally finding a woman he liked, the Crown Prince would take her away.

“These are the current expenses.”

Feng Ke casually placed the marked price list before Qiao Qingyun.

She glanced through it from top to bottom; the prices were reasonable. The profit margins were a bit higher, but these craftsmen all had to learn on the job.

So it wasn’t excessive.

“Then, Miss Qiao, please rest here for now. I’ll return to Hundred Flowers Pavilion and inform them of your instructions for tomorrow.”

“Go on, there’s still much I haven’t taught you. We’ll continue tomorrow.”

“All right.”

Watching Qiao Qingyun speak so candidly with him, Feng Ke felt a rare sense of comfort. At least, now, in Qiao Qingyun’s eyes, he was counted as one of her own.

As for Yuan Zaichun, who knew where he was at this moment.

“Miss, would you like some tea? Qingluo can brew it for you.”

Qingluo, seeing how exhausted Qiao Qingyun looked from the walk, offered her help.

“No need, I’ll do it myself.”

With that, Qiao Qingyun picked up a tea cup and, with fluid, practiced movements, prepared the tea. Qingluo watched, eyes wide in amazement. “Honestly? Miss, is there anything you can’t do?”

“Hush! Call me ‘Young Master’!”

If she kept calling her ‘Miss,’ their secret would eventually be exposed.

“Oh…”

Qingluo pouted slightly, then, glancing at Hong Ying and Zhong Shi, who were both uncharacteristically silent, suddenly burst out laughing.

“What’s this, do you two think I’m going to eat you? You hardly dare say a word now.”

Hearing Qingluo tease them, Hong Ying and Zhong Shi exchanged a glance but remained silent, heads bowed.

“With you two acting like this, are you telling everyone I bully you?”

Qiao Qingyun raised an eyebrow. At her question, both looked up quickly, shaking their heads. “No, Miss.”

“Then just speak normally. Don’t act like I’m some monster, or people will gossip behind my back.”

Her tone was calm and indifferent, but the distance in her words was enough to unsettle Zhong Shi.

After all, Hong Ying was a girl, and had no ulterior motives toward Qiao Qingyun—but that didn’t mean Zhong Shi had none.

“Miss is right.”

The man nodded obediently, saying no more.

Over the next few days, the silver in Qiao Qingyun’s hands grew steadily. At last, the wedding day arrived.

“The auspicious hour is here!”

“Miss, hurry and dress! Put on your wedding gown—the Crown Prince is here to fetch you!”

The matchmaker bustled in excitedly and watched as Qiao Qingyun sat for her hair to be styled by Qingluo. Her face, not the most stunning but graced with a unique charm, took on an alluring beauty.

“Mm.”

Qiao Qingyun replied softly. Zhong Shi, standing by, glanced at her from time to time, his heart awash with conflicting emotions.

Such a beautiful Qiao Qingyun—he would likely never have the chance to get close to her again.

Crown Princess.

Those three words were a cage, locking Qiao Qingyun in a small, confined world.

“One stroke to the end, the second stroke for white hair together.”

Qingluo, well-versed in tradition, recited the meaning of each combing as she finished. After ten passes, Qiao Qingyun rose slowly, and the crimson bridal veil was placed upon her head.

Dressed in a phoenix-embroidered robe of Suzhou silk, the only gown besides the Empress’s that a Crown Princess was permitted to wear.

“Set off!”

Zhong Shi and Hong Ying followed behind—both were accompanying her as part of the dowry. Qingluo, of course, was her closest maid and would always remain by her side.

All the way to the Crown Prince’s residence, the Empress and Emperor had already been waiting.

“His Highness the Crown Prince, kick the bridal sedan!”

At first, Yuan Zaichun received Qiao Qingyun, riding ahead on horseback, a smile fixed on his face.

When Zhong Shi saw His Highness in that moment, he knew he was utterly defeated. In looks, he couldn’t compare, and in all else, he was equally outmatched. No wonder Qiao Qingyun had chosen him.

With the matchmaker’s guidance, Qiao Qingyun and Yuan Zaichun completed the entire ceremony. After the final bows, the matchmaker shouted, “Off to the bridal chamber!”

The words struck hard in Zhong Shi’s heart. He watched helplessly as Yuan Zaichun swept Qiao Qingyun into his arms and carried her toward the bridal chamber.

“You two must be the Crown Princess’s attendants?”

The matchmaker approached them.

Hong Ying, seeing Zhong Shi lost in thought, nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, is there something you need us to do?”

“Of course. Later, when the ceremony is over, remember to bring out the white wedding kerchief.”

The matchmaker explained this without a blush, leaving Hong Ying bewildered. “What white kerchief?”

At her question, the matchmaker burst out laughing. “Why, it’s the kerchief that proves the Crown Princess’s chastity. Don’t forget it.”

With that, she turned and left. Hong Ying noticed the sorrow on Zhong Shi’s face but said nothing.

The two of them made their way together to Qiao Qingyun’s Bamboo Pavilion.