Chapter 39: The Crown Prince Truly Cherishes His Princess Consort

With this, Qiao Qingyun had truly passed the test. The matron hurried to fetch the ceremonial scepter and brought it to Listening Bamboo Pavilion.

“Your Highness, this is your scepter. Please keep it safe,” the matron said, beaming as she handed it to Qiao Qingyun, who had just changed into fresh clothes, her cheeks still flushed with color.

“Thank you, Madam.” After speaking, Qiao Qingyun glanced at Qingluo beside her. Qingluo nodded, stepped forward, and placed a small handful of golden melon seeds into the matron’s palm.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Once the door was closed, Qiao Qingyun looked around before leaning close to Qingluo’s ear and whispering, “I’m hungry.”

“Ah? You’re hungry, Your Highness?” Qingluo was momentarily stunned, but it made sense—there had been no opportunity to eat all day, only to stay inside the room.

After a moment’s thought, Qingluo spotted some pastries on the table and quickly sneaked two pieces over.

“Please eat these for now, Your Highness. They’re just to stave off your hunger. You won’t be able to eat properly until tomorrow morning.”

“Alas, what kind of wedding is this? It feels more like a punishment!” Qiao Qingyun lamented.

“Hehe, Your Highness, you must be tired today as well. Why not rest? His Highness will return later, and who knows what might happen…” At these words, Qingluo’s cheeks flushed red. She didn’t continue, but Qiao Qingyun understood well enough.

Qiao Qingyun glanced at Qingluo and decided against discussing it further. The fewer who knew, the better.

As expected, in the middle of the night, Yuan Zaichun returned, reeking of wine, and fell asleep with his arm around Qiao Qingyun.

Early the next morning, Yuan Zaichun arose before dawn. As soon as Qiao Qingyun awoke, he insisted she change into formal attire, and together they dressed in the crown princess’s ceremonial robes to proceed to the palace to express their gratitude.

After all, this marriage had been decreed by the emperor, so there was no room for refusal.

“Yes,” she replied.

They made their way straight to the imperial palace. After getting out of the carriage, they still had to walk some distance, and Qiao Qingyun was obliged to let Yuan Zaichun take her hand. The two presented the very picture of newlyweds, so loving that even the maids began to gossip.

“His Highness truly dotes on the Crown Princess.”

“Indeed. Holding hands like that—they must be very much in love.”

Together, they arrived at the empress’s palace. As Qiao Qingyun was a new bride, she had to pay her formal respects.

“Your son and subject greets the Empress Mother.”

“Your daughter-in-law, Qiao Qingyun, pays her respects to the Empress Mother.”

The young woman knelt obediently, a vision of demure grace.

“Come, rise, rise. It’s only been a month since I last saw you, and you’ve grown so thin, Qing’er,” the Empress said, feigning concern as she brought Qiao Qingyun to her side and began chatting warmly. Yuan Zaichun stood quietly aside, knowing better than to interrupt a conversation between women.

“Thank you for your concern, Mother. I’ve only lost weight because I was worried about my figure and didn’t eat properly.”

“Oh, look at you! So thin already, and you’re still trying to diet? That won’t do in the future,” the Empress said fondly, tapping Qiao Qingyun on the forehead.

Having finished their formalities, the two had nothing more to do and continued walking hand in hand.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Qiao Qingyun said quietly and cautiously. She had no desire to provoke Yuan Zaichun—who knew what he might do if angered?

“There’s no need to thank me. This is what I ought to give you.”

They were partners, after all, and mutual support was only natural. Besides, Qiao Qingyun’s help was valuable to him; he could afford to grant her a favor.

“Yes,” Qiao Qingyun replied without hesitation, not one to be ungrateful.

Just as she thought they would return to the residence, a familiar figure approached: a young woman in a pale lavender dress with a dangling hairpin—Yuan Rou herself.

“Brother, Sister-in-law,” Yuan Rou called as she hurried over. Qiao Qingyun’s heart skipped a beat. Because of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, she hadn’t paid attention to Yuan Rou lately—she had no idea if Yuan Rou had seen her in men’s or women’s attire. Was she about to be exposed?

“Rou’er?” Yuan Zaichun paused, looking at Yuan Rou in confusion, unsure of her intentions.

“Brother, Sister-in-law, I’ve been searching for you everywhere and finally found you.”

“Looking for us? Why?” Yuan Zaichun was puzzled. His sister rarely involved herself in these matters, always keeping her distance whenever factions formed at court. As the saying went, those who stay out of it need not choose a side.

“It’s because…” Yuan Rou’s gaze shifted to Qiao Qingyun. The coldness she once had was gone, replaced by a look of eager anticipation.

“Sister-in-law, I have a favor to ask of you.”

Hearing this, Qiao Qingyun glanced at Yuan Zaichun. He nodded. Their display of marital affection was enough to make others envious, but Yuan Rou seemed immune.

“What is it?” Qiao Qingyun walked forward with her, still unsure of the purpose.

“Sister-in-law, I may have offended you before, but today I have a request,” Yuan Rou said.

“Oh? Let’s hear it.” Now that Qiao Qingyun was Crown Princess, she had no need to be overly deferential.

“Well…” Yuan Rou blushed and looked around. “Do you know Young Master Yun Jian, Miss Hong Ying’s brother?”

What!

Qiao Qingyun froze, her whole being unsettled. Her heart sank in an instant. Was she found out? No, she mustn’t admit anything.

Calming herself, Qiao Qingyun nodded without hesitation. “Yes, I know him. Why?”

“It’s just… he opened the Hundred Flowers Pavilion in the capital, but I’ve never been able to meet him. I was hoping you could help…”

“But Mr. Yun has affairs at home and had to return for a time. It may be a while before he comes back. If I hear of his return, I’ll tell you at once, Princess. Will that do?” Qiao Qingyun quickly interrupted, startled by Yuan Rou’s request to be introduced to herself.

Yuan Rou didn’t notice Qiao Qingyun’s panic and only nodded, somewhat disappointed. “I see… Very well, thank you, Sister-in-law.”

“You’re welcome.”

When Qiao Qingyun returned to Yuan Zaichun’s side, the two exchanged a silent glance, boarded the carriage, and left the palace.

“What did Rou’er want with you just now?” Yuan Zaichun asked, glancing at her.

“It was nothing—she only asked me about the young master of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion.”