Chapter 40: Too Late

Upon hearing the topic, Yuan Zaichun unexpectedly opened his eyes the next moment. In those cold, piercing eyes was nothing but confusion. "Why do you ask?"

Qiao Qingyun was startled; she hadn't expected Yuan Zaichun to take an interest in the identity of Mister Yun, a name she had only recalled by chance. She shook her head, "I don't know."

"This Mister Yun has always been elusive, never showing his face. Rour once asked me to help her meet him, but who would have thought—the innkeeper told us Mister Yun had returned to his hometown."

"Heh, Mister Yun dislikes drawing attention to himself and doesn't like discussing palace matters with others, so naturally, he keeps to himself." Qiao Qingyun's casual remark made Yuan Zaichun raise his brows slightly. His usually expressionless face now showed a hint of amusement.

"How do you know this?"

Qiao Qingyun froze—she'd said too much!

"Naturally, it's because this Mister Yun is Hong Ying's elder brother from the countryside. So, even if only for Hong Ying's sake, I should meet him at least once."

"Oh? So you've met?"

Yuan Zaichun's tone betrayed neither joy nor anger. Qiao Qingyun nodded, "Yes, he visited me at the General’s residence. I saw that they enjoyed playing together, so I let Qingluo accompany them."

"Truly?"

"Of course. If Your Highness doubts me, you can ask about it yourself."

Qiao Qingyun put on an air of indifference, as if unafraid even if Yuan Zaichun did inquire—after all, no one would dare say otherwise. At worst, people would just claim ignorance; no one would dare say more.

"I hope that's the case."

Yuan Zaichun snorted coldly, appearing unconcerned. Qiao Qingyun was not one to waste her efforts on thankless tasks, especially for someone with such pride.

"Ask whatever you wish, Your Highness. I have no means to hide anything from you."

Qiao Qingyun offered no further explanation, though her heart was pounding wildly. If he saw through her by accident, would it cause some great trouble?

"Mm."

At last, Yuan Zaichun pressed her no further, closing his eyes again to rest.

When they arrived at the Crown Prince’s residence, Yuan Zaichun once more put on the façade of a loving husband, reaching out to help Qiao Qingyun down from the carriage, both of them smiling as they returned together.

Only after arriving at the Bamboo Courtyard did Qiao Qingyun turn to look at Yuan Zaichun. She stepped back and bowed slightly. "Respectfully seeing off Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Go inside and rest well."

"Yes."

It must be said, Yuan Zaichun's acting skills were truly unmatched—even Qiao Qingyun found herself impressed.

Once the others had left, the woman finally came back to herself. Qingluo quickly stepped forward. She hadn't accompanied the group to see the Empress today, as she had just arrived at the Crown Prince’s residence; the legitimate Crown Princess had many duties that required the assistance of her personal maid. Hong Ying was even less qualified, knowing nothing of palace etiquette, and could only wait aside.

"Your Grace, you've returned," Qingluo said, her earlier exhaustion replaced by a brisk demeanor. The Crown Prince’s residence was not an easy place to serve. Even as the Crown Princess’s maid, all tasks still fell to her.

"How are things? You’re all right here in the residence?"

Qiao Qingyun asked with some concern. Qingluo shook her head, "I'm fine."

Walking together into the courtyard, they saw Zhong Shi still standing by the door. Hong Ying was also there, both looking rather helpless.

"You've both been standing here all day?"

"Yes," Hong Ying replied, while Zhong Shi said nothing, his gaze fixed on Qiao Qingyun as if unable to look away. This made Qingluo uncomfortable.

"Zhong Shi, Her Grace is speaking to you."

Whether it was her imagination or not, Qingluo always sensed that Zhong Shi lost his composure whenever Qiao Qingyun was involved.

"Hm?"

Zhong Shi snapped back to himself and glanced at Qiao Qingyun. The woman smiled faintly. "No need for you to wait here. Go and rest, both of you; other maids will watch the door tonight."

"Yes," Hong Ying replied, but Zhong Shi remained where he was. "If I stay near Her Grace, I feel more at ease."

"Very well, suit yourself. But remember to eat later."

"Yes."

Qiao Qingyun, dressed in her finery, was supported by Qingluo into the room. She had been busy all morning, with matters in the residence still unresolved, and her sleep had been patchy at best.

"Your Grace, why not rest for a while? I'll go arrange for dinner to be prepared."

"All right, go ahead."

Exhausted, Qiao Qingyun lay down, removed her hairpins, and quickly fell asleep.

"Yes."

Qingluo left, heading toward the door, where she ran into Zhong Shi waiting outside. Her expression changed.

"Zhong Shi."

"Hm?" The man turned, looking a bit disappointed to see it was Qingluo.

"Is something the matter? Did Her Grace give you instructions?"

Once they had entered the Crown Prince’s residence, there was no more talk of "miss"—she was now the Crown Princess.

"No, come here—I need to speak with you."

With that, Qingluo strode straight toward the small kitchen. Zhong Shi followed without protest.

Qingluo busied herself with preparing the meal. She had learned all the dishes Qiao Qingyun had entrusted to Feng Ke, so she simply made them herself.

"If you have something to say, just say it. I need to get back and watch over Her Grace."

"Wait."

Seeing that Zhong Shi wanted to leave, Qingluo quickly called him back. He halted, puzzled, and looked at her.

"Zhong Shi, now that our lady is married into the Crown Prince’s residence, it doesn’t matter whether His Highness treats her well or not—she is the Crown Princess now, no longer just our young lady. Do you understand?"

Qingluo was trying to warn Zhong Shi, to prevent him from doing anything rash. But it was too late for all that. The trouble lay in the fact that Zhong Shi had never cared for any woman before, nor did he understand what it meant to care.

By the time he realized it, things had already reached the point of no return.

"I understand. But please, Qingluo, don't interfere with me protecting Her Grace."

With that, Zhong Shi turned to leave, stubborn as ever, leaving Qingluo with a pounding headache.

The truth was, those who feign sleep cannot be awakened. Even if she wanted to help, it was already too late.

Outside the room, Zhong Shi listened to the quiet within. Qiao Qingyun was sleeping soundly, undisturbed, but Zhong Shi’s heart was in turmoil, lost and confused.

Qiao Qingyun awoke to the fragrance wafting in from outside.