Chapter 41: Returning Her a Favor

Qingluo, that little maid, truly had some skill—she managed to make it almost perfectly. Qiao Qingyun, half-awake and groggy, climbed out of bed and staggered straight into the courtyard.

"Your Highness, the meal is ready!"

The servants here were all adept at reading people. Ever since Qiao Qingyun moved into the Crown Prince’s residence, they had watched Yuan Zaichun change before their very eyes. He now frequently returned to the Bamboo Pavilion, and the place itself had been transformed. When she had time, Qiao Qingyun would even visit the main hall, giving the servants the illusion of a loving couple. Yet in truth, the two merely used each other as conditions dictated.

"Wow! Qingluo, you’re so talented! It’s really too much to have you as a mere maid. When I get the chance, I’ll speak to the Crown Prince—perhaps he’ll let you go and work as a chef in the Hundred Flowers Courtyard."

"Oh dear, Your Highness, are you trying to send me away? If so, I’ll never dare cook for you again."

Qingluo joked, while Hongying, beside her, knew little of human relations. She had always waited for others to approach her, so for her to take the initiative now was unlikely. Meanwhile, Zhong Shi stood quietly, the words Qingluo had said still echoing in his ears, his gaze lingering on Qiao Qingyun.

This woman was now the Crown Princess. Perhaps... he truly shouldn’t pursue her any longer?

"Shh, tomorrow we’ll sneak out to take a look around, but we can’t use the identity of Qiao Qingyun. Today, the Princess stopped me to ask about Yun Jian, so to maintain the lie, I must use another persona."

"But Your Highness, that outfit is so inconvenient."

Qingluo knew well that every time Qiao Qingyun donned men’s attire, her gait was uneasy. She’d long grown displeased with those clothes.

"What else can we do? If we’re discovered, the Crown Prince will surely question me."

Qiao Qingyun sighed helplessly. One must bow when under another’s roof.

"Mm... Your Highness is right. I’ll look for the outfit later."

"Good."

Watching Qiao Qingyun laughing and chatting, Zhong Shi felt a pang of envy. Yet, in the front hall, things were far less pleasant.

"So, what did you find?"

Yuan Zaichun sat in the study with a cold expression, watching Liufu kneel before him.

"Your Highness, I’ve investigated all possible avenues, but it seems Miss Bu cannot return. The place is strictly guarded, so—"

"Enough."

Yuan Zaichun heaved a long sigh and closed his eyes. Strangely, lately he often found himself recalling Qiao Qingyun dancing. That night, under the moonlight, her clothes soaked with wine, she danced gracefully in the courtyard—a sight he could not forget. He didn’t know why, but he had more than once wanted to seek her out, even if only to watch her dance in silence.

Liufu noticed the exhaustion in Yuan Zaichun’s face and felt a lingering unease. After a pause, he summoned his courage and asked, "Your Highness, if Miss Bu does return, then... what about the Crown Princess?"

"She remains the Crown Princess."

Yuan Zaichun replied coldly. These were the terms agreed upon from the start, but love or not, that was his own affair.

Liufu was taken aback. "Yes, Your Highness."

Once Liufu left, Yuan Zaichun sat alone, gazing silently at the empty space before him. He couldn’t understand himself—perhaps he had been bewitched by that woman, Qiao Qingyun?

Liufu did not go to rest immediately, despite the arduous journey. Twice, Qiao Qingyun had saved his life, though both times it was said to be for bargaining with Yuan Zaichun. But so what? She had rescued him; he ought to offer her some warning.

With this thought, Liufu arrived at the courtyard gate.

"Who’s there?"

Zhong Shi suddenly blocked his path. Liufu was startled. "It’s me. Please inform the Crown Princess I’m here to see her."

"Very well."

Zhong Shi looked Liufu up and down, recognized him, then turned into the room, soon beckoning Liufu inside.

"What is it?"

Inside, Qingluo and Hongying were still folding paper with Qiao Qingyun. If not for Zhong Shi’s announcement, they would likely have been resting.

"Crown Princess..."

Liufu glanced at the three, hesitating.

"It’s fine. These are my closest attendants. Speak—is the Crown Prince sending you to inform me of something?"

Qiao Qingyun asked carelessly.

"No, I have something I wish Your Highness to prepare for."

"What is it?"

Liufu looked at Qiao Qingyun, who had set down her scissors, and pursed his lips. "Your Highness, Miss Bu’s husband is gravely ill. She may soon return to the capital. I am the Crown Prince’s man, but you have twice saved my life."

"This time, I return the favor. I hope Your Highness will not..."

"It’s alright."

Qiao Qingyun glanced at Liufu, leaving him momentarily stunned. He had seen Yuan Zaichun and Qiao Qingyun acting close these past days—why was she so indifferent now?

"Perhaps you overthought it from the start. You know as well as I do what my relationship is with your master. I don’t expect much."

"In public and private, we merely play our roles. Even if Miss Bu returns, and the Crown Prince takes her as a concubine, I have no objection."

"Are you not afraid your position will be threatened?"

Liufu couldn’t understand. Any other woman would have seen this as a crisis, yet Qiao Qingyun remained aloof.

"If he wishes, he can have it. If need be, I’ll give up everything. I am already married into the Crown Prince’s household; there is no reason for me to leave."

Qiao Qingyun smiled helplessly. Liufu said nothing more, thought for a moment, then bowed and departed.

When the door closed, Qiao Qingyun resumed cutting paper. Hongying and Qingluo exchanged glances in silence.

"Is there something you wish to ask me?"

Zhong Shi had been present throughout. He had heard every word, and for a moment, did not know whether to feel happy or sad.

"Miss, that Miss Bu is indeed beautiful, but even if she returns, taking her as a concubine would require your consent."

"It doesn’t matter. Even if she wishes to become the Crown Princess, if the Emperor and Empress approve, I have no objection."

Qiao Qingyun appeared utterly calm.

"Are you truly not afraid, Your Highness? The Crown Prince once did many mad things for Miss Bu."

"Even so, what of it? Did she not marry another in the end?"