Chapter 42: Yun Rou, Where Is Your Dignity?

Qiao Qingyun set down the scissors in her hand and gazed at Qinglu, whose face was full of worry.

“I hope you can understand that many things aren’t as simple as we wish them to be—just like my marriage to the Crown Prince.”

“You think I was happy? The truth is, I only did it to save my life.”

Her words carried a sorrow that chilled the heart. In this world, there were so many hardships, and even more moments of helplessness. The only thing one could do was to guard oneself.

Today, Yuan Zaichun would not come. Qiao Qingyun understood that in the future, his visits would only grow more infrequent. Even if he did come, it would be nothing more than speaking under the covers.

The next morning, Qiao Qingyun left in haste, taking Qinglu with her. Only Hongying and Zhong Shi remained behind.

They made their way to the Hundred Flowers Courtyard. Upon entering the private chamber, Qiao Qingyun quickly changed into men’s attire, preparing to inspect the progress of the establishment.

“Ah, Boss, you’re here! Take a look inside—are you satisfied?” The waiter grinned ingratiatingly as he sidled up to Qiao Qingyun, making her both amused and exasperated.

It was clear—once you truly had power, those around you would cling to you endlessly.

“Young Master Yun.”

A crisp female voice rang out, making Qiao Qingyun shudder. At that moment, Qinglu was still in the kitchen teaching others how to cook, yet Yuan Rou had somehow managed to catch sight of her.

Perhaps it was for the best; it would save her the trouble of keeping watch herself.

“Your Highness.”

Qiao Qingyun feigned propriety and bowed to Yuan Rou, who smiled and ran up to her, gesturing toward a private room. “Why not join me inside to talk, Young Master Yun?”

“Hmm? Very well.”

Qiao Qingyun showed no hesitation, following Yuan Rou inside as if it were the most natural thing.

“Is there a particular dish Your Highness enjoys here? Next time you visit, I can have them prepare it ahead of time.”

Qiao Qingyun’s ability to impersonate a man was truly convincing; despite Yuan Rou’s repeated encounters with her, she had never realized it was Qiao Qingyun in disguise.

“Thank you, Young Master Yun, but there’s no need. I wouldn’t want to trouble you. I heard you went to the countryside recently?”

Ah...

Qiao Qingyun sighed inwardly. As expected, women’s questions came one after another!

“Yes, that’s true. I went back to visit my parents. I didn’t expect Your Highness to be so thorough in her inquiries.”

“Please don’t take offense, Young Master Yun. Upon arriving and not seeing you, I was concerned and wondered if you had encountered any trouble.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

When speaking with Yuan Rou, one had to be careful not to overstep, lest she seize upon any misstep. The best approach now was humility, but it had to be done in a way that made Yuan Rou feel comfortable in conversation.

Otherwise, should this princess lose her temper, execution could be swift and merciless.

“Yan’er, leave us. I wish to speak privately with Young Master Yun.”

Yuan Rou waved her hand, and Yan’er immediately turned to leave, not sparing a single glance. Such was the essential skill of a personal maid.

“Is there something Your Highness wishes to discuss?”

Qiao Qingyun’s heart skipped a beat—had she been discovered?

Yuan Rou tugged gently at the corner of her lips, then pushed a cup of tea toward Qiao Qingyun. As she spoke, her tone softened, revealing a hint of girlish vulnerability.

“I... am to select a consort soon.”

“Oh? That’s wonderful. If Your Highness finds a handsome consort, it would be a most fortunate thing.”

Hearing Qiao Qingyun’s indifferent response, Yuan Rou’s heart sank. She forced a smile, gazing at Qiao Qingyun. “Does... Young Master Yun truly not care at all?”

“I am but a commoner. You are a royal princess. If you make a decision, there is nothing I can do to change it, don’t you agree?”

Despite Qiao Qingyun’s words, Yuan Rou refused to give up. “Is there really not a moment when you feel reluctant? I have gone in and out of the palace for your sake more times than I can count, and you don’t care at all?”

Heavens!

What was this? Even if Qiao Qingyun were a fool, she couldn’t miss the meaning—this was a confession!

For a moment, Qiao Qingyun was utterly stunned.

This was trouble—serious trouble. When had Yuan Rou started to like her? It was impossible to fathom; the heart of a woman was truly inscrutable.

“Your Highness, I understand your meaning. But will you defy the imperial decree? Or do you wish for me to pursue official rank? I have no desire for fame or fortune, only to live happily.”

“But you are different. You are a princess, and what you need is status and honor. The Emperor would never allow you to marry someone like me.”

Since things were already clear, it was best to be blunt.

Qiao Qingyun had laid it all out. Surely Yuan Rou would not persist? Where was her royal pride? Had she lost it?

“But you... If you only say you care for me, I have plenty of ways to insert you into my life.”

As a princess, nothing was truly impossible; she could even have a minister adopt Qiao Qingyun as a son if need be.

But how could Qiao Qingyun possibly agree? That was out of the question!

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, I must take my leave.”

With those words, Qiao Qingyun hurried out, turning away.

Yuan Rou followed behind. “Young Master Yun...”

“Your Highness, what’s wrong?”

Yan’er saw Yuan Rou running out, her face streaked with tears, and was momentarily at a loss, standing dumbly to the side.

“He refused me...”

“What? How ungrateful! For a princess such as yourself to be rejected—he simply lacks the fortune!”

Yan’er decisively blamed everything on Qiao Qingyun.

Meanwhile, Qiao Qingyun had already taken the side path back to her treasure box, swiftly changed clothes, washed her face, glanced at those nearby, and stepped out.

“Your Grace? Eh? Your Grace, did you just visit the private room?”

Qinglu, having just taught the cooks, came running out, still dusted with flour.

“Yes, the princess startled me. If anyone asks, tell them Yun Jian has returned to the countryside. Where he lives, you do not know.”

“Yes.”

Qinglu was still somewhat puzzled, but quietly did as Qiao Qingyun instructed.

“Crown Princess.”

Yan’er, at some point, had walked over to them, and approached Qiao Qingyun with a graceful bow.

“Crown Princess, our princess has invited you to come upstairs.”

“Very well, I understand. Qinglu, tidy up the private chamber, so Young Master Yun won’t be inconvenienced later.”

“Yes.”