Chapter 48: Surprisingly Adorable

Moreover, even if she knew where Yun Jian was, Qiao Qingyun could never tell him. Exposing her own identity would do them no good.

“Really? So, is my fate with him truly at an end?” Yuan Rou’s eyes reddened again as she spoke, leaving Qiao Qingyun at a loss for words. Why did young girls nowadays cry at the drop of a hat?

“Princess, if you are not meant to be together, it is better not to force it. In the end, it would do neither of you any good. And if she should return someday, would you have me say you never stopped thinking of him?”

“No, of course not.”

Yuan Rou immediately denied it. As a princess, her pride was ingrained in her very bones, something she would never allow anyone to trample upon.

“So, Princess, what matters most now is your own health. You must first recover. Perhaps His Majesty will bestow a marriage upon you—surely it will be with someone suitable.”

At these words, Yuan Rou’s heart sank again. She gazed sorrowfully into the distance and sighed, “Even if he is suitable, what of it? If I do not like him, even if we grow old together, it will all be the same.”

Looking at Yuan Rou before her, Qiao Qingyun found herself speechless. How could she persuade a princess whose heart was so devoted to another?

“Sister-in-law, the Crown Prince is probably growing impatient. You should return now; come again when you have time.”

“Very well.”

Qiao Qingyun nodded and turned to walk toward Yuan Zaichun, who was waiting for her.

Yuan Rou watched Qiao Qingyun’s departing figure, her heart heavy with thought.

Because she knew too much, from the very beginning all had been plotted for Consort Shu’s sake.

The reason Consort Shu had not intervened when the Empress arranged the marriage was that she had made clear the grudges between Qiao Qingyun and Yuan Zaichun. After all, Yuan Zaichun was the daughter of a meritorious official; if the matter became public, the ones to suffer most would be these two.

But now, Yuan Rou regretted it, bitterly regretted it, wishing she could return to that moment and have Consort Shu obstruct the match.

“What is it? Did Rou’er say anything?” Yuan Zaichun asked as he walked alongside Qiao Qingyun.

“The princess merely spoke a few words about Lord Yun. Perhaps she still cannot let go.”

“Such unrealistic notions never should have taken root in Rou’er’s heart. Better this way—it severs her lingering hopes.”

Though Yuan Zaichun’s words sent a chill through one’s heart, on reflection, it was indeed so.

As the Crown Prince, he too had many helpless burdens—such as marrying her.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for saving me today.”

Qiao Qingyun smiled gracefully, her beauty quietly captivating, soothing to the eye.

“It was nothing. I merely did not wish to let those people have their way. They all harbor ulterior motives—you would do well to keep your distance.”

“Yes.”

After speaking, Qiao Qingyun glanced up at Yuan Zaichun, only to see him rather awkwardly clear his throat, then turn his gaze elsewhere.

The gesture made Qiao Qingyun half amused, half exasperated. Who would have thought Yuan Zaichun could be so endearingly awkward?

He had helped her in so many ways, yet always pretended it was against his will.

Well, so be it. This way, she would not have to rack her brains to repay such favors in the future.

“Ahem, when did you and Rou’er become so close?”

As expected, Yuan Zaichun could not help but ask. It was one thing for the Empress to have been won over by Qiao Qingyun, but now even his own sister? Was Qiao Qingyun truly so capable?

“It is just that young ladies talk amongst themselves. Besides, must we report every topic to Your Highness?”

“You—”

Yuan Zaichun was rendered speechless by Qiao Qingyun’s retort, staring at her for a long moment.

Indeed, when a woman sets her mind to vex you, she can do so at any time and place.

There was no doubt about that.

“Well said, Miss Qiao.”

“Hehe, thank you for the compliment, Your Highness.”

They returned to the residence. Qingluo and Zhong Shi had been following Qiao Qingyun closely. Seeing her return to Tingzhu Courtyard, yet the Crown Prince made no comment—perhaps she had escaped trouble for today.

Thinking thus, Qiao Qingyun gazed up at the clear night sky. Indeed, a fine night was far more comfortable than a rainy one.

“My lady, would you like to bathe and rest now?”

At Qingluo’s inquiry, Qiao Qingyun considered, then nodded without hesitation. “Yes, let’s do it now.”

“Yes, I’ll see to it at once.”

With that, Qingluo withdrew. Qiao Qingyun glanced at Zhong Shi, who still stood motionless nearby, and couldn’t help but feel bemused. “What is it? Aren’t you tired after standing all day?”

“My lady…”

Zhong Shi was momentarily taken aback by her words, unsure what to make of them. But Qiao Qingyun said no more, only looked at him quietly.

“All right, there are no outsiders here now—only your sister and Qingluo. The others I’ve dismissed.”

Saying this, Qiao Qingyun slowly rose and approached Zhong Shi with a smile.

Her footsteps were light on the earth; though her shoes were embroidered stitch by stitch, their fine craftsmanship made her tread almost soundless.

“Tell me, is there a girl here who’s caught your eye? If you like someone, I’ll arrange a marriage for you.”

“My lady…”

A wave of bitterness welled up in Zhong Shi’s heart. Even if he confessed whom he liked, they would still have to be separated, perhaps never to meet again.

“What’s the matter?”

Qiao Qingyun looked at him in puzzlement, her tone much gentler, though Zhong Shi felt no warmth from it—quite the opposite…

“My lady’s kindness is appreciated, but I have no wish to marry for now. I only hope I may continue to serve at your side.”

As he finished, a trace of pleading appeared in Zhong Shi’s eyes, fixed intently on Qiao Qingyun, as if afraid she might decide his fate on a whim and send him away.

“Haha, I was only asking. Why so afraid? If you have no such feelings, I won’t play matchmaker for you.”

“As for Hong Ying, if she finds someone she likes, let me know anytime—I shall see her settled.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Zhong Shi looked at Qiao Qingyun, but many words died unspoken.

What use was there in saying them? The outcome would be the same.