Chapter 80: Worthless

Bu Shenglian could only be considered a modest beauty, while Qiao Qingyun possessed a striking, regal allure. Yuan Zaichun glanced at Qiao Qingyun’s attire that day and frowned.

“Who permitted you to dress like this?”

“Uh... this is my training outfit.”

Qiao Qingyun was somewhat speechless. Was it really necessary for him to be so aggressive in front of his former beloved? Surely this wasn’t appropriate.

“And who might this be?”

Bu Shenglian was clearly surprised, but Qingluo had already recognized her identity and stepped forward. “Miss Bu, this is the Crown Princess.”

“The Crown Princess?”

Hearing this title, Bu Shenglian’s face turned pale, and tears fell to the ground at once. Yuan Zaichun’s heart tightened as he gently drew her into his arms.

“As expected, I’m still too late.”

“Shenglian, don’t cry, it’s alright.”

“No, if Your Highness truly has a beloved, I shall take vows and retire from the world, never hindering your future.”

Bu Shenglian’s words instantly gave Qiao Qingyun clarity—wasn’t this the very image of the delicate victim? What a performance!

Qiao Qingyun smiled calmly after a moment’s thought. “So you are Miss Bu? Indeed, meeting you surpasses your reputation. Though I am the Crown Princess, I am but a decorative figure. If you return and His Highness wishes to welcome you into the palace, I will personally arrange it.”

“You two can enjoy your world together; I will not interfere. I’ll even give the household authority to you, Miss Bu—how does that sound?”

These words ignited an inexplicable fire in Yuan Zaichun’s heart, nearly burning away his reason.

Bu Shenglian was surprised. How many yearned to be Crown Princess? Why did this woman seem utterly indifferent?

“Crown Princess, you overthink.”

“Not at all. Since His Highness brought you here today, I have no objections. If you prefer the Bamboo Pavilion, I’ll move out immediately. Qingluo, Hongying.”

“Yes.”

The two maids turned to leave, but Yuan Zaichun barked coldly, “Come back! When did I tell you to move?”

His teeth ground audibly as he seized Qiao Qingyun’s wrist, almost crushing it.

Sweat beaded on Qiao Qingyun’s brow, the defiance in her eyes growing. “What, Your Highness wishes to spar with me?”

“Exactly so.”

With that, Yuan Zaichun wrenched her arm aside and lashed out at her. In a flash, Bu Shenglian stood frozen.

Qiao Qingyun and Yuan Zaichun fought fiercely. Seeing Qiao Qingyun beginning to falter, she drew a silver needle from her waist and swiftly jabbed it into Yuan Zaichun’s side.

“Hiss.”

The man winced, gazing at Qiao Qingyun kneeling cross-legged on the floor. He reached for the painful spot, yanked out the needle.

“You dare wound me?”

“Your Highness’s every move is deadly. Clearly you’ve long disliked me and wish me to make way for Miss Bu. Just say the word. My father has only one daughter. If I die, what becomes of the Qiao family? Annihilation?”

Qiao Qingyun breathed heavily, her brow tightly knit as she stared at Yuan Zaichun.

Bu Shenglian hurried forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

“Your Highness? Are you hurt? Crown Princess, even if you are displeased with me, you should not harm him!”

Her words only fueled the fire. Yuan Zaichun’s heart darkened further; he seized Bu Shenglian’s delicate hand and led her away.

They departed side by side, leaving Qiao Qingyun standing dazed.

So they just left?

Thinking of his promise last night—not to bring Bu Shenglian home—what now?

Indeed, a man’s word is worth nothing.

“Your Highness...”

Zhongshi stepped forward, sensing Qiao Qingyun’s unhappiness, but Hongying pulled him back.

Qingluo considered for a moment, then gently tugged Qiao Qingyun’s sleeve. “Your Highness, shall we return and rest?”

“Mm.”

Qiao Qingyun exhaled deeply, nodded, and followed Qingluo back to her room. Gazing at the night outside her window, she felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness.

“Your Highness, Miss Bu is married, so you needn’t worry so much.”

“It’s not my worry. What must come will come.”

She had long foreseen their chances were slim; after all, their union was for benefit. Since that was so, there was no point overthinking—things would unfold as they must.

On the other side, Feng Ke was busy beyond measure, inwardly cursing Qiao Qingyun for not coming by even once.

If she didn’t come soon, Baiflower Pavilion and Baiflower Courtyard would be overrun by guests.

“Master Feng, isn’t the Crown Princess coming?”

The exhausted waiter, running back and forth between the two establishments, was nearly driven mad. If someone didn’t come to manage things, they would surely be worked to death.

“I can’t take it anymore! I’ll go find her myself!”

Feng Ke, exasperated, threw down his spatula and strode out.

Angrily, he marched to the Crown Prince’s residence, entered the main hall, and immediately spotted Bu Shenglian.

But perhaps due to the long absence, he failed to recognize her.

“Your Highness, where is your Crown Princess? Bring her out, or things will get out of hand.”

Still stewing from his spat with Qiao Qingyun, Yuan Zaichun frowned. “I refuse to believe you’ll die without her.”

Feng Ke was startled. “Brother Yuan, did you swallow gunpowder today? Baiflower Pavilion and Baiflower Courtyard were founded by her and me. And not just those— even the medical hall is swamped.”

“I don’t know why, but fevers and colds have increased lately. Business is booming. If no one takes charge, I fear—”

“I understand. Liu Fu, go invite her.”

“Yes.”

Liu Fu, already full of grievances, had hoped to speak with Yuan Zaichun, but seeing Bu Shenglian, realized there was no chance. Now the only hope was for Qiao Qingyun to regain her composure and preserve her position.

When Qiao Qingyun was finally summoned from her room, she approached Yuan Zaichun with steady steps, betraying no emotion.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Mm.”

He was too indifferent to say more, responding with a grunt as if nothing had happened.

“My dear ancestor, you’re finally out! Baiflower Pavilion—”

“Teacher!”

A surprised cry rang out from outside. Xu Lu and Chun Cheng rushed in, faces flushed, and hurriedly knelt before Qiao Qingyun.

“Greetings to Your Highness, greetings to the Crown Princess.”

“What’s the matter?”