Chapter 99: The Waters Are Too Deep; I Can't Handle It!

“Miss Qiao, I know you’re feeling uneasy. Look, I’ve already sent someone to apologize to you, and I even specially prepared a whole table of your favorite dishes.”

“Oh?”

This was a surprise, and Qiao Qingyun couldn't help but brighten at the prospect. She didn’t even know her own favorite foods, so how could Yuan Zaichun claim he knew exactly what she liked?

“Miss, you…”

Qing Luo wanted to persuade Qiao Qingyun not to go. Although Yuan Zaichun had arrived just in time at the palace previously, it still hadn’t erased the image that lingered in her heart.

He had actually struck Qiao Qingyun on behalf of Bu Shenglian. If this continued, would Qiao Qingyun even survive?

“Fine, go back and tell your master to bring Fengke along as well.”

“Yes.”

Although Liu Fu didn’t know whether Yuan Zaichun truly wished to go, he had to—otherwise, it might be the last time he saw Qiao Qingyun.

Watching Liu Fu walk farther away, Zhong Shi anxiously approached Qiao Qingyun. “Miss, are you really…”

“Of course I’m going. I want to see what exactly it is that I supposedly love to eat. Or maybe Bu Shenglian has grown magnanimous enough to let me come.”

Sure enough, within the Crown Prince’s residence, upon learning that Yuan Zaichun had invited Qiao Qingyun, Bu Shenglian had been sulking nonstop.

Her expression was like someone owed her eight hundred taels.

“Shenglian?”

Yuan Zaichun approached Bu Shenglian gently, soothing her softly, which made Liu Fu anxious.

Clearly, Qiao Qingyun was the one truly worthy of Yuan Zaichun. It would have been fine if Bu Shenglian hadn’t married, but she had! Yet Yuan Zaichun forbade her from attending to him at night while having Qiao Qingyun by his side—what kind of logic was that?

“Could it be that Your Highness has truly fallen for Miss Qiao? If so, I’m willing to let you both be.”

Bu Shenglian always played the retreat-to-advance game—a tactic that never failed, always winning Yuan Zaichun’s forgiveness.

But this time, she miscalculated. After Yuan Zaichun woke and didn’t see Bu Shenglian nearby, he grew displeased.

Not because she must stay by his side, but because Qiao Qingyun could remain with him, yet Bu Shenglian did not.

From what Liu Fu later revealed, Bu Shenglian had even blocked Qiao Qingyun from treating Yuan Zaichun, nearly causing his death.

This incident was reported by Imperial Physician Li to the Emperor, who punished Bu Shenglian by forbidding her from leaving the house and confining her for half a month, instilling a deep fear of the Emperor in her heart.

She hated Qiao Qingyun more than anything.

If not for her, Bu Shenglian wouldn’t have been imprisoned.

“This time, you must host a banquet. If not for her, I wouldn’t have recovered so quickly. When this reaches His Majesty’s ears, he’ll blame you. How will you explain yourself then?”

Yuan Zaichun’s words were reasonable, leaving Bu Shenglian no room to retort.

In the end, she threw herself weakly into Yuan Zaichun’s arms, clutching his waist like a delicate child. “Your Highness, please don’t fall for her. Shenglian has only you.”

“I know.”

The man patted her back, but his eyes betrayed him, haunted by Qiao Qingyun’s image.

Her every smile and frown had nearly stolen his soul.

As a woman, Bu Shenglian was oblivious to Yuan Zaichun’s true thoughts and felt reassured by his promise.

A cold smile curled on her lips. Qiao Qingyun, even if you are the daughter of a meritorious official, what does it matter? You will never defeat me, Bu Shenglian.

Night fell, and Bu Shenglian sat beside Yuan Zaichun, waiting for Qiao Qingyun’s arrival.

At first, Yuan Zaichun was reluctant—rules were rules. Without formal marriage, letting Bu Shenglian sit in the crown princess’s seat was against ancestral rites.

Outside, a graceful figure approached, followed by Zhong Shi and Qing Luo. Fengke had arrived early and, upon seeing Yuan Zaichun and Bu Shenglian together, was so angry she hadn’t spoken since.

She used to think Yuan Zaichun was remarkably wise; now, it seemed he was blinded.

“Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

With Zhong Shi supporting her, Qiao Qingyun stood up. Qing Luo obediently arranged the tableware and attended to her as she took her seat.

“Qingyun, you’ve finally arrived. I’ve prepared everything for you. The golden crucian carp before you is your favorite little dried fish.”

Fengke’s earnestness made Zhong Shi’s face darken, but this only fueled Fengke’s competitive spirit.

She deliberately provoked, “Oh, I almost forgot—you have Zhong Shi with you. She should know, right?”

Qiao Qingyun rubbed her forehead. No matter where she went, there was always some kind of social dynamic!

The waters here ran deep and were hard to navigate.

“Miss, here is your favorite milk tea.”

Zhong Shi pushed aside the original teacup and replaced it with a fresh cup. Qiao Qingyun gave a dry smile. “If you two keep fighting like this, I’ll throw you both out.”

Her words shut the two men up instantly. Watching Qiao Qingyun sip the milk tea and nibble on the dried fish, both men’s triumphant expressions made Yuan Zaichun feel a twinge of jealousy.

In the past, he would have dismissed this as childishness, but now, seeing them united like this, he felt like an outsider.

“Your Highness, your health has recovered. Why hold a banquet to thank me? Serving you is my duty; I do not seek praise.”

Qiao Qingyun’s sharp words left no room for Yuan Zaichun to interrupt, blocking all possible responses.

“I noticed you looked thinner yesterday, and I was worried. Once married, one should cherish each other. I hope you take good care of yourself.”

As he spoke, a flicker of tenderness crossed Yuan Zaichun’s eyes, causing Qiao Qingyun to frown.

Indeed, this scoundrel had many tricks up his sleeve.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am in good health.”

Zhong Shi and Fengke both looked displeased. They almost forgot about their greatest rival while bickering among themselves.

Yuan Zaichun was truly the most dangerous one.

“Today, I’ve summoned the imperial physician to check your pulse and see how your health fares.”

“No need. I know my own body well—I am a doctor myself, after all. Why should I let another examine me?”

As she spoke, she noticed Imperial Physician Li entering from a side chamber and firmly refused.

There seemed to be some hidden agenda, but she was unsure what they intended.

“Imperial Physician Li, please examine Miss Qiao.”

Yuan Zaichun gave Li a deliberate glance. Having shared a bed with Qiao Qingyun for so long, he wasn’t convinced they hadn’t conceived.

Once a child was born, he could legitimately keep her by his side.