The Empress continued, “Just now in the main hall, I barely had time to react before Chench’er left.”
“And in all these years, have you ever seen him so angry? Just now, he threw the Yun daughter into the lotus pond—it’s clear he was venting his anger on behalf of Ayu.”
The Emperor of Chongguang shook his head. He had never seen it.
After all, his son had always been gentle and kind, calm in both joy and anger, never showing frustration or rage openly.
The Empress thought for a moment. “I feel that the rumors in the capital are wrong. Chench’er doesn’t despise Ayu. If anything, he seems to care for her.”
After the Emperor departed, the Empress hurried to the Plum Garden. Even though she had heard that Ayu was unharmed, as her maternal aunt, she still felt deep concern.
In a corner, Chancellor Wen stroked his beard. He had already watched the scene unfold before going to the Plum Garden.
He knew his little ancestor well—when Wen Shuyu had cried in the Crown Prince’s arms, so convincingly, he knew it was an act. He had stayed hidden, not wanting to burst into laughter at the show. Using a stealth talisman, he had observed everything from afar.
The one most shocked by today’s spectacle, however, was the Qilin beast, Xiao Liu.
Since descending to the mortal realm, it had repeatedly marveled at how adults’ minds worked. Truly, a thousand years ago, humans used their minds for righteous deeds—but now, even when doing wrong, they had a whole system in place.
Xiao Liu was impressed.
Plum Garden.
After prescribing the medicine, the imperial physician repeatedly reminded Wen Shuyu to rest due to her weakened condition, then slowly departed.
Fuling ordered a palace maid to brew some medicine and changed her lady’s wet clothes for fresh ones, before stepping out.
On the couch, Wen Shuyu’s face was pale as snow. She looked at Xiao Jingchen, who had just entered from the side hall, tears streaming down, nose reddened from crying.
She looked pitifully at him. “Crown Prince, I feel so sad. Can you stay with me for a while?”
Xiao Jingchen moved forward, about to use two fingers to check her forehead for fever. Before he could, Wen Shuyu hugged his waist tightly. Fearing he might hurt her if he resisted, he relaxed, and they both tumbled onto the couch together.
Up and down, they fell into each other’s arms.
Outside the door, the Empress and others were approaching, about to push it open.
Xiao Jingchen was about to rise, but Wen Shuyu didn’t let go, clutching him tighter.
He lowered his voice gently. “Someone’s coming… let go, Wen Shuyu. Listen to me.”
He tried to pull her hand away slightly, but she hissed sharply as if in pain. Tears slid down her eyelashes as her body trembled. Through sobs, she said, “You hurt me…”
“I didn’t use any force,” Xiao Jingchen said, hand pausing, hesitant to move further.
This exchange made him realize something was off. Pressing his fingers to his brow, he muttered, “Wen Shuyu, Mother and your father are about to come in. Let go.”
Wen Shuyu shook her head, a tear slipping down her cheek, voice faint and confused. “No… I don’t want… my forehead hurts like it’s burning. I can’t hear what you’re saying… don’t leave me, Crown Prince.”
Her hands fumbled over his waist, unsure where they landed. Xiao Jingchen let out a muffled groan, his gaze darkening beneath his lashes.
He gritted his teeth. “Let go.”
“No… you hurt me again.”
As she spoke, the palace door creaked open.
Xiao Jingchen raised his hand suddenly. Before anyone could see inside, a barrier infused with spiritual energy sprang up, blocking their view and keeping them outside.
Everyone outside froze, confused.
The Empress frowned. “What’s happening? Chench’er setting up a barrier in broad daylight?”
The head palace maid thought for a moment. “Perhaps the Princess is changing clothes, or some other situation that cannot be seen… The Crown Prince wouldn’t set a barrier without reason.”
The Empress’s eyes flickered, catching the key words: “Ayu changing clothes… Chench’er inside… some private matter… Could it be…”
Her gaze brightened. She recalled the imperial physician had said Ayu was only weak, nothing serious. Her smile deepened as she prepared to leave.
She turned to see Chancellor Wen, who had just arrived to pay respects. She quickly spoke, “Chancellor Wen, I just went in. Ayu is fine and asleep. Chench’er set the barrier to prevent disturbances. You don’t need to enter. Besides, His Majesty had something for you; you may accompany me to the Heart-nurturing Hall.”
Chancellor Wen stroked his beard. Why would the Emperor send the Empress to convey a message? But since Ayu was safe and asleep, he could wait until later.
Once everyone left, inside the hall, Xiao Jingchen looked at Wen Shuyu, who had wrapped her limbs around him like an octopus, and sighed helplessly.
He spoke softly, gently: “Stop fussing. Listen to me, let go. Rest for now. Once the medicine is ready, you can drink it. I know you dislike bitter flavors, so I’ve arranged some candied treats for you.”
Wen Shuyu buried her face in his neck, shaking her head slightly. “I don’t want candy… As long as you stay with me, Crown Prince, it doesn’t taste bitter at all.”
“Mm…” Xiao Jingchen’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he let out a muffled hum.
Drowsily, Wen Shuyu gently bit his collarbone and even licked it a few times.