When Xiao Qingxue’s carriage returned to Prince Jin’s residence, Pei Ziyan happened to arrive on horseback, having chased her all the way.
Stepping down from the carriage, Xiao Qingxue did not spare him a glance. Instead, she walked straight to the gates and lifted her eyes to the plaque above.
The three gilded characters—Prince Jin’s Manor—stood proud and imposing, a symbol of imperial blood, of noble birth, of one destined for honor.
But three years ago, at this very time…
“Three years ago, I came here alone. Back then, this manor was desolate and silent, its gates deserted, the residence lifeless—like an empty shell.”
Pei Ziyan had just dismounted when he heard these words. His face instantly turned pale, guilt flickering in his eyes.
In the prince’s residence, the servants who could slack off were all slacking—some dozing in corners, some pages and maids laughing together, and greedy old women sneaking off with small, unremarkable items to sell. As Xiao Qingxue recalled the scene from three years ago, she felt time had flown like an arrow. *Three years ago, the prince lay bedridden, unable to care for himself, and even the maids were unwilling to approach him.*
Pei Ziyan clenched his hands, his face alternating between pale and flushed, his voice taut. “Qingxue, I know you saved my life, and I know the bond we share is rare. But you were born a physician’s daughter…”
“I never intended to become your princess consort.” Xiao Qingxue turned her head, her gaze carrying a trace of pride and disdain. “Two years ago, when your health began to recover, you personally went before His Majesty to request the imperial marriage decree.”
Pei Ziyan lowered his eyes, guilt and remorse heavy in their depths.
“If not for your unyielding will, if not for your vow never to betray me, if not for your own words—‘one lifetime, one husband, one wife, never a concubine’—I would never have agreed to marry you.”
His lips pressed tight, as though trying to defend himself. “Now that I am Crown Prince, it will be impossible to avoid—”
“Exactly. Which is why I won’t force you to keep your promise.” Xiao Qingxue’s tone was cool. “We can simply divorce.”
“I refuse!” Pei Ziyan strode forward, seizing her wrist with sudden force, his voice urgent and unyielding. “Qingxue, I will never agree to divorce. Don’t even think about it—”
“This isn’t yours to decide.” Mingyue stepped up, angrily knocking away his presumptuous hand. “Stay away from my lady, you ungrateful wretch!”
Pei Ziyan snapped, “Mingyue, mind your place!”
A mere maid, daring again and again to defy him—did she think he had no temper?
Xiao Qingxue spoke calmly: “Mingyue, from now on, matters between him and me are ours alone. You need not speak further.”
“Yes.” Mingyue glared at Pei Ziyan with hatred before retreating behind her mistress.
Xiao Qingxue’s gaze was clear as water, fixed steadily on Pei Ziyan.
Pei Ziyan pressed his lips together, his eyes evasive, his expression tinged with guilt and unease. “I know this decision wrongs you—”
“You know it wrongs me, yet you still watch me suffer, hoping I’ll be understanding.” Her lips curved faintly, but no smile touched her face. “You must have known long ago about the edict demoting me to secondary consort, yet you never spoke of it.”
Pei Ziyan avoided her eyes. “Father said… you were born a physician’s daughter. To be a prince’s consort was already reaching too high. To become Crown Princess was impossible. I…”
He held her hand uneasily, his voice low and pleading. “Qingxue, we’ve been married two years. Our bond has been harmonious; we’ve supported each other. I know your heart is tender, and mine toward you is sincere. Our love should be able to withstand this trial.”
Xiao Qingxue gazed at him in silence, his words echoing relentlessly in her ears:
*A physician’s daughter—already reaching too high to be a prince’s consort.*
*A physician’s daughter… reaching too high…*
*Reaching too high…*
So, in his eyes, her status had always been beneath him.
She gave a cold, ironic smile. “If not for this physician’s daughter, you would have met the King of Hell three years ago.”
Her gaze lifted, no longer soft and tender, but cool and detached. “Three years ago, poison had seeped into your lungs; your illness was beyond cure. The imperial physicians were helpless, and His Majesty was already preparing your funeral edict. It was my skill alone that snatched your life back from death’s hands.”
“Two years ago, when you had barely recovered, you knelt before His Majesty for a full day and night to beg for a marriage decree—and you promised never to betray me in this lifetime.”
“On our wedding night, you were so overjoyed your eyes turned red, swearing that if you broke your vow, heaven itself would strike you down.”
“Pei Ziyan, a man’s word should be worth its weight in gold. If even your own promises mean nothing, what right do you have to be Crown Prince?”
For three years, she had tended his frail body, restoring him to health—not only giving him strength, but the qualification to contend for succession. Even his position as heir had been secured with her hidden aid. Did he truly believe that a once-ailing, rootless prince could have risen so swiftly without her?
He had spoken of gratitude, confessed his devotion, vowed never to forsake her. And yet, only two short years later… merely two years…
Pei Ziyan’s face darkened as he recalled his own vows. “When I made those promises, I was sincere. But now I am Crown Prince, and one day I will be Emperor. The three palaces and six courts are indispensable. Qingxue, you should not—”
“What should I not?” Xiao Qingxue arched a brow, her voice sharp. “I am only respecting your choice—and choosing divorce.”
Pei Ziyan faltered, his lips pressed tight, displeasure flickering across his face. “Xiao Qingxue, it is because I care for you that I am patiently discussing this matter with you.”
“Is this the tone of negotiation, Your Highness?” Mingyue could not hold back, her voice cold and mocking. “A gentleman’s word is worth its weight in gold! It’s been barely two years since you made those vows, and already you’ve forgotten them all? Don’t forget—without my lady, your life would have been claimed by the King of Hell long ago. You would never have had the chance to sit as Crown Prince!”
Pei Ziyan’s face darkened. “Impudent! Do you think this is your place to speak?”
“Ah, how majestic His Highness appears!” Mingyue’s brows arched, her eyes brimming with scorn. “But I am not afraid of you, and neither is my lady! Do you truly believe she is unworthy of the mere title of Crown Princess? How blind and arrogant! If not for her love—”
“Mingyue.” Xiao Qingxue’s voice cut in, calm and steady. “Enough.”
Mingyue glared at Pei Ziyan, her expression still bristling with anger.
Pei Ziyan turned to Xiao Qingxue, his face clouded. “Qingxue, you’ve spoiled your maid. She dares defy even the Crown Prince—does she have no sense of rank or propriety?”
Never before had he been so brazenly challenged by a servant. By law, Mingyue’s repeated offenses today should already have cost her life. Were it not for his guilt toward Xiao Qingxue, he would have ordered her dragged out and beaten to death.
Mingyue gave a cold laugh. “Three years ago, when Your Highness lay rotting in bed, your body covered in sores, even the palace maids refused to touch you. Do you truly think yourself so noble? If not for my lady—”
“Impudent!” Pei Ziyan, finally enraged, raised his hand to strike her across the face.