Empress Gu continued, “Just now in the main hall, before I could even react, Chen’er had already left.”
“And all these years, have you ever seen Chen’er lose his temper? He just threw the Yun family’s daughter into the lotus pond—wasn’t that to vent anger for A’yu?”
Emperor Chongguang shook his head, indicating he had never seen it.
Because his Chen’er had always been gentle and kind, treating others with goodwill, never showing his emotions on his face. He had never once seen him lose his temper in anger.
Empress Gu pondered for a moment. “I believe the rumors in the capital are mistaken. Chen’er does not dislike A’yu; in fact, he seems to care for her somewhat.”
After Emperor Chongguang left, Empress Gu hurried to Plum Garden. Although she had heard that A’yu was fine, as her aunt, she was still deeply concerned.
In the corner, Prime Minister Wen stroked his beard, having watched the entire spectacle, and also headed to Plum Garden.
He had arrived long ago, but at the time, his little ancestor was crying pitifully in the crown prince’s arms. Knowing his own child well, he knew it was an act. He didn’t approach, fearing he wouldn’t be able to hold back his laughter while watching Wen Shuyu perform. Instead, he hid himself there using an invisibility talisman.
The most shocked by today’s farce was the Kylin Beast, Xiao Liu.
From the moment it descended to the mortal realm until now, it had been repeatedly astonished by its master’s mind. Truly, a thousand years ago, the master used his mind solely for serious matters. Now, he was equally adept at scheming and mischief.
Xiao Liu was impressed.
Plum Garden.
After prescribing medicine, the imperial physician repeatedly reminded Wen Shuyu that her body was too weak and she must rest and recuperate properly before slowly departing.
Fuling ordered a nearby palace maid to brew the medicine, changed her young mistress’s clothes into fresh ones, and then withdrew.
On the bed, Wen Shuyu’s face was as pale as snow. She looked at Xiao Jingchen, who had just entered from the side hall, tears streaming down her cheeks, her nose red from crying.
Pitifully, she said, “Crown Prince Brother, I feel so sad. Could you come closer and keep me company?”
Xiao Jingchen walked over, intending to use two fingers to check if Wen Shuyu’s forehead was feverish. Before he could, Wen Shuyu wrapped her arms around his waist. Afraid of hurting her if he used force, he lost his balance and fell onto the bed.
One above, one below, the two of them tumbled together.
Outside the door, Empress Gu and the others approached, about to push the door open.
Xiao Jingchen tried to get up, but Wen Shuyu didn’t let go, holding him even tighter.
He lowered his voice and whispered, “Someone is coming… Let go of me, Wen Shuyu. Be good.”
He tried to gently pull her hands away, but Wen Shuyu hissed as if in pain. Tears trembled on her lashes as she began to cry, her body shaking, and she sobbed, “You hurt me…”
“I didn’t use any force,” Xiao Jingchen’s hands froze, not daring to move further.
This back-and-forth exchange made him feel something was off. He pressed his fingers to his temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Wen Shuyu, Mother Empress and your father are about to come in. Let go quickly.”
Wen Shuyu shook her head, a tear rolling down her cheek. Her voice sounded dazed and unclear. “No, I don’t want to… My forehead hurts, and I feel like I have a fever. I can’t hear what you’re saying… Don’t leave me, Crown Prince Brother.”
Her hands fumbled clumsily around his waist, and wherever 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 these words fell, the palace door creaked open with a “squeak.”
Xiao Jingchen suddenly raised his hand, and before the crowd could clearly see what was happening inside, a barrier shimmering with spiritual power blocked their view, isolating them outside.
The crowd: ?
Empress Gu was puzzled: “What’s going on? Why would Chen’er set up a barrier in broad daylight?”
The head palace maid thought for a long while before replying: “Perhaps the princess is changing her clothes, or there’s some other situation that shouldn’t be seen by others… The Crown Prince surely wouldn’t set up a barrier without reason.”
Empress Gu’s eyes flickered, catching only the important words: “A’yu changing clothes, with Chen’er inside? A situation that shouldn’t be seen by others, could it be…”
Her eyes immediately filled with a smile. Remembering that the imperial physician had just said A’yu was merely weak and nothing serious, her smile deepened as she prepared to leave.
Turning around, she saw Prime Minister Wen, who had just approached and was bowing to her. Empress Gu immediately tried to send him away: “Prime Minister Wen, I’ve already been inside. A’yu is fine and has already fallen asleep. Chen’er set up a barrier to prevent anyone from disturbing her rest.”
“Prime Minister Wen, you’d better not go in. It wouldn’t be good if you woke A’yu. Coincidentally, His Majesty mentioned he needed to speak with you before he left. Why don’t you accompany me to the Hall of Mental Cultivation?”
Prime Minister Wen stroked his beard.
If His Majesty needed him, why would he have the Empress convey the message? But since A’yu was unharmed and already asleep, he could visit later.
After everyone had left.
Inside the hall, Xiao Jingchen looked at Wen Shuyu, who was clinging to him like an octopus with all her limbs, and sighed helplessly.
He spoke in a gentle voice: “Stop fooling around, be good. Let go of me and sleep for a while. When the medicine is ready, you’ll get up and drink it. I know you’re afraid of bitterness, so I’ve had someone prepare candied fruit for you.”
Wen Shuyu buried her face in his neck, shaking her head and murmuring: “No candied fruit… As long as the Crown Prince stays with me, it won’t taste bitter.”
“Hmm…” Xiao Jingchen’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and he let out another muffled groan.
The dazed Wen Shuyu had gently bitten his collarbone and even licked it a few times.