I Find the Two of You Quite Well Matched
Two days later.
Half an hour into the Yin hour, someone arrived at Baochun Courtyard.
Xian Feng stood outside the door holding a set of robes. His expression was gentle, touched with apology. “Prince Consort, forgive the disturbance. Please change into court attire. Today you are to accompany His Highness into the palace to pay respects to His Majesty.”
Chu Yuan paused. “Today?”
To enter the palace and pay respects was no small matter. To be informed only on the very day felt exceedingly rushed.
Xian Feng understood the implication in Chu Yuan’s tone. He merely offered an apologetic smile and did not explain further.
What could he say?
Could he say that two nights ago, in the middle of the night, his prince's heart suddenly started aching so badly he couldn’t sleep, which also triggered a headache? With both pains attacking simultaneously, the prince had directly kicked over a table?
Seven or eight imperial physicians had been summoned in the middle of the night. None could determine the cause. They were all helpless.
Only the following evening had the pain gradually subsided.
After that, His Highness had inexplicably declared that on the eighth day he would enter the palace alone.
When the master makes a decision, what subordinate dares question it?
This morning, when Lu Ronghuai had already dressed in court robes and the carriage was waiting at the main gate, he stood in silence for a long while before saying, “Go and invite the Prince Consort.”
Xian Feng could only take the Prince Consort’s court attire, which had long been prepared, and come to Baochun Courtyard to fetch him.
“Prince Consort, please change quickly. His Highness is waiting in the carriage,” Xian Feng said.
Chu Yuan nodded and returned a faint smile. He asked no further questions. “Very well. Please wait a moment.”
Xian Feng knew the Prince Consort was handsome. Even so, he was nearly dazzled by that smile.
He hurriedly lowered his head and stepped outside the courtyard gate to wait.
Before long, Chu Yuan arrived at the main gate of the Prince’s residence.
He lifted the hem of his robes, drew in a steady breath, stepped onto the footstool, and entered the carriage.
After regaining consciousness that day, he remembered only the lantern he had seen by the rockery. He could not recall the man’s face.
Le Shu had told him it was Lu Ronghuai who had carried him back. Only then did he realize the person at the rockery had been him.
Only... he had struck Lu Ronghuai across the face.
Le Shu had said His Highness’s expression at the time was grim, that he had even let out a cold laugh. It was likely he had been angered.
May today pass without incident, Chu Yuan thought.
The moment he entered, he met a pair of eyes deep and obscure as dark water.
Chu Yuan’s heart skipped. He lowered his gaze and folded his hands before him. His knees bent slightly as he prepared to perform the formal bow of a wife, but Lu Ronghuai stopped him.
“No need for formalities. Sit.”
Chu Yuan paused, uncertain of his meaning. He moved to a corner and sat with impeccable posture, his back straight, and his bearing restrained.
The carriage began to move, swaying lightly.
Chu Yuan maintained his upright posture throughout, his hands folded upon his lap, and his lashes lowered. He appeared exceedingly obedient.
Leaning against a soft cushion, Lu Ronghuai supported his forehead with one hand. His gaze settled on Chu Yuan’s face. When he noticed the faint dark circles beneath his eyes, his expression changed imperceptibly.
Suddenly, the wheel rolled over a stone. The carriage lurched sharply to the left.
Chu Yuan’s body tipped forward beyond his control. He forced calm onto his face, even though his hands gripped his robes tightly.
An arm extended and steadied him. At the same time, a quiet chuckle brushed past his ear.
As though mocking his awkwardness.
Chu Yuan pressed his lips together lightly. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
The tips of his ears reddened despite himself.
His voice was clear and gentle. For a fleeting instant, Lu Ronghuai felt as though a cool breeze had passed through the carriage, easing the ache in his head.
He raised a brow and studied that beautiful, cool face.
So frightened, yet pretending indifference. In that instant, there was a trace of youthful vitality.
The carriage was fully furnished. Tea simmered upon the low table. Its faint fragrance filled the space.
Breathing in the scent, Chu Yuan’s clenched fingers gradually relaxed. Weariness flickered in his eyes, but he forced himself to remain alert.
Ever since the incident with the candle, he had scarcely slept for two days. Bloodshot threads lined his eyes.
Across from him, Lu Ronghuai closed his eyes and pressed his temple. Since waking from that dream, his head and chest had throbbed dully. The imperial physicians had declared it overexertion. He had nearly drawn his blade then and there.
He had originally resolved not to bring Chu Yuan into the palace.
Then he reconsidered.
It had only been a dream. He had never believed in tales of spirits or portents. What harm was there in bringing him along?
The carriage proceeded steadily. An hour later, it halted before the palace gates.
The two disembarked and walked side by side along the imperial road.
Lu Ronghuai looked at the familiar path ahead. The scene was identical to that in his dream. He recalled the youth at his side in that dream, striving silently to keep pace with him.
His eyes narrowed slightly. He lengthened his stride, then listened closely.
He narrowed his eyes. While taking long strides forward, he paid careful attention to the movement beside him.
Before long, the breathing at his side grew faintly hurried.
Lu Ronghuai paused.
Then, as though nothing were amiss, he slowed his pace. The breathing beside him gradually steadied.
An odd expression flickered across Lu Ronghuai’s face.
At the entrance of Qianzheng Hall, Grand Eunuch Yuan Sheng from Emperor Hongjia’s side had already been waiting. Smiling, he bowed and invited them inside.
“This son greets Father Emperor. May Father Emperor enjoy ten thousand blessings and enduring peace.”
The two lifted their robes and knelt, bowing in full ceremony.
Emperor Hongjia was over forty but well preserved, his complexion ruddy and bright. After allowing them to rise, he beckoned them forward.
Both wore elaborate white court robes embroidered with intertwined golden threads. Gilded belts were adorned with auspicious white jade pendants carved in matching pairs. Their hair was bound beneath jade crowns. Their bearing was exceptional.
Emperor Hongjia examined Chu Yuan. Seeing his refined beauty and composed bearing, neither servile nor arrogant even in the Emperor’s presence, he felt satisfied.
“Excellent. I find the two of you quite well matched.”
He then turned to his son. “After marrying, the third son appears more steady. Father Emperor is greatly comforted. It is time for you to enter court and share Father Emperor’s burdens.”
Lu Ronghuai’s expression remained unchanged. “This son will obey Father Emperor’s arrangements.”
Emperor Hongjia laughed heartily. “Very well. Beginning tomorrow, you shall serve in the Ministry of Works and study diligently.”
“This son obeys the decree.”
Yuan Sheng stepped forward to refill the Emperor’s tea and reminded softly, “Your Majesty has yet to bestow a princely title upon the Third Prince.”
According to Lu tradition, a prince received his formal title only after marriage.
“Ah, yes,” the Emperor nodded. “I nearly forgot. Your courtesy name is Wangli. Let your title bear the character Li. What say you?”
Hongjia Emperor looked at Lu Ronghuai.
Lu Ronghuai’s expression turned faintly strange.
“You are dissatisfied?” the Emperor asked.
Lu Ronghuai shook his head and concealed the emotion in his eyes. He knelt. “This son finds it most fitting. I thank Father Emperor for his grace.”
“Congratulations to Prince Li. Congratulations to Prince Consort Li.” Yuan Sheng offered with a broad smile.
“Third Son shall remain and speak with Zhen. Third Son’s wife may proceed to Fengqi Palace. Your Mother Empress awaits.” The Emperor lifted his teacup.
At those words, Lu Ronghuai’s gaze grew complex.
Chu Yuan had stood quietly throughout. Now that he was to go to Fengqi Palace alone, uncertain of what awaited him, he could not help but glance toward Lu Ronghuai.
Lu Ronghuai was looking at him as well.
Their eyes met.
Chu Yuan had not expected it. His expression stilled. His apricot-shaped eyes reflected Lu Ronghuai’s darkened gaze.
“Go ahead. This Prince will follow shortly.”
Chu Yuan lowered his head and responded softly. His hands within his sleeves tightened gradually. His thoughts lingered on the shadowed look in Lu Ronghuai’s eyes.
Had he displeased him again?
“Princess Consort Li, this way.” Yuan Sheng gestured ahead.
After leaving, two eunuchs led the way ahead. They walked for some time before finally reaching Fengqi Palace, where the Empress resided.
The eunuch entered to announce him.
Chu Yuan stood before the palace gate and waited.
Before long, the eunuch returned, saying the Empress was discussing matters with the consorts and that he should wait a moment at the entrance.
Chu Yuan looked at the barely concealed malicious delight in the young eunuch’s eyes and sighed inwardly.
At this palace gate today, he feared it had been prepared for him.
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
Yuan Yuan’s inner monologue: Did I make him angry again?
Lu the Dog’s inner monologue: How should I go rescue the beauty heroically?
Thanks to all you darlings for your support!
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