Chapter 25: Is He Really So Unreliable?

Chapter 25: Is He Really That Untrustworthy?

The Crown Prince helped her onto the horse, then mounted behind her, holding her securely as he led the horse at a gentle pace.

He remained silent, leaving Pei Yun with growing unease.

She suddenly wasn’t entirely sure why he was so angry.

It seemed directed at her.

Perhaps he thought she had been too reckless, insisting on this competition and causing problems for his sister.

Pei Yun frowned, thinking that if the Crown Prince held such an attitude, things might get complicated.

The two rode forward for a while before suddenly hearing voices—the guards and palace servants who had come to search for her.

At the sight of her and the Crown Prince, they finally exhaled in relief, their faces still showing traces of fear.

Once they emerged from the woods, Pei Yun saw a crowd gathered outside. With a casual glance, she spotted Pei Wei and Li Shutang with reddened eyes, while Pei Qian was crying her eyes out.

It seemed Pei Qian had indeed done as she was told.

Spotting them from a distance, Pei Wei immediately burst out crying. "Elder Sister, are you alright? Why did it take so long? Second Sister said she thought she saw the shadow of a wolf in the woods—we were so afraid, so afraid that—"

"It’s nothing major," Pei Yun said, though her voice carried a hint of weakness. "I just sprained my ankle accidentally."

"How did you sprain it?"

"I was chasing a rabbit and stepped into a trap," Pei Yun sighed helplessly. "And my horse panicked and bolted, running off with all the game. It seems we’ve lost this competition."

"Winning or losing doesn’t matter to me," Li Shutang sobbed breathlessly. "As long as Third Sister-in-law is safe, that’s all that matters."

Seeing the genuine concern from her two unaware younger sisters, Pei Yun felt a pang of guilt.

"Elder Sister was injured, and her horse ran away—what a coincidence!" Pei Qian suddenly spoke up, then, as if blinded by anger on Pei Yun’s behalf, turned recklessly toward Li Shurui. "Your Highness, the Grand Princess, did you deliberately lead my elder sister into a trap just to win?"

She turned to the Crown Prince and bowed. "I beg Your Highness to seek justice for my elder sister."

Li Shurui’s brows furrowed. "What nonsense are you spouting? I did no such thing!"

She looked frantically at the Crown Prince, whose expression remained stern, and denied, "Third Brother, don’t believe her!"

"Are you suggesting my elder sister threw herself into the trap?" Pei Wei also began to suspect Li Shurui. "Earlier, before my sister even returned, Your Highness was already eager to declare a winner, as if afraid she might turn the tide. Would the Grand Princess really resort to such dirty tricks just to save face? Even if you are a princess, if you truly intended to harm my sister’s life, I would risk my life to bring this before His Majesty!"

At the mention of reporting this to Emperor Qingzhen, Li Shurui panicked and let slip, "Harm her life? I—I did want to win, but I never meant to hurt her! I only had someone lure her with a rabbit and then scare away her horse carrying the game—"

The moment these words left her lips, the crowd fell silent.

Li Shurui had just admitted to using dishonorable means in the competition.

Only then did she realize what she had said. She turned sharply toward the Crown Prince, the formerly arrogant princess now filled with fear. "Third Brother, let me explain—"

Li Changye’s gaze was icy. "There’s no need. Save your explanations for Father."

With those calm words, he gave the horse a light nudge and rode off with Pei Yun toward the palace.

When they reached the moon gate, the Crown Prince reined in the horse and lifted Pei Yun down. She wanted to say she could walk on her own, but she never got the chance to speak.

The sky was painted with twilight, the day fading into dusk.

Chang Lu, Shu Yan, and Shu Mo rushed out from the hall and gasped at Pei Yun's disheveled appearance.

"My Lady, what happened to you?"

As they stood in confusion, the Crown Prince issued orders. He turned to Shu Yan and Shu Mo, "Draw a bath for Her Ladyship and prepare fresh clothes."

Then he addressed Chang Lu, "Fetch Imperial Physician Zheng."

"Yes," they replied in unison and hurried off to fulfill their tasks.

The Crown Prince carried Pei Yun into the hall and gently laid her on the bed. Shu Mo and Shu Yan soon arrived with palace maids carrying water, swiftly wiping the dust from Pei Yun's face and hands and changing her out of the soiled garments.

In less time than it takes to finish tea, Imperial Physician Zheng arrived. After checking Pei Yun's pulse and writing a prescription, he went to report to the Crown Prince.

Li Zhangye sat stone-faced at the red-lacquered rosewood desk, his eyes slightly lowered in silent contemplation.

Only when he heard a voice call, "Your Highness," did he lift his gaze. "How is the Crown Princess's injury?"

Imperial Physician Zheng replied, "Nothing grave—just a slight sprain. With internal and external treatment, she should fully recover within ten days."

The moment he finished, hurried footsteps sounded. Chang Lu entered hastily and reported, "Eunuch Fang Xi, His Majesty's attendant, is here."

Li Zhangye pressed his lips slightly. "Show him in."

Fang Xi was led by Chang Lu to the Crown Prince. After bowing, he stated his purpose, "Your Highness, His Majesty sent this lowly one to ask about the Crown Princess's condition. Is her injury severe?"

Without changing his expression, Li Zhangye replied, "Quite serious indeed. The Crown Princess has sprained her ankle and will require a long period of rest. Additionally, she caught a chill in the forest and is now bedridden."

Imperial Physician Zheng frowned slightly in confusion at these words.

Fang Xi, meanwhile, stole a glance toward the inner chamber, where the Crown Princess sat perfectly fine on the bed, allowing the maids to apply medicine. Catching on, he smirked faintly and said, "Understood. This servant will report truthfully to His Majesty," before withdrawing.

Once Shu Mo had applied the medicine, Pei Yun ate a little before lying down on the bed.

She shut her eyes but remained awake. Soon, she heard the Crown Prince leave the main hall for the western chamber, followed by the sound of Jin Er barging in, frantic.

Shu Yan seemed to be persuading Jin Er to leave, saying Her Ladyship was resting and he should return the next day. But Pei Yun called out to him, and Jin Er hurried inside.

He leaned over Pei Yun's bedside, his face full of worry. "Mother, you're not hurt, are you?"

"I'm fine, just a little accident," Pei Yun replied softly, gently stroking Li Jin's head. "It's a pity—my horse ran away. I even hunted a fox with splendid fur today. If it returns, I'll make you a coat from its pelt, how about that?"

"Mother knows how to ride and shoot?" Li Jin had never heard of this before.

"Of course. Your grandfather personally trained me. He was a decorated war hero. Once, he even subdued a bear alone in the mountains." Seeing Li Jin's eyes brighten with fascination, Pei Yun smiled. "Once I’ve recovered, I’ll teach you horseback riding and hunting, alright?"

"Yes!" Li Jin bobbed his head eagerly.

Not long after Li Jin left, Li Shutang arrived.

She had spent nearly an hour in Noble Consort Gao's palace before coming to check on Pei Yun's wellbeing, concerned for her health.

From Li Shutang, Pei Yun learned everything that had happened after she left.

The incident in the eastern forest had made waves, reaching even Emperor Qingzhen's ears. At the time, Li Shurui, Pei Wei, and Pei Qian were being interrogated by Noble Consort Gao when the Emperor arrived.

After hearing the full story and learning that Li Shurui's deceit had led to the Crown Princess's fall into the trap and injury, Emperor Qingzhen raged and declared he would punish Li Shurui.

Li Shurui, convinced she had nothing to do with Pei Yun's accident, refused to accept blame. Relying on the Emperor's past favor, she hurled insults—'shameless,' 'vile'—at Pei Yun. Appalled by her defiance and insolence, Emperor Qingzhen ordered Fang Xi to escort Li Shurui back to her chambers and banish her to a remote finishing school in Quye the next morning.

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked, for that girls' school was no ordinary place for learning to read and write, but specifically designed to reform women's moral conduct.

The place was notoriously strict. Unless a girl was guilty of repeated moral failings, ordinary families would never send their daughters there.

Li Shurui had heard of the horrors of the girls' school and was adamant about not going. She clutched at Emperor Qingzhen's sleeve, protesting that he couldn’t do this to her, that the late empress had dearly loved her in her lifetime.

"Had my elder sister not said those words, it might have been better. But the moment she spoke them, I had never seen Father wear such a terrifying expression. He snapped at her, forbidding her to mention Mother, saying that if Mother knew she had become like this, she would be deeply disappointed..." Li Shutang said, lowering her eyes. "Consort Zhen was also demoted by Father to Concubine Zhen. When my elder sister left, she was throwing a tantrum—I had never seen her in such a wretched state. Rumor has it once you enter that girls' school, you won’t be let out for at least three to five years."

Pei Yun had expected Li Shurui to face severe punishment this time, but she hadn’t anticipated it would be this harsh—it shocked even her.

"Sister-in-law, I’m sorry you got hurt because of me." Li Shutang’s eyes were filled with guilt, convinced that Pei Yun’s current state was her fault.

"It wasn’t because of you."

Unable to bear seeing Li Shutang tormented by guilt, Pei Yun thought for a moment, then leaned in and whispered how she had set up Li Shurui.

Li Shutang froze, as if deeply shocked. After a long pause, she hesitantly murmured, "But... doesn’t that mean my elder sister was wronged?"

Wronged? Pei Yun thought she had only gotten what she deserved.

Seeing her so soft-hearted, Pei Yun sighed and shook her head, speaking earnestly, "Tang Er, nice people get walked over. You worry for her now, but when she took advantage of you time and again, did she ever consider your feelings? Your kindness will only invite her to take advantage of you more. Kindness should only be given to those who treat you the same, while those who bully you deserve giving as good as you get. And if Li Shurui is noble and precious, are you not also an honored princess of Great Zhao? You should never have to bow beneath her, nor should you endure her abuse."

Li Shutang’s eyes widened slightly—no one had ever spoken to her like this before.

Since childhood, the words she had heard most often were her mother’s warning: "You are not as favored as the eldest princess. Remember to keep your head down and don't cross her." She had long known she was unloved, for her father never doted on her as he did her elder sister.

Hao Yue (Radiant Moon) and Jing He (Tranquil Harmony).

Even their titles laid bare the blatant favoritism.

One was the moon surrounded by adoring stars, the other quiet and forgotten.

But now, someone had told her that she, too, was a noble princess—no less than her elder sister.

Li Shutang bit her lip, her mind whirling. She couldn’t quite describe the feeling—something between liberation and confusion.

In the end, she softly agreed, "Mhm."

After seeing Li Shutang off, Pei Yun was exhausted and fell asleep immediately. Unfortunately, having drunk too much tea during their conversation, she woke in the middle of the night.

Turning her head, she saw the crown prince sleeping beside her. Not wanting to call for the palace maids on night duty, she quietly sat up and shimmied toward the bed's edge.

To get past him, she had to crawl over from his feet. But her left ankle was swollen, and the slightest pressure sent jolts of pain through it. Biting her lip to stifle any sound, she moved at a snail’s pace.

Finally reaching the edge, she slipped on her shoes—only to hear a deep voice suddenly ask, "Where are you going?"

Pei Yun jumped in alarm.

The crown prince had already sat up. "Thirsty?"

She shook her head but couldn’t bring herself to say it outright, her eyes darting meaningfully.

He understood.

"I’ll take you."

His movements were swift and decisive. Without hesitation, he effortlessly lifted her into his arms.

Earlier in the woods, Pei Yun hadn’t paid much attention. But now, wearing only thin nightclothes and pressed against him like this, she could truly feel the solid plane of his chest—firm, warm, and burning hot.

The heat seeped through the thin fabric, searing her skin as if her whole body were burning up. Pei Yun’s breath hitched unconsciously, her warm breath brushing against the prince’s earlobe.

She felt him tense slightly before he turned his head to look at her.

Pei Yun was already resting on his shoulder, and as he moved, their faces came dangerously close, their breaths mingling, every sound magnified between them.

She saw his ink-dark eyes fixed on her face, burning with a smoldering intensity. Unnerved by his stare, Pei Yun averted her eyes and struggled to free herself.

But his strong arms clamped around her waist, holding her fast.

The bathing chamber was just steps from the bed. As they neared the door, Pei Yun blurted, "Your Highness, I can manage on my own."

At that, the prince finally released her. Pei Yun swiftly closed the door behind her, but the knowledge that he lingered outside unsettled her.

She moved quietly, washed her hands with the water from the basin on the stand, then edged her way out.

Pushing the door open, she hesitated before stepping out, clutching the doorframe to keep him from scooping her up again.

She didn’t like being held by him.

But alone, she could barely manage. After a moment’s thought, she said, "Would Your Highness let me lean on your arm?"

The prince silently extended his hand.

Pei Yun rested her hand on his, finding the assistance made walking slightly easier. Still, her limping inevitably put weight on her injured foot, and by the time she sat back on the bed, her delicate brows were furrowed, sharp jolts of pain shooting through her left ankle.

She intended to endure it quietly, but the prince knelt abruptly, peeling off her shoe and stocking. Seeing the swollen redness, his mouth tightened before he stood and headed to the washroom.

Before Pei Yun could wonder, he returned with a copper basin, setting it on a nearby stool. He wrung out the cloth and knelt to treat her injury.

"Your Highness, I can do it myself."

Pei Yun instinctively jerked her foot away, but the man seized her slender calf, his broad hand swallowing it whole. He gently drew her foot closer and pressed the cool cloth against the swelling.

"Tomorrow, have Shu Yan apply warm compresses a few more times. It should ease the pain."

Pei Yun nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness."

After a long silence, the prince added, "If Rui Er disrespects you again, you may tell me. I will discipline her."

Discipline?

Pei Yun smirked inwardly. She was his sister—what could he truly do? At worst, a slap on the wrist. Besides, with Emperor Qingzhen still reigning, as an elder brother, he couldn’t overstep in disciplining his siblings.

But outwardly, she couldn’t say so.

"I wouldn’t wish to trouble Your Highness."

The moment she spoke, his fingers found the worst of the swelling, drawing a sharp gasp from her, tears welling in her eyes.

The man paused, then resumed with far gentler care.

Hearing Pei Shi’s pained gasp, Li Zhangye thought inwardly, *Serves her right.*

She’d walked right into that trap, all to teach Rui Er a lesson.

When he’d heard of her hunting competition with Rui Er the night before, he’d sensed ulterior motives.

Pei Shi was no child—she wouldn’t indulge Rui Er’s whims without reason. He’d ordered a discreet investigation and uncovered Rui Er’s bullying and insults toward Tang Er.

If she was determined to compare, then he humored her.

After accompanying the Emperor on the afternoon hunt, he found himself thinking about her, so he headed to the eastern woods to check. By chance, he overheard her cousin Pei Qian mention that she hadn’t returned and that there seemed to be wolves in the forest.

Li Zhangye couldn’t recall his exact feelings at that moment, only that his mind went blank for an instant. By the time he spurred his horse into the woods to search for her, he had calmed somewhat. Yet, upon finding her sitting completely unruffled under a tree and spotting the crude, all-too-obvious trap not far away, anger flared up in him.

Her ploys came off as amateurish to him.

But for a moment, he couldn’t tell whether he was angrier at her or at himself.

He wondered if she had taken even half of what he’d just said to heart.

Was he truly so unreliable that she had to go to such lengths, setting up such a scheme to get back at herself and Tang Er?

He was her husband and had never minded anything she asked of him. Why couldn’t she choose to rely on him a little more?