Chapter 27: Leave If You Must, She’s Been Hoping for It

Chapter 27: Leaving? Good Riddance—She’s Been Waiting

The returning procession set off around 8:45 p.m. Upon arriving at the Eastern Palace, the first thing Pei Yun did was head to the side hall to hold Chen'er.

Yet the moment she held him, she noticed the child felt lighter in her arms. Frowning slightly, she turned to the two wet nurses, who trembled nervously and explained, "The Third Imperial Grandson missed you terribly, Your Highness. He was fine during the day, but at night, he would cry and fuss, refusing to nurse properly..."

Chen'er nestled in his mother’s arms, his chubby little hands clutching tightly at Pei Yun’s robes like he was afraid she’d disappear. Heart aching, Pei Yun gently stroked his cheek and said to the wet nurses, "You’ve worked hard these past few days."

Pei Yun’s foot had not fully healed, and standing while holding Chen'er was exhausting. But seeing how tightly he clung to her, she bit back the pain and slowly made her way to the main hall to sit down.

That night, Chen'er slept beside her.

After resting for another two days and seeing the bright spring weather, Pei Yun decided to take Chen'er to the imperial garden for some fresh air. It wasn’t just Chen'er—she herself was going stir-crazy from being stuck inside.

Due to her lingering discomfort, Pei Yun took a sedan chair. Only when they neared the imperial garden did she alight, letting the wet nurses carry Chen'er as they strolled leisurely.

A gentle spring breeze greeted them, warm and pleasant, with no trace of winter’s chill. The imperial garden was alive with renewal, peach and plum blossoms vying in brilliance.

Pei Yun zeroed in on the zigzag bridge arching over the lake—the very bridge from which she had fallen in her past life, drowning in those shimmering waters.

Yet, in truth, she had always loved that bridge.

Her favorite thing had been standing in the middle of the lake, surrounded by the lake’s quiet.

She still remembered the day she died in her past life. There’d been a banquet in the imperial garden, but she had no desire to sit among the noble ladies, putting up with their snide looks. Instead, she wandered alone onto that bridge.

The lake breeze brushed against her face, the air bitingly cold. Shu Mo ran off to grab her a coat, fearing she might catch a chill.

Standing alone on the bridge, Pei Yun glanced up and saw the Crown Prince and Shen Ningchao passing by at the far end.

They walked side by side, Shen Ningchao laughing her head off, while the Crown Prince remained cold and quiet as always, only occasionally responding to her words.

Pei Yun watched them for a long time, weirdly feeling nothing. She studied Shen Ningchao’s lively features, unable to recall the last time she herself had smiled so freely.

Perhaps her gaze had been too intense, for the Crown Prince suddenly turned his head. Spotting her, he paused briefly before striding toward her.

Shen Ningchao followed close behind.

It was then that the bridge just crumbled like that...

Now, the bridge stood intact before her. Pei Yun stared at it for a long while, a sudden doubt creeping in. From the looks of it, it couldn’t have been built more than a decade ago. How could it have been so unstable that it collapsed so completely?

Noticing her fixed gaze, Shu Yan ventured, "Feel like walking the bridge?"

"No," Pei Yun shook her head. "That breeze off the lake’s cold. I wouldn’t want Chen'er to catch a cold."

Besides, she had died there in her past life. The place gave her the creeps.

She wondered what it had been like when the palace servants dragged her corpse out of the lake back then.

Turning away, she headed deeper into the garden, remembering a pavilion up ahead.

Before she reached it, she heard laughter. Drawing closer, she saw Noble Consort Gao and Consort Shu seated inside.

"Greetings to Noble Consort Gao, Consort Shu," Pei Yun curtsied.

"Ah, well if it isn’t the Crown Princess," Noble Consort Gao beckoned her to sit beside them. "How’s that foot of yours? Better?"

"Much better, thank you. Gorgeous day out, so I brought Chen'er out to soak up some sun."

Consort Shu took Chen'er from the wet nurse's arms and, seeing how well-behaved he was, cuddled him delightedly.

"My fifth child was just as obedient when he was little. Time truly flies—now he’s already fourteen, old enough for betrothal."

"Betrothal?" Only then did Pei Yun notice the pile of portraits of young noblewomen on the stone table. She faintly recalled that it was around this summer when the fifth prince became engaged to a daughter of a prominent noble family.

"Indeed. A betrothal brings responsibility and maturity," Noble Consort Gao said, seemingly recalling something with a hint of irritation. "Take that boy Zhi'er, for example. Before marriage, he was utterly irresponsible. Now that he’s wed, he dares not return late, afraid to keep his princess waiting."

"That’s because Your Highness has a keen eye, securing such a fine match for Prince Cheng early on," Consort Shu said with a laugh. "Today, Your Highness must help me look these over carefully and find a suitable match for my fifth child."

She then turned to Pei Yun. "The Crown Princess is young and might spot things we miss. Why not join us in reviewing these?"

Pei Yun smiled and agreed, but as she looked through the portraits, she suddenly grew curious.

When the late empress had selected the Crown Prince’s principal consort, had she also pored over portraits just like this?

To this day, Pei Yun couldn’t understand who had ultimately decided to choose her all the way in Cangzhou, when the capital was filled with so many noblewomen of grace, talent, and beauty.

After a brief stay in the imperial garden, Pei Yun bid farewell to the two consorts and returned to the Eastern Palace with Chen'er.

No sooner had she arrived at Linglang Hall than Shu Mo approached and quietly reported that several palace servants from Chenghua Hall had been punished that morning.

Pei Yun showed little reaction—it was within her expectations. But to prevent unnecessary rumors, she ordered Shu Mo to gather the palace staff and sternly warn them, citing that a few in Chenghua Hall had light fingers and that anyone who valued their life should keep their hands clean.

That night, just after Pei Yun had lulled Chen'er to sleep, a servant announced the Crown Prince’s arrival.

Her heart fluttered with quiet hope, though she suppressed her joy and went to greet him.

The Crown Prince first inquired about Chen'er. Hearing the child was sound asleep, he approached the bed and gazed at him for a while, gently touching his little face.

Only then did he sit with Pei Yun on a nearby daybed. Resting an arm on the table, he parted his lips slightly, hesitating before finally saying quietly, "Earlier, His Majesty summoned me to discuss the severe drought in the south. He has ordered me to lead relief efforts..."

Pausing, he glanced uncertainly at Pei Yun. "The matter is urgent. I must depart tomorrow afternoon and may be away for some time."

*Then leave.*

Pei Yun was long accustomed to their rare time together and inwardly welcomed the separation.

Yet she was puzzled. The Crown Prince, usually decisive in such matters, now seemed hesitant.

With her usual polite smile, she replied, "Relief efforts are paramount. Your Highness may go with peace of mind. Leave the Eastern Palace to me—I shall manage everything flawlessly."

Li Zhangye pursed his lips and nodded silently.

In the past, such words would have reassured and even impressed him with his consort’s grace and understanding.

But today, despite this being official duty, he felt strangely guilty.

He had intended to spend more time with her, yet now he was leaving again so soon. Though Pei Shi appeared composed and spoke so reasonably, she must be suffering inwardly—perhaps even resenting him.

"Tonight, I shall stay at Linglang Hall."

At this sudden announcement, Pei Yun’s smile stiffened.

This wasn't what she'd expected.

But considering her foot had long healed, and the Crown Prince had neither called Physician Zheng to check on her nor arranged to resume their marital duties, she assumed he had no such intentions. Recovering her calm, she murmured, "As Your Highness commands."

Shu Yan and Shu Mo stood not far away, hearing these words, they wordlessly signaled the wet nurse to carry the sleeping Chen'er to the side chamber. While the Crown Prince bathed and changed, they began tidying up the inner chamber.

Pei Yun entered the bathing area after the Crown Prince. When she emerged, she saw him sitting upright on the bed.

The palace attendants, quick to take the hint, filed out one by one and quietly closed the chamber doors.

Pei Yun approached the Crown Prince’s side, only to find him motionless, showing no intention of lying down. She had no choice but to brace herself and sit next to him.

“How is your foot recovering?” the Crown Prince turned to ask her.

“It’s much better now,” Pei Yun replied. “In another five or six days, it should be fully healed.”

The Crown Prince said nothing, merely lowering his gaze to her left ankle. Then, without warning, he bent down to inspect her injury, startling Pei Yun into shrinking back.

“Show me.”

He spoke these words lightly, yet with an undeniable firmness.

Pei Yun frowned slightly but had no choice but to shift inward, bending her knee to place her foot on the bed and removing her sock to reveal a pair of fair, delicate feet.

She thought he’d just take a quick look and leave it at that, but to her surprise, the Crown Prince reached out, grasped her calf, and rested her injured foot on his knee.

He examined it carefully, noting that the swelling had subsided, and only then did his expression soften slightly. His calloused fingers skimmed lightly over the wound, sending tingling sensations that made Pei Yun instinctively tense her toes. A soft moan slipped past her clenched lips before she could stop it.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, especially when the man turned his gaze toward her at the sound. She looked away, too flustered to meet his gaze.

Pei Yun tried to withdraw her foot, but then she felt large hands settle on her neck, brushing aside the strands of hair that had fallen over her chest. She turned her head to see the Crown Prince leaning in, his strong arm wrapping around her waist. Then, his breath hot against her neck, Pei Yun’s eyes widened slightly, rooted to the spot.

Even after being married for over a decade in her past life, the Crown Prince had never behaved this way toward her.

When she realized she was being lowered onto the bed, Pei Yun was still too stunned to react. Moreover, this time, the Crown Prince did not remove her nightgown—his burning hands slid under the edge of her shift, branding her waist before moving upward.

The next morning, Pei Yun opened her eyes, and the events of the previous night flooded her mind like a tide. She stared at the canopy for a long while before suddenly letting out a deep sigh.

What even was that? Did it count as bedding her or not?

The Crown Prince had, for some reason, had his hands on her without fully claiming her—only caressing her body gently, or perhaps tasting...

But it had nearly been the death of Pei Yun. His hands seemed to carry fire, setting her aflame wherever they roamed until her body burned as if aflame.

Only at the very end, when she shuddered violently, experiencing once more that strange sensation from their previous consummation, did the Crown Prince finally stop.

He was breathing hard, his eyes black and unreadable. Seeing her limp and exhausted, he pulled the quilt over her, then rose from the bed, threw on his robe, and strode swiftly toward the bathing chamber.

Pei Yun, completely spent, drifted into unconsciousness, the sound of rushing water from the bath the last thing she heard.

After all, she wasn’t some blushing virgin. Pei Yun wasn’t that easily embarrassed. After composing herself for a while, she softly called, "Shu Mo."

It was Shu Yan who entered—Shu Mo had been on night duty and was now resting. As she helped Pei Yun rise and dress, she suddenly remembered to say, "Your Highness, His Highness mentioned this morning before leaving that he would return to Linglang Palace to share the midday meal with you."

Pei Yun nodded faintly, unsurprised. The Crown Prince had always made a point of dining with her before his departures in the past.

"Tell the imperial kitchen to prepare a proper send-off for His Highness."

Shu Yan acknowledged the order and sent a palace attendant to relay it. By mid-morning, the Crown Prince arrived with Chang Lu in tow.

Pei Yun hadn’t expected him so early—it seemed he had come straight after changing from court attire. Last night, Chen'er was already asleep by the time he came, but now, seeing the child seated on the small couch, the Crown Prince lifted him onto his lap.

Pei Yun smiled faintly. "By the time you’re back, it’ll be getting hot. Our Chen'er will probably be sitting up on his own by then."

The Crown Prince remained silent for a moment. "Prince Cheng will accompany me on this southern expedition."

Prince Cheng?

Pei Yun recalled briefly. She distinctly remembered that in her past life, the Crown Prince had gone alone without Prince Cheng joining him.

But considering Emperor Qingzhen might have intended this as an opportunity to train Prince Cheng, much like he had done previously with Prince Yu, her suspicions quickly faded.

After the midday meal, Prince Cheng arrived with Princess Consort Cheng.

Prince Cheng had just returned from Noble Consort Gao’s palace. He grumbled to the Crown Prince, saying Noble Consort Gao doubted his capabilities and had specifically admonished him not to hinder the Crown Prince during the southern expedition.

Princess Consort Cheng stood silently by, her eyes rimmed red as though she'd wept.

With her injured foot, Pei Yun could barely walk far, so she and Princess Consort Cheng only escorted the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng as far as the gates of the Eastern Palace.

Even had she been able, she wouldn’t have cared to go farther.

Princess Consort Cheng wished to continue seeing them off, but Prince Cheng gently dissuaded her, citing her frail health. He then turned to Pei Yun to borrow a palanquin so Princess Consort Cheng wouldn’t have to walk as much on her way out of the palace.

Princess Consort Cheng seemed deeply reluctant to part with Prince Cheng, shedding a few tears as she spoke. Prince Cheng panicked, hastily bending down to comfort her.

Their cloying farewell made Pei Yun and the Crown Prince appear all the more detached and indifferent by contrast.

Li Zhangye withdrew his gaze from the couple and turned to Pei Yun.

Seeing her also watching them, he assumed she must feel just as reluctant as Princess Consort Cheng but was too dignified to show it. He stated firmly, "I will return early."

Pei Yun turned to look at him but paid his words no mind—he always said this, yet his trips always dragged on. In her past life, he had nearly missed Chen'er’s 100-day celebration.

"Yes," she dipped into a curtsey. "Your Highness must take care of your health."

The Crown Prince nodded, signaling Prince Cheng not to delay. Reluctantly, Prince Cheng released Princess Consort Cheng, mounted his horse alongside the Crown Prince, and rode off at a gallop.

Watching the horses disappear into the distance, Pei Yun felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The thought of not having to keep up pretenses with the Crown Prince for a long time made even the gloomy sky seem bright.

Yet while she barely suppressed her glee, not everyone shared her sentiment.

Princess Consort Cheng remained frozen in place, her longing gaze fixed on the direction where the horses had vanished.

Pei Yun could understand—Prince Cheng and Princess Consort Cheng had been married scarcely half a year, still deeply enamored. Being apart for two months must ache terribly.

She stepped forward, intending to offer some comfort.

But having stood for too long, after just a few steps, a stabbing pain lanced through her injured foot. Grimacing, she listed sideways.

Perhaps thinking she was about to fall, a hand suddenly shot out, gripping her wrist tightly and pulling her upright.

Pei Yun startled.

She turned to look at Princess Consort Cheng, who had steadied her.

How could someone so frail and sickly since childhood muster such strength?