Chapter 27 The Unexpected Encounter of the Emperor and the Crown Prince

Chapter 27 The Emperor and Crown Prince’s Chance Meeting

A Wu looked around in astonishment.

The once-flat grassland had trenches seemingly conjured from nowhere, with the excavated soil forming a low rampart wall. In other words, the imperial guards had managed to construct a makeshift fortress in an incredibly short time.

Soldiers patrolled back and forth around the low rampart wall.

With moats, defensive walls, and an outer layer of guards armed with spears and sharp arrows, it was practically ready for battle!

The fortress was surprisingly large—about the size of a mansion—allowing the emperor to roam freely within.

The Jingxi Emperor led A Wu inside the "fortress," where she saw tents already set up. The central main tent was particularly luxurious, unlike any she had seen before—a square canopy of yellow satin embroidered with golden threads, radiating luxury.

Upon entering, A Wu realized the tent was meticulously arranged, divided into inner and outer sections, furnished with various items, resembling a small house.

—These attendants are *wizards*!

A Wu marveled, feeling as though she’d gathered enough stories to talk about for a lifetime.

Soon, maids arrived to assist the Jingxi Emperor and A Wu with a quick wash.

While traveling, there was little room for extravagance, but A Wu still wiped herself down, assuming the emperor would want her—so it was better to stay clean. She had to stay sweet-smelling—always!

She caught the sound of the emperor bathing, which reassured her—at least he was clean now too.

After washing, she applied scented ointment to her skin, already fair and delicate. The high-quality balm made her skin feel so silky she couldn’t help stroking it.

As she did, a shadow loomed, casting her flawless skin into shade.

Her lashes fluttered as she lifted her gaze, meeting the Jingxi Emperor’s eyes.

His pale amber eyes were rational, composed, betraying the control of a man weighed down by empire.

But A Wu detected something deeper—secrets he’d never share.

She looked away, careful not to seem obvious.

She only sought to serve with her beauty—she couldn’t, and dared not, bear anything more.

The emperor’s secrets—ones he’d never share—were not for her to know!

Then, the Jingxi Emperor extended his hand.

An unspoken order.

Her body was just a tool.

She stood, spread her arms, and flung herself into his embrace like an eager bird.

His muscular frame, arms locking around her, and the faint scent of ambergris—she adored every bit of him!

As she nestled against him, the emperor suddenly swept her up, pinning her to the bed.

Everything that followed was like a raging storm—all-consuming, brutal.

The imperial tent was sturdy enough, and the breeze from the shallows outside muffled A Wu’s cries.

Much later, the Jingxi Emperor lowered his gaze, his face blank as he observed the woman before him. Her skin was glowing white, her waist so slender it looked ready to snap, a scrap of silk barely covering her hips.

A restless irritation burned inside him—her earlier evasion had displeased him, yet how could he ever admit it?

Would he stoop to demanding anything from a woman like her?

His movements grew suddenly rough, like a hawk seizing its prey, wanting to see her writhe between life and death in his hold.

He tilted his head slightly, his abdominal muscles taut as he drove forward with frenzied force.

Sweat gathered on the Jingxi Emperor’s powerful chest, dripping onto A Wu’s slender back, burning her skin and wrenching a soft cry from her.

She wondered if every woman graced by the emperor had endured such moments of overwhelming pleasure.

All she could do was clutch the soft fox-fur blanket beneath her, twisting beneath him.

Finally, it was over.

A Wu, spent, utterly drained, lay motionless, her face buried in the bedding.

She knew she should cuddle up to him now, to nuzzle his chest like a doting puppy—such gestures would make him cherish her more.

But she didn’t want to.

She recalled the crown prince’s words when he held her, praising her for being playful yet obedient, utterly delightful—except for those rare moments when a stubborn knot formed in her otherwise smooth silk-like demeanor.

Now, a small knot tightened in her chest.

It all felt meaningless. Dwelling on it was useless—she couldn’t escape, nor did she dare. All she could do was go with the flow and bend to fate.

Then, the man above her suddenly spoke. “Actually, no.”

Her thoughts were too hazy to follow, and she couldn’t be bothered to ask.

Yet he continued, “There is no marital affection.”

She remained prone but slowly turned her head to look at him.

His eyes, dark as bottomless pools in the night, held emotions churning where she couldn’t touch.

A Wu parted her lips, wanting to speak, but no words came.

Silently, she rested her forehead against the soft fur and simply watched him.

From this angle, she could only see the thin line of his lips and the sharp contour of his jaw.

Despite being past thirty and indulged in every luxury, he was still slightly lean.

Had she not known better, she would never have guessed he was the crown prince’s father—a man old enough to be her elder.

Then he spoke again. “Nor the harmony of husband and wife.”

A Wu didn’t respond. She lifted her face slightly, her eyes distant, staring blankly.

Maybe even an emperor had his struggles—but what did that have to do with her?

Beneath the endless sky and sprawling earth, she lay in a tent with a man, their bodies tangled together, lost in the most primal act of all.

But in reality, they were worlds apart.

Some contemplated the weighty matters of state, others worried about petty financial concerns. Some, after wielding the highest power in the world, sought to grasp at scraps of tenderness, while others traded their only asset—their bodies—for basic protection.

If this were a pure wilderness, she would be the frailest rabbit, easy prey for raptors and predators at any moment.

What right did such a creature have to taste the loneliness and helplessness of those standing at great heights?

At this moment, the Jingxi Emperor behind her released his grip on A Wu’s waist. Like a vine losing its trellis, she collapsed limply onto the bed.

Thus, their connection unraveled.

The tent began to fill with that distinctive post-intimacy musk.

A eunuch slipped in, attending to them soundlessly in the dark. After a while, the eunuch finally withdrew, and the Jingxi Emperor lay down, nestling against A Wu.

A Wu remained limp and pliable, moving only when tended to, otherwise lying still.

Now, with the Jingxi Emperor beside her, she ignored his presence.

The Jingxi Emperor lifted his arm and wrapped it around her slender waist.

A Wu neither resisted nor cooperated, remaining dazed and unresisting, letting him do as he pleased.

In the darkness, the Jingxi Emperor held A Wu, resting his chin against her soft, fragrant hair.

Night heightened all sensations, and his masculine presence loomed larger.

Then, the Jingxi Emperor spoke in a low voice.

"After I return to the capital, I’ll install you at Nan Qiongzi's southern estate. Someone will take care of you."

"Alright."

"I’ll visit you in my leisure."

"Mmm."

The man stroked her hair, affecting nonchalance as he asked, "Which family were you originally from?"

A Wu: "I forgot."

The man showed no displeasure at this semi-defiant answer, merely continuing to stroke her hair with his dry, warm hand.

A Wu sensed indulgence in his fingertips, as if he were humoring a willful child.

This left her with a tender, aching heart. She thought of the Crown Prince and Princess De Ning, and envy welled up inside her. What a privilege it would be to be his offspring—no need to scheme, certain to be cared for exceedingly well, even free to act willfully, with an emperor for a father.

Next time around, she’d need to choose her birth more wisely.

Then, a deep voice sounded by her ear: "Have it your way. If any trouble arises later, just have the servants report to me."

A Wu: "Mmm."

For her, passing peaceful days under his protection, shielded from prying eyes—this was the best she could hope for.

Yet, from his tone, she dimly understood there would be no tomorrow for them.

His so-called "leisure" was just empty words.

The man's warm breath brushed against her ear, and A Wu, held in his embrace, gradually softened in his arms.

She felt like she might be a willing balm, capable of melting and seamlessly fitting against the contours of a man's body.

When their skin pressed together, when they were close enough to hear each other's heartbeat, she wondered—*What if I told him the truth now?* What would he do?

************

That night, the Jingxi Emperor held her through the night.

As he embraced her, he realized their pressed-close arms had nowhere to rest.

It was a dilemma.

This found A Wu odd—it seemed he had never slept like this with anyone before. *He’s never slept like this with anyone?* She wanted to ask but ultimately didn’t.

Ever since he mentioned his empress, she had lost some enthusiasm, her mind constantly drifting to that noble and dignified woman.

She realized she hadn’t entirely shaken off the mistress’s shame, occasionally recalling phrases like "those shameless lovers."

Still, after eating and drinking her fill, soaked in the emperor’s attentions, and sleeping soundly, she woke the next morning feeling much more refreshed.

The Jingxi Emperor turned his head to look at her. "Your hair is a mess."

A Wu clapped hands over her hair in alarm.

The Jingxi Emperor clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes glinting with unreadable amusement.

A Wu protested, "My hair is fine! It’s not that messy!"

She took pride in her hair—soft and smooth. The crown prince would always stroke it and kiss her, saying her hair was the most beautiful in the world!

The Jingxi Emperor commanded, "Come here."

A Wu leaned closer.

He combed through her hair with his fingers.

As he did so, A Wu spied on him between her fingers. His eyes were lowered, his expression focused.

Just then, the Jingxi Emperor glanced up and caught her gaze.

A Wu averted her eyes and let out a theatrical huff—playing at pouting.

The Jingxi Emperor worked deftly, quickly twisting her hair up with a pin as he had done the day before.

Now, A Wu also thought this hairstyle suited her—practical.

She touched her hair, adjusted her dress slightly, and spun in a deliberate little show. As her sash fluttered, she smiled brightly, her eyes curving. "Do I look good?"

The man indulged her with a faint smile. "Dazzling—a face to launch ships and burn cities."

Still, he reached out to tie her sash properly, making an elegant knot, then adjusted her hairpin. "This is better."

A Wu realized—he was a man of order, down to the last detail.

---

The two stepped out of the tent, where attendants had already prepared a simple breakfast. They made quick work of it, and then the Jingxi Emperor led her on horseback to the riverbank to watch the sunrise.

This was a rare treat, and A Wu grew excited, gesturing eagerly. "Let’s go to the river—over there!" There was water there, and sunrises over water reminded her of home.

The Jingxi Emperor smiled. "Good."

Who would have thought that in the dim morning light, a party on horseback emerged from the reeds along the riverbank, heading their way.

The guards beside His Majesty snapped to attention; some signaled inquiries while others slipped across to reconnoiter the opposite riverbank.

Within moments, a guard reported that it was the Young Lord on the other side, who happened to be passing by while hunting and had also come to watch the sunrise.

The Jingxi Emperor was clearly surprised, his gaze calmly resting on the opposite shore.

The Young Lord?

A Wu was startled at first, then suddenly realized—it was the Crown Prince!

She was instantly frozen with terror.

If the Crown Prince saw her pressed against his father's chest, what would his reaction be? He would surely be enraged, perhaps even run her through then and there!

...And what about the Jingxi Emperor? How would he react? Holding his own son's former concubine in public—what would that do to the dignity of an emperor?

He'd probably want to have her drawn and quartered...

At that very moment, the Crown Prince on the opposite bank, realizing he had unexpectedly encountered the Jingxi Emperor, was equally surprised. He immediately kicked his mount forward and, across the riverbank and reeds, dismounted to prostrate himself. But the guards who had hurried over stopped him, forbidding him from bowing.

The Crown Prince looked puzzled in their direction. "Why?"

Hearing the young man's clear voice, A Wu felt her heart seize in fear. All her little schemes turned to dust.

No matter what, she couldn't face the Crown Prince and admit she had taken his father's favor!

His Majesty glanced at her. "What troubles you?"

A Wu was near tears, but she also understood that from the opposite shore, the Crown Prince couldn't clearly see their side.

To cross the river, one could either swim or take the bridged crossing. Given the Crown Prince's noble status, he would likely choose the latter?

So she still had time—perhaps she could conceal this situation and escape disaster?

Deliberately, she remarked, "I wonder who that gentleman is? He looks quite young and handsome."

She put on an expression of keen interest.

Sure enough, the Jingxi Emperor's brow twitched at the description. "What 'young and handsome'? He's just a child."

A Wu: "A child?"

The Jingxi Emperor uttered two words casually. "My heir."

"My heir..."

Few souls alive would ever hear an emperor refer to his own child so humbly.

A Wu affected surprise. "So San Lang's heir is of such stature? That would mean San Lang is..."

Before she could finish, His Majesty laid a finger to her lips. "Quiet."

A Wu puckered her lips and emitted indignant muffles.

The Jingxi Emperor released her. "Speak not of matters I do not wish to hear."

A-Wu gave a little hum and seamlessly buried her face in the Jingxi Emperor's embrace.

At that moment, the crown prince on the opposite riverbank watched suspiciously. Puzzled, he turned to a nearby guard and asked, "Who is that riding with His Majesty?"

The guard bowed respectfully. "I don't know, Your Highness."

The prince pressed further, "Is it a man or a woman?"

The guard hesitated before answering, "A woman."

The prince's eyes widened. 'What?!'

Shocked, he looked again. Through the drifting reeds and the hazy dawn light, he frowned as he watched his father embrace the woman.

This was something he'd never seen before—he could hardly believe it was his normally stern, aloof father, who had always kept his distance from women!

White-knuckling the reins, he declared, "I'm crossing over right now."

He had to see for himself what sort of temptress could captivate his father so thoroughly!

*************

A-Wu saw the prince mount his horse, hooves pounding against the damp riverbank.

Her heart raced, her fingers unconsciously clutching the Jingxi Emperor's sleeve.

Now came the gamble—win and she'd live; lose—best not to think about that yet!

So she melted into the Jingxi Emperor. "San Lang, should we watch the sunrise with your son later?"

As she spoke, she surreptitiously pressed closer to him in his embrace, her movements faint yet deliberate.

The Jingxi Emperor lowered his gaze slightly, observing the porcelain-skinned girl.

All innocence, the tension between them the previous night seemed to have completely dissipated.

Truthfully, encountering his son so abruptly had caught him off guard, even making him somewhat uneasy.

As a father, he ought to set an example.

Moreover, as an emperor, this was frankly improper.

But since they had already crossed paths, there was no need to evade the matter.

He wrapped an arm around her slender waist and breathed against her ear, "Later, I plan to go hunting with him. Would you like to watch?"

A-Wu: "Hunting?"

The Jingxi Emperor: "Mm. It may get bloody."

A-Wu pretended to be frightened and quickly replied, "Then I won’t watch. You and your son go ahead. I'll wait in the tent."

The Jingxi Emperor curved his lips. "Very well. I’ll see you back."

A-Wu: "Mm."

She curled obediently in his arms as the sable-trimmed edges of his cloak fluttered in the wind, draping over her face.

She deliberately added, "I'm getting cold."

The Jingxi Emperor: "Then we'll head back."

As he spoke, he lifted the cloak and wrapped her completely in his arms, bundling her snugly before urging the horse forward.

By then, the Crown Prince had already ridden around the shallows and was approaching from the wooden bridge ahead.

The moist clip-clop of hooves seemed to pound directly against A Wu’s heart.

Knowing there was no avoiding it, A Wu could only curl up in the Jingxi Emperor’s arms. Through the thick brocade cloak, she glimpsed the faint outline of the Crown Prince’s figure.

The young man, advancing in the dawn light, made a handsome, energetic figure.

Just as he was about to reach them, Fu Tai stepped forward to stop him, seemingly saying something.

Upon hearing it, the Crown Prince turned his head in surprise toward their direction.

A Wu’s heart stirred, and she deliberately murmured, "San Lang, the young master… the young master might…"

Jingxi Emperor: "Hmm?"

A Wu spoke cautiously, "The young master probably scorns A Wu…"

Her words hung heavy with unspoken meaning.

The Jingxi Emperor understood at once and reassured her, "It’s nothing. That’s how things are in our family."

As he spoke, the Crown Prince awkwardly altered his address after listening to Fu Tai, nodded in agreement, and then urged his horse forward, soon arriving before the Emperor's horse.

Through the barely moving sable fringe, A Wu clearly saw the Crown Prince’s face.

Clearly curious, he was studying where she was.

She subtly tugged the cloak tighter, covering her face completely.

At that moment, the Crown Prince swung down from his horse and approached, dropping to one knee in proper greeting. "Father, I greet you!"

The words, which should have been "Your son pays his respects to His Majesty," were awkwardly altered, making his address sound stiff.

A Wu bit her lip, her heart twisting into a tight knot.

The Jingxi Emperor, one hand holding the cloak around her and the other gripping the reins, looked down at his son. "Why are you out so early?"

The Crown Prince replied respectfully, "Father, it's such fine weather today, so I thought to take a stroll and maybe bag some game."

Jingxi Emperor: "Wait a moment."

The Crown Prince raised his brows. "Oh?"

His dark, bright eyes cautiously flickered toward the Jingxi Emperor’s embrace.

Unfazed, the Jingxi Emperor said, "First let's return to the tent."

The Crown Prince: "I could use some tea. Might I join you, Father?"

At this, A Wu felt like crying.

Please no… She didn’t want the Crown Prince to follow them.

Yet the Jingxi Emperor offered no objection.

So the Crown Prince remounted and rode beside them, just keeping half a horse’s length behind out of respect.

Though young, the Crown Prince was bound by strict royal decorum, where everything had to be just so.

A Wu sank limply against the Jingxi Emperor's chest.

She had made up her mind—she'd cling for dear life to this man and absolutely not reveal her head!

Yet, at this very moment, the Jingxi Emperor kept his cool and even engaged in conversation with the Crown Prince, discussing the Southern Qiongzi's hawking platform and the autumn hunt. The Crown Prince answered respectfully, and the two of them talked easily.

A Wu felt as though she had died a thousand deaths in the back-and-forth of their words.

These two voices—one clear and pleasant, the other deep and resonant—were both achingly familiar from their nights together!

Tears pricked at A Wu's eyes.

But there was nothing she could do. She had no choice but to bear the humiliation and dread, listening to the father and son converse.

Clearly, the Crown Prince was utterly devoted to the Jingxi Emperor. Even though they had clashed before over her, there seemed to be no lingering rift between them—where did that leave her?

Never be fooled by the heart-melting, teary gaze of a handsome youth!

It was all an act!

A Wu's nose burned with held-back tears. She had thought the Crown Prince treated her well, that he was one of the best people she had ever met. But in his heart, there were many others and many things far more important than her.

Without her, he would still be that gilded young lord—riding, hunting, bantering at ease.

She had known this all along, but at this moment, she still felt a stab of grief.

He had long forgotten the woman named A Wu. She had disappeared, perhaps even died, yet he couldn’t be bothered.

He hadn’t even bothered to look for her...

The faint light of dawn streamed through the plush fur trim of the cloak, casting a soft glow on A Wu’s face.

Clenching her fingers, she leaned against the shoulder of the young man’s father, gazing blankly upward with wide eyes as she listened to their conversation.

Finally, the group arrived before the tent. The Crown Prince dismounted first and respectfully took the reins from the Jingxi Emperor, assisting him down.

Seeing this, A Wu suddenly felt a flash of irritation. Why the excessive filial piety? Couldn’t he just stay away? It wasn’t as if the Emperor was too old to dismount on his own!

The Jingxi Emperor dismounted, holding A Wu in one arm.

The moment he stepped down, the hood slipped just enough, revealing a glimpse of A Wu’s flowing hair.

Her heart nearly stopped. She could only shut her eyes and bury her face deeper into the Emperor’s chest.

Beside them, the Crown Prince gaped openly at the woman in the Emperor’s arms. Her hair was tied in a simple, elegant bun.

He arched a brow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Father, who is this?"

The Jingxi Emperor knew full well that the Crown Prince had been dying of curiosity the entire way, following him just to ask.

This was indeed unbecoming of an emperor and father, and his current behavior was likely enough to make his son—his subject—experience a voyeuristic thrill.

Yet his expression remained unreadable, as if nothing were amiss. "Just an attendant. She seems tired. I’ll set her down first."

That simple sentence was enough to make the Crown Prince’s face shift through a myriad of emotions—shock, curiosity, disbelief, even a hint of scandalized amusement.

But in that moment, he suppressed every trace of reaction.

Bowing slightly, he adopted an overly-obsequious tone. "Father, would you like me to assist you?"

The Jingxi Emperor couldn’t be bothered to look at him. "Go drink your tea."

With that, he strode into the main tent, A Wu still cradled in his arms.