Chapter 25

Chapter 25

It can be said that Prince Yu owed his status to his mother's favor. From the moment he was born, the Emperor raised him as the Crown Prince, and Prince Yu lived up to expectations—naturally gifted and handsome, intelligent in youth, accomplished in early manhood, returning victorious time and again, relieving the people's hardships over and over.

The Emperor trusted him, cherished him, and loved him, even unconcerned about his building up his own military power.

Yet, just as everything was about to fall into place for this heaven's chosen one, fate took his sight away.

Zhu Shiliang understood that due to his blindness, Prince Yu had to relinquish the throne. A heavy weight suddenly pressed on his heart, weighing heavily beyond measure.

"The Tenth Prince's nature is simply that, unrelated to you, Your Highness. As for Prince Rui, Prince Kang, and Prince Jing, with you here, Your Highness, none of them deserve the Crown Prince's position."

Chen Yingchou stopped in his tracks. "Zhiming, the old me was too arrogant, thought I was meant to sit on that throne. Now I realize that Heaven's will cannot be defied. I must learn to accept it, or I'll only fall into endless bitterness."

Zhu Shiliang was equally unwilling to yield. "Your Highness, Imperial Physician Xu said your eye condition can be cured—maybe three to five days, three to five months, even three to five years. You must not abandon hope."

Chen Yingchou tilted his head back, trying to gaze at the sky, but all he saw was darkness.

"Zhiming, do you know that a few days ago, the Empress summoned me to the palace and said the Emperor's health is on its last legs?"

He raised a hand to touch his eyes. "You must have heard from Minister Zhu about the year my mother passed. The Emperor fell gravely ill and took nearly half a year to recover. In truth, his health has been failing ever since that time. He has always risen early and worked late to handle state affairs, giving his all for the country and its people. For years, he has been kept alive only with rare herbs like ginseng and lingzhi mushrooms."

Zhu Shiliang urged urgently, "Wait a little longer, even if it's just three to five months."

Chen Yingchou smiled faintly. "My decision is made. Do not persuade me further." He had decided that after the first month of the new year, he would urge the Emperor to issue the edict of succession. In truth, his words were hardly needed—in terms of health and birth, only Prince Rui remained. By raising the matter, he merely wished to show his support and ease the Emperor's mind.

Zhu Shiliang knew that Prince Yu wasn't unwilling to wait; he had simply lost all hope. When he first returned from the Zhuoyang battlefield, grieving as he was, he had still actively sought treatment. At that time, all the physicians said he'd see again in a month. Yet as they waited—one month, two months, three months—only disappointment remained.

*

After the snow, the red plum blossoms appeared even more striking. In the plum garden, two cloaks—one white, one red—stood amidst the white snow and red blossoms, as if merging with the sky and earth.

"Lanqiu, bring two baskets. I'll gather some red plums with Lady Zhu." Then she said to Lin Mei, "The red plums in this garden are in full bloom. You can pick some for brewing wine. If it's not enough, you're welcome to come anytime."

Jiang Mo was letting Lin Mei know that she could freely enter and leave Prince Yu's mansion from now on, and also backing her up—if she faced grievances in the Zhu household, she could seek refuge here.

The maid beside Lin Mei was sharp-witted; upon hearing Jiang Mo's words, a grin spread from ear to ear.

But Lin Mei wasn't smiling. Instead, she curtsied to Jiang Mo. "Madam Lin has only met the Princess once, yet you seem to understand my difficulties well."

Jiang Mo supported her arm. "Dr. Zhu often visits the mansion, so I naturally need to know about his family. Your situation, sister, is easy to learn with a little inquiry. The Prince trusts and relies on the Zhu family, treats Dr. Zhu sincerely, so I should treat you with the same sincerity. Besides, upon meeting you today, I felt an instant connection and wished to grow closer."

Lin Mei stared blankly at Jiang Mo for a long time, tears welling in her eyes. "Princess…"

Seeing that Lin Mei had taken her words to heart and understood, Jiang Mo saw no need to say more. "Come, let's pick some red plums."

When they emerged from the plum garden, both baskets were filled with plum blossoms. Jiang Mo also invited Lin Mei to dine at the Morning and Evening Courtyard, and only saw her off after dusk.

After they parted at the mansion's gate, Jiang Mo was on her way back to the Morning and Evening Courtyard when Qiao Yun came to deliver a message: Prince Yu would visit tonight.

Jiang Mo thought for a moment and recalled that these two days were her fertile period.

"Please inform Prince Yu that my illness this month disrupted my cycle, so the fertile days are no longer accurate. After my next period, I'll ask Imperial Physician Xu to take my pulse again and set a new date." Drinking tonic in public and contraceptive herbs in private—the conflicting effects are harmful after all. Better to avoid it altogether.

Qiao Yun seemed to have anticipated her response. "The Prince says he only wishes to talk with you tonight."

Jiang Mo did not want to see Prince Yu. Facing him meant saying insincere words and doing insincere things—it was too exhausting.

"I'm truly tired after accompanying Lady Zhu today. Please inform the Prince that we can talk tomorrow night instead."

Better to delay as long as possible.

Qiao Yun looked troubled. "Princess, the Prince hasn't returned for many days and misses you greatly…"

Jiang Mo gave a resigned, faint smile, cutting him off. "Very well, I'll wait for the Prince tonight."

Seeing Qiao Yun's persistence, she knew he wouldn't take no for an answer. She had to be self-aware—everything she had now was granted by Prince Yu. She could try to refuse, but she lacked the confidence to refuse firmly.

At the hour of Hai, Prince Yu pushed open the door. Jiang Mo was playing "Spring Sunshine Melody." Since she couldn't avoid the meeting, she might as well settle the New Year's Eve banquet matter.

Seeing Prince Yu enter, Jiang Mo stopped playing.

Chen Yingchou said, "Continue."

The music resumed. Having practiced for days, Jiang Mo played it effortlessly, the vitality of spring vividly conveyed in her playing, lifting the spirits.

When the piece ended, Chen Yingchou remarked, "This tune sounds so vibrant, not suited for nighttime listening."

Jiang Mo replied, "This piece is called 'Spring Sunshine.' I've practiced it for days, intending to play it at the New Year's Eve family banquet. What do you think, Your Highness?"

Chen Yingchou smiled. "If the Princess is willing to perform at the family banquet, the Emperor and Empress will surely be delighted. How could I disapprove?"

Jiang Mo knew something about the royal family banquets. In previous years, palace consorts had showcased their talents, and the principal and secondary consorts of Prince Rui and Prince Kang had played the zither or danced. This year, as a new bride, even without An Zeyou's threat, she would have to perform.

"Wei Yalan," Chen Yingchou called softly. "At the banquet, we must continue to play the part of a devoted couple. It's best to show deep affection and mutual care."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I understand the stakes." Jiang Mo thought, only four days until New Year's Eve—this must be what Prince Yu wanted to say tonight.

Chen Yingchou rose from the table and groped his way toward the bed. "Let's rest."

Jiang Mo helped him undress first, then removed her own outer robe and lay down. Just as she was about to close her eyes, Chen Yingchou said, "Take off the blindfold for me."

Jiang Mo was startled, almost in disbelief, frozen still.

When she didn't move for a long time, Chen Yingchou, who had been lying on his back, turned to his side. The blue knot was behind his head, right before Jiang Mo's eyes.

"You've seen my eyes, touched them—what are you hesitating for?"

Jiang Mo slowly raised her hand, carefully untying the blindfold. The smooth blue silk slipped from Chen Yingchou's ink-black hair, draping over his neck.

Jiang Mo grasped the ribbon and gently pulled.

The tingling sensation on his neck made Chen Yingchou's breath catch. He instinctively grabbed the sliding ribbon, and Jiang Mo immediately let go.

Chen Yingchou coiled the ribbon in his hand, inch by inch, and said softly, turning away, "Why didn't I notice you at those banquets before the campaign?"

Jiang Mo didn't understand his meaning and dared not respond, remaining silent.

"Back then, I knew clearly that the Grand Empress Dowager favored you, and the Emperor intended to betroth you to me—that you would be my wife. Why did I feel no curiosity about you? If I had tried to understand you then, would there have been that person…" Chen Yingchou gripped the ribbon tightly, swallowing the rest of his words.

Jiang Mo found Chen Yingchou somewhat inexplicable. Not knowing how to reply, she changed the subject. "Your Highness's return to the Flying Cavalry Camp and the court fills me with genuine joy."

"That was thanks to you." Chen Yingchou seemed to think of something, the corners of his mouth lifting.

Jiang Mo said, "If my illness could resolve Your Highness's predicament, it was my honor."

Chen Yingchou frowned. "You misunderstand. Those words were for others' ears. Don't take them to heart. What I'm thanking you for are the things you did to ease my troubles."

Jiang Mo hadn't expected Chen Yingchou to thank her. Those actions might have helped somewhat, but ultimately, Chen Yingchou had his own plans. She dared not claim that credit.

"Your Highness wasn't so lost in despair that you couldn't recover; you simply refused to let yourself move past the grief too soon, wanting people to remember the soldiers who died for the country a little longer. And because of your actions, the Emperor decreed increased compensation for the fallen at Zhuoyang and exempted three years of taxes. You ensured their families a better life."

Chen Yingchou turned over to face Jiang Mo. He opened his beautiful yet hollow eyes, revealing his most vulnerable self to her without any hesitation.

Jiang Mo looked into Chen Yingchou's eyes. In the candlelight, her reflection shimmered in his black, lifeless pupils.

"I really want to see you," Chen Yingchou said softly, his voice blending into the candlelight.

"Your Highness has seen me."

"Yes, I have."

Chen Yingchou reached out to touch Jiang Mo's cheek, but just as he was about to make contact, he grasped at empty air.

Jiang Mo instinctively flinched, telling herself she didn't deserve such tenderness and couldn't bear it.

Chen Yingchou paused for a moment, then reached out once more to touch Jiang Mo's face.

This time, Jiang Mo did not avoid him. She knew she could not avoid him again.

Chen Yingchou placed four fingers behind her ear, his thumb gently stroking the delicate skin of her cheek—endlessly, repeatedly, slowly sliding back and forth.

After what seemed like a long time, the force behind her ear suddenly intensified. Chen Yingchou pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly.

Jiang Mo froze, her arms rigid at her sides.

Chen Yingchou's breathing quickened, his breath becoming warmer.

He kissed Jiang Mo's earlobe.

Chen Yingchou held her even tighter, and Jiang Mo immediately felt something hard pressed against her through his clothes.

Prince Yu was aroused! She should have felt shy, but at that moment, her heart turned cold.

So all that tenderness was just because Prince Yu wanted her body.

In the past, there were reasons like producing an heir or the love potion, at least she had been willing then. Even if she felt wronged, she believed she was respected.

Now, she felt like a woman in a brothel, reduced to a tool for a man's lust.

She had clearly said today that she didn't want to be intimate. Why did Prince Yu still insist on intimacy?

Prince Yu was nothing special—just like other men who lust after women.

Jiang Mo grew angrier the more she thought. She turned her head away to avoid Chen Yingchou's kisses.

But Chen Yingchou held her even tighter, pressing kisses down inch by inch, his hand sliding over her shoulder to remove her top.

A chill on her shoulder, a shock to her heart, blood rushing to her head—she used all her strength, pushing with her hands and kicking with her feet, shoving Chen Yingchou away hard.