Villainous Crown Prince (18)
Not long after, the knocking on the door resounded outside again, followed by the maids entering in procession carrying grooming tools.
Song Xuyi, who had slept on the couch with her clothes last night, now found herself in bed, wrapped in a blanket and watching the maids dress Nie Qianyu in an outer robe, crown, and mask.
They never expected the Crown Prince to be so extravagant after eating meat again!
Nie Qianyu naturally noticed the looks the court ladies gave Song Xuyi, but she was happy to let them misunderstand. She pretended not to notice and only spoke after she was dressed, “Bring some decent clothes for Xuyi, and also order the tailor to make some good clothes for her with the leftover cloud brocade…”
At that moment, everyone turned their gaze towards Song Xuyi.
As Song Xuyi felt the gaze from Nie Qianyu, she belatedly realized she should cooperate and show affection. She made an effort to recall the appearances of the favored concubines in Lishui Kingdom, then squeezed out a smile towards Nie Qianyu and said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Concerned about revealing her true feelings, Song Xuyi immediately blushed and lowered her head after forcing a smile.
Observing Song Xuyi’s obvious and forced performance, Nie Qianyu’s eyes sparkled with amusement. She didn’t want to suppress her fondness, so she sat back on the bed, touched Song Xuyi’s shiny black hair, and softly spoke, “I will come back for lunch. You mentioned cooking for me last night, and I haven’t forgotten…”
Wait, when did she say she would cook for her?
Song Xuyi was taken aback, feeling the hand on her head suddenly exert more force. Regaining her composure, she had no choice but to immerse herself in the role of the favored concubine and forced out a coy smile, saying, “I hope Your Highness won’t mind this servant’s culinary skills…”
“Of course not.”
Nie Qianyu gazed deeply at Song Xuyi and smiled with satisfaction.
The delight in Nie Qianyu’s eyes was like a sky full of starlight, captivating even Song Xuyi for a fleeting moment.
Who would have thought that her affection was just a facade?
Song Xuyi marveled at Nie Qianyu’s acting skills and couldn’t help but express to the system, “No wonder they say politicians are natural actors!”
The system, however, did not want to respond.
Onlookers can see clearly, where is the villain acting? It’s just irresistible emotions! Yet, Song Xuyi had clearly fallen into the cunningly designed villainous trap set by Nie Qianyu, and it couldn’t expose it. In Song Xuyi’s current predicament, there was no choice but to comply with the villain’s demands.
It hoped Xuyi could hold on a bit longer and not let the villain have her way.
“You cunning and despicable villain!”
Once again, the system cursed out loud in Song Xuyi’s mind.
(Originally translated on littlepandatranslations.com, let's go!)
And that cloud brocade was the most precious fabric in the entire Wu Country, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer. There were only four pieces of cloud brocade in the palace’s storage, and when the Third Princess got married, she had to be extremely cautious in asking His Highness for a piece of cloud brocade for embellishment. Who would have expected the Crown Prince to unexpectedly give the remaining cloud brocade to this woman for making clothes…
Watching the affectionate exchange between the two, if someone claimed nothing happened between them last night, none of these court ladies would believe it!
……
The Crown Prince’s trust in the palace maid’s message spread throughout the entire harem in an instant.
Unaware that she had become a celebrity in the palace, Song Xuyi, after finishing a tasteless breakfast, changed into the tailor-made clothes sent by the court ladies and finally saw off Nie Qianyu.
Relieved, Song Xuyi was planning to familiarize herself with the palace’s layout for future escape routes when she was visited by a princess and a prince of Wu Country bearing gifts…
Information within the palace spread quickly. With the Crown Prince consolidating power in recent years, many sought to flatter him, but he remained aloof. Hearing about Nie Qianyu acquiring a concubine, naturally, some sought to gain favor through Song Xuyi…
Song Xuyi had to muster her spirit to deal with the visitors. After all, having spent so many years by Empress Wang’s side, she knew the protocols. Playing dumb and appearing helpless, she subtly rejected all attempts without showing a trace of emotion.
She simply didn’t want to get involved in any trouble, and the court ladies by her side nodded in agreement. No wonder the Crown Prince dotes on her. Despite her seemingly simple appearance, she has her own set of principles for dealing with people and social situations, making it difficult for others to take advantage of her.
After finally sending away those with ulterior motives, Song Xuyi instructed to close the door and thanked the guests, only to see the court ladies entering with a tailor—
After taking measurements for the clothes, Song Xuyi thought she could finally proceed with her plan, only to be led into the kitchen by the court ladies.
“Miss, you promised to cook for His Highness, so it’s best not to go back on your word.”
The court lady blocked Song Xuyi’s path out of the kitchen with a serious expression.
Repeatedly blocked and despite her good nature, Song Xuyi couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed.
Turning back to the kitchen, Song Xuyi looked at the various dishes arranged inside and pursed her lips.
“Miss,” the court lady sensed Song Xuyi’s displeasure and spoke softly, “The Crown Prince is currently very concerned about you. Look, afraid you won’t be used to Wu Country’s cuisine, these ingredients were specially rushed from Lishui Kingdom for you…”
The court lady’s intention was to make Song Xuyi understand Nie Qianyu’s affection for her, but Song Xuyi furrowed her brow.
Even though it had only been half a day, she felt a kind of invisible restraint: whether it was Lishui Kingdom, Wu Country, or any other country, the women in the harem either relied on family power or solely on the favor of their significant other. Song Xuyi had received the most elite modern education and could not bear to live as a caged bird in this way.
Song Xuyi became more determined to escape from the Wu Country’s Imperial Palace as soon as possible.
To flee the palace, she first had to break free from the situation of being surrounded by court ladies at every turn.
The court ladies had encircled her only because she was currently pretending to be Nie Qianyu’s favored concubine, but… what if she fell out of favor in Nie Qianyu’s eyes?
Song Xuyi immediately made up her mind: she would make Nie Qianyu disgusted with her!
In any era, the spread of delicious food always happens quickly, and now the spices discovered by Song Xuyi had already spread to countless households. Naturally, the Wu Country’s Imperial Palace would not be lacking…
“You are right. I promised His Highness and must not break my word. Today, I will cook my favorite dish to offer to His Highness.”
Looking at a certain spot in the kitchen, Song Xuyi’s eyes deepened, and she instantly had an idea.
Due to her recent thoughts about detaining Song Xuyi, Nie Qianyu had accumulated a backlog of political affairs. Now that her beloved had arrived in her harem, Nie Qianyu could finally set her mind at ease and wholeheartedly focus on handling governmental matters.
Nie Qianyu was strict with her subordinates, seemingly able to uncover any deception. Ministers trembled slightly in her presence, fearing being caught in a mistake. However, on this day, Nie Qianyu surprisingly became more approachable, even overlooking several obvious mistakes made by the ministers.
The palace and the court were inseparable, and not long after news of the Crown Prince’s visit to a palace maid spread to the outer court, the ministers understood the reason behind the Crown Prince’s sudden amiability.
Some of the more astute ministers’ minds immediately started turning, calculating the possibility of sending unmarried female relatives to the palace. Now that the Crown Prince was indulging meat once again, would he still visit other palace maids?
Nie Qianyu was aware of these ministers’ ulterior motives, but she didn’t pay them any mind. She efficiently handled government affairs at an unprecedented speed that day and hastily returned to her chamber.
However, upon reaching the entrance to her chamber, Nie Qianyu slowed her pace and pushed open the door with a stoic expression.
Upon entering, she was greeted by a familiar and tantalizing scent.
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The court lady standing behind Song Xuyi had an extremely unpleasant expression. Upon seeing Nie Qianyu return, she quickly lowered her head, fearing Nie Qianyu’s potential anger towards them.
She had advised the woman from Lishui Country, but it seemed like the woman didn’t understand her at all. She persisted in wanting to present the Crown Prince with what she thought was the most delicious food, so she stubbornly prepared this dish called hot pot.
With the Crown Prince’s throat condition, how could he eat such spicy food?
Just watch!
This foolish woman would surely fall out of favor soon!
Sure enough, as soon as the Crown Prince saw the pot, his expression stiffened, and he silently sat down next to the woman.
The woman from Lishui Country seemed oblivious to the Crown Prince’s displeasure, smiling brightly as she picked up a bowl, scooped a piece of beef into it, and offered it to the Crown Prince, saying, “Would you like to try?”
It must be said that this woman looked exceptionally beautiful when she smiled, with bright and mischievous eyes, charmingly reminiscent of a clever and lively little rabbit. It’s no wonder the Crown Prince took notice of her.
But what use is being pretty when the Crown Prince himself is more handsome? People with bad temperaments and narrow minds rarely stay in favor for long…
However, the court lady then widened her eyes.
——The Crown Prince lowered his head, and, taking the bowl handed to him by the woman, he delicately ate the piece of beef she had picked out for him.
Song Xuyi also widened her eyes.
Nie Qianyu’s fair face visibly blushed with a touch of red, and after eating the beef, she lowered her head, took a sip of water, her lips turning a vivid red, her eyes even glistening with a hint of moisture.
Lowering her eyes, clearly red from the spiciness, she looked at Song Xuyi with a slight smile and said, “Delicious.”
Song Xuyi pursed her lips. This version of Nie Qianyu seemed too obedient, momentarily reminding Song Xuyi of the once silent and compliant Nie Qianyu. Feeling a twinge of guilt, Song Xuyi thought her actions seemed like taking advantage of an honest person, which was a bit too much…
However, Song Xuyi then caught sight of the court lady behind Nie Qianyu, her expression shocked. Thinking back on everything that had happened that day, Song Xuyi quickly suppressed any hint of remorse she felt.
Song Xuyi hardened her resolve, her smile becoming even more charming as she scooped up a piece of potato and placed it in Nie Qianyu’s bowl, saying, “Your Highness, this potato is almost cooked, please try it…”
Nie Qianyu glanced at Song Xuyi. For a moment, Song Xuyi felt as though Nie Qianyu had seen through her plan, but she remained silent. Once again, Nie Qianyu lowered her head and delicately ate the potato offered by Song Xuyi, tears welling up in her eyes due to the spiciness.
Seemingly worried about losing her composure, when Song Xuyi tried to offer her a piece of mushroom, Nie Qianyu waved her hand, signaling the court ladies behind her to step back.
Song Xuyi couldn’t help but glance at Nie Qianyu again.
Nie Qianyu’s fair cheeks were tinged with a noticeable red, her eyes with a hint of blush at the corners, and a watery shimmer, making her appear not fierce and powerful, but rather… breathtakingly beautiful.
The system in Song Xuyi’s mind urged, “Xuyi, keep serving her! The more, the better! Showing mercy to enemies is being cruel to oneself…”
Song Xuyi clenched her lips, recalling her determination. She closed her eyes, then mechanically served Nie Qianyu some pieces of beef tripe and Chinese yam…
“Xuyi—”
Feeling guilty, Song Xuyi kept her head down, afraid to look at Nie Qianyu’s expression. However, she heard Nie Qianyu’s gentle voice speaking softly ahead.
Nie Qianyu had resumed her feminine voice, evidently greatly affected by the spiciness. Her voice was somewhat hoarse, with a rare hint of softness in its inflection.
The call caused Song Xuyi’s heart to tremble.
Had she finally reached her limit?
Song Xuyi was already uneasy about doing something akin to bullying for the first time. Upon hearing Nie Qianyu’s words, she couldn’t help but raise her eyes to look at her. However, instead of the disgusted expression she expected, Nie Qianyu’s face held a smile as her dark eyes gazed steadily at Song Xuyi, speaking softly, “I really appreciate the food you’ve made for me, but there’s too much. Could I take a break before continuing?”
Was this still considered enjoying the food?
Song Xuyi couldn’t help but notice the fine beads of sweat forming on Nie Qianyu’s forehead.
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If Nie Qianyu had responded with harsh words, Song Xuyi had already prepared a response. However, she did not expect Nie Qianyu to be so accepting, considerate, and gentle. At that moment, Song Xuyi’s sense of guilt deepened.
“Stop eating!”
Ultimately, guilt overtook her. Song Xuyi stood up abruptly, took Nie Qianyu’s bowl and set it aside. She then called for a court lady to bring in a pot of clear soup that had been prepared in the kitchen earlier, along with a bowl of honeysuckle and chrysanthemum soup to clear the heat. She poured a bowl for Nie Qianyu unenthusiastically, saying, “Drink this!”
Song Xuyi was angry at both Nie Qianyu and her own lack of determination. She had intended to feign rudeness, but now found it unnecessary.
Expecting Nie Qianyu to feel offended, Song Xuyi was surprised by the lack of response from her. Unable to resist, she glanced at Nie Qianyu again, only to see her smiling pleasantly with red lips pressed against the cup rim.
Nie Qianyu was naturally stunning, her smile like a blooming garden, with stars twinkling in her eyes, making her look captivating and alluring.
Under her gaze, Song Xuyi suddenly felt her cheeks heating up. The resentment that had been pent up inside her dissipated instantly. It dawned on her that perhaps agreeing to become the concubine of the villain wasn’t such a bad deal after all…
She detested her susceptibility to charm, but once the anger subsided, it was hard to gather again. Song Xuyi could only lower her head and eat the hot pot absentmindedly, feeling Nie Qianyu’s gaze occasionally drifting towards her.
Finally, they finished the hot pot.
Using the excuse of aiding digestion, Song Xuyi took a stroll outside. This time, no one stopped her. However, with Nie Qianyu’s strong presence and a group of court ladies and attendants by her side, Song Xuyi had no intention of escaping.
In the afternoon, Nie Qianyu went out for work again. Song Xuyi discussed with the system and realized that she couldn’t bear to continue like this. While life in the palace seemed luxurious at first glance, in this era, almost every woman in the harem was trapped under a giant web. Nie Qianyu had managed to break free from this web, and Song Xuyi did not want to be ensnared in it either.
Song Xuyi once again resolved to make Nie Qianyu detest her.
In the evening, Nie Qianyu sent a message saying she would return late. Deliberately not washing her hair, Song Xuyi sat on the edge of the bed with the lingering scent of hot pot. She expected Nie Qianyu to find her repugnant upon her return, but to her surprise, as the saying goes, the higher the monkey climbs, the more exposed it becomes. Nie Qianyu took Song Xuyi directly to soak in a hot spring pool.
Song Xuyi playfully splashed water on Nie Qianyu, who did not get angry. Instead, Song Xuyi ended up blushing profusely at Nie Qianyu’s attractive, wet figure.
After their hot spring soak, Nie Qianyu, without paying attention to herself, grabbed a towel and began drying Song Xuyi’s hair.
Song Xuyi initially thought of refusing, but when she recalled the plan to make Nie Qianyu detest her, she calmly lay down. Whether it was her own illusion or not, perhaps it was due to Nie Qianyu’s exquisite beauty, the hazy nighttime light, and Nie Qianyu’s remarkable acting skills. Song Xuyi noticed certain emotions in Nie Qianyu’s eyes that made her blush and her heart race. Unable to match Nie Qianyu’s acting prowess, Song Xuyi’s inner voice reminded her constantly that this was just an act. She dared not hold Nie Qianyu’s gaze for long, turning away with a red face like an ostrich, pretending to sleep and closing her eyes.
Unbeknownst to her, behind her, Nie Qianyu’s lips curved up slightly in a sly smile:
Xuyi is starting to cherish her today. What a wonderful beginning…
The author has something to say:
Xuyi: I act, I act, I act with all my might!
Quickly come to dislike me!
Xiaonie: Xuyi is so adorable, Xuyi is so adorable, how can Xuyi be so adorable…
LP: Re-translated on April 25, 2024
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