Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 10

Although the world wasn’t entirely at peace, seeing the bustling streets of the capital was enough to bring some comfort and temporary relief from worries.

“Master, where do you plan to go for some fun today?” Xiao Zhuzi asked eagerly, his eyes darting around in curiosity. As a eunuch, he rarely had the chance to leave the palace, so this was an opportunity he didn’t want to waste.

“Just strolling around,” Yi Han replied, dressed as a scholar. He wanted to observe the lives of common people. He knew that rulers couldn’t truly understand the struggles of their subjects just by sitting on the throne, so he made it a habit to leave the palace from time to time.

“Master, there’s an artificial lake up ahead. I heard it was a major project funded and overseen by Minister Li of the Ministry of Rites. People say it’s quite impressive—should we go take a look?” Though he posed it as a question, it was clear that Xiao Zhuzi was simply eager to see it for himself. After all, an artificial lake was quite a novelty!

“Hmm.” Yi Han was intrigued, so he let Xiao Zhuzi lead the way.

“What a sight!” Yi Han marveled. The idea that even lakes could be man-made made him wonder—what else could be possible in the future?

“Master, look at that deep blue water, surrounded by willows—it has such a unique charm. Now, if only there were a couple of beautiful ladies here, that would be—Master? What’s wrong?” Xiao Zhuzi’s chatter came to an abrupt stop when he noticed Yi Han’s expression change. Following his gaze, he suddenly gasped. “Master, that girl—is she trying to jump into the lake?”

A young woman, dressed in a red bridal gown, stood in a quiet corner, taking off her shoes as if preparing to step into the water.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Yi Han rushed forward, hoping to stop her before she could jump. But just as he reached her, Xiao Zhuzi, running after him, accidentally bumped into him. The force of the collision sent both Yi Han and the girl tumbling straight into the lake.

“Master—!” Xiao Zhuzi screamed in horror. This was bad. He had just knocked the Crown Prince into the water! He would lose his head for this! Panicking, he was about to jump in to help when—

Before he could even touch the water, Yi Han had already surfaced, holding the unconscious young woman in his arms as he swam to shore.

“Master, it’s all my fault! Are you alright?” Xiao Zhuzi asked, terrified.

“I’m fine, but I’m more worried about her,” Yi Han replied, looking anxiously at the girl who had swallowed too much water and passed out.

Xiao Zhuzi shifted his attention to her. “Master, she’s fainted—probably from swallowing too much water. If we press on her stomach and chest, we can help her cough it out!” He had seen this done before when a palace maid had fallen into the Koi pond.

As he reached to unfasten her clothing, Yi Han immediately stopped him. “What are you doing?”

Xiao Zhuzi looked innocent. “Saving her! If she stays like this, she won’t be able to breathe.”

Only then did Yi Han let go, curious to see what he planned to do. As soon as Xiao Zhuzi reached for her chest—

“Stop!” Yi Han roared in anger.

Xiao Zhuzi jumped in fright. “Master, I was just going to press the water out of her lungs!” He quickly explained.

Yi Han’s expression remained dark. “Tell me how to do it. I’ll do it myself.”

No other man was allowed to touch this girl. He wasn’t sure why, but just looking at her unconscious face stirred something in his heart—a strong urge to protect her. Had she really tried to end her life? But something didn’t seem right. Why would such a beautiful girl, dressed in a bridal gown, choose to die here?

Xiao Zhuzi gave him a strange look but obediently explained the process.

Yi Han followed the instructions, and soon, the girl coughed up water and slowly began to regain consciousness.

“Miss!” Yi Han called, preparing to press on her stomach again to get more water out.