Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 5

Eastern Palace:

“Your Highness, you look troubled. Did His Majesty pressure you about marriage again?”

Xiao Zhuzi, the eunuch who had served Yi Han for years, had been waiting outside the hall. As soon as Yi Han stepped out, he immediately followed, carefully reading his master’s expression. After all, after three years in the palace, he had mastered the skill of reading people’s moods. Especially when it came to the crown prince—understanding his thoughts was crucial. That was how, at such a young age, he had been chosen as Yi Han’s personal attendant. It was the greatest fortune of his life. If his master became emperor one day, Xiao Zhuzi was confident he would rise to the highest position among the Eunuchs.

Yi Han, suppressing his frustration, strode back to the Eastern Palace without a word. Only when he was inside did he finally mutter, “Father has ordered me to choose a consort within a month.”

Xiao Zhuzi sighed in sympathy. “If I may say so, Your Highness, perhaps you should just close your eyes and pick one at random. That way, you wouldn’t have to keep butting heads with His Majesty all the time.”

Sympathy aside, Xiao Zhuzi was more worried about this matter affecting the emperor’s favor toward Yi Han.

“Ridiculous!” Yi Han snapped, his expression darkening. “Choosing a crown princess is not a game!”

Realizing his mistake, Xiao Zhuzi immediately dropped to his knees with a loud thud. “Your servant deserves to die! Please, Your Highness, forgive me!” Cold sweat dripped down his back. The crown prince rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it was enough to make anyone tremble in fear.

Yi Han waved a hand dismissively. “Never speak such nonsense again.”

“Yes, yes! This servant won’t dare!” Xiao Zhuzi bobbed his head repeatedly, nodding like a pecking chicken. Seeing Yi Han’s expression ease slightly, he quickly offered a cup of tea with a fawning smile. “Your Highness, have some tea to calm your anger.”

“Hmph.” Yi Han accepted the cup, taking a sip. Xiao Zhuzi might be a bootlicker, but his loyalty was unquestionable. Otherwise, Yi Han wouldn’t have kept him by his side all these years.

“Your Highness, forgive my boldness, but choosing a consort is inevitable. If you keep delaying… Well, if you never meet someone you truly like, does that mean you’ll never take a wife?”

In truth, Xiao Zhuzi wished Yi Han would settle this matter soon. The noble ladies of the court were relentless, always pestering him to put in a good word for them. Each of them dreamed of becoming the crown princess, and ultimately, the empress.

Of course, the status of “mother of the nation” was a tempting prize, but more than that, it was the crown prince himself who drew them in. Yi Han had an aura unlike any other man. To put it bluntly, he was the most handsome and distinguished nobleman in the empire. Xiao Zhuzi considered himself lucky—serving such a master was not only an honor but also a daily delight to the eyes.

Yi Han had already been annoyed, but now, after listening to Xiao Zhuzi’s chatter, he felt even more irritated. Deciding he needed some air, he stood and headed inside to change his clothes.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhuzi hurried after him. “Your Highness, are you planning to go out in disguise again?”

Yi Han nodded.

Xiao Zhuzi’s eyes lit up. Perfect! That meant he could tag along, enjoy the outside world, and maybe sneak in some good food and drink.

But then—

“Not this time. You stay here.” Yi Han’s tone was firm.

“What?!” Xiao Zhuzi was stunned. “Your Highness, you can’t! If I don’t go, who will protect you—”

“You?” Yi Han raised an eyebrow, amused.

Xiao Zhuzi’s face turned pale. Right. The crown prince was highly skilled in martial arts. Every time they ran into trouble outside, he was the one handling it while Xiao Zhuzi… well, he usually hid behind him.

It was embarrassing to admit, but if anything, it looked like his master was protecting him instead.

“Your Highness… Even if this servant is no good at fighting, I’m still useful! Who else will handle all the food and drinks when we go out?” Desperation crept into his voice. No matter what, he had to find a reason to go along. If Yi Han really went out alone and something happened, his own head might be on the chopping block.

Then again… if something did happen, what could he do about it?

At least if he was outside the palace, it would be easier to escape. He sighed at his own grim thoughts.

Yi Han glanced at him. “Fine. You made your case. Get ready—we’re going out.”

Xiao Zhuzi immediately perked up. “Yes, Your Highness!”