The Princess Who Married The Crown Prince - Chapter 12

In the great kingdom of Great Chu, where only men could inherit noble titles, the esteemed heir to the throne, Lu Fangting, concealed a shocking secret—she was, in truth, a woman. The number of people aware of this truth could be counted on one hand, all of them were her most loyal and trusted confidants.

This matter was of utmost secrecy. If word ever reached the emperor, it would be seen as an act of treason, punishable by the extermination of the entire Zhen’nan Royal Line, which was already under political suppression.

The Lu family was not united in loyalty. Though Lu Fangting found Su Qiuqiu’s eccentric nature intriguing, she had no intention of exposing her greatest secret to someone she had barely met.

Hiding her true identity had always been simple. As the heir of the Prince of Zhen’nan, she had been frail since childhood. Rarely appearing in public, she was always seen wrapped in thick blankets, even in the height of summer, feigning a sensitivity to cold. Most assumed she was sickly, and so her disguise remained secure.

Whenever necessary, she ventured beyond her chambers dressed in the guise of an ordinary servant, never in her true identity.

Years ago, when she was younger, she had not taken extra measures to bind her chest—it was not necessary then. She could appear as either a man or a woman. But now, despite tightly wrapping herself, her body had betrayed her. While martial training had left her lean and toned, her chest had defied expectations, growing rather than shrinking, much to her frustration.

If Su Qiuqiu knew of Lu Fangting’s troubles, she would undoubtedly weep. In both her past and present lives, she had always been flat-chested—an injustice she planned to rectify. Her future ambitions were clear: earn money, and no matter the cost, enhance her figure!

Due to her hidden identity, Lu Fangting naturally had no concubines. Qing Zhi, her closest attendant, was still young. Any seasoned observer could instantly tell that she was untouched, leading to rumors that Lu Fangting was unable to perform as a man should. She never bothered to correct them.

By now, she had reached the age where marriage was unavoidable. Pressure came from all sides, leaving her with no choice. However, she refused to drag innocent women into her deception. Thus, disguised as a maid, she secretly observed her future bride, hoping to determine whether the woman was truly willing. What she had overheard had startled her.

“Even if we cannot be husband and wife, we can be close friends.”

Lu Fangting had been taken aback, momentarily suspecting that Su Qiuqiu had uncovered her secret and was proposing friendship instead.

Unlike most women, Su Qiuqiu’s attitude was different. Though her circumstances were far from ideal, she accepted marriage into the disgraced Southern Duke’s household with astonishing composure—no sorrow, no resentment. Lu Fangting found her oddly pleasant to be around.

Later, the Third Prince proposed marriage to Su Qiuqiu, offering her a better future. Yet she still chose Lu Fangting. Touched by her decision, Lu Fangting ensured she was not mistreated. She petitioned her mother to request special favor from the palace, securing a secondary noble title for Su Qiuqiu beyond her role as the future Duchess—a token of recompense.

As night fell, Lu Fangting finally removed her robe, unfastened the tight bindings around her chest, and furrowed her brows. Released from their constraints, her chest felt even fuller. She massaged the soreness away, soothing the two small prisoners that had been bound all day.

Each time her monthly cycle came, her body felt fragile. Aches plagued her, from her lower back to her chest. Given that today was her wedding day, and she had been tightly bound since morning, the discomfort was unbearable. Even half of her supposed ‘frailty’ was no longer mere pretense.

After bathing, she dressed in a pale moon-white silk robe adorned with bamboo embroidery, layered with a thick fur cloak. Her ink-black hair fell in loose waves as she lounged on a luxurious daybed, holding a gilded hand warmer to her abdomen. The flickering red candlelight bathed her silhouette in a soft, hazy glow.

Her face, previously paler than death, had been intentionally altered with makeup. Now, freshly cleansed, her complexion glowed with subtle warmth. Her dark brows resembled distant mountains, sharp yet graceful, while her phoenix-like eyes gleamed with a piercing brilliance. The color had returned to her lips, resembling the soft blush of crabapple blossoms. In this moment, she no longer looked sickly—she radiated life.

“Elder Sister, I’ve brought some food. And here are the necessities for your cycle… in this bundle.”

Qing Zhi stepped inside just in time to witness the breathtaking scene. Though she had seen her countless times, Lu Fangting’s beauty never failed to astonish her. Momentarily stunned, she placed the food tray and package down, using gestures to communicate.

Lu Fangting smiled faintly. “Thank you, Qing Zhi.”

Qing Zhi grinned, her round cheeks dimpling sweetly.

Swift and efficient, Qing Zhi arranged the delicate dishes on a small table. Every item was fresh and steaming, a feast in miniature. Then, she retrieved a warm cloth, gently drying Lu Fangting’s damp hair.

Throughout the day, Lu Fangting had been surrounded by strangers. As a supposedly frail woman, she had maintained her act, eating sparingly. But now, with Qing Zhi present, she finally indulged in her meal.

Meanwhile, in another chamber, Su Qiuqiu was also dining, nibbling on pastries prepared by Ziyu. Though less extravagant than Lu Fangting’s feast, she found satisfaction in every bite.

County Princess, I inquired among the estate servants, and this Prince of Zhen’nan’s household is indeed unique. The servants here are all personal retainers of the Lu family—they never hired externally, resembling those born into service. These household guards suffered heavy casualties during the Southern border conflict a few years ago. After the Prince of Zhen’nan lost his military authority, many retainers who held official positions were either dismissed or resigned. Regardless of their fate, most of them have remained within the estate. These retainers and their children are fiercely loyal—far more than ordinary servants.

Additionally, many of them are disabled—either from battlefield injuries or congenital conditions. Take the steward of the estate, for example; he lost three fingers on his right hand. He was once the Prince’s personal guard but, wounded in battle, was reassigned to manage the household.

Su Qiuqiu nibbled on her pastry as she called Mamma Li over to gather information. True to her reputation as a social butterfly, Mamma Li had already uncovered plenty intel in such a short time.

Mamma Li had originally been temporarily assigned to Su Qiuqiu by Marquis An Ning. However, once Su Qiuqiu was granted her title, she chose to keep her close—and Mamma Li herself was more than willing to stay.

Mamma Li had her own plans. A county princess held status—even if the heir died tragically, she wouldn’t be left abandoned and bullied. She had a stipend, a title, and protection. Serving under a timid master like Su Qiuqiu? It was practically equivalent to ruling behind a curtain, like an empress dowager pulling the strings.

“Those two senior maids, Lanxiu and Qingzhi—they’re also the descendants of retainers, aren’t they? How is it that both of them have disabilities? The estate’s retainers can’t possibly all be like this…” Su Qiuqiu asked.

“Lanxiu and Qingzhi are indeed from retainer families, but it’s not as though the estate lacks able-bodied individuals. The truth is, caring for those with disabilities is considered an honorable duty here. Status isn’t something they concern themselves with,” Mother Li explained.

“Oh…” Su Qiuqiu nodded, swallowing another bite of her pastry before sipping warm tea. Finally, her stomach felt more comfortable.

“I heard that the maid Qingzhi is the one most favored by the heir. Only she is permitted to attend to him closely—and apparently, they even sleep together. Within the heir’s courtyard, she carries herself with the authority of a lady of the household. County Princess, you must never let her seize control over you…” Mother Li warned.

“She’s just a child. Why should I concern myself with a mere maid?” Su Qiuqiu laughed indifferently. What was there to compete over? Even if she won, what would she gain? She was here to coexist peacefully, ensuring convenience for all. If someone else wanted to fight for favor, wouldn’t that work in her favor? Why bother scheming?

The heir was already near death—was there truly any point in obstructing someone else’s happiness? That would be utterly heartless. As a “friend,” wasn’t it only right to let others have their moments? That was the key to long-lasting friendships.

“County Princess, you are now the mistress of the heir’s courtyard. You must assert your presence and remind these maids who the true master is. Do not let them run wild, stealing favor. Who serves the heir should be your decision alone.” Seeing Su Qiuqiu’s carefree attitude, Mamma Li grew anxious and cautioned her earnestly.

“I understand, Mamma Li. Thank you for your advice… But we’ve just arrived here and don’t yet understand the situation. Let’s observe for now—no need to discuss further. Let’s head out.” Su Qiuqiu waved her hand dismissively, her tone carrying undeniable authority as she stood up to leave. Zi Rui and  Lingxiang immediately stepped forward to assist her.

Mother Li frowned slightly, sensing a subtle change in Su Qiuqiu, but did not dwell on it. She assumed it was due to the seventh young miss’s timid nature—despite her noble bearing, her personality remained weak. In the marquis’s residence, she had been raised this way, and such habits wouldn’t change overnight. Even here, in Prince Zhen’nan’s estate, she retained that same demeanor. Utterly hopeless! Perhaps it was time for her to intervene—to ensure that the authority within the heir’s courtyard didn’t fall entirely into the hands of that scheming nanny, Madam Mo.

Su Qiuqiu, unaware of Mamma Li’s thoughts, felt exhaustion washing over her. Her head was throbbing slightly, and her vision blurred.

The wedding wine wasn’t strong, but this body was not the same as Su Qiuqiu’s past life—where she had built up a decent alcohol tolerance. The Seventh Miss had never touched liquor before. Now, with the warmth of the bath intensifying the effects, the alcohol surged through her veins. Already exhausted, she felt her dizziness worsening.

Su Qiuqiu stepped into the bedroom, where Lu Fangting had already returned to bed, weakly leaning against the headboard. His breath was shallow, his complexion ghostly pale—his entire figure seemed stripped of color, exuding a quiet, cold frailty.

Su Qiuqiu, who had never been moved by men, found herself feeling a trace of pity. She sighed inwardly—such a shame he wasn’t born a woman. If he were, she might truly feel heartbroken. What a beautiful person… And yet, such a tragic fate. All his luck had been spent on his face, it seemed.

“Husband, how do you feel?” Su Qiuqiu approached, expressing a polite concern.

“I’m fine… Rest will help.” Lu Fangting’s gaze lingered on her briefly as he responded.

“It’s late. Let’s rest for the night,” Su Qiuqiu said. No sooner had her words landed than a figure stepped into the room—Qingzhi, carrying her bedding.

“Qingzhi, what are you doing?” Lanxiu, standing nearby, immediately stepped forward to block her path.

“In the past, you rested with the Heir, while I kept watch in the outer chamber. But today is different—we now have a Princess Consort. You and I should both sleep outside,” Lanxiu said matter-of-factly.

Lanxiu turned to glance at Su Qiuqiu before addressing Qingzhi.

Lu Fangting, watching Qingzhi’s gaze settle on him, spoke calmly. “Don’t blame her—she is only worried about me.”

“I am new here and unfamiliar with how to attend to the Heir. Qingzhi staying to assist will be beneficial… I shall learn from her,” Su Qiuqiu responded elegantly. Mamma Li’s face darkened. She wanted to speak, but with others present, she couldn’t breach decorum.

“Everyone else may retire for the night. Qingzhi shall stay,” Su Qiuqiu stated, disregarding their expressions.

Lu Fangting, already feeling unwell, had been wondering how the night would unfold. Su Qiuqiu permitting Qingzhi to remain was unexpected—she truly was a peculiar woman.

Lu Fangting beckoned Qingzhi forward. She cheerfully took her small steps and placed her bedding by the wedding bed.

“You may sleep on the inner side,” Lu Fangting said as Su Qiuqiu approached.

Typically, in this household, the man slept on the inner side, the woman on the outer side. Given his need to rise during the night, Lu Fangting instructed Su Qiuqiu to take the inside position.

Su Qiuqiu, already weary, paid little attention to such details. She removed her outer robe, slipped into bed, and buried herself in the covers. She lay far from Lu Fangting, with enough space between them to fit two people. The moment her head touched the pillow, she fell into a deep sleep.

Lu Fangting observed this and let out a subtle sigh of relief—they were still sharing the same blanket, after all.

Qingzhi dimmed the candlelight, helped Lu Fangting lie down, and soon drifted off to sleep herself. The room settled into silence.

Lu Fangting, with his abdomen aching slightly, struggled to fall asleep. He furrowed his brows, deep in thought, when suddenly—a warm, soft body pressed against him.

His breath hitched in surprise. Instinctively, his hand reached out to push it away.