The Princess Who Married The Crown Prince(GL) - Chapter 13

After a few drinks in the evening, Su Qiuqiu felt more at ease. But once she drifted off to sleep, her dreams made her restless. Originally lying on the inner side of the bed, she rolled over a few times and ended up right next to Lu Fangting, hugging her like a body pillow. Her body pressed against Lu Fangting’s arm, one leg draped over hers, and her hand naturally rested on Lu Fangting’s waist.

Lu Fangting, who had always dressed as a man and kept people at a distance, instinctively moved to push the other person away.

And with Lu Fangting’s reflexes, such a push would usually be quite forceful. However, the moment her hand touched the other’s soft, smooth skin, her movements paused. Only then did she remember—beside her lay her newly wedded “wife”, Su Qiuqiu, married through a proper matchmaker and formal rites.

Lu Fangting hesitated, intending to gently push Su Qiuqiu away, but just then, Su Qiuqiu’s hand moved—coincidentally landing right on Lu Fangting’s chest. That delicate hand even gave it a curious squeeze.

Lu Fangting hadn’t bound her chest that night due to discomfort, and so, her bosom was soft and springy to the touch.

Initially, Lu Fangting could have feigned illness and let a younger male cousin stand in at the wedding. But doing so would’ve been unfair to the bride, who had already suffered grievances marrying into this household. So, she chose to go through with the ceremony herself and even shared a bed on the wedding night—though the bed was large, with space to avoid any physical contact.

She never expected that her new wife would be such a chaotic sleeper. On the very first night of their marriage—she got groped!

Lu Fangting froze at the touch, breaking into a cold sweat, then quickly shoved Su Qiuqiu away with force.

“So big… so soft… definitely a wom—” Su Qiuqiu mumbled sleepily, rolled over again, and leaned closer to Lu Fangting. Hearing those half-muttered words and seeing Su Qiuqiu inch toward her, Lu Fangting’s phoenix eyes narrowed, a glint of killing intent flashing through them. Her slender hand reached out and clamped around Su Qiuqiu’s throat—cutting off the rest of the word “woman” before it could leave her lips.

Her secret of disguising herself as a man was tied to countless lives. If Su Qiuqiu truly discovered the truth, Lu Fangting would not show mercy!

Bathed in the dim glow of the bedside candle, Su Qiuqiu seemed to be dreaming, her brows furrowing in discomfort as she gasped for breath, trying to push away the pressure around her neck.

Seeing Su Qiuqiu’s delicate, flushed face twisted in distress, Lu Fangting’s grip unconsciously loosened… then she completely let go.

Su Qiuqiu coughed a few times, then quieted down—only to start rolling around again.

“….” Lu Fangting got up and tugged at Qingzhi, who was resting lightly on the side bed.

“Elder Sister, what is it?” Qingzhi had been lying down fully clothed so she could assist Lu Fangting at any time.

“Prepare the side chamber…” Lu Fangting made a hand gesture.

Qingzhi helped Lu Fangting leave the bridal room. Su Qiuqiu, left behind, now hugged only the blanket and slept through the night.

The night passed without further incident. The next morning, Su Qiuqiu woke up with a slight headache—but recalling her dream made her feel wonderfully refreshed.

She had dreamed of grabbing her goddess’s chest, even burying her face in it. So thrilling… she could barely breathe… It felt so real!

After basking in the memory for a few seconds, Su Qiuqiu suddenly realized—Brother Persimmon was missing!

“Where’s Persimmon?” She asked Lingxiang, who had come in to help her freshen up, glancing at the empty bed.

“Replying to the Princess, the Heir had a relapse last night and moved to the side chamber to avoid disturbing your rest…” Lingxiang answered.

“What? He had a relapse? Was it serious?” Su Qiuqiu asked in alarm.

“This servant is not sure,” Lingxiang said hesitantly, clearly holding something back.

“Hurry and help me get ready—I need to go check on him. Don’t let him die or anything…”

“Zi Rui, go check on Xuezhan and Xueming for me later. I’ll just bring Lingxiang,” Su Qiuqiu instructed one of her other maids.

Lingxiang and Zi Rui worked together to help her wash and dress.

“My poor girl… How can you be so unaware? You didn’t even notice the Heir’s relapse last night? His health is already fragile—he must have been ruined by some fox spirit… Today, you must shut that Qingzhi girl’s mouth!” Mamma Li barged in, exclaiming in distress. She even reverted to calling Su Qiuqiu “my girl,” as she had before the marriage.

“Mamma Li, you came in without being announced. Do you want me to have someone shut your mouth instead? I’ll let it go this time because of your seniority,” Su Qiuqiu said calmly, eyes downcast.

Mamma Li froze, unsure what to say.

“Alright, no need to be embarrassed. Just be more mindful in the future. I’ll go check on Persimmon first,” Su Qiuqiu added gently after finishing her makeup, then headed out supported by Lingxiang.

“Husband, are you feeling better? Why didn’t you wake me…? Why are you being so polite with me?” Su Qiuqiu said as she entered. Lu Fangting had just gotten up and was being helped by Qingzhi, a fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders.

Lu Fangting had meant to spare Su Qiuqiu some dignity. But unexpectedly, leaving in the middle of the night seemed to have embarrassed her instead. Seeing Su Qiuqiu show genuine concern without a hint of resentment, she had been preparing comforting words but didn’t expect this warmth.

“It’s nothing… just an old illness. Did my lady rest well last night?” Lu Fangting asked in a soft, halting voice, her gaze searching Su Qiuqiu’s face for any hint of suspicion.

“Quite well, thank you for your thoughtfulness, Husband.” Su Qiuqiu smiled sweetly.

“Today we need to pay our respects to Father and Mother, and also visit the palace to give thanks… I fear it’ll be a tiring day for you,” Lu Fangting said lightly.

“It’s not a bother—it’s part of my duties as your wife.” Su Qiuqiu curtsied respectfully, and the two walked out side by side, polite as ever.

Outside, Lu Fangting boarded a sedan chair carried by four men, while Su Qiuqiu had to walk behind on foot.

“…” Su Qiuqiu glanced at Lu Fangting, swaddled in warmth and comfort, being carried along with ease. She couldn’t help rolling her eyes. No wonder she said it would be tiring for her! Couldn’t they have prepared one for her too?

The prince’s estate, granted by the Emperor himself, was grand in scale—much larger than a marquis’s manor. Walking such a distance left Su Qiuqiu gasping for breath.

She also took note of the servants. As Mamma Li had said, many of them had some form of disability.

The Prince of Zhen’nan had leg problems and couldn’t walk. The Heir was weak and sickly. Even their servants bore scars or injuries. Looking around, the scene was unexpectedly touching.

The disabled were spared heavy labor and war duties, instead taking up household roles or working at farms and shops—well organized, actually.

Fortunately, the Heir’s quarters weren’t far from the Prince and Princess’s residence, and they arrived shortly.

Su Qiuqiu followed Lu Fangting to pay respects.

She had met the Princess before. The Prince, in his thirties or forties, looked nothing like Lu Fangting—his features were rough and masculine, with a general’s demeanor. Aside from being unable to walk, he seemed healthy.

Su Qiuqiu greeted the elders, served tea, accepted gifts, and sat to chat while waiting for the meal.

The process was dull, but Su Qiuqiu’s mood lifted when she spotted the tall, freckled, squinty-eyed maid she admired—one with martial skills! How nice it would be to have such a capable maid by her side.

She waved discreetly, but the maid showed no reaction. Su Qiuqiu assumed it was due to the presence of the Princess and didn’t mind.

Lu Fangting noticed Su Qiuqiu’s interest and coughed lightly into her fist.

That maid, Qingli, was indeed the Princess’ close servant. Disguising herself as a maid when out with her mother, Lu Fangting had made sure Qingli matched her height and build so they could double as each other. Except… Qingli had a smaller chest, and she had to bind it when impersonating her.

“Mother, what’s the name of the maid behind you? I remember she accompanied you to the Marquis’ house last time,” Su Qiuqiu asked.

“She’s Qingli, my personal maid. She may not look like much, but she’s reliable and meticulous—I can’t manage without her,” the Princess said with a smile.

Su Qiuqiu praised her sweetly, fiddling with her handkerchief. But since the Princess said she couldn’t part with her, there was no way Su Qiuqiu could ask for the maid. She’d have to come up with a better plan.

During the meal, the Princess had Su Qiuqiu sit beside her. She didn’t make her observe many rules, and the atmosphere was pleasant. The only downside was that near the end of the meal, Lu Fangting had another “episode”…

She gasped for breath like she was about to pass out. The Princess immediately had her taken to a side room and summoned the family doctor, while Su Qiuqiu was asked to wait outside.

“Fang’er’s health is just too frail. I’m afraid he won’t be able to accompany you to the palace today. How about this—take Qingli with you. She’s been with me to the palace before and knows the proper etiquette,” the Princess suggested.

“It’s no trouble. My husband’s health is more important. Thank you, Mother, for looking after him…” Su Qiuqiu responded gracefully.

She was secretly delighted. She had been meaning to talk to Qingli—and now she had the perfect opportunity.