The Princess Who Married The Crown Prince(GL) - Chapter 14

“Big Sister Qingli, do you still remember me?” After boarding the carriage, Su Qiuqiu sat beside Lu Fangting—now disguised as Qingli—and asked in a soft voice.

“Of course I remember…” Lu Fangting replied, her voice deliberately altered. She wasn’t quite used to Su Qiuqiu being this close to her. She was originally supposed to enter the palace for morning greetings too, but due to her health, she’d long been exempted. Pretending to be a maid to accompany Su Qiuqiu was also a convenient way for her to handle other matters under that guise.

“I never got to thank you properly last time. If you ever need anything in the future, I’ll do everything in my power to help.” Su Qiuqiu spoke with sincere gratitude. What happened before—“Qingli” had truly been her savior. She was aware that she lacked the mental clarity and skills necessary to escape from such a dangerous situation. If the repulsive man had succeeded, she couldn’t have dismissed it as a mere “dog bite.” She might have really chosen death to preserve her dignity. To her, “Qingli” was a benefactor—thus, she was more genuine with her than with anyone else.

“There’s no need to bring up that incident again…” Lu Fangting said calmly.

“Alright then… Big Sister Qingli, did you train in martial arts?” Seeing Lu Fangting’s indifferent expression, Su Qiuqiu didn’t press further and instead asked something she was curious about.

“I’ve trained a little…” Lu Fangting replied.

“Since you were little? What kind of training? Do you have a master? Is your master even stronger?” Su Qiuqiu asked a barrage of questions, one after another.

“…” Lu Fangting was caught off guard. This wasn’t the elegant, refined young lady image Su Qiuqiu showed to outsiders—this was a curious little chatterbox…

“That… is hard to explain…” Lu Fangting gave a vague answer, hoping to end the conversation.

“I get it, Jianghu rules*… You’re amazing, truly a heroine! I wish I had half your skills…” Su Qiuqiu didn’t mind Lu Fangting’s curt response; her eyes were full of admiration.

*(“Jianghu, in Chinese culture, describes a social sphere. Key tenets include honor, integrity, loyalty, brotherhood, vengeance, and the pursuit of justice. This environment often operates outside established laws, with a moral code that acknowledges the complexities of right and wrong.”)

“You’re the daughter of a noble house. You have guards to protect you. Martial arts training is hard and not useful for someone like you…” Lu Fangting looked at Su Qiuqiu, momentarily dazed by her admiring gaze—those bright eyes glittered like stars.

Su Qiuqiu was already beautiful, and her smile made her even more radiant. Her soft, melodic voice made it impossible to dislike her. Even someone as guarded as Lu Fangting couldn’t help but relax when Su Qiuqiu clung to her arm.

“Having someone else protect you is never as good as protecting yourself. Do you have any sisters, Big Sister Qingli?” Su Qiuqiu asked again.

“No, why do you ask, Princess?” Lu Fangting responded.

“You’re so skilled. I’d love to have a maid like you… Does the Prince’s Manor or anywhere else have someone like you?” Su Qiuqiu asked, finally revealing her intention. Being a widow was tough—she needed to gather some combat power. Ideally, she’d like to surround herself with badass sisters: stylish, secure, and ready to roam the world freely.

“If that’s what you want, I can keep an eye out for you…” Lu Fangting replied, meeting her eager gaze.

“That’s wonderful! Thank you, Big Sister Qingli…” Su Qiuqiu beamed, thinking to herself that this older sister was really quite sweet—just a bit too “fashionable” looking.

Lu Fangting frowned slightly—Su Qiuqiu had moved even closer, their bodies now touching. But surprisingly, the faint scent of incense mixed with her natural fragrance was rather… pleasant.

“Your hand is freezing, Sister Qingli! Are your clothes not warm enough? Here, take this hand warmer.” Su Qiuqiu touched Lu Fangting’s hand and felt how cold it was. She immediately handed over a delicate hand warmer and even draped half her own cloak over her.

“A girl must take care of herself. You can’t let your body get cold… I still have some silver for winter clothes,” Su Qiuqiu said, stuffing a pouch filled with silver into Lu Fangting’s hand.

Few people ever said things like that to Lu Fangting. After all, she was seen as a man—a pillar of her household—always protecting others, hiding her true self. Not even her own mother had ever said such caring words to her…

“Thank you…” Lu Fangting managed to say “thank you,” even though she had intended to refuse. But Su Qiuqiu’s warm and open-hearted gesture stopped her.

“No need to thank me. Oh, I don’t have anything valuable to give you right now, but there’s something I know you’ll love. It has to be tailored, though—I need to take your measurements…” Su Qiuqiu said suddenly.

“Measurements?” Lu Fangting was confused—she had never heard that term.

“Bust, waist, and hips—for custom undergarments! They’re super comfortable… I’ll take your measurements when we get back and have some made for you,” Su Qiuqiu said cheerfully.

“…” Lu Fangting fell silent. Su Qiuqiu made it sound very tempting… But she really wasn’t that curious.

As Lu Fangting didn’t respond, Su Qiuqiu eventually quieted down as well.

The carriage had already left the Prince’s Manor, slowly moving along a cobbled road. Su Qiuqiu peeked out from behind the curtain. The cold weather made the streets seem desolate, and this area housed only nobles—anyone passing by was in a carriage or soft palanquin.

It was a long ride. Su Qiuqiu leaned against the carriage and soon fell asleep, resting her head on Lu Fangting’s shoulder.

Lu Fangting shook her head silently but didn’t push her away.

When they reached the palace gates, the carriage stopped. Lingxiang and some guards stayed behind. Su Qiuqiu and Lu Fangting switched to a palace litter and continued inside.

Su Qiuqiu didn’t have the status to see the Emperor. She went to greet the Empress Dowager, but due to the latter’s illness, she wasn’t summoned. Finally, the Empress granted her an audience.

The Empress was a step-empress in her early thirties—graceful, elegant, and poised, though a shadow of melancholy lingered between her brows.

Su Qiuqiu’s reputation as a “virtuous and chaste woman” had reached the Empress and intrigued her. It was with her approval that Su Qiuqiu had been granted her title of Princess of the County. Su Qiuqiu was genuinely grateful to her.

The Empress asked a few questions, which Su Qiuqiu answered shyly like a new bride—though inwardly, she was thrilled to meet another stunning beauty.

After a brief exchange, the Empress’ attendant escorted Su Qiuqiu out.

“You! Who do you think you are, not kneeling before this Princess? What wild countryside woman dares act so insolently? Guards! Slap her twenty times!” A young girl, maybe fourteen or fifteen, dressed in luxurious clothing with delicate features, ordered imperiously as soon as they stepped outside. She demanded Su Qiuqiu’s punishment without even waiting for them to respond.

Lu Fangting frowned—it was Princess Gong Luoyun, the Empress’s only daughter. Spoiled and unreasonable, she’d taken a dislike to Su Qiuqiu for no apparent reason.

As a maid, Lu Fangting couldn’t speak freely. She could only watch Su Qiuqiu get slapped…

“I am a county princess personally titled by His Majesty. The Empress just praised me for being virtuous and well-mannered. Who are you to say otherwise? Or are you saying His Majesty and Her Majesty made a mistake?” Su Qiuqiu stepped forward bravely, staring down at the girl who was half a head shorter.

“You—how sharp-tongued! I’m Princess Luoyun! If I say you offended me, then you did! Are you all deaf? Slap her!” Gong Luoyun shouted, eyes blazing as if Su Qiuqiu had committed a great crime.

Lu Fangting narrowed her eyes. This bratty princess didn’t understand reason—arguing only made her more domineering. It was a family trait of the Gong household.

If Su Qiuqiu were really slapped… with that delicate, tofu-like face…

Lu Fangting did like Su Qiuqiu a little, but not enough to blow her cover. A few slaps would hurt, but that was all… She sighed inwardly.

“Luoyun, you’re being naughty again…” A gentle male voice rang out. A tall, handsome man in his twenties approached, with a soft expression.

Su Qiuqiu recognized him immediately—the Third Prince, Gong Xichao, the one who once said she was as beautiful as Xi Shi.

“Third Brother! Look at her—so rude and unkempt! I was going to teach her a lesson for Brother Fangting!” Gong Luoyun pouted indignantly.

“If you keep acting out, I’ll tell Mother,” the Third Prince said with a smile, then turned to Su Qiuqiu and bowed slightly. “Pardon her behavior.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. I must visit Concubine Zhao now—please excuse us,” Su Qiuqiu said, bowing quickly before hurrying off with Lu Fangting (disquised as Qingli).

Gong Xichao watched their retreating figures, then turned back to glare at the furious Gong Luoyun.

“You fancy Fangting? That’s impossible. Your future husband must be carefully chosen. Fangting? He… is no longer who he once was. The Lu family of Zhen’nan has long since been discarded…” the Third Prince said lightly before strolling away, leaving Gong Luoyun stunned and speechless.

******

“This palace… I should visit this place as infrequently as possible. You could die just bumping into someone! Luckily, my luck’s not bad…” Su Qiuqiu muttered to Lu Fangting once they were far away, patting her chest.

“…” Lu Fangting remained silent, her were eyes narrowing slightly. Only those who sit at the highest seat have no fear…

Su Qiuqiu and Lu Fangting were on their way to see Concubine Zhao—Lu Fangting’s aunt, the Zhen’nan King’s younger sister. Due to the Zhen’nan King’s disgrace, she had fallen from Noble Consort to a lesser rank and was no longer favored.

Although her quarters were quiet, it was the most peaceful place Su Qiuqiu had visited.

Concubine Zhao bore some resemblance to Lu Fangting—phoenix eyes, elegant features, and a simple appearance. She wore a prayer bracelet, and the room was scented with sandalwood.

Her gentle voice, free from arrogance, welcomed Su Qiuqiu. She served refreshments and chatted kindly.

Su Qiuqiu had heard that Concubine Zhao had a son who, after falling ill at age seven or eight, was thought to be mentally impaired—a pitiful story. Su Qiuqiu’s heart softened, and she spoke sincerely to Concubine Zhao.

Seeing the two getting along, Lu Fangting quietly withdrew. She slipped away to a secluded room.

“Drop the act—it’s me,” she said to the boy inside, who appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen, face slack and drooling.

He immediately straightened, revealing a stunningly handsome young man with red lips and white teeth. His face twisted in mock anger as he leapt at Lu Fangting as if to hit her.

“Living so freely, huh?” He grumbled, unable to actually strike her. He pouted instead.

“Yuan’er, thank you for your help…” Lu Fangting touched the boy’s hair, acting like an elder brother. This young man was none other than Lu Zhaoyi’s son, who was said to be mentally retarded, the Ninth Prince Gong Xiyuan.

“You brat, have you learned to tease me now?” Lu Fangting flicked Gong Xiyuan’s forehead.

“Not at all! I’m the fool, and you’re the ugly one. How about I take you as my wife instead?” Gong Xiyuan grinned, eyes twinkling as he looked at Lu Fangting.

“Enough joking. How are things in the palace lately? The Third Prince has been rather unpredictable… The Eldest Prince has also been making moves in his fiefdom… Soon, all the princes who were sent away will be returning.” Lu Fangting shook his head, his gentle expression fading as he spoke, and Gong Xiyuan’s face became serious.

*****

While they spoke of serious matters, on the other side, Su Qiuqiu had already begun selling her homemade nail dye and moisturizing face cream. She had even taken Lu Zhaoyi’s measurements, planning to gift her a set of custom-made lingerie.

“The situation in the Wang Manor isn’t ideal, and I can’t just sit idly by. I was thinking of finding a way to earn some money… Auntie, if you have any ideas, be sure to tell me next time I bring you the lingerie… If you find them comfortable, then there won’t be any issues at all.” Su Qiuqiu chatted casually with Lu Zhaoyi.

“It’s rare to see a child so thoughtful… The Wang Manor’s expenses are large, but we won’t let you go short on funds.” Lu Zhaoyi hadn’t expected this young feudal consort to be so enterprising.

“I have a few shops as part of my dowry. If I can make money, even a little, it’s better than nothing. And if by luck I can grow the business big, wouldn’t that be even better for supporting my husband?” Su Qiuqiu spoke with conviction, though deep down, she mused—if she ever became a widow, at least she’d have plenty of money to spend…

Just as Lu Fangting returned, he happened to hear Su Qiuqiu’s words and paused for a moment in surprise.