The Princess Who Married The Crown Prince(GL) - Chapter 16

The Third Prince was speaking to none other than Lu Fangting. He was supported by Qingzhi as she approached from the opposite direction of Su Qiuqiu, with a young servant following behind.

“So what if I did?” Lu Fangting replied dully with an indifferent tone.

“You’re no longer the Lu Fangting who used to excel at everything. Now you can’t even walk without help. If I cannot even surpass someone like you, what dignity would I have left? The Third Prince sneered, contempt flashing across his handsome face as he spoke lightly.

“You’re mocking a dying person. What’s the point?” Lu Fangting frowned and covered her mouth with a handkerchief, gasping for breath. Qingzhi quickly gave her a medicinal pill and helped her take it.

“She’s such a beauty… yet she’s wasted on someone who won’t live long. A pity, really. But I can wait. I wouldn’t mind marrying a widow—even as a lowly concubine…” the Third Prince scoffed as he looked at her and strode away, as though even breathing the same air as her was beneath him.

Lu Fangting narrowed her eyes, watching him leave with an unreadable expression.

So this is the Palace family… cold-hearted and petty to the bone…

Qingzhi, although she hadn’t caught everything, still glared in the direction the Third Prince had left with wide, indignant eyes.

“No need to mind him… let’s go back to Warmth Pavilion,” Lu Fangting gestured weakly. Qingzhi withdrew her gaze and continued supporting her forward.

Though Lu Fangting said not to care, she couldn’t help but feel a simmering irritation. Just now, Su Qiuqiu had told the Third Prince that she’d only turned down his proposal because of her stepmother’s pressure. This implied that, without any coercion, she would have chosen the Third Prince instead.

In any case, her so-called virtue was just an excuse. As for helping the Lu family through business—clearly, that wasn’t from sincerity either.

On the surface, that girl appeared simple, but there was more to her than what was immediately apparent.

By the time Lu Fangting and Qingzhi arrived at the men’s hall, the brothers-in-law and Marquis An Ning were chatting merrily.

“My good son-in-law, come sit—are you feeling better now?” Marquis An Ning stood to greet her. Lu Fangting explained she had merely stepped out for air because the room felt stuffy. She did not expect to run into the Third Prince.

“You’re too kind, Father-in-law… I wouldn’t dare… cough… Father-in-law, tomorrow, I’ll send over the household staff that came with my dowry… cough…” Lu Fangting said between shallow breaths, her voice laced with suppressed anger.

“What do you mean by that?” the Marquis asked in confusion.

Lu Fangting covered her mouth with a handkerchief, saying nothing, and gestured for the servant standing beside Qingzhi to speak.

“Just now, when we stepped outside, a servant from the marquis household came looking for relatives among the return entourage. We found out that several of the maids and servants brought over in the marriage haven’t had their deed papers handed over—they’re still in the Madam’s possession. Some of them even have close relatives or parents working in the Marquis household, yet were forcibly separated. What does that mean? Even if the Prince of Zhen’nan Lu family has fallen from grace, we wouldn’t stoop so low as to steal from the new bride’s dowry just for a few servants…”

“This is outrageous!” The Marquis’s expression became darker. Although he was aware of his wife’s deceit in preparing Su Qiuqiu’s dowry, he chose to ignore it. He hadn’t expected her to go this far—or for Lu Fangting to call it out in front of everyone. It was embarrassing—this kind of underhanded move wasn’t fit for a noble house.

“If you don’t believe me, feel free to investigate,” Lu Fangting added coldly and said no more.

The Marquis hurried to apologize, promising to give her a proper explanation.

Lu Fangting sat quietly after that and said nothing further. Su Qiuqiu had mentioned this issue before, and Lu Fangting had agreed to handle it. A promise made must be a promise kept, regardless of past grievances.

*****

Meanwhile, Su Qiuqiu arrived at the courtyard of Fourth Concubine Qin.

Perhaps due to the Marquis of An Ning’s recent favor, Madam Qin looked much healthier. When she saw Su Qiuqiu, her eyes welled up with tears, making Su Qiuqiu smile. She pulled Su down to sit and talk.

Madam Qin came from an ordinary family. Her mother had taught her embroidery skills, which she used to earn some spending money. Her exceptional beauty caught the Marquis of Anning’s attention, and he took her as a concubine.

Su Qiuqiu asked about the Qin family, hoping to find someone trustworthy who could lend her a hand.

“It’s good that you’re thinking about managing the shops and bringing in some income,” Madam Qin said. “I’m not capable of teaching you, but… Your aunt—my elder sister—has a silk shop. She might have some experience. I’ll send word and arrange for you to meet her.”

Su Qiuqiu agreed, remembering this Aunt Qin from childhood—she resembled Madam Qin, but unlike her younger sister, she was outspoken and a bit harsh. Every time she visited the marquis residence, she would scold Madam Qin but also bring her gifts. Their sisterly bond was real.

Though Aunt Qin’s shop wasn’t large, having help was still better than stumbling around blind.

After a short chat, the Homecoming Banquet began, so Su Qiuqiu hurried over.

Before entering, Lu Fangting once again reached out to hold Su Qiuqiu’s hand. Su Qiuqiu flinched at first before reluctantly offering her hand. She didn’t seem too keen on putting on a show of affection, which didn’t go unnoticed.

She could be so gentle with even a maid, yet so distant with her husband—perhaps she truly didn’t like him at all…

*****

Lu Fangting’s words proved effective. Within days, the Marquis of An Ning personally visited, claiming his Marchioness, Madam Wang, had been negligent and had already been punished with confinement. He returned the indentures of all the servants Su Qiuqiu had brought, along with their immediate families, and even gifted her with two shops.

Su Qiuqiu was naturally delighted to have resolved such a troublesome matter. To express her gratitude, she made a pair of men’s underpants and cotton trousers for Lu Fangting—with side openings for convenience when urinating.

When Lu Fangting received the odd garments and noticed the peculiar opening, she stared blankly for a long while… but then inspiration struck.

These cotton trousers were form-fitting, warm, used little fabric, and were easier to move in than traditional Hu-style or military clothes. Men could relieve themselves outdoors in winter without risking frostbite. If such designs were distributed to the military, it would be a great convenience!

As for the lingerie she had previously given to “Qingli,” Lu Fangting had tried it on too. Naturally, the bra was too small and useless to her, but the panties and special menstrual version were surprisingly comfortable. They hugged the hips perfectly and didn’t slip, and as Su Qiuqiu put it, “No leaks, total coverage. A girl’s life should always be this exciting!” (…What in the world?)

This little lady really did have some strange but clever ideas.

Lu Fangting began to pay closer attention to Su Qiqi. One day, when Su Qiqi needed to go out, she disguised herself as Qingli and followed her.

*****

As the New Year approached, every household grew busy. Su Qiuqiu had yet to receive the authority to manage the household, so she used her free time to focus on her own plans.

That day was her meeting with Aunt Qin. Su Qiuqiu got permission and took her identity token to leave the residence together with Qingli (Lu Fangting in disguise).

“Qingli, I’ve missed you! It’s been a few days. How’s that gift I gave you last time? If anything’s uncomfortable, please let me know! Oh, and about those freckles on your face—I know a few methods to lighten them. Stick with it, and they might go away!” Su Qiuqiu sat in the carriage with Lu Fangting and began chatting animatedly, like an unstoppable waterfall of words.

Listening to her soft and sweet voice, Lu Fangting found this version of Su Qiuqiu even more lively and endearing. Watching her raise her little face with a bright smile, she couldn’t help but feel lighter in spirit.

Of course, the freckles on Lu Fangting’s face were fake—but thankfully, Su Qiuqiu only offered advice and didn’t try to touch them. Otherwise, they’d be wiped clean right there.

As the Seventh Miss had never left the Marquis household, Su Qiuqiu had no memory of the outside world. She asked Lu Fangting a few questions before casting an inquisitive glance out the window.

“There’s a sugar figurine vendor! And someone is selling candied hawthorn! Oh wow—real street performers? Qingli, can we go down and take a look?”

“If the County Mistress wishes to, of course we may. I will keep you safe.” Seeing Su Qiuqiu bounce with excitement like a curious kitten, Lu Fangting smiled and nodded.

Su Qiuqiu had the carriage wait on the other side of the street and eagerly pulled Lu Fangting into the crowd.

It had been so long since she’d seen such hustle and bustle, and everything felt so new. After a few steps, her face was flushed with delight.

“Wait until the Lantern Festival—it’s even livelier,” Lu Fangting murmured to herself, watching Su Qiuqiu’s wide-eyed wonder. So childish…

“Really? Then can I come out for that, too? Will you come with me, Qingli?” Su Qiuqiu’s eyes sparkled with hope.

“Probably not. Every year during the Lantern Festival, the palace hosts a grand banquet. You’ll have to attend.”

“Can I… not go?” Su Qiuqiu frowned.

“That, I do not know. But the palace events aren’t just about feasting. There are performances and lantern riddles too…”

“Fine… we’ll see then.” Su Qiuqiu nodded and continued walking beside her.

“Um, Qingli, do you have any silver on you?” Su Qiuqiu had just ordered two skewers of candied hawthorn when she realized that she hadn’t brought any money.

“I do.” Lu Fangting couldn’t help but chuckle as she paid.

“This one’s for you! I’ll repay you when we get back!” Su Qiuqiu handed her one and held the other for herself.

The sweet and sour taste made Su Qiuqiu’s eyes squint like crescent moons in joy.

Just as she bit into the first piece, they heard a dull thump. She turned and saw a small, gray-robed man had fallen to the ground—Lu Fangting withdrew her leg.

“Scram,” Lu Fangting said coldly. The man looked at her with fear and backed away a few steps, then fled.

“What was that?” Su Qiuqiu gasped.

“A thief. Nothing serious,” Lu Fangting said calmly.

“Wow… Qingli, you’re amazing!” Su Qiuqiu looked at her with starry-eyed admiration. She hadn’t even noticed the thief. Lu Fangting had kicked him away instantly. Being with her felt so safe…

“Let’s go,” Lu Fangting cleared her throat, clearly flustered by the blatant admiration, and pulled her away.

This bustling place attracted all kinds of people. 

Because the two of them were dressed finely. They become easy targets. But these pickpockets didn’t expect to mess with someone truly dangerous.

Since they still had to visit Aunt Qin, Su Qiuqiu didn’t stay long. As she walked, she observed shop types and layouts, already forming ideas in her mind.

As they neared the end of the street, a group of men in gray abruptly appeared from nowhere, either purposefully or inadvertently obstructing their path. One of them was the thief from before.

“Run!” Su Qiuqiu saw that there were five or six of them. No matter how powerful Qingli was, she couldn’t beat them all. She pulled Qingli’s (Lu Fangting) hand and kicked one of them in the crotch. She opened a gap in the encirclement, rushed out, and ran very fast. She didn’t look like a lady from a noble family at all…