The Princess Who Married The Crown Prince(GL) - Chapter 25

Lu Fangting hurried back to the Crown Prince’s Courtyard through a secluded path, eager to avoid being seen. She quickly changed out of her clothes, took a brief bath, and changed into fresh garments. Just as she lay down in bed and pulled up the covers, Su Qiuqiu arrived.

“Elder Sister… are you coughing again?” Su Qiuqiu dismissed the others and knelt beside Lu Fangting, her brow furrowed with concern as she noticed her uneven breathing. “Are you feeling unwell?”

“It’s nothing,” Lu Fangting replied, inwardly thinking, *How could I not be breathless? I rushed back here as quickly as I could.*

“I’m not tired at all… The thought of seeing you kept me going. Elder Sister, I’m a little cold. May I lie down with you to warm up?” Su Qiuqiu bit her lip and gazed at Lu Fangting with pleading eyes.

“Come up here. It’s warm under the covers,” Lu Fangting said.

“Thank you, Elder Sister… I met Elder Sister Mo today. She’s…” Su Qiuqiu slipped off her shoes and outer robe, climbed into bed with Lu Fangting, snuggled close beneath the shared quilt, and leaned against her. In the cozy warmth, she began recounting her day’s adventures.

“I’ll be busy for the next few days,” Su Qiuqiu said, frowning as she recounted her duties at the Princess Manor. “In ten days, the Third Prince’s Residence is hosting a poetry gathering. Elder Sister Mo and I will be presenting our handmade gifts to the ladies attending, so we need to prepare plenty beforehand. I also need to visit the Heavenly Treasure (Tianbao) Pavilion to see

what kind of people they are. We can’t delay our collaboration much longer. After that, I won’t be able to spend every day with you.”

“Qiuqiu, why do you have to work yourself so hard?” Lu Fangting asked, aware of her recent endeavors and noticing her downcast expression.

“I promised I’d earn enough money to hire the best doctors for my Elder Sister’s illness,” Su Qiuqiu replied earnestly, her eyes fixed on Lu Fangting. “And I want to buy her the finest things—rare treasures, exquisite clothes, and gourmet delicacies. Only the very best will do for her.” Her sincerity shone through, reflecting her deepest convictions.

Why was she so devoted? Not out of selflessness, but out of true love. As someone with a keen eye for beauty, Su Qiuqiu had become an ardent admirer, a devoted fan, the moment she encountered someone who perfectly matched her ideal of a peerless goddess. She would do anything for her, unable to bear the thought of her suffering even the slightest hardship, injury, or unhappiness.

“Qiuqiu… why are you being so kind to me?” Lu Fangting gazed at Su Qiuqiu, momentarily speechless. She sensed Su Qiuqiu’s sincerity, but couldn’t understand why. They had only known each other for a few days, yet Su Qiuqiu was already treating her with such extraordinary warmth.

“Because… I like you, Elder Sister,” Su Qiuqiu said, hugging Lu Fangting’s arm and watching her reaction.

“Like?” Lu Fangting repeated, her eyes fixed on Su Qiuqiu. Su Qiuqiu nodded, nuzzling against Lu Fangting’s side. Lu Fangting noticed that Su Qiuqiu had removed her hairpins, letting her soft hair cascade down. She gently stroked it. Encouraged, Su Qiuqiu tightened her embrace around Lu Fangting’s waist, her eyes narrowing into crescent-shaped slits.

“Elder Sister, does this hug make you uncomfortable?” Su Qiuqiu asked, inhaling Lu Fangting’s delicate, cool fragrance.

“No… Qiuqiu, you can rest if you’re tired. I’ll wake you for dinner,” Lu Fangting replied.

“I’m not sleepy. I want to do more experiments later to finish the soap quickly so we can start earning lots of money soon. Elder Sister, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you… Xue Zhan and Xue Ming were sent by the palace. Do you think they might be spies planted by the court?” Su Qiuqiu shook her head, her expression worried.

“That’s not true,” Lu Fangting replied. “Your appointment as County Princess was actually arranged by my Aunt. These two palace maids also came from her palace, so they’re trustworthy.” She had sent the maids to Su Qiuqiu for her safety. After Su Qiuqiu’s close call at the Marquis Manor, Lu Fangting realized she needed alert attendants. That’s why she had asked her aunt to send the maids. Xue Zhan and Xue Ming had previously served as Lu Fangting’s eyes and ears around Su Qiuqiu, but now she felt such precautions were unnecessary. Su Qiuqiu had been under her constant watch these past few days, skillfully concealing her secrets from others but making no attempt to hide anything from her.

“Really? That’s wonderful… Elder Sister, was it you who helped me become County Princess? You’re so kind…” Su Qiuqiu exclaimed, her voice filled with gratitude. Consort Lu’s intervention had undoubtedly been influenced by her consideration for Lu Fangting.

“You know I’m a woman,” Lu Fangting explained. “If another woman were to marry into the family, it would be unfair to her. That’s why, when you agreed to marry me, I had to secure a position for you beyond just a Crown Princess.”

“I knew my Elder Sister was beautiful and kind-hearted—the best…” Su Qiuqiu said, touched by Lu Fangting’s matter-of-fact tone.

“It’s me who’s letting you down, Qiuqiu,” Lu Fangting replied. “A woman as wonderful as you deserves the finest man in the world.”

“There’s no need for such talk, Elder Sister,” Su Qiuqiu insisted. “What’s so great about men anyway? They keep three wives and four concubines. They are endlessly greedy. If I actually married someone like that, I’d be cursed for eight lifetimes.” *As if I, a celestial being like me, would settle for anything less than the most stunning goddess… and my elder sister fits the bill perfectly.*

*Ahem…*

“Qiuqiu, why are you suddenly asking about them?” Lu Fangting’s gaze sharpened as she observed Su Qiuqiu.

“I hadn’t given it much thought before, entrusting them with tasks without considering the consequences,” Su Qiuqiu explained. “But after hearing your concerns, I realized—what if they leak my secrets to that old Emperor? My wealth would be exposed! Some things aren’t just ideas; they require countless experiments. I can’t possibly manage them all alone. So I record the key data and have them carry out the trials. Even if someone tried to steal my work, they’d still need time for experimentation—it’s not something they can replicate overnight. Elder Sister, am I clever?” Su Qiuqiu asked.

“Qiuqiu, you’re so clever,” Lu Fangting praised her lavishly. She had long grown accustomed to Su Qiuqiu’s shocking habit of calling the Emperor “Old Emperor,” but she found the girl’s unwavering confidence in acquiring wealth far more amusing.

“I’ve just been fortunate enough to read a few books,” Su Qiuqiu replied. “Elder Sister, I’ve always wondered how you could be so tall and… *well-developed*, despite your frail health. Sometimes, natural talent truly surpasses any amount of effort.”

Lu Fangting coughed lightly. “Qiuqiu, you’re still young. You’ll grow into your own as you get older.” This was a sensitive point for her; as a man, her height was merely average, but as a woman, she stood quite tall. As for her chest… how did Su Qiuqiu even know about that?

“Mhm, mhm, I’m sure I will!” Su Qiuqiu nodded earnestly. Every day, she drank goat’s milk and diligently ate foods known to enhance br3ast size. She remembered a whole list: papaya, milk, kudzu root, soy products, red dates, walnuts, and more. Since she couldn’t find papaya, milk, or kudzu root right now, she simply increased her intake of the soy products, peanuts, walnuts, and red dates that were available.

Having spent time in male circles, Lu Fangting knew how obsessed men were with the size of their anatomy and how much they enjoyed comparing themselves to others. She was surprised to learn that women also compared their assets and admired larger ones. She found Su Qiuqiu’s little insecurities both amusing and rather endearing.

After chatting in bed for a while, Su Qiuqiu reluctantly got up to attend to her duties.

****

“Qingzhi, how did it go?” Lu Fangting asked Qingzhi, who entered the room after Su Qiuqiu left. They were referring to the embroidered pouch Zhongli Yao had asked Lu Fangting to retrieve from Gong Luoyun.

“I’m sorry, Elder Sister, I couldn’t get it. The Princess’s guards discovered me, and I barely escaped… It was all my fault for being careless,” Qingzhi said apologetically.

“Were you hurt? Let me check…” Lu Fangting wasn’t concerned about the mission’s failure but worried about Qingzhi’s safety. Sending Qingzhi on this task had never been ideal, as Lu Fangting couldn’t do it herself and had no other reliable people available. It had been a daunting task.

“No, I’m fine…” Qingzhi waved dismissively.

“Don’t lie to me…” Lu Fangting shook her head, her expression serious as she studied Qingzhi’s face.

“It’s just an arrow graze on my arm,” Qingzhi finally said, walking over to Lu Fangting after she beckoned.

“That won’t do. Go to Mr. Zhongli for proper treatment and use the best gold wound medicine. Money is not a question. Rest well for the next few days—stay at Mr. Zhongli’s place until you’re fully recovered. I’m afraid the Emperor might investigate,” Lu Fangting said, examining Qingzhi’s arm. It was a knife wound that had already received basic first aid, but it would take several days to heal.

“Alright, Elder Sister…” Qingzhi replied dejectedly.

*****

Meanwhile:

Su Qiuqiu mixed several batches of soap solution with varying ratios, instructed the maids to stir them thoroughly, and poured the mixture into molds to set. She left them to solidify.

Although the process seemed simple, it turned out to be quite tedious. Su Qiuqiu returned to her room to wash away the lingering odors before joining Lu Fangting for dinner.

“Young Master, since Qingzhi is out on errands today, may I assist you with your bath and changing clothes?” Lanxiu asked cheerfully after the meal.

“…Qingzhi is not around?” Before Lu Fangting could respond, a sudden realization struck Su Qiuqiu. A “eureka” moment had dawned on her.

“That’s right… Qingzhi went to Plum Blossom Manor to fetch snow plum water for the Young Master. She won’t be back for two or three days,” Lanxiu said, sensing this was the perfect opportunity to step forward and become his personal maid.

“No need, Lanxiu. You can go and rest. I’ll attend to the Young Master myself,” Su Qiuqiu said with a smile.

Lanxiu was speechless.

“Serving the Young Master is my duty. You may go and prepare the hot water,” Su Qiuqiu said with the air of a proper mistress.

*Elder Sister, aren’t I clever?* Su Qiuqiu thought triumphantly as she dismissed Lanxiu. *Why hadn’t I thought of this sooner? Helping Lu Fangting bathe—there couldn’t be a better task! Qingzhi gets to do this all the time? She’s so lucky!*

“Thank you, Qiuqiu, for saving me from that awkward situation,” Lu Fangting said, praising her. She always felt that when Su Qiuqiu received praise, she resembled a little kitten wagging its tail and squinting its eyes.

In truth, Lanxiu had merely volunteered. Whether she would be allowed to stay was Lu Fangting’s decision, but since Su Qiuqiu insisted on helping, she didn’t object.

In the washroom, a large wooden tub was filled with hot water. Su Qiuqiu and Lu Fangting entered, and Su Qiuqiu reached out to help Lu Fangting undress.

“Qiuqiu, you don’t need to do this. I can manage myself,” Lu Fangting said, gently stopping Su Qiuqiu’s hand. Although Qingzhi was her personal maid, she didn’t do everything for her. Lu Fangting often used bath time to instruct Qingzhi on various tasks, preferring to bathe herself.

“I want to help you, Elder Sister. It’s no trouble at all… it’s not hard work,” Su Qiuqiu said casually, though her fingers trembled slightly as she untied Lu Fangting’s belt.

Underneath Lu Fangting’s white undergarment was a set of lingerie Su Qiuqiu had made for her with her own hands. It was made of the finest Shu brocade, the kind Su Qiuqiu herself couldn’t bear to use, but she had used it to make Lu Fangting’s undergarments. The design was inspired by a Victoria’s Secret fashion show she had seen in her previous life: a red bra with a back tie and a thong with thin straps on either side.

Su Qiuqiu had been to women’s bathhouses, seen countless photo collections, and considered herself worldly, but she had never seen a body as exquisite as Lu Fangting’s in real life. Despite preparing herself mentally, she was still stunned by the curves and sensuality Lu Fangting revealed. She looked at Lu Fangting like a fool.