The Prince Consort Is Also Pretending To Be Affectionate Today - Chapter 23

23

Fortunately, the three people ahead were walking quickly, and although the servant was shocked, he knew to keep his voice low. Thus, the explosive news only caused a small-scale uproar.

Ji Rongjin was so stunned by the sudden revelation that she stumbled, nearly tripping. It was only with Dongmei’s support that she managed to steady herself.

The servant, looking as though he had uncovered a grand secret, stared wide-eyed, his gaze more intense than ever.

Ji Rongjin locked eyes with him and muttered through gritted teeth, “Don’t you dare spread rumors. I won’t admit to anything.”

Despite her words, her mind raced with details she hadn’t noticed before. If… if the original owner of this body truly liked Lin Changcun, then what was the deal with her and the princess?!

Amid the chaos in Ji Rongjin’s mind, Lin Changcun, his face equally grim, spoke up, “You really are relentless!”

Relentless?

Did that mean Lin Changcun knew the original owner had feelings for him?

For a moment, Lin Changcun and his servant, Ji Rongjin and her maid, all fell into a collective silence.

Unnoticed by them, someone hidden behind the trees dropped their pen in shock.

In the Dining Hall

Ji Rongjin’s heart couldn’t settle. Although it was the original owner who liked Lin Changcun, she was the one inhabiting this body now. The thought of such an embarrassing tale spreading through the martial world in the future…

Stop it! Ji Rongjin thought fiercely. This rumor had to be snuffed out in its cradle.

She would never admit to it, and Lin Changcun had no proof. The priority now was to make them believe she had never liked him.

As she mulled this over, her gaze met Lin Changcun’s across the table. Both flinched, quickly looking away as if they hadn’t seen each other.

Ji Rongjin lowered her head, suppressing her thoughts, when a brilliant idea struck her.

Only a few people knew about this—Dongmei could be easily dealt with. As for Lin Changcun and his servant, if she could act affectionate enough with Shen Zhuwan, any talk of “broken sleeves” would just be about a torn sleeve, nothing to do with her.

With her mind made up, Ji Rongjin relaxed. Looking at Lin Changcun now didn’t feel as awkward.

After dinner, Ji Rongjin and Shen Zhuwan didn’t linger and soon left.

The moment their carriage departed, Lin Changcun hurriedly dragged his parents back to their room, pushed his servant forward, and made him recount the entire incident.

The candlelight flickered, casting shadows on three silent faces.

Lin Changcun’s expression was dark. “Father, Mother, I told you, but you didn’t believe me. Now with A’Fu as my witness, you have to believe me, right? That Ji Rongjin is a ‘broken sleeve,’ and he’s got his sights set on your son!”

His words rang out forcefully, and the couple’s expressions finally softened.

Madam Lin frowned. “The prince consort seems devoted to the princess. He doesn’t seem like a ‘broken sleeve.’”

She glanced at her son. “Besides, even if he were, he probably wouldn’t set his sights on our Changcun.”

Lin Changcun: “…”

He was furious. “Mother!”

Madam Lin, seeing his expression, quickly clarified, “I mean, with how poorly you’ve treated him, he wouldn’t bother chasing you.”

“She did bother!” Lin Changcun retorted. “Not only did she chase me, she boldly told A’Fu, as if he was afraid I wouldn’t know!” The thought gave him goosebumps.

“Enough,” General Lin said solemnly. “We’re leaving tomorrow anyway.”

“True,” Madam Lin agreed, but then she seemed to recall something, hesitating before sighing, “Fine, we’re leaving tomorrow.”

Lin Changcun felt their focus was entirely off. What did leaving tomorrow matter? The princess was still being deceived by Ji Rongjin, and wasn’t he the one in danger here?

But the couple ignored him, holding hands as they left, leaving Lin Changcun petrified in place.

Was his life worth nothing?

That Night

In her study, Shen Zhuwan was reviewing memorials.

Shadow Two respectfully handed her a record of the prince consort’s actions and words from the day, then stepped back to await instructions.

Shen Zhuwan glanced at the densely written page. After finishing the memorial in her hand, she set down her brush and picked up the paper.

Initially, she reviewed these reports daily, but later changed to every three days. This was Ji Rongjin’s record for the past three days.

Her gaze paused on the first line—three days ago was when Ji Rongjin began practicing martial arts. She continued reading calmly, but when she reached the last line, her eyes flickered.

She set the paper down and looked at the unassuming woman standing below. “You heard this yourself?”

Shadow Two replied promptly, “Yes, I heard it with my own ears.”

Shen Zhuwan said lightly, “And the matter with the daughter of Doctor Jiang a few days ago?”

Shadow Two’s stoic face showed a hint of indignation. “That’s exactly what I wanted to report. The prince consort is indiscriminate with men and women, her private conduct is deplorable.”

Shen Zhuwan closed her eyes briefly. After a moment, she said, “This must not be leaked. You may go.”

Shadow Two never questioned Shen Zhuwan’s decisions and quickly left.

After she departed, Shen Zhuwan burned the note as usual and returned to her unfinished memorials.

Meanwhile, the “deplorable” Ji Rongjin slept soundly in her room.

The Next Morning

A fat pigeon landed by Ji Rongjin’s bed. She skillfully retrieved the letter, which bore Jiang Nanyu’s scrawled handwriting, inviting her to go horseback riding tomorrow.

Having learned to ride in her previous life, Ji Rongjin was curious about the differences between the horses here and those in the modern world, so she agreed.

She replied: Remember to wear men’s clothing.

Jiang Nanyu, receiving the reply, was baffled but complied, borrowing one of her father’s robes. The pattern was a bit old-fashioned, but it would do.

She adjusted her appearance, satisfied with her reflection, and headed out.

They met at Chunwang Tavern for a meal. When Ji Rongjin arrived at the reserved room, she saw an elderly figure with their back to her.

Thinking for a moment, she politely said, “Sir, did you come to the wrong place? This is—”

Jiang Nanyu turned around, nearly scaring Ji Rongjin out of her skin.

The girl was wearing a fake white beard, dressed in an old-fashioned robe, mimicking an elderly man’s trembling movements. In a croaky voice, she said, “Young man, you’re calling me?”

Ji Rongjin: “…”

Jiang Nanyu continued, “Young man, you must remember…”

“Remember what?” Ji Rongjin asked.

“Just remember.”

Ji Rongjin’s temple twitched. “If Doctor Jiang finds out, you’re in for a punishment.”

“How would he know?” Jiang Nanyu scoffed, then grinned at Ji Rongjin. “We’re out today to celebrate that jerk Lin Changcun finally leaving!”

Ji Rongjin sat across from her, pouring herself tea. “Why are you so happy about him leaving?”

Jiang Nanyu clicked her tongue. “Happy because he can’t ruin your relationship anymore.”

Ji Rongjin’s hand shook. “Our relationship?”

“Yeah!” Jiang Nanyu’s eyes darted, then she resumed her elderly tone. “He’s gone, Old Ji. Stop pining for him. Liking the princess is way better than liking him.”

Ji Rongjin’s pupils quaked. Even she knew?! How many people knew about this?!

She steadied her expression, adamantly denying, “What are you talking about? I could never like him. I’ve never liked him.”

Jiang Nanyu gave her a skeptical look, then smirked knowingly. “Sure, sure. I get it. You loved him once, I understand.”

Ji Rongjin: You understand nothing.

“I really don’t,” Ji Rongjin said earnestly. “I’ve always liked the princess.”

“I knew it!” Jiang Nanyu’s eyes lit up. “No wonder you went to such lengths to give the princess that birthday gift.”

Ji Rongjin: “…” Why do I feel like I’ve been tricked?

As they chatted, the waiter brought their dishes. They stopped talking, dug in, and casually passed each other the foods they didn’t like.

After the meal, they rested briefly before heading to the western suburbs’ horse track.

The track was a popular spot in the capital for riding. People could bring their own horses or rent them for a fee to ride through the forested area.

Ji Rongjin, accompanied by a “white-bearded old man,” drew quite a few stares.

Noticing the attention on Jiang Nanyu, Ji Rongjin stepped away. “With you like this, people will think I’m bullying an old man.”

Jiang Nanyu began trembling exaggeratedly, shakily handing over payment to play up her act, and leaned closer to Ji Rongjin, grinning. “Watch me shock them later.”

Ji Rongjin had a bad feeling, but before she could speak, a voice interrupted.

“Well, is this young master and this elderly gentleman here to ride as well?”

Both Ji Rongjin and Jiang Nanyu froze, then turned toward the voice.

The speaker sat atop a tall, dark brown horse, dressed in a black riding outfit, her upper face masked, revealing only clear, friendly eyes.

Ji Rongjin and Jiang Nanyu exchanged a glance before Ji Rongjin replied, “Yes. And you are?”

“Just a passerby,” the woman said in a clear, melodious voice, smiling. “Since we’ve met, how about a race?”

Ji Rongjin had no issue with it. She glanced hesitantly at Jiang Nanyu, about to speak, when Jiang Nanyu nodded, lowering her voice. “Fine, this old man will join you.”

Ji Rongjin: “…”

The woman chuckled, not calling out the disguise, and tugged her reins. “Good.”

Races at the track weren’t uncommon, but this trio—an “old man,” a young woman, and a “shameless” man—was unusual.

The “shameless” Ji Rongjin ignored the murmurs behind her, looking skyward, feeling utterly wronged.

The onlookers, unaware of the truth, saw only a strong man bullying an old man and a woman. But when the race began, and the horses’ hooves kicked up dust in their faces, they stared in shock at the three figures speeding away.

Silence fell over the track.

Someone muttered in elegant Daqian vernacular, “Holy sht, this old man… this old man… is this fierce?!”

The shock wasn’t limited to them. Spectators watched the “old man” bouncing on the horse, looking like he might fall apart, and began doubting their own eyes.

Then someone noticed a white beard fluttering in the wind and gasped, “Oh no, the old man’s really falling apart!”

Unaware of the commotion, Ji Rongjin and the others reached the finish line, sweating profusely—not from exertion, but from the sun.

The rented horses weren’t as good as the woman’s, so Ji Rongjin and Jiang Nanyu tied for second, still a decent result.

Ji Rongjin helped Jiang Nanyu, whose beard and brows were half dislodged, and teased, “Now you can brag that riding rejuvenates you.”

Jiang Nanyu laughed, yanking off her fake beard and brows, and turned to the calm woman. “Didn’t expect you to ride so well, miss. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden this wildly.”

The woman nodded slightly, then smiled at Ji Rongjin. “You’re not bad either, young master.”

After some mutual compliments, they exchanged surnames and agreed to ride together again.

Watching the woman leave, Ji Rongjin mused, “Ye? Is there a prominent Ye family in the capital?”

Jiang Nanyu, wiping sweat, teased, “Why? Planning to propose?”

Ji Rongjin’s mouth twitched. “Life’s short enough—want me to take a shortcut to the grave?”

“No worries.” Jiang Nanyu grinned. “Our Daqian history is full of prince consorts taking concubines and princesses keeping lovers.”

Ji Rongjin didn’t want to argue further. Staring at the woman’s retreating figure, she fell into thought.

The horse the woman rode wasn’t ordinary—fast and enduring, the kind carefully raised even in wealthy households, not lent out casually. Yet this woman rode one.

She was either from a prominent family or had connections to someone in power. Ji Rongjin wasn’t sure about the former, but she hadn’t heard of any official named Ye.

Still, she was just a passerby, so Ji Rongjin didn’t dwell on it and left.

Shortly after, Shadow Two appeared, writing in her report:

The prince consort went riding with her childhood friend and met a woman surnamed Ye. The three bonded over the race and exchanged surnames. The friend, possibly jealous, jokingly suggested the prince consort propose to Ye. The prince consort ignored it. The friend mentioned the history of princesses keeping lovers and prince consorts taking concubines, seemingly persuading her. The prince consort appeared moved, staring longingly at Ye’s departing figure, reluctant to leave.

That night, Jiang Nanyu, who had never been caught sneaking out, returned home to find Doctor Jiang waiting at the door with a stick.

His already stern face darkened further upon seeing her in his robe.

Jiang Nanyu stepped back. “…Father, let me explain.”

The Next Day

Ji Rongjin attended court in high spirits but left dejectedly.

Today was different, though—her father, whom she hadn’t seen until now, waited for her after court to bring her back to the Ji family for a meal.

Lord Ji, a refined middle-aged man, and Lady Ji enthusiastically served her food during the meal. Ji Rongjin could guess their intentions and accepted warmly.

After the meal, the previously warm couple suddenly fell silent, exchanging a glance. Lady Ji, unable to bear the quiet, spoke first. “Child, we know you’re upset. Whatever you want to say, say it today.”

Ji Rongjin remained silent.

Lady Ji sighed, wiping tears as if recalling something painful. “Child, your parents have failed you. If you really like that Lin boy…”

Ji Rongjin: “!” How does everyone know?!

She thought it was a secret, but apparently, it was common knowledge.

To stop her mother from suggesting anything drastic and to protect her reputation, Ji Rongjin interrupted firmly, “Mother, your… son has no such inclinations. I’ve always liked the princess.”

“That’s good, you…” Lady Ji paused, uncertainly touching her ear. “What did you say?”

“I said, your son has no such inclinations. Even if I did, I wouldn’t remember. I like the princess.”

Her words hung in the air, met with silence.

Ji Rongjin looked up to see both parents’ mouths and eyes wide open in shock.

After a long pause, Lady Ji murmured, “That’s good… you liking the princess is good…”

Lady Ji: Good news, my child is no longer a ‘broken sleeve.’ Bad news, my child might be a ‘mirror-grinder.’

Little Ji (convincing herself): I like the princess, always have. Lin Changcun? Never heard of him.