The Prince Consort Is Also Pretending To Be Affectionate Today - Chapter 39

39

“Qixi?” Shen Zhuwan pondered for a moment. “That day should be free.”

“Why?” Shen Zhuwan’s gaze fell on the slightly expectant face of the young woman. “Does the Consort want to go with me?”

Ji Rongjin nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “I’d like to go out and explore.”

After all, since transmigrating to this world, this Qixi Festival was the grandest celebration in the Daqian Dynasty. Young men and women gathered together, and there was bound to be plenty of excitement to see. Ji Rongjin loved diving into lively places.

Shen Zhuwan’s thoughts churned inwardly, but her expression remained calm. “If it’s just for a stroll, the Consort could find anyone to accompany you. Why ask me?”

Ji Rongjin froze for a moment before replying sincerely, “Because on Qixi, lovers go out with their lovers, and those without lovers go with friends. But right now…”

She glanced at Shen Zhuwan before continuing, “The Princess and I are nominally a married couple. So, it wouldn’t be appropriate to go out with someone else.”

Indeed, it wouldn’t be proper. The key issue was that the only close friend she had in the capital was Jiang Nanyu, and Qixi was such an ambiguous festival. Even if both knew the other was a woman, going out together wouldn’t look good.

If they ran into someone with ulterior motives along the way, her carefully maintained reputation would be ruined.

“Is that all?” Shen Zhuwan tilted her head, her voice soft as she asked.

Ji Rongjin’s fingers, hidden under the quilt, tightened for a moment. For a fleeting second, she thought her true intentions had been seen through.

Truthfully, her reasons weren’t entirely so formal—she had some selfish motives as well.

Shen Zhuwan always carried an ethereal, otherworldly air, as if she didn’t belong to the mortal world. No matter where she was, her presence stood out, like an immortal in a painting, exuding a detached aura untouched by worldly matters.

Ji Rongjin wanted to see if, amidst the bustling streets and alleys, this fairy-like figure would take on a touch of earthly charm.

“That’s all.” Ji Rongjin replied, a flicker of guilt in her voice.

Perhaps it was her imagination, but after she spoke, Shen Zhuwan’s gaze seemed to deepen, lingering on her for a moment too long. After a while, Shen Zhuwan turned away, letting out a soft sigh. “I understand.”

Ji Rongjin quietly rejoiced, quickly slipping under the covers and skillfully wrapping her arms around the Princess’s waist. “Goodnight, Your Highness?”

The woman, with her back turned, remained silent for a long time before finally saying, “Take your hands off.”

Ji Rongjin: “…Oh.”

As expected, on a night without rain, the Princess wouldn’t allow any cuddling.

After much anticipation, Qixi finally arrived.

Ji Rongjin woke up early, pulling every piece of clothing from her wardrobe and trying them on one by one. She then asked Dongmei to pick out the most suitable outfit.

Dongmei, with a blank expression, watched her master discard a red robe, muttering, “This won’t do. It’s too flashy. The Princess prefers muted colors, and besides, wearing this would draw too much attention. How could we have fun?”

Dongmei smiled faintly and reminded her, “If the Consort keeps fussing, you’ll miss the morning court.”

Ji Rongjin reluctantly gave up, slipping into her red official robes and hurrying off to court.

After she left, Dongmei sighed helplessly.

For days, the Consort had been preparing for today, meticulously selecting everything from hair accessories to robe styles.

As she put it, a festival called for dressing up grandly.

But no matter how much she fussed, the sachet at her waist was always there.

Dongmei didn’t know who the sachet belonged to, but she had a faint suspicion it was a gift from the Princess.

After returning from court, Ji Rongjin soon received a message from Jiang Nanyu: Are you going out with the Princess tonight? If so, where? If not, come play with us!

Ji Rongjin’s reply was simple: I’m going out.

As for why she didn’t tell Jiang Nanyu where, it was because, knowing Jiang Nanyu’s personality, she might bring a crowd to spectate if she knew.

After replying to Jiang Nanyu, Ji Rongjin dove back into her grand task of choosing an outfit.

She lingered between a dark black robe and a white-gold one for a long time before seeking out Jinxi to ask what color the Princess was wearing today.

Jinxi thought for a moment and said, “The Princess is wearing white today.”

Ji Rongjin decisively abandoned the black robe. If the Princess wore white and she wore black, they’d look like the Black and White Impermanence spirits strolling the streets.

Once everything was prepared, Ji Rongjin began her long wait.

During her restless waiting, she noticed the dutiful Shadow Two.

Shadow Two was standing under a tree in the Princess’s residence, not far from Lian Xia, but her figure was completely hidden by the sturdy branches.

The setting sun cast golden light across her face.

She seemed somewhat distracted.

Ji Rongjin quietly approached her and said, “It’s Qixi today. I’ll give you the day off. Why don’t you go out and have some fun?”

Shadow Two froze for a moment, realizing she’d been caught daydreaming. She awkwardly looked away and said, “No need. We Shadows don’t require love or holidays.”

“Oh?” Ji Rongjin dragged out the sound. “You seemed so out of it, I thought you were heartbroken.”

Shadow Two: “…”

She took a deep breath. “I was just thinking about something else and got distracted. I failed in my duty. Please punish me, Consort.”

Ji Rongjin was bewildered by her sudden seriousness. What was going on? She was just teasing—why was Shadow Two taking it so seriously?

Unable to make sense of it, Ji Rongjin glanced at the setting sun, her mood brightening. She decided not to dwell on it. “It’s fine. Just be more careful next time.”

Shadow Two gave a soft “mm” and left to follow Lian Xia, her back looking oddly forlorn.

Ji Rongjin watched her retreating figure, lost in thought for a moment before shaking her head. She adjusted her robes and headed to the gate to meet Shen Zhuwan.

Standing at the gate, she gauged the time by the sky. It should be around the hour of Shen (3-5 p.m.). The Princess had mentioned she’d return around this time.

The distant sunset glowed brilliantly, like a pool of crimson ink spreading across the sky, dyeing half of it red. As time passed, it was slowly swallowed by clouds, leaving only a trace of bl00d-red twilight.

Shen Zhuwan still hadn’t returned.

Ji Rongjin began to speculate silently.

Before she could think too much, Shadow Three appeared before her.

“Her Highness says she might be a bit late tonight. She asks you to go out and enjoy yourself first and meet her at Quexi Bridge at the hour of Xu (7-9 p.m.).”

Ji Rongjin looked up at the woman and asked, “Is it His Majesty… or something else?”

Shadow Three paused before replying, “I’m only responsible for passing the message. I don’t know anything else.”

Ji Rongjin nodded, a trace of disappointment in her heart, but it was quickly replaced by excitement for the outing.

As night fell, Ji Rongjin left the residence and arrived at the bustling market.

The capital was adorned with colorful lanterns, and vendors lined the streets, their calls and laughter echoing endlessly.

The river, reflecting the glow of various lanterns, wound its way forward, disappearing into the depths of the market. Lotus and water lily lanterns, carrying people’s wishes, floated along the current.

On this day, lovers went out together, standing on bridges to watch the water, the waning moon, and their beloved, their shy glances filled with tender affection.

Unmarried men and women formed their own groups, searching the crowd for someone who caught their eye. If sparks flew, Qixi could become their day of commitment.

Most people went out in pairs or small groups, some with families, but those like Ji Rongjin, wandering alone, were rare.

Though alone, Ji Rongjin didn’t feel lonely or awkward. She stopped at every stall with interest, examining their wares.

Along the way, whenever she saw something novel or thought Shen Zhuwan might not have seen, she bought it to give to her later.

Since it was a private outing, Dongmei tactfully stayed behind.

This left Ji Rongjin carrying an armful of items, looking less like a festival-goer and more like a merchant stocking up.

As the night deepened and Ji Rongjin grew tired, she headed to Quexi Bridge.

By the bridge, someone had set up a few seats with a small wooden table. For a small fee, one could sit and rest.

These people had a keen sense for business, Ji Rongjin thought, observing the men who, despite wincing at the price, paid it reluctantly for the sake of their female companions.

Such a small sum was nothing to Little Ji. She paid readily, bought a large bowl of cold tea from a vendor, and sipped it while waiting.

As the hour of Xu approached, the Princess still hadn’t arrived. Shadow Three appeared again and said quietly, “His Majesty is ill. Her Highness may need another half hour.”

“Half an hour, huh.” Ji Rongjin’s eyes paused, and she smiled faintly. “Alright, I’m not in a hurry. Tell the Princess to take her time and settle His Majesty before coming.”

Shadow Three looked up, surprised by the gentle, unhurried demeanor of the “young man” before her. She softened her voice. “Yes.”

The Consort was quite patient.

Shadow Three soon disappeared into the crowd. Ji Rongjin propped her chin, her gaze shifting to the couples seated nearby, observing them with interest.

Soon, however, someone glared at her.

Little Ji’s pinky lightly brushed her lips as she chuckled, tactfully looking away to the full moon in the sky.

Under the deep night, the wide river rippled in the breeze, the moonlight shimmering in its folds. A gentle breeze carried a cool, refreshing comfort.

No wonder lovers always came to Quexi Bridge.

Ji Rongjin quietly admired the scenery, feeling relaxed and content. After some time, as couples came and went and the moon began to sink into the river, Shen Zhuwan still hadn’t arrived.

The half-hour was almost up.

Was she not coming?

Lost in thought, a hand suddenly patted her shoulder.

In an instant, her dim eyes lit up, and she turned eagerly. “Prin—”

The word “cess” caught in her throat.

The person wore a mask and a dark robe—not the one she’d been waiting for.

Ji Rongjin smiled warmly. “Miss Ye.”

Ye Lu looked at her suddenly dimmed eyes and raised a brow. Glancing beside her, she sat down. “Why is Young Master Ji alone? Where’s your wife?”

Ji Rongjin pressed her lips together, her smile unwavering. “My wife might have some matters to attend to. She’ll come a bit later.”

She glanced at Ye Lu’s side and asked curiously, “Is Miss Ye here alone too?”

Ye Lu nodded, her gaze drifting to the moon at the river’s end, though her peripheral vision scanned the surroundings. Not seeing the young woman, she replied, “Yes, I came alone.”

She hadn’t, actually. Song Nan had insisted on coming along, but Ye Lu didn’t want her to. The girl had trailed behind her, only to be shaken off in the crowd.

Who knew where she was now?

Ji Rongjin nodded, saying no more, clearly a bit distracted.

The appointed time had passed, and the Princess still hadn’t arrived. Ji Rongjin’s lips pressed together as she silently watched the moon.

Ye Lu observed her quietly for a moment before asking softly, “Is she still coming?”

Ji Rongjin lowered her eyes, pressing her lips again. “She’ll come.”

Ye Lu sighed inwardly, about to speak when her gaze caught a figure.

She subtly withdrew her gaze and asked, “Did Young Master Ji bring any guards?”

Ji Rongjin shook her head. “No.”

After a pause, the person beside her suddenly leaned closer, whispering, “Someone’s following you.”

Ji Rongjin froze, instinctively looking up to search, but Ye Lu stopped her.

The woman’s eyes, beneath the mask, were calm. “Listen to me. We’ll stand up in a moment and figure out where they are.”

“Alright.” Ji Rongjin nodded, subtly pulling back.

Moments later, the two stood up, casually chatting while scanning their surroundings.

Ye Lu’s gaze swept to a tree by the river, her eyes sharpening. “Found them.”

Before Ji Rongjin could react, Ye Lu leaped off the bridge, light as a swallow, landing on the shore in an instant.

The person behind the tree realized something was wrong and bolted into the crowd.

The crowd erupted in complaints.

Ji Rongjin watched from the bridge, her mind racing, wondering who could be following her.

Her thoughts yielded no answers. Ye Lu returned.

“Miss Ye,” Ji Rongjin said, noting her subtle expression. She paused. “Do you know that person?”

Ye Lu shook her head. “No.”

She then asked softly, “Did Her Highness mention sending someone to protect you?”

Ji Rongjin realized. “…That person was sent by Her Highness?”

“Yes,” Ye Lu said, meeting her gaze. “It’s the same person who followed you at Guoan Temple last time.”

Shadow One.

Ji Rongjin was stunned for a moment before slowly exhaling. “It must be someone Her Highness sent to protect me.”

Ye Lu looked at her, her eyes flickering as she sighed inwardly. “Perhaps.”

If it was truly for protection, why had he fled the moment he saw her?

It might be protection—or it might be surveillance.

Meanwhile, Shadow One, halfway through his escape, realized his mistake. Why had he run? He could’ve just said he was protecting the Consort. Fleeing only made him seem suspicious.

Frustrated, Shadow One steeled himself to return when he spotted a familiar figure in the crowd.

He hurried over. “…Your Highness.”

Shen Zhuwan paused. “Where’s the Consort?”

Shadow One, feeling guilty, replied, “At Quexi Bridge.”

Shen Zhuwan glanced at him but didn’t ask why he was here. Perhaps worried the young woman was growing anxious, she hurried toward Quexi Bridge.

Near the river, Shen Zhuwan immediately spotted two figures on the bridge—one in white, the other in dark robes with a familiar mask.

They seemed to be talking.

The distance was too great to see their expressions clearly.

The crowd moved, briefly blocking her view. When she looked again, the bridge was bustling, and amid the overlapping figures, she saw the dark-robed woman lean closer to the white-clad young woman and kiss her.

Shadow One: Tonight’s Princess Residence is sleepless.