The Prince Consort's Secret (GL) - Chapter 3

The mirror reflected a gentle face, bright eyes, and a calm demeanor—a medical student, indeed. But… my smile still held a mischievous air. Yes, it was me, exactly as I was in my previous life, only younger—perhaps seventeen or eighteen—dressed in ancient clothing.

How could this be? What connection could a commoner from the interstellar age have with a princess from another world? I couldn’t understand. Coincidence, I supposed. The universe is vast; there must be two people with identical genes. My soul simply found its way here.

Farewell, interstellar age. No more flying cars, no more classmates and friends. A wave of sadness washed over me as I handed the mirror to the waiting maid and fell into thought.

Gradually, the three maids began chatting, mostly about me, occasionally addressing me and the maid massaging my legs. During their conversation, they mentioned their names: Ying’er, Quan’er, Qiuwen, and Yunyan. Done. I knew their names.

It would have been easier to feign amnesia… but then Father would have summoned physicians, causing a commotion. Better to relax. A wave of drowsiness overcame me. I closed my eyes and rested.

I awoke to twilight. Disoriented, I instinctively reached for my phone… then remembered. Looking up at the ornate red ceiling, smelling unfamiliar incense, feeling the unbelievably soft bedding, I realized where I was. This was a strange place. My past life was gone. Life is but a dream.

After a long moment of staring blankly, Ying’er approached, smiling. “Princess, you’re awake! Why didn’t you call me? Dinner’s almost ready. I was about to wake you.” Wait, wasn’t it customary to only eat twice a day? They’re having dinner now?

I smiled. “I just woke up.” Yunyan came over. I let them dress me, again marveling at this luxurious life. Ying’er continued, “By the way, the Crown Prince visited while you were asleep. He said you should rest and eat well, and to stop being reckless. He’ll visit again tomorrow.”

The Crown Prince. He came late. Shouldn’t he have arrived around the same time as Father? I wondered what he was doing, and whether he was my brother or sister, and if I had other siblings. I’d have to check the historical records in the study after dinner.

But there was a more pressing matter… Especially after six bowls of porridge… I needed to find the… restroom. Or, in this time period, the latrine. Should I ask for directions? I started to walk out. Ying’er asked, “Where are you going, Princess?”

“To relieve myself,” I replied, smiling. The other maids approached. “We’ll accompany you, Princess.” They were watching me constantly. Good. A strong lineup. “Quan’er and Qiuwen, you two lead the way.”

“Why?” they asked. “Just do it. Don’t ask why!” They obediently led the way.

We passed through the outer room and stepped outside. A cool breeze touched my skin. Spring or autumn? I asked the maids; it was the fifteenth year of Jianyuan, the second month. February. The room had been warm with charcoal, but outside I felt the chill. The grand architecture was impressive. I’ve always loved ancient styles. This princess’s estate was huge. I should explore it.

After returning to my room, I waited for dinner in the outer room. The other four maids had disappeared. Leaning back, I examined the outer room.

A large ink painting hung on the wall opposite the door. A vase, tables, chairs… Then I saw a sword. I wanted to examine it. Ying’er approached. “Princess, do you want to practice swordsmanship? Wait a few days…”

I looked at my hands—long, slender, calloused. A martial artist. But I didn’t know any sword techniques! “I won’t,” I said, smiling. Then I remembered the husband who’d caused my predecessor’s hunger strike. “By the way, how skilled is my husband with weapons?”

Ying’er hesitated. “They say he’s handsome and accomplished in both literature and martial arts.” Excellent! He could teach me! “Princess, you’re finally interested in your husband.”

Had I not been interested before? He was my husband in name, at least. “Tell me more. Where is he from? What’s his position?”

“He’s from Zezhou, Xichuan. His parents died young… He’s a Tongzhi Lang of the sixth rank, and has been granted the title of Prince Consort. Sixth rank is low, but he’s a court official. It’s good for someone who just passed the imperial examination. He’ll be promoted.”

“Hmm,” I replied, feeling a kinship. Orphaned parents. Worse than my situation.

Dinner arrived. The maids served. As darkness fell, I realized it was time for bed. But I couldn’t adjust to that sleep schedule…

I had so much to learn about this world. I should visit the study and read the historical records. The image of “reading by lamplight, with a beautiful woman adding incense” flashed in my mind. I was determined!