The Prince Consort's Secret (GL) - Chapter 5

Fine. I’m a princess now—being watched while bathing is something I’ll have to get used to. I told myself this firmly a few times, then turned to the maids and said, “You may wait in the inner room. I’d like a moment of peace.”

The four of them exchanged puzzled glances. Then Qiu Wen giggled, “Your Highness really has lost her memory if even this makes you shy.”

The others couldn’t help but laugh too as they filed into the adjoining room.

Shy? Who said I was shy? That girl really deserves a scolding. Always talkative and lazy, and now she’s slandering me too? Tomorrow I’m making her peel sunflower seeds for me all day. Hmph.

As soon as the door closed, I sighed in relief. It was still more comfortable being alone. I soaked in the hot bath, then lay down in the inner chamber to sleep. After a long day of turmoil, I could finally rest properly.

The next morning, I woke up early, feeling clear-headed and refreshed. So it is true—early to bed and early to rise does a person good. I hadn’t felt this good in ages.

After washing up and eating breakfast, I had the maids take me around the estate for a walk. I wandered until my feet began to ache, then returned to the study to continue reading historical texts.

I was just engrossed in a passage when a warm male voice called from outside:

“When did my little sister become so studious?”

The Crown Prince?

I looked up and saw a handsome young man entering with a gentle smile. Dressed in white robes and holding a folding fan, he wore a jade belt at his waist and a golden hair crown—dignified and composed. But… it was early spring and not hot at all, and he was still fanning himself. Clearly just trying to look cool.

After quickly sizing him up as someone a bit unserious, I rose hurriedly and approached to greet him.

“Greetings to Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

No sooner had I finished speaking than I felt a light tap on the top of my head, followed by a teasing voice:

“So obedient today. What, trying to get your big brother to plead for you with Father? Useless—just marry him quietly.”

I was stunned. That sense of familiarity again… It had already washed over me when I first saw him. But now, that playful little head tap felt so achingly familiar—almost enough to bring tears to my eyes.

This strange déjà vu… Maybe I really was connected to this world somehow.

But no matter how hard I tried to recall, I couldn’t break through the fog in my mind—some invisible force kept those memories sealed away.

I rubbed my head and smiled.

“Brother, you’re wrong about that. Why would I need anyone to plead for me? I’ll marry if I have to.”

The Crown Prince gave me a suspicious look.

“Did you hit your head too hard? Are you delirious from hunger?”

“…”

I was speechless. Couldn’t he at least be happy for me?

But true to form, he chuckled and said, “That’s more like it. A lesson learned through hardship. If you’d realized this sooner, you wouldn’t have passed out from all the drama.”

He sat down casually and made himself comfortable.

I called for Yinger to serve tea, then sat opposite him with a smile.

“Exactly. Sooner or later, I’d have to marry. Might as well get it over with.”

“Now that’s no attitude to have. What do you mean, ‘might as well’? I promise you won’t regret marrying him. That consort of yours—he’s so exceptional, I’d snatch him up myself if he weren’t already yours.”

I almost choked.

Wait—does the Crown Prince have… a preference for men?

Seeing my expression, he grinned wickedly.

“After seeing his looks and character, I can finally understand those who admire beautiful men.”

He waved his ivory-handled fan with a flourish, looking every bit the charming noble.

I glanced disdainfully at that fan. You better freeze to death, holding that thing in this weather.

Forcing a smile, I replied, “You don’t have to exaggerate just to praise him.”

“I’m not exaggerating,” he said seriously, taking a sip of tea. “I mean it.”

“Oh.” I answered noncommittally.

We continued chatting for a while, even practicing calligraphy together. By midday, the Crown Prince rose to take his leave. As he exited the study, his attendant quickly followed. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the Prince’s smile on his way out had a suspicious glint.

Just as we neared the front gates, Yinger leaned in and whispered,

“The Tongzhilang—that is, your consort—is actually one of the Crown Prince’s personal aides.”

I blinked in surprise, then immediately understood what she meant.

At that moment, the main gate slowly opened. Outside, a full entourage of attendants and carriages awaited. But amidst them, one person stood out starkly.

That figure—tall and elegant beneath the sunlight—wore a futou headscarf and a red court robe that complemented his fair skin. A fish-shaped token hung from his waist, and below his smoky brows were eyes like phoenixes, bright and alive.

Even with his calm, distant expression and scholarly demeanor, he couldn’t hide the enchanting allure in his features.

Such stunning beauty… rare in this world.

But more importantly—

I strongly suspected that this person… was a woman.

What kind of man looks this delicately beautiful?