The Prince Consort's Secret (GL) - Chapter 6

My first thought was that this person was a woman disguised as a man.

But soon, doubts crept in. It was said that some men naturally possessed delicate, feminine features—just think of the male courtesans. Even the famous warrior Prince of Lanling was known for his soft, almost feminine beauty, and wore a fierce-looking mask in battle to conceal it.

Besides, this consort-to-be had passed the imperial examinations, which were notoriously strict about background checks and household records.

Still… I studied him again. He looked so much like a woman. No matter how unlikely, that alone was enough to spark my intense curiosity!

As I stood there, frozen in contemplation, the people around us bowed deeply at the sight of the Crown Prince and me. That person’s presence was simply too arresting—impossible to ignore. A true enchantment in human form.

Just then, the bewitching one lifted their head again, and in the instant our eyes met, I caught a fleeting trace of… guilt?

What is going on? Why did he have that same expression as that composed imperial physician?

Could they be in on something together? It was entirely possible—both of them shared that calm, imperturbable demeanor. The kind I envied the most.

As I brooded over this, a hand suddenly patted my shoulder. I snapped back to reality.

The Crown Prince was smiling at me. “Falling for him already? Didn’t I tell you he was something?”

I laughed faintly. “Falling” was a bit much, but I had to admit—I was stunned.

I always thought I was fairly attractive, but this—this was beauty in its truest form.

If that person was really a man, how were us women supposed to live up to that?

Still… I’d know the truth come the wedding night. Heh.

Amused by the thought, I silently made up my mind.

The Crown Prince was still enthusiastically chattering beside me.

“Shame we have to avoid suspicion for now, or I’d let you two spend time together. You’d be head-over-heels in no time. Actually, I think you already are! Hahahaha…”

I stayed silent.

Love should be about feelings, not just looks, right?

What was that saying again? Love at first sight is just lust at first glance.

Clearly, my royal brother was the impulsive type. Poor future sister-in-law…

The Crown Prince, mistaking my silence for either agreement or shyness, became even more delighted. Whatever he thought—he could think it.

He took his leave with a spring in his step, and the crowd outside parted to let him through. A servant helped him into his carriage, while that stunning man—or was it a woman?—mounted his horse with graceful ease. The fluidity of his motion was a pleasure to watch.

I couldn’t even ride yet… I should learn someday.

As the consort galloped ahead to lead the way, I suddenly wondered: was it really appropriate for a future royal son-in-law to serve the Crown Prince like this?

Then it struck me—“Fuma” (royal consort) originally meant the man who accompanied the emperor’s secondary carriage. It was a position of honor, not servitude. Serving the Crown Prince now made perfect sense.

Of course. Compared to the imperial family, everyone else was just… lesser.

The consort rode with confident ease, the guards and coachmen trailing behind couldn’t match his poise. Then—

The Crown Prince peeked out from behind the carriage curtain with a wicked grin.

Hmph. So what if I was watching? I’m a princess—I can stare openly if I want to!

I rolled my eyes and turned away. Only then did I notice the maids around me.

Yinger looked calm as always, but Qiu Wen was still visibly stunned.

I chuckled, “Qiu Wen, what’s got you so dazed?”

She blinked, then smiled breezily. “Just thinking how lucky Your Highness is.”

Ugh. Teasing this crazy girl might’ve been a mistake.

Once Qiu Wen opened her mouth, the others followed suit, all echoing how lucky I was.

Well… I was pretty lucky. How often does a girl get to marry someone who might be a woman?

The wedding night was going to be fun. Oh, I couldn’t wait to see how that would go!

After a while, I turned to Yinger and asked, “How did you know the Tongzhilang was the Crown Prince’s personal aide?”

A court matter like that shouldn’t be common knowledge to a maid.

Yinger smiled.

“Though Tongzhilang isn’t a high rank, it’s a very prestigious and influential position in our dynasty.”

I raised a brow. How could a sixth-rank palace official be that important?

“There are few who qualify, and terms are short,” she explained. “But once someone has served as Tongzhilang, they’re no longer bound by the rule forbidding princes from getting too close to officials. Also, it’s a position given only to those the Emperor truly favors. Our current Chancellor Zhang once held it.”

Ah, so that’s why.

Father must’ve allowed it so someone could keep the Crown Prince in check—or at least steer him toward responsibility.

Was Father worried my brother lacked interest in governance?

As for the consort, I’d thought it pitiful that he had to lead the Crown Prince’s procession on horseback. Now I knew it was actually a mark of honor.

How many people probably dreamed of being the one to ride ahead of the Crown Prince’s carriage?

By then, we had returned to the inner quarters.

After lunch and a nap, I took another stroll around the estate, browsed a few more history books, joked with the maids, and watched the sun dip low.

Without phones or computers, passing time in this ancient world was excruciating.

No wonder people back then went to bed so early!

After dinner and a bit of rest, I gave in and went to bed.

________________________________________

The Next Morning

I woke early again, ate breakfast, and guessed the morning court session had ended.

I told the maids to prepare the carriage—I was going to the palace.

But as I was packing, a maid suddenly rushed in.

“Your Highness! Eunuch Liu from the palace has arrived. He’s waiting in the main hall. The princess must prepare to receive the decree!”

That fast? Is the dowry already arranged?

I was just about to go greet him when Yinger grabbed my sleeve.

Puzzled, I stopped walking. Once the other maid left, Yinger whispered,

“Your Highness, you must change before receiving the imperial edict.”

We have to change clothes for that…?

Fine.

I quickly put on a red ceremonial robe. The golden crown they set on my head was so heavy I didn’t even want to look in the mirror.

After asking the maids for key etiquette tips, I made my way to the main hall.

Inside were not only our own maids but also several pale-skinned young eunuchs.

A few large boxes sat on the floor. Only one man, Eunuch Liu, sat sipping tea.

When he saw me, he rose and bowed deeply.

“Greetings to Your Highness.”

I quickly told him to rise. He clasped his hands and smiled.

“Congratulations, Princess. To be at the Emperor’s side and witness such joy is an honor.”

Even the eunuchs call themselves officials.

This world really is patterned after the Song dynasty… I quite like it.

I was about to reply with a light-hearted remark when I remembered—

I was an unmarried young lady. I had to be reserved.

So I simply smiled and said, “You flatter me, Eunuch Liu.”

He grinned and got straight to the point.

“Princess, please receive the imperial edict.”

I knelt, and all the maids followed suit.

He unfolded the golden scroll and read aloud:

“By the Emperor’s decree:

We hereby betroth Princess Changning to the newly appointed Third-Ranked Scholar, Tongzhilang, and Imperial Consort Commandant Mu Han.

Their wedding shall take place on the twentieth day of the third month.

The Princess is hereby gifted: one phoenix crown, one pearl-encrusted robe, a set of pearl-and-jade pendants, a golden belt with inlaid gems, a jade dragon coronet, jade-handled sash rings, combs adorned with northern pearls and seven treasures, pearl-trimmed seasonal garments, and an array of jeweled gold accessories…”

As he read, the eunuchs began presenting the items one by one.

It was only then that I realized…

I hadn’t even known my consort’s name until now.

Mu Han.

So this was the person with whom I’d be bound for life.

The thought felt… surreal.

After the decree was finished, Eunuch Liu took his leave.

I quickly asked Yinger to present him with a prepared gift of silver. He accepted without hesitation.

As I looked around the room filled with wedding gifts, I thought:

I’m drowning in wealth—but have no place to spend it.

I summoned a few people to tally everything and send it to the storeroom.

Then I changed into a soft blue everyday robe, boarded the carriage, and headed for the palace.

The streets bustled with life—shops lined up side by side, crowds laughing and chatting.

So this is what a golden age looks like…

Just as I was taking it all in, a flicker caught my eye.

A small object flew silently into the carriage. For a moment, I thought I imagined it.

But no—there it was.

A small white scroll on the cushion before me.

Curious, I picked it up and unrolled the silk inside—

And froze.