The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

As soon as Chen Mengyao entered the courtyard, it felt as if she had stepped into a secluded fairyland. In the courtyard, the bluestone path meandered and twisted, like a graceful ribbon weaving through the lush greenery. Flowers bloomed in profusion along the path, some as red as fire, some as pink as the sunset, and some as white as snow. A gentle breeze blew, and the flowers trembled, like shy maidens nodding and smiling.

Further on lies a crystal-clear lake, its waters shimmering in the sunlight, like countless pieces of gold scattered across its surface. In the center of the lake stands an exquisite pavilion, its four corners adorned with soaring eaves and pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes. Lotus leaves carpet the lake's surface, lotus buds are about to bloom, and occasionally a few koi carp swim merrily, stirring up ripples.

Willows swayed gently by the lake, their slender branches dancing in the breeze like green beaded curtains cascading to the ground. In the distance, rolling green hills were shrouded in mist, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. The air was filled with the refreshing scent of flowers and grass, invigorating the spirit. Chen Mengyao was captivated by the breathtaking scenery. She ran joyfully to the lakeside, crouching down to watch the fish swimming in the water. Ouyang Han followed behind, his heart filled with doting affection as he watched her childlike innocence.

“Yichen, look how carefree these fish are,” Chen Mengyao said to Ouyang Han with a smile as she turned around. Ouyang Han walked closer and sat down beside her. “If you wish, I can give you everything in this villa.” Chen Mengyao blushed slightly and said reproachfully, “Your Highness, please don’t tease me.”

Just then, a colorful butterfly fluttered by and landed on a flower not far away. Chen Mengyao stood up to chase after it, but accidentally twisted her ankle. Ouyang Han quickly helped her up, his face full of anxiety, "Are you hurt anywhere?" Chen Mengyao shook her head, but let out a soft groan of pain. Without a word, Ouyang Han picked her up and carried her to a house in the other courtyard, instructing a servant to fetch a doctor. Chen Mengyao leaned against him, a strange feeling rising in her heart, and the atmosphere suddenly became ambiguous.

This was the first time in so many years that Chen Mengyao had felt cared for by someone. It felt so good to be cared for. As she thought about it, her eyes welled up with tears. Ouyang Han thought she was in too much pain, so he quickly comforted her, "Yaoyao, don't cry. The doctor will be here soon. Are you in a lot of pain? How about I rub it for you?" After saying that, he put her on the bed, squatted down, and gently picked up her foot. He found that her ankle was a little red and swollen, so he rubbed it with his hands and even channeled some internal energy into it.

Chen Mengyao felt a warm current flow from her feet. After about half a cup of tea's time, the pain subsided, and she quickly said to Ouyang Han, "Yichen, I'm not crying because of the pain, but because it's the first time someone has cared about me. I'm crying because I'm moved. I've been an orphan since I was little, and apart from the headmaster, no one has ever been so kind to me. I built my supermarket from scratch, and no one knows how many difficulties and setbacks I faced, and no one helped me. I feel much better now. Thank you, Yichen." Hearing her words, Ouyang Han felt even more sorry for her. He released her feet, pulled her into his arms, and said, "Yaoyao, didn't I tell you never to say thank you to me? From now on, I will take care of you and love you, okay? My family will love you too. You won't be alone anymore; you will have me and my family to love you." Hearing these words, Chen Mengyao could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her face. She hugged Ouyang Han tightly and cried her heart out. Ouyang Han let her cry it out; it was good for her to vent. She had suffered too much in that world. He would treat her even better in the future and make sure she had a warm home here.

Just then, a servant brought a doctor over. Seeing this, Chen Mengyao immediately stopped crying and released Ouyang Han. Ouyang Han also released her, allowing the doctor to examine her. The doctor examined her foot and said to Ouyang Han, "This young lady is fine; it's just a sprained ankle. Apply some ointment, rest for a few days, and she'll be fine. Try to avoid any activity these days to prevent further injury." He then took a bottle of ointment from his medicine box and handed it to Ouyang Han. Ouyang Han felt somewhat relieved. He took the ointment, paid the consultation fee, and had someone escort the doctor out.

After the doctor left, he opened the ointment, gently lifted her foot, and began to apply it. The moment the ointment touched her skin, a cooling sensation spread, like a mountain spring flowing gently over her ankle, dispelling some of the burning pain from the sprain. With Ouyang Han's gentle application, the ointment gradually absorbed into her skin, a slight tingling sensation spreading subtly, like countless tiny feathers brushing against her skin—not uncomfortable, but rather strangely comforting.

With each application, a delicate herbal fragrance wafted into Chen Mengyao's nostrils, a subtle and serene aroma mingling with the faint scent of ink emanating from Ouyang Han, inexplicably calming her heart. The medicinal power in the ointment seemed like tiny, lively sprites, slowly seeping along her meridians, gradually easing the remaining pain. Watching Ouyang Han intently applying the medicine, Chen Mengyao felt a surge of warmth and gratitude, and softly murmured, "Yichen, it's so good to have you." Ouyang Han looked up to meet her eyes, his gaze gentle and tender, his movements becoming even more gentle and meticulous.

After applying the ointment and putting the lid back on, Ouyang Han gently placed her foot down and said, "Yaoyao, you can stay in the other courtyard for the next few days. Go back when your foot is better. I will stay here with you. Don't get out of bed for the next few days; let the maids take care of you. Also, tell me what you want to eat these days, and I will have the kitchen prepare it for you." Chen Mengyao almost burst into tears again after she had managed to stop them. She quickly wiped away her tears and said, "Okay. I'm not picky about food; I'll eat anything. I'll make anything." Ouyang Han said, "Good. Then you should rest for a while. I'll go to the kitchen to arrange dinner for tonight and have the maids bring you food later." Ouyang Han gently helped her lie down, covered her with the blanket, and then left.

Chen Mengyao's feelings for Ouyang Han deepened during this trip. She deeply felt the care and affection he showed her, and resolved to treat him well in return, and even more so, to help him make Dongling Kingdom a better place. Lost in thought, she fell asleep.