Spring arrives and the land smiles

They went sightseeing and didn't return all night, causing great anxiety to Caiyi Palace, Bolanzhai, and even Ningyuan to faint from worry. So the next day, as soon as the two returned to Xuanhua Palace, they were caught red-handed by Ningyuan, who had been lurking outside the gate since early morning.

"Where have you been? You haven't come back all night. If you don't come back soon, the Empress will definitely find out." The slight anger in her eyes and the subtle reproach in her words revealed a deep dissatisfaction and jealousy, but Qingyan didn't care.

"It's just a trip with my husband, is it really worth making such a fuss?" Qingyan's disdainful expression caused Ning Yuan's face to change color.

Qingyan narrowed her beautiful eyes, taking in Ning Yuan's near-furious expression with a half-smile.

The two bickering lovers were just watching the show, but wouldn't it be less interesting if he didn't participate?

With a knowing smile, he stepped forward and embraced Qing Yan's slender waist, saying slowly, "Brother Ningyuan, you're overthinking it. I'm just taking Yan'er for a walk; it's nothing serious." His tone was calm and matter-of-fact, a stark contrast to Ningyuan's murderous expression.

Qingyan was startled. Yunxuan's sudden action made her tense up involuntarily, as if she had been electrocuted.

After a slight loss of composure, Qingyan still maintained her infuriating demeanor. "I will explain things to Mother Empress myself. You should go back now." She said lazily, then naturally moved closer to Yunxuan's embrace, ignoring Ningyuan's sharp, piercing gaze.

Turning to meet Yunxuan's doting gaze, she smiled sweetly, "Could you teach me the poem 'Cangting Lanyue' that Yunxuan mentioned last night?"

"If Yan'er likes it, then of course I would be more than happy to oblige." Yun Xuan chuckled and casually touched Qing Yan's delicate nose, pushing the ambiguity to its climax.

Such blatant flirting goes unchallenged!

“Shen Qingyan, you…” Ning Yuan’s hawk-like eyes turned red with anger, and his jealousy burned like fire, almost piercing through his chest.

"General Ning," Qingyan called out, "don't forget that although we are husband and wife, we are also ruler and subject." After saying that, she turned around and went straight into the Bolanzhai without looking back.

Staring incredulously at Qingyan, who was now high above him, Ning Yuan stood there, seemingly unable to think of what posture or expression he should adopt next. He simply stared blankly as Qingyan disappeared into the Bolanzhai.

This rebuke surprised Yunxuan, so he simply bid farewell to Ningyuan and followed him inside.

"I'm afraid we've gone a bit too far," Yunxuan said softly as he caught up with Qingyan.

"Is that too much?" Qingyan narrowed her phoenix eyes dangerously. "Arrogant and overestimating yourself, relying on favor."

"Oh?" Yunxuan raised an eyebrow and pretended to be afraid. "In that case, I should be careful. Otherwise, if I accidentally anger the princess, my fate may not be as good as General Ning's."

"You're overthinking it." Under Yunxuan's exaggerated expression, Qingyan could only turn her face away guiltily, hoping that Yunxuan would not dwell on this matter. Although they had cooperated very well just now, there were some things that were still unsettling, and she could not tell him frankly.

After a moment of silence, Yunxuan's expression suddenly turned serious, showing no trace of a smile. "If Yan'er doesn't believe me, then let's leave it at that." He finished speaking and his voice was stern. "Respectfully escorting Her Highness the Princess back to Caiyi Palace."

"What do you mean by this?" Qingyan was stunned, not understanding for a moment.

"Your Highness is so concerned about things that are all in the same boat. I really don't know what kind of surrender I can offer to win your favor."

"Your Highness's intentions are self-evident. How could General Ning's position in Your Highness's heart be shaken by a mere mention of Shen Qingyan?" Yun Xuan's voice deepened for a moment. "Your Highness and General Ning have tacitly agreed to keep Yun Xuan out. This time, I ask Your Highness to clarify whether Yun Xuan is a pawn or a shield."

A barrage of questions nearly overwhelmed Qingyan. Now that Yunxuan was the imperial son-in-law, his downfall meant the fall of all his allies. This charade was clearly not meant for him. Whether or not he should be wary, Qingyan had indeed acted accordingly, which violated the principle of trusting those he employed. However, he wouldn't lose face, so…

"A grown man, acting like a petty girl. Nowhere in the vast Xuanhua Palace is safe except for your Bolanzhai. Since someone wants to watch a show, I'll put on a show for him. Ning Yuan and I cooperated perfectly, but you, you actually chased me away," Qing Yan said angrily. "What protection? It's all empty talk." As she spoke, she turned her back. This villain is accusing others first, and Qing Yan's acting is quite convincing.

Seeing no response from behind for a long time, Qingyan couldn't help but turn around and found Yunxuan looking at her leisurely, a faint smile in his eyes, as if waiting for Qingyan to notice.

"You, you're playing me." Qingyan pointed at him, suddenly furious, and even her words became incoherent.

"Playing around? Yan'er's words are really bold." Yunxuan chuckled. "If not, how could Yan'er have revealed everything? I've said I want a place for Yan'er here," Yunxuan slapped away Qingyan's domineering little hand and gently poked her chest, "So, I'll take the initiative." After saying that, he gave an ambiguous smile and suddenly pulled Qingyan into his arms, kissing her crimson lips lightly.

The touch on her lips startled Qingyan. In a flash, the gentle and refined man in front of her suddenly became extremely aggressive, leaving Qingyan at a loss for what to do before she came to her senses. "You..." Her fingers brushed against her slightly burning lips, wanting to say something but unable to find the words.

"If it's mine, I'll definitely fight for it." Yunxuan's expression was radiant, a look that Qingyan found extremely irritating.

"Fu Yunxuan, you... fine." Qingyan glared angrily through gritted teeth, then turned and stormed back to her room.

Yunxuan smiled helplessly, "I know you understand, running away will only make me pursue you more relentlessly."

The autumn sunshine was very comforting, and Qingyan liked it very much.

"The court officials have a lot of criticism of you, the eldest princess." In the courtyard, Yunxuan picked up a Junshan Silver Needle tea from the stone table. The tea soup was clear and the aroma was refreshing. Taking a sip, the tea tasted elegant and pleasant. It was indeed a top-quality tea. "Especially the veteran generals in the Ning family army have quite a few complaints."

"This princess dotes on Prime Minister Fu's son, which naturally brings joy to some and sorrow to others." Qingyan leaned lazily against the recliner, the late autumn sun dispelling the chill of the early gathering, creating a warm and gentle atmosphere. "The Prime Minister's faction has probably grown several times over overnight." A hint of shrewdness was subtly revealed in the corner of her mouth, which seemed to be smiling but was not. "I've heard that even the Emperor's father-in-law has become much closer to Prime Minister Fu."

“That’s right, both elders have been saying that the eldest grandson of the emperor must be closest to the Fu family.” Yunxuan’s smile was so ambiguous that Qingyan felt an urge to punch him. She gave him an unseemly glare, closed her eyes to rest, and ignored him.

However, this statement reminded Qingyan that as the crown prince, having offspring was no longer just a personal matter for her. Therefore, some things needed to be prepared in advance.

Qingyan stayed at Bolanzhai for a full fifteen days, and Ningyuan was so angry that he called off his leave early and returned to his post. It was time to go back to Caiyi Palace.

As dusk fell, all the servants in Xuanhua Palace gave Caiyi Hall a wide berth. Even Zhuier was punished by being made to sweep fallen leaves in the courtyard. At this moment, Princess Pingqiu was probably untouchable. It is said that at noon today, the驸马 (Princess Consort) received a petition from the Ministry of Personnel requesting leave, which was denied. The Princess sent someone to inquire, and it was vaguely revealed that it was the Emperor's intention. She was furious but could not show it openly, which caused great suffering to the servants.

As night fell, the inner chambers of the Caiyi Palace were filled with people.

"Has everything been investigated?"

Ning Yuan nodded: "It is Li Chengyi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and Chu Huai, the General of the Cloud Banner."

"The Prince of Jin's reach is truly extensive; he really is everywhere." Qingyan angrily slammed her fist on the table.

“The two men’s memorials at today’s court meeting were exactly the same, which must have been at the behest of Prince Jin,” Ning Yuan affirmed.

"They say I'm eccentric and unruly, that I'm the only one favored, and that I'm suspected of corrupting the palace," Qingyan chuckled jokingly. "My reputation is truly tarnished."

Although the eldest princess was the crown prince, in this patriarchal world, the "Admonitions for Women" still bound Qingyan firmly like an invisible shackle. She could not openly use the "Admonitions for Women" to restrain her, but the worldly perspective was even more terrifying, making Qingyan want to impeach him.

"You've stayed at the Bolanzhai for a full fifteen days, so it's not surprising that the court officials have some complaints," Ning Yuan said casually, but with a hint of sourness in his voice.

Ning Yuan's words reminded Qing Yan of the line from the Song of Everlasting Regret: "The spring night is short, the sun rises high, and from then on, the emperor no longer holds morning court." It seemed Fu Yunxuan was being treated as a mere femme fatale, which made Qing Yan chuckle.

According to ancestral rules, even if it's a fake Ningqi, Qingyan, as the crown prince, can't possibly be idle for all twelve hours. This makes a bit of sense. "You're jealous." A mischievous smile appeared on his lips, waiting to see Ningyuan's embarrassed expression.

"I didn't," Ning Yuan replied in a low, tense voice, turning his face away.

As expected, he remained as earnestly dull as ever.

"If you're not jealous of my neglect, then I should be jealous." Qingyan winked and leaned closer to Ningyuan, her smile ambiguous.

Seeing Ning Yuan's awkwardness, Qing Yan finally kindly let him off the hook and got to the point: "I heard that at noon today, the Ministry of War reported that Qiu Rong seems to be making moves on the border again."

“Yes, that’s quite a move.” Ning Yuan nodded.

"They're like a persistent ghost," Qingyan frowned slightly, her expression one of utter disgust. "Khan Tat has allowed his son to commit atrocities and disregard the peace treaty. Father will certainly not let this go." The harassment of the border in recent days was all the work of Qiu Rong's newly appointed eldest son, Lomur Haitu. Khan Tat has always been humble and cautious; how could he have been provoked by such a brute?

"Ningyuan, at the morning court tomorrow, you should volunteer to the Emperor to wipe out the bandits on the border." A glint of light flashed in Qingyan's eyes. "Remember, it's not about the quantity of troops, but their quality. We need the 30,000 elite soldiers of the Ruifeng Battalion."

"They're just bandits; the Ning family army on the border is more than enough to handle them. The Emperor might not approve it. Besides, if we want the Ruifeng Camp, it will be difficult to get past Prince Jin." Ever since Prince Jin volunteered to quell the cult incident, he has held the Ruifeng Camp, which doesn't actually belong to him, firmly in his hands. If he wants Prince Jin to relinquish power, unless... Ning Yuan is a little worried that if he doesn't seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he will miss out on the Ruifeng Camp.

“Given Hai Tu’s nature, the bandits are just a pretext. Father will definitely agree. It’s against the rules for Prince Jin to hold onto the Ruifeng Battalion. There are twelve Ruifeng Battalions in the capital region. What right does Prince Jin have to hold onto them?” If it weren’t for Father wanting to maintain a facade of peace, how could he allow military power to fall into other hands? Now that the eldest grandson of the Fu family has entered the royal family as a consort, how could Prince Jin still be so arrogant? Qing Yan smiled calmly, “Prince Jin must know a lot about what happened in front of the Bolanzhai yesterday. Of course, he’d try to poach you, a disfavored concubine. And the Ning family army behind you is also quite critical of me, the eldest princess. If Prince Jin hadn’t made a move by now, that wouldn’t be his style! However,” Qing Yan paused, “Prince Jin is cunning. I’m afraid he still has a backup plan. Ning Yuan, even if you have military power, don’t be careless.”

"I'll be careful." Ning Yuan nodded, feeling a pang of pain in his heart as he looked at the unintentional seriousness in Qing Yan's eyes that was so different from her age.

"Yan'er, you've changed." Although she tried her best to hide it with her charming appearance, the anxiety and heaviness in her eyes were so clear to Ning Yuan. "Ever since the Emperor revealed a few years ago that he would make you the eldest princess, I haven't seen you truly smile. Even your eyes have become more profound. I... it breaks my heart to see you like this." Ning Yuan couldn't bear it. The once lively girl had finally been crushed beyond recognition by the struggle for power. Ning Yuan hated himself for not being able to protect her under his wings.

“Ning Yuan,” Qing Yan smiled gently, took his hand, and tried to ease the sadness in his eyes, “This is my responsibility, and my fate. With you by my side on this path, I am not alone.” She forced a big smile, trying to swallow up all of Ning Yuan’s heartache in that smile.

Qingyan's optimism left Ningyuan speechless, and he lowered his head in silence.

After a long silence, Ning Yuan spoke again: "It's getting late, I should go back."

"Oh, wait."

Ning Yuan was about to get up when Qing Yan called him back.

"Ning Yuan," Qing Yan approached him, glanced up at him briefly before looking down again, her face flushed with shyness, twisting her small hands, unsure of what to say next.

Ning Yuan was surprised to see such a rare display of girlish charm. He was about to ask her a question when he met Qing Yan's eyes full of unease and anxiety. She parted her lips slightly and tentatively spoke.

"Tonight... um... let's stay!"

A blush of ambiguous pink filled the air, vague and unclear. Ning Yuan was momentarily at a loss for words, his eyes gleaming with unrestrained joy. Words failed him, and he could only hold the petite body tightly in his arms.

"Yan'er—"

Her body was held in strong arms, pressed against his firm chest. Qingyan could feel his deep heartbeat, and her hands, which were hugging Ningyuan back, trembled slightly involuntarily.

Nervous, an open and honest kind of nervousness, Qingyan didn't even dare to look up at him.

Ning Yuan chuckled softly. Compared to his current bewilderment, the teasing in his words just now seemed both ridiculous and laughable. Yan'er was always his Yan'er; possessing such a pure and innocent girlish heart was enough for him in this life.

"Yan'er, keep your beautiful memories and wait for me to come back." Ning Yuan's gaze was as hot as fire, burning Qing Yan's face.

“Yes,” Qingyan nodded gently, “Ningyuan, promise me you’ll come back safely.”

He tiptoed and planted a light kiss on Ning Yuan's lips.

Ning Yuan was slightly taken aback, then pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss.

The following morning at court, as you predicted, Ningyuan was ordered to lead 30,000 elite troops of the Ruifeng Battalion to the border between Daqi and Qiurong—the White Mountains and Black Waters—to quell the bandits and pacify the region. They were to swear an oath and set off three days later.

"Aren't you going to see her off?" Yunxuan put down his pen, looked up at Qingyan who had been absent-minded all day, and smiled mischievously. Why is this little girl making things so difficult for herself!

"You know perfectly well why I'm asking." Qingyan glanced at him sideways, but didn't stop grinding ink in her hand.

“This fine Huizhou ink has no past grudges or recent enmity with the princess. I hope the princess will be lenient and not cruelly force the flowers to bloom.” Deliberately ignoring Qingyan’s slightly angry gaze, Yunxuan reached out and snatched the ink stick from her hand, his words still light and slightly teasing.

From the day Ning Yuan volunteered, Qing Yan ordered Yun Xuan to move his palace to Caiyi Palace. Apart from necessary official business, to outsiders, the two seemed to be inseparable, indulging in the most intimate ways. Everyone thought that the newly appointed princess only had eyes for the Fu family's consort. Ning Yuan, the concubine consort, had not received the princess's favor until just before his departure, and he led his troops north in dejection, his future uncertain.

Looking at the mess on her desk, Qingyan realized how flustered she was. She gathered her thoughts and gazed at the direction the army had gone, filled with worry.

Ningyuan, you must come back safely, otherwise I will never forgive you for the rest of my life.

In the distance, on horseback, Ning Yuan, clad in imposing armor, nodded subconsciously, his smile deepening.

"Perhaps you'd feel better if I took Ningyuan's place in the expedition," Yunxuan sighed dramatically, his intense jealousy making Qingyan glance at him sideways.

"Talking nonsense will give you mouth ulcers." Qingyan couldn't be bothered with this pretentious person, so she pushed open the door and walked out, a smile creeping onto her lips.

“You smiled,” Yunxuan followed Qingyan’s steps. “It’s good that you smiled. Being gloomy all day long hurts your spleen and heart.”

"If you don't want me to hurt my spleen and heart, teach me to play the zither." Qingyan walked towards the zither table next to the lotus pond in the courtyard.

"What piece of music would you like to learn?" Yunxuan asked with a smile.

After a moment's thought, Qingyan smiled and uttered two words: "Thinking of the mortal world."

"Thinking of the mortal world?" Yunxuan gently plucked the strings of his zither, his voice slightly raised in a hint of doubt.

"Such a beautiful day and night, if we don't think of worldly affairs, wouldn't that spoil our refined enjoyment of romance!" She raised an eyebrow and unconsciously curved her lips into a bewitching, foxy look, which made Yunxuan's heart flutter and his heart tremble with fear.

"Alright, Sifan—." Yunxuan smiled helplessly, his fingertips then tracing a melodious tune that touched the heart.

As soon as the prelude ended, Qingyan parted her lips slightly, and her sweet singing voice flowed into the piano music, sounding like heavenly music. Yunxuan was momentarily stunned.

Qingyan raised an eyebrow: This is her most outstanding skill, though she rarely shows it to others.

In the distance, a furtive figure was gazing toward the source of the laughter, before turning and disappearing at the end of the corridor.