Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 19

“I came here to look for someone.” Gong Yu slipped out from the obstruction of the red-clad woman.

Hesitantly, Gong Yu walked toward Dai Ru Yan’s side, only to hear the Third Prince, fan in hand, chuckle and say, “I bet our Ninth is here for a beauty.”

Ignoring the Third Prince’s teasing, Gong Yu stopped nervously nearby, catching sight of the little rabbit nestled in Dai Ru Yan’s arms, its red eyes gazing in their direction.

“Third Brother is right, but the beauty isn’t just anyone. I heard Sister Dai was also on this boat, so I sneaked aboard.”

Yet Dai Ru Yan showed no reaction to this. Feeling somewhat deflated, Gong Yu changed the subject. “The scenery on this boat is quite lovely, perfect for sightseeing.”

The Third Prince smirked disdainfully. “This boat was built at great expense. Naturally, it offers a different experience from ordinary pleasure boats.”

Finding little common ground, Gong Yu stubbornly followed them into the cabin. Inside, singing and dancing filled the air, with women—mostly adorned in heavy makeup—dominating the scene.

The rest were court officials who had pledged allegiance to the Third Prince, along with skilled martial artists who had submitted to him. The thick stench of alcohol and tobacco mingled together, unbearably suffocating.

Gong Yu froze. This was the first time she had encountered such a situation. The cabin was hazy with smoke, likely from tobacco.

But the smell was too pungent, and Gong Yu’s body seemed particularly averse to it. She coughed violently, unable to stop.

“Oh, I forgot—our Ninth has always been frail. This foul air must be unbearable for her,” the Third Prince mocked.

Before Gong Yu could respond, Dai Ru Yan, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. “This place isn’t suitable for her. I’ll take her to the deck for some fresh air.”

“Mm.”

The Third Prince raised his wine cup with a sneer. “How enviable. Miss Dai treats our Ninth like a real elder sister.”

Dai Ru Yan must have applied something to herself—though slightly sharp, the scent was refreshing, making the tobacco smell seem less oppressive.

Once on the deck, Gong Yu breathed more easily, and the nausea in her stomach gradually subsided.

“Why did you come looking for me?” Dai Ru Yan asked softly.

“I visited you yesterday but didn’t see you. Then today, I heard you’d gone out again, so… I came on my own.” Gong Yu didn’t know why she suddenly felt flustered.

Dai Ru Yan looked at her intently. “But you still haven’t told me—why did you come looking for me?”

Gong Yu met Dai Ru Yan’s searching gaze and murmured, “It’s been so long since we last saw each other.”

“Have you been busy lately, Ah Yan?”

Dai Ru Yan turned her head slightly, avoiding Gong Yu’s gaze, and looked toward the towering buildings of the bustling capital. “Mm.”

The brief reply left Gong Yu at a loss for how to continue the conversation.

The intermittent sound of a pipa drifted from the cabin, punctuated by laughter that shattered the quiet outside.

It was still early in the day. Some teahouses and taverns in the capital remained shrouded in mist, and only a few vendors by the riverside called out, selling steamed buns and dumplings.

Taking a deep breath, Gong Yu asked, “Then, do you have plans tomorrow as well?”

“Mm.”

“Still with the Third Brother?”

Dai Ru Yan turned to look at her. “The Third Prince currently holds the most influence. My father’s arrangements are only reasonable.”

If Dai Ru Yan had shown even a hint of displeasure while saying those words, Gong Yu would have disregarded everything to take her away from this boat. But Gong Yu knew Dai Ru Yan hadn’t expressed any emotion at all.

She even thought if Dai Ru Yan were truly displeased, why would she need Gong Yu to take her away? The moment Dai Ru Yan voiced her unwillingness, likely no one would dare to trouble her.

Her mind spun in circles before Gong Yu finally pressed her lips together, staring at the overly indifferent Dai Ru Yan before her, feeling an unusual sense of defeat and helplessness.

The oars sliced through the water, the sound of the current murmuring softly. Gong Yu lowered her head and noticed that her boots had somehow been stained with ash, standing out starkly.

Unlike the refreshed vigor she had felt when setting out in the morning, she now felt as lifeless as a puppet. Gong Yu steadied her breathing and said, “I found some interesting things I wanted to give to Ah-Yan. If you return to the estate, you can take a look.”

“It’s still early now. I’ll probably stop by a teahouse for breakfast after disembarking. I’ve heard the most famous teahouse in the capital makes excellent pastries.”

Her hands nervously gripped the railing as she rambled on, only calming down enough to ask, “Did I… disturb you, Ah-Yan?”

“Why would you ask that?”

“I just feel like my timing wasn’t the best.”

Dai Ru Yan retrieved a small brown vial from her sleeve and said, “Immortal Grass—prolonged inhalation can induce hallucinations and is highly toxic. Would you like to smell this?”

Gong Yu leaned in, lowering her head to take a whiff. The scent from the vial was so peculiar that she instinctively recoiled.

Unexpectedly, Dai Ru Yan pressed a hand to the back of her neck, holding her in place. Gong Yu looked up in confusion and asked, “What is this awful smell?”

“It counteracts the hallucinogenic effects of Immortal Grass, restoring sobriety.” Dai Ru Yan withdrew her hand, recapped the vial, and returned it to her sleeve.

“So, this is the antidote?”

“Yes.”

Though the antidote smelled absolutely revolting.

“Oho, young master, flirting with a beauty here, are we?” The red-clad woman leaned against the upper railing, smoking pipe in hand, gazing down at them.

Gong Yu retreated to the side without responding. Dai Ru Yan turned slightly to glance at the woman before shifting her attention back to Gong Yu, brows furrowing slightly as she asked, “How do you know her?”

“I don’t.” Gong Yu shook her head earnestly. “Really!”

Dai Ru Yan’s frown didn’t ease as she said quietly, “That woman is notorious for leading people on ambiguously. She’s even incited conflicts among many noble young masters in the capital. Stay away from her.”

Gong Yu nodded hastily. “I promise I’ll turn and run the next time I see her.”

Perhaps because Gong Yu ignored her, the red-clad woman lost interest and eventually wandered off.

“Wipe your face.” Dai Ru Yan withdrew her gaze and said.

“Huh?”

Gong Yu touched her cheek blankly. “What’s wrong?”

Dai Ru Yan sighed softly and stepped closer. Gong Yu, thinking she had done something to upset her, froze in place.

Then Dai Ru Yan took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the side of Gong Yu’s face. Her delicate lips hovered so close that Gong Yu could almost taste the refreshing fragrance emanating from her, sending her heart into a frantic rhythm.

The river lapped against the boat with a soft rush, the breeze carrying a gentle coolness. Gong Yu didn’t dare blink as she stared at Dai Ru Yan and said—

“Recently, I had a physician examine Qingyun. The doctor said her condition is improving. I thought her family might be worried about her, so once the Third Prince withdraws the guards from the city gates, I’ll arrange for an escort to take her to the border so she can return home.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Dai Ru Yan paused her movements, her gaze lingering on the rouge stain on the handkerchief before tossing it aside.

Gong Yu’s attention was entirely on Dai Ru Yan, so she didn’t notice the small details. She simply answered earnestly, “I just wanted you to know, Ah-Yan. No other reason.”

“Alright, I understand.”

This simple response left Gong Yu somewhat unsure whether Dai Ru Yan’s mood had truly improved.

But at least she wasn’t as distant as before, so perhaps she was feeling better, Gong Yu thought to herself.

The large boat sailed smoothly across the wide river, the breeze cool and refreshing. Gong Yu, in high spirits, found the scenery truly delightful.

In the distance, she could vaguely make out a crowd gathered at the dock. Curious, she asked, “What are those people doing there?”

“They’re likely noble young masters here to welcome that woman in red.”

“She’s that popular?”

Dai Ru Yan tilted her head slightly, her eyes studying Gong Yu as she asked, “Xiao Jiu, you do know what a brothel is, don’t you?”

Uh-oh…

Why did this question feel like a trap?

Gong Yu blinked and replied, “Of course I know. I often hear the Third Prince and other brothers discussing brothels and the women there.”

Her earlobe was lightly pinched by Dai Ru Yan’s fingers, but Gong Yu just smiled and didn’t pull away. “Ah-Yan, am I right?” she asked playfully.

Dai Ru Yan’s lips curved into a smile, but her eyes remained serious as she murmured, “You and your nonsense.”

“As a prince of the Gong Kingdom, if one could openly visit brothels without consequence, your Third Brother wouldn’t have to spend a fortune just to hire this courtesan to preserve his reputation.”

Gong Yu found Dai Ru Yan utterly captivating when she was serious—her lips, her eyes, even the arch of her brows was mesmerizing.

“Ah-Yan, you’re so beautiful,” Gong Yu said with a smile, leaning in until her nose was almost touching Dai Ru Yan’s cheek.

Dai Ru Yan released her grip and took a slight step back, whispering, “Don’t be mischievous. We’re in public.”

This time, Gong Yu clearly saw the faint blush on Dai Ru Yan’s cheeks, her crimson lips pressed together, accentuating her jade-like complexion.

The gentle lapping of the river water filled Gong Yu’s ears, making her feel almost lightheaded.

“Assassins!” The sudden shout shattered Gong Yu’s reverie. She turned to see servants falling into the water.

The scent of blood drifted on the wind, followed by screams from inside the cabin. When an arrow whizzed past her, Gong Yu’s heart nearly stopped. Thankfully, she shielded Dai Ru Yan in time, and the sharp pain in her back didn’t seem so important anymore.

Instinctively, Gong Yu tightened her hold on Dai Ru Yan and whispered, “Don’t be afraid.”

The deck was far too dangerous, so Gong Yu guided Dai Ru Yan to the side, but with every step, she saw people struck down by stray arrows.

The entire cabin was riddled with arrows, making movement nearly impossible. The Third Prince, panicking like a coward, shouted, “Where are the guards?!”

Suddenly, the arrows stopped, and several black-clad assassins leaped onto the deck with swords drawn. The guards rushed forward to engage them.

Only then did the Third Prince approach, his face filled with concern as he asked Dai Ru Yan, “Miss Dai, are you hurt?”

Dai Ru Yan shook her head and replied, “Thank you for your concern, Third Highness. I was merely startled.”

Then, Dai Ru Yan turned her head to look at Gong Yu, whose hand still held hers, not letting go but instead allowing Gong Yu to clasp it in her palm.

Gong Yu smiled in response, leaning against a pillar. The rapid running from earlier left her breathless, and now her vision began to blur, making even Dai Ru Yan’s face appear indistinct.

Suddenly, someone shouted, “So much blood!”

Only then did Gong Yu realize who they were referring to. Darkness engulfed her sight, and her last thought was regret—what a pity that such fine robes were stained with blood, likely ruined beyond repair.