Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 33.1

Dai Ru Yan’s sudden low spirits made Gong Yu reluctant to press further, so she quickly soothed, “It’s alright if you don’t remember, Ayan. I was just asking casually.”

“By the way, there’s something else I wanted to ask you,” Gong Yu said, shifting the topic.

Dai Ru Yan gently rubbed her cheek against Gong Yu’s, her eyes clouded with confusion. After calming herself for a moment, she asked, “What is it?”

“It’s about that day after we attended the Second Princess’s banquet. In the carriage, I encountered a person dressed in black. But the person only knocked me unconscious and then fled.”

“Since you usually have guards following me in secret, I was wondering if your guards noticed anything unusual?”

Dai Ru Yan pulled back slightly, her expression full of concern. “Such a thing happened? Why didn’t you tell me earlier, Xiao Jiu?”

Gong Yu hurriedly replied, “Don’t worry, Ayan. I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. Besides, I’m perfectly fine now.”

“When the maid reported to me that you seemed to have been knocked unconscious, I immediately sent people to investigate. But the guards accompanying you didn’t notice anything unusual.”

“I wanted to come see you, but the next day you left the residence with Mr. Qin.” Dai Ru Yan paused briefly before continuing, “When I saw you in the carriage, chatting and laughing naturally with Zhao Anyue on the main street of the capital, I thought you hadn’t noticed anything amiss, so I didn’t disturb you.”

“You came to look for me?” Gong Yu sat cross-legged, puzzled. “Then why didn’t the steward inform me?”

…Figs, candied yam, kiwifruit, Yili yogurt, hawthorn slices, durian, spirit fish, yam and pork rib soup, ear root…

Dai Ru Yan gently stroked Gong Yu’s hand with her delicate fingers and said softly, “Silly, I already told you I saw you in the carriage. I figured you wouldn’t be returning to the residence anytime soon, so I turned back.”

“That night, the guards informed me that you and that Zhao Anyue girl spent the entire day wandering around the capital, laughing and chatting.”

“Laughing and chatting?” Gong Yu shook her head seriously and explained, “Your guards must have misunderstood. I kept a safe distance from Zhao Anyue. We were only wandering around the shops in the capital because we were investigating some items. Mr. Qin can vouch for me.”

“Are you still investigating the case of the Minister of Justice’s murder?” Dai Ru Yan asked as she sat beside her.

Gong Yu leaned slightly against Dai Ru Yan and said, “Yes, but with the Crown Prince’s proposal to block the streets and conduct large-scale arrests, everything feels increasingly chaotic.”

Perhaps because it was nearing dusk, the entire sky was dyed orange. Gong Yu averted her gaze and reached out to grab Dai Ru Yan’s mischievous hand.

Dai Ru Yan stopped poking Gong Yu’s palm and let her hold it instead. She asked, “Why are you so certain that this case is related to the exam leak?”

“I can’t say for sure, but I suspect there might be a connection since the two cases coincidentally occurred around the same time. Secondly, a few days ago, Mr. Qin’s friend Jin Zhaowen, who was also a candidate in this year’s imperial exam, was suspected of being involved with the exam leak. He mysteriously drowned after getting drunk.”

“But there seems to be no flaw in the cause of that candidate Jin Zhaowen’s death.” Gong Yu sighed and said, “And now, suddenly, Zhao Anyue has appeared. I’m so overwhelmed that I don’t even dare to leave the house anymore.”

Dai Ru Yan smiled, gently holding Gong Yu’s hand as she said, “Both cases are entirely under the jurisdiction of the Dali Temple. Why not set them aside for now, Xiao Jiu? Perhaps in a few days, everything will become clear.”

“Only this way, then,” Gong Yu sighed, lazily leaning back on the bamboo couch.

The delicate pink peach blossoms above seemed to be tinted by the glow of the sunset. Gong Yu reached out and lightly grasped Dai Ru Yan’s hand, which had fallen to her side, saying, “Ayan, come up and lie with me for a while, won’t you?”

“Alright,” Dai Ru Yan replied softly, then lay down beside her.

A gentle breeze rustled the peach blossom branches, causing petals to drift down like scattered snowflakes.

Turning her head, Gong Yu noticed several petals had settled on Dai Ru Yan’s loosely fitted water-blue robe. She propped herself up slightly and carefully brushed them off, observing how Dai Ru Yan remained with her eyes closed, serene as a sleeping beauty.

A mischievous thought crossed Gong Yu’s mind. Leaning in closer, she rested on one hand and traced her fingertips along Dai Ru Yan’s relaxed brow, down to the tip of her nose, then back up to her forehead.

Dai Ru Yan kept her eyes shut, though a faint smile touched her lips as she whispered, “If you keep fooling around, I won’t stay here with you.”

Gong Yu chuckled and withdrew her hand, obediently lying on her side as she asked, “For tomorrow’s visit to Dai Garden, should I prepare any gifts?”

“Why bring gifts?”

“Wouldn’t it be impolite to visit empty-handed?”

Dai Ru Yan turned her head slightly, meeting Gong Yu’s gaze. “Then, I want you to bring the pastries you made for me last time.”

Gong Yu was taken aback. “That’s all?”

“Otherwise, should I have you bring me a hundred chests of jewels?”

“If Ayan really wanted them, I could have the servants gather them—it might actually be possible to manage.”

Dai Ru Yan lightly tapped Gong Yu’s nose and laughed, “What nonsense are you talking?”

“Just come as you are tomorrow.”

“Alright then,” Gong Yu agreed with a smile, her gaze lingering on Dai Ru Yan’s lips. A sudden urge made her lean closer and ask, “Ayan, why aren’t you wearing any makeup today?”

But Dai Ru Yan gently pressed a fingertip to Gong Yu’s forehead, her eyes curving into a smile as she said, “You little rogue, what wild thoughts are running through your head now?”

Gong Yu averted her eyes guiltily, taking Dai Ru Yan’s hand and planting a placating kiss on the back of it. “I’m not thinking anything wild. My mind is only on you, Ayan—nothing else matters.”

“Don’t try to sweet-talk me with pretty words.”

Dai Ru Yan laughed softly, then withdrew her hand from Gong Yu’s grasp and sat up properly. “It’s getting late; I can’t stay much longer.”

“Are you leaving already?” Gong Yu sat up as well, tugging lightly at Dai Ru Yan’s sleeve. “Are you angry with me?”

“If I don’t return soon, the matchmakers at your estate’s gate will likely spread rumors about us throughout the capital.”

Gong Yu grinned. “That might not be so bad. Tomorrow, I could stop by and propose to Chancellor Dai?”

Dai Ru Yan tilted her head, pinching Gong Yu’s cheek playfully. “Fine by me, but my father won’t be at Dai Garden tomorrow. Let’s save the proposal for another day.”

“Tomorrow, the garden will be unusually quiet and peaceful. I just want to take Xiao Jiu around to see the sights.”

Gong Yu hadn’t expected Dai Ru Yan to accept the idea of a proposal so calmly—without even a hint of excitement in her eyes.

Though she had begun to realize that Dai Ru Yan might not express emotions easily, Gong Yu couldn’t help but feel a profound emptiness in her heart.

As dusk gradually deepened, Dai Ru Yan’s gaze shifted to Gong Yu, who was hanging her head low. She raised her hand and gently stroked Gong Yu’s tied-up hair, whispering softly, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“The matter of the marriage proposal should be carefully considered. Although it’s possible for Xiao Jiu to propose now, and my father naturally cannot interfere with my choice, the other princes and court factions are still waiting to see the emperor’s stance.” Dai Ru Yan spoke slowly, her thumb lightly brushing Gong Yu’s earlobe as if to soothe her:

“So, once the proposal is made, it would be tantamount to exposing Xiao Jiu completely to danger. That would be a very risky situation.”

As she spoke, Dai Ru Yan leaned slightly closer, her lips pressing against Gong Yu’s forehead, her voice gentle as she said, “I cannot gamble with Xiao Jiu’s safety. That is absolutely out of the question.”

Though Dai Ru Yan’s kiss felt somewhat cool, her words burned fiercely in Gong Yu’s heart, each syllable scorching her so intensely that she found it hard to breathe.

A light breeze brushed past her ears, but it did nothing to cool Gong Yu’s flushed cheeks. Dai Ru Yan smiled tenderly and stepped back, saying:

“I really must leave now. Tomorrow, I’ll be waiting for you at Dai Garden.”

“Mm.” Gong Yu, her face still red, nodded and hurriedly stood up to follow Dai Ru Yan.

Dai Ru Yan asked curiously, “Are you seeing me off?”

Gong Yu nodded and replied, “I’ll go deal with those matchmakers so you can leave without trouble.”

“Clever little one.” Dai Ru Yan chuckled and walked ahead on her own.

The hall was brightly lit, and lanterns hung along the corridors. Gong Yu had someone open the side gate, only to see the matchmakers swarm in. Several servants were taken aback by the sheer force of these middle-aged women.

Fortunately, the other side gate opened, and Dai Ru Yan’s sedan chair slowly moved away in front of Gong Yu, disappearing into the night until it was out of sight.

The next morning, Gong Yu overslept and had to hastily change into her court robes to attend the morning assembly. Only after entering the hall did she notice that one official was missing.

The emperor sternly demanded, “Where is the Minister of Revenue?”

“Report!”

“What is all this commotion in the main hall?”

“Your Majesty, this morning, the Minister of Revenue was found dead in his sedan chair, having been stabbed multiple times.”

The hall erupted into chaos, with officials whispering among themselves, their faces filled with fear.

“The criminal has killed court officials one after another, and the Dali Temple still has no leads? If the Chief of the Dali Temple fails to bring the culprit to justice within a month, Chen Ming will be suspended and investigated!”

“As Your Majesty commands!”

Gong Yu had yet to process the shock when the morning assembly ended. Officials scattered along the palace pathways, walking in small groups.

By the time she left the palace, the sun was still hidden behind the clouds, not yet peeking out. Gong Yu had changed into a newly made robe specifically for her visit to Dai Garden. But the cause of the Minister of Revenue’s death lingered in her mind, so she decided to ride her horse to the site where the minister’s body was found.

Not far from the palace, Gong Yu dismounted and led her horse, surveying the crowd of onlookers around her.

The scent of blood emanating from the sedan chair was nauseating. Qin Hua spotted Gong Yu and approached, saying, “Your Highness, didn’t you say you had an appointment with Miss Dai today?”

Gong Yu shook her head. “I’ll go soon. I just came to take a look.”

“The cause of the Minister of Revenue’s death differs from that of the Minister of Justice. His throat was slit, and he bled to death. Moreover, his sedan chair is much larger than the Minister of Justice’s.”

“Naturally, the Minister of Revenue holds a lucrative position.” Zhao Anyue suddenly chimed in.

Qin Hua glanced at the guards surrounding the Dali Temple investigation and whispered, “I arrived before them and didn’t find any scentless knockout drugs or the like in the sedan chair—only a piece of cloth.”

Gong Yu tilted her head toward Qin Hua and asked, “Does the color of the cloth resemble that of the interior of the Minister of Revenue’s sedan chair?”

“Yes.”

Zhao Anyue leaned in closer and asked, “Pretty boy, what do you know?”

“Nothing.” Gong Yu glanced at the surrounding commoners, then took hold of her horse’s reins and said, “I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

Alone, she wandered the streets, following a small beggar who had been hiding among the commoners earlier.

The little beggar was extremely familiar with the capital’s streets, large and small, twisting and turning so much that Gong Yu lost track of him.

With no other choice, Gong Yu had the guards sketch a rough outline of the little beggar’s appearance and build before heading toward Dai Manor. The clatter of hooves echoed as she passed through what was usually a bustling marketplace, now unusually quiet.

Dai Manor was located in the most prosperous area of the capital. Gong Yu dismounted and stopped in front of the estate gate, holding a box of freshly steamed pastries.

The gate opened, and a servant smiled, saying, “Ninth Highness, please come inside.”

Gong Yu remembered her first visit to Dai Manor. She had been struck by its opulence and grandeur. The countless pavilions and towers within made it feel like a city within a city.

Though it was still early in the day, the manor was filled with numerous maids and servants, yet it was eerily quiet.

With each layer she advanced into the estate, the guiding servant changed, a clear sign of layered security. By the time she reached the garden blooming with pear blossoms, she was being led by a delicate-looking maid.

“Ninth Highness, the young lady is waiting inside,” the maid said, stopping at the edge of the garden. Gong Yu thanked her and proceeded alone.

The pear blossoms before her eyes bloomed like snow. Gong Yu’s footsteps were light, and she could faintly hear the sound of flowing water within the garden.

The sun peeked out from behind the clouds, but the day was not yet hot. The deeper Gong Yu ventured, the closer the sound of water seemed.

When she finally caught sight of the pavilion, she quickened her pace. Dai Ru Yan was sitting inside, a book in her hands.

“I thought you’d spend a bit more time admiring the pear blossoms before coming,” Dai Ru Yan said, turning her head slightly to look at Gong Yu.

Gong Yu shook her head. “I barely glanced at them. All I could think about was where you were hiding and why you hadn’t come out yet.”

Dai Ru Yan smiled. “Nonsense. I’ve been waiting here properly for you. Where was I hiding?”

“Why is Dai Manor so quiet today?” Gong Yu asked as she brought out the pastries. “Try these, Ayan. They’re still warm.”

“Today, my father took everyone to the Dai family ancestral hall for a ceremony. Most women aren’t allowed inside the ancestral hall, so the estate is naturally very quiet.”

Gong Yu sat beside her, holding out a pastry to Dai Ru Yan’s lips. “Try this—I made it myself.”

Dai Ru Yan took a bite and asked, “Why is this pastry so fluffy?”

“It’s a secret,” Gong Yu replied playfully, taking a bite of her own pastry.

After all, she had stayed up very late the previous night preparing these pastries.

Dai Ru Yan set down her book and asked, “What is this white one you’re eating?”

Hearing this, Gong Yu picked up her cream-filled bun and brought it closer. “It’s very sweet inside. You might not like it, Ayan.”

“Let me try.” Before Gong Yu could react, Dai Ru Yan leaned in and took a bite of the cream bun in Gong Yu’s hand.

This intimate and tantalizing gesture nearly melted Gong Yu’s heart. Staring blankly at the cream in her hand where Dai Ru Yan had taken a small bite, Gong Yu felt her heartbeat racing as she asked, “Is it delicious?”

“It’s indeed too sweet.” Dai Ru Yan picked up the tea beside her and added, “Why does Little Nine love sweets so much?”

Watching Dai Ru Yan sip her tea, Gong Yu unconsciously swallowed, feeling utterly flustered.

“I just do. I’ve loved sweets since I was little.” Gong Yu avoided Dai Ru Yan’s inquisitive gaze, nervously biting into the cream and mumbling her reply.

Dai Ru Yan held the celadon teacup, tilting her head to look at Gong Yu. “But sweets can easily become cloying.”

“Not really. There are many kinds of sweets.” Gong Yu thought for a moment and added, “Just like how spiciness can be numbing, fragrant, or sour-spicy.”

“You little glutton. It’s still early morning, and all you can think about is food.” Dai Ru Yan laughed.

Uh… it seemed she had strayed off-topic.

Gong Yu sat upright and glanced around at the endless pear blossoms, as if she were immersed in a sea of flowers.

It was almost unbelievable that this was just one corner of the entire Dai Manor. Dai Ru Yan gently held Gong Yu’s chin with her fingertips, turning her gaze back from the outside view. “Haven’t you seen enough on the way here?”

“No, I just think the Dai Manor is really vast.”

“Then, Little Nine, guess whether the Dai Manor is bigger or the imperial palace in the capital is bigger?”

Gong Yu hesitated and said, “Probably the imperial palace in the capital, right?”

Dai Ru Yan smiled, her fingertips stroking Gong Yu’s cheek as she replied, “Wrong answer. So Little Nine must accept a punishment.”

“What punishment?”

“You must drink a cup of bitter tea.”

“Alright.”

Gong Yu frowned deeply as she drank the bitter tea, feeling as though her tongue no longer belonged to her.

Dai Ru Yan, on the other hand, sampled other pastries, taking only one bite of each.

By the time the entire plate of pastries was finished, Gong Yu’s stomach was almost uncomfortably full.

“Is your stomach upset?”

“Yes, a little.”

Gong Yu stood up and slowly paced around the pavilion. Noticing the lake nearby, she asked curiously, “Did Ayan play hide-and-seek in this estate when you were little?”

Dai Ru Yan shook her head and stood beside her. “I didn’t live in this estate as a child. I was in Changzhou.”

Changzhou? Gong Yu had once sent people to investigate Dai Ru Yan’s childhood in Changzhou, but they returned empty-handed. There was not even a trace of the two maidservants’ affairs. Gong Yu even began to wonder how that Qing Shui’er had managed to uncover information about Dai Ru Yan.

“What is Little Nine thinking about?” Dai Ru Yan’s eyes searched Gong Yu’s face, her palm gripping Gong Yu’s arm as if uneasy. “I called your name several times just now.”

Gong Yu snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. “I was wondering if Ayan was mischievous when she was little.”

Dai Ru Yan smiled along, though her smile was faint. Gazing at the calm lake, she said softly, “As a child, I mostly stayed in the garden learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. There were many daily lessons, often lasting until late at night, and I would rise again at the crow of the rooster.”

“Wasn’t that exhausting?” Gong Yu held Dai Ru Yan’s cool hand, clearly seeing no other emotions on her face.

Dai Ru Yan replied indifferently, “Once you get used to it, it’s not so bad.”

As the sun grew brighter, the mist over the lake dispersed. Gong Yu and Dai Ru Yan strolled leisurely along the lakeside.

Their conversation failed to yield any information about Dai Ru Yan’s childhood.

Gong Yu suggested boating on the lake, so the two boarded a small boat. Gong Yu looked at the oar, trying it several times before the boat slowly began to move.

The lake surface was very calm, with a gentle breeze rippling the water. Gong Yu rowed the oar while Dai Ru Yan sat quietly across from her, lightly trailing her hand through the water, her expression relaxed.

Just by watching her like this, Gong Yu inexplicably felt at ease, as if she were taking Dai Ru Yan far away from the political struggles of the capital, away from those bizarre murder cases, leaving only the two of them to rely on each other.

As the boat approached the center of the lake, Gong Yu stood up and said, “Ayan, look, I’ve completely mastered rowing.”

Dai Ru Yan, lightly cupping the lake water in her hands, smiled faintly at Gong Yu but suddenly asked, “Xiao Jiu actually has something to ask me, right?”

Gong Yu was slightly taken aback, wondering if she had somehow given herself away.

“What do you mean, Ayan? I don’t understand,” Gong Yu stood frozen on the boat, her steps toward Dai Ru Yan gradually slowing.

At that moment, the unfamiliar aura emanating from Dai Ru Yan made Gong Yu feel somewhat afraid.

Dai Ru Yan stared at Gong Yu, her gaze turning cold as she asked softly, “Then why did Xiao Jiu send someone to Changzhou to investigate my childhood?”

Gong Yu felt as if she had no secrets in front of Dai Ru Yan, who clearly understood her every move.

“Because I wanted to know what Ayan experienced in her childhood.”

“If Xiao Jiu wanted to know, why not just ask me directly?” Dai Ru Yan’s expression seemed to soften slightly as she stood up and walked toward Gong Yu.

The boat swayed gently on the lake with the wind, yet Dai Ru Yan walked steadily step by step.

When she reached Gong Yu, she took her hand and said, “I don’t like Xiao Jiu keeping things from me. If there’s something you want to ask, ask now.”

Gong Yu steadied her breathing, feeling as if Dai Ru Yan’s gaze was as sharp as a knife. She turned to look at the lake and asked, “Does Ayan really have a younger sister?”

“Of course, I do.”

Dai Ru Yan’s gaze was sincere and earnest, making it impossible for Gong Yu to discern the truth.

“Then why haven’t I found any information about Ayan’s younger sister?”

“My sister was never acknowledged by the Dai family.” Dai Ru Yan’s eyes, usually calm and composed, now revealed a rare hint of sorrow.

Gong Yu stared blankly at Dai Ru Yan and asked, “Why?”

Dai Ru Yan gently embraced Gong Yu and whispered, “This is a matter of the Dai family. It has nothing to do with Xiao Jiu.”

“But why has no one ever heard of Ayan’s younger sister?”

“Because my sister was in poor health. She had a serious illness and was confined since childhood. She never left the Dai family, even when she died.”

Gong Yu could clearly feel the coldness of Dai Ru Yan’s body. She wrapped her arms around her in return and asked, “Then can Ayan tell me about your sister?”

“Of course. If Xiao Jiu wants to hear, I’ll only tell her.”

Dai Ru Yan half-embraced Gong Yu as they sat in the center of the small boat. The lake water flowed gently, and the boat drifted along with it.

“My sister is only slightly younger than me, because we are twins. She has been frail since childhood, easily startled, and often needed me to stay with her at night to fall asleep.” Dai Ru Yan’s voice was so soft that it made Gong Yu feel as if she were tenderly recounting memories of her sister.

“But her health grew increasingly worse. Constantly ill, she received no visits from our mother, and our father paid little attention to her.”