Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 33.2

Dai Ru Yan paused at this point, her fingers tightly entwined with Gong Yu’s as she whispered, “So whenever Xiao Jiu’s health was poor, I would worry a lot.”

Gong Yu turned her head to look at Dai Ru Yan and asked, “What happened after that?”

“A few years passed like this, and my younger sister’s temperament grew increasingly strange. She stopped smiling and would cry all night long. The more our mother disliked her, the more intensely she cried.”

Dai Ru Yan seemed to take a slow, deep breath as she said, “Her cries could even be heard throughout the Dai family’s old mansion all night. She began refusing to eat, gradually becoming emaciated, until she was so ill she could only lie in that small attic day and night.”

“I adopted a cat, thinking that perhaps if the cat kept her company, she might become happier.”

“But…”

Gong Yu saw the sorrow clouding Dai Ru Yan’s eyes and, feeling heartbroken, reached out to gently stroke her cheek.

Dai Ru Yan held Gong Yu’s hand, forcing a faint smile as she said, “It’s alright. It’s all in the past now.”

“I had thought my sister would eventually recover, but one morning, I found her in the dark attic. She was screaming hysterically, but I couldn’t understand what she was shouting. Then, suddenly, she fell silent, lying quietly and obediently on the bed as if she had just fallen asleep.”

Her words came to an abrupt halt. Gong Yu guessed that when Dai Ru Yan said her sister had “fallen asleep,” she likely meant that her sister had passed away.

Dai Ru Yan blinked lightly, holding Gong Yu tightly as she whispered, “Until the day my sister died, neither my father nor my mother ever visited her. They said she was a disgrace to the Dai family, so no one outside knew about my sister.”

“Xiao Jiu, you mustn’t tell anyone about this, understand?”

Gong Yu nodded. Dai Ru Yan gently nuzzled Gong Yu’s cheek, as if trying to lighten the mood, and said, “Alright, I’ve told Xiao Jiu everything you wanted to know.”

“Where is your sister buried?”

“Changzhou.”

Dai Ru Yan twirled the edge of Gong Yu’s sleeve with her fingers and said softly, “My father handled her burial discreetly. Even I couldn’t find the exact location.”

Perhaps because the sun had grown stronger, Gong Yu began rowing the boat toward the shore. Dai Ru Yan’s expression gradually returned to calm.

Gong Yu felt that the existence of Dai Ru Yan’s sister might indeed be true. Dai Ru Yan had spoken with such sincerity, without any signs of lying, and even her eyes had reflected genuine sorrow.

However, from beginning to end, Gong Yu had not heard Dai Ru Yan mention the two maidservants.

Hesitantly, Gong Yu asked, “Ayan, did you know that two maidservants in your residence had died?”

Without turning her head, Dai Ru Yan replied, “I haven’t heard of it.”

Haven’t heard of it?

Could it be that Qing Shui’er was trying to frame Dai Ru Yan?

Thinking this, Gong Yu felt it was possible, especially since Qing Shui’er’s state at the time was no different from madness.

Meanwhile, Dai Ru Yan, on the other side, let her palm drift into the water beside the boat, lightly grasping the flowing water. A flicker of calculation seemed to pass through her eyes, and the corner of her lips lifted almost imperceptibly.

The reflection of her face on the lake’s surface, in that fleeting moment, returned to its usual calm.

By the time they returned from Dai Garden, Gong Yu felt much more at ease. Shortly after, she went back to her residence.

The accompanying guards reported that the young beggar they had been searching for had sneaked into the residence of the Eldest Prince, Gong Quan, and had not emerged since.

Sipping her tea, Gong Yu couldn’t help but wonder: if the Eldest Prince wanted to gather information, why would he send a young beggar?

The next day, Gong Yu discussed the matter with Qin Hua, who was equally puzzled: “The eldest prince and the Minister of Revenue have never been particularly close. In fact, it should be the sixth prince who married the Minister of Revenue’s daughter, so their relationship should be much more intimate.”

“Are you saying the deceased Minister of Revenue was allied with the sixth prince through marriage?”

“Yes. After the influence of the third and fourth princes declined, the sixth prince has been secretly consolidating power, and marriage alliances are one of his methods.”

Gong Yu set down his teacup and asked, “Which official or prince is the Minister of Justice closest to?”

“The Minister of Justice has stayed out of the court’s power struggles. He usually discusses state affairs with the Grand Tutor and is somewhat closer to the eldest prince. I’ve heard that the Minister of Justice’s youngest daughter was taken as a concubine by the eldest prince,” Qin Hua replied after a moment’s thought.

“Why are all these court officials so willing to give their daughters away as concubines?”

Qin Hua smiled slightly. “Your Highness, have you forgotten? If any prince becomes the future emperor, those daughters would no longer be concubines but imperial consorts. If they bear a son, he could potentially become the future emperor of the kingdom.”

Gong Yu sighed helplessly. “So that’s why there have been so many matchmakers showing up at my residence lately?”

“Your Highness has reached marriageable age. If you don’t take a wife, you should at least take a concubine to stop people from scheming.”

“Let them scheme if they want.” Gong Yu picked up the small piece of incense-free wood and said, “I had someone investigate the Minister of Justice’s usual responsibilities. It turns out he was responsible for supervising examination hall security during imperial exams and investigating cheating cases.”

“But the Minister of Justice fell ill during the examination period and even took sick leave when the exam leak scandal emerged.”

“Yes, what an incredible coincidence.”

Gong Yu stood up and said, “The Minister of Justice was first drugged with a sedative and then stabbed to death with a sharp blade. These rules out the initial theory that the killer was a martial arts expert. The perpetrator might know martial arts but have a slight build, hence needing the incense-free wood to carry out the deed. The Minister of Revenue, however, was killed with a single cut to the throat—no incense-free wood was found at the scene. These might be two different killers.”

“Why do you say that?” Qin Hua asked, confused.

“If the first killer wanted to create panic, they would have maintained the same method for the second murder. But the second killing was straightforward—a single fatal strike, suggesting either an assassin or a true expert. Perhaps someone is taking advantage of the situation to cause trouble.”

Qin Hua fell into deep thought. “If that’s the case, then the Dali Temple officials will have their hands full for quite some time.”

Half a month passed. In early summer, the capital was lush with green trees, but people remained anxious due to the serial murders.

Even banquet poetry gatherings had become much scarcer than in previous years. The second princess, likely bored, had hosted several banquets. Gong Yu, besieged by matchmakers and annoyed by Zhao Anyue’s pestering, had declined multiple invitations.

Most importantly, Dai Ru Yan hadn’t attended any banquets either, so Gong Yu had even less interest in going.

After another morning court session ended, the Dali Temple Minister Chen Ming had been thoroughly reprimanded by the emperor. Gong Yu approached him and said, “These multiple murder cases appearing together are truly troubling.”

Chen Ming straightened his official robe. “The power struggles at court are growing increasingly vicious. Your Highness, it would be best for you to keep your distance from a condemned official like me.”

“What do you mean, Lord Chen?” Gong Yu approached and said, “There are still half a month left. You must not lose heart.”

“This scorching heat is even more brutal than in previous years. The bodies of the two officials have already decomposed, yet there is no trace of the murderer. It’s as if they vanished into thin air. How can we possibly investigate this?” Chen Ming sighed, holding his official’s black gauze hat in his hands.

They did not speak for long before Chen Ming left on his own. Gong Yu wiped the sweat from her cheek and watched him walk away.

The Fifth Prince, standing nearby, remarked, “Why bother worrying about this, Little Nine? Lord Chen is an old stubborn bone. No amount of persuasion will stop him.”

Gong Yu turned her head to look at the Fifth Prince and said, “Little Nine just wants to share some of Father King’s burdens.”

“You’ve seen too little of court affairs, Little Nine. Human life is the cheapest thing here.” The Fifth Prince chuckled lightly.

Yes, Gong Yu had lost count of how many people had died since she arrived here.

Lost in thought, she exited the palace. Zhao Anyue, dressed in a delicate pink dress and holding a parasol, walked toward her.

At first, Gong Yu didn’t notice and continued walking until Zhao Anyue called out irritably, “Pretty boy, can’t you see me?”

“Right, I can’t see you.”

Zhao Anyue’s eyes widened in anger, but Gong Yu paid no attention and kept walking forward.

“Why haven’t you attended your Second Royal Sister’s banquet these past few days? I thought you were busy.”

“Whether I go or not, what does it have to do with you?”

Gong Yu led her horse while walking, contemplating whether to stop by Dai Ru Yan’s place for a while.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Anyue was like a persistent fly, following alongside and chattering incessantly.

After walking two entire streets, Gong Yu couldn’t take it anymore and said, “Miss Zhao, aren’t you afraid of what others might say if you follow me around all day?”

Zhao Anyue was taken aback and replied, “What do I have to fear? You’re not married, and I’m not betrothed.”

Gong Yu was exasperated by Zhao Anyue’s logic and could only say, “Well, I’m afraid.”

“What are you afraid of?” Zhao Anyue moved closer, tilting her parasol toward Gong Yu. “You may seem powerless and without influence, but you’ve managed to survive in the court for so long. That means you’re not stupid.”

Uh…

“I’m afraid that rumors about you and me will spread all over the capital. As a girl, why don’t you care about protecting your reputation?”

Gong Yu spoke with utmost seriousness.

But Zhao Anyue laughed, gripping her parasol as she said, “Right now, the rumors circulating in the capital aren’t about you and me. They’re about you and that Miss Dai.”

“What are you trying to say?”

Zhao Anyue sighed and said, “I’ve figured it out. You’re not stupid—you’re just too naive.”

Gong Yu remained unfazed and asked, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Right now, in the court, it’s just you and the Eldest Prince, Gong Quan. But look at you—you don’t have a single stain on your record. You need to understand that in a court full of murky waters and mud, no one can stay clean.”

“What I’m saying is, someone is protecting you from behind the scenes. You’re like a puppet, harmless and easily manipulated. It’s almost laughable to watch.”

Gong Yu led her horse and scrutinized the scheming Zhao Anyue. “Last time, you tried to drive a wedge between me and Ah—Miss Dai. Now you’re at it again. What exactly do you want?”

Zhao Anyue sneered, closing her parasol as if in anger, and snorted, “Drive a wedge?”

“Your mind seems to have been kicked by a donkey. Could it be that Dai Ru Yan truly fancies a pretty boy like you? The Dai family has always pursued power for generations. Now that their influence reaches the heavens, a final puppet like you is just the one to end the Gong family’s imperial reign.”

Gong Yu tightened her grip on the reins, shot a glare at Zhao Anyue, and mounted her horse, saying, “Indeed, Miss Zhao has a sharp mind, untouched by any donkey’s kick. Would you kindly step aside?”

Without waiting for Zhao Anyue’s reply, Gong Yu swiftly rode off toward Dai Ru Yan’s courtyard.

The galloping horse kicked up a cloud of dust, and only after putting some distance between herself and Zhao Anyue did Gong Yu slow her pace. Yet the word “puppet” echoed relentlessly in her mind.

Gong Yu shook her head again, murmuring softly, “Ayan is not that kind of person.”

Weaving through the crisscrossing streets of the capital, Gong Yu soon spotted the courtyard in the distance. Dismounting, she entered directly.

The courtyard was pleasantly cool. Gong Yu steadied her breathing and walked slowly, rounding a corner where she encountered Biyu leading several maids.

“Ninth Highness, it’s been quite some time since your last visit,” Biyu remarked, her tone as sharp as ever.

Unfazed by Biyu’s bluntness, Gong Yu asked softly, “How long have you been serving your lady?”

“Since the young lady first arrived in the capital, I’ve been by her side,” Biyu replied with pride.

“Weren’t you assigned to her since childhood?” Gong Yu inquired, puzzled.

Biyu shook her head. “Not at all. Before the young lady came to the capital, I wasn’t sent to her hometown in Changzhou.”

“I see,” Gong Yu smiled and turned to head toward the main hall.

Why hadn’t Dai Ru Yan brought any maids from her hometown in Changzhou to the capital?

The question lingered in Gong Yu’s mind as she reached out to push the door open. Just then, she heard the cheerful laughter of Second Princess Gong Ling. Pushing the door open, she found both women inside turning to look at her.

“Well, well, Little Ninth. You skip my banquet but show up here with such enthusiasm,” Second Princess Gong Ling remarked, her scrutinizing gaze particularly pointed.

Fortunately, Dai Ru Yan intervened, saying, “It’s hot outside. Come in and sit down.”

Feeling somewhat guilty, Gong Yu quickly replied, “Alright.”

The three of them took seats in the courtyard overlooking the water. Gong Yu sipped her tea and sampled a few pastries, but found no opportunity to speak further.

“In a few days, when the weather cools a bit, I plan to host a lakeside banquet. Miss Dai, you mustn’t use any excuses to skip it this time,” Second Princess Gong Ling said, holding her teacup.

Dai Ru Yan glanced toward the lake outside and replied, “I’m no longer a young maiden confined to the inner chambers. I’ve long lost interest in lakeside excursions. Second Sister, please spare me.”

Before Dai Ru Yan’s words had fully faded, Gong Yu’s gaze was already fixed intently on her.

“Little Ninth, though you’ve grown taller, holing up in your residence all the time won’t get you anywhere.”

“Though I stay in my residence, I study poetry and texts daily, and I haven’t neglected horseback riding and archery either. I practice diligently every day.”

Gong Ling laughed and said, “That may be so…”

“No, I let it slide the last few times, but there are so many lovely young ladies at my yacht banquet who have their eyes on you. If you don’t go, do you not want to find a wife?”

A wife!

The words startled Gong Yu so much that she nearly swallowed the entire piece of cake she had just stuffed into her mouth. Her face flushed red as she covered her mouth.

Fortunately, Dai Ru Yan, who was beside her, handed her a cup of tea and said, “Second Sister is just teasing you.”

Gong Yu gulped down the tea, barely managing to avoid spitting it out. Meanwhile, the Second Princess, Gong Ling, scrutinized her and remarked:

“This is no joke. Although Little Ninth’s mother passed away early, there are still people arranging marriages and concubines for you. Now that you’re older, how can your household not have a few women?”

“Second Sister, there’s no hurry for this matter. Father hasn’t even mentioned it yet.”

Princess Gong Ling took a sip of tea and said, “Don’t use Father as an excuse, Little Ninth. The court is in chaos right now, and Father has no mind for such things.”

“Little Ninth, you seem too mild-tempered. The girls I brought are all gentle-natured, except for Zhao Anyue, the Grand Tutor’s daughter, who insists on attending every banquet just to see you. If you don’t like her, I’ll have someone stop her from boarding the yacht.”

Listening to this long string of words, Gong Yu couldn’t help but feel that Second Princess Gong Ling was far too enthusiastic.

Suddenly, Dai Ru Yan, who was sitting nearby, set down her teacup and said quietly, “If Little Ninth doesn’t want to, Second Princess, are you going to force concubines upon him?”

Princess Gong Ling abruptly fell silent, her eyes locking with Dai Ru Yan’s as if she had discovered something. Her emotions suddenly flared up as she exclaimed, “Ayan, don’t you know what the rumors in the capital are saying?”

“Words can be terrifying. Little Ninth is still a prince, but Ayan, do you not care about your own reputation?”

Dai Ru Yan’s expression remained unchanged, her gaze cold as she looked at Princess Gong Ling and said, “You have no right to interfere with Little Ninth’s marriage.”

“You… you’re insane.” Princess Gong Ling stared at Dai Ru Yan in disbelief, then slammed her teacup down violently.

The scene left Gong Yu, the actual person involved, utterly bewildered. Why was Second Princess Gong Ling so worked up?