Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 36.1

“I only let Ayan kiss me.” Gong Yu blushed as she spoke.

Dai Ru Yan’s eyes held a smile as she gently rubbed Gong Yu’s lips with her fingertips and whispered, “I originally found a suitable concubine for Xiao Jiu.”

“Ah? Did Ayan really find one?” Gong Yu reached out and held Dai Ru Yan’s hand, asking.

“Yes.” Dai Ru Yan blinked playfully in response, her gaze lingering on Gong Yu’s flushed cheeks. “This way, Xiao Jiu can avoid being surrounded by those women, and secondly, there are officials in the court who are waiting for an opportunity to push concubines onto Xiao Jiu.”

Gong Yu shook her head. “I don’t want any concubines.”

Dai Ru Yan clasped Gong Yu’s fingers and replied softly, “But I’ve been delaying the arrangements.”

“So Ayan can’t bear to part with me either, right?” Gong Yu’s brows relaxed as she listened. “In other words, Ayan still cares for me.”

“Can’t bear to part?” Dai Ru Yan shook her head and added, “Rather than saying I care for you, it’s more accurate to say I don’t like the idea of anyone else by Xiao Jiu’s side.”

“Even if it’s someone I personally selected, I still don’t like it.”

Gong Yu felt as though Dai Ru Yan must have honey in her mouth today, speaking such sweet words so seriously.

“Isn’t Ayan being too domineering like this?” Gong Yu blinked as she looked at Dai Ru Yan.

“Domineering?” Dai Ru Yan frowned slightly. “Does Xiao Jiu not like it?”

Gong Yu shook her head with a laugh. “No, it’s just that Ayan doesn’t seem like someone with such strong control issues.”

Dai Ru Yan gently touched Gong Yu’s furrowed brows with her other hand, as if deep in thought. “I’ve never felt this way before. It seems that after meeting Xiao Jiu, this intense feeling has become more and more apparent.”

“What should we do then?” Gong Yu leaned back into Dai Ru Yan’s embrace and asked. “Doesn’t that make me quite vulnerable?”

“Where is the vulnerability?” Dai Ru Yan asked, puzzled.

Gong Yu sat up from Dai Ru Yan’s embrace and said with utmost seriousness, “What if one day I don’t listen to you, or if Ayan forbids me from doing something, but I insist on doing it? What would Ayan do?”

Dai Ru Yan met Gong Yu’s gaze, seemingly pondering for a moment before replying, “That would depend on what Xiao Jiu wants to do.”

“What is the thing Ayan dislikes me doing the most?”

“Harm.” Dai Ru Yan’s eyes darkened as she answered.

Gong Yu was a bit confused by the word. “I would never harm Ayan.”

“Then what is Xiao Jiu worried about?”

“I’m just thinking that sometimes Ayan seems to suddenly change into a different person.” Gong Yu reached out and gently held Dai Ru Yan’s hand. “And what does Ayan mean by ‘harm’?”

“Harm is harm.” Dai Ru Yan’s eyes turned slightly colder. “What else could it mean?”

Clearly, Dai Ru Yan had become sensitive to this topic. Gong Yu slowly let out a breath and changed the subject. “Alright.”

Dai Ru Yan seemed to snap out of it, extending her arms to gently cup Gong Yu’s face as she whispered, “Xiao Jiu’s affection won’t bring harm, right?”

“Mm.”

“Then I will never harm Xiao Jiu either. So this is affection, right?”

At this point, Gong Yu herself felt a bit confused and nodded blankly.

Dai Ru Yan seemed to be confirming something, her eyes filled with anticipation as she gazed at Gong Yu.

Gong Yu hesitated and asked, “What is Ayan thinking about?”

“I was thinking about Xiao Jiu’s affection,” Dai Ru Yan paused and added, “and also about my own affection.”

“Is there some special meaning to that?”

“Of course.”

Dai Ru Yan affectionately cupped Gong Yu’s face, her deep eyes holding Gong Yu’s innocent expression. With a slight smile at the corner of her lips, she said, “I think Xiao Jiu’s affection is very simple, while mine is much more complex. But I still won’t hurt Xiao Jiu.”

Gong Yu, feeling confused, said, “But Ayan, every time you kiss me, your face doesn’t blush at all.”

“Why should I blush?”

Uh…

“Then does Ayan’s heart beat very fast?” Gong Yu asked, rephrasing the question.

Dai Ru Yan seemed to think for a moment, then shook her head and said, “If I want to kiss, I just kiss. Do I need to have any other reaction?”

Although there was nothing wrong with what she said, judging by Dai Ru Yan’s calm demeanor, it was likely that she acted on whatever came to her mind.

Gong Yu studied her seriously, as if annoyed, and said, “It’s not that you must have some other reaction, but there should be some feeling of excitement, right?”

“What if there isn’t?”

“Normally, if someone says they like someone but doesn’t feel excited, to some extent, that makes them a ‘scumbag woman.'”

“What is a ‘scumbag woman’?”

Seeing the slight confusion in Dai Ru Yan’s eyes, Gong Yu had to explain further: “It means a heartless person!”

Dai Ru Yan suddenly laughed, gently kissing Gong Yu’s forehead as she said, “What is Xiao Jiu worrying about for no reason?”

“If Xiao Jiu is still worried, why not go to the Dai family right now to propose marriage?”

“Propose marriage?” Gong Yu was a bit dazed by the sudden topic.

“A woman should remain faithful to one person. If I marry Xiao Jiu, I will be Xiao Jiu’s wife. That way, I won’t be a heartless person.”

“But won’t Ayan regret it?”

“Why would I regret it?” Dai Ru Yan gently traced Gong Yu’s brow with her thumb.

Originally, Gong Yu had been struggling with how to explain the special meaning of affection to Dai Ru Yan, but in the blink of an eye, Dai Ru Yan suddenly brought up marriage proposals. The topic had shifted a bit too quickly.

Gong Yu slightly distanced herself, straightened her back, and sat properly in front of Dai Ru Yan, her hands tidying her sleeves. Her gaze fixed on Dai Ru Yan.

Today, Dai Ru Yan was wearing a light green dress embroidered with flowers. Her makeup was light, with a subtle touch of rouge, and her expression was gentle and captivating.

Everything seemed normal. Gong Yu looked her over again and again, pursed her lips, and asked, “Marriage is a big matter. Just a few days ago, Ayan was comforting me, saying there was no rush. Why are you suddenly asking me to propose marriage now?”

Dai Ru Yan gently held Gong Yu’s hand with her slender fingers and replied, “If Xiao Jiu doesn’t take a wife, you’ll have to take a concubine to conceal your identity. Would Xiao Jiu rather take a concubine than marry me?”

“Nothing like that,” Gong Yu quickly shook her head. “I will marry you, of course I will.”

“It’s just that Ayan’s sudden suggestion. I feel like everything is happening too fast. My head is a bit dizzy.”

“Silly,” Dai Ru Yan tightened her grip on Gong Yu’s hand and said, “I hadn’t really thought about it before either. It just occurred to me a moment ago.”

“I thought, since I’m living with you anyway, I might as well take care of this residence for you, so you don’t get tricked by others without even knowing it.”

Uh…

Gong Yu suddenly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. Hesitantly, she asked, “Is Ayan marrying me just to take good care of me?”

“Of course.” Dai Ru Yan looked firmly at Gong Yu and said, “As Xiao Jiu grows older, being a member of the royal family makes you an easy target for attention. The gossip in the capital is trivial, but…”

“But what?”

“The daughter of the Grand Tutor, Zhao Anyue, has been making a fuss at home lately, urging her father to petition the court for your hand in marriage.” Dai Ru Yan paused slightly before continuing, “If Xiao Jiu doesn’t make a move soon, I’m afraid the imperial decree for the marriage will be issued.”

Gong Yu listened in bewilderment, then teased, “So, Ayan does care about me after all.”

Dai Ru Yan helplessly pinched Gong Yu’s cheek and said, “If I didn’t care about Xiao Jiu, why would I be here now?”

“But Ayan, you have to believe me. Zhao Anyue and I are completely innocent. She’s the one who keeps clinging to me.”

Dai Ru Yan raised her hand and gently brushed Gong Yu’s nose, whispering, “Silly Xiao Jiu, of course I believe you.”

“However, you must make a statement at court tomorrow.”

“But I haven’t asked the old steward to prepare the betrothal gifts yet. And if we’re to marry, we’ll need to have the residence renovated and decorated properly.” Gong Yu frowned anxiously.

“Why is Xiao Jiu so flustered?” Dai Ru Yan took Gong Yu’s hand and said, “It’s just a betrothal. The wedding is still far off.”

“Really?” Gong Yu looked at Dai Ru Yan and asked.

Dai Ru Yan nodded. “Even ordinary rituals are complicated, let alone those of the royal family. The formalities require months of preparation.”

Only then did Gong Yu relax, clutching Dai Ru Yan’s hand and asking, “Ayan, are you really sure about this? Once we’re married, there’s no turning back.”

Even if Dai Ru Yan didn’t fully understand emotions, she was rational. Gong Yu needed a clear answer.

“Regret?” Dai Ru Yan cupped Gong Yu’s face, her eyes teasing and captivating as she gazed at her. “I’m only afraid that Xiao Jiu will be the one to regret it.”

Gong Yu shook her head. “I won’t regret it.”

“But even if Xiao Jiu regrets it, it won’t matter.” Dai Ru Yan’s lips curved into a smile. “By then, our names will already be recorded in the royal registry.”

“Unless Xiao Jiu wishes to divorce me, no one else will have the right to interfere.”

“I would never divorce Ayan.” Gong Yu held Dai Ru Yan’s hand and asked, “But aren’t you afraid of the consequences if others find out two women are marrying?”

“Afraid?”

Dai Ru Yan chuckled softly, her eyes showing no hesitation. She leaned down and kissed the back of Gong Yu’s hand. “Why should I be afraid?”

“As long as Xiao Jiu stays obediently by my side, nothing else matters.”

Gong Yu felt her heart racing from Dai Ru Yan’s small gesture, her cheeks flushing. She turned her head to look at the pond outside, where the sun was blazing.

Dai Ru Yan, however, didn’t seem bothered by the heat. She held Gong Yu’s hand tightly and asked softly, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“N-nothing… It’s just that my heart is beating too fast, and I haven’t calmed down yet.”

“It’s not like something to be afraid of. Why is your heart racing so much?” Dai Ru Yan frowned slightly and reached for Gong Yu’s wrist.

Thinking Dai Ru Yan was checking her pulse, Gong Yu asked, “Do you know medicine, Ayan?”

“No.”

“I just wanted to feel how fast Xiao Jiu’s heart is beating.”

The question made Gong Yu’s cheeks flush even more. She murmured softly, “Ayan always says I’m foolish, but it’s Ayan who’s truly foolish.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Dai Ru Yan’s fingers still lightly rested on Gong Yu’s wrist. Gong Yu pressed her lips together, watching Dai Ru Yan’s calm and composed demeanor, and couldn’t help but feel annoyed at how flustered she had become under Dai Ru Yan’s teasing, while the other woman seemed completely unaffected.

Gong Yu withdrew her hand from Dai Ru Yan’s touch and said, “Ayan doesn’t understand love, doesn’t understand jealousy, and doesn’t even understand what it means to have one’s heart stirred. You’re just like a wooden puppet.”

“I am no wooden puppet.” Dai Ru Yan gently grasped Gong Yu’s wrist, her voice soft and delicate as she replied, “I care for Xiao Jiu, worry about Xiao Jiu, and cherish Xiao Jiu. Isn’t that enough?”

“Perhaps I don’t understand the things Xiao Jiu speaks of, but we have a long life ahead of us. Isn’t it better to take things slowly?”

Dai Ru Yan spoke slowly, her eyes filled with tenderness as she gazed at Gong Yu. Her fingers delicately traced patterns on Gong Yu’s arm, and in the quiet courtyard, even their breaths and heartbeats seemed amplified.

The sultry breeze drifted into the pavilion, gently swaying the green gauze curtains, and with it, Gong Yu’s vision seemed to waver. Dai Ru Yan’s eyes shimmered with a soft light, and before she knew it, Gong Yu had fallen into those gentle eyes, unable to extricate herself.

Yet Gong Yu understood. Dai Ru Yan’s eyes were missing something. Though filled with tenderness, they remained calm and rational.

Gong Yu blinked, raised her hand, and gently brushed aside the stray strands of hair on Dai Ru Yan’s cheek, whispering, “I don’t want to always be protected by Ayan. One day, I will be able to protect Ayan too.”

“I know.” Dai Ru Yan smiled and said, “But I enjoy the feeling of protecting Xiao Jiu.”

“Why?”

“Because having Xiao Jiu in my embrace makes me stronger.”

Dai Ru Yan’s gaze met Gong Yu’s as she smiled gracefully, and in her eyes, Gong Yu seemed to see a version of Dai Ru Yan entirely different from the one before her. The Dai Ru Yan in her eyes resembled a strategist. Her gaze brimming with confidence, yet carrying an authority that compelled submission.

This feeling inexplicably frightened Gong Yu. She averted her eyes and asked, “Is being strong really that appealing?”

“Only through strength can one protect oneself and even effortlessly obtain what one desires. Supreme power—who wouldn’t want it?”

“I don’t want power.” Gong Yu turned to look at Dai Ru Yan and said, “If possible, I’d rather take Ayan and leave the capital together.”

Gong Yu instinctively felt that the capital was slowly changing Dai Ru Yan, making her more assertive.

Dai Ru Yan did not refute her. Instead, she followed Gong Yu’s words and said, “Xiao Jiu is talking in her sleep. Just moments ago, we were discussing your proposal at court tomorrow.”

“Is this just a dream?” Gong Yu hesitated and asked, “Between power and me, which would Ayan choose?”

“Of course, I choose Xiao Jiu. What a silly question.”

Dai Ru Yan did not hesitate, and there was not a hint of falsehood in her eyes. Gong Yu suddenly felt relieved, comforting herself with the thought that Dai Ru Yan could never be someone driven by greed for power.

Dai Ru Yan usually lived a reclusive life. Aside from the occasional banquet she was required to attend, she seldom enjoyed lively gatherings. Moreover, she showed little interest in clothing and jewelry, often appearing indifferent to them. Even the precious teacup that the second princess had shattered—Gong Yu later sought it out and only then realized it was a priceless treasure.

Back then, after the teacup shattered, Dai Ru Yan had only joked about it lightly, clearly not taking it to heart.

Someone so detached from worldly affairs clearly didn’t seem to place much importance on wealth and status.

Gong Yu’s thoughts circled back to the starting point. When she carefully studied Dai Ru Yan’s eyes again, they seemed no different from usual.

Instead, it was Dai Ru Yan who looked at Gong Yu with confusion and asked, “Why are you staring at me so intently, Xiao Jiu?”

“N-no reason… I just wanted to look at your eyes.”

“Why aren’t you complimenting my rouge today?” Dai Ru Yan smiled faintly.

Gong Yu guiltily touched the tip of her nose and said, “The rouge is naturally beautiful, but even without it, you’d still be incredibly lovely.”

“Always with the sweet talk.” Dai Ru Yan lightly tapped Gong Yu’s forehead with her fingertip, then turned her gaze to Gong Yu’s swollen wrist and sighed. “You still need to apply medicine to this swelling every day. Otherwise, it won’t go away, and I’m afraid it might leave a scar.”

“Really?” Gong Yu looked down at her arms and muttered, “That woman in red was truly vicious.”

“Now you understand, Xiao Jiu, not all women are as protective of you as I am.”

Gong Yu nodded in agreement. “That’s true. You’re the one who treats me best in this world.”

Dai Ru Yan poked Gong Yu’s cheek gently and whispered, “You only know how to act cute.”

“I only act cute for you.”

Outside the pavilion, the scorching sun blazed, its glare reflecting intensely on the red lacquered floorboards inside. Gong Yu quietly watched Dai Ru Yan before her and couldn’t help but think: even if Dai Ru Yan’s heart were truly made of stone, as long as things went as she said…

After all, there was still plenty of time. One day, Dai Ru Yan would understand, because Gong Yu was certain—Dai Ru Yan did care for her, even if that affection came only after careful, rational consideration.

Early the next morning, Gong Yu straightened her robes and rode her horse to the imperial court. For the first time in her life, she was going to speak in the main hall—to propose marriage.

She had even stayed up most of the night, passionately drafting her speech.

But arriving early didn’t mean the palace gates would open sooner. When Gong Yu arrived, aside from a few elderly ministers, the younger officials were probably just leaving their residences.

Gong Yu secretly took out her draft and began silently rehearsing. Suddenly, the Grand Tutor appeared out of nowhere, startling her so much she nearly dropped the papers.

“Good morning, Grand Tutor!” Gong Yu smiled, quickly hiding the draft in her sleeve.

Ever since learning from Dai Ru Yan yesterday that the Grand Tutor intended to propose a match for her today, Gong Yu had wanted to stay as far away from him as possible.

“Time truly flies,” the Grand Tutor stroked his beard and sighed. “It feels like just yesterday the Ninth Princess was but a child, and now you’ve reached marriageable age.”

Truly a veteran of two dynasties. He got straight to the point.

Gong Yu took a step back and said, “With the people of Gong Nation still suffering, this matter isn’t urgent.”

The Grand Tutor smiled. “Court affairs are never-ending, but the Ninth Princess has reached marriageable age. I have a daughter in my household. Though she’s a bit mischievous, she is well-educated and refined.”

Well-educated and refined?

If the Grand Tutor weren’t also her teacher, Gong Yu would have rolled up her sleeve to show him the bite marks left by his “well-educated and refined” daughter—marks that hadn’t even faded yet.

“You are too kind, Grand Tutor, but my heart already belongs to another. I won’t consider anyone else.”

Before the words had fully left his mouth, the Grand Tutor’s expression shifted. The old man looked gravely at Gong Yu and said, “Could it be that the fair maiden in Your Highness’s heart is none other than the young lady from the Dai family?”

Gong Yu hesitated, then nodded. “Since the Grand Tutor already knows, why bring up the matter of your own daughter again?”

“Foolish!” the Grand Tutor suddenly thundered with unexpected vigor. “There is a full four-year age gap between you and Miss Dai—isn’t that absurd?”

“Your Highness must not speak of this to anyone else. You should abandon such thoughts.”

Gong Yu, perplexed, replied, “Why should the age difference matter? A man of sixty may still marry a maiden of fourteen. The gap between me and Miss Dai is merely four years. How can you be so prejudiced, Grand Tutor?”

The Grand Tutor was taken aback, clearly not expecting the usually timid and unremarkable young prince to retort so sharply.

“Your Highness is still too young. The reason Miss Dai has not yet married is that the Dai family is waiting to see which prince His Majesty favors as the future Crown Prince. Do you truly believe you stand a chance among them?”

“This old servant advises you, Your Highness: my daughter is exceptionally intelligent. If she were to become your consort, it would surely secure you a place in the court. I urge you to reconsider.”

With that, the Grand Tutor turned and strode away.

Gong Yu felt a heavy weight in his heart, but the palace gates had opened, and the officials began to file into the hall in their usual order.

After a brief discussion of court affairs, the hall fell into a momentary silence. Just as Gong Yu was about to step forward, the Grand Tutor at the front suddenly spoke: “Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to present.”

“What is it, Grand Tutor?”

“My daughter is nearing marriageable age. Recently, she has been urging this old man to seek a marriage arrangement before Your Majesty.”

The Emperor’s expression softened slightly. “And which family does the Grand Tutor have in mind for your beloved daughter?”

“It is…” the Grand Tutor began to answer.

Gong Yu anxiously called out, “Father!”

However, the Dai Chancellor on the other side suddenly spoke in a booming voice: “Your Majesty, this subject also has a matter to present.”

No one seemed to notice Gong Yu’s outburst, except for the Sixth Prince, who remarked, “If Ninth Brother has something to say, perhaps it should wait for another day.”

The atmosphere in the hall grew strangely tense.

“My daughter is now eighteen and still unmarried. Today, I too wish to seek Your Majesty’s blessing for a marriage arrangement.”

Immediately, the ministers began whispering and discussing among themselves. The Emperor frowned slightly. “Which family does the Chancellor have in mind?”

The Grand Tutor urgently interjected, “Your Majesty, my daughter—”

“Grand Tutor!” the Dai Chancellor stepped closer, his tone imposing. “The one my daughter has set her heart on is the Ninth Prince. I beseech Your Majesty to grant this marriage.”

The Emperor looked puzzled but remained silent, while the gazes of the entire court converged on Gong Yu.

Even the Sixth Prince and the other princes fixed their piercing stares on him.

Feeling as though needles were pricking his back, Gong Yu couldn’t help but shiver. Was he about to be ganged up on?

The Grand Tutor’s aged voice echoed through the hall: “Your Majesty, this old servant’s daughter also has her heart set on the Ninth Prince.”

Suddenly, Gong Yu felt as if countless more eyes were burning into his back. The Dai Chancellor, his gaze sharp as a torch, smiled and said, “Grand Tutor, are you targeting my family?”

“Chancellor Dai, you jest. This old man must still oversee his children’s marriages. How could it be a matter of targeting your family?”

As the two most senior officials in the court locked horns, the murmuring discussions among the other courtiers instantly fell silent, as if a war were about to erupt at any moment.

Breaking the silence, the emperor seated on the dragon throne remarked, “This is a rare sight indeed—Little Jiu has managed to capture the affections of both of your daughters.”

“However, when it comes to marriage, it would be best to let Little Jiu make the decision himself.”

Upon hearing this, Gong Yu swiftly stepped forward, thinking to himself that if he didn’t act now, the emperor might make a hasty decision and that would be disastrous.