Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 39.1

Gong Yu slowly let out a sigh of relief, carefully pulling the thin quilt over Dai Ru Yan. Her gaze fell on Dai Ru Yan’s slightly furrowed brows, and she reached out to gently smooth them with her fingertips.

Perhaps the clouds had obscured the moonlight, making the courtyard dim, and Gong Yu found it difficult to discern Dai Ru Yan’s expression clearly.

She only felt that Dai Ru Yan’s breathing was shallow in her embrace, and she unconsciously softened her own breaths as well. Recalling Dai Ru Yan’s jealous words from earlier, she couldn’t help but smile silently.

The night was long, and Gong Yu didn’t know when she had fallen asleep. When she woke again, the courtyard outside was shrouded in a hazy mist, and she felt as though someone was lightly pinching her cheek.

The familiar sensation made Gong Yu turn her head, only to find Dai Ru Yan awake, her mischievous fingertips boldly gliding across Gong Yu’s forehead, down her nose bridge, and finally settling on her lips.

“Does Ayan have a headache?” Gong Yu asked, holding Dai Ru Yan’s slightly cool hand.

Dai Ru Yan’s eyes were clear as she replied, “It’s nothing. I just drank a bit too much last night.”

“But I’ve never seen Ayan drunk before. Last night was the first time.”

“Oh?” Dai Ru Yan hesitated before asking, “Did I behave inappropriately last night?”

Gong Yu chuckled and said, “Yes, you were completely different from your usual self. Last night, you not only held me but also kissed me several times.”

Dai Ru Yan looked at Gong Yu with a hint of disbelief. “Just that?”

“Yes.”

“Then, did I not hear Xiao Jiu’s vows last night?”

Gong Yu blinked, gazing playfully at Dai Ru Yan, who still seemed a bit dazed, and teased, “Vows? I remember Ayan saying that from now on, I should take the initiative to kiss you ten times every day.”

Dai Ru Yan’s eyes filled with confusion as she scrutinized Gong Yu seriously. Suddenly, she reached out and pinched Gong Yu’s cheek, whispering, “Xiao Jiu, you’re being naughty.”

“How could you forget the vows we made just last night so quickly?”

The pinch was a bit forceful, and Gong Yu endured the pain as she hurriedly replied, “I didn’t forget. I was just teasing you.”

“That’s still being naughty.” Dai Ru Yan’s eyes were filled with reproach as she refused to let go.

Poor Gong Yu was filled with regret, wondering why she had chosen to joke around so early in the morning.

Unable to move from the pain, Gong Yu said pitifully, “I won’t dare to do it again. Ayan, please let go, okay?”

“There’s going to be a next time?”

“No… absolutely no next time.”

Only then did Dai Ru Yan release her grip, her gaze fixed intently on Gong Yu as she sighed softly and asked, “Xiao Jiu, do you think I’m being unreasonable?”

“No.” Gong Yu stretched out her arms, pulling Dai Ru Yan into an embrace. She successfully stole a kiss on Dai Ru Yan’s cheek and replied, “I like it. No matter what Ayan is like, I like her.”

Dai Ru Yan leaned gently against Gong Yu’s chest, her palm cupping Gong Yu’s face as she whispered, “If I’m not as perfect as Xiao Jiu imagines me to be, would you be afraid and no longer want to be this close to me?”

“I wouldn’t.”

Gong Yu lowered her head and kissed Dai Ru Yan’s slightly furrowed brow. “I made a vow. No matter what happens, I will never leave Ayan.”

Dai Ru Yan’s fingertips, which had been stroking Gong Yu’s cheek, paused as warmth flickered in her eyes. She leaned closer and kissed Gong Yu’s cheek in return, murmuring softly, “Yes, Xiao Jiu made a vow.”

“I remember every word Xiao Jiu has said to me, and I will always remember them.”

As if to soothe the unease, Gong Yu could sense Dai Ru Yan’s restlessness but didn’t know what she had done wrong to cause it. All she could do was try her best to comfort her.

Outside the pavilion, mist rose in swirls, and the surroundings were quiet. Aside from the faint chirping of birds, no other sounds disturbed the tranquility.

Gong Yu’s palm gently stroked Dai Ru Yan’s thin, frail back, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache. She tightened her arms around Dai Ru Yan, yet still felt how alarmingly slender her frame was.

“Ayan…”

“What’s wrong?” Dai Ru Yan responded, as if she loved nestling in Gong Yu’s embrace.

“Why have you been losing so much weight lately?”

“Is it bad to be thin?”

“You’re so thin that I’m afraid to hold you too tightly.”

Dai Ru Yan’s fingertips lightly traced Gong Yu’s earlobe as she whispered, “I’ve always been like this. I don’t gain weight easily. As long as Xiao Jiu isn’t afraid, it’s fine.”

Gong Yu nuzzled her cheek against Dai Ru Yan’s and murmured, “But you’ve lost so much weight recently that it worries me.”

“Worries you?” Dai Ru Yan slightly lifted her head and pressed her palm against Gong Yu’s chest, asking, “Earlier, you said your head hurt. Now, does your heart hurt too?”

“Not that kind of heartache. I just feel distressed seeing you so thin.”

Dai Ru Yan seemed to understand Gong Yu’s words and replied calmly, “I’ve just been attending too many banquets lately, and I often come to see Xiao Jiu in the evenings. Naturally, I’ve been a bit busy. Don’t worry about me.”

“Your headache hasn’t even healed yet. If you start feeling pain somewhere else, I’ll only worry about you even more.”

It seemed Dai Ru Yan understood the words but couldn’t fully grasp the emotions behind them.

Gong Yu gently held Dai Ru Yan’s hand, which was resting on her chest, and asked, “Ayan, do you feel how fast my heart is beating?”

Dai Ru Yan remained silent, quietly gazing at Gong Yu before whispering, “Yes, Xiao Jiu’s heart is beating very fast.”

“Whenever I think of you or worry about you, it beats this fast.”

“Is that so?” Dai Ru Yan blinked softly and leaned her ear against Gong Yu’s chest.

Gong Yu felt that this intimate posture was making her heart race like a wild horse, completely out of her control.

Yet Dai Ru Yan seemed completely unaware. Instead, she held Gong Yu’s wrist, her expression focused and serious.

“Ayan, what… are you doing?”

“Xiao Jiu’s heartbeat is too irregular.” Dai Ru Yan pulled back slightly and said with concern, “I’m worried something might be wrong.”

Ah…

At this moment, Gong Yu was truly at a loss for words.

“I’m fine,” Gong Yu said, blushing as she held Dai Ru Yan’s hand. “It’s just because you’re so close to me.”

Such an obvious confession, and Dai Ru Yan still didn’t understand. Gong Yu could only resign herself to it.

But Dai Ru Yan, like a curious child, asked, “Am I the only one who can make Xiao Jiu’s heart beat this fast?”

Gong Yu tilted her head slightly and replied, “Yes.”

“Then… has Xiao Jiu’s heart never beaten this fast for anyone else?”

“No, never.”

Gong Yu turned to look at Dai Ru Yan, mustering her courage as she gently held her fingertips and said earnestly, “My heart beats only for you, Ayan.”

Dai Ru Yan’s calm eyes met Gong Yu’s gaze. Then, she pursed her lips slightly, as if deep in thought or exploration, before suddenly clasping Gong Yu’s wrist.

The whole person leaned close to Gong Yu, her cheek nearly touching Gong Yu’s face. Her tightly pursed lips slowly parted as she spoke with an undeniable tone:

“Then Xiao Jiu’s heart belongs to me.”

Gong Yu looked at Dai Ru Yan with some surprise, unsure whether she truly understood or had misinterpreted the meaning again.

“Ayan, do you really understand what I mean?”

“Of course.” Dai Ru Yan’s lips gently landed on Gong Yu’s brow, her cheek, and finally rested at the corner of Gong Yu’s mouth.

Dai Ru Yan did not immediately pull away but gazed intently at Gong Yu and said, “I understand. Perhaps I cannot fully grasp Xiao Jiu’s feelings, but I understand every word Xiao Jiu says to me.”

Gong Yu still looked somewhat confused at Dai Ru Yan, unable to discern the extent of her understanding.

“Xiao Jiu’s heartbeat is for me, so naturally, Xiao Jiu’s heart is mine, and thus Xiao Jiu belongs to me.” Dai Ru Yan whispered softly while gently cradling Gong Yu’s head, then tightly embracing her in her arms.

“Is that right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.” Gong Yu tilted her head to look at Dai Ru Yan, noticing her expression was as calm as ever, and hesitantly asked, “Then will Ayan’s heart beat for me alone?”

Dai Ru Yan gazed at Gong Yu and replied, “It will.”

“Ayan, you must not lie to me.”

“I won’t lie to Xiao Jiu.” Dai Ru Yan took Gong Yu’s palm and gently pressed it against her own chest, saying, “Here, it may not beat very fast, but aside from Xiao Jiu, there has never been anyone else.”

Gong Yu froze, not daring to move, her face flushed as she felt the softness beneath her palm. It was so incredibly soft.

Oh no, I must stay calm. Right now, Dai Ru Yan is discussing something serious.

But with each breath Dai Ru Yan took, the softness pressed against Gong Yu’s palm, and to make matters worse, Dai Ru Yan was looking at her with complete trust.

“Xiao Jiu… why aren’t you saying anything?” Dai Ru Yan asked with concern.

This is too overwhelming. Gong Yu felt as if she couldn’t breathe. Just as she was about to respond, Dai Ru Yan’s expression suddenly changed drastically. She quickly reached out to support Gong Yu’s head and exclaimed, “Don’t move, Xiao Jiu! You’re bleeding!”

Bleeding?

I don’t feel unwell anywhere.

Only when blood dripped onto her palm did Gong Yu instinctively touch her face and realize she had a nosebleed.

This is such bad timing.

Gong Yu hurriedly raised her sleeve to cover it and reassured, “Ayan, don’t worry. It might be… just a sign of excessive internal heat.”

Before she could finish speaking, Gong Yu felt her vision go dark and lost consciousness entirely.

When Gong Yu woke up again, her head still dizzy and heavy, she was no longer in the pavilion but had been moved to the palace hall.

The elderly steward beside her handed her a bowl of medicinal soup and sighed, “Your Highness, you’re finally awake.”

Gong Yu glanced around the room. Dai Ru Yan must have already left.

She couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. After drinking the medicinal soup, Gong Yu lay alone on the bed. As soon as she closed her eyes, she could almost feel the soft touch of that palm again.

“This is just terrible.” Gong Yu buried herself under the blankets, scolding herself for her lack of composure.

We’re both women. What’s the big deal about a touch? Especially with Dai Ru Yan—it should be perfectly natural. Why get so worked up?

Finally, Gong Yu emerged from under the blankets and looked at her hand. Her face flushed again as she thought, Although Dai Ru Yan looks a bit thin, she does have some curves after all.

Lost in these thoughts, Gong Yu sank into deep contemplation once more. Why was she, someone who loved eating so much, still so flat-chested?

Suddenly, she heard footsteps entering the hall. Assuming it was a maid, Gong Yu paid no attention and didn’t look up. The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became, and she unconsciously let out a sigh.

From beside her, Dai Ru Yan’s voice suddenly asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”

Gong Yu turned her head to look at the serious-faced Dai Ru Yan, half of her own face buried in the blankets.

Dai Ru Yan reached out to feel Gong Yu’s forehead and asked worriedly, “From now on, I won’t come at night anymore. That way, you won’t stay up so late. The physician also said you’re physically weak.”

“It’s not because of that,” Gong Yu replied, emerging from the blankets and grasping Dai Ru Yan’s slightly cool hand.

“But Xiao Jiu, your complexion is far too pale,” Dai Ru Yan said hesitantly. “You really should rest well these next few months.”

“I will.”

Under Dai Ru Yan’s clear, unwavering gaze, Gong Yu couldn’t help but recall the softness of her palm. It was as if she were harboring impure thoughts, and she guiltily averted her eyes from Dai Ru Yan’s stare.

Yet Dai Ru Yan continued to watch her, her fingers tightening on the edge of the blanket as she whispered, “This morning, when you suddenly collapsed into my arms, my heart felt as if it were about to stop.”

“In that moment, I suddenly seemed to understand what you meant, and inexplicably, I felt very happy.”

Gong Yu asked, puzzled, “Why?”

“Because my heart changes along with you, Xiao Jiu. It aches unbearably when I’m on the verge of losing you,” Dai Ru Yan murmured, her fingers gently stroking Gong Yu’s cheek. “So, I want you to stay with me forever. Is that alright?”

“Alright, I’ll always stay with Ayan.” Despite the possessive desire swirling in Dai Ru Yan’s eyes at that moment, Gong Yu obediently agreed.

Only then did a hint of a smile appear in Dai Ru Yan’s eyes. She leaned down and gently kissed Gong Yu’s cheek, whispering, “Good, now get some sleep.”

“But aren’t you going back, Ayan?” Gong Yu blinked and asked.

“I’ll stay with you today, Xiao Jiu. I’m not going anywhere.”

“But it’s already dusk outside. It’ll be dark soon.”

“Yes,” Dai Ru Yan replied, looking down at Gong Yu. “But I can’t bear to leave you.”

Though she knew Dai Ru Yan could be very straightforward at times, Gong Yu still couldn’t withstand such a relentless barrage of sweet words. She buried most of her face in the blankets and murmured softly, “I’m fine, Ayan. I know you’re busy.”

In the silence, Dai Ru Yan reached out, cupping Gong Yu’s face hidden beneath the blankets. Leaning close, she kissed Gong Yu’s forehead and whispered, “But you are the most important, aren’t you?”

“Ayan, why are you suddenly so sweet today?”

“Do I usually treat you coldly?”

Gong Yu shook her head. “Not coldly, just very composed. But ever since you got drunk last night, it feels like you’ve become a different person.”

Dai Ru Yan chuckled, poking Gong Yu’s cheek lightly. “Perhaps it’s because you didn’t look at me.”

Ugh… how did they circle back to last night’s topic again?

“But it’s alright,” Dai Ru Yan said with confidence. “I’ll make sure you only look at me from now on.”

“Are you going to tie me up, then?”

“That’s not a bad idea.”

Gong Yu smiled and asked, “My heart is completely filled with Ayan, so what is there for Ayan to worry about?”

Dai Ru Yan, however, replied, “But Xiao Jiu often says things that even I don’t understand. Sometimes, you do things I never anticipated, easily disrupting my plans.”

“There’s an aura about Xiao Jiu that feels entirely different from the people living in the palace. It’s as if Xiao Jiu is far away from me—so far that even when you’re in my arms, I can’t feel your presence.” Dai Ru Yan studied Gong Yu’s eyes as she spoke.

Hearing this, Gong Yu almost thought Dai Ru Yan would deduce that she wasn’t from this world.

“This feeling is strange and unfamiliar, even making me feel it’s dangerous,” Dai Ru Yan murmured softly.

“Dangerous?” Gong Yu held Dai Ru Yan’s hand earnestly and asked, “Why would Ayan think that?”

“I don’t know,” Dai Ru Yan frowned slightly, gazing intently at Gong Yu as she whispered, “I just suddenly felt that way.”

“Don’t be afraid, I won’t leave Ayan.” Gong Yu kissed Dai Ru Yan’s slightly cool palm and playfully nibbled her fingertip, saying, “I’m so obedient, Ayan shouldn’t feel any danger. We’ll always be together.”

Dai Ru Yan looked at Gong Yu with gentle eyes, a smile curling at the corners of her lips as she responded:

“If you’re really obedient, then you should go to sleep now.”

Gong Yu immediately closed her eyes and said, “I’m sleeping.”

“You can’t talk either.”

“Ayan, do you remember I said I have two secrets?” Gong Yu, afraid that Dai Ru Yan might detect her thoughts, kept her eyes closed as she spoke.

Dai Ru Yan sat beside her, lightly holding Gong Yu’s hand, and replied, “I remember.”

“My first secret is that I love Ayan,” Gong Yu said, tightening her grip on Dai Ru Yan’s hand.

“And the second one?”

“For the second secret, if Ayan shares one of her secrets with me in exchange, then I’ll tell you.”

Dai Ru Yan paused for a moment before responding, “No.”

Surprised by Dai Ru Yan’s resolute answer, Gong Yu opened her eyes and asked in confusion, “Why not?”

“Because my secret isn’t pleasant to hear.”

“What does it matter if a secret is pleasant or not?” Gong Yu said, puzzled. “Ayan just doesn’t want to tell me, right?”

Dai Ru Yan didn’t deny it. Instead, she looked seriously at Gong Yu and said, “Most of my secrets are meant to be buried deep underground. Why must Xiao Jiu be so curious?”

“Because it’s about Ayan’s secret, I really want to know.”

“That reason isn’t convincing enough.”

Gong Yu was taken aback. Meeting Dai Ru Yan’s calm and composed gaze, she couldn’t help but concede defeat.

Sometimes, Dai Ru Yan’s eyes were cold—whether calm or indifferent—and either was enough to remind Gong Yu that Dai Ru Yan was fiercely guarding her secrets, doing everything to keep them hidden. That was why the spies Gong Yu had sent out had found nothing, and she hadn’t even been able to locate the grave of Dai Ru Yan’s younger sister.

“Alright, I won’t ask anymore,” Gong Yu said, coming to her senses and speaking softly in surrender.

Only then did Dai Ru Yan’s gaze soften slightly, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips as she said, “That’s a good girl. Go to sleep now.”

“Once you’re asleep, I should return to my residence.”

“Okay.”

Gong Yu closed her eyes quietly, slowing her breathing until her entire body relaxed.

I don’t know how much time had passed, but when Dai Ru Yan stood up and left, Gong Yu only breathed a sigh of relief after faintly hearing the footsteps fade into the distance.

By then, the hall had grown so dim that one could barely make out any figures, yet Dai Ru Yan still departed with ease, as though darkness held no fear for her. In fact, it seemed as if she were more suited to moving through the shadows.

The more Gong Yu pondered it, the more she felt she had frightened herself unnecessarily. Dai Ru Yan wasn’t a ghost—she was a living, breathing person.

After the first frost, the days grew colder with each passing one. Gong Yu had just changed into a thick robe early in the morning when the old steward, panting heavily, announced, “Your Highness, Eunuch Li is here.”

Gong Yu leisurely tied the overly long sash of her robe and replied, “Steward, don’t rush. I no longer hold the title of prince or any official position. Eunuch Li is probably just here for a visit—nothing urgent.”

The old steward shook his head and said, “Eunuch Li was just sounding me out, saying that if Your Highness has recovered, you should attend the morning court in a few days.”

“What?” Gong Yu turned her head to look at the steward. “Is His Majesty selling candied hawthorns now?”

“What does Your Highness mean by that?”

“One by one, can’t he just let me stay home in peace?”

The old steward, unable to make sense of which local saying the prince was using, vaguely responded, “If Your Highness’s mind is still unclear, this old servant will decline on your behalf.”

Gong Yu shook her head. “No, I’ll go see him.”

The two walked one after the other to the front hall, where Eunuch Li appeared somewhat anxious. Gong Yu strode forward and gave him a big hug, exclaiming heartily, “Eunuch Li! Long-time no see!”

Eunuch Li was completely stunned by this greeting—what kind of etiquette was this?

Gong Yu suppressed a laugh and asked, “Eunuch Li, have you eaten?”

“Um… not yet.”

“Neither have I. Shall we eat together?”

Eunuch Li hastily stepped back and declined, “His Majesty has tasks for this old servant to attend to. I cannot stay long.”

“Oh.” Gong Yu feigned disappointment and sat dejectedly on the stone steps. The steward, also holding back laughter, stepped forward and said to Eunuch Li, “Eunuch Li, our prince is still not quite himself.”

“But His Majesty’s decree is still in my hands.”

With that, Eunuch Li approached again, holding the imperial decree respectfully with both hands. “Ninth Highness, please accept it. At the time, His Majesty had no choice—matters of the court cannot be explained in just a few words.”

Gong Yu glanced sideways at Eunuch Li, vaguely recalling how, when she was unconscious, her handprint had been forcibly pressed onto the document by him.

Eunuch Li wore a smile, and Gong Yu smiled back. The two of them looked like a pair of fools.

Though she knew the emperor faced difficulties in court affairs, it had been clear back then that Gong Yu was simply too weak, and the emperor had outright ignored her.

Gong Yu still remembered the resentment she had felt at that time.

“Ninth Highness?” Eunuch Li offered the decree with a coaxing smile.

Gong Yu laughed loudly and said, “I’m hungry…”

Huh? Eunuch Li froze on the spot. Gong Yu flicked her sleeve and headed toward the main hall, where a warm morning porridge had long been prepared and placed on the table.

The old steward followed her inside, while Eunuch Li sighed and hurried in after them, saying, “Ninth Highness, His Majesty intends to grant you an official position this time.”

Gong Yu pretended to be curious and asked, “An official position?”

“Indeed, if Your Highness intervenes and persuades the refugees to head north to Jinzhou, the capital will be safe and secure. In that case, not only will the Ninth Prince be granted an official position, but he may even receive gold, silver, and jewels,” Eunuch Li earnestly advised.

“I don’t want gold, silver, or jewels.”

“You don’t want gold, silver, or jewels?” Eunuch Li paused, then asked, “Then what does the Ninth Prince desire?”

Gong Yu lowered her head and continued eating her porridge, ignoring Eunuch Li once again, leaving him utterly bewildered.