Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 40.1

“Ayan doesn’t need any chains.” Gong Yu gently held Dai Ru Yan and said playfully, “My whole heart already belongs to Ayan.”

Dai Ru Yan tightened her grip on Gong Yu’s hand and whispered, “Then Xiao Jiu should obediently stay by my side.”

“But I can’t hide behind Ayan forever.”

“Why not?” Dai Ru Yan looked at Gong Yu with confusion. “Does Xiao Jiu think I haven’t done well enough?”

“Not at all.”

Gong Yu held Dai Ru Yan’s cold hand and said, “It’s precisely because Ayan is so good that I want to become better myself.”

“I want to make sure those who covet Ayan wouldn’t dare to openly set their eyes on you anymore.”

Dai Ru Yan looked puzzled. Gong Yu gently led her toward the inner hall, where the stove fire burned brightly, creating a cozy atmosphere.

The wind howled outside. Gong Yu poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to Dai Ru Yan, saying, “Here, Ayan, have some warm tea.”

After speaking, Gong Yu poured herself a cup and took small sips. Beside her, Dai Ru Yan pressed her lips together and remained silent, creating an inexplicably tense atmosphere.

The charcoal in the stove crackled. Gong Yu turned to look at Dai Ru Yan, who sat upright, and sighed softly, calling out, “Ayan?”

But Dai Ru Yan paid no attention, lost in thought as she stared at the tea in her hand.

Gong Yu leaned closer and whispered, “Ayan, don’t be angry. The court of Gong Kingdom is in chaos internally, and externally, there are nearly ten thousand disaster victims yet to be appeased. If I stay holed up in the mansion at a time like this, people will criticize me for indulging in pleasure while ignoring the suffering of the people.”

“I suspect this is one of the reasons why His Majesty sent the Sixth Prince on such a dangerous mission outside the capital. To ascend the throne, it’s not just about court affairs—reputation matters too. The Sixth Prince is not the eldest legitimate son. Even if he is exceptionally talented, he still needs the support of the people.”

Dai Ru Yan turned her head slightly and gazed at Gong Yu, as if steadying her breath, and said, “So, after all this, Xiao Jiu still insists on leaving the capital, is that it?”

Gong Yu nodded. “Yes.”

“I want to prove to His Majesty through my own abilities that I am capable too.”

“But His Majesty doesn’t care about Xiao Jiu at all. Why must you take such risks?”

The conversation seemed to circle back to the initial point of conflict. Gong Yu looked at Dai Ru Yan, stood up helplessly, cupped her face, and leaned down to gently kiss her cold lips.

Her heart ached with tenderness. After a few more kisses, Gong Yu held Dai Ru Yan close to her chest and said, “Ayan, don’t be like this. Seeing you like this pains me deeply.”

“Listen, how heavily my heart is beating.”

Dai Ru Yan still did not respond. Gong Yu did not let go, continuing to hold her and murmuring, “It’s bitterly cold now. Winter clothes will be needed soon. Ayan, you must take good care of yourself in the mansion.”

“I know Ayan has been working tirelessly for me, which is why I don’t want to burden you further. Jinzhou isn’t just a path His Majesty paved for the Sixth Prince. If I can use this opportunity to return to the court, it will save Ayan a lot of trouble, won’t it?”

Dai Ru Yan, nestled in her arms, softly replied, “Xiao Jiu must be careful of the Sixth Prince.”

Seeing that Dai Ru Yan seemed to have calmed down, Gong Yu nodded and said, “Alright, I understand.”

“This time, Little Jiu was pushed to accompany the journey to Jinzhou, and it’s undoubtedly related to the Sixth Prince. If you encounter a critical moment, remember to be wary of him.”

Dai Ru Yan gazed at Gong Yu with uncertainty in her eyes, leaning close to Gong Yu’s chest and whispering, “Little Jiu, you must keep my words in mind.”

“I promise I’ll remember every single word,” Gong Yu replied with a smile.

“Stop smiling,” Dai Ru Yan said sternly.

Gong Yu stared blankly at Dai Ru Yan, who then wrapped her arms tightly around her, pressing her ear against Gong Yu’s chest to listen to her heartbeat. She murmured softly, “The more you smile, the more worried I become. And the more worried I am, the less I want to let you go.”

Dai Ru Yan’s voice was barely audible as she continued, “I’ve heard that Jinzhou houses the largest military camp in the Gong Kingdom, directly under the emperor’s command. The Sixth Prince’s mission to pacify the disaster victims is merely a facade. The real reason is likely that he carries a secret order from the emperor to mobilize troops.”

Gong Yu listened in confusion and asked, “Then why did you say earlier that you weren’t sure?”

Dai Ru Yan pulled back slightly and said, “I never intended to tell you this. But since you insist on going to Jinzhou, it’s better for you to know some details.”

“Is Father having the Sixth Prince mobilize troops because he knows someone is planning a rebellion?” Gong Yu pondered for a moment and added, “Is someone in the court trying to seize power?”

“Rather than someone seizing power, it’s more that the emperor’s health is failing, and he knows it.”

Gong Yu looked at Dai Ru Yan in surprise and asked, “How do you know this?”

“I’m well-informed about court affairs, and so are other factions. Even the emperor is fully aware,” Dai Ru Yan said, gently pulling Gong Yu aside and holding her carefully. “Moreover, the recent small-scale disturbances in the capital are clearly signs that someone is trying to overthrow the Gong court.”

“Yet the source of this unrest remains undetected, hidden deeply. Although the emperor resides deep within the palace, he has spies throughout the capital. He likely wants to quell this threat before it escalates.”

As she spoke, Dai Ru Yan leaned down and kissed Gong Yu’s cheek softly, whispering, “Alright, I’ve told you everything I should.”

Gong Yu tilted her head and looked at Dai Ru Yan, asking, “And what about the things you shouldn’t tell me? When do you plan to share those?”

“If it’s something I shouldn’t tell you, then I’ll never tell you.”

“Why?”

Dai Ru Yan blinked lightly, her fingertip tracing the scar on Gong Yu’s forehead as she replied softly, “Why are there so many ‘whys’ in this world? It’s just some unpleasant matters.”

Gong Yu gently held Dai Ru Yan’s hand and said, “But if you keep all these unpleasant things buried in your heart, won’t it make you uncomfortable?”

“Uncomfortable?” Dai Ru Yan thought for a moment and said, “It’s not uncomfortable at all.”

Well…

Gong Yu had to admit that Dai Ru Yan’s emotional defenses were strong. Leaning securely in Dai Ru Yan’s embrace, she could only change the subject and ask, “Then, have you investigated whether that faction has any connection to the woman in red?”

Dai Ru Yan shook her head and said, “Like you, I once suspected that mysterious woman in red. But I couldn’t uncover her origins at all.”

“Couldn’t uncover them?” Gong Yu frowned slightly and said, “Then she must be problematic.”

“Why are you so sure of that?”

“She’s untraceable, which means she deliberately conceals her origins. For someone to hide their background while navigating among the nobility in the capital can only mean they are using the city’s bustling facade to plot something.”

“But that doesn’t necessarily prove she’s connected to the forces inciting the refugees’ rebellion.”

“True.” Gong Yu held Dai Ru Yan’s hand in her palm, thinking how incredibly soft it felt.

Not the plump kind of soft, but rather a delicate, boneless softness.

Lost in this thought, Gong Yu unconsciously murmured, “Ayan, your hand is so soft.”

Dai Ru Yan gently pinched the soft flesh of Gong Yu’s palm and said, “We’re discussing serious matters here.”

“I… am being serious.” Gong Yu blinked playfully. “It really is very soft.”

“Don’t look at me like that.” Dai Ru Yan covered Gong Yu’s eyes with her hand and pulled her into an embrace.

Gong Yu complied willingly, laughing, “If I don’t look now, it’ll be at least over a month before I can see you again.”

A sigh escaped Dai Ru Yan’s lips, and Gong Yu immediately regretted bringing up the subject.

Dai Ru Yan leaned her head against Gong Yu’s cheek and whispered, “Xiao Jiu, you’re always so mischievous. Even if you don’t go to Jinzhou, I have ways to bring you back to the court. It might not be the most honorable method, but it’s better than letting you take risks.”

“I know.” Gong Yu took Dai Ru Yan’s hand, kissed her palm, and said, “Ayan is amazing.”

“But if I rely entirely on you and experience nothing myself, I’ll still end up having to fight against the factions in court. Wouldn’t that make me useless?”

“Who dares say Xiao Jiu is useless?” Dai Ru Yan gripped Gong Yu’s hand firmly and declared, “Once we seize control of the court, no one will dare say such things.”

Gong Yu turned to look at her and said, “I would. I’d feel useless.”

“Since I’ll have to contend with those wolves and tigers sooner or later, I might as well treat this as training. Besides, Ayan will send people to protect me, right?”

Dai Ru Yan lightly nibbled Gong Yu’s cheek and complained, “Why should I send anyone to protect you?”

“You’re taking advantage of my worry, daring to act so recklessly.”

Gong Yu chuckled, leaned in to kiss her thin lips, and said, “Ayan, you’re always so contradictory. I know.”

“What do you know?” Dai Ru Yan traced Gong Yu’s lips with her fingertip.

“I know Ayan cares about me. No matter how far I go, you’ll always think of me and miss me.”

Dai Ru Yan’s eyes reflected Gong Yu’s radiant smile, and she unconsciously smiled back. “Xiao Jiu, you always know just what to say.”

“Not at all.” Gong Yu said earnestly, “I’m going to do great things. When I have power and influence in the future, I’ll…”

“You’ll what?”

Dai Ru Yan pressed her fingertip to the corner of Gong Yu’s smiling lips.

Gong Yu said proudly, “The first thing I’ll do is marry you.”

“And then?”

“Then I’ll arrest all the corrupt officials, and finally, I’ll take you away from the capital to travel and enjoy the world.”

Dai Ru Yan paused, her finger still pressed against Gong Yu’s lips. “The latter part will be difficult.”

Gong Yu stroked the back of Dai Ru Yan’s hand and replied, “Yes, but for now, let’s take things one step at a time.”

The wind outside did not cease; instead, it grew stronger, rattling the windows with a buzzing sound.

Dai Ru Yan’s hands seemed to have warmed up as well. Gong Yu lay half-reclined, resting with her eyes closed. She had been dragged out of bed early that morning by Eunuch Li to attend the morning court session and was still drowsy. The stove in the corner of the room burned brightly, and Dai Ru Yan sat quietly beside her, her fingertips gently tracing Gong Yu’s brow before softly massaging her acupoints.

Gong Yu could clearly detect the faint fragrance emanating from Dai Ru Yan, which seemed different from the usual incense. She leaned in closer to take another sniff.

Unexpectedly, Dai Ru Yan pressed down on her head and said softly, “You’re not some cat or dog. Lie still.”

“You smell so nice, Ayan.”

“Only now do you notice the difference?”

Even without opening her eyes, Gong Yu could clearly detect the undisguised grievance in Dai Ru Yan’s tone.

Unable to resist the plaintive tone, Gong Yu opened her eyes and smiled, saying, “Let me smell what fragrance you’re wearing.”

“It’s quite enchanting.”

Before Dai Ru Yan could react, Gong Yu flipped over, looming above her.

Dai Ru Yan was momentarily stunned but did not struggle. She lay calmly, gazing up at Gong Yu, her fingertips lightly brushing Gong Yu’s cheek as she asked seriously, “This fragrance is a new blend of mine. How could you possibly identify it?”

“My nose is very sharp,” Gong Yu replied, lowering herself slightly. As she drew nearer, she detected a hint of crisp, cold fragrance mingled with the light scent and remarked, “Is there plum blossom in it?”

“Are you just guessing, Xiao Jiu?” Dai Ru Yan looked up at her and asked softly.

Gong Yu shook her head and replied, “I really did smell it.”

Dai Ru Yan reached up and touched Gong Yu’s nose, saying, “Your little nose is truly sharp.”

Though the remark didn’t sound entirely like a compliment.

“Since I guessed right, I deserve a reward,” Gong Yu said, leaning closer.

“Alright, what do you want?”

Dai Ru Yan’s gaze was clear and transparent as she looked at Gong Yu.

Feeling a bit guilty, Gong Yu leaned in and gently kissed Dai Ru Yan’s lips. Just as she was about to pull away, Dai Ru Yan’s palm cupped the back of her neck, drawing her closer.

This sudden enthusiasm from Dai Ru Yan left Gong Yu momentarily dazed. The soft touch of their lips meeting felt noticeably more passionate than usual.

Their warm lips met and intertwined. At first, Dai Ru Yan was slow and hesitant, but gradually, she began to respond.

Whether it was the intense heat from the stove or the fervor of their kiss, Gong Yu’s forehead began to glisten with sweat. She pulled back slightly and saw that Dai Ru Yan’s usually cold, piercing eyes now held a soft glow, while her fair skin had taken on a faint blush.

Entranced, Gong Yu leaned down and, like a child, kissed the corner of Dai Ru Yan’s lips repeatedly, even gently nibbling on her thin lips.

Dai Ru Yan let out a soft sound but did not pull away. Instead, she wrapped her arms tightly around Gong Yu, as if allowing her to tease and play, until Gong Yu finally stopped.

“Was that reward enough?” Dai Ru Yan still lay beneath her, her fingertips tracing Gong Yu’s warm lips as she whispered.

Gong Yu, however, couldn’t handle Dai Ru Yan’s slow-burning sensuality. Even without actively trying to seduce, she was utterly captivating.

Especially under the contrast of Dai Ru Yan’s typically indifferent dark eyes and her now flushed lips from their intimacy, it was impossible to look away.

The more Gong Yu gazed, the more she felt as though she were stranded in a desert, parched and unbearably thirsty.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Dai Ru Yan’s fingertips gently caressed Gong Yu’s lips. Gong Yu instinctively licked her lips, accidentally brushing against Dai Ru Yan’s fingers.

The gesture was utterly tantalizing.

Yet Dai Ru Yan merely smiled lightly, rubbing her fingers against Gong Yu’s robe as she said, “Aren’t you going to get off me?”

Gong Yu lingered reluctantly on Dai Ru Yan, her heartbeat pounding clearly in her ears while Dai Ru Yan’s palm softly stroked her back.

Though she desperately wanted to calm down, Dai Ru Yan seemed to be teasing her, offering no soothing effect at all.

Helpless, Gong Yu bit her own tongue, the pain jolting her back to reason as she lay down beside Dai Ru Yan.

Dai Ru Yan, however, lay on her side as if nothing had happened, lightly poking Gong Yu’s cheek and saying, “That kiss just now… Little Jiu, you seemed quite skilled.”

Gong Yu clearly felt the pressure of Dai Ru Yan’s poke was a bit heavy and quickly clasped her hand, explaining, “Ayan, don’t be jealous. I swear I’ve never kissed anyone else.”

Now it was Dai Ru Yan’s turn to loom over Gong Yu with an imposing gaze. The pitiful, small, and helpless Gong Yu nervously swallowed and said, “Really! If anything, Ayan seemed even more skilled than me. Gong Yu nervously admitted that aside from recently sneaking a peek at some indescribable picture books, she hadn’t dared to mess around with anything else.

Dai Ru Yan raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, “Then why do you look so flustered?”

“N-no reason,” Gong Yu replied, steadying her breath. “I’m just… still recovering from that long kiss earlier.”

“Really?” Dai Ru Yan gently massaged the acupoint near Gong Yu’s forehead and said, “Then rest for a while, Little Jiu. We wouldn’t want you suddenly fainting like last time—that was truly frightening.”

Seeing that Dai Ru Yan didn’t seem suspicious, Gong Yu finally relaxed.

Dai Ru Yan observed Gong Yu’s complexion and said softly, “Your health has only just improved, and now you’re heading out again. Who knows how thin you’ll be when you return?”

“I won’t lose weight. I’ll take good care of myself on the road.”

“Ah, since Little Jiu has already made up her mind to go to Jinzhou, there’s nothing more I can do.”

As she spoke, Dai Ru Yan lightly flicked Gong Yu’s forehead, as if in retaliation.

Gong Yu pretended it hurt, gazing at Dai Ru Yan with a pitiful expression, only to see Dai Ru Yan’s fingers gently massage her forehead instead.

Clearly, with Dai Ru Yan, being soft-hearted worked better than being stubborn, Gong Yu thought to herself.

At least Dai Ru Yan still cared. Gong Yu guessed that Dai Ru Yan had truly agreed to her going to Jinzhou.

Early the next morning, Gong Yu was summoned by the Sixth Prince to deliver a speech. The porridge distribution station was already guarded by soldiers. Gong Yu looked at the refugees in their thin clothing, most of them walking barefoot on the bitterly cold streets.

The so-called speech was nothing more than a straightforward announcement: Jinzhou was a land overflowing with grain, and everyone should follow the court’s arrangements.

But as Gong Yu looked at the small note in her hand, she couldn’t help but wonder. If Jinzhou was truly so prosperous, why hadn’t the capital requested grain from there earlier?

Unease surged within Gong Yu, making her doubt whether Jinzhou even had enough grain. Or was this merely the emperor’s ploy to relocate the refugees?

She shook her head, feeling she was overthinking it. If it were a deception, the refugees would eventually find out, which could directly provoke them to revolt.

Descending from the high platform, the Sixth Prince sipped his tea while surveying the disaster victims gathered around. He turned to Gong Yu, who stood beside him looking rather pale, and reassured her:

“Don’t be afraid, Little Nine. There are thousands of elite soldiers stationed nearby. As long as the victims are pacified, everything will be fine.”

But thousands of elite soldiers couldn’t possibly hold back tens of thousands of disaster victims. Was the Sixth Prince really this blindly confident?

At first, Gong Yu had thought the Sixth Prince was a breath of fresh air in the imperial court. But even Dai Ru Yan had warned her to be cautious of him, suggesting that the Sixth Prince might be a formidable figure himself.

After a brief exchange, Gong Yu watched as the Sixth Prince took his leave. Qin Hua approached and asked, “Your Highness, are you truly resolved to go to Jinzhou?”

“Why are you hesitating as well, sir?”

“The journey to Jinzhou is fraught with peril. It is not the best course of action.”

Gong Yu paused before replying, “Indeed, it is not the best course, but it is the only choice my father has given me.”

“Your Highness is still in the capital. If you are unwilling, you could seek Lady Dai’s assistance. I believe she would be able to help,” Qin Hua suggested, his gaze drifting toward the disaster victims.

“I cannot,” Gong Yu said, turning to face him. “The conflicts in the court are inevitably stained with blood. I cannot let her keep doing such bloody work on my behalf.”

“Forgive my bluntness, Your Highness, but Lady Dai may not mind acting for you. Why not take advantage of the situation?”

“Sir!” Gong Yu’s expression turned stern as she looked at Qin Hua. “You should know that there are things one must do and things one must not.”

Qin Hua seemed taken aback by her sudden anger and replied, “Your Highness is right.”

“I only fear that Lady Dai may not appreciate Your Highness’s intentions.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“If Your Highness and the Sixth Prince both go to Jinzhou, only the First, Fourth, and Fifth Princes will remain in the capital,” Qin Hua paused before continuing, “If His Majesty were to pass away at this time, only the First and Fourth Princes would be in contention for the throne. The Fourth Prince has already married the Grand Tutor’s daughter, while the First Prince has yet to take a principal wife. Are you not afraid, Your Highness?”

Gong Yu glanced at the emaciated disaster victims and said, “I am not afraid.”

“What I fear more is that staying in the capital would become a burden to her. That is why I must go to Jinzhou.”

Because Gong Yu remembered Zhao Anyue once asking why the powerful Dai family didn’t simply seize the throne.

Yes, Gong Yu had also wondered. That Prime Minister Dai Li was clearly a man of deep cunning—how could such a person tolerate a young, inexperienced prince ascending the throne?

Gong Yu suspected that not everything Dai Ru Yan had told her was true, but she must have mentioned the secret of Jinzhou. It had to be the weapon the Gong royal family used to keep powerful ministers in check.

Thus, the capital was safe, while the journey to Jinzhou was bound to be dangerous.

A cold wind swept through the crisscrossing streets and alleys of the capital, howling as it went. Gong Yu shivered and snapped back to reality. “Sir, you should stay in the capital.”

“Forgive me, but I cannot obey,” Qin Hua said with a frown. “Your Highness will need me.”

Gong Yu smiled faintly. “But you have a wife and daughter at home. Going to Jinzhou is no easy task.”

“Does Your Highness think I am a coward who fears death?”

“There’s one thing I’ve always wondered—why did you resign as an advisor from the First Prince’s residence back then?” Gong Yu fixed her gaze on Qin Hua’s eyes.

“I heard that the eldest prince treats you as an honored guest. Even if he is under house arrest, it shouldn’t have led to you being driven out of his residence to seek a livelihood elsewhere.”

Unexpectedly, Qin Hua replied, “A noble person knows what to do and what not to do.”

Gong Yu couldn’t help but laugh, and Qin Hua followed with a candid smile.

Although Gong Yu still hadn’t fully uncovered the reason for Qin Hua’s entry into the residence, regardless, he admired Qin Hua’s talent, insight, and courage.