Accidentally Married the Princess [Time Travel] - Chapter 7

Gong Yu felt utterly swindled.

Fortunately, the little girl wasn’t much of a handful. At most, she just clung tightly to Gong Yu’s hand and refused to let go.

The group entered the pavilion, where bamboo curtains hung around to block the wind, and a charcoal brazier in the corner provided warmth. The steaming pot of soup emitted an enticing fragrance.

“This fish soup was made from the catch this morning. Would the young lady like to try some?” The elderly woman beside them ladled a bowl for Dai Ru Yan before serving Gong Yu in turn.

Dai Ru Yan sipped delicately, while the little girl mimicked her posture, drinking carefully as the soup was still hot.

With the warm soup settling in her stomach, Gong Yu finally had the energy to observe the little girl, Yue’er. Indeed, her complexion was far too pale.

The elderly woman cradled her bowl and sighed, “Yue’er is a poor child. Every day she lives is a blessing.”

Gong Yu asked softly, “What illness does Yue’er have?”

Dai Ru Yan paused slightly before replying, “She was born frail, her constitution too weak. The physicians say her time is limited.”

“But she seems no different from anyone else now, aside from her pale complexion.”

The little girl turned her head and grinned at Gong Yu, revealing a missing tooth as she said happily, “Big brother, why aren’t you drinking?”

Gong Yu softened his tone and replied, “I’ve already finished a bowl.”

“Oh.”

The world outside was a vast expanse of white, the snowy scenery of Deer Mountain faintly visible. Yue’er soon grew drowsy and, after a while, released her grip on Gong Yu, allowing the elderly woman to carry her away. The incense burning nearby smelled pleasant, natural and not overpowering.

With nothing else to do after eating and drinking, Gong Yu glanced at the Go board set to the side and asked, “If there’s nothing else, shall we play a couple of rounds?”

Dai Ru Yan agreed readily, taking the black stones while Gong Yu took the white, making the first move.

When it came to Go, Gong Yu only had a superficial understanding, whereas Dai Ru Yan was a master, effortlessly leading him in circles.

“You didn’t just invite me here for a meal today, did you?” Gong Yu surveyed the board. There was likely no salvaging this game and placed a stone at random.

Dai Ru Yan showed no mercy, pressing her advantage step by step. She raised a brow slightly and replied, “Why not?”

Gong Yu paused and looked at her. “A-Yan, you’re a busy person. I’ve heard it’s rare for women to attend court, yet you recently joined the imperial scholars in the palace examinations. I even heard His Majesty praised you.”

“How did you know that?”

“Just rumors, of course. I’m just a minor prince, an idle man, where else would I get any proper gossip?”

Dai Ru Yan hesitated, slightly puzzled. “What is ‘gossip’?”

Ah…

He had spoken without thinking.

Gong Yu placed a stone hesitantly and explained, “It means gathering information.”

Luckily, Dai Ru Yan didn’t dwell on it. She studied the board and said, “Lately, the various princes have been extending frequent invitations. The court is unpredictable, and I must make some choices.”

“So, poor me became your shield.” Gong Yu feigned innocence, blinking at her. “But A-Yan, you’re several years older than me. The ministers probably won’t see through it right away, or they’d think you were an old cow eating tender grass.”

As he spoke, Gong Yu grinned mischievously and placed another stone. Across from him, Dai Ru Yan sighed helplessly and countered with a black stone, murmuring, “If I don’t associate with the other princes, then as for you—whether they believe it or not, they’ll have no choice.”

“Ah, Ah-Yan, go easy on me!”

The moment the black piece was placed, the game was beyond redemption. Gong Yu scratched her head, wanting to weasel her way out.

But Dai Ru Yan was already tidying up the board, completely ignoring Gong Yu beside her, a faint smile playing on her lips as she said:

“An old ox, too, has its own way of survival.”

This was undoubtedly Dai Ru Yan’s blatant revenge.

As dusk fell, the brazier in the pavilion could no longer ward off the chill. Gong Yu stood up and followed Dai Ru Yan out of the pavilion.

The cold wind howled, and the snow-covered path was slippery. Gong Yu walked cautiously when suddenly, her hand was grasped by Dai Ru Yan.

“Next year, you’ll be able to attend court discussions alongside the other princes. Though you’re young, minor mistakes can be overlooked, but major ones must be avoided. Keep this in mind.”

Dai Ru Yan’s hand was slender and delicate, yet incredibly soft; comfortable to the touch. Gong Yu held it tightly and replied, “I know. Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger. Caution is key, right?”

“Mm, but you mustn’t say such things in front of others.”

“Why?”

Dai Ru Yan sighed and looked at Gong Yu, lowering her free hand to pinch Gong Yu’s frost-reddened cheek. Softly, she said, “You are his child. How can you call your own father a beast?”

Thankfully, the pinch wasn’t hard, and Gong Yu didn’t dodge. Instead, she gazed mischievously at Dai Ru Yan and played along, “The tiger is the king of all beasts in the mountains, it’s a compliment.”

“And if you think about it, that would make me a little tiger. Quite formidable, too.”

“You…” Dai Ru Yan withdrew her hand, laughing. “I don’t see a little tiger. Just a feisty little wildcat.”

Her smile was like a spring breeze, breathtakingly beautiful, making Gong Yu’s heart race uncontrollably.

Flustered, Gong Yu turned her head to look at the frozen lake nearby and asked, “Are you going to the New Year’s Eve palace banquet?”

“Most likely.”

“I’ve heard that border tribes have been causing unrest in recent years, with many soldiers still fighting abroad. This year’s New Year’s Eve might not be very peaceful.” As they entered the corridor, Dai Ru Yan released Gong Yu’s hand and took a hand warmer from a maid, promptly tucking it into Gong Yu’s grasp without hesitation.

Gripping the warmer, Gong Yu asked, moved, “Don’t you need it?”

“I’m staying here tonight, but you still have to ride back to your residence. You’ll need it on the way.” Dai Ru Yan reached out to adjust Gong Yu’s haphazardly tied cloak.

The meticulousness of the gesture made Gong Yu blush. After all these years, suddenly being cared for like a child again felt rather awkward.

But in a way, Dai Ru Yan’s appearance and personality were lethally charming, regardless of age or gender. Gong Yu comforted herself with this thought.

By the time heavy snow arrived, the estate was already adorned with lanterns and decorations for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Gong Yu lazed under the blankets, her frail constitution leaving her perpetually listless.

Dragging her feet until New Year’s Eve night, she boarded the carriage early to enter the palace gates, only to find them jammed with traffic. Gong Yu hugged the hand warmer, drowsy in the carriage.

The carriage inched forward. After disembarking, she followed the palace maids toward the palace hall. The howling wind whipped the snowflakes against her face, stinging sharply.

Once inside the palace, it was warm again. Taking her seat, Gong Yu removed her cloak and sat upright.

Before her, the low table was laden with wine and fruits. When the emperor and empress arrived, Gong Yu lifted the hem of her slightly long robe and joined the other princes in bowing to offer New Year’s greetings.

Throughout the banquet, music and dances continued. Unable to drink, Gong Yu only nibbled on some fruit.

Dai Ru Yan attended in full regalia, taking a seat near the empress. Coincidentally, Crown Prince Gong Quan was seated nearby. From afar, the two appeared to be a perfect match. A talented man and a beautiful woman, a union made in heaven.

Yet, by Gong Yu’s side sat the Grand Tutor, leaving the young prince too nervous to move, fearing another round of the Grand Tutor’s probing discussions.

Of course, this wasn’t because Gong Yu was timid. It was simply that the Grand Tutor was a revered elder who had served two dynasties. Even the emperor himself sometimes found the old scholar intimidating, let alone the other princes.

“Young Prince, you look particularly handsome and festive today,” the Grand Tutor remarked amiably, sipping his wine, appearing far more genial than usual.

Gong Yu cupped his teacup with both hands and bowed respectfully. “You flatter me, Grand Tutor.”

The Grand Tutor narrowed his eyes slightly as he drained his cup, stroking his beard with a sigh. “The borderlands are in turmoil. Countless soldiers of Gong Kingdom are shedding blood and sacrificing their lives. Yet, this palace banquet is far too extravagant.”

“Grand Tutor, do not worry. The rebellion will surely be quelled.”

“You are still young and do not understand the dangers involved. Ah, never mind.”

Gong Yu held his tea, watching as the Grand Tutor drank in silence, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Sensing the old man’s melancholy, he dared not disturb him further.

As the banquet neared its end, a soldier suddenly burst in with urgent news. The music ceased abruptly as the soldier gasped out his report: “Emergency from the border! Foreign invaders have breached our defenses and seized three cities!”

The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew tense. The emperor hurled his wine cup to the ground and declared in a low voice, “Summon the troops. I shall lead the campaign myself.”

“Your Majesty, you must not!” The ministers fell to their knees in protest, and even the princes joined in pleading.

Gong Yu stared blankly at the scene before lowering himself as well, thinking to himself, Being a member of the royal family really tests one’s ability to adapt on the spot.

The banquet was abruptly dismissed. The emperor convened a war council with his generals, and by the next day, news of his personal campaign had spread.

On the day of departure, all officials gathered to see him off. The crown prince was left to oversee state affairs, while the Third and Fourth Princes accompanied the emperor to the battlefield.

The political atmosphere in the court grew subtly tense. A royal campaign was no simple matter especially one led by the emperor himself.

Logistics, troop morale, and the unpredictability of war could all sway the outcome of the battle.

Time passed, and by early spring, the snow had melted. Gong Yu had grown noticeably taller. To avoid revealing her true gender, she spent extra hours training at the equestrian grounds, practicing archery and horseback riding daily. She also endured the Grand Tutor’s relentless recitation drills on poetry, literature, and military strategy.

By the start of summer, the weather grew warmer, and Gong Yu’s fair complexion had finally darkened a shade from sun exposure.

Dai Ru Yan was often busy, and Gong Yu rarely had the chance to see her. But one day, while resting at her residence, Dai Ru Yan suddenly paid an unexpected visit.

Caught off guard, Gong Yu hastily straightened her posture. As Dai Ru Yan took a seat beside her, Gong Yu asked, “Is there something you need today?”

“Yes.”

Dai Ru Yan opened a box her maid had brought, retrieving several small bottles and jars. Her gaze lingered on Gong Yu’s face.

Under the eaves, swallows chirped softly, their restless calls mirroring Gong Yu’s flustered heart. Unable to bear the scrutiny, she blurted out, “Why, why are you looking at me like that?”

“Your features have matured, making you resemble a woman even more. We must conceal it.”

Dai Ru Yan picked up a fine brush, leaning slightly closer, her gaze focused and gentle. Gong Yu dared not move, only murmuring,

“Are you drawing my eyebrows?”

“Not just the eyebrows, women’s makeup tends to be vibrant and colorful. Among your facial features, your eyes are the most likely to give you away.”

“Why?” Gong Yu blinked, leaning playfully against Dai Ru Yan as she asked.

Dai Ru Yan hesitated slightly, gazing into Gong Yu’s eyes before softly replying, “Your eyes are clear and bright. If you were a child, people wouldn’t suspect anything, but for a man, they’re far too pure and innocent.”

“Is that not attractive?”

“It is attractive.” Dai Ru Yan answered with a gentle smile, her fingertips lightly brushing Gong Yu’s cheek.

The touch was tender yet ambiguous. Gong Yu’s breath caught, as if dazzled by that smile, her heartbeat growing unsteady.