After Accidentally Marking the Cold and Elegant Eldest Princess - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Framing and Scheming

Because the window had not been fully sealed, Yan Yunti did not release her pheromones openly. Taking advantage of the moment when the ivory-skinned, pink-flushed “beauty bunny” in her arms was trembling, her canine teeth pressed against the back of the Princess’s neck, injecting a small amount of pheromones as compensation.

A sweet fragrance overflowed from between their lips. Yan Yunti’s palm stroked gently down Yuan Jingxue’s spine, and she whispered in her ear: “How does Your Highness feel?”

The Qianyuan was quite persistent in asking this question.

Yuan Jingxue never usually gave her a response; it had always been Yan Yunti guessing her thoughts. Even if she didn’t speak, Yan Yunti could discern the answer from her reactions. But for some reason, she suddenly recalled Yan Yunti’s soft, sighing words—

“Your Highness, if you are like this, I will find it very exhausting.”

Yan Yunti was right about one thing: given their current relationship, there was no reason to keep her guessing forever. Perhaps she should provide some proper feedback.

The beauty in her arms remained silent, with only her rapid, hot breath splashing against Yan Yunti’s shoulder. Just as Yan Yunti, certain she wouldn’t receive an answer, wrapped her arms around the woman to lift her up, she heard a low, soft murmur from beside her neck: “It was… alright.”

Yan Yunti froze, her movement to stand up pausing. She turned her head to look at Yuan Jingxue. “What did Your Highness say?”

Yuan Jingxue did not want to meet her gaze, keeping her face turned away so she couldn’t see Yan Yunti’s eyes. Saying the words didn’t seem quite so difficult that way: “You did… very well. I had a bit of a headache, but my body feels much more relaxed now. However, next time, you must not be so reckless by the window.”

The soundproofing of the tent was weak, and the window had been left cracked open; she was afraid they would be too loud and alert those outside. Yet Yan Yunti was bold, repeatedly acting spoiled to make her call her “A-Yun.” Her soft compliance had only made the girl more forward.

Fortunately, A-Ruan hadn’t stayed to watch the whole time and had hopped off to parts unknown.

Lost in her thoughts, Yuan Jingxue didn’t notice the shift in Yan Yunti’s expression—from stunned surprise to uncontrollable joy. Although it was only two words, “very well,” in Yan Yunti’s ears, it was an immense encouragement.

She whispered stealthily in Yuan Jingxue’s ear: “Since Your Highness praises me so, are you planning for a second round right now?”

Yuan Jingxue turned her head in shock, catching the hand that was gripping her front, her voice tinged with annoyance: “Yan Yunti, what are you thinking?”

“Don’t you know what I’m thinking, Your Highness?” Yan Yunti smiled innocently. She took the chance to give a few final squeezes before finally standing up and carrying the woman toward the bed. “Just joking with you. There is a hunting competition tomorrow; how could I exhaust Your Highness further? Where is your medicine? I’ll help apply it to your legs again.”

The insides of Yuan Jingxue’s thighs had been rubbed red from riding. Although medicine had been applied in the morning, the red marks hadn’t faded.

Yan Yunti found the ointment and, ignoring Yuan Jingxue’s protests, insisted on cradling her legs in her lap. She applied the medicine meticulously, saying as she worked: “How about I hunt more game tomorrow and secretly give it to Your Highness?”

Yuan Jingxue pursed her lips and turned her head away, her fingertips clutching her dress. Hearing this, she refused: “No need. There will be many people in the forest tomorrow; do not do anything unnecessary.”

“Fine, whatever Your Highness says.” After saying this, Yan Yunti added wistfully: “After all, Your Highness is unwilling to have any connection with me in public. I understand.”

Yuan Jingxue really didn’t want to deal with her. Yan Yunti’s temper was truly mercurial; was she wrong? Was it worth acting so aggrieved? She couldn’t help but shoot back: “Does Miss Yan not also maintain a deliberate distance in front of others?”

Yan Yunti almost reflexively replied, Isn’t that Your Highness’s requirement? But on second thought, Yuan Jingxue had never explicitly demanded it. They both simply understood in their hearts that it was best not to reveal their relationship. Firstly, her Qianyuan status hadn’t been made public; secondly, the dependency period would eventually end, and after it ended…

Yan Yunti cut off the thought. She didn’t want to think about the future. Her fingertips continued to apply the ointment as she pivoted the conversation: “Then, for the release of the blessing lanterns in three days, will Your Highness permit me to accompany you?”

In previous years, when the Emperor released the lanterns, members of the imperial clan and officials would follow on the imperial boat. This afternoon, the Emperor had sent word that this year’s lanterns would be released by the Eldest Princess, and the guest list was naturally for her to decide.

Yan Yunti had thought about disguising herself as a maid to follow, but she feared that if something happened on the boat and her identity was discovered, it would be impossible to explain. It was better to be on the boat legitimately so she could react to any situation.

Yuan Jingxue was clearly surprised by her desire to join such a public event. “There will be pleasure boats following us. If you truly wish to tour the lake, sitting on the following boats would be more relaxing.”

Finishing the application, Yan Yunti wiped her hands with the corner of a handkerchief and looked up at Yuan Jingxue. “But I want to go with Your Highness. Does Your Highness find the idea of sitting with me on the imperial boat unacceptable?”

Yuan Jingxue drew her legs back. Hearing her say this, she asked: “When did I ever say that? There will be about ten people accompanying us. If you want to go, I will swap some of the guests for girls of similar age, so you won’t stand out too much.”

“Girls?” Yan Yunti’s eyes narrowed slightly, seizing the opportunity to act out. “One of me isn’t enough for Your Highness? You want other girls too?”

As Yan Yunti leaned in close, Yuan Jingxue pressed her hand against the girl’s shoulder. “Was I not clear? Those accompanying us will be Kunze and Zhongyong. You should be careful and not cause trouble for me.”

“What trouble?” Yan Yunti hugged the woman’s soft waist. “I differentiated into a Qianyuan because of Your Highness; naturally, I am a Qianyuan who belongs only to Your Highness.”

“Sweet talk,” Yuan Jingxue didn’t believe a word of it. “If you want to say such things, go say them to the girls who invited you to dance.”

“Hmm?” Yan Yunti caught the underlying tone. She looked at Yuan Jingxue’s slightly annoyed face. “Invited to dance? How did Your Highness know people invited me to dance tonight?”

Indeed, many girls had invited Yan Yunti to dance tonight—mostly girls she had met at the Cuju match—but she hadn’t accepted a single one, focusing entirely on roasting meat.

Hearing Yuan Jingxue mention it, she immediately realized: “Your Highness sent someone to watch me? Were you afraid I would dance with someone else? No wonder you didn’t want to eat my meat at first; could it be you drank too much vinegar?”

“Nonsense,” Yuan Jingxue really didn’t want to be this close to Yan Yunti right now; the medicine application just now had already been… “Xiao Ran happened to see it. The medicine is on; shouldn’t you be leaving?”

Yan Yunti pulled the woman into her lap to sit, whispering in her ear: “Your Highness, I saw ‘water’ when I was applying the medicine. We aren’t by the window now. If you want, I can be slower; it won’t affect tomorrow’s competition.”

Yuan Jingxue felt she should refuse. She knew she shouldn’t have let Yan Yunti help her with the medicine; the girl looked exactly where she shouldn’t. But as the refusal reached her lips and she met Yan Yunti’s brilliant, starlike eyes, she said, as if possessed: “One last time.”

“Alright,” Yan Yunti agreed with a smile. She pulled Yuan Jingxue to straddle her lap and pressed against her lips. “Let me taste just how strong the ‘vinegar’ in Your Highness’s mouth is.”

There was no vinegar, only sweetness, tempting one to taste again and again.

Yan Yunti used a damp cloth to meticulously clean Yuan Jingxue’s body before tucking her into bed. She leaned down and kissed her forehead lightly. “Sleep, Your Highness. I’m leaving now.”

Yuan Jingxue’s fingertips twitched, but she didn’t reach out. She had no reason to ask Yan Yunti to stay, even though she knew she would sleep more soundly with her there. Perhaps their bodies were truly a perfect match.

Yan Yunti tidied up quietly and changed into a fresh set of palace robes; the old ones were wet and had to be left for Jin Si and the others to handle.

When she stepped outside, the noise from the distant bonfires had not yet subsided. Avoiding the patrolling guards, she returned to her own tent and changed out of the servant’s robes. Recalling Tan Ning’s earlier mention of “trouble,” she went back out, wanting to see if the drama had ended.

Her luck was good; the show was just starting when she arrived. Cui Yanzhi was drunk and red-faced, shouting arrogantly: “The Eldest Princess is just a woman, a Kunze! What right does she have to release the blessing lanterns? If you ask me, the Third Prince is the most qualified to release them on behalf of His Majesty!”

The moment these words were spoken, the surrounding noise vanished. Several young lords who were close to Cui Yanzhi tried to cover his mouth, urging him to stop. He had been whispering earlier, but now, fueled by the wine, he was shouting without regard for the consequences.

Tan Ning appeared at the right time, trying to persuade him: “Young Master Cui, watch your words. How can we question His Majesty’s decisions?”

Seeing her, Cui Yanzhi remembered being rebuked by Ning Ruolan the night before. Blood rushed to his head, and he moved to grab Tan Ning.

Yan Yunti moved forward quickly, but someone was faster. A figure stepped in front of Tan Ning, seized Cui Yanzhi’s arm, and twisted it hard. “Young Master Cui, I warned you yesterday. This is His Majesty’s traveling palace; you are not allowed to be insolent here!” With a flick, she threw Cui Yanzhi to the ground.

Cui Yanzhi ate a mouthful of dirt but continued to howl: “Ning Ruolan, you dare lay hands on me!” He then pointed at Tan Ning and called her unworthy, insulting the decline of the Count of Anchang’s house. Being drunk, he spoke without any filter: “What are you acting so reserved for? You have no family status and your looks are average… you aren’t even as enthusiastic as the girls in the brothels…”

This time, Ning Ruolan didn’t need to act. Yan Yunti stepped forward and kicked him, pinning him down with her foot on his chest so he couldn’t get up. She said coldly: “Defaming the Eldest Princess and insulting a lady’s reputation—your Cui family truly has excellent upbringing.” I fear your wealth and status have reached their end.

Not wanting to hear any more filth, Yan Yunti snatched the purse from Cui Yanzhi’s waist and stuffed it into his mouth. Soon, guards arrived to haul him away.

Tan Ning hadn’t expected it to blow up like this. She frowned as she thanked Ning Ruolan for her help, then walked to Yan Yunti’s side and whispered: “It’s gone too far.”

Yan Yunti: “What’s wrong?”

Tan Ning lowered her voice further: “I gave him a little medicine. It works with the alcohol to make him speak without thinking. My intention was to guide him to vent his dissatisfaction with the Tan family, not to talk about the Eldest Princess and the Third Prince.”

Now that it had escalated, if they investigated and found medicine in his system…

Yan Yunti understood. She whispered back: “Don’t panic yet. Let’s see what Ning Ruolan says. I don’t think it will necessarily lead back to you.”

It was too coincidental. The news had just come out in the afternoon, and by evening, Cui Yanzhi was making such arrogant statements, dragging both the Princess and the Third Prince into it. “It might be that someone else was guiding him,” Yan Yunti analyzed.

No matter how drunk Cui Yanzhi was, Ning Ruolan had ways to wake him up quickly. Without even using torture, just a few threats made him confess everything. The young lords drinking with him were also “invited” over. Among them, the one who goaded Cui Yanzhi into saying “The Princess is unworthy” was a Young Master Zhuo. He claimed he was just talking nonsense in private and hadn’t expected Cui Yanzhi to cause a scene.

As it happened, the Zhuo family was related by marriage to the Min family—the maternal family of the Third Prince. As the investigation deepened, it appeared that the Third Prince was dissatisfied with the Emperor’s decision and the Princess’s role, using Cui Yanzhi’s mouth to vent.

The matter could be large or small. Yuan Yuxiu immediately went to the Emperor’s tent to cry and plead, claiming he had no such intentions.

When this news reached the Second Princess’s tent, Yuan Lianhua had just received a vial of medicine from Zhongli Yu. Hearing the report, she sneered: “Fool.” Truly a fool. A tiny bit of maneuvering from her could make Yuan Yuxiu panic. How could he hope to compete with her?

Zhongli Yu sat to the side, acting as if she didn’t understand. Once the reporting guard withdrew, she said softly: “This medicine is difficult to detect once it enters the blood. It should be of help to Your Highness.”

Yuan Lianhua placed the vial on the table and said coldly: “You said the same thing back then, and the result was nothing more than a high fever. To think you want to exchange such a vial for a thirty percent reduction in the Choujie tax… do you think it’s worth it, Miss Zhongli?”

Zhongli Yu lowered her head, her attitude respectful: “Back then it was a high fever; today it will be another high fever. If this fever claims a life, it will only be natural.”

Yuan Lianhua narrowed her eyes, her gaze falling on the vial. A murderous intent gradually surfaced in her eyes. Her Imperial Mother’s attitude truly made her anxious. At the beginning of this year, she was stripped of her authority in the Ministry of War, and today, her mother gave the lantern ceremony to Yuan Jingxue. How could she not be anxious?

If it weren’t for Yuan Jingxue, why would she have lost her authority?

Last year, she personally went to Lizhou to suppress bandits, recruiting them without losing a single soldier. It was supposed to be a great achievement. Who knew that early this year, news would come that the bandit leader was a spy from the Southern Min? They had feigned recruitment to infiltrate the Lizhou Guard and gather intelligence, attempting to seize the camp. Fortunately, Ning Ruolan, acting as deputy commander, saw through them and used the opportunity to root out even more Southern Min spies hidden throughout Lizhou, ending the threat.

Once that news reached the capital, her “achievement” became a disaster of poor judgment. She was harshly rebuked and removed from the Ministry of War, while Ning Ruolan was recalled to the capital and promoted to Deputy Commander of the Capital Guard.

Yuan Lianhua didn’t believe in such coincidences. Since Yuan Jingxue had harmed her so, she had to strike back. It was a pity she failed at the Thousand Year Feast, leading to her mother’s loss of favor instead.

Yuan Lianhua remained silent for a long time before finally picking up the vial. She said to Zhongli Yu: “If this succeeds, I will give you everything you want.”