Has The Princess Consort Come Out Today? - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Xie Jun felt conflicted.

He returned to the Prince’s manor and went straight to Ji Tian’s Qixia Pavilion.

Ji Tian was squatting in the small kitchen waiting for her double-skin milk, with Qing Yu and Zhou Ling’er crouching beside her. The three of them had now formed the “Qixia Pavilion Foodie Trio.”

Ancient life had neither television nor the internet. For someone accustomed to modern life, it was no different from being locked in a dark room. Fortunately, there were storybooks and young ladies to play with; Ji Tian had quickly organized her life. When she had nothing to do, she made delicious food, chased storybooks, practiced yoga, looked at the scenery, and listened to gossip.

Thus… she quickly became good friends with Zhou Ling’er. Ling’er was the youngest concubine in the Jing Prince’s manor, only fifteen years old. She had been sent to Xie Jun by her own father. She was innocent and lively, and to Ji Tian, she was like a little sister, so she loved taking Ling’er out to play.

Even though her current body was only turning eighteen soon—feudalism kills.

When Xie Jun entered, Ji Tian and Ling’er were holding the double-skin milk, feeding each other, while Qing Yu was showering them with praise on the side.

“Your Highness, you are so clever. You could even think of something so wonderful.”

“That’s right! I never imagined milk could be eaten this way. It’s delicious; Sister is truly intelligent,” Ling’er echoed, joining in the flattery.

Ji Tian feigned humility and lowered her voice: “Actually, I am merely standing on the shoulders of giants.” The most important thing is that these servants in the manor are truly amazing! Even Ji Tian’s vague, whimsical ideas could be brought to life by them; it was simply wonderful!

Xie Jun, who had never felt so invisible: …

“The Princess Consort has such an elegant interest. What are you doing? I wonder if there is a portion for this Prince?” Xie Jun walked to Ji Tian’s side, unhurried.

Ling’er and Qing Yu, who were lost in their desserts, quickly bowed: “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Xie Jun waved his sleeve dismissively: “You may leave.”

Qing Yu and Ling’er quickly hugged their double-skin milk and slipped away, leaving behind a Ji Tian who hadn’t yet reacted.

“Oh, Prince, you’re back! You must be exhausted from court. I had someone make a new dessert today and specifically saved a portion for you. Try it; is it to your taste?” Ji Tian quickly handed the small bowl from beside her to Xie Jun, a bright smile on her face.

Xie Jun was now her “provider,” her direct superior. Since he provided food and drink without needing her to sacrifice her integrity, Ji Tian naturally had to coax him well.

Fortunately, Ji Tian was very skilled at this; she had often used this tactic to handle her father in the past.

Xie Jun, who always felt something was wrong but couldn’t quite pinpoint what because he didn’t have children: …

“Princess Consort, sit.”

“Mm-hmm.”

He picked up a small spoon and tasted a bite of the smooth, tender double-skin milk; he couldn’t resist taking another bite.

Ji Tian watched him with a beaming smile. She had known it for a long time: Xie Jun liked sweets. Achieving perfect harmony in food—bingo!

Unfortunately, Xie Jun’s self-control was very strong, and he set it aside after tasting two bites.

“Stinky tofu has also appeared on the streets recently. I have tasted it, but there is always a slight discrepancy compared to what you make, Princess Consort. What is the reason for this?”

Ji Tian touched her chin: “Hmm… it must be the brine and the soup, right? I tried several recipes last time. If you are curious, Prince, I will have Qing Yu copy the recipe for you later.”

Xie Jun, who had easily obtained the contents of the recipe: …

“Then I will trouble the Princess Consort.”

“How could it be a trouble? These are all small matters, it’s just…” When Ji Tian wanted to ask for something, her eyes were exceptionally sincere. “Prince, can I go out for a stroll? I will be very well-behaved.”

Xie Jun drank the tea in his cup in one gulp, his affectionate peach-blossom eyes looking toward Ji Tian: “Naturally, you may.”

“Thank you, Prince.” Ji Tian picked up the small bowl. “Prince, try another bite.”

That evening, Ji Tian happily went to find Liu Linlang, planning to invite the great beauty out onto the streets together.

“Linlang, let’s go shopping the day after tomorrow. I have already asked the Prince for permission. Shall we go together?” Ji Tian took the initiative to invite her.

“With Ling’er and me, the three of us can go buy clothes. How about it?”

To actually equate me, a dignified Ce-fei, with a lowly concubine, Liu Linlang was furious, though she showed no emotion on the surface. She only said: “What is there to shop for on the street? If you want anything, Sister, just wave your hand and let the servants deliver it. Why lower yourself to go to such a low-class place?”

Ji Tian opened her eyes wide: “Of course not! Shopping is about enjoying the fun of it. Whether you buy things or not is secondary; it’s mainly about the atmosphere of shopping. Linlang, trust me, you will fall in love with it after just one try.”

Liu Linlang sipped her tea leisurely: “No need. I am not very interested in this kind of commoner life. Sister, please invite someone else; for instance, that little sister Ling’er, she is quite suitable.” Liu Linlang said, letting out a light chuckle.

To be honest, Tian Tian felt slightly offended.

However, Great beauty, you don’t know what you are missing.

Ji Tian lowered her eyelashes, putting on a profound expression, and used a cringey “domineering CEO” line: “Linlang, you will regret this.”

I will regret this? What a joke; low-class is low-class. Liu Linlang watched her leave with a smile.

However, plans could not keep up with changes. The next day, when Ji Tian had already prepared her gear for the outing, she received an invitation from the Crown Princess to enter the palace.

Ji Tian, who had already promised to go shopping: “…Ah?”

I’m sorry, it’s not that I want to flake; it’s that Heaven is making me flake.

Ji Tian apologized to Ling’er, packed the delicious food she had recently researched, and happily entered the palace.

The Crown Princess was very beautiful and gentle, and Ji Tian liked her very much.

Following custom, she first went to see the Empress Dowager, offering her various snacks and treasures—though as the most noble woman in the world, the Empress Dowager was not lacking in food, but her efforts were in the novelty and the sentiment. Moreover, Ji Tian was best at coaxing elders, and she actually managed to make the Empress Dowager laugh repeatedly, keeping her for a long time before letting her leave with the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess walked through the Imperial Garden with Ji Tian, watching with gentle eyes as Ji Tian told her about the interesting things she had researched outside the palace. She said with some envy: “Tian Tian is truly wonderful.”

“Hmm? Me?” Ji Tian lifted her head cutely; she wasn’t shy about the praise, but instead waved her hand: “It’s alright, it’s alright.”

The Crown Princess chuckled and reached out to gently touch her head.

“…It’s truly wonderful.”

Ji Tian heard the slight envy and sadness in her words and took her hand, shaking it: “Sister-in-law, did you know that laughter is contagious?”

“Hmm?” The Crown Princess, a well-bred lady, was puzzled.

“Just like this,” Ji Tian smiled sweetly, her voice clear like silver bells, exceptionally pleasant to hear. “Just like yawning; if you hear others laughing, you will subconsciously laugh too.”

Infected by her vitality or innocence, the Crown Princess also curved her lips, her eyes filled with a touch of gentle smiles.

“That’s true.”

“So, my happiness will be transmitted to you, and you will also become happy, Sister-in-law.” Ji Tian held her hand and shook it gently.

“I am a happy pill, you know.”

“Hey, it’s okay, my skin is still as clear as jade.” Ji Tian jokingly touched her own small face, looking as if to say, I am definitely not thick-skinned.

“Yes, Tian Tian is my happy pill.” The Crown Princess smiled. Even the palace servants behind them chuckled, and the surrounding air was filled with cheer.

The Crown Princess’s life in the palace was not easy. After the Empress passed away, the Emperor had not appointed a new one. The most favored person in the palace was Imperial Noble Consort Du, whose child was the Emperor’s eldest son. He already stood in opposition to the Crown Prince in court, and the Crown Prince’s faction was even weaker, so the relationship between the two sides was naturally hostile.

It just so happened… the Crown Princess had been married for several years without children, and the Crown Prince was quite indifferent toward women. How could the Crown Princess, as the mistress, not be gossiped about by outsiders? When the sisters-in-law sat together, the Crown Princess was always the one who stayed silent.

Sometimes she even doubted whether she was suited for the Crown Prince, and wished that the person the Crown Prince married hadn’t been her.

For her, the time spent with Ji Tian was surprisingly a long-lost sense of ease.

Ji Tian would tell her about trifles in life, tell her about the storybook she read recently where a scholar tried to keep two boats under his feet and ended up capsizing—it was well-deserved—she would teach her how to dye her nails step-by-step, and would say that a girl should have her own life…

In Ji Tian’s eyes, she was not the Crown Princess who had to be dignified while wearing shackles, but Wen Xian, a beautiful girl in the prime of her youth.

The Crown Princess liked the vitality in her, which was… very different from the scenery in the palace.

They were looking at the scenery in the garden, and people upstairs were looking at them.

“Your Princess Consort is very interesting.” The Crown Prince watched from the garden as Ji Tian plucked a flower and pinned it onto the Crown Princess’s hair, and the usually gentle Wen Xian smiled lightly.

“Hmm, very interesting.” Xie Jun glanced at them and picked up the pudding on the table—this was also Ji Tian’s creation; the Crown Princess had liked it last time, so Ji Tian had directly made a copy for her. It was strange to say, but she could generously share anything fresh without wanting to hide it or demand benefits, as if the things she sent out were ordinary.

She really didn’t look like a daughter raised in a small censor’s family.

And those remarks of hers…

“Does she… have any problems?” The Crown Prince, Xie Xuan, saw the darkness in the depths of Xie Jun’s eyes and asked with concern. He and his sister struggled to survive in this deep palace, being overly cautious and having to repeatedly check the people around them; not to mention Xie Jun still held such an identity…

“I’ve investigated clearly. There should be no problem,” Xie Jun said.

“That’s good. She looks like a lively little girl; A-Xian likes her very much.”

“Hmm.” Xie Jun thought of something funny and told Xie Xuan about the “new relationship—roommate” part.

Xie Xuan held his teacup and couldn’t help but laugh: “That truly is interesting.”

“But this is good, too. At least you can have a place to relax.” There was no need to use hypnotic incense to help people dream, or to pretend to act out scenes with potential enemies.

There was a hint of heartache and guilt in Xie Xuan’s eyes: “I have wronged you, Jun’er.”

“It’s nothing. You know, I have survived all these years.” Xie Jun’s gaze was steady.

“…Mm.”

As the two were talking, a dispute seemed to break out below.

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