Seducing the Heart - Chapter 2

The layout of the imperial palace was somewhat complex, and a newcomer could easily lose their way.

Qin Zhanluo had not walked far before she discovered a few palace maids gathered in a corner of the rockery, slacking off. Since Prince Jin had entered the palace today, the young maids had huddled together to gossip about this esteemed young Prince.

They had heard that this Prince was as handsome as a transcendent immortal, possessing both exceptional talent and appearance. But what was most rare was his gentle treatment of others; it was said that even the most inconspicuous sweeping maid in his manor had never suffered the slightest mistreatment. With such looks and character, were it not for his physical weakness, it was highly likely the Emperor would have pushed through all opposition to name him the heir apparent. The crowd could only sigh in regret.

Yun Jin had come this time in response to a summons to discuss the marriage alliance. Because of her poor health, she could not have a grand celebration like ordinary people. She had thought the Princess would be unwilling, but she unexpectedly learned that the other party did not dwell on the matter. After all, even with a simplified process, a royal wedding was still many times more tedious than a commoner’s marriage.

However, when an elder aunt from the palace arrived to teach the ways of a husband and wife, Yun Jin could not help but feel a bit embarrassed.

“Your Highness, you should take a good look at these illustrations,” the aunt said persuasively. “These positions…”

Yun Jin’s earlobes turned burning hot, and she averted her gaze from the erotic art.

“Auntie, you should stop forcing the Prince. Considering she frequents flower houses all year round, she should already understand this knowledge thoroughly.” A sudden, cold female voice interrupted the aunt’s incessant chattering.

Hearing this somewhat bold tease, the aunt looked over and found a young woman wearing a mask. Yun Jin, on the other hand, did not get angry; she instantly guessed the identity of the person before her. Her eyes lit up as a better idea came to mind.

“This must be the future Princess Consort Jin. This old servant forgot about this. Has the Consort ever learned of such…” Before the aunt could finish, Qin Zhanluo knew the woman’s attention had shifted to her.

“I am merely passing by. Please continue, Auntie.” Qin Zhanluo quietly gave Yun Jin a look, signaling her to find a chance to leave.

Yun Jin took the hint and stepped back. “Auntie, I just remembered there are important matters at the manor.”

She left the aunt standing there alone, staring at the intertwined bodies in the erotic book. The aunt flipped through a few pages with a stern face and muttered about the sinfulness of it all, losing her desire to teach. That eunuch Xiao Douzi was truly unreliable; she had told him the young masters were thin-skinned, yet he still sent such vivid pictures.

As if to rival Yundu, Northern Chu provided a grand display for the dowry, the attendants, and the personal guards who were to enter the Prince Jin Manor. Everything highlighted the immense favor shown to this Eldest Princess Zhaoning.

Even after bowing in the hall while wearing the bright red wedding robes, Yun Jin still felt as if she were in a trance. It was only when the wedding matron smilingly urged her to go to the bridal chamber early to consummate the marriage that she truly felt she had married. How absurd it was, to marry another woman while being a woman herself.

Since the young Prince was physically weak, no one dared to cause a disturbance at her bridal chamber. Over the years, she had frequently used illness as an excuse to avoid many troubles. It was truly effective and provided a rare bit of freedom.

Guided by the wedding matron, Yun Jin walked toward her bedroom, which served as the bridal chamber today. The room was filled with celebratory red, looking festive indeed. The matron pushed open the door, handed Yun Jin a wedding scale to signify she should lift the veil, and then thoughtfully closed the door and departed.

Yun Jin stood at the door for a moment, looking at the woman sitting on the bed from a distance. A thought made her chuckle inwardly: surely she wouldn’t still be wearing that mask on this grand wedding night?

When Yun Jin lifted the veil, she saw the Princess’s appearance for the first time and was momentarily stunned. She was a beauty. Her looks were enough to topple cities, with a charm that bordered on the bewitching, yet her eyes held a contrasting aloofness that added even more character.

Yun Jin observed the person before her quietly, while also being scrutinized in return. On this night in the capital, countless beauties and young ladies were likely weeping in secret, wishing they could have married this gentle Prince and stayed together forever.

“Your Highness, shall we drink the nuptial wine?”

“Naturally.”

Yun Jin picked up the white jade wine pot, poured two cups, and handed one to Qin Zhanluo. As they crossed arms to drink, Qin Zhanluo’s hand tilted slightly, and drops of wine rolled down Yun Jin’s collar. Qin Zhanluo raised her sleeve intending to wipe it for Yun Jin, but the latter subconsciously stepped back to avoid her.

Qin Zhanluo lowered her hand, seemingly unbothered, though the atmosphere was inevitably a bit awkward. With a faint smile, Yun Jin thoughtfully reminded her, “Princess Consort, please rest early.”

She walked toward a screen that had been prepared in the room, behind which a soft couch had been placed in advance.

Qin Zhanluo gave a playful smile. “On the wedding night, does Your Highness not plan to perform the rites of husband and wife with me?”

Yun Jin’s footsteps paused, her eyes flickering. She turned around and smiled. “I know the Consort does not truly love me. You can rest assured; I will not interfere.”

Before Yun Jin could finish her sentence, Qin Zhanluo moved with extreme speed to attack her. Fortunately, Yun Jin reacted quickly and subconsciously dodged. The two exchanged a few moves under the light of the wedding candles. Yun Jin spotted a weakness and prepared to restrain her, but in a moment of inattention, Qin Zhanluo struck her pressure point.

“What is the meaning of this, Consort?” The two were extremely close, their breaths intertwining. Yun Jin was not used to being so close to others, and with the secret she carried, she was inevitably uncomfortable.

“I have heard that my husband is willing but physically unable in certain aspects. Is this true?”

If a man were questioned like this by his new bride, he would likely feel his dignity was wounded, but Yun Jin was a woman and simply admitted it calmly. She figured that one of the reasons this Princess chose to marry her must be the belief that she “wasn’t capable,” and this was a test.

“Yet Your Highness still lingers in flower houses, which makes me somewhat uncertain about the truth.”

Yun Jin was pressed against the couch with her pressure points sealed. The Princess smiled, her slender fingers hooking into Yun Jin’s belt, slowly undoing it.

“Consort!” Yun Jin was greatly alarmed by this unexpected move. Although she usually took basic precautionary measures for her disguise, it was under the premise that no one dared to get close to her. Now that her bedmate was being so bold, the consequences would be unimaginable if something were discovered.

“Hmm?” Qin Zhanluo’s movements were unhurried, and she was about to reach the inner clothing.

Yun Jin forcibly broke through the sealed pressure point and grabbed Qin Zhanluo’s hand. In the surge of blood and energy, a sweet taste rose in her throat and she spat out a mouthful of blood, which was steadily caught by the other woman with a white wedding handkerchief.

With a gentle push, Qin Zhanluo easily pushed Yun Jin back down onto the couch. She propped her head up with one hand and lay on her side next to Yun Jin. “Why is Your Highness so nervous? The joy of husband and wife is the way of heaven.”

Yun Jin forced a smile. “The Consort is too impatient. There is no emotional foundation between us, and I am indeed too weak to perform such acts. I hope for your understanding.”

She was truly not afraid that Yun Jin might actually go through with it. If Yun Jin were truly a man, such behavior would have likely led to them completing the rites long ago. Yun Jin even suspected the Consort had seen through something and was testing her on purpose, but then felt it was unlikely, as she had never shown any flaws.

Fortunately, Qin Zhanluo did not persist in undressing her.

“I have long heard that my husband’s body is frail. Very well, let the wedding night end like this.” Saying this, Qin Zhanluo closed her eyes, appearing ready to sleep.

Qin Zhanluo had only acted on a sudden whim to tease Yun Jin, and the strong reaction was within her expectations. However, she had not expected Yun Jin to spit blood. Her husband’s body was truly too weak; she could not push too hard. Your Highness, we have a long time ahead of us.

As the breathing of the person beside her became shallow and rhythmic, Yun Jin’s hanging heart finally settled. The sedative in the wine was only now beginning to take effect. Having undergone such a test, her mind was inevitably a mess.

Yun Jin lay on the inner side, her head slightly dizzy, realizing after the fact that she seemed to have spat blood earlier. She got up, moved around Qin Zhanluo, and got off the bed. She rearranged her clothes properly, then looked at the window and flipped straight out.

Xie Lianjing was angry but couldn’t vent it. Yun Jin only said she had accidentally spat blood but refused to explain exactly what happened, giving her a fright. Spitting blood on the wedding night was surely related to that Princess, so Xie Lianjing felt a bit more dislike toward her.

Xie Lianjing placed her hand on Yun Jin’s pulse, and her furrowed brow suddenly relaxed. “Hmm? This could be considered a blessing in disguise?” Yun Jin had old injuries, and because she overthought and often had nightmares, her blood and energy often felt obstructed. Now, looking at the pulse, the situation had actually improved.

“I will add a few more herbs to your prescription to nourish your essence and strengthen your foundation. This is very good.” Xie Lianjing picked up her pen and began to write. “Also, I have developed a new calming incense for you. Go back and see if it works.”

Yun Jin accepted it earnestly. Before leaving, she did not forget to smile and apologize for making her worry again. Xie Lianjing treated her like an elder sister and was one of the few people Yun Jin truly trusted.

After returning to the bedroom, Yun Jin habitually walked toward her side of the bed. Halfway there, she remembered that it now had a new owner, so she consciously walked to the other soft couch. Yun Jin lit the calming incense Xie Lianjing had given her, then lay on the couch to think.

Tonight, she and the Princess had not spoken plainly to each other. Another day, they should clearly define the relationship between them. Otherwise, there was no guarantee that similar tests wouldn’t happen again. She needed to put the Princess at ease. Thinking of a satisfactory explanation, she fell into a dazed sleep during her meditation.

As Prince Jin was newly married, a constant stream of rewards and gifts were sent to the manor. Many officials also came to visit and offer congratulations. Everyone marveled that Princess Zhaoning possessed such a beautiful face; they truly were a perfect match.

Most of the day passed, and although Yun Jin and Qin Zhanluo stood together, they had no chance to speak much to each other. When it was time to sleep again, Yun Jin decided to speak plainly.

“Princess Zhaoning, I feel I should talk with you.”

“Your Highness should call me… Princess Consort, or Zhanluo.”

“Princess Consort, I know your marriage alliance may not be voluntary. As I said on our wedding night, you can have absolute freedom.” Yun Jin’s tone became more serious as she made her promise. “I will not interfere with you finding your own true partner.”

“…” Qin Zhanluo chuckled softly, her words making it impossible to tell truth from fiction. “Why does Your Highness think Zhanluo is here involuntarily? I fear that within the imperial city of Yundu, those who wish to marry Your Highness are countless. Where else would I find a true partner?”

Qin Zhanluo took a step forward. Sensing Yun Jin retreat, she turned around so Yun Jin could not see her expression. “Does Your Highness despise me?”

“I do not.”

“Does Your Highness think I am unattractive?”

“Not at all.”

“Does Your Highness think I am not a match for you?”

“Never.”

“Then why… is it that Your Highness already has someone in your heart?”

“…Yes.”

Qin Zhanluo turned around abruptly to look at Yun Jin, the emotions flashing through her eyes impossible for others to catch. After a long silence, Qin Zhanluo smiled. “Then I truly must congratulate Your Highness. To tell you the truth, there has also always been someone living in my heart.”

Yun Jin could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. If it weren’t for her quick thinking just now, she likely wouldn’t have been able to draw out the truth from this Princess. Since the other party already had a lover, it was for the best. This way, the two of them could cooperate.

Yun Jin felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Even her medicine before bed did not seem as bitter as usual. Little did she know that while she was drinking her medicine, Qin Zhanluo stared at the bottom of her bowl for a long time with an unreadable expression.

When Yun Jin put down the bowl, she happened to see Qin Zhanluo watching her and felt puzzled.

“What kind of medicine does Your Highness drink every day?”

“Mostly tonic medicine, used for nourishment.”

“I see that Your Highness always burns incense in the room when sleeping. Is it difficult to fall asleep?”

“Yes, I indeed have some trouble sleeping, but I have already grown used to it.”

“Your Highness’s body is already weak; you should rest more. I also have a very good calming incense. Why not give it a try?”

“Thank you.”

Yun Jin accepted Qin Zhanluo’s concern openly. After all, their status as husband and wife would likely last for a long time. She hoped that one day, she could return her to freedom.

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