The Villainous Consort (GL) - Chapter 29

Li Chuanlian understood the hidden meaning in the Second Prince’s words. He opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing. One who wishes to achieve great things cannot afford “womanly compassion.” From the day he was chosen as a study companion, he had been bound to the Second Prince’s ship.

The helmsman was the Second Prince; as long as he did not stop the ship, those on board had no choice but to stay, even if the vessel strayed from the moral path of their hearts.

On the day of the Princess’s departure, in addition to the carriages from the Princess’s Manor, there was one from the Prime Minister’s Manor. This was because Chu Chanyi’s father, the great scholar Chu Yan, currently resided in the Southern Border.

Chu Chanyi wished to visit her parents. Prime Minister Chu, considering that the Emperor had specifically dispatched two thousand Imperial Guards, felt that safety wouldn’t be an issue and agreed. With the addition of the Princess’s personal guards, the total escort numbered three thousand men.

Unless they encountered a formal army, common bandits wouldn’t dare approach. It was clear how much importance the Emperor placed on the Eldest Princess.

Because the journey was long, they would inevitably have to rest in the carriages. Qi Yu saw Hanshui boarding the Eldest Princess’s carriage and thought she might finally enjoy a spacious carriage all to herself.

However, a moment later, Hanshui hopped back down. “Prince Consort, you are to ride with the Princess. The carriage behind is for me.”

Qi Yu froze on the spot. Memories of her unpleasant experience a few days ago flooded back. Riding with the Princess—what if she accidentally offended her and got knocked out again?

But considering the sheer number of guards watching, and the likely hidden eyes in the shadows, she knew the “loving wife and wife” act had to continue as the Princess intended. She had no reason to refuse and could only head toward the lead carriage with a heavy heart.

Once inside, Qi Yu saw the Princess leaning half-way against the window. She forced herself to appear calm, but her heart was thumping. Must be careful this time, she thought. Don’t give this villain a chance to pounce.

The Eldest Princess, noticing her cautious movements and the way she sat pressed tightly against the opposite wall, couldn’t help but smile. “The Prince Consort needn’t be so formal. This journey will be exhausting. Sit however makes you comfortable; you don’t need to mind me.”

They were already married; even if there was no affection between them, they wouldn’t be parting anytime soon. For two people to coexist, comfort was paramount; otherwise, the trip would be unbearable.

Qi Yu felt a shiver. This is definitely a “weasel greeting a chicken”—she’s up to no good. She felt the wall behind her, seeking a modicum of security. “Your Highness overthinks it. I’m quite comfortable like this.”

If I had the carriage to myself, I’d be truly comfortable, she thought. I could lie down, take off my outer robe, and kick off my shoes. As it stood, she felt like she couldn’t even stretch her limbs.

The Princess didn’t argue. As the carriage began to move, she lay on her side and closed her eyes to rest.

Qi Yu held out for a while, but eventually, exhaustion won over. She lay down as well. She had assumed that because the carriage moved slowly, she would at most be tired, but she had underestimated the bumpiness of the road.

While she wasn’t exactly carsick, her head felt heavy and dull. Glancing at the seemingly sleeping Princess, she closed her eyes and prepared to nap.

However, the carriage was a bit cramped for two people, and their bodies inevitably brushed against each other. Qi Yu tried her best to huddle to one side, but then she felt indignant. Why should this black-hearted villain sleep so comfortably while I have to worry about so much?

Once she reached that conclusion, she stopped hiding. She turned over to lie flat on her back, causing half of her body to press against the Princess. The Princess seemed to notice, her brows knitting slightly, but she did not open her eyes.

The carriage traveled along the official highway. After about an hour, they left the capital. Once outside, the speed increased noticeably. They had to reach a relay station or a town before nightfall; otherwise, they’d have to camp in the wilderness.

At noon, the procession slowed to a stop. The commander of the Imperial Guards came to the Princess’s carriage to report: “It is now noon. We should rest for a moment. I hope for your Highness’s permission.”

The Princess granted it and looked at the newly awakened Qi Yu. “Will the Prince Consort stay in the carriage with me, or go outside to eat?”

Qi Yu, still a bit groggy, took only two seconds to sit up and move nimbly. “Your Highness needn’t worry about me. I’m going down to find Chanyi.”

She had no desire to stay in the carriage. Finally, she could get some fresh air. Since she didn’t have to fake a leg injury, she was definitely getting out.

Once outside, Qi Yu took several deep breaths, feeling much better. She walked toward the back to find Chu Chanyi’s carriage, just as her friend was returning with a tray of food.

She waved. “Wait for me! I’ll join you.”

To her surprise, Chu Chanyi’s expression changed. “This is only enough for one person!”

Qi Yu rolled her eyes at her friend’s stinginess. “I’ll have Hanfeng bring my food over. I’m not stealing yours. I’ve been cooped up all morning and I’m bored to death.” Being with the Princess made her instinctively tense; she was much more relaxed with her “sister.”

Chu Chanyi dithered for a moment, looking troubled. “I’m feeling a bit unwell and want to eat alone in the carriage. Let’s do it next time. Next time!”

Qi Yu stared suspiciously at her. “Fine, but it’s a promise: we eat dinner together tonight.” She walked over to Hanfeng, only to find the silly boy squatting with Hanshui, gorging themselves on food with no concern for whether their “Young Master” had eaten.

After the meal, there was a brief rest period. Qi Yu waited for Chu Chanyi to bring her empty tray down, but before she could say a word, her friend scurried back into the carriage.

Qi Yu watched for a moment before turning to Hanfeng. “Do you think Chanyi is eating an unusual amount? That was enough food for two people, and she finished it all.” Something felt off.

Hanfeng rubbed his chin and said solemnly, “Miss Chu has a great appetite. Just like me, she eats a lot.”

Qi Yu glanced at him and decided to stop talking to idiots, lest she become one. Thinking about the journey ahead, she realized she couldn’t just keep sleeping when she got back in the carriage. If she slept all day, she wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. And if the black-hearted Princess decided to “overact” the role of a loving wife and made them sleep together at the inn… that would be a disaster.

That night, Qi Yu’s fears came true. The “bad luck” was far more effective than the “good luck”—they were indeed arranged to sleep in the same room.

There was only one bed. Qi Yu sighed inwardly, glanced at the Princess, and turned to go find Hanshui for two extra quilts.

When Hanshui delivered them, she looked at the Princess sitting on the bed and then at the “impatient” Qi Yu. She said meaningfully, “This is only the first day. The Prince Consort and the Master should show some moderation. The road ahead is long; don’t wear your body out.”

Qi Yu grabbed the quilts and kicked the door shut. “You’re the one who can’t handle it!” she snapped.

From outside, Hanshui’s voice rang out: “I’m in excellent shape, not useless like the Prince Consort!”

Inside the room, Qi Yu’s face went black. Like master, like servant. Both are equally detestable.

The “detestable” Eldest Princess watched silently, her lips curving into a slight smile. “Why won’t the Prince Consort sleep on the bed with me? Won’t the floor be cold?”

Qi Yu, having just finished laying out her bedding, turned to the Princess. “Your Highness is joking. I have a restless sleeping style; I’m afraid I’d disturb your rest.”

If I actually climbed onto the bed, you’d probably hit me again, she thought. This hypocritical villain is still acting even when it’s just the two of us.

The Princess’s smile faded. She seemed to remember something. “I heard from Hanshui that Miss Chu ate in her carriage during the day and had dinner in her room as well. Didn’t the Prince Consort say you’d join her? Why didn’t you go?”

Qi Yu frowned slightly. Thinking of Chu Chanyi’s odd behavior, she instinctively covered for her friend. “Perhaps she isn’t used to such long travel. She’s a bit unwell, so she rested after eating. We’ll eat together tomorrow.”

That brat promised to eat dinner together but then hid in her room, Qi Yu thought. Will she hide again tomorrow? It’s so strange, as if she’s hiding a person… Hiding a person?

Remembering Chanyi’s unnatural expression during the day, a sense of unease grew. Did my sister actually do something she shouldn’t have? Is there really someone in there?

She had her doubts but didn’t share them with the Princess. Chanyi was her good friend, after all. She’d observe her tomorrow first.

The Princess noticed the flicker of evasion in Qi Yu’s eyes. “As long as she is well,” she said, arching an eyebrow. “If Miss Chu is still unwell tomorrow, tell Hanshui. I will have the accompanying Imperial Physician take a look at her.”

Caution is the mother of safety, the Princess thought. I’ll have Hanshui keep a closer eye. Nothing must go wrong on this trip.

The next morning, Qi Yu saw Chu Chanyi carrying food into her room again. After hesitating for a moment, she followed her.

“Chanyi, I need to talk to you. Open up.”

After a long pause, the door opened a crack, revealing half of Chu Chanyi’s head. “It’s not time to leave yet. I’m not feeling well. Let’s talk next time.”

Qi Yu smiled brightly. “Sure.” Then, she shoved the door open and slipped inside.

Chu Chanyi’s face paled in alarm. Seeing it was only Qi Yu, she breathed a sigh of relief and waved her hand. “You scared me! You’re a married woman now, why are you still so reckless? I told you I’m not well, why did you force your way in?”

Qi Yu didn’t answer. Her eyes landed on the table, where two chairs were clearly pulled out. She turned around and asked seriously:

“Tell me the truth. Who was just in here eating breakfast with you?”

She then glanced at the bed curtains, which were still swaying slightly. Who keeps bed curtains closed in broad daylight? It’s as obvious as a ‘no treasure buried here’ sign.

The person hasn’t left yet. They’re hiding in the bed!