Chapter 39
Today at the Xiang Mansion, while not as lively as the wedding day, was still full of festive cheer. Firecrackers erupted as the procession approached, red paper fluttered like flower petals, creating a scene reminiscent of heavenly flowers scattering from the sky.
Outside the mansion, many people had already gathered at the entrance, including the Prime Minister, who had taken a day off. Everyone of note was waiting inside the mansion.
In the feudal period, although a princess consort’s status was not as high as that of an empress or imperial concubine, it was still above that of ordinary officials. In the royal hierarchy, just being associated with the royal family conferred a status akin to nobility, even on a beggar.
Moreover, this princess consort was the wife of the only prince of Yan Nation. In this context, the position of a wife, who is esteemed because of her husband, was higher than that of any imperial concubine, aside from the empress herself. And the presence of the prince himself was the most significant factor.
As the carriage came to a halt, Shangguan Ye alighted first. The two seemed to be in a silent conflict. Murong Qiufeng sighed and stepped out, only to find Shangguan Ye standing by the carriage, extending a hand with a faint smile.
He was momentarily taken aback, feeling a pang of nervousness, but he quickly reminded himself that it was all just for show.
Regaining his composure, he forced a smile and placed his hand in Shangguan Ye’s.
Shangguan Ye grasped his hand firmly and helped him down from the carriage. Once on the ground, Shangguan Ye drew him into an embrace with practiced ease, as if he had done it many times before, making it seem natural.
Murong Qiufeng no longer resisted and let Shangguan Ye lead the way.
Shangguan Ye, fearing that Murong Qiufeng might unintentionally say something inappropriate, used the excuse that Murong Qiufeng’s throat was uncomfortable and advised him to avoid speaking too much and not to exert himself. Consequently, they were left in peace, even avoiding conversations with the Prime Minister’s wife.
In this opportunity, Murong Qiufeng learned about Yun’er’s situation from their conversation. Shangguan Ye had explained that Murong Qiufeng was favored by the prince and would be trained well. With Yuwen Hui returning to his country, Murong Qiufeng was to escort him, build a good relationship with him, and learn some border affairs, with no immediate plans to return.
Murong Qiufeng was genuinely touched. Although it was a transaction, from any angle, it was Shangguan Ye who bore the loss. It felt as if Shangguan Ye was helping him even while he was disrupting his plans, making Murong Qiufeng feel even more guilty, thinking that even giving up his life wouldn’t be enough to repay his debt.
Shangguan Ye noticed Murong Qiufeng’s excessive silence and grew concerned, realizing that he might have pushed too hard. He worried that Murong Qiufeng might be developing some psychological resistance due to the earlier events.
The return visit to the Xiang Mansion was a mere formality, involving tea ceremonies, and they did not linger long, skipping the meal and heading to the palace.
Despite Shangguan Ye supporting him throughout, Murong Qiufeng was exhausted, feeling weak and unable to keep up.
“Just hang on a bit longer. Once we’re in the palace, you can remove all this,” Shangguan Ye said, holding him close and gently pressing on his waist to soothe his nerves and muscles, frowning slightly with concern.
Murong Qiufeng leaned against him, ignoring any discomfort, and began to accept the situation. It was as if, by subconsciously treating everything as an act, it became easier to endure. Perhaps, he was slowly adapting to the situation out of necessity.
Once they entered the palace, instead of going straight to see the emperor, Shangguan Ye took Murong Qiufeng back to his original palace. Though he no longer lived there, it was still kept clean and tidy.
After setting Murong Qiufeng down, Shangguan Ye instructed the servants to prepare some comfortable clothes and even took it upon himself to help with removing his makeup.
Murong Qiufeng quickly stopped him. Shangguan Ye was always brisk and efficient, having arranged everything before he even realized it. While this meticulousness might make him a good husband for a woman, it was different for a man.
“Your Highness, I can manage myself.”
“This is not the Wangfu. You should get used to this. Close your eyes and rest for now; otherwise, you’ll be even more tired later,” Shangguan Ye said, patting his hand reassuringly.
Realizing they were in the palace, Murong Qiufeng reluctantly lowered his hand and closed his eyes, feeling increasingly disheartened. Shangguan Ye was indeed a good husband. If his sister had married him, she would have been very happy. It was a pity.
Even knowing it was all an act, the kindness he received felt comforting. If even a man could feel this warmth, how much more would it mean to a woman?
Shangguan Ye was thoroughly engrossed in caring for Murong Qiufeng. From a young age, he had always been served and had never had to serve anyone else. But when it came to Murong Qiufeng, he was more than willing, finding great satisfaction in it.
The palace maids watched with admiration as Shangguan Ye treated his consort with such tenderness. They envied the princess consort’s good fortune, having been born into a good family, looking beautiful, and marrying such a good man. To them, the princess consort was the happiest woman in the world.
After some time, carefully removing the golden hairpins and jewels from Murong Qiufeng’s head, Shangguan Ye gently played with his soft hair, tenderly pressing on his shoulders. Looking at their reflection in the mirror, he sighed and said, “Feng, what I said at the Xiang Mansion was true.”
Murong Qiufeng paused, slightly opening his eyes. Seeing their reflections in the mirror, he was somewhat dazed. Shangguan Ye’s gentle demeanor was reminiscent of the past. It was the first time Shangguan Ye had called him by name like this since entering the Wangfu. Without the usual coldness, Murong Qiufeng felt a bit disoriented. What was he talking about?
“I have admired you from the moment we first met. What I said was not false. I intended to have you by my side. It’s just that some unexpected events occurred, and the process was different. All the anger and frustration have been addressed. I hope you don’t hold onto these feelings. Be yourself again. I admire the old Murong Qiufeng, who was relaxed and natural, not the one who is now gloomy and hesitant. Can we return to our previous way of interacting? Forget about these issues. If you need to repay me, there will be opportunities in the future. Perhaps, in a few years, if I return to the battlefield, you could be my strategist.”
“Your Highness, how can I… After making such mistakes, I am no longer worthy of this,” Murong Qiufeng said with a melancholic smile.
“There’s no such thing as worthiness or unworthiness. Qiufeng, you are a talented person and a valuable acquaintance. I don’t want to lose someone like you. Relax. How about this: let’s set a term of one year. During this year, you will stay in the Wangfu as a princess consort. After a year, you can choose whether to stay or leave. I won’t force you, and any debts between us will be settled. How does that sound?”
“Your Highness, why…” Murong Qiufeng stood up, feeling a surge of emotion but hesitated, unable to fully express himself due to the presence of others.
Shangguan Ye understood what he wanted to say, smiling slightly and patting his shoulder in a brotherly manner. “Perhaps we are fated to be together. Now, go change clothes. I’ll step outside for a moment. Don’t think too much.”
Though Shangguan Ye left with a carefree demeanor, his words did not relieve Murong Qiufeng’s worries. Instead, they deepened his inner turmoil, suggesting that more effort would be needed to heal his wounds.
In a way, this could be considered a consequence of his own actions.