Dressed As a Consort in Ancient Times - Chapter 39
“Are you unwilling?” Gu Yun’s silence made Jiang Libai feel a little disheartened. She muttered, “Don’t worry… I’ve already learned and prepared. I won’t make you uncomfortable.”
Gu Yun remained silent. This wasn’t a matter of discomfort…
Seeing the princess so enthusiastic, she didn’t want to disappoint her. But in this situation, with emotions running high, it wasn’t the right time to confess her secret either.
She sighed softly and asked in a low voice, “Princess, if…”
Before Gu Yun could finish, Jiang Libai interrupted her with her eyes closed, “Hmph! Forget it. If you’re afraid, then just forget it.”
Then, in a low voice, she mumbled, “Saves me the effort anyway.”
The girl’s sulky tone left Gu Yun feeling even more upset.
“Princess, if one day you found out I had deceived you, what would you do?”
In the dimly lit room, that quiet murmur was clearly heard by Jiang Libai.
“You deceived me?” At that moment, countless thoughts ran through her mind, even wondering if Gu Yun didn’t truly like her. “Gu Yun, is it that you don’t like me, or are you just afraid?”
She reasoned that maybe Gu Yun was just nervous because she’d never experienced such intimacy.
The soft body under the blanket had gone stiff, not daring to move. This only confirmed Jiang Libai’s suspicions further.
She reached out to stroke Gu Yun’s arm and said softly, “Alright, alright, it’s so late now. Let’s just go to sleep.”
After saying that, she didn’t look at Gu Yun again, silently lying on her back.
To say she wasn’t disappointed or hurt would be a lie.
She no longer knew if Gu Yun truly loved her or what it was she was hiding, but she didn’t dare think too deeply. She decided to believe… that Gu Yun was simply afraid.
The night grew quiet.
Carrying a mix of unease and sadness, Jiang Libai slowly fell asleep.
Listening to the steady breathing beside her, Gu Yun didn’t dare get any closer.
A soft voice suddenly spoke, breaking the silence in her mind. It was Yixing, her artificial intelligence companion. “General, perhaps you should just tell the princess the truth. While she isn’t too deeply attached yet, revealing everything now would make it less painful for her. And maybe, if you coax her well, she might even accept it…”
In the thick of the night, Gu Yun sighed softly. “The stars are so far away. The difference between an Alpha and an Omega is difficult to explain. I’m afraid she would think I’m a monster, fear me, reject me, and never speak to me again.”
Yixing understood Gu Yun’s worries but, as an observer, saw things more clearly.
“General! You’ve always been decisive on the battlefield, but now, when it comes to emotions, you’ve become so hesitant and uncertain. What happened to your resolve?”
It wanted to snap her out of her indecision, so its tone grew sterner. “Knowing the princess’s nature, even if she doesn’t fully understand, she wouldn’t outright reject you if you explain it to her carefully. But if you keep dragging it out, indulging in this false sense of warmth, what will happen when she becomes deeply attached to you, and the truth suddenly comes out? How do you expect her to cope? The pain she’ll feel then will only be worse!”
The implication was clear: “General, you’re being foolish and entirely neglecting the princess’s feelings.”
Though Yixing hadn’t explicitly said so, Gu Yun understood the sentiment.
Sensing the surge of emotions in Gu Yun, Yixing sighed again. “Perhaps wait until after the princess safely delivers the child. Then, you can tell her the truth.”
At this point, the Seventh Princess was already nearly five months pregnant. In another four or five months, the baby would be born.
Whether it was ten thousand years ago in ancient times or ten thousand years later in the interstellar era, childbirth was always a significant and delicate matter that couldn’t withstand any sort of emotional shock.
So waiting until the princess safely gave birth would indeed be better.
Gu Yun closed her eyes and finally made up her mind. “Alright, after the child is born, I’ll tell the princess everything.” By then, even if the princess couldn’t accept it, she wouldn’t risk harming her body from the shock.
If the princess truly thought she was a monster and insisted on leaving her, Gu Yun… would not force her to stay.
The beautiful evening that began with the two lying down together in joy ended in a melancholy atmosphere, with each harboring their own worries.
—
The new year had just passed when the interrogation of the Anyang Earl household, detained in prison, reached a conclusion.
Inside Ganming Hall.
“…The Anyang Earl and his heir endured relentless torture but firmly denied that anyone was behind their actions. They claimed they smeared the Seventh Prince Consort only because previously, Your Majesty…”
Li Zhongxian hesitated for a moment. Seeing no displeasure on the Emperor’s face, he continued, “It was because, earlier, Your Majesty had privately selected the heir of the Anyang Earl household as the consort for Princess Jia Ning. However, in the end, the Princess’s consort was changed to another person. The Anyang Earl family found it hard to accept this and sought to tarnish the Prince Consort’s reputation, hoping the Princess would divorce him…”
“In addition to Yun Yan’s death, Zhou Yan’s death was also connected to Zhou Ran… According to the investigation, ever since the incident in the suburbs last year, Zhou Yan had been mentally unstable, occasionally becoming violent and injuring others.”
Li Zhongxian presented the collected evidence. “The heir of the Anyang Earl household already disliked this younger brother of his, feeling that he disgraced the family’s name. So, he secretly poisoned him, causing Zhou Yan to die slowly from poisoning. In the end, they used his death to frame the Seventh Prince Consort.”
The Yu Emperor, his face calm, looked at the pieces of rice paper and a small package on the table.
“These were revealed by a personal servant close to the heir. These are the dregs left from the medicine Zhou Ran drank,” Li Zhongxian explained.
After reviewing all the evidence, the Yu Emperor went straight to the point, asking, “This is all clear. But was Yan Qiao’er also acting under the orders of the Anyang Earl household?”
A moment ago, Li Zhongxian had said so much but did not mention Yan Qiao’er’s accusations, which suggested that matter was still unresolved.
“Replying to Your Majesty, the people from the Anyang Bo household only confessed to this much. As for Yan Qiao’er’s case, they did not admit to it.” This was the part that troubled Li Zhongxian the most.
Although Yan Qiao’er insisted she had been instructed by the Anyang Earl household and there was silver as evidence of payment, the Anyang Earl household refused to acknowledge it. They only claimed that they believed Yan Qiao’er truly witnessed Gu Yun practicing witchcraft and thought the heavens were aiding them!
The Yu Emperor’s expression remained unchanged as he asked further, “And the assassination attempt on the Prince Consort on the night of his imprisonment?”
As he spoke, a barely perceptible glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. “This matter was handed over to you to investigate for some time, yet you’ve found no results. Now that the Anyang Earl household has been fully detained, do you have any progress?”
Cold sweat broke out on Li Zhongxian’s forehead as he quickly knelt to the ground. “Your Majesty, this humble servant is incompetent and has been unable to determine who attempted to assassinate the Prince Consort.”
“Anyang Earl and his heir also denied this matter. They claimed they never harbored intentions to take the Prince Consort’s life, only wanting the Princess to divorce him…”
Seeing that Li Zhongxian did not hastily place the blame for this incident on the Anyang Earl household, the Yu Emperor’s gaze remained calm as he looked at him. “Enough. For now, let the Ministry of Justice set this matter aside.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy!” Li Zhongxian promptly expressed his gratitude.
—
By the end of the first month, the case regarding the Anyang Earl household’s attempt to smear the Seventh Prince Consort finally reached a conclusion.
The Emperor issued an edict: Anyang Earl and his heir, Zhou Ran, were found guilty of murder, involvement in witchcraft, disrespecting the royal family, and harboring treacherous intentions. Their titles were revoked, and they were demoted to commoners. Three days later, they were to be publicly executed by beheading at the entrance of the marketplace.
The remaining family members were to be sold into slavery, with the men exiled a thousand miles away and the women assigned to the entertainment district, never to leave it for the rest of their lives.
Under the Emperor’s thunderous decree, the people were filled with apprehension.
No one dared to discuss the matter openly in public anymore.
—
As the first month of the year passed, spring gradually began to arrive, and the weather started to warm up slightly.
Inside the Princess Jia Ning’s residence.
Jiang Libai, who had been mostly inactive for a long time, looked at the bright and sunny sky outside the window. She also noticed that the dry branches in the courtyard were beginning to sprout some tender green buds. The gloom and unhappiness that had lingered for days began to dissipate somewhat. With Chunxi’s support, she slowly walked outside.
“What is he doing?”
Since that night when she and Gu Yun had an “unpleasant ending,” she had used her pregnancy as an excuse to send Gu Yun to the side room to sleep alone.
She had also been deliberately avoiding her every day.
By her count, it had been about a month since they last properly interacted.
Chunxi, noticing Jiang Libai’s expression, naturally understood who she was referring to. “The Prince Consort is still doing the same as usual, strolling in the garden and playing with that parrot.”
Speaking of that parrot, it seemed to share quite a special bond with the Prince Consort.
Previously, it had been the one to expose Yun Yan’s false pregnancy, and since then, it had followed the Prince Consort back to their residence. It stuck to her every day, as if glued to her side.
Anyone unaware might have thought that parrot was the Prince Consort’s true wife…
The weather was lovely. Jiang Libai, holding her rounded belly, spoke lightly, “I wonder if the flowers in the garden have bloomed yet. Why don’t you come with me to take a look?”
Chunxi’s eyes sparkled as she quickly grinned and said cheerfully, “Of course! It’s been quite some time since I last went to enjoy the scenery!”
There weren’t many clouds today, and the gentle sunlight illuminated the garden, adding a hint of springtime comfort to the landscape.
Beside the pond, which was artfully arranged, stood a modest pavilion.
Gu Yun was lounging in a recliner inside the pavilion, exuding a lazy and relaxed aura. She was feeding birdseed to the white-feathered parrot perched nearby, speaking in a languid tone, “It’s only been a month, and you’ve already gotten fat.” She reached out to stroke its feathers as she spoke.
For some reason, ever since Yixing had invaded the parrot’s brain, the bird’s intelligence seemed to have improved, and it had grown exceptionally attached to and reliant on Gu Yun.
The parrot, understanding that Gu Yun was calling it fat, flapped its wings in protest, expressing its dissatisfaction. It opened its beak and squawked, “Not fat! Not fat!”
Gu Yun laughed and looked it over. “You’re covered in fat, and you say you’re not?”
As the playful exchange between the person and the bird continued, Jiang Libai, supported by Chunxi, walked toward them.
Before she got close to the pavilion, she could already hear Gu Yun’s voice, light but tinged with joy. Jiang Libai paused in her steps, momentarily dazed. How long had it been since she last heard Gu Yun speak in such a tone?
The sound of light footsteps approached, and Gu Yun turned her head to look.
The Seventh Princess, dressed in a pale yellow palace gown, walked toward the pavilion. Her expression was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.
Gu Yun straightened her posture, got up from the recliner, and, after setting down the bird food in her hands, walked over to Jiang Libai. “Why has the Princess come outside?”
“What? Am I not allowed to come?” Jiang Libai brushed aside Gu Yun’s outstretched hand with some disdain. “Dirty. Don’t touch me.”
With that, she walked into the pavilion, glanced at the parrot tilting its head and scrutinizing her, and then casually sat on another recliner.
No one spoke. The pavilion was filled with an awkward silence.
Yixing, realizing it couldn’t rely on the general this time, decided to intervene as an assistant.
It once again invaded the parrot’s brain.
“Madam! Madam!” The white-feathered parrot flapped its wings and called out to Jiang Libai.
Jiang Libai was a bit surprised. Was this parrot talking to her?
“Madam!” The parrot tilted its head and squawked, “Consort! Miss you! Miss you!”
The words were fragmented and incoherent, but Jiang Libai immediately understood their meaning.
Gu Yun… missed her?
A complicated feeling surged in Jiang Libai’s heart. She sneaked a glance at Gu Yun, only to meet her narrow, almond-shaped eyes.
It had been a long time since she looked at her so closely. Jiang Libai suddenly realized that Gu Yun seemed to have gained a little weight compared to before.
Previously, her cheeks had been thin, giving her a youthful but somewhat frail appearance.
Now, with a slight fullness in her face, she seemed more energetic and robust.
Her skin was smooth, her cheeks faintly pink, like soft clouds on the horizon.
Jiang Libai found it hard to look away.
“Why aren’t you sitting?”
Seeing Gu Yun still standing stiffly like a post, Jiang Libai pointed to the recliner next to her. “Sit down.”
Only then did Gu Yun brush off her robes and sit beside the Seventh Princess.
“You’re acting like I’m about to eat you.” The familiar scent of sandalwood wafted over, and Jiang Libai couldn’t help but feel a hint of joy in her heart.
She thought to herself that even though she had been avoiding Gu Yun these past days, she still missed her deep down.
Gu Yun wiped her hands clean, poured a cup of warm water, and handed it to the princess. “It’s still chilly outside; it’s not good for the Princess to stay out for too long.”
Her gaze lingered briefly on Jiang Libai’s rounded belly before quietly shifting away.
For some reason, when Jiang Libai heard this, it felt like Gu Yun was trying to send her away—as if she didn’t want to see her.
Biting her lip, her expression already tinged with irritation, she said, “Spring has arrived. Am I not even allowed to come out for a walk?”
Gu Yun: “???”
Did she offend the Seventh Princess again somehow?!
“No, I didn’t mean that.” Gu Yun hurriedly explained, “The weather is cold, and I was just worried that the Princess might catch a chill. I didn’t mean to stop you from going out.”
Was this the instinct of someone who’s never been in a relationship?! Yixing couldn’t help but want to cover its eyes. It couldn’t stand how dense its general was and decided to lend another hand: “Go back inside together! Go back inside together!”
The parrot next to them chirped noisily again, breaking the awkward atmosphere between the two.
Gu Yun glanced at the parrot craning its neck and looking around before stepping closer to Jiang Libai. “Princess, the wind is strong now. Why not go back inside to avoid catching cold?”
Jiang Libai felt a bit awkward looking at the hand Gu Yun extended toward her.
She had just scolded Gu Yun, and now she was supposed to hold her hand? Wouldn’t that make her lose face?
“This princess is not going back. I want to stay here and admire the scenery.” She lifted her chin slightly, ignoring Gu Yun’s hand.
Hearing this, Gu Yun had no choice but to comply.
Though spring had brought gentle breezes and greenery, it was still early, and the wind carried a biting chill.
Worried that the Seventh Princess might feel cold, Gu Yun removed her cloak and wrapped it tightly around her.
Now completely bundled up, leaving only her face exposed, Jiang Libai thought, “…Do I look that frail? Do I really need to be wrapped up this much?”
However, she didn’t feel like talking to Gu Yun, so she silently endured it.
Since she said she came to enjoy the scenery, Jiang Libai raised her eyes to take in the faint traces of spring around her.
The thick snow from before had completely melted, and the ground was beginning to sprout tender green shoots. Bathed in the warm spring sunlight, the greenery looked fresh and vibrant.
Her mood inexplicably improved.
Half-closing her eyes, she gazed at the scenery until she let out a yawn.
Over the past month, she hadn’t been sleeping well.
Now, with Gu Yun beside her and her faint scent lingering in the air, Jiang Libai started feeling sleepy.
Not long after, she closed her eyes, and her breathing became steady, indicating she had fallen asleep.
Gu Yun slowly got up, approached her, and bent down to pick her up.
The girl slept soundly, instinctively finding a comfortable position in Gu Yun’s arms. After smacking her lips a couple of times, she fell into a deep sleep.
She was slightly heavier than before.
Fortunately, Gu Yun had been working on strengthening her body lately, so carrying her wasn’t too much trouble.
As she left the pavilion, Gu Yun turned to Chunxi and asked softly, “Did the Princess not sleep well last night?” The Seventh Princess wasn’t usually this drowsy; how did she fall asleep so quickly just past noon?
Chunxi followed closely behind and whispered, “To be honest, Consort, since the Princess moved into a separate room, she hasn’t been sleeping well. She often wakes up in the middle of the night…”
Hearing this, Gu Yun felt a pang in her heart.
She held Jiang Libai tightly and carried her back to the bedchamber, carefully placing her on the bed.
After removing the cloak, shoes, and outer dress, Gu Yun pulled the blanket over her.
She planned to hang Jiang Libai’s outerwear on the rack but noticed the Princess clutching her sleeve tightly.
Resigned, Gu Yun left the clothing at the foot of the bed and sat beside her, staying with her.
When Jiang Libai woke up, it was already close to dusk.
She groggily opened her eyes and felt something pressing on her right hand. Looking over, she saw a blurry figure lying beside her.
Her eyes widened.
After seeing the person’s face clearly, she froze, quietly watching her side profile.
Gu Yun’s skin was exceptionally smooth and fair, even more so than most women, giving off a delicate impression.
However, her eyebrows were slightly longer than average, her nose was more defined, and her pale pink lips gave her a striking air of elegance with a hint of aloofness.
Jiang Libai stared at her for a long time, feeling like she couldn’t get enough.
She stretched out her left hand, wanting to touch Gu Yun’s sharp nose, but just as her hand was about to make contact, she saw her eyelashes flutter. It looked like she was waking up.
She quickly withdrew her hand.
When Gu Yun opened her eyes, she saw Jiang Libai staring at her with bright, watery eyes.
The Princess’s soft breaths brushed against Gu Yun’s face, making her heart skip a beat as her throat tightened. “What time is it now?”
“I didn’t notice, but it seems like it’s getting dark.” Jiang Libai’s gaze lingered on Gu Yun’s slightly parted lips. Her freshly woken voice carried a languid, sultry tone, making her heart itch. She felt a sudden urge to kiss her…
It had been a month since they’d shared any intimacy.
She realized she missed it.
Gu Yun saw Jiang Libai stick out the tip of her tongue and unconsciously lick the corner of her mouth, and her gaze darkened.
“Princess.” She lowered her voice, “Are you hungry now?”
Jiang Libai shook her head and replied honestly, “This princess isn’t hungry yet.”
“Then can I kiss you now?” Gu Yun wrapped an arm around her waist, avoiding her stomach, and leaned closer. “May I?”
Her eyes burned with desire.
Although Jiang Libai wanted to kiss her, to feel her warmth and sweetness, she remembered they hadn’t reconciled yet!
She had to resist, refusing to be swayed by Gu Yun’s honeyed words.
“Better not…” She turned her face away and muttered, “You don’t even want to be close to me, so don’t bother teasing me.”
Here they were again! Back to this issue!
Gu Yun felt a headache coming on, and all her romantic thoughts vanished.
Seeing her fall silent again, Jiang Libai huffed and pushed her away. “Move. This princess wants to get up for dinner.”
Left with no choice, Gu Yun stepped aside to let her off the bed.
She jumped down as well, intending to help Jiang Libai dress, but the Princess refused her assistance.
Left standing there awkwardly, Gu Yun watched silently as she dressed herself, put on her cloak, and walked out the door.
“…General,” Yixing couldn’t understand, “The Princess is clearly upset with you. Why don’t you comfort her?”
How was she supposed to comfort her?!
Gu Yun rubbed her temples.
What Jiang Libai wanted was honesty between them, but Gu Yun knew she couldn’t confess the truth until the Princess had safely given birth.
If she tried to comfort her now, wouldn’t it just be teasing her on purpose?
Gu Yun regretted saying she wanted to kiss her earlier.
She really shouldn’t provoke the Seventh Princess right now.
At least not until she was ready to accept the truth.
—
Days passed one after another, and as spring neared its end, a secret message was delivered into Emperor Yu’s hands.
In the silent and tranquil Ganming Palace, Emperor Yu finished reading the secret letter, his expression unchanging. He then calmly set it alight, reducing it to ashes.
Closing his eyes briefly, he rubbed his temples and called for his personal chief eunuch, Eunuch Sun. “Has the Noble Consort prepared some refreshments?”
Bowing slightly, Eunuch Sun smiled and replied, “Indeed, Your Majesty. The Noble Consort has prepared some refreshments and just now invited you to have a taste.”
“Then let us proceed to Changchun Palace,” Emperor Yu said as he set aside the pile of memorials on his desk and rose to leave Ganming Palace.
Upon arriving at Changchun Palace, Emperor Yu dismissed everyone else and sat beside Noble Consort Yuan.
His brows remained tightly furrowed, and he seemed deeply troubled.
“Li Zhongxian just sent word,” he said.
Noble Consort Yuan poured him a cup of tea. “Does it concern the Anyang Earl household?”
Although the Anyang Earl household had been dealt with, both of them were well aware that someone must be backing the manor from behind the scenes.
However, the Emperor had made it clear he did not wish to escalate matters at this time.
“Yes,” Emperor Yu replied indifferently. “Li Zhongxian’s people have been secretly investigating the Anyang Earl household for some time. It wasn’t until last night that they discovered a hidden chamber beneath the study.”
“Inside were letters exchanged between the Anyang Earl and Prince Rong.”
Prince Rong was the Second Prince, Jiang Shen.
Noble Consort Yuan, knowing the Emperor was displeased, reached out to gently soothe his back. “So the previous incident where the Anyang Earl household slandered Jia Ning’s Prince Consort… was orchestrated by Prince Rong?”
The Emperor shook his head. “Those letters didn’t explicitly mention that matter.” His gaze grew colder as he continued, “But it’s likely related to Prince Rong.”
Otherwise, with the flimsy excuse provided by the Anyang Earl household, they wouldn’t have dared to frame a prince consort of the imperial family so boldly.
It could only be said that Prince Rong was too impatient, daring to use such an inferior scheme!
Noble Consort Yuan naturally understood what the Second Prince desired. She felt both helpless and pained. “Then… was the incident where Jia Ning was dishonored also related to Prince Rong?”
“The letters didn’t mention that either,” Emperor Yu replied, taking Noble Consort Yuan’s hand and gently patting it. “But don’t forget, aside from Prince Rong, Prince Rui has already come of age.” While the Third Prince, Jiang Rui, had always appeared unambitious, he couldn’t be overlooked either.
For a prince, there were few who wouldn’t covet the throne.
“I will investigate these matters thoroughly,” the Emperor said. “Once there’s sufficient evidence, it won’t be too late to deal with Prince Rong.”
“Yes,” Noble Consort Yuan agreed. “Now that Jia Ning’s due date is approaching, it wouldn’t be wise to cause any disturbances.”
