Dressed As a Consort in Ancient Times - Extra 1

Ever since the new emperor ascended the throne, the Yu Kingdom had, for once, returned to its former tranquility.

With the neighboring two countries no longer eyeing them covetously, not only did the people at the borders of Yu Kingdom live without worry, but even the citizens far away in the capital felt the leisure that came with the absence of war.

Once people had time on their hands, they enjoyed hosting banquets, admiring the scenery, composing poetry, and indulging in the pleasures of nature.

In just the past month alone, several scenic appreciation banquets, wedding feasts, and other gatherings had already been held in the capital.

As the sister most closely connected to the new emperor, Princess Jia Ning naturally became the most sought-after guest for every host planning a banquet.

The invitations flew into Princess Jia Ning’s residence like snowflakes, with every host hoping for her presence, believing it would bring them prestige… and perhaps, if fortunate, she might speak favorably of them before the emperor, which would be tremendously beneficial to their families.

Jiang Libai looked at the towering piles of invitation cards before her, as if already seeing through the hosts’ intentions within them.

She casually picked up two, glanced through them, and tossed them aside.

“These banquets are duller than the last—just a bunch of people comparing and competing. The food doesn’t taste good, and the entertainment isn’t fun. Might as well not go at all.”

Moreover, now that she was a Princess of the First Rank and the emperor’s biological sister, if she attended one banquet, she would have to attend all the others as well.

Otherwise, people would start speculating in private whether the emperor favored the family whose banquet she attended and disliked those she didn’t.

In that case, it was better not to attend any—so no one would think she was being partial or showing favoritism.

“But staying in the capital for too long is indeed boring…” She rested her chin in her hand and looked out the window at the scenery, her gaze calm and distant.

Gu Yun gathered the invitations on the table and, hearing her listless complaint, pondered briefly before gently suggesting, “If Your Highness is feeling stifled in the residence, how about we go and stay for a few days at one of the estates in the suburbs?”

Princess Jia Ning had several estates on the outskirts of the capital. Gu Yun remembered one at the foot of a mountain, with beautiful landscapes and pleasant scenery—perfect for a short trip at this time of year.

The journey to the outskirts wasn’t far either; round trip would only take a day.

Even if they brought Xingxing along for a few days’ stay, it wouldn’t be too troublesome.

Jiang Libai looked at the blue sky and white clouds outside, her heart itching with longing, but she still felt that Xingxing was too young. Taking her out might not be easy—what if she couldn’t adapt to the environment, or what if she tripped and hurt herself somewhere…

“Princess,” Gu Yun gently rubbed her head and shared her thoughts, “Xingxing is already over a year old, and she’s walking now. It’s the age when she wants to explore the world. We can’t just keep her cooped up in the residence every day.”

In this world, women were already subject to many restrictions—especially daughters of noble families, who were raised traditionally to stay inside, rarely stepping beyond the inner courtyards.

Once they reached a suitable age, their families would arrange meetings with prospective husbands.

If both sides were satisfied, the marriage would be settled.

After marriage, most women spent their lives confined to the inner courtyard—except for outings like banquets or visiting temples—devoted to managing the household and raising children.

But Gu Yun didn’t want her daughter to live that kind of life.

Although her power wasn’t enough to overturn the traditional thinking of the entire era, within the scope of her own ability, she would offer her daughter the greatest freedom and support—hoping she could grow up safely, happily, and freely.

And she hoped the Princess felt the same.

After communicating this idea with Jiang Libai, the two different mindsets clashed, blended, and finally aligned.

Though Jiang Libai outwardly appeared dignified and graceful, presenting herself as a proper princess, she was in fact a bit of a rebellious girl at heart.

…Hmm, one could tell from the way she secretly read those messy romance storybooks.

“Then there’s no time like the present—let’s go today!” Once she decided to take a trip, Jiang Libai became lively all over again. She clapped her hands with a smile and rushed off to tell Chunxi to pack the luggage.

Watching her figure lit by the brilliant sunshine, brimming with joyful excitement, Gu Yun’s eyes and brows softened with affection, and the corners of her lips couldn’t help lifting slightly—like the full moon in the sky: gentle and captivating.

—

By the time they arrived at the estate in the outskirts of the capital, it was already evening.  

Fortunately, they had informed ahead of time, so as soon as the group arrived, they were served hot and delicious food and fine wine prepared on the estate.  

Tonight the moon was bright and the stars sparse, with a gentle breeze blowing. Perhaps it was just psychological, but Jiang Libai felt even the air around her was especially fresh.  

She looked at the dinner spread on the table, then at the courtyard bathed in moonlight outside.  

“Why don’t we have our dinner in the courtyard?” she suggested.  

Seeing the joy in her eyes that couldn’t be concealed, Gu Yun naturally wouldn’t refuse her, “Alright.”  

Chunxi, with great tact, instructed the servants to move all the bowls, plates, and dishes into the courtyard.  

There was a lush pear tree in the courtyard, under which stood a square stone table, just right for placing the dishes.  

Once everything was ready, Gu Yun took little Xingxing by one hand and the Seventh Princess by the other, leading them into the courtyard.  

Xingxing was probably really hungry. She climbed onto the stone stool and reached out to grab a spoon.  

Jiang Libai quickly picked up the spoon and, seeing Xingxing’s slightly aggrieved look, accepted a towel from Chunxi and began to gently wipe Xingxing’s little hands clean, bit by bit.  

“Look how dirty your hands are. You can’t eat just yet.” After cleaning her hands, she held the delicate little wrists and shook them in front of Xingxing, “See, now that they’re clean, we can eat!”  

As she spoke, she handed the spoon to Xingxing.  

“Okay.” Xingxing gripped the spoon in reverse, grinned at Jiang Libai, and scooped a spoonful of soft tofu into Jiang Libai’s bowl, “Mommy… eat…”  

Though she couldn’t quite complete full sentences yet, her soft voice was utterly adorable. Jiang Libai laughed joyfully and took a bite of the dish Xingxing had served her. “So delicious! Xingxing is such a good girl!”  

Hearing her mother’s praise, Xingxing laughed gleefully while holding the spoon, her carefree appearance making Gu Yun’s eyes fill with affection.  

But Gu Yun lightly coughed twice and feigned a hurt expression, “Xingxing only serves Mommy and not Daddy… sigh, so sad…”  

Hearing this, Xingxing clumsily scooped another spoonful of tofu and put it into Gu Yun’s bowl. Though still very young, her big round eyes already showed care, “Daddy… eat too…”  

Gu Yun also ate the tofu offered by her daughter in one bite, feeling instantly energized and full of vitality.  

“Xingxing, you eat too. Daddy will give you more food as well.”  

A cool breeze blew as the moonlight grew faint.  

In the serene courtyard, the leaves rustled in the wind, accompanied by the joyful laughter of the family of three, creating a leisurely and beautiful scene.  

After a while, Xingxing, who had eaten her fill, put down her spoon, rubbed her round belly, and yawned several times with squinted eyes.  

“Xingxing, are you sleepy?” Jiang Libai also set down her chopsticks.  

Xingxing struggled to keep her eyes open and nodded hard at her mother, “Mommy… sleepy…”  

After pinching her little cheeks, Jiang Libai instructed Chunxi to take Xingxing inside to sleep.  

Today on the road, Xingxing had rarely ridden in a carriage and was very excited.  

She had been happily looking around the entire way and hadn’t taken an afternoon nap.  

Now that she was off to sleep, only Gu Yun and Jiang Libai remained in the courtyard to dine.  

The rare tranquility made both of them feel more relaxed and at ease.  

Jiang Libai looked at a jar of clear wine on the table and raised her brow at Gu Yun, “Want to have a drink?”  

Even before touching the wine, her misty eyes were already filled with starry light, tiny ripples radiating a boundless spring charm, enough to drown someone.  

Gu Yun smiled gently and set down her chopsticks.  

She took the aged wine, opened the clay seal, and poured a cup each for the Seventh Princess and herself.  

She raised her cup and tilted it toward the Seventh Princess.  

Jiang Libai, unwilling to be outdone, also raised her cup and lightly clinked it against hers.  

They smiled at each other and drank it all in one go.  

In the distant sky, the moonlight grew dim, and the courtyard darkened further. The steward of the estate quietly replaced the lanterns with brighter ones.  

The night wind was clearly audible, stirring the calm surface of the pond. The full moon’s reflection shimmered across the water, ripples spreading out in rings before slowly settling again.  

Jiang Libai, already tipsy, shook her dizzy head and leaned on Gu Yun’s arm, rubbing against it. Her soft voice carried a tender affection, “Jiejie, it’s so fun here. No noise from the capital, no troubles to deal with…”  

Gu Yun supported her by the shoulders and gently agreed, “Then from now on, let’s come out once a month, how about it?”  

Jiang Libai, eyes closed, was full of beautiful scenes in her mind—her family of three enjoying flowers in spring, staying cool in summer, watching golden waves of wheat in autumn, and building snowmen in winter…  

She murmured in reply, “Okay, just the three of us, just our family.”  

Smelling the scent on Gu Yun, she felt especially at peace.  

As those lovely images flashed through her mind, she sleepily remembered that there was a peach grove behind the courtyard.  

Although it was no longer the season for blooming peach blossoms, she thought it must still be a unique sight under the moonlight.  

“Sister, there’s a big peach grove in the back. Want to come see it with me?”  

Gu Yun looked at the sky—it was still early.  

So she decided to help the Seventh Princess sober up a bit, “Such good scenery shouldn’t be missed. I’ll help you take a look.”  

Waving off the servants who had followed, Gu Yun half-supported and half-held Jiang Libai as they stepped into the peach grove.  

There were no blooming peach blossoms, but the air carried a natural freshness. Taking a deep breath, they felt clear-minded and refreshed, making up for the lack of flowers.  

Deep into the grove, the effects of the alcohol caught up to Jiang Libai, and she began to stagger as she walked.  

Grabbing Gu Yun’s waist, she leaned on a peach tree branch, “Don’t want to walk anymore…”  

Gu Yun respected her wish and stopped.  

Looking around, all she saw was grass and peach trees—no place to rest—so she asked, “Shall we go back then?”  

Jiang Libai shook her head and threw herself into her arms, “Don’t want to go back…”  

Gu Yun thought for a moment, then took off her outer robe and laid it on the grass.  

She helped Jiang Libai sit on the robe, lifted her little face, and looked into her already dazed eyes, “Do you want to rest against me for a while?”  

Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, Jiang Libai stared at Gu Yun’s slightly parted lips, not hearing what she said, and cupped her face, pressing her lips against Gu Yun’s.  

The sudden kiss left Gu Yun a bit stunned.  

But when the Seventh Princess’ soft tongue pushed past her teeth and entered, she gripped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.  

The moon in the sky blushed and quietly hid behind the clouds.  

In the dim peach grove, a soft, stifled gasp slowly sounded.  

Perhaps emboldened by the drink, Jiang Libai insisted on being on top, looking down at the Gu Yun who had fallen back on the ground, “Jiejie… *hiccup*… your hair is so pretty…”  

She leaned down on Gu Yun, grabbed her already-loosened black hair, and sniffed it slowly, “Jiejie… you’re so beautiful… every part of you is beautiful…”  

As she spoke, she grasped Gu Yun’s arm, interlaced their fingers, and slowly sat down.  

Her brows furrowed slightly, and she let out a muffled groan.  

Before she could do anything else, she was already pouting, on the verge of tears…