The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 82 The Heartless One
The Taizi entered the garden, and the attendants had no time to announce his arrival in advance. When the Taizi expressed his desire to see their master, they could only lead him directly to Jinhua Pavilion, where the banquet was being held.
The guests who had been drinking and exchanging pleasantries were all stunned—His Highness Taizi?
Everyone immediately stood up and bowed.
“Greetings to His Highness Taizi. Long live the Taizi.”
Only Qin Yan remained seated, her expression unreadable as she looked at the man at the entrance, clad in a black brocade robe, exuding a commanding presence—the uninvited Taizi, Feng Zhan.
Feng Zhan’s chiseled face was cold and intimidating, his deep, narrow eyes dark and piercing as they fixed on the woman seated at the head of the hall—the woman who left him at a loss.
Feng Zhan raised his hand, and Song Zhi immediately called out to the hall, “Rise.”
The guests slowly stood up, keeping their heads lowered, not daring to look around. They had all heard the rumors of some connection between their master and the Taizi, but they never imagined that today, at this banquet, they would actually lay eyes on the Taizi himself.
Feng Zhan walked slowly toward Qin Yan, his gaze locked on her face as she looked down, playing with the cup in her hand.
Ji Nanfeng, who stood at the upper left of the table, turned to Qin Yan and asked, “Master, should we prepare a seat for His Highness?”
Feng Zhan had already reached Qin Yan’s side, his eyes lingering on this woman he hadn’t seen for a day.
Seeing that the princess didn’t respond and had turned her attention back to the stage, Song Zhi looked at Ji Nanfeng and said, “His Highness hasn’t eaten yet. Mr. Ji, please see to it.”
Ji Nanfeng quickly asked, “Lord Song, how should His Highness’s meal be arranged?”
Feng Zhan spoke in a deep voice, “The same as your master’s.”
Ji Nanfeng, always efficient, soon arranged a seat next to Qin Yan, and the dishes placed on the table were indeed identical to hers.
Ji Nanfeng noticed that the Taizi continued to stare at their master, while she simply sipped her wine. With a sigh in his heart, he respectfully bowed to the Taizi and said, “Your Highness, please.”
Seeing that Qin Yan still ignored him, Feng Zhan’s expression darkened further. He took a step forward and seated himself at the place next to her.
Now, the head of the hall featured two side-by-side seats: one for Taizi Feng Zhan and the other for Princess Zhaoren, Qin Yan.
After sitting down, Feng Zhan signaled to Song Zhi.
Understanding his master’s intent, Song Zhi raised his voice and commanded, “Be seated.”
Only then did the guests, filled with trepidation, dare to take their seats.
Everyone was astonished. Their master didn’t need to show any deference to the Taizi? Her attitude toward His Highness was so bold, and yet the Taizi seemed to indulge her.
What exactly was the relationship between their master and the Taizi?
The performer on stage resumed singing his opera tune.
The behavior of those at the banquet became even more restrained. After all, the Taizi was now present, and everyone occasionally glanced nervously toward the head of the hall.
It turned out that the Taizi was exceptionally tall and handsome. At first glance, he and their master seemed like a pair made in heaven.
The wives who had been worried that the master might take a liking to their husbands now discreetly shifted their gazes back and forth between the Taizi and their own spouses.
A weight seemed to lift from their hearts. With the Taizi, a man of such divine bearing, present, how could their master be interested in anyone else?
———-
Feng Zhan noticed that Qin Yan was watching the performance on the stage with great interest. Following her gaze, he saw that the performer was playing a female role, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that the performer was actually a man.
Feng Zhan’s eyes grew cold. So, who was it earlier that suggested gifting her a theater full of handsome actors?
The guests at the banquet couldn’t help but shiver. They felt as though a bone-chilling cold had emanated from the direction of the head of the hall.
Feng Zhan picked up the wine pot and poured himself a cup. Just as he lifted the cup to his lips, the woman beside him spoke in a soft, indifferent tone, “Remove the Taizi’s wine.”
Feng Zhan paused mid-action, narrowing his eyes at Qin Yan. Yet, she continued to look toward the stage, as if her words had been spoken absentmindedly.
Ji Nanfeng, however, seemed to realize something and sighed inwardly. He immediately instructed the servants to follow her order.
The guests at the banquet were astonished. Their master dared to act so boldly in front of the Taizi?
Song Zhi cast a meaningful glance at Ji Nanfeng, his eyes filled with appreciation. Mr. Ji was quite perceptive. He must have informed the Princess about the Taizi’s recent cold. It seemed that this tactic had worked instantly.
Feng Zhan slowly set down his cup, allowing Ji Nanfeng to order the removal of the wine and replace it with a pot of warm water.
Warm water…
Feng Zhan looked up, his gaze once again settling on Qin Yan, who still appeared calm and focused on the stage.
Feng Zhan’s expression softened slightly, but he didn’t seem to have much of an appetite. He drank only a few sips of water and didn’t touch any of the dishes on the table.
Due to the unexpected presence of the Taizi, the atmosphere at the banquet became even more restrained. Qin Yan also seemed to lose interest, and soon after, she ended the banquet. The guests, carrying the gifts Ji Nanfeng had prepared for them, bowed to the Taizi and Qin Yan before taking their leave.
———–
Qin Yan slowly rose from her seat and looked at Feng Zhan, “Your Highness, I won’t see you off.”
Feng Zhan’s expression grew even colder.
Without waiting for Feng Zhan to respond, Qin Yan turned and walked away.
Feng Zhan also stood up and began to follow her, his steps measured and deliberate.
Qin Yan noticed the steady footsteps behind her but paid no attention, continuing her slow and leisurely pace.
The two of them kept a distance that was neither too close nor too far as they walked. Before long, they arrived at Tingfeng Pavilion, not far from Jinhua Pavilion.
Qin Yan entered the pavilion and walked over to a root-carved tea table, where she began to wash her hands and prepare tea.
Feng Zhan hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to sit across from her.
Qin Yan still did not acknowledge his presence, methodically continuing with her actions—warming the cups, rinsing the teapot, adding tea leaves, rinsing the tea… Her movements were fluid and practiced, just as they always were.
Feng Zhan suddenly recalled the first time he had seen Qin Yan make tea. It was at the Princess Mansion in Xishan, at the Pine Slope…
That was only a few months ago, yet it felt like a long time had passed since then…
Qin Yan still didn’t lift her gaze. She poured tea into the small bowl in front of her, lifted it to her nose to inhale the fragrance, and then sipped it slowly, savoring the taste.
Feng Zhan’s face grew colder, his thin lips pressed together in silence.
The open layout of Tingfeng Pavilion, with only a few supporting pillars, allowed a clear view of the quiet lake and rocky landscape outside. From the doorway, Song Zhi and Shen Ying could both see what was happening inside.
Song Zhi thought to himself…
It seems the Princess is still upset…
But Shen Ying, on the other hand, felt a pang of guilt. It was her impulsive actions that had caused this rift. If not for her misunderstanding of the Taizi, the Princess and His Highness might be enjoying each other’s company right now.
Gritting her teeth, Shen Ying walked into the pavilion. Under the icy gaze of her master, she slowly approached the tea table, washed her hands, took a teacup, and rinsed it. She then picked up the teapot that Qin Yan had just used and poured tea into a cup, which she respectfully placed in front of the Taizi.
“Your Highness, please.” Shen Ying was clearly trying to make amends.
Qin Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze cold as she watched her subordinate’s audacious behavior.
Avoiding her master’s gaze, Shen Ying quickly retreated from the pavilion. Once outside, she let out a long breath, meeting Song Zhi’s approving look.
Song Zhi gave her a thumbs-up and mouthed the word silently: “Brilliant.”
Feng Zhan rested one hand on his knee and placed the other on the table, showing no intention of picking up the tea. His eyes remained fixed on Qin Yan, who still hadn’t looked at him directly even once. Feng Zhan felt a growing sense of frustration. They weren’t ones to speak much, but this tension couldn’t continue indefinitely.
———-
Ji Nanfeng arrived outside Tingfeng Pavilion, carrying the bowl of white porridge that Song Zhi had instructed him to prepare before leaving the banquet.
After testing the porridge with a silver needle, Song Zhi took the tray and walked into the pavilion.
By this time, Qin Yan was already sipping her second cup of tea. Song Zhi gently placed the bowl of white porridge on the table in front of the Taizi and spoke softly, “Your Highness, you haven’t eaten all day. Your cold hasn’t fully healed yet; you need to take care of your health.”
As he said this, Song Zhi discreetly glanced at the Princess sitting across from him.
Feng Zhan, however, remained motionless, his face cold as he continued to stare intently at Qin Yan.
Finally, Qin Yan looked up.
Her phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly. Was it just her imagination, or did the Taizi’s gaze hold a hint of…sulking?
Qin Yan finished the tea in her cup, set it down, and spoke in a calm, even tone, “Do you plan on being the first Taizi to starve himself to death?”
With that, Qin Yan stood up and left.
Feng Zhan’s expression darkened, and with his lips pressed tightly together, he immediately rose and followed her.
———
Outside Tingfeng Pavilion, Ji Nanfeng stepped forward as soon as he saw his master emerge.
“Master, the hot spring has been prepared with an extra ingredient to ward off the cold. Everything is ready for you whenever you wish to go.”
“Hmmm,” Qin Yan nodded and began to walk toward her courtyard.
As she walked, just two steps behind her, the Taizi Feng Zhan followed, his expression still cold and silent.
Song Zhi, Shen Ying, and Ji Nanfeng exchanged glances as they watched their two masters from behind.
Their thoughts were remarkably in sync.
The Princess unmistakably looked like the heartless one…
While His Highness Taizi resembled a wronged, sulking spouse…
———
Qin Yan’s mansions all had dedicated bathhouses, and Cangxi Forest was no exception.
Without uttering a word, Feng Zhan silently followed Qin Yan into the bathhouse of her courtyard.
Shen Ying and Song Zhi exchanged a knowing glance, then, as if in agreement, each took a side and pulled the doors shut, closing the bathhouse’s entrance.
Inside, Qin Yan paid no attention to the man who had followed her in. As usual, she slowly removed her outer robe, followed by her inner garments, and finally, the simple cloth covering her chest. She then raised her hand to pull the white jade hairpin from her bun, allowing her long black hair to cascade down her bare back like a waterfall.
Qin Yan gently lifted one delicate foot and slowly stepped toward the bath behind the screen.
Feng Zhan’s gaze followed the graceful curve of her pale back, his throat tightening as a surge of heat flooded through him, a fire igniting deep within.
His feet remained rooted to the spot until Qin Yan’s figure disappeared behind the white jade screen. Only then did he manage to quell the restless desire that had begun to rise within him.
But it wasn’t long before the soft sound of water and the woman’s contented sigh as she immersed herself in the warm bath reached Feng Zhan’s ears, causing the heat in his blood to flare up once more.
She truly was a temptress.
———-
Qin Yan leaned back against the edge of the pool, allowing her body to sink into the warm water, which rose above her smooth shoulders. Beads of sweat formed on her delicate face, a result of the comforting heat.
She closed her eyes, letting her mind go blank, basking in the soothing sensation of the water enveloping her body. It was as if she had forgotten about the powerful presence of the man in the bathhouse.
Suddenly, the rustling of clothes in the outer room broke the silence, followed by steady footsteps approaching the pool. Then, the sound of someone entering the water reached her ears.
A wave of oppressive energy washed over her. Qin Yan half-opened her phoenix-like eyes, and there, before her, stood the silent man who had been following her all day.
Feng Zhan stood directly in front of Qin Yan, his arms braced on either side of her, his chiseled face glistening with droplets—whether from sweat or the water—trickling down his broad forehead, along his sharply defined jawline, and into the pool, causing faint ripples.
Qin Yan leaned back slightly, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she leisurely regarded the handsome man before her.
It was as if she were silently challenging him: Show me how you plan to please me.
Feng Zhan’s eyes darkened with intent, and he leaned in closer, his movements halted only by an urgent voice from outside.
“Your Highness, there’s an urgent report.” It was Song Zhi.
Song Zhi had no desire to interrupt the Taizi and the Princess at such a moment, but the situation was critical and couldn’t be delayed.
The atmosphere around Feng Zhan turned icy, his narrow eyes narrowing dangerously, reflecting his intense displeasure.
Qin Yan, however, merely looked at Feng Zhan with a teasing smile, her gaze fanning the flames of his frustration.
Without warning, Feng Zhan swooped down, pressing his lips forcefully against Qin Yan’s in a deep, fervent kiss.
At the edge of the pool, the tall, muscular man, bare from his broad shoulders to his narrow waist, held the woman close. One hand gripped the back of her head, while the other hand slid beneath the water, seizing her smooth, supple waist, pulling her against his firm, powerful body. His large hand kneaded her flesh as if trying to release the pent-up emotions he had been holding back.
When their lips finally parted, Feng Zhan’s eyes still burned with desire.
His chest heaved as he looked down at the woman in his arms, whose eyes now glimmered with a seductive allure. Struggling to contain his emotions, Feng Zhan reluctantly turned and stepped out of the water.
———–
In the outer room of the bathhouse, Feng Zhan threw on a robe and walked to the door. Still unable to fully hide his lingering physical reaction, he refrained from opening the door.
“What is it?” he asked, his voice controlled but with an edge of irritation.
Outside, Song Zhi’s anxious expression softened slightly upon hearing the Taizi’s voice.
“Your Highness, we’ve received urgent news from the front. There have been over a hundred breaches along the mainstream of the Qingjiang River, flooding dozens of counties to varying degrees. Qin Wenxuan, Minister of Works, has already rushed to Sanhe Town, where the worst breach occurred. All the officials are now gathered at the Prefecture’s office, awaiting your instructions.”
Feng Zhan frowned deeply, letting out a weary sigh. He turned back to the couch, quickly dressing and ensuring his attire was in order, before stepping back inside the screen.
“Wait for me to return,” he said, his voice low.
Qin Yan rested her arms on the edge of the pool, her eyes half-closed, not uttering a word.
Feng Zhan sighed softly, a note of resignation in his voice, and then turned on his heel, striding out of the bathhouse.
———-
At the Prefecture’s office, a steady stream of reports continued to arrive, detailing the extensive flooding caused by the breaches along the Qingjiang River.
Over two hundred miles of the river’s course were blocked by silt, and there were hundreds of additional breaches along its banks. The number of affected people along the riverbanks had reached the hundreds of thousands, a tragic consequence of years of neglected maintenance.
Taizi Feng Zhan led the officials in drafting a plan through the night. Their strategy included building dikes, dredging channels, diverting water, erecting gates, and separating the river from the canals to restore the old waterways.
The most urgent task was to clear the treacherous shoals and hidden rocks that obstructed the river, fortify the most vulnerable sections, and dredge the silted-up channels to alleviate the increasingly severe flooding caused by the blockages.
The work continued through the night without rest.
As the Taizi emerged from the Prefecture’s office, he issued a firm directive to Song Zhi, “I will personally go to Sanhe Town. We leave immediately.”
Song Zhi, recalling something, asked hesitantly, “Your Highness, are you planning to stay in Sanhe Town?”
“Have them prepare and proceed according to the plan,” Feng Zhan replied as he turned to board the carriage.
But Song Zhi hurriedly added, “Your Highness, should we inform the Princess?”
Feng Zhan paused slightly at the carriage door, his brow furrowing as he recalled Qin Yan’s demeanor earlier that day.
“No need.”
With that, the Taizi boarded the carriage, and Song Zhi took his seat at the front as usual.
As the carriage began to move, Song Zhi couldn’t help but wonder about the outcome of this journey—whether it would bring success or further challenges…