The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 88 Consideration
When Qin Yan left Sanhe Town that day, she was too hasty, and she hadn’t instructed Shen Ying to prepare any personal items for the journey. It wasn’t until she was on the boat that she discovered that the room prepared for her on the Taizi’s ship was furnished with items she commonly used at the Princess Mansion in the capital, including custom-made clothing tailored to her measurements.
The same arrangements were present in her room on the ship, which made Shen Ying appreciate the Taizi even more. For several days, she frequently praised the Taizi in front of her master.
What surprised Shen Ying even more was that the embroidery patterns on Taizi’s dark-colored brocade robes were remarkably consistent with the patterns on her master’s dresses. It seemed that the Taizi was always making efforts to draw closer to her master.
When Feng Zhan visited Qin Yan’s room, she was reclining on a soft couch, holding a book without a title. Upon seeing him, Qin Yan merely lazily lifted her eyelids before returning her gaze to the pages of the book.
Feng Zhan chose a chair by the side of the couch where Qin Yan was half-reclining and spoke in a deep voice, “Song Zhi.”
Song Zhi entered in response and, standing behind a white jade screen, saluted Qin Yan in the inner chamber, “Princess.”
Feng Zhan picked up the teacup that Shen Ying had just brought him and said, “Speak.”
Before Song Zhi arrived outside the screen, he had already received His Highness’s signal, and immediately began speaking, “Princess, during the Autumn Hunt ceremony in the western suburbs, when His Highness was resting in the tent, I heard a commotion outside and went to handle it. We happened came across Imperial Concubine Shu preparing to have Imperial Concubine Ning beaten to death for scratching her face.”
“I thought that Imperial Concubine Shu’s action was inappropriate by ordering Imperial Concubine Ning to be beaten twenty times as a warning.”
“However, Imperial Concubine Ning has attributed this act of mercy to His Highness, although His Highness does not even know who she is. Princess, need not worry.”
Seeing no response from the inner room, Song Zhi felt uncertain, and after some deliberation, he decided to continue, “Furthermore, that day on the Qingjiang boat, the woman you met outside His Highness’s door was named Tang Wan. She comes from the Medicine King Valley and is currently a medical officer in the Shuobei Army.”
“This time, I had sent her to Sanhe Town to handle the plague. Tang Wan, upon learning that His Highness was injured and poisoned, came on her own to tend to his wounds. On that day when you arrived, Tang Wan had secretly added a sedative to His Highness’s medicine, causing him to sleep for half a day, so His Highness did not know you were outside the door at that time.”
“The prince has ordered that both Tang Wan and I receive twenty batons each. If Princess is not satisfied, you may punish me again.”
Song Zhi had already begun to regard Qin Yan as the future crown princess, so he addressed her as a subordinate.
Qin Yan finally showed some reaction, slowly putting down the book she had been holding, with the pages facing her abdomen, hiding the contents of the book.
Qin Yan looked at Feng Zhan and asked, “Medicine King Valley? Is your antidote also from her?”
Feng Zhan frowned slightly, “If you do not like her, I can have her remain in the Shuobei Army.”
Qin Yan did not speak further, but suddenly thought, would Mr. Ji meet an old acquaintance?
That night, Shen Shiying did not come to see Qin Yan, and Feng Zhan stayed as he wished in Qin Yan’s room.
The two simply slept together on the same bed. Qin Yan did not provoke anymore, and Feng Zhan’s heart was somewhat settled.
Feng Zhan tightened his embrace around Qin Yan, wondering if she had started to consider their relationship seriously…
———–
Yangzhou, Sanhe Town.
In just seven days, Ji Nanfeng and the other medical officers successfully developed both preventative and treatment prescriptions for the epidemic, rapidly controlling the plague in Sanhe Town.
However, the town was still suffering from the aftermath of floods, food shortages, and the plague, with scenes of tragedy everywhere, causing great sorrow.
Many in the town had contracted the disease, including some officials who had come to assist with flood control. Fortunately, with the new medicine available, fewer people died.
Notably, Qin Wenxuan, the Minister of Works, also fell ill with the plague. Despite this, he continued to command the repair of dikes and channels while taking medicinal soup. Finally, the largest gap in the Qingjiang River along Sanhe Town was closed.
Ji Nanfeng received news from Qin Yan to return to the capital. As Ji Nanfeng was preparing to leave, he was stopped by a handsome young man.
Ji Nanfeng frowned. This man was a medical officer who had been working with Ji Nanfeng and his team to develop medicines. However, Ji Nanfeng, who was usually very perceptive, could tell that the person in front of him, despite dressing as a man, was actually a woman.
But Ji Nanfeng chose not to expose her; it was a private matter, and his mission was complete. Other matters were not his concern.
The ‘man’ stopped Ji Nanfeng without deliberately using a disguised male voice but reverted to her original female voice.
“Senior Uncle.”
Ji Nanfeng narrowed his eyes at the address…
The man continued, “Senior Uncle, I am Tang Wan.”
Ji Nanfeng chuckled lightly; she was from Medicine King Valley after all.
Ji Nanfeng raised his foot to leave, but Tang Wan stepped aside to block his path.
“Senior Uncle, after all, we are in the same sect. If you could apologize to my father, I believe the elders would allow you to return to the valley.”
Ji Nanfeng sneered softly; this woman was just as arrogant and self-righteous as her father.
Tang Wan tilted her chin slightly and continued her insistence, “I heard that Senior Uncle is now working under Princess Zhaoren, but that is not a long-term solution. She is just a woman…”
Ji Nanfeng interrupted her sharply, “Tang Wan, you are also a woman. Why speak so critically of others?”
Tang Wan was quite surprised; her Senior Uncle had once been so indifferent and unfeeling, yet now he defended that woman so fiercely.
Princess Zhaoren, Qin Yan…
———–
Yangzhou City, Prefect Mansion.
The Second Prince, Feng Xian, spends his days at the Prefect Mansion in Yangzhou discussing state affairs with various officials. Of course, there were no major decisions for Feng Xian to make; the Taizi had arranged everything before his departure. The officials report on their progress as they execute their duties.
Feng Xian, believing himself to be of noble status, has no interest in inspecting the disaster-stricken areas. He spends his days at the Prefect Mansion listening to reports and enjoying the flattery of others.
With the Taizi missing, news of the Second Prince Feng Xian being appointed as the new heir by the Empress Dowager has spread widely. Everyone is attentive and respectful towards the Second Prince.
This includes the Yangzhou Prefect, Lin Hui.
During Feng Xian’s stay in Yangzhou, he is hosted by Lin Hui at the Prefect Mansion.
On the first night of his stay, Lin Hui introduced a beautiful young woman to Feng Xian, saying she was there to keep the Second Prince company.
Feng Xian understood the implication. Although he initially considered declining the offer, he felt a twinge of discomfort thinking about Qin Yan’s departure to the plague-stricken Sanhe Town for the Taizi. Consequently, he accepted the woman.
Later, Feng Xian learned that the woman was Lin Hui’s youngest daughter, Lin Miao.
After hearing about Taizi’s assassination and disappearance, Lin Miao lost interest in him. To her surprise, another prince arrived.
Although the Second Prince was not as tall, handsome, or imposing as the Taizi, Lin Miao had heard from her father that the Second Prince might eventually ascend the throne. So, perhaps she still had a chance…
———–
After fifteen days at sea, the fleet was nearing the famous port of Xuzhou, Yun Port.
On the deck at the bow of the ship, Qin Yan stood with her hands resting on the railing, the salty sea breeze rushing towards her. Her skirt and dark hair danced wildly in the wind, adding a touch of wild beauty to her presence.
A moment later, a familiar and imposing aura approached from behind her. Strong arms wrapped around her slender waist, and a firm chest pressed against her back. The man’s thin lips brushed against the top of her head, but he remained silent.
Not far away, both Song Zhi and Shen Ying shared the same thought: their masters were indeed a sight to behold.
When Shen Shiying and her ever-present companion came onto the deck, they stopped upon seeing the scene before them.
Shen Shi Ying said with a smile, “Let’s make a bet. That Taizi still seems like a novice.”
The man beside her had a darkened expression. He pinched Shen Shi Ying’s side, pulling her close to his solid frame, and spoke in a slightly cold tone, “Are you still interested in other men?”
Shen Shi Ying rolled her eyes inwardly. Really? Is he jealous over something like this?
———
As the ship docked at Yun Port, the sun began to set, and Taizi Feng Zhan and his entourage disembarked.
A woman with a slightly darker complexion approached, bowing to the leading figure, “Your Highness.”
Feng Zhan nodded, “Lady Ji, you’ve worked hard.”
Madam Ji Qi slightly bowed in return, “This is the duty of the Ji family.”
A few steps away, Shen Shiying smiled and stepped forward, addressing Madam Ji Qi, “Lady Ji, might we discuss a business matter?”
Madam Ji Qi glanced at Feng Zhan. Receiving the Taizi’s nod, she turned back to Shen Shiying, “Please.”
The two moved to a quieter area and whispered briefly before Shen Shiying returned.
“Yan Yan, I have some matters to attend to and will return to the capital later.”
Qin Yan understood immediately, realizing that Miss Shen was indeed quite taken with her new surroundings.
Feng Zhan and Qin Yan got into their carriage and began their journey back to the capital by land.
Meanwhile, Shen Shi Ying and her party boarded the Ji family’s ship, which set sail from the port and headed north.
———Top of Form
As Qin Yan and Feng Zhan stayed at inns along their journey, they always requested a single room, sharing the same bed. However, their relationship remained proper, and they coexisted peacefully.
That evening, Qin Yan was reclining on the couch with the nameless book in her hands, while Feng Zhan sat beside her in a chair, reading a letter.
There was a knock at the door.
“Your Highness.”
“Come in.”
When Song Zhi entered the room, he hesitated, knowing that the princess was present.
Feng Zhan spoke in a deep voice, “Speak.”
Understanding that the prince had no intention of keeping the matter from the princess, Song Zhi immediately reported, “Your Highness, Lady Shen has hired a ship from the Ji family to set sail. The destination is Northern Liang.”
Qin Yan, upon hearing this, slowly set the book aside.
Feng Zhan observed her expression, concluding that she was aware of something.
“Leave.”
Song Zhi exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Qin Yan picked up the book again, though it was unclear whether her thoughts were still on it.
Feng Zhan lightly tapped the desk. Northern Liang…
Northern Liang, a powerful state in the north, is separated from the Great Xia by the Turkic and Western Regions, having no direct relations or hostilities with the Great Xia.
On the ship, Feng Zhan had a vague feeling that he had seen that man he before. It turned out to be true.
Feng Zhan’s spies in Northern Liang had once brought back a portrait from years ago. The person in the portrait was younger, but his current appearance had not changed significantly.
So, it was indeed him.
The Emperor of Northern Liang, Xiao Qian.
Rumor had it that the Emperor of Northern Liang was harsh on his own kin, destined to live a solitary life.
According to the report from the spies, this emperor’s harem was empty, and he seemed to be focusing on nurturing members of the royal clan.
Unexpectedly, they met in such a manner.
———
Feng Zhan walked up to Qin Yan and looked at the book in her hands.
He couldn’t help but wonder what was so captivating in the book that Qin Yan kept flipping through it these past few days.
“What are you reading?” Feng Zhan asked, his voice lowered.
Qin Yan glanced up at Feng Zhan, a meaningful smile curving her lips, which gave Feng Zhan an uneasy feeling.
“This was a gift from Miss Shen,” she said.
Feng Zhan’s eyes narrowed instantly. Given Shen Shiying’s nature…
Feng Zhan leaned over and took the book from Qin Yan’s hands. His expression darkened as he saw the contents.
“Qin Yan!”
Feng Zhan struggled to keep his anger in check. It was outrageous!
Shen Shiying had actually given a book of erotic art as a gift, and Qin Yan had been openly reading it for days. The book featured other men…
Feng Zhan’s fury was barely contained. Meanwhile, Qin Yan’s smile grew even broader.
Feng Zhan’s face turned cold and his eyes darkened. He swiftly lifted Qin Yan and carried her to the bed.
After a moment, the two of them lay on the bed, their breaths gradually calming. This place was clearly not suitable for what was about to happen.
Suddenly, Feng Zhan’s large hand clasped Qin Yan’s delicate, pale one. His voice turned husky as he whispered seductively near her ear, “Yan Yan…”