After Jun Zechen stepped out of Xiyan Palace, Miaoyun and Miaoxia entered the bedroom.

Su Jingyao got up from the couch and moved to the dressing table.

Miaoxia followed closely behind, and then began to gently and meticulously wash and apply makeup for her.

After a flurry of activity, the outfit was finally completed.

Miaoxia chose a rose-scented bodice made of sheer, gossamer-thin gauze for her mistress.

This made Su Jingyao look like a delicate flower under the morning mist, exuding a faint fragrance.

She wore a soft, emerald-green silk skirt with scattered flowers, which accentuated her slender figure and made her sway gracefully.

She was covered by a floor-length white sheer fabric that fluttered in the wind, making her look ethereal and fairy-like.

The bright morning sunlight streamed through the window and shone on Su Jingyao's beautiful face.

She was facing the mirror, carefully examining her own face.

Miaoyun, who had just finished making the bed for her master, quietly walked up behind her, her brows furrowed slightly, her face showing worry.

"My lord, you and His Highness did not..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but Su Jingyao understood what she meant.

"Yes, His Highness doesn't like me and doesn't want to consummate our marriage."

Her voice was flat, as if the incident had no effect on her.

Her gaze remained fixed on herself in the mirror, without the slightest change.

Miaoyun looked at her mistress with heartache. She had grown up with her mistress since childhood and had come to the East Palace with her mistress.

When the mistress was in the Minister's mansion, she was a pampered young lady, but now that she has come to the Eastern Palace, she is being treated so coldly by His Highness the Crown Prince.

"How could His Highness treat you like this? He..."

Before Miaoxia could finish speaking, Su Jingyao turned around, her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, and interrupted her firmly.

"Be careful what you say. This is the Eastern Palace, and His Highness the Crown Prince is the master of the Eastern Palace. We cannot make arbitrary judgments about his actions. Are you aware of this?"

"Yes, Master," Miaoyun replied, bowing her head.

"Let's go and pay our respects to the Crown Princess."

Su Jingyao moved gracefully and slowly stepped out of Xiyan Palace.

Outside the palace, the sky was clear as jade, and the clouds drifted like cotton.

A sweet smile always graced her beautiful face.

I would pause from time to time, tilt my head slightly, and happily admire the blooming flowers along the way.

She was truly an innocent and naive young girl who knew nothing of the world.

The palace maids and eunuchs of the East Palace were seeing Consort Su for the first time, but they never expected that Consort Su would be so charming and beautiful, with an ethereal appearance.

Moreover, he always had a friendly smile on his face, looking innocent, kind, and approachable.

However, everyone couldn't help but show their regret.

Since the Crown Princess entered the Eastern Palace, His Highness the Crown Prince has doted on her alone, showing her deep affection.

Now that Consort Su has entered the Eastern Palace, she will likely be neglected and lonely in the future.

The palace servants subtly raised their heads to observe Consort Su, their own suspicions lingering in their hearts.

Can His Highness the Crown Prince really remain unmoved by such a beautiful woman?

When Su Jingyao was in the Minister's mansion, she was used to the scene where a maid would stare at her whenever she stepped out of her room.

Today, as she walked along the long corridor of the East Palace, many palace maids and eunuchs, whether they were sweeping or watering flowers, were glancing at her intentionally or unintentionally.

She didn't care much and was used to it.

Upon arriving at the Crown Princess's palace, Su Jingyao looked up.

The three large, elegant characters "Qiluan Hall" came into view.

The name of the Crown Princess's palace is quite nice: Phoenix Perches on the Wutong Tree, and Luan and Feng Sing in Harmony. It truly carries a beautiful meaning.

Su Jingyao did not linger and gracefully walked into the hall.

As you slowly walk along, admire the exquisite decorations along the way.

Outside the Qiluan Hall, pavilions and towers are scattered in a well-organized manner, with artificial hills and ponds complementing each other.

In the waterside pavilion, the clear pond water reflects the blue sky and white clouds. The lotus flowers in the pond stand tall and graceful, delicate and beautiful, clustered together, as dazzling as the magnificent clouds.

The entire building is magnificent and elegant, with flying eaves, brackets, carved beams and painted rafters, showing its nobility and elegance.

Upon entering the hall, the Crown Princess was already seated in the head seat with an elegant demeanor, her eyes calm and her face expressionless.

Ling Yue was used to being free and unrestrained in the borderlands. When she entered the palace, she only wanted to spend her life with the Crown Prince, and she believed in the Crown Prince's promise to her.

But unexpectedly, in just two years, he had a concubine.

However, she also understood that the imperial decree was difficult to disobey, and the Crown Prince had already sacrificed a great deal for her.

Ling Yue's once free and open-minded heart was now filled with much melancholy.

"This concubine greets the Crown Princess and pays her respects."

Su Jingyao's voice is clear and melodious, as delicate and pleasant as a nightingale's, bringing joy to the listener.

Get up.

"Thank you, sister." Su Jingyao's voice was respectful.

After she got up, Ling Yue carefully examined her appearance, and was momentarily lost in thought.

Consort Su is so stunningly beautiful!

Her features were exquisite and beautiful, her slightly curled eyelashes fluttered gently like butterfly wings, and what captivated people most were her eyes below, which were as clear as morning dew.

It is distinctly black and white, so pure that it seems to be without any impurities.

Upon witnessing Su Jingyao's beauty, a barely perceptible hint of wariness flashed in Ling Yue's eyes.

Will Aze really not fall in love with Consort Su?

A sense of insecurity about herself and doubt about her husband welled up within her.

No, Aze is not a man who cares about his appearance.

If Aze were fond of beautiful women, the Crown Prince would already have a large number of wives and concubines, not just two maids without official status.

She should trust Aze.

A resolute glint flashed in Ling Yue's eyes. She knew clearly how much pressure Aze had endured to make her the Crown Princess.

She also knew clearly how much pressure Aze had endured from the Empress Dowager and court officials over the past two years because she had not become pregnant.

A palace maid quietly brought the tea to Su Jingyao.

Su Jingyao lowered her head slightly, her gaze falling lightly on the teacup, and then reached out her jade hand to pick up the tea from the maid's tray.

Her movements were elegant and graceful, like flowing clouds and water.

As he stood up, he leaned forward slightly, as naturally as a gentle breeze. He then took a few steps forward, bowed slightly, and respectfully handed over the tea.

This series of actions perfectly showcased the poise and elegance of a noblewoman from a prominent family.

Ling Yue grew up in the border region and only went through the motions of court etiquette; in reality, she found these rules quite tiresome.

However, she had been living in the Eastern Palace for two years, and the Empress did not like her, the daughter of a military general. In order to please the Empress, she had to have the nannies teach her etiquette.

I had thought that her demeanor was comparable to that of the elegant and graceful young ladies from prominent families in the capital.

Although she could not match the dignified bearing of the Empress and other ladies in the palace, she was still quite elegant in her demeanor.

But today, having truly witnessed Su Jingyao, the epitome of a noble lady from a prominent family in the capital, I realized that under strict etiquette, a woman can not only be elegant and refined, but also graceful and charming.

So this is the proper demeanor of a noble lady from a prominent family.

Ling Yue's mind was churning with complex thoughts as she accepted the tea.

She took a small sip and said softly, "Consort Su, please sit down."

"Thank you, Sister Xie."

Su Jingyao's still-childish face had an innocent smile that was like a flower blooming in early spring, fresh and natural, exuding a childlike innocence.

She looked up and saw the novel's heroine's face up close for the first time.

Although Ling Yue's appearance was not as exquisite as hers, she had her own unique charm.

Her skin was delicate with a subtle glow, and her eyebrows, like distant mountains, were slightly raised, exuding a sense of dashing spirit and heroism.

His eyes were as bright as stars, sparkling and shimmering, with a radiant glow as he moved.

Her nose was straight and beautiful, adding a three-dimensional feel to her face.

He was like a free-spirited horse galloping across the frontier, exuding a unique charm, revealing a touch of stubbornness and untamed spirit.

Perhaps it was this unique and unrestrained temperament of hers that attracted Jun Zechen, who had lived in the palace for many years.

The free-spirited girl from the frontier back then certainly had a fatal attraction for Jun Zechen during his youth.

After all, Jun Zechen grew up in the palace and has always despised women with deep scheming minds.

During the year she went out to fight, Ling Yue passed Jun Zecheng's observation and test.

In Jun Zecheng's heart, he had already decided that Ling Yue was a person with a pure heart.

That's why Ling Yue entered his heart.

Su Jingyao openly scrutinized Ling Yue, but her gaze was not unpleasant; it was pure and conveyed only kindness.

He didn't look around for long before sitting down on the chair next to him.

After she sat down, a barely perceptible hesitation appeared between Su Jingyao's brows, and her expression also seemed slightly unnatural.

It seems there are some unspeakable words hidden in their hearts, and they hesitate to speak them.

Ling Yue took in her expression.

"Does Consort Su have something to say?"

"My sister does have some things she'd like to discuss with her older sister, but... I'm not sure if it's a convenient time..."

Su Jingyao's eyes flickered slightly as she spoke, her head lowered as her gaze drifted across the ground.

He wanted all the palace maids and eunuchs in the hall to leave.

Ling Yue was somewhat puzzled.

She and Su Jingyao had only met for the first time, so what private things could they possibly have to say to each other?

Although she didn't understand, she still waved her hand and said, "You may all leave."

After the palace maids withdrew, Su Jingyao breathed a sigh of relief.

She truly couldn't say it in front of the palace maids.

His hands unconsciously stirred slightly, and when he looked up, his eyes met Ling Yue's.

As if summoning immense courage, she spoke the words in a slightly trembling voice.

"Sister, although His Highness the Crown Prince stayed overnight at Xiyan Palace yesterday, he did not do anything to me."

After saying that, she immediately lowered her head, looking shy.

These were words that were truly difficult for a noblewoman from a prominent family to utter.

A blush, like that of a ripe cherry, quickly spread across her charming face, gradually extending to the tips of her ears.

Ling Yue's face showed surprise.

The Crown Prince had already sent someone to inform her of this matter yesterday, but she never expected that Su Jingyao would tell her the truth herself.

Why are you telling me this?

Ling Yue's eyes revealed a complex light as she slightly turned her head, her gaze falling on Su Jingyao.

Even she, the daughter of a bold and unrestrained military general, found it difficult to utter such words.

Why would Su Jingyao, a noblewoman from a prominent family, take the initiative to bring this up?

After all, what woman would willingly admit that she is not loved by her husband?

"I know that your love for me is stronger than gold, and you are a match made in heaven."

"My birth was out of necessity, but I cannot disobey the Emperor's decree, so I have no choice but to marry into the Eastern Palace."

Su Jingyao's voice grew softer, yet remained exceptionally firm.

"Yesterday, I asked Your Highness to stay overnight at Xiyan Palace, just to protect the reputation of the Su family."

"I also promised Your Highness that I would personally clear up this misunderstanding with my sister. I truly do not wish for any misunderstanding between my sister and Your Highness because of me."

Su Jingyao's moist eyes were full of sincerity and earnestness, and the light in them was pure and ardent, making them irresistible.

Ling Yue felt a pang of guilt upon hearing Su Jingyao's words.

She knew that it was because she was unable to have children that her mother had asked her father to issue an edict to bestow a marriage between Su Jingyao and Aze.

Reflecting on her narrow-minded thoughts, Ling Yue looked ashamed.

Originally, as the eldest daughter of the Su family, Su Jingyao could have married the person she loved and lived a happy life.

Now, however, he can only spend his life alone in the Eastern Palace.

Ling Yue's guilt surged like a tidal wave.

However, Su Jingyao noticed that Ling Yue hadn't spoken for a long time, so she assumed that Ling Yue didn't believe what she said.

Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, she bit her lower lip lightly, and a hint of worry flashed in her eyes.

"Sister, although I have married into the Eastern Palace, I will never regard His Highness the Crown Prince as my husband. His Highness will always belong to you, sister."

Her voice was soft yet firm, and her slightly trembling lips betrayed her inner unease.

Hopefully, this more sincere promise will put Ling Yue at ease and make her believe in her.

After a moment of silence, Ling Yue slowly spoke.

"Sister, I am sorry for you. If I were able to have children, you would not have had to marry into the Crown Prince's palace."

At this moment, Ling Yue's eyes revealed sincere apology.

When Su Jingyao heard Ling Yue call her "little sister" instead, she understood that Ling Yue now believed her.

She lowered her eyes, concealing a hint of triumph in them, and chuckled to herself.

She's so easily fooled; no wonder she's a naive and kind-hearted female lead.

Then, she quickly suppressed her smile, replacing it with an innocent look, mixed with a hint of barely perceptible loneliness.

"There are too many people in this world who are not in control of their own lives, including me and Your Highness. I will not blame anyone."

"However, I don't know anyone in this Eastern Palace. I wonder if I could come and visit you for tea and a chat in the future?"

After saying that, she paused slightly, then quickly added more.

"I will come when Your Highness is not here."

Ling Yue noticed Su Jingyao's panic and immediately comforted her.

"My dear sister, you are always welcome to come to me for tea and a chat. Qiluan Palace will always welcome you."

Ling Yue smiled gently, her eyes filled with kindness.

Su Jingyao's smile became even sweeter and more captivating, but she had a different thought in her heart.

She doesn't believe in fate at all.

Fate is nothing more than the pointless self-consolation of losers.

She had long known that she would enter the Eastern Palace by imperial decree; it was her own choice.

In modern times, she was extremely disgusted with her helpless and pitiful childhood, so after becoming an adult, she kept climbing up the social ladder.

In ancient times, she was already a respected lady from a noble family.

However, the emperor's authority was so great that even a high-ranking official could not escape being sentenced to death by the emperor's command.

Given this, she naturally wants to be the one in power.

Even if a woman cannot control the world, she should still manipulate the man who does.

She wanted to act recklessly and be completely self-satisfied.

At that moment, Jun Zechen stood upright at the door, clearly hearing the conversation between the two people inside.

Last night she said she would explain to Ling Yue herself, but he took it as just an excuse.

This morning, she even brazenly seduced him.

In his view, this made it even harder for him to believe that Su Jingyao was a simple and kind person.

However, her words just now, whether it was her explanation that he hadn't touched her last night or her firm statement that she wouldn't ruin his relationship with Ling Yue, all crashed into Jun Zechen's heart like a tidal wave, leaving him utterly shocked.

He knew perfectly well that what noble ladies valued most was their reputation.

Even if the wives of high-ranking officials in the court did not enjoy their husbands' favor, they would never dare to utter such a thing.

But Su Jingyao...

His mind was so open and broad-minded.

He probably owed her a lot in this lifetime.

Jun Zechen couldn't help but sigh, a pang of guilt rising in his heart.

But he will surely give her a lifetime of wealth and honor as compensation.

Having made up his mind, Jun Zechen stepped into the house.

When Su Jingyao saw the Crown Prince enter, a look of surprise appeared on her beautiful face, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes.

She quickly rose and bowed respectfully: "This concubine greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Get up.

Jun Zechen's voice was neither loud nor soft, his tone was calm, and his gaze casually swept over her.

"Aze, what brings you here?"

A joyful light flashed in Ling Yue's beautiful eyes, and a cheerful smile appeared on her lips, her face beaming with happiness.

"Didn't you say you wanted to ride a horse? A new Akhal-Teke horse arrived at the horse farm today. I'll take you there."

Jun Zechen's voice carried a hint of gentleness.

He's nothing like yesterday's cold-noodle prince.

Jun Zechen took Ling Yue to her favorite horse farm because he had married Su Jingyao the day before and didn't want Ling Yue to be saddened by it.

Ling Yue's excitement was palpable when she heard that she could go horseback riding.

His entire face radiated excitement.

"Aze, you're so kind!" Her voice was filled with undisguised joy.

Since entering the palace, Ling Yue has silently longed for the days of free horse racing in the borderlands.

In the past two years, due to the rules and the fact that her mother disliked her, she had only been to the horse farm a few times.

In the past, when she and Aze had free time during the non-war period, they would gallop freely and run wildly in the borderlands. These were the happiest and most joyful times in her life.

Jun Zechen's gaze swept over Su Jingyao almost casually.

The woman lowered her head slightly, a faint sense of disappointment subtly revealed in her eyes.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of indescribable reluctance.

She was ultimately an innocent victim, living deep within the Eastern Palace, inevitably feeling lonely. Perhaps going horseback riding together could bring her some joy.

Jun Zechen was about to ask a question.

Su Jingyao raised her head slightly, forcing a smile onto her face.

"Your Highness, Sister, you should go ride your horses. I'm returning to Xiyan Palace."

Ling Yue was so excited that she completely forgot about Su Jingyao's presence.

"Um, little sister, if you're free, why don't you come with us?" Ling Yue turned her head and said to Su Jingyao with a smile.

Jun Zechen's eyes flashed with a hint of relief when he heard Ling Yue's invitation.

Yue'er remains as kind as ever.

A look of surprise instantly flashed in Su Jingyao's eyes, like a candle suddenly lit in the darkness.

"Really? Even a concubine can go?"

She then turned her gaze to Jun Zechen, looking at him with anticipation.

Jun Zechen nodded slightly.

Ling Yue then said softly, "Of course, the horse ranch is spacious, and riding together is the most relaxing thing to do."

Jun Zechen looked at Ling Yue's open-mindedness with eyes full of doting affection.

Ling Yue was lively and active by nature, and especially loved horseback riding and archery. Unfortunately, the many rules of the palace ultimately constrained her.

When they arrived at the horse farm, three servants from the horse farm, each leading one of the three horses, followed closely behind Eunuch Anshun, who had been by the Crown Prince's side since childhood.

"Your Highness, the horse on the left is a spirited steed that was delivered just a few days ago, specially prepared for the Crown Princess; the one in the middle is your usual mount; and the one on the right is a gentle horse that this servant specially selected for Consort Su," Eunuch Anshun respectfully introduced.

Upon hearing this, Su Jingyao's face lit up with joy, and she looked at Anshun's father-in-law with gratitude.

"Thank you very much, Grandpa Anshun. I really love this horse."

Ling Yue's gaze fell on the handsome black horse, her eyes filled with undisguised excitement. She leaned forward slightly, eager to try, and couldn't wait to mount the horse.

"Aze, I'll begin."

Ling Yue smiled sweetly, her beautiful eyes sparkling with excitement.

Jun Zechen replied, "Go ahead and have fun."

Ling Yue deftly and gracefully mounted her horse.

Once seated, he raised his whip and lashed it hard, sending the horse galloping away like an arrow released from a bow.

Jun Zechen's smile gradually faded, and he turned his gaze to Su Jingyao, asking seemingly casually, "Can you ride a horse?"

Su Jingyao was overjoyed and somewhat flattered.

I never expected him to ask about this matter.

She quickly lowered her head and replied softly, "I do, but... my riding skills are a little lacking."

"You should get on your horse first," Jun Zechen said calmly.

"it is good."

Su Jingyao wasn't very good at riding horses. She didn't have the money to learn when she was a child in modern times, and she didn't have the time to learn when she grew up.

In ancient times, as a young lady from a respectable family, and with her father being the head of a civil official, she had always pampered her skin and had never learned any other ways to care for it.

She knows a little bit; she rode one when she went out with a boyfriend before.

Su Jingyao carefully stepped into the stirrups, gripped the reins tightly with both hands, and climbed onto the horse's back with some difficulty.

Seeing her swaying unsteadily, Jun Zechen already understood.

This woman doesn't know how to ride a horse at all.

He shook his head helplessly and sighed inwardly.

Yes, she is Minister Su's darling daughter, pampered since childhood, so how could she have the opportunity to come into contact with such things?

Once Jun Zechen had mounted his horse, he reached out and helped Su Jingyao, who was wobbling on the horse, to straighten up.

His brows furrowed slightly, and his voice carried a hint of doubt.

Are you sure you've ever ridden a horse?

Su Jingyao's face flushed red instantly. She lowered her eyes and spoke in a barely audible voice.

"Your Highness, please forgive me. I was just being playful and lied about being able to ride."

Jun Zechen didn't mind, and the two strolled leisurely across the horse track.

Meanwhile, Ling Yue had already ridden her horse around several times.

"Isn't Your Highness going to accompany my sister to the horse race?"

Su Jingyao secretly raised her eyes and glanced at Jun Zechen.

"I came to the horse farm only to bring the Crown Princess here for a visit. As long as she has fun, that's all that matters."

Jun Zechen's gaze fell gently and attentively on Ling Yue.

No woman, regardless of her status, is allowed to enter this horse ranch unless she is led by him.

Jun Zechen usually handles many government affairs, including visiting the military.

Horseback riding was a common activity for him, so he wasn't particularly interested in it.

Aside from the first time he accompanied Ling Yue to the horse farm to race horses with her, he always watched her ride afterwards.

Ling Yue ran another lap and caught sight of the two of them strolling leisurely around the horse farm, which sparked her playful interest.

A sly smile crept across her lips as she raised her riding whip and lashed it hard at Su Jingyao's horse's rump without hesitation.

Su Jingyao's horse seemed to be suddenly awakened and immediately galloped away.

Completely unprepared, she could only frantically grip the reins tightly, her face turning pale instantly, her eyes filled with terror and helplessness.

Jun Zechen was genuinely startled by Ling Yue's whip, and his expression changed slightly.

"Aze, you two aren't really riding horses. Let me help you, haha."

Ling Yue's laughter carried a hint of smugness.

"Yue'er! She can't ride a horse." Jun Zechen's voice was filled with anxiety.

After saying that, Jun Zechen squeezed the horse's flanks with both legs and galloped away, closely chasing after Su Jingyao.

He quickly caught up, and the two horses rode side by side.

But Su Jingyao's horse was completely out of her control, galloping wildly.

Jun Zechen was extremely anxious, but for a moment he didn't know how to save her.

Su Jingyao's body was swaying violently on the horse's back. She was almost exhausted, her legs were weak, and she could fall off the horse at any moment.

At this heart-stopping moment, Jun Zechen reached out his large hand, firmly embraced her waist, and lifted her up, placing her in front of him.

Su Jingyao sat sideways on the horse, her fear lingering.

Her trembling hands clung tightly to the man's waist, and she rested her head in his broad chest, tears streaming down her face like a burst dam.

Jun Zechen felt the dampness on his chest, and a sense of worry welled up in his heart.

He asked softly, "Are you alright?" His voice carried a hint of concern.

Su Jingyao's lips trembled slightly as she silently shook her head.

Once the horse had calmed down, Jun Zechen dismounted and gently helped Su Jingyao down from the horse, supporting her waist.

After Su Jingyao landed, her legs swayed unsteadily like withered leaves in the wind.

The horse's gallop had sent sharp pains through her inner thighs.

Her delicate eyebrows were furrowed, her face was as pale as paper, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

Jun Zechen reacted quickly, catching her in an instant and asking softly, "What's wrong?"

"Your thighs must be chafed raw..."

Su Jingyao's voice was barely audible, but her appearance clearly showed her pain.

She's so delicate.

Su Jingyao was indeed delicate. Her body had been carefully cared for by various rare flower dews and nourished by specially made medicinal soups since childhood, making her exceptionally tender.

The speed was so fast just now, the wear and tear on the thighs must have been severe.

Seeing that she couldn't walk on her own, Jun Zechen picked her up in his arms without saying a word.

Ling Yue then rode up at full speed on horseback.

"Little sister, I thought you could ride a horse, so I jokingly asked you to ride and race together. I didn't expect it to hurt you. Please don't take it to heart."

Ling Yue's eyes showed guilt, and she tightened her grip on the reins slightly.

He clearly regrets his actions.

Su Jingyao forced a smile despite the pain.

She said softly, "Sister, it's alright, don't feel guilty. It was my own playfulness that led me to ride a horse. I'm so sorry for disturbing your and His Highness's enjoyment today..."

"Yue'er, her legs are chafed. I'll take her back to the palace for treatment first. Anshun will stay at the horse farm. You can go back to the palace after you've had your fun."

Jun Zechen's gaze remained fixed on Su Jingyao, his eyes carrying a hint of barely perceptible heartache.

Before Ling Yue could answer, Jun Zechen picked up Su Jingyao and hurriedly left.

As Ling Yue watched the two figures gradually disappear into the distance, her regret grew stronger.

Their initial enthusiasm vanished like the tide, and their desire to ride a horse vanished instantly.

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