CC Chapters 19-20

Chapter 19

Almost all the noble gentlemen and ladies from the capital would participate in the Imperial family’s hunt, and the genders were relatively free to interact during this period. Hence, the noble families would use this event as a chance to allow their children to interact with other families, so as to invite potential suitors and marriage opportunities. 

Song Ruwan and Song Qizhen sat in the horse carriage of the Marquis of Yongan, and the carriage followed a long queue of carriages, bumping up and down as it went up Mount Qi’s hunting grounds. Just as Song Ruwan felt her body almost being bumped into bits, a horn sounded from outside, and she thought to herself, We’re finally here!

On a vast land halfway up the mountain, soldiers were busy setting up tents. The men would stay at the tents in the east, while women would stay in tents in the west. There was a small creek that separated the two spaces, clearly to separate the genders. 

Song Ruwan was standing in front of the tent watching the servant arrange her belongings when she heard a voice saying, “Princess Fushu from the Fannan country actually came!” 

“Oh, isn’t Fannan the one who is constantly giving us problems at our borders? Why would Princess Fushu dare to come to the capital?” 

I heard that the Imperial Court has the intention to bind the countries through marriage. The candidate chosen by Fannan was Princess Fushu.” 

When Song Ruwan heard Fushu’s name, she was stunned. Fushu! Fushu! The woman who had almost married Xie Xun previously had arrived in the capital so early in this lifetime! 

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Xie Xun married her not because he liked her, but because her identity was suitable, and she happened to be in love with him! The one he truly liked should have been Princess Fushu! Otherwise, given Xie Xun’s cold and stubborn personality, why would he let Princess Fushu, someone who could be considered a great threat to their country, off? 

Chapter 20

Song Ruwan could still remember the wrenching feeling in her heart after hearing those words, even though a lifetime had passed since then. After she returned to the Duke of Ningguo’s residence, she ran straight into Xie Xun’s study, intending to get to the bottom of the matter, but yet, she was also afraid that Xie Xun might confirm her worst fears. 

Under Xie Xun’s doubtful gaze, her voice trembled as she asked, “Hubby… Did you marry me… Because you liked me?” 

After hearing her question, Xie Xun was amused as he replied, “Of course. I have to choose someone I like as my wife.” 

Hearing this, Song Ruwan heaved a sigh of relief, and she said to herself, Let bygones be bygones. So long as Hubby likes me now, then it’s all fine. That Princess Fushu is only the passing of a cloud.

During the three years of their marriage, Xie Xun had treated her so well that all the other noble ladies in the capital were immensely envious of her. He did not take in a concubine, he would not indulge in alcohol and vices, and apart from work, he would always just be by her side. 

Song Ruwan told herself that she should be satisfied with this, but when night fell, she would always dream of the times when Xie Xun and Princess Fushu appeared together like a couple, and she would always feel as though her heart was pierced by countless needles. 

Even though there was harmony in their marriage, her heart could not be calm. This Princess Fushu was a thorn in her heart! 

…

After setting up the tent, Song Ruwan did not go in to rest. She had been waiting for Xie Xun, feeling as though she could only be at ease after speaking to him. However, she waited expectantly for a long time, and all she got was a scene that she was most unwilling to see. 

At the pathway, Xie Xun was walking in front, and Princess Fushu was walking behind him. Her expression was one that Song Ruwan had seen countless times; that of love, and of bashfulness. It seemed as though she wanted to see more of Xie Xun, but didn’t dare to do so. She held her hands together as she gently spoke to Xie Xun. 

“Brother Xie!” Song Ruwan anxiously called out to Xie Xun, then walked briskly over to them. 

Xie Xun looked at Song Ruwan, whose face was flushed, and there was a smile in his eyes as he said, “Why are you walking in such a hurry?” 

Before Song Ruwan could speak, Princess Fushu asked, “Who is this lady?” 

Song Ruwan gritted her teeth and bowed to Fushu, “I’m Song Ruwan.” 

Princess Fushu nodded, then ran through the list of top noble families in the capital in her mind. It seemed as though none of them carried the Song surname, so she just vaguely acknowledged her. 

Song Ruwan did not speak either, and simply stood there quietly. It was only after Xie Xun asked Princess Fushu to go back and rest first that they finally could have time together.

Song Ruwan followed Xie Xun into a forest near the campsite. The couple stood under a large loquat tree to speak. Xie Xun pulled Song Ruwan into his arms and asked, “Were you tired from the journey here?” Otherwise, why would she seem so unhappy? 

Song Ruwan shook her head, but when she thought about how Fushu had been looking bashfully at Xie Xun, her heart was uneasy. 

“Then who made you unhappy, hmm?” Xie Xun placed a hand on Song Ruwan’s back, and gently caressed her. 

Song Ruwan looked up at Xie Xun with a serious expression, then asked, “Brother Xun… Do you like me now?” 

The corners of Xie Xun’s lips curled up into a smile, and he coaxed her as though he was coaxing a child, “Of course I like Wanwan. Otherwise, why would I do those intimate things with Wanwan?” 

Song Ruwan’s face turned red, and she beat his chest and asked sheepishly, “Brother Xun… What do you think of that… Princess Fushu?” 

It was only then that Xie Xun finally realised why Song Ruwan was unhappy. He replied earnestly, “She’s just the princess of an enemy country. Wanwan, you don’t need to care about her.” 

“Is… Is that so?” Song Ruwan did not really believe him, and her arms tightened around Xie Xun’s waist unconsciously. 

“Wanwan, don’t you believe what I say?” Xie Xun pinched Song Ruwan’s chin, then raised her head and looked at her plump lips, “Then, let me use my actions to show how I feel.” 

Song Ruwan looked at Xie Xun’s face moving closer to her, and it was only when his lips touched hers that she finally closed her eyes.