A Fish Longing for the Old Pond

Part 7

18

Since our wedding, Chi Yan Chi restored all my rights as the mistress of the Marquis's household and no longer restricted my social interactions.

One day, I was playing a game with the children and a few maids in the garden when Pu Tao hurried in with a troubled expression, saying that the Princess had invited me to her residence for a chat.

Seeing her scrunched-up face, I asked with a smile, "Is the Princess such a terrifying person?"

Before Pu Tao could answer, little Fei Wan ran over, hugging my leg and proudly saying, "I know, I know! The Princess often visits our house. Everyone says she likes Father!"

What? Really!

Pu Tao didn't deny it, only suggesting I feign illness to avoid the visit until Chi Yan Chi returned from court.

I asked, "Has the Princess's maid left yet?"

"No..."

After a quick wash and change, I got into the carriage.

I didn't want to hide behind Chi Yan Chi for everything.

Besides, if the Princess had ill intentions, at worst, Chi Yan Chi and I would face death together.

We'd be a good couple in the next life as well.

......

The Princess was the current Emperor's elder sister.

I had to admit, she was a beautiful woman.

After some simple pleasantries, she invited me to sit down:

"I heard that this marriage was of your own free will, Madam Chi."

Expecting her to cause trouble, I adjusted my hair and replied with a gentle smile, "Yes, I've wronged Ah-Yan for so long. It's time to give him a proper status."

I thought this would anger her, but instead, the Princess's eyes lit up.

She said, "Madam Chi, I have an impolite request."

Here it comes, I thought, recalling numerous stories of palace intrigues.

From her words, it seemed she was about to ask me to voluntarily leave the household.

But in the next moment, the Princess said, "Could you... tell me the details of that night?"

Me: "Huh?"

19

When Chi Yan Chi burst into the Princess's residence, the Princess and I were enthusiastically discussing our shared interests:

"The details in "The Dominant Marquis's Forced Affection" are just perfect. I felt so immersed while reading it. Your Highness, you are truly my idol."

The Princess modestly waved her hand, saying it was nothing.

The joy of exchanging views with a fellow enthusiast was almost as good as being with Chi Yan Chi.

Chi Yan Chi, dressed in his official robes, had obviously just come from court.

His expression was stern as he slightly bowed and addressed the Princess, "I have come to take my wife home. I beg Your Highness's pardon."

The Princess leaned over and whispered to me, "Look at him, saying 'I beg your pardon,' but really meaning, 'Let my wife come home with me, or there will be consequences.'"

I burst into laughter and quickly smoothed things over, pulling Chi Yan Chi away as we took our leave.

On the way back, I teased Chi Yan Chi, suggesting that the Princess's frequent visits indicated she had feelings for him.

Chi Yan Chi played with my fingers absentmindedly and replied, "Madam, are you trying to hurt me? The Princess has some small hobbies, and it's not my place to criticize. But if Madam finds it unsightly, tomorrow I will remind His Majesty that the Princess is of marriageable age."

I quickly fell silent, tugging at Chi Yan Chi's sleeve to appease him.

Seeing he remained unmoved, I leaned in and kissed the corner of his lips.

Only then did he relent.

Since planting the Love Gu, he had become increasingly unrestrained.

20

Half a month later, it was the Emperor's birthday.

The palace held a grand banquet, and all court officials above the third rank were required to attend with their families.

Even officials from distant regions had come to celebrate.

I felt a nervousness akin to that of a strategist heading into battle.

Noticing this, Chi Yan Chi took my hand through his sleeve and whispered, "Don't be afraid. No one will dare disrespect you."

I looked at him in confusion.

He adjusted my sleeve and smiled, "Because your husband's position is high enough."