A Royal Arrangement: The General's Daughter (Short Novel)

Chapter 12

The warmth of the winter

Winter had settled firmly over the Fourth Prince's estate, a quiet mantle of cold enveloping the grounds. Yuren, though now the mistress of the household, still had much to learn. The head maid, accustomed to long-standing traditions, disapproved of most of Yuren's decision, her discontent thinly veiled. Yet Yuren, though not fond of patience, had learned to endure. She had become an astute observer, silently learning, adapting.

The Fourth Prince had been called to the borders and the council, returning only for brief weekly visits when they would share a quiet midday meal. But as the year drew to a close, his duties kept him at the palace for nearly two weeks, leaving the estate colder still in his absence.

It was in the third week of that month when an unfamiliar carriage arrived at the household.

"Madam," called Yu, her voice edged with urgency. Yuren hastened to the main hall, where the doors swung open to reveal a young woman. Draped in fine furs over a resplendent hanfu, her features were delicate, yet her gaze was sharp.

"A pleasant noon, Madam. I am Rong Hua, from the Empress's household. I come to speak with the Fourth Prince."

Yuren's heart sank. Wen Rui's warning echoed in her mind-Rong Hua, the same lady from the banquet who had watched her so intently and greeted her along with princess Wen Rui, had come. This lady could be taken by the fourth prince to be his concubine.

"I regret to inform you, the Prince is not at home," Yuren said coolly. Rong Hua smiled, sweet and untroubled.

"How unfortunate, to travel so far and miss him," she replied, her words laden with false politeness.

---

Inside her chambers, Yu wrung her hands in worry, pacing as Yuren sat by the fire.

"Madam, what shall we do?" Yu's voice trembled with panic. Yuren, deep in thought, hugged her fur coat closer.

"What can I do?" Yuren's tone was calm, almost resigned. "The Prince's choices are his own."

"How can he do this to you?" Yu's eyes glistened with unshed tears, while Yuren, remembering Wen Rui's words, stared into the flickering flames.

"It is tradition, Yu. I have not lost my place, nor my title," Yuren replied gently, though the heaviness in her heart betrayed her.

"I'll prepare some tea," Yu offered, reaching for the teapot adorned with purple markings-purple, the same color as the fabric Wen Rui had given her.

The fabric.

"Fetch me the brown box in my wardrobe," Yuren instructed. When Yu returned, Yuren opened the box, her fingers brushing the fine silk before a folded parchment slipped out-a letter from the princess.

---

The following morning, Yuren found herself seated across from Rong Hua at breakfast. The girl's demeanor was soft, her voice as sweet as her appearance was delicate.

"I must say, this estate is far milder than the north," Rong Hua remarked with a gentle laugh. "Have you been to the northern provinces, Madam?"

"I have not," Yuren replied, her voice measured.

"It is far colder there, and the heights unbearable. I much prefer the temperate lands of Suzhou." Rong Hua's smile seemed innocent enough, yet her words pricked at Yuren's composure.

"This place is more peaceful than most," The lady added. Yuren found herself nodding in agreement. Suzhou was indeed a haven compared to the bustling capital, a place where life unfolded quietly, far removed from the court's endless machinations.

"It is peaceful," Yuren answered, though her mind wandered to the letter and the unspoken threats that now loomed over her. Deep within, Yuren had grown to love this estate. It was not the home of her birth, but it had become a place of solace. But now, everything felt fragile, as if Rong Hua's presence alone could shatter the quiet peace she had built.

---

The cold had settled deeper into the season. The estate bustled with preparations as the horses were fed and stables warmed, yet the Fourth Prince remained absent, burdened with matters at the palace. It had been nearly two months since the failed attempt on the Crown Prince's life, and whispers of treachery echoed through the court. The Emperor's suspicions grew, and Zihan, the Fourth Prince, was called to oversee royal duties.

When Zihan finally returned to the estate, he found a carriage already at the gates. He entered with little fanfare, though the face that greeted him was not the one he had hoped to see.

---

"Madam, the Fourth Master has arrived," announced one of the maids. Yuren set down her cup and hurried to the mirror, touching up her appearance. She added another layer of rouge to her lips, though her hands trembled with frustration. She had chosen a red hanfu and a white fur coat, yet now, standing before the glass, she felt she had tried too hard.

Yuren paused, staring at her reflection.

Her efforts seemed futile, and a surge of irritation swept through her. She wiped the rouge from her lips, undid her carefully arranged hair, and changed into a simpler white robe.

By the time the prince had arrived, Yuren had chosen not to greet him. She waited until nightfall before gathering her courage, wrapping herself in her coat, and heading to his chambers.

"Madam, the prince is bathing," a maid informed her, but Yuren continued on, dismissing the attendants at the door instead she quietly handed them her coat and lamp.

She knocked softly before entering. Zihan was reclining in the steaming bath, his eyes closed, his arms resting on the edges of the pool. At the sound of the door, he opened his eyes, his expression unreadable.

"Another rumor, perhaps?" he said, his voice low and amused.

Yuren did not respond and bit her lower lip. She slipped off her shoes and stepped into the water, letting her robes soak as she approached him. The warmth of the bath did little to ease the tension coiled inside her.

"It is warm," she murmured, her voice almost trembling. Her long undone hair scattered in the waters and almost half of her upper body is now soaked.

Zihan chuckled, though his gaze remained distant.

"Do you realize the danger for you to be here?" he asked, his tone casual, though he swam closer to her. Yuren took a step back, her heart racing.

"I am not afraid," she said, opposite of what she just did. The prince just chuckled and stopped getting closer to her, finally done teasing her.

"Do as you wish," he said, moving to leave the water. But Yuren caught his arm, her grip firm.

"Please stay" she said, the words spilling out before she could stop them.

She leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a soft, hesitant kiss.

Zihan pulled back for a moment, studying her with an unreadable expression, then smiled, a rare warmth in his eyes.

"You never cease to surprise me" he murmured, drawing her closer as his lips claimed hers in a deeper, more passionate kiss.