Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 04: Chu Fu

Chen Jiao let out a quiet sigh as she slowly woke up from a deep slumber, feeling tired.

She was a bit surprised to see that the brocade curtains above her had changed color to a vibrant red, decorated with golden dragons and phoenixes. The brightness was so intense that it almost blinded her. She shut her eyes again after opening them, and immediately felt a sharp ache in her lower back.

The memories of the intimate moments from the previous night came flooding back, causing her cheeks to turn red with embarrassment.

A soft chuckle could be heard next to her, “It’s time to get up. We have a busy day ahead of us.”

She felt a bit unsure and uncomfortable at first, and although she wasn’t completely clueless, she was naturally hesitant as she stretched her body.

Liu Che took care of her with great care. Despite showing a hint of inexperience himself, his actions exuded a sense of calmness. He took charge, guiding her through the emotions until the pain transformed into a gentle pleasure.

She was also worn out, having experienced a rare night of deep and restful sleep. She glanced at him, feeling her cheeks redden once more.

She turned away and quietly said, “I will rise immediately.”

Regardless of her inner thoughts, up until now, the only man she had been this intimately close to in her fourteen years was him. It was becoming difficult for her to view him solely as the crown prince. After the previous evening, he was no longer just a distant figure to her; he was a real, living person.

Even as she bathed and boarded the imperial carriage, a smile crept onto her face. When they were seated next to each other, she couldn’t resist leaning her head slightly against his shoulder.

Liu Che turned his head to look at his wife, a smile playing on his lips. He gently placed his arm around her, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

A soft sigh reverberated in Chen Jiao’s mind.

Throughout the entire day, it had remained silent. It wasn’t until the wedding ceremony that its presence began to make itself known. It provided her with a brief moment of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle. Only then, with a melancholic sigh, did it bring her back to reality from her blissful dream.

She tensed up, catching the eyes of Liu Che, who arched an eyebrow at her.

It was unusual for the crown prince, aged fourteen, to exude such dignity, giving him an air of nobility beyond his brave demeanor. He was always polite, with a certain grandeur in his expression. It was only when he spoke to her that he showed such tenderness.

How could a young girl of fourteen, no matter how determined, reject his affection without hesitation, yet still pretend to be devoted and show false affection?

But she had no choice but to do so.

She knew from the beginning that it wouldn’t be easy, and when the moment arrived, she realized it was even more difficult than she had imagined.

She blushed and whispered softly in his ear, “…this position is hurting my back.”

The young crown prince’s cheeks also turned red.

He released her hand and gently helped her sit up straight, but couldn’t resist teasingly murmuring, “Don’t worry, it won’t always be like this. It will get better after a few times.”

From who did he acquire this knowledge? She didn’t inquire. Instead, she just smiled kindly, her cheeks turning red in awareness.

“Your presence is insignificant,” She looked down, then locked eyes with him with a fierce gaze.

Newlyweds tend to be fond with each other. A husband’s ego is most pleased with a modest wife.

Liu Che grinned while he pulled back the curtain, admiring the springtime view in the imperial garden.

After some time, Chen Jiao once again leaned her head forward and Liu Che gently kissed the top of her head.

It was customary for the crown prince and his crown princess to visit the ancestral temple on the day of their wedding. The following day, they would need to visit the imperial harem and the six courtyards, even though the specific order was not strictly mandated.

However, it was essential for them to pay their respects to the empress dowager, the emperor, and the empress.

The empress dowager was dressed formally that day, and she couldn’t contain her excitement as she eagerly called out even before Chen Jiao completed her ceremony.

Smiling proudly, the grand princess sat beside her daughter and son-in-law.

Chen Jiao remained stoic, determined to finish the ceremony with Liu Che.

“Although I am related to grandmother even before marrying into the palace, I am also your granddaughter-in-law. During this initial ceremony, I must show great respect.” Her voice was gentle, like a soft breeze brushing against your face. Every movement reflected her kindness, and Liu Che couldn’t help but smile as he observed her.

Even the empress dowager nodded in agreement, but also sighed with emotion, “She is truly growing older with each passing day. It feels like just yesterday she was a child in my arms, and now she is part of the Liu family. Time flies, and before we know it, we may have grandchildren around us, and you, Liu Piao, will become a grandmother too.”

Everyone chuckled.

The grand princess gazed at Chen Jiao, her eyes shining with happiness, “I have been eagerly anticipating her giving me a grandson!”

Chen Jiao’s spirits dropped.

She looked down, placing a hand on her stomach, and eventually smiled, “It hasn’t been long, and you’re already talking like this…”

Even Liu Che chuckled, “A’ Jiao is bashful!”

Changxin Hall echoed with laughter from both men and women of all ages.

Jiaofang Hall was also bustling; the emperor had spent the previous day at the empress’ residence, creating a perfect chance for a visit. Everyone knew Chen Jiao well and had a soft spot for her. Laughter and conversation filled the air, and the emperor, pleased, presented her with a pair of flawless yellow jade bracelets and allowed Liu Che three more days off.

At this moment, as long as Chen Jiao remained polite, nobody would mistreat her. Even Empress Wang, who previously spoke ill of her in private, now spoke kindly, mentioning the grand princess.

“She didn’t even visit me in the Jiaofang Hall after entering the palace.”

Chen Jiao smiled back at her, with her uncle and the empress also smiling.

Liu Che, witnessing the joyful interaction, also smiled. The crown prince’s wedding entitled him to three days off, which he spent accompanying Chen Jiao without leaving her side.

Three days later, Chen Jiao woke up early in the morning to find he was not around.

The palace servant attending to her informed, “His Highness left early to study at Weiyang Palace.”

This exemplifies the self-discipline expected of a crown prince.

Chen Jiao cast a special glance at the young palace servant.

She did not have many servants as part of her dowry. The empress also did not rely on her own staff to work in the Jiaofang Hall. The palace regulations were not easily bypassed, even by the grand princess, or maybe the grand princess did not think much about it.

In her opinion, entering the palace with the support of her grandmother, uncle, and crown prince’s genuine affection, having one or two trusted aides was not essential.

She let out a sigh, pushed aside her thoughts, and casually inquired, “What is your name?”

The young palace servant knelt on the floor and responded softly, “This lowly one’s name is Chu Fu, Your Highness.”

Chen Jiao suddenly felt a headache coming on, she grasped her head and let out a soft groan.

The noise appeared to create a storm of thoughts in her head. She realized for the first time the impact it could have.

It screeched loudly, as if releasing its endless feelings with a continuous, resentful whimper. Despite attempting all methods to control her determination, despite being a noblewoman used to early maturity, accustomed to overthinking, with a mind much deeper than usual, she was still overwhelmed by the intense agony, intense heartbreak.

The young servant, Chu Fu, panicked and rushed to support her, “Your Highness, Your Highness? Shall I fetch someone!?”

Just as suddenly as it arrived, the screeching noise disappeared.

Chen Jiao’s mind went blank for a moment, then she regained composure and quickly halted Chu Fu’s actions with a smile.

“I’m fine, I just suddenly… have a leg ache.”

A young woman working in the palace, even if she is innocent, would be aware of the romantic relationships between men and women. Furthermore, when Liu Che and Chen Jiao were in love, there were always attendants serving tea and water by their side.

Chu Fu blushed prettily and knelt down respectfully, “May I massage your legs, Your Highness? I may be small, but I am quite strong.”

Upon closer inspection, she exuded a certain heroic presence, with thick eyebrows that commanded respect. Despite her subordinate position, she carried herself with a stern aura, in contrast to the typical softness and charm of the imperial palace servants.

Chen Jiao observed her closely, but before she could speak, it coldly resounded in her mind.

“Kill her.”

The voice firmly stated, with a tone as icy as a winter spring in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar.

“Take her life, for she will be the one to cause harm to you.”

She furrowed her brows. She scrutinized the Chu Fu more closely, the servant’s cheeks flushed in return.

She then chuckled, “There’s no need. I will simply rest. Inform everyone that they are not to disturb me without my permission.”

Chu Fu bowed and exited quietly. It was evident that she was ambitious and had a keen eye for opportunities. She may also be quite proficient.

The voice let out a deep, menacing growl, reminiscent of a wounded animal, full of aggression and a subtle hint of blood, “End her life! End her life!”

“She poses a danger! She poses a danger!”

Chen Jiao remained silent.

Eventually, she spoke softly after a prolonged period of time, facing the wooden beams and the red curtain, whispering to herself in a hushed tone.

“It has only been a few days since I arrived at the palace, and I have already physically harmed and caused the death of a palace servant. She had done nothing wrong. If my uncle were to find out, wouldn’t he consider me to be a reckless girl with a hot temper who lacks regard for human life? And even if my grandmother were aware, she might not be pleased.

Furthermore, even though Liu Che may not pay much attention to the palace servants, he has always been understanding and kind. When his subordinates make errors, he always guides them in a sincere manner. By taking lives impulsively, he might not view me favorably in his heart.

You must realize that there are countless adversaries to eliminate, especially within the palace. The number of foes is endless. How can I possibly eliminate all the women in this palace?”

It became silent.

After a considerable amount of time, it spoke in an irritated manner, “You fail to comprehend!”

It ceased its outburst, instead softly tearing up, weeping like a melancholic zither piece being practiced in someone’s home.

Chen Jiao spoke calmly, “Then help me understand Chu Fu’s intentions.”

It was reduced to a mere sigh, a quiet sob, as it refused to speak further.

She had long realized that entering the palace would mark the beginning of a struggle for her. She had not expected the initial confrontation to happen so soon.

That evening, Liu Che did not return to the Crown Prince’s Palace to rest. As per the young eunuch who relayed the information, he and his study partner, Han Yan, were so deeply engrossed in their discussion that he would not be visiting the harem that night.