The Princess's Notebook

On the third day of the winter month, on the banks of the Wei River in Jiannan, the tents were lined up day and night, and the curling smoke from cooking added a bit of homeliness to the frozen landscape. In the tents, porridge and food were provided, and the ragged people walked unsteadily.

There was a man standing behind a stone pier on the bank of Qingshan River, a tributary of the Weishui River, next to the camp. He stood facing the Qingshan River, looking bleak and as if carrying a heavy burden. He had been looking at the river surface covered with ice for quite some time.

The cold wind was blowing hard, lifting up my clothes.

At one point, a man walked out from the other side of the stone pier and asked respectfully, "Your Highness, today is the third day of the Lunar New Year."

If you don’t set off now, you will miss Feng Ji’s wedding on the ninth day of the first lunar month.

The young man said nothing, with a strand of hair flying on his forehead. Supervisor Song looked at Zhao Feiran's back and sighed. If he were in Kyoto, how could he see Zhao Feiran so unrefined? During these days in Jiannan, His Highness has been more and more silent day by day. The few of them who served him personally saw this and felt very distressed.

After a long while, Zhao Feiran asked, "Jiannan governs five states and counties. Do you know how many people there are?"

Supervisor Song couldn't answer.

Zhao Feiran didn't care whether he knew it or not. He asked and answered himself, "More than 12,000 people, and now, there are less than 7,000 people..." As he spoke, his voice gradually became lower and his eyes looked into the distance with empty eyes.

In the past, my father said that he lacked experience, composure, and did not know the sufferings of the world. He did not take it seriously, but now he knows that he was wrong.

He is the Crown Prince, why does he think about the young lady all day long? Besides, she is a heartless young lady.

"You bastard, Jiannan has so many problems, and you still want me to go to Kyoto to watch Feng Ji's wedding?! And what kind of person is Feng Ji!"

Song Dajian: ...

If that's the case, then who would have rushed to register and sort out the files a few days ago? Jiannan is in a mess, and it's far from over. Supervisor Song didn't dare to say this, he could only watch Zhao Feiran being stubborn and blowing the wind.

This winter, the cold penetrates to the bone.

Zhao Feiran had not said a single word about Feng Ji's wedding, whether he would return to Kyoto, what kind of gift he would send, etc. This made Song Dajian suffer. It was not until the fourth day of the winter month that Hong Shan, who was temporarily acting as the governor of Jiannan, arrived, exhausted, that Song Dajian breathed a sigh of relief and quietly ordered people to pack up. He hoped to catch up with the wedding on the ninth day of the month.

That night, Zhao Feiran and Hong Shan talked all night long. No one knew what they talked about. All they knew was that on the next morning, Zhao Feiran looked refreshed and told Supervisor Song to set off on horseback.

Song Dajian, who had already packed his baggage, said: This... fast horse... is it going to rush back?

Before he could finish being surprised, Zhao Feiran, wearing a short shirt with narrow sleeves, opened his tent and asked, "What are you standing there for? Are you thinking of letting me go on my own?"

Supervisor Song was sweating profusely and hurried to catch up.

They rode at full speed all the way, changing horses but not riders, and finally arrived at Yanqing Gate in Kyoto early in the morning on the ninth day.

Under the golden light, the Yanqing Gate was crowded with people. Zhao Feiran, who had been in a hurry, suddenly ordered people to slow down. He mixed in the crowd, slowly entered the city gate, entered the palace, and quietly returned to the East Palace to wash up.

As the sun was about to set and the wedding procession was about to return to Feng's residence, Zhao Feiran sat upright at his desk, concentrating on writing.

Very stable.

Song Dajian was exhausted and anxious, like an ant on a hot pot, pacing back and forth. Occasionally, he would come in to answer questions and ask if His Highness had any instructions, but everyone would shake their heads.

Unable to wait any longer, Song Dajian asked through the window: "Your Highness, it's getting late. Do you need to prepare the ceremonial guard?"

A cold voice came from inside the room, "Go and take a rest."

Eunuch Song: You... you're not going out?

……

Today, the Xuandefang Palace was decorated with lanterns and was bustling with activity. Feng Ji's personal reception had just ended, and as they toasted and chatted, they were discussing the several poems that had just been written to urge the bride to get ready. They said that the Third Young Master Feng was not only handsome, but also had great literary talent. As they were talking, they came to the topic of Seventeenth Lady.

"I heard that the Crown Prince entered the city early in the morning? How come I didn't see him?"

"What do you mean I didn't see anything? I heard someone say that he never came out after returning to the East Palace. It was so lively at first, but so embarrassing later."

"The imperial decree has been issued, there is no time to regret it. No matter what, she is still the Crown Princess, and she cannot change."

"There's a huge difference between a Crown Princess and a Crown Princess. Haven't you heard the story of Concubine Wan from the previous dynasty..."

Of course, Shiqi Niang had heard of the former Concubine Wan. Not only that, but quite a few people had said this to her in recent days. She hid herself behind the screen and relaxed her face that had been tense all day.

Most of the people who came to celebrate were there because of her title as the future Crown Princess. Wang Kang was very proud, and Qiao Xin was not one to cry in front of others. Therefore, Shiqi Niang had met countless people and spoken countless words today. Some were flattering, some made fun of her, and many were trying to get information in a roundabout way.
When she inquired about why she entered the palace to learn palace rules, she was sent back.

She was speechless and could only smile and say, "Everything will be arranged by the Ministry of Rites."

Even a child can't be fooled by this.

Arranged by the Ministry of Rites? The Ministry of Rites is nothing in front of the father and son of the royal family. If the Ministry of Rites was useful, the former Concubine Wan would not have changed from the Crown Princess to Concubine Wan, and from the main wife to a concubine.

These things were beyond the control of Wang Shiqi Niang, so she had no choice but to hide in a corner where no one cared.

But their discussions follow me all the time, and I can't escape or hide from them.

"Jin Gui, I'm tired and want to go back and rest."

Jingui: "Madam, wait a little longer, wait a little longer..."

"Waiting for what? Waiting for the banquet to end, waiting for the curfew to ring? Jingui, your brain is getting worse and worse."

After saying this, Shiqi Niang left without waiting for Jingui and went back to Qiu Shuang Residence to sleep. Even if the king of heaven came, he could not disturb her rest.

Shiqi Niang had just left, and within a stick of incense, the front hall suddenly became bustling as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived in person.

Zhao Feiran brought Sun Du with him and a generous gift. He was wearing a long robe with a silver fish collar. The moonlight was bright, the lights were flickering, and he was the only one visible in the chaos and noise.

Wang Kang, who was already half full, came over quickly, laughing. "It is an honor for you to be here in person." He asked Zhao Feiran to take a seat in the study.

Wang Kang's study room was a work of art. Ancient paintings from the previous dynasties, calligraphy by masters, mixed with the flowing clouds from Qingfeng Tower, and his own doggerel-like calligraphy, formed a unique style. But he was so proud of himself that he told Zhao Feiran all the stories behind it like he was presenting a treasure.

Zhao Feiran listened briefly, and replied with three or five words in a gentlemanly manner, like a crown prince.

Unexpectedly, Wang Kang suddenly felt that Boya and Ziqi were very happy.

Zhao Feiran could only lament.

Fortunately, Master Wang came over after a while, and they talked seriously about state affairs and the disaster in Jiannan.

Halfway through the conversation, Master Wang saw Zhao Feiran looking outside frequently and asked his brother, "Where is Seventeen? The prince is here, why doesn't she come to pay her respects?"

Wang Kang slapped his head and said, "I am confused, I am confused. Go and ask Seventeen to come now." Then he passed the message outside.

The boy who delivered the message came back after a long time, but Seventeen was not there.

Wang Kang was in a panic, "Where are the people?"

The servant lowered his head and shivered.

Seeing this, Master Wang turned his head to look at Zhao Feiran. He looked indifferent, as if he didn't care at all. He was so scared that cold sweat broke out on his back. If this man really didn't care, why did he come here before the banquet was over?

He also sent someone to invite Seventeen.

This went on for a long time before Shiqi Niang finally came back, half asleep.

Wang Kang was so angry that he jumped up and down, and Master Wang was so angry that he was confused. The Wang family in Xuandefang might not live long. No matter how he thought about it, Master Wang still pulled his fourth brother away, leaving Shiqi Niang to talk to Zhao Feiran.

Shiqi Niang was still a little sleepy. She bowed in a daze, "May your highness be well." Without waiting for anyone to exempt her from the greeting, she found a chair and sat down.

She looked extremely casual, as if she had completely forgotten the unpleasantness of that day. Her eyes were a little swollen, as if she had just woken up, and there was no radiance at all.

Zhao Feiran laughed out of anger.

What evil did he do in his previous life to deserve meeting such a girl?

"How can you sleep?!" Zhao Feiran said sarcastically.

This sound was not right. Shiqi Niang forced herself to wake up, "What did your highness say? It's so late today, what's wrong with going to bed?"

"You..." The man paused, "The front yard is still bustling with activity, why are you sleeping alone?!"

His voice sounded like he was gritting his teeth, and Shiqi Niang instantly came to her senses, "Your Highness, why are you saying this? This is such a beautiful day... Your Highness, come back, did you have a smooth journey?"

"You are such a heartless person, you still have the nerve to ask me if I am feeling well! This thing on my neck is actually useful."

"I... of course I care about Your Highness..."

Before she could think of what to say, Zhao Feiran suddenly stood up and approached her, standing in front of her, forcing her to stand up as well.

"Are you still thinking about what to say next? Which good thing in the book should I say?"

Shiqi Niang was suddenly lifted up, unable to stand still, and could only hold Zhao Feiran's hand with her backhand. Then she heard her speak, and the heavy breath lingered around her, leaving her no chance to breathe. The narrow and cramped room made it difficult to tell where she was.

I couldn't hear what he said at all.

Seeing Shiqi Niang at a loss, Zhao Feiran was extremely angry. He grabbed her hand and asked sternly, "It's been a long time, and you haven't figured it out yet? Haven't you figured out how to talk to me? Where are your past skills? Where is your script?"

"What book?"

Knowing what he said, Shiqi Niang could only play dumb. She wanted to retreat, she wanted to jump out of his embrace, but there was no place to hide, with wolves in front and tigers behind.

"Still playing dumb with me. Didn't you write the novel 'Little Wolf Dog'? What, you have no other choice but to make me die?"

"A Little Wolfdog in the East Palace"?
Shiqi Niang's eyes were as big as copper bells as she stared at Zhao Feiran. His face was gloomy and the corners of his eyes were red. For some reason, Shiqi Niang saw a bit of pity in his eyes that used to look down on all officials.

Her heart was beating like a drum, and she hesitated, "It's nothing, don't talk nonsense, when have I ever hoped that you would die."

Suddenly, a pair of large hands grasped my lower back, and a slight burning sensation came through my clothes.

Shiqi Niang was a little scared and shrank back unconsciously. Unexpectedly, the movement brought her closer. The hot air from his breath blew on her cheeks, and it was as hot as a gust of wind blowing into her heart.

"I have died eight times, and you still dare to say you have no hope?"

Unable to bear it any longer, Shiqi Niang turned her head away, avoiding the man's sight, "I was wrong, I really know I was wrong, I won't do it again. Please forgive me this time."

"What will you use to repay me?" Zhao Feiran became interested and asked slowly.

"I...I...I don't have any silver!"

Zhao Feiran was furious at the young lady who had lost her mood. He didn't even look at her. His eyes were focused on her neck. It was delicate and white, and seemed to melt in the mouth. But she tilted her head, and a few strands of black hair fell on it, which Zhao Feiran found annoying.

He immediately blew a breath to lift the hair away, and then bit the girl's neck hard.

It is soft and sweet and melts in your mouth.

(End of this chapter)