Chapter 81: Harp and Zither in Harmony

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“Your Highness?” Chu Jinyao noticed that Qin Yi was gently rubbing her fingers, lost in thought for a long time. She couldn’t help but softly call out to him.

 

Qin Yi snapped back to reality. “It’s nothing. Why are your fingers always so cold? Is it because they haven’t heated the ground well enough?”

 

“It’s not that. I’m always like this during winter.” Chu Jinyao withdrew her hand and touched her face, indeed feeling a slight chill. She said, “It seems like I have a cold constitution. My hands and feet are always cold in winter. But there’s a silver lining—I feel more comfortable than others in the summer.”

 

Qin Yi chuckled at her words. “Well, at least you’re saving the palace some money on ice. Didn’t you tidy up the study? Let’s go. I brought a few memorials back today. It’s a good excuse to borrow your space.”

 

Bringing up the study at such a moment was a bit tone-deaf, so Chu Jinyao silently smiled and had someone add a seat for Qin Yi. Once they sat down, Chu Jinyao glanced at the pile of memorials laid out on the desk by Xiao Linzi, and she was startled. “Your Highness, is this really okay?”

 

“Why wouldn’t it be? Those old foxes are crafty. The colder it gets, the more eager they are to hurry home. We’re about to have the New Year break, and a few day’s absence from Wenhua Hall won’t even be noticed.”

 

Hearing this, Chu Jinyao sighed. “I used to think those officials who entered and exited the Imperial Palace were so powerful, that all the nation’s major affairs passed through their hands. But now, it seems like nobody has it easy.”

 

“You’re still thinking about other people. By the way, the stuff I talked to you about yesterday—how far did you get with it?”

 

At this, Chu Jinyao felt her headache. Not long ago, she had been scared by County Princess Baoyu and the others, leading her to uselessly memorize numerous complex and difficult texts. After being exposed by Qin Yi, the more she thought about it, the more indignant she became. Determined not to feel like a fool, she pestered Qin Yi to explain everything to her, thinking she might as well learn and make sense of what she had memorized. After all, it would justify her efforts as studying, not merely being tricked.

 

Having spent the whole morning paying respects to the Empress and later dealing with Momo Hong, Chu Jinyao had not had time to review what Qin Yi had taught her the day before. Now, as he asked, she blinked nervously, not daring to speak, and instead gazed pitifully at him with wide eyes.

 

It was Qin Yi’s first time being responsible for someone else’s studies, especially his wife’s. Now, seeing his only “student” pleading with her eyes to be excused, his resolve as both a teacher and husband was weakening. “Well, I need to review these memorials. You can take this time to study.”

 

“Alright.” Chu Jinyao quickly added, “You’re so good to me, Your Highness.”

 

Happy to escape scot-free, she immediately opened her book to review. As she recalled how Qin Yi had explained it the previous day, she carefully copied the text again, trying to understand it better.

 

Qin Yi, seated opposite her, finally opened the official documents he had brought from the front hall and began to review them.

 

Though neither spoke, the atmosphere in the room was warm and peaceful. Qin Yi, after contemplating for a while, began to write, his pen flowing swiftly and his handwriting graceful and bold. There was no hesitation in his strokes.

 

After writing seven or eight memorials in succession, Qin Yi grew a bit weary. He stood up and circled to the other side of the desk to observe Chu Jinyao.

 

In comparison, Chu Jinyao’s approach was much more meticulous. Every stroke of her brush was deliberate. Though her wrist and her mind were growing tired, she wouldn’t stop until she reached the level of perfection she had set for herself.

 

After watching her for a moment, Qin Yi admired her persistence. If she were one of his subordinates, he would be quite pleased. But since Chu Jinyao was not, he didn’t feel entirely happy—on the contrary, he was a bit concerned.

 

“Writing for so long—isn’t it tiring?”

 

“A bit,” Chu Jinyao admitted, taking a deep breath. “Just let me finish this page, and I’ll be done.”

 

Qin Yi watched for a bit longer, then couldn’t resist leaning over, his right hand wrapping around her shoulder, gently guiding her hand as she wrote.

 

“When you make a check mark, don’t force it. It should be more like this.”

 

Sunlight streamed gently onto them, the air seemingly filled with golden dust motes. The contrast between them—one elegant and aloof, the other opulent and refined—somehow harmonized perfectly as their profiles aligned.

 

Xiao Linzi, standing guard outside the study, couldn’t help but notice the scene inside, despite not trying to peek. He saw his master, the crown prince, patiently teaching his wife to write, even guiding her hand himself. Xiao Linzi couldn’t help but avert his eyes. Honestly, it was a bit too much to take in.

 

In a hushed tone, Xiao Linzi whispered to another close servant beside him, “Have you noticed? Since the marriage, the crown prince seems to smile a lot more.”

 

The other servant nodded in agreement. A few years ago, who could have imagined the prince—renowned throughout the Imperial Palace for his arrogance and privilege—showing such patience? Those years of turmoil, danger, and close brushes with death had shaped the prince’s cold, indifferent demeanor. Women had sought his favor, yet he remained distant, emotionally scarred by the loss of the late Empress Wenxiao and the betrayal of his father and aunt.

 

But now, with the arrival of the Crown Princess, she had brought something different to his life. She could speak to him without the weight of politics, showing concern for his well-being. And Xiao Linzi couldn’t help but feel pleased for his master.

 

Outside, the snow had not yet melted, and the air was cold and biting. But inside the palace room, the air was warm, fragrant with incense, and filled with the soft glow of luxury. Inside, Qin Yi guided Chu Jinyao’s hand, helping her write stroke by stroke. In that moment, her heart felt entirely at peace.

 

“I have fine guests, with zithers and flutes in harmony; where the zither is, all is tranquil.” The once-abstract poem suddenly took on a very vivid meaning.

 

In the study, Chu Jinyao finished writing under Qin Yi’s guidance, very satisfied with how her calligraphy lesson had ended. She packed away her things and then rested her chin on her hand, watching as Qin Yi dealt with his official work, occasionally chatting idly with him.

 

After talking for a while, she suddenly remembered the possibly pregnant concubine she hadn’t yet mentioned to him. Leaning across the table, she tugged gently at Qin Yi’s sleeve.

 

“Your Highness, I have something important to tell you.”

 

Qin Yi smiled slightly, clearly not taking her “important matter” too seriously. When dealing with government affairs, he was usually highly focused, and his officials knew not to interrupt him. But with Chu Jinyao around, she regularly distracted him, though it didn’t feel unpleasant.

 

“And what is this important matter?” Qin Yi asked, humor in his voice.

 

Lowering her voice and checking to ensure no one else was around, Chu Jinyao whispered, “There’s a maid beside Consort Hui who may have been blessed by the emperor but has not been formally conferred a title. I suspect… she might be pregnant.”

 

Qin Yi’s brush paused, and he looked up at her.

 

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Chu Jinyao’s face grew serious. “When I went to deliver gifts to the Empress, I accidentally bumped into that maid. Her reaction was extreme, instinctively protecting her stomach. I had my maids discreetly observe her these past few days, and her behavior has indeed been suspicious. She’s been avoiding contact with others and appears anxious and fearful. I didn’t dare investigate further, as I’ve just arrived, and the palace staff knows my maids. This is all I could find out.”

 

Qin Yi set aside his brush, his eyes narrowing as he considered the situation. Chu Jinyao quietly waited for him to speak.

 

If that maid was truly pregnant, it should be a joyous occasion. So why was she so fearful? Her behavior, avoiding others and seeming terrified, pointed to something more sinister.

 

Ever since the young Empress had entered the palace, it had become difficult for any other women to bear children. Even those who conceived rarely carried to term. This maid’s fear may well stem from this fact.

 

After thinking for a moment, Qin Yi pulled Chu Jinyao closer and softly asked, “Do you know why the youngest child in the palace is already twelve, and why my younger brothers and I are all so close in age? Even my sisters are of similar age.”

 

Chu Jinyao had suspicions but didn’t dare voice them. She shook her head. “I don’t know.”

 

Holding her, Qin Yi tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table. After a while, he said, “Don’t involve yourself in this matter anymore. Your safety is the priority. I’ll arrange for someone to investigate that maid. If it’s true… it might be a good opportunity.”

 

Opportunity for what? Chu Jinyao’s hands grew cold at the thought. No matter what happened, she stood by Qin Yi’s side. As he deliberated, the room grew tense. Just then, Xiao Linzi’s voice rang out from the other room: “Your Highness, Your Highness, the lunch is ready.”

 

“Let’s eat first,” Qin Yi said, pulling Chu Jinyao to her feet as they went to the outer room to dine.

 

After lunch, the two returned to the inner room to rest. As they sat on the couch, a servant girl, Erxue, came in to change the tea.

 

Erxue kept her head down, moving swiftly and silently. Qin Yi, who had been listening to Chu Jinyao, glanced at Erxue with a scrutinizing look.

 

Sensing this, Chu Jinyao became alert. Erxue was beautiful and intelligent. Having survived the treacherous inner palace for years, she had not only avoided being crushed but had emerged stronger and more resilient—qualities that often attracted men. Qin Yi had once said he admired resilience in women. Could it be that he had taken a liking to Erxue?

 

As Erxue bowed and left, Qin Yi remained deep in thought. Chu Jinyao grew more upset and, forgetting her manners, leaned across the table and blocked Qin Yi’s view. “You’re not allowed to look!”

 

Amused, Qin Yi pulled her hand away, smiling helplessly. “What are you doing?”

 

“Hmph.” Chu Jinyao turned away sulkily, muttering, “Nothing.”

 

The way she said “nothing” was so laden with jealousy it was almost comical. Qin Yi couldn’t help but laugh inwardly and reached out to tickle her ear. “What’s wrong?”

 

She didn’t respond. Qin Yi’s smile deepened, and with a signal, he dismissed the servants. As soon as they left, he walked over to Chu Jinyao, bent down, and lifted her chin with a teasing smile. “Come on, Crown Princess, let me take a good look at you.”

 

His thumb gently under her chin, the gesture was playful and flirtatious, more befitting a libertine teasing a lady than a prince addressing his wife. Chu Jinyao tried to pull back in anger but couldn’t escape. She glared at him. “Who taught you this? So improper!”

 

Qin Yi found it amusing that whenever Chu Jinyao was angry, her insults were limited to words like “improper.” Even now, though clearly upset, her eyes wide and glistening, she only managed to accuse him of being “improper.”

 

After what she thought was a fierce reprimand, Chu Jinyao watched in disbelief as Qin Yi started to laugh. First, his eyes brightened, then his lips curved into a smile. His entire face lit up, making him even more dazzling.

 

When Qin Yi wore his usual cold expression, he seemed as remote and untouchable as snow on a mountaintop. This air of aloofness, though imposing, somehow didn’t breed resentment, as if he was born to be above others. It wasn’t until after they married that Chu Jinyao realized Qin Yi could laugh, and even though his smile often carried a hint of mockery, it still had an undeniable charm. Normally, Chu Jinyao found his smiles pleasing, but now, in her anger, they only infuriated her.

 

“You’re still laughing!”

 

“Alright, alright, I won’t laugh.” Although Qin Yi said this, the amusement in his eyes remained undiminished. Chu Jinyao’s indignation was too adorable, and it stirred the playful side of him.

 

He reached out and messed up her neatly pinned hair, feeling satisfied only after it became a tangled mess. Seeing that she was still pouting, he pulled out the hairpins from her hair and adjusted them to his liking. As he did so, he said lazily, “I was just observing that maid to see what you’ve been up to these past few days. Where did your thoughts go?”

 

Chu Jinyao knew there was no hiding her actions from Qin Yi. Feeling a bit sour, she replied, “Those beauties were sent to you by the Empress. What could I possibly have been up to?”

 

Qin Yi chuckled and gently pinched her nose. “Turning the tables on me now, are you? Still playing coy.”

 

He paused for a moment, then said meaningfully, “If navigating palace politics is proving difficult for you, why not consider another approach?” For example, she could ask him to dismiss the four palace maids entirely. It would be simple and efficient, with no further complications.

 

Chu Jinyao shot him a playful, seductive glance. “Is His Highness really so unprincipled?”

 

“Not necessarily,” Qin Yi smiled at her. “Why don’t you give it a try?”

 

Chu Jinyao finally couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Your Highness, you’re the heir apparent, the foundation of the nation! You shouldn’t be saying things like that!”

 

Qin Yi chuckled as well, his fingers gently running through her hair. Despite the warmth of the moment, he felt a small pang of regret. “So you still want to handle things yourself?”

 

“Yes,” Chu Jinyao answered softly. “I can’t always rely on you.”

 

Qin Yi wanted to say, “Why not?” He was her husband, and it was only natural for her to rely on him for a lifetime. But he understood her concerns. While he could step in and resolve matters now, what about in the future? He couldn’t always be present in the palace. It was wise for Chu Jinyao to learn how to navigate the intricacies of palace life herself.

 

“The only way to stand strong is to stand on your own,” Chu Jinyao said. “Your Highness, that’s what you taught me at the Changxing Marquis’s mansion, and I’ve been learning ever since.”

 

“Yes, I did teach you that.” Qin Yi sighed inwardly. The logic was sound, but the reality was far more complex. He sighed again and said, “I regret teaching you that.”

 

“Why?”

 

Because he hadn’t expected that the person he was teaching would one day become his wife. In teaching her how to stand strong, he had inadvertently made things more challenging for himself. But Qin Yi didn’t reveal his true thoughts, instead teasing, “Maybe because you’re too clumsy.”

 

Chu Jinyao had been waiting eagerly for his response, only to hear this insult. She immediately became indignant, raising her fists to lightly pound on his chest. “What did you just say?”

 

Qin Yi easily caught both of her fists with one hand, laughing as he let her vent. Of course, Chu Jinyao wasn’t hitting him hard—her punches were more like playful taps.

 

After they’d both had their fill of playfulness, they leaned against each other in quiet rest. Chu Jinyao, resting for a while, asked softly, “Your Highness, do you really know everything I’ve done these past few days?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“And I haven’t embarrassed you as your student?”

 

“Not at all.” Qin Yi’s voice softened as he added, “You’ve done very well.”

 

Chu Jinyao knew there was probably a bit of flattery in his words, but she didn’t mind. Instead, she grasped his hand, her eyes shining as she looked at him. “Your Highness, I will become a Crown Princess who stands by your side as your equal.”

 

“Alright.” Qin Yi gazed into her eyes, almost losing himself in the vibrant glow. “I’ll be waiting.”