Entertaining a Crown Prince was no easy task. Forget about everything else, just the matter of food alone was already a challenge. Normally, when the family gathered for a meal, Su Xinghe would take the first bite, and then everyone else could eat freely. But now? The dishes were all laid out on the table, yet with the Crown Prince seated at the head, everyone else remained standing in a circle, waiting.
Once again, Su Xinghe was assigned the duty of testing the food. Holding a plate and her chopsticks, she asked the Crown Prince, “What would you like to eat?”
The Crown Prince pointed at a plate of stir-fried meat. She picked up a piece, placed it in her mouth, and chewed with great appreciation. “Home-cooked food is just different!” she sighed.
The Crown Prince watched her eagerly. “Is it good?”
“Of course! What else would you like?” she asked.
The Crown Prince pointed again. “That pea shoot dish.”
Su Xinghe obediently picked up a bite, chewed, and nodded approvingly. The entire room watched her intently.
The Crown Prince asked, “How is it?”
She replied enthusiastically, “Perfectly seasoned!”
But surely, she couldn’t be the only one eating. This wasn’t how food testing was supposed to work! Wasn’t she supposed to taste it, confirm it was safe, and then present it to him? Yet here she was, eating away, while the Crown Prince had been sitting at the table for ages, stomach growling, unable to say a word.
And so, he continued to wait hungry, silent, and increasingly exasperated.
The host’s guest was an important figure. If anything were to happen to him, the entire household would be held responsible, so the responsibility of testing the food could not be entrusted to anyone else. In truth, the Crown Prince was not particularly worried, at this moment, even if the Su family were given a hundred times the courage, they wouldn’t dare to harm him in any way. However, Su Xinghe’s attitude of “if someone has to die, let it be me first” made the Crown Prince feel deeply comforted. He wasn’t without personal attendants, yet she insisted on taking the task upon herself. Though one might suspect she was just ensuring she got her fair share of the food, her overall intentions were still positive.
Eventually, Su Xinghe began to feel a little guilty. She pressed her lips together and smiled at the Crown Prince. “Why don’t I just eat all of it? What do you think?”
The Crown Prince weakly nodded.
She then turned to the hosts and gave them an apologetic smile before, under everyone’s watchful eyes, tasting each dish on the table.
After one round of sampling, she was more or less full. The others focused on observing her reaction. She sat there, cheeks slightly flushed, waiting. After a long while, there were no signs of poisoning.
The Crown Prince raised his hand and said, “My visit has put everyone on edge. Today is the first day of the New Year, a time for family reunions. I’m simply here to join in the fun, please don’t mind me. Let’s not concern ourselves with status today; everyone, sit and eat together.”
After much hesitation, everyone finally sat down together. Su Xinghe stood beside the Crown Prince, attending the banquet. Madam Su urged her to eat a little more, but she only shook her head, she couldn’t even drink another sip of soup.
Outside, firecrackers were going off again. She turned her head toward the door, watching as fireworks shot into the sky. The sharp, lingering sound as they ascended was like an arrow piercing the heavens, soaring straight into the clouds. She still remembered celebrating the New Year with the Lou family as a child. She had been too afraid to light firecrackers herself but loved watching them, always forcing General Lou Yueting to light the fuse for her.
Thinking of General Lou Yueting, a wave of melancholy washed over her. She wondered how he was doing now. The Lou family was right next door, and the little back gate between their courtyards should still be there. But the Crown Prince had arranged a marriage for him, he was probably off visiting his fiancée’s family for New Year’s. Even if she sneaked over, she might not be able to see him.
As she was lost in thought, children’s laughter echoed from outside, stirring memories of chasing and playing in the hutongs during childhood. Her mind wandered, and though she remained standing, she was completely distracted, constantly peeking outside.
The Crown Prince turned to her. “What’s the matter?”
She smiled shyly. “I want to go watch people set off fireworks.” Then, she instructed her brother, “His Highness doesn’t have a strong tolerance for alcohol, make sure no one pressures him to drink too much. Keep an eye on him for me. I’ll be right back.”
Without waiting for their response, she dashed outside.
The street-facing door was slightly ajar, and she squeezed through the gap. In front of the Su residence was a spacious courtyard, after all, it was the home of an official, quite different from ordinary households. After walking about twenty paces, she reached a hutong lined with houses standing door to door. Red lanterns hung at every entrance, dyeing the entire alleyway a warm crimson hue.
Children eagerly stuffed firecrackers into every possible crevice, between bricks, under eaves then lit them, setting off loud bangs that echoed through the alley. The boys were having the time of their lives, while the girls stood nearby, covering their ears and giggling.
How wonderful. At this age, there was nothing to worry about.
Su Xinghe watched for a long time. She wanted to cover her ears but felt too embarrassed, so she forced herself to endure it bravely. Just as she was completely absorbed in the scene, someone called out to her from behind. She turned to see that the gates of the Su residence had been opened, and several servants were carrying out large fireworks.
Surprised that they had finished their meal so quickly, she was still puzzled over it when the Crown Prince, holding a lit incense stick, handed it to her.
“I had them prepare everything for you,” he said. “Instead of just watching, why not set off your own?”
Su Xinghe stared blankly at the firework in front of her, holding the incense stick as if it were a burning coal, unsure what to do. She looked up at him. “I’m scared.”
The Crown Prince thought he had misheard. “What? There’s actually something you’re afraid of?”
She quickly shoved the incense stick back into his hand. “Why don’t you do it instead?”
A group of children had gathered around them. Compared to small firecrackers, fireworks were far more exciting. They immediately started chanting in unison, “Light one! Light one!”
The Crown Prince of the Great Yin Dynasty had never set off fireworks before. The Su family members, being tactful, had deliberately stayed away to give them space. Now, he was stuck in an awkward situation.
Shang Yin, standing to the side, helpfully pointed out, “Your Highness, see that fuse at the bottom? Light that. Once it’s lit, run quickly, be careful not to get caught in the blast.”
With no way out, the Crown Prince lifted his robe and tucked it into his belt, then took a wide stance, one foot planted close to the firework tube, the other stretched far back, so he could retreat swiftly after lighting it.
Su Xinghe watched from the side and burst into laughter at his ridiculous posture. How embarrassing! She had never seen anyone so timid. This was something they had played with when they were ten years old, and yet he was only experiencing it now. The way he hesitated and moved so cautiously made it almost impossible to associate him with the all-powerful heir to the throne.
But regardless of how clumsy he was, the firework was eventually lit.
With a thunderous burst, dazzling sparks shot into the sky. The Crown Prince stood there in silence, watching the fiery explosion.
And in that moment, he saw his own loneliness reflected in it.
Everyone was looking up at the sky, but Su Xinghe quietly turned her gaze toward him instead. Beneath the dazzling fireworks, the young man in his ornate robes stood alone in the vast world, his face carrying an inexplicable sorrow. The brilliant flames illuminated his features, his brows slightly furrowed, lost in thought. Seeing his melancholic expression, she guessed he was probably thinking about the late Empress again.
Su Xinghe moved a little closer. “Your Highness, what are you thinking about?”
The Crown Prince said, “These fireworks aren’t impressive. And their name reminds me of Huo Yan. Boring.”
His thoughts always seemed to jump unpredictably. Once again, Su Xinghe found herself at a loss. “Your mind really isn’t something ordinary people can keep up with.”
The Crown Prince shot her a look and handed the incense stick to a guard, instructing them to continue setting off fireworks for the children. Then, without another word, he turned and headed toward the main entrance. “I’m tired. I’ll turn in early.”
Su Xinghe had no choice but to keep up, guiding him toward her courtyard.
“My mother said that tonight, Your Highness should stay in my courtyard. Even though I’ve been living in the palace all these years, the courtyard has been well maintained. Everything is in place, it’ll be more comfortable than anywhere else.”
That was exactly the point, aside from Su Xinghe herself, the most perceptive person in the Su family was Madam Su. Letting him stay in Su Xinghe’s courtyard was as good as an open acknowledgment that she approved of the two of them.
Last time, he had ruined their matchmaking arrangement.
It seemed his interference had paid off.
He claimed he wasn’t picky and followed her into the small courtyard at the back. The entrance was a delicate moon gate, with gracefully extending eaves, exuding a quiet elegance, it was unmistakably a girl’s residence.
They walked along a winding stone path, past two flower beds, arriving at a set of three rooms arranged in a “one bright, two dark” layout. As soon as they stepped inside, his eyes were drawn to a painting hanging in the center of the main hall. Under the dim candlelight, whatever creature was depicted on it seemed to glare at them with two large, copper-bell-like eyes.
The Crown Prince hesitated and asked, “Whose masterpiece is this? Is that a Pixiu or… a cat?”
The maid holding the lamp stifled a laugh, while Su Xinghe, both embarrassed and annoyed, snapped, “What kind of eyesight do you have? It’s clearly a tiger descending the mountain! How did it turn into a cat?”
The Crown Prince clasped his hands behind his back and glanced at her. “This is your work?”
She puffed up her chest confidently. “Of course! I painted it when I was ten. What about it? My teacher even praised me back then! If I hadn’t entered the palace, who knows, I might have become a legendary painter!”
He nearly laughed out loud talk about not knowing one’s own limits! A legendary painter? That would only happen if every other artist in the world suddenly disappeared.
Shaking his head, the Crown Prince smirked. “Your mother is truly something. She actually had this framed and hung in the most prominent spot. Isn’t that just embarrassing you? We scholars believe in hiding our weaknesses, but it seems your mother has full confidence in your artistic skills.”
She pulled a long face and glared at him. “Did you come to my house just to mock me? This is my room, aside from that painting, there are plenty of childish things here. Why don’t you just go back to the palace? Honestly, you shouldn’t have come to my courtyard in the first place. You’re going to laugh yourself sick.”
The Crown Prince boldly declared, “I’m staying here. What, you dare to kick me out?”
“Then will you stop laughing?” she muttered a few complaints, but she didn’t feel like bickering with him anymore and turned to head inside.
Fine, fine, he wouldn’t laugh. Awkwardly, the Crown Prince straightened the decorative tassels draping over his chest and followed her into the bedroom. The more he looked around, the more he realized her mother was a thoughtful person. All of Su Xinghe’s childhood belongings, shuttlecocks, ring toss toys, glass marbles, had been carefully preserved, arranged neatly on a high table, as if time had never moved forward.
Su Xinghe bustled about, instructing the servants to prepare saltwater towels and other necessities for his washing-up. Meanwhile, he stood before those childhood relics, picking them up one by one and turning them over in his hands.
Before the age of twelve, he had never been part of her life. The only way he could piece together that lost time was through these little objects.
After the age of twelve, every single day, they would be together. Not only together, but raising children, ruling a nation, carrying the weight of the world side by side.
Su Xinghe glanced back at him and saw him twirling a glass marble between his fingers. She found it odd. “You’ve never seen one of these before?”
He shook his head. “Of course I’ve seen them, and I’ve played with them too. But not with you. That’s the regret.”
This man had grown far too skilled at being sentimental. Was this part of his preparation for ascending the throne? A future emperor had to master the art of smooth-talking, after all.
She, however, had no time for such leisure. In the palace, there were people like Dequan to help take care of everything, but here, she was the only one managing it all.
She gestured for the servants to bring in the hot water. A maid carrying a silver basin stepped forward and, with a shy smile, said, “Mistress, do you still remember me?”
Su Xinghe looked at her face in surprise. “Xiao Xing’er? When I first entered the palace, weren’t you planning to return home? Why are you still here?”
She and her old acquaintance continued chatting about home and family, leaving the Crown Prince with no choice but to have Shangguan Yin take the basin inside for him. He didn’t need anyone’s help, he simply washed himself.
In the outer room, their conversation continued in soft, affectionate tones, carrying the warmth of domestic life. By the time he finished washing, he carried the basin out to pour the water. The two women barely acknowledged him, merely shifting aside to make room for him to pass.
Was there ever a nobleman so utterly overlooked? He felt a bit aggrieved but couldn’t bring himself to forbid her from catching up with an old friend. As he passed by, he casually reminded her, “I’m done washing. You should clean up properly too.” Then, slipping on the soft shoes prepared by Madam Su, he strolled into the bedroom with an air of nonchalance.
The bed was a traditional canopy bed for young women, complete with a large wooden frame. When the curtains were drawn, it became like a “room within a room,” offering a sense of cozy privacy. The Su family, originally from Jiangnan, still maintained their southern lifestyle habits.
At the very back of the bed was a decorative duobao shelf, and on either end were small mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinets. The cabinet drawers had delicate silver cloud-shaped handles, and when pulled open, they revealed an assortment of snacks, dried plums, tiger-skin peanuts, spiced broad beans, and other little treats.
The life of a young woman in her boudoir was undeniably more relaxed and pleasant compared to a man’s.
The bedding was new, freshly aired in the sun, still carrying the scent of warm daylight. The Crown Prince lay down in satisfaction, adjusting his position slightly, he had to leave some space for Su Xinghe. Otherwise, things could get awkward when she comes to bed.
By convention, women usually slept on the inner side of the bed, allowing the man to protect them. But he hesitated, if he took the outer position, would that make her think he hadn’t planned for her to join him?
After much deliberation, he finally decided to lie on the inside, leaving plenty of space outside. He even planned how he could subtly shift positions later if needed.
Now, all that was left was to wait for her.
Truth be told, this wasn’t the first time they’d shared a bed, but tonight, he felt unusually nervous.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. No need to rush, this was new for both of them. For now, he would focus on keeping things steady rather than moving too fast.
Among everyone in the Su family, only Madam Su truly understood what was best for her daughter. After all, being with the Crown Prince wouldn’t be a loss. If Su Yujin had even half his wife’s shrewdness, he wouldn’t have ended up in such an awkward, inescapable situation today.
Like mother, like daughter, Su Xinghe was naturally well-liked. Tonight, he had to give it his all, making sure not to let Madam Su’s thoughtful arrangement go to waste.
He waited.
And waited.
Heat rose through his body, yet she still hadn’t come. Perhaps washing up and undoing her hair took time, so he shouldn’t rush her. He didn’t want to scare her.
But after a long while, when the only sounds left in the world were the distant fireworks and the crackling of firecrackers, he could no longer stay still.
Propping himself up, he called out, “Su Xinghe.”
Her voice came through the screen and bed curtains, clear yet distant. “Do you need water? There’s warm tea by the bed.”
He turned his head sure enough, on the duobao shelf sat a four-ram fang zun–shaped warming pot, alongside four delicate Jing porcelain cups.
His enthusiasm deflated. No wonder the old saying went: “Once you get into a canopy bed, you could stay there forever and never die.” Indeed, everything was prepared, food, drink, comfort, it was a place where one could sleep away eternity.
But that was not what he had come for. He wasn’t here to admire the wonders and conveniences of the bed. From the very beginning, he had his own intentions.
He called her name again, more pitifully this time.
Su Xinghe, now slightly irritated, replied, “If you need the toilet, turn left when you get off the bed. There’s a private room with a chamber pot. I even had it lined with sandalwood for you.”
The Crown Prince sat up in frustration, silent for a long time.
Meanwhile, Su Xinghe had settled down on the small night bed where Xiao Xing’er used to sleep, dozing off peacefully.
Every well-bred young lady had a personal maid who followed her everywhere during the day and stayed nearby at night to await orders. Their sleeping arrangements were simple, a makeshift bed just outside the master’s room, easy to set up and remove without much trouble.
Her mother had completely misunderstood her relationship with the Crown Prince. After all, she had been serving him in the palace for years, how could she possibly have remained untouched? And now that the Crown Prince had personally escorted her home, it was obvious their bond was different. There was no need for pretense anymore; they might as well share a bed instead of preparing another one.
But Su Xinghe knew the truth.
Her family’s misunderstanding could one day save the Crown Prince’s life in a moment of crisis.
But if the tide turned and the Su family fell from favor, her connection to the Crown Prince would only hasten their downfall.
It wasn’t the same. Their positions were different. The stakes were different. She couldn’t afford to be careless.
That kiss last night…
She was already beginning to regret it.
She feared that if she sank too deep, she would end up betraying everyone.
Su Xinghe never thought of herself as foolish, quite the opposite, she was very clever. That was precisely why, upon hearing the Crown Prince call her, she steadfastly refused to enter the inner chamber.
She knew that last night’s moment of weakness had stirred his desires. After all, he was a twenty-three-year-old man, not a eunuch, having needs was only natural. While the heat of the moment hadn’t fully passed, she had to be extra cautious not to fall into his trap and end up in an impossible position.
She listened closely.
It seemed quiet inside.
Since she hadn’t gone in, he had likely given up.
She turned over, just about to drift off to sleep, when suddenly.
A dark shadow loomed outside the canopy.
Her mind went blank in fright.
“What are you doing?”
As she instinctively tried to sit up, he lifted the bed curtain and slipped inside.
“Su Xinghe, I miss you,” he murmured.
Su Xinghe scoffed, “Miss a messy-haired ghost, more like! It’s the middle of the night, and instead of sleeping, you creep around scaring people, what, you want to scare me to death?”
Ignoring her attempts to push him away, he squeezed onto her narrow bed in just a few moves.
“This is an unfamiliar place, I can’t sleep without my usual bed.”
Su Xinghe scoffed, “That’s the most ridiculous excuse I’ve ever heard. You’ve never slept on this bed either, so what’s the difference?”
The Crown Prince firmly believed there was a difference, because wherever she was, that was his bed.
Settling in comfortably, he sighed in satisfaction. Seeing that she was still sitting upright, he murmured, “Aren’t you cold? Lie down and pull up the blanket.”
Su Xinghe glanced at the narrow wooden plank beneath her. If they both slept on it, one of them was bound to fall off before morning. With a sigh, she said, “Your Highness, this is my maid’s night bed, just a thin board. There’s no way two people can fit. You should go inside; the inner chamber is spacious.”
The Crown Prince wrapped himself tighter in the blanket, looking perfectly at ease. “This is me experiencing the hardships of the people that don’t stop me from sharing in their suffering.”
He refused to budge.
This was getting difficult.
The cool night air seeped through the thin bedding, sending chills up her back like splashes of cold water. She couldn’t endure much longer and finally lay down.
There were still guards on duty outside, so she whispered, “Just sleep for a bit, then go inside. If you can’t stretch out properly, you’ll wake up feeling worse than if you hadn’t slept at all.”
“Are you afraid of being squeezed?” He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Like this, there’s no problem.”
She struggled a little, but he held firm.
His embrace was warm, but they couldn’t possibly stay like this all night.
“Do you even understand the concept of propriety? Just because we grew up together doesn’t mean we can share a bed now that we’re older.”
“Unless we’re husband and wife,” he said simply. Lowering his head, his dark eyes locked onto hers. “Let’s make it official. I’ll return to Father tomorrow and ask to take you as my Crown Princess.”
Su Xinghe froze. “Have you been drinking? What nonsense are you talking about?”
He looked a little disappointed. She still didn’t want to be his Crown Princes because his position wasn’t stable yet, and maybe one day, her father and brothers would help push him off the throne. He didn’t want to think too far ahead. He just needed an answer.
“Yes or no, are we doing this or not?”
“Doing what?” she yelped. “You seriously expect me to do that with you? I work for you during the day, and now you want me to cook for you at night? This is unbearable!”
The Crown Prince, breathless with frustration, had heard enough of her nonsense—so he kissed her, hard.
Unlike last time, this time was smoother, more intoxicating. She responded, her tongue tangled with his, even trying to talk in between, until he firmly cupped the back of her head, silencing her completely.
It was undeniable. They both felt it, this was good.
Last time, they had been standing and sitting. Now, they were both lying down. The timing, the setting, the chemistry, it was all too perfect. The dangerous thoughts creeping into his mind were impossible to resist.
The Crown Prince was pleased. Turns out, he wasn’t the only one invested in this, she, too, knew how to explore and enjoy herself.
In the midst of their entanglement, his hand trailed down from her shoulder, moving across every curve, until it found its way to her waist. Just as he reached for the ties of her pants, her hand shot out and caught him red-handed.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.
He grinned. “Cooking.”
“Did I say you could?”
“No,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t try.”
Su Xinghe wasn’t buying it. “A kiss is one thing, but what, now I’m your sparring partner? There’s no one else in this world who’d go this far for you except a childhood friend. I see you as my friend, and you. you just want to sleep with me?”
He chuckled. “Honestly, I’ve thought about it more than once or twice. I am a normal man, after all.”
“Oh? Then why don’t you want the green tangerines I prepared for you? You refuse the palace attendants, you don’t want even the lovely Yinchen, yet you must set your sights on me?” She clutched her waistband. “I’m not agreeing to this. Let go.”
Surprisingly, the Crown Prince did let go. But instead, he loosened his own robes and shoved her hand inside.
Su Xinghe was stunned. What was this supposed to be? A seduction tactic? Whatever, if he was offering, she might as well take advantage. She gave him a firm squeeze up and down.
The Crown Prince smirked. “Well?”
“Not bad. Do you still play the erhu these days?”
Did she think he had given up on it? It had been a long-term effort, he practiced for half an hour after lunch every day. But back then, she wasn’t in the palace to see his dedication.
He caught her hand and kissed her again. She was a worthy match, quick-witted, sharp, always meeting him move for move. Their battle of wits had a thrill to it, a dangerous tension neither wanted to lose. But the Crown Prince quickly realized one thing, as a man, if he wanted to take this further, he had to take the lead. Otherwise, with this push-and-pull, she could keep playing this game with him for an entire year.
So he flipped her over, pinning her beneath him, mind set on one thing, tonight, it had to happen.
With a sudden thrust, his whole body trembled. If not for the fabric between them, blood might have already been spilled.
Su Xinghe was utterly shocked by his sudden move. When she finally came back to her senses, she shrieked, “You shameless bastard!“
With the arrow already knocked, only a fool would care about dignity now. He let out a low, restrained groan. “Just once. Just this once, okay?”
Su Xinghe had never imagined such a barbaric way of courting someone.
It wasn’t that she was completely unwilling. She just thought too much.
Why insist on staying here tonight? What was his real motive?
If he wanted a chance, the Eastern Palace had plenty of them. Why here, in the Su family’s home?
Maybe this was deliberate, to force her into a corner, to drag the Su family down with her.
If a man had to scheme over something like this, it would be utterly disgraceful.
Of course, the Crown Prince wasn’t as calculating as she imagined, but she didn’t believe that. And even if she did, it wouldn’t change anything.
Both of them had their own stubborn pride.
Even in bed, a trained fighter had raw, unyielding strength.
Su Xinghe refused to lose. She fought him with everything she had, as if her life depended on it.
The Crown Prince, on the other hand, thought. I can’t outdrink her, but there’s no way I’ll lose to her here.
So he changed tactics, using grappling moves to subdue her, but he still held back, afraid of hurting her.
Back and forth they struggled, neither willing to give in, the battle burning hotter and hotter.
And just when Su Xinghe, utterly exhausted, was on the verge of surrender.
The Crown Prince sank down, and with a deafening crash, the world collapsed around them.
For a split second, Su Xinghe had the illusion that they had broken through the earth itself, falling straight into its core.
Dazed and disoriented, she crawled out from under the canopy, only to find that Xiaoxing’er’s wooden cot had been broken from all their tossing and turning.
Su Xinghe covered her face. “Great. Just great. There’s no way I can face anyone tomorrow.”
