The commotion lasted until nightfall.
The passion had subsided.
An ambiguous atmosphere filled the room. Baili Chongyan dismounted from the bed, lit a candle, and returned to the bedside to hang the mosquito net.
Zhu Ran was deep in slumber, her soft body nestled in the fine brocade. Her dark hair spread out, accentuating her flawless, jade-like skin, captivating the eye.
Likely sensing the light in the room, a maid's voice called from outside, "Your Highness, Your Highness Consort, would you like to have dinner?"
It was already past the usual dinner hour, but as the room had been dark earlier, they hadn't dared to inquire.
Seeing the light now, they finally felt bold enough to ask.
Baili Chongyan heard this, glanced at the sleeping figure on the bed, then lowered the mosquito net again. He said to the person outside, "Send some hot water in first, then bring dinner."
The maid seemed startled and remained silent for a long moment.
"...Yes."
Though it was not unusual for a newlywed couple to engage in intimate activities, the maid felt incredibly awkward thinking about what their young lady and His Highness were doing.
Few people knew about Baili Chongyan's physical condition. The manor was already heavily guarded, and after his health began to recover, security became even tighter, to the point of being impenetrable.
As for the fact that his legs had recovered, no one knew except Zhu Ran and the secret guards.
More often than not, the two preferred to "take care of each other," disliking the service of maids and servants, so much so that Zhu Ran's maid had never witnessed their affectionate moments.
This was why she had remained silent at that time.
It was now late autumn. With a new mistress in the manor, the servants had to be diligent. Hot water was always prepared and was soon brought in.
After filling the bathtub outside with water, they informed His Highness and retreated from the room. Only then did Baili Chongyan carry her to bathe.
Zhu Ran, groggy and half-asleep, allowed him to attend to her. Afterward, back on the bed, she seemed to have become accustomed to being waited on. She didn't eat by herself and let Baili Chongyan feed her.
When he was not recovered before, Zhu Ran had also served him many times, and now it was like a repayment.
In any case, both of them enjoyed it.
---
The next morning, another incident occurred in the capital.
The Second Prince had been gravely ill for a long time and was now in a coma. Someone suggested to the Emperor that he also be granted a marriage to ward off ill fortune.
Although a concubine had been bestowed earlier for the same purpose, it had been useless and had only worsened his condition. Some said it was because the concubine was ill-fated and couldn't help him, so a person with deep blessings was needed.
The chosen candidate for this person of great blessings was Miss Song Fanghua, the eldest daughter of the Song manor.
After the second daughter of the Song manor married the Prince Yan to ward off his illness, the Prince's condition improved. This led some to say that the daughters of the Song family possessed great blessings, and Song Fanghua was the most fortunate.
The Song manor had yet to respond, but Song Fanghua herself was utterly disgusted.
She had always known that the Second Prince was seeing two women at once and had been trifling with her sister. How could she agree to this?
Before anyone else could act, she had someone spread a rumor that she was a jinx who had caused her mother's death, an ill-fated solitary star who would surely bring about the Second Prince's demise if she went to him.
Coinciding with this was the news of the Prime Minister's manor proposing marriage.
Lady Song's maternal family was the Prime Minister's household. Song Manor's eldest young master and Zhu Ran were, by legend, childhood sweethearts, but a decree from the Emperor had separated them. At the time, many had felt it a pity.
Now, just as the imperial palace had announced that Song Fanghua was to marry the Second Prince to ward off his illness, the Prime Minister's eldest young master personally came to propose marriage, and rumors of Song Fanghua being an ill-fated solitary star circulated in the marketplace...
Lady Song was nearly angered to death again.
She sent word asking Zhu Ran to return for a visit.
Zhu Ran had intended to go back alone, but Baili Chongyan insisted on accompanying her.
Thus, Baili Chongyan changed his clothes and disguise and boldly stepped out. To the stunned gaze of the head of the guards, he boarded the carriage.
When Baili Chongyan was injured, he was still a great general. His physique was more imposing and commanding than it was now, and he had a more formidable aura, being darker and rougher.
Now, however, he looked like a dashing young gentleman, with a rosy complexion and fair teeth. His green robes accentuated his handsome features, his health apparent, and everything about him was perfect, completely unlike the great general he once was.
If not for someone familiar, who could possibly recognize him?
It was no wonder the guards were all astonished. Zhu Ran's maid even mistook him for Baili Chongyan's close attendant.
He played this role perfectly, trailing behind her upon arriving at the Song manor, managing to conceal the truth from everyone.
However, while others couldn't see it, Minister Song, who had served in the same court for several years, naturally could. He was so astonished for a moment that he forgot to speak.
Lady Song, unaware, asked, "Gongzi, how have you and His Highness been these days? Are you still..."
"Husband, what's wrong?"
Minister Song shook his head with a strange expression, "Nothing."
As they entered the main hall, they unexpectedly found the Prime Minister's eldest young master still there.
He too, widened his eyes upon seeing Baili Chongyan, but quickly regained his composure and bowed to Zhu Ran, "This commoner greets the Consort."