Chapter 108: The Prince Has Finally Learned to Treat a Beauty with Tenderness

Since the departure of the Security Office, Xia Jiujian's life had slowed to a leisurely pace. On ordinary days, she would amuse herself with birds, take leisurely strolls—or rather, spend time reading books and playing with her Gu insects. The Xia family had become much more compliant, and there were no pressing matters in the palace. Xia Jiujian often slept late into the morning.

But today, for some unknown reason, Jun Bu Wen was acting strangely. He was supposed to have risen early to dress, freshen up, and enter the palace, while Xia Jiujian continued to lie in bed, lazily turning over like a complete wastrel. Yet, to her surprise, Jun Bu Wen had not left; instead, he stood by the bedside, quietly watching her tousled sleeping posture.

Jun Bu Wen frowned inwardly, wondering how he could tolerate this woman sleeping beside him.

“Get up,” he said.

Xia Jiujian hugged her pillow. “What time is it? I still want to sleep.”

“Get up quickly. Today, the Southern Kingdom's envoy arrives in the capital…”

Xia Jiujian mumbled, “What do I have to do with the Southern envoy? They’re not here to see me.”

Jun Bu Wen sighed, “As the Princess Consort of Jin, you must attend the banquet today.”

Xia Jiujian grumbled, “This title of Princess Consort really comes with a lot of responsibilities, doesn’t it?”

Jun Bu Wen pulled her from the bed, her eyes still closed.

Half-asleep and dazed, Xia Jiujian got up and let Lv Luo and You Hua help dress her, yet she still sat on the stool, drowsily trying to catch a few more winks.

Outside, Jun Bu Wen had almost finished a pot of tea, yet Xia Jiujian was still not ready. Impatient, he entered the inner chamber only to find Xia Jiujian dozing off again at the vanity table, her head bobbing like a chick pecking at grain.

Her schedule was utterly chaotic—staying up all night and then dozing off in the morning. It was clear Jun Bu Wen would have to straighten her out.

He paused for a moment, realizing his mind was filled with a jumble of thoughts—no doubt the recent intense use of Gu bugs by Xia Jiujian had muddled him as well.

Without a word, Jun Bu Wen scooped Xia Jiujian into his arms.

She immediately leaned against him but then widened her eyes in shock, stammering, “W-what… what are you doing?”

Jun Bu Wen carried her out.

Outside, many maids and servants were tending to the flowers and pathways of the Jin princely mansion. They were surprised to see Jun Bu Wen and Xia Jiujian together, and even more so when Jun Bu Wen held her in his arms and strode out of the mansion as if no one else was around.

With a stern expression, Jun Bu Wen said, “What else can I do? Our princess consort is utterly exhausted, unable to carry a thing. Naturally, I must carry her to the carriage.”

Nearby maids overheard and gasped, whispering among themselves, “Did the princess consort tire herself out yesterday? She can’t even walk?”

“Must be because the prince was too vigorous.”

“Maybe she overexerted herself last night… heh heh.”

These maids’ gossip was full of wild speculation, completely misunderstanding the true nature of Jun Bu Wen and Xia Jiujian’s relationship.

Xia Jiujian struggled, “Put me down! It’s so embarrassing if people see this.”

Jun Bu Wen ignored her. “What’s embarrassing? It’s not like I haven’t done this before.”

Xia Jiujian blushed. “Last time was at the Dali Kingdom’s temple. This is the Jin princely mansion—being embarrassed here is like losing face at home.”

Hearing this, Jun Bu Wen refused all the more to put her down. How could she talk about embarrassment?

Many women threw themselves at Jun Bu Wen, yet Xia Jiujian had the audacity to act coy and feel ashamed being carried by him!

Jun Bu Wen’s face darkened. “Wasn’t it you who wanted to show affection in public? The princess consort can barely walk, so naturally I must carry you with care. This way, all the servants in the mansion will know you are my favored consort, and your position as Princess Consort of Jin will be more secure.”

Though his words were grand, it was rather embarrassing. Xia Jiujian covered her face with her hands, feeling like an ostrich hiding its head, thinking no one could see her.

Jun Bu Wen carried Xia Jiujian out of the Jin mansion. The carriage had been waiting at the gate for some time. Old Meng stood by the carriage, and when he saw Jun Bu Wen carrying Xia Jiujian out, he stiffened with emotion. Finally, his prince understood the meaning of cherishing his beloved.

At the palace, Jun Bu Wen went to the Council Hall, while a young palace maid led Xia Jiujian to the Moon Sparrow Palace beside it.

The Southern Kingdom’s envoy had come to meet Emperor Zong Kang of the Li Kingdom. The Li Kingdom bordered the Southern Kingdom. Decades ago, when the Wind Kingdom invaded, Li and the Southern Kingdom formed an alliance, a relationship of mutual dependence. However, as time passed, the alliance had become largely ceremonial.

Now, with the Li Kingdom flourishing and strong, and the Southern Kingdom expanding its influence through Gu insects, many within the Southern Kingdom were beginning to stir with ambition. No one could predict what hidden motives lay behind this round of alliance negotiations.

In the imperial palace, the Supreme Hall was where officials gathered for court sessions, while the Council Hall was reserved for important discussions and receiving guests. Female attendants were not allowed inside, so Xia Jiujian was sent to rest in a side chamber of the Moon Sparrow Palace.

The Moon Sparrow Palace was not far from the Council Hall. At noon, Li Kingdom would host a banquet here to welcome the Southern envoy.

Yet the more Xia Jiujian followed the palace maid, the more uneasy she felt. The route wound and twisted as if designed to confuse her, and the usual presence of palace maids and eunuchs grew increasingly scarce, as if she were being led into a desolate wilderness.

Finally, the young palace maid stopped at the door of a secluded chamber. “Princess Consort of Jin, please rest here for now. When the banquet begins, I will come fetch you to the Moon Sparrow Palace.”

Xia Jiujian stepped inside. The room was modest but arranged with care—a large round table faced her, along with a simple bed. The simplicity made any sudden incident here immediately obvious.

No sooner had she entered than the door slammed shut with a decisive click. The door was locked, revealing the clear intent to trap her.

The palace maid appeared flustered while locking the door, whispering, “Princess Consort, please don’t blame me. I’m only following orders. I’m sorry, truly sorry.”

Once the door was secured, the maid fled.

Xia Jiujian’s eyes hardened, showing no trace of panic. She sneered coldly—so they wanted to play dirty tricks. She had thought that after all that had transpired, those who sought to harm her would have learned their lesson. Clearly, she had underestimated just how deep the resentment against her ran.

About half an incense stick’s time later, a figure appeared at the door—his steps firm and resolute, tall and imposing. He was a man. Using a key, he unlocked the door and pushed it open.

Xia Jiujian furrowed her brows. When the door opened and a familiar figure stepped inside, she looked up and curled her lips into a cold smile. “I wondered who it would be that trapped me here… but I never expected it would be you… Xia Mingxuan.”