Lang Huan slowly woke up and lifted the blanket. Memories from last night came rushing back, making her face burn with embarrassment. How could she have fainted like that? If only she could dig a hole and hide forever.
She carefully pulled open the bed curtain. The Eldest Princess was lying on the long couch, eyes closed, a book resting loosely in her hand. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over her face, making her look calm and regal even in sleep.
Lang Huan quickly put on her clothes, her eyes fell on the bed sheets. A small stain of red made her heart race faster. So this is what it means to lose your virginity… It hurts more than I thought.
She bit her lip, her hands trembling slightly, and quietly stepped down from the bed.
Her movements were light, careful, as if she feared even the wind might wake the princess.
Step by step, she tiptoed toward the door. When she passed by Feng Yao's couch, she couldn't help but glance back several times, making sure the Eldest Princess was still asleep. Just as she was about to leave the inner room, a calm but clear voice made her freeze.
"Where are you going?"
Lang Huan's heart skipped a beat. She turned around, flustered. "I… I was going to practice sword outside with Xiao Bai," she said in a small voice.
Feng Yao opened her eyes slowly, her expression unreadable. Seeing the girl's nervousness and flushed cheeks, she instantly understood the reason behind it.
Pretending to sound stern, she said, "No. You're not going anywhere today. Stay here and keep me company while I read."
Her tone was calm but carried the quiet authority of a princess. "Lunch will be delivered soon. It's all your favorite dishes."
Lang Huan hesitated, fingers tightening around her sleeve. In the end, she lowered her head and whispered, "Yes, Your Highness."
She walked back quietly and sat beside the princess, obediently folding her hands on her lap. From time to time, she stole glances at Feng Yao's face. There was something different about her—something Lang Huan couldn't quite name.
Without looking up, Feng Yao spoke softly, her tone calm yet sharp enough to catch Lang Huan off guard. "Is there something on my face?"
Lang Huan quickly looked away, pouting slightly. "N-no… nothing," she murmured.
A faint smile tugged at Feng Yao's lips, though she kept her eyes on the book.
Not long after, A Li entered, carrying several trays of food. The aroma of warm rice and steamed dishes filled the air.
"Your Highness, the meal is ready," A Li said respectfully, bowing low.
Feng Yao closed the book and placed it aside. "You may leave it there," she instructed.
Then, turning to Lang Huan, she reached out and gently took the girl's hand.
"Come," she said softly.
She scooped a bowl of rice, then served the dishes one by one—placing them neatly before Lang Huan.
Watching her, warmth quietly bloomed in Lang Huan's chest. She had always admired this side of her lover. Though born of noble blood, the princess carried herself with the patience and grace of a devoted wife.
"Eat more," Feng Yao said softly, placing another piece of food into Lang Huan's bowl. She occasionally lifted her chopsticks to feed her directly.
A Li, standing quietly to the side, couldn't help but smile. The harmony between the Princess and her consort was the most heartwarming sight she had ever seen.
She turned away and began tidying the bed. But when her eyes caught the faint red stain on the sheet, her hands stilled for a brief moment.
That's strange. If she remembered correctly, the Eldest Princess had already lost her maiden blood long ago.
Her eyes drifted toward the table—the Prince Consort was smiling, eating with innocent delight. A Li frowned slightly, her thoughts growing complicated. Perhaps Lang Huan had been a bit too rough last night…
A quiet sigh escaped her lips. How could Prince consort lose control like that? The princess had only just recovered. Pleasures of the bed might be sweet, but still—he should have shown more restraint.
Finishing her task, A Li folded the sheets neatly, pretending not to notice anything, and stepped aside.
As she passed by Lang Huan, who had just finished her meal, she lowered her voice and whispered a reminder, "My lord, please… be gentler with Her Highness next time. She's a delicate woman—how could she endure such roughness?"
Lang Huan blinked, utterly confused at first. Then her eyes caught sight of the folded sheet in A Li's arms, and a deep blush quickly spread across her cheeks.
"O-oh… I… I understand," she stammered, nodding quickly. "That's my bad… I'll be gentler next time."
Her voice grew smaller and smaller until it was almost a whisper, her face bright red with embarrassment.
Across the table, Feng Yao lifted her teacup to her lips, pretending not to notice—but the faint curve at the corner of her mouth betrayed a quiet, amused smile.
---
Feeling a bit bored, Lang Huan stood up and asked if she'd like to walk in the garden.
The Eldest Princess hesitated for a moment, but when Lang Huan looked at her with those pleading, puppy-like eyes, she couldn't resist. Smiling softly, she rose and hooked her arm through her.
As they strolled, the maids they passed bowed their heads, stealing glances at the pair. In their eyes, one was a beautiful princess and the other a devastatingly handsome man—a perfect match made in heaven.
They overheard about how desperate Lang Huan had been when the princess was lying unconscious from the snake bite. It was a love story that made all the women envious, especially in such a desolate place.
Standing together to admire the beauty of the blooming peach blossoms, petals drifted down with the breeze, brushing against their hair and sleeves like whispers of spring.
Lang Huan turned to Feng Yao, her gaze soft yet intense, and gently pulled her close. Feng Yao raised a hand, fingertips brushing along her jaw before resting against her cheek.
Their eyes met for a heartbeat—then Lang Huan closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a quiet, lingering kiss.
The Eldest Princess parted her lips, allowing Lang Huan's tongue to slide into her mouth as they kissed deeply.
Her hand clutching Lang Huan's sleeve as though to steady herself, while Lang Huan's breath deepened, her kiss growing more earnest.
Not far away, the shadow guards stood at a respectful distance, their gazes turned away.
When Lang Huan saw that the Eldest Princess made no move to resist, she deepened the kiss, holding her close until all breath between them faded into silence.
But the shadow guards were not the only ones who witnessed the scene.
Hidden behind one of the stone pillars at the edge of the courtyard, another pair of eyes watched in silence—eyes filled with displeasure.
Xiao Lan stood half-concealed among the blooming shrubs, her fingers tightening around the flower she held until the delicate petals crumpled. A bitter chill flickered in her gaze.
The princess looked healthier and happier than ever — all thanks to Lang Ruhua. Xiao Lan bit her lip hard, resentment rising like poison in her chest.
Foolish woman, she thought bitterly. Sacrificing herself for her love rival… how pathetic.
The crushed flower slipped from her hand, falling soundlessly among the drifting petals.
For a brief moment, sorrow flickered in her eyes — then it vanished, replaced by cold determination.
"Let's see," she whispered under her breath, eyes gleaming with quiet malice, "how long your happiness lasts."
With that, she turned and disappeared into the corridor. Only the wind remained, scattering peach petals across the empty path.
What Xiao Lan didn't realize was that someone had been watching her from the start.
Hidden atop the garden wall, Wu Ming's sharp eyes followed her every move.
She had noticed her strange behavior for days — And those eyes of hers… concealed hatred toward the Eldest Princess.
Each passing day only intensified her suspicion. She was certain now: that girl wasn't as simple and harmless as Qiu Yue said. Sometimes, she caught her talking to herself when no one was around.
Lang Huan caught sight of Wu Ming's shadow disappearing into the corridor. Her brows furrowed. "Did Your Highness send Wu Ming to do something?" she asked quietly. "Why didn't you tell me… what are you planning?"
The Eldest Princess brushed a stray lock of hair from Lang Huan's face. "Some things are better if you don't know," she said softly. "I only want you to stay by my side and protect me."