Chapter 4 — Crown Prince Competing With Ch?

12 Han Triet's small thoughts are not cleverly hidden. Before, it could be said that it was childhood love, he was used to taking care of me. But now that we're married, what happens? With that temperament, if he hadn't volunteered, he would have made a fuss soon. That day at the banquet, the decree had just been given, and the whole court was in an uproar. The old officials beat their chests and stomped their feet, saying how could the position of the Crown Princess be used as a joke. My father woke up and was so scared that he almost knelt down and asked to revoke the order. What about Han Triet? He sat quietly. Until the emperor asked: "What do you think, Crown Prince?" He slowly stood up. Not looking at anyone, just looking up with a vague "Hmm" sound. Then immediately knelt down and bowed his head vigorously. Later, when he brought a gift to pray for his favor, his ears turned red, and in a low voice he assured my father: "Father, I will treat Trac Tu well." “All life is good.” My father did not dare to answer. Perhaps I have never seen the Crown Prince so embarrassed. Then came the wedding night. When he lifted the veil, his hands were still shaking. Talking is stuttering. As I walked out the door, I tripped over my own feet, fell down, and stubbornly said it was okay. We all remember those little moments clearly. He thought he could hide it. But if you like someone, you can't hide it. Breathing, tone, actions, everywhere reveal loopholes. 13 But things are not like in the story, after he confessed his love, we immediately understood each other. I know Han Triet's thoughts, his heart has been hidden for many years, clumsy but hot. What about ourselves? I put my hand on my chest, my heart rate was still stable. Besides today's slightly funny incident, there weren't too many ups and downs. If I have to say it, it's probably... I'm used to it. Used to having him around. From the age of seven to seventeen, ten years, he was like a noisy shadow, neither chasing away nor leaving. That familiarity is so deep, so heavy, that it almost drowns out all other emotions. How do you like it? Maybe so. But this liking doesn't seem like what he has for me. I turned around, facing him. His breathing was uneven, his body still stiff, clearly still angry. I quietly raised my hand, through the air, vaguely tracing his outline. This person, I'm sure I can't leave him anymore. Just that inseparability, is it because of ten years of familiarity, Or is it because of the emotion called "liking"? I don't know. 14 A few days passed quietly—at least for me. After Han Triet confessed that night, it became very unnatural. Sometimes he lingers in the study until late at night, sometimes he sneaks out early in the morning. He spoke as hard as stone, as if I owed him three hundred taels of silver. I'm still the same as usual. Eat when you eat, sleep when you sleep, rub Phu Quy's fur, very relaxing. That day, his brother invited us to a hunting range outside the city. I intend to stay in the Eastern Palace. Han Triet refused and dragged me into the carriage. “What can you do if you fall asleep?” I asked. “You're about to grow mushrooms at home!” "…OH." What about mushroom growth? Growing mushrooms is also good. Hunting grounds on the outskirts of the capital. Han Triet was surrounded by royal descendants and rode around on horseback. I entered the tent, on the table there was grilled venison, glistening with fragrant oil. The meat is soft and sweet, the seasoning is just right. Very delicious. Not knowing how many bites he had eaten, the camp curtain was forcefully opened. The wind blew in, bringing with it the scent of grass and cold air. Han Triet returned. He walked a few steps came before me, shadow fell. “Eat more?” His voice is not normal. I held the bamboo stick, raised my head and blinked: "Yes, it's delicious." He reached out and carried the plate of meat away. “The grilled meat is too hot, it's indigestion.” Me: “…” He stood next to me for a while, his breathing gradually calmed down. His eyes fell on my face, a bit heavy. A moment later, he asked in a low voice: "...Let's go out for a walk? I'll take you there." I suspect I heard wrong. “Will you take me?” He said "yes" with a serious voice: "We're out, I'll take you." 15 The wind hit my face. The wind of early summer brings with it the smell of weeds. Before my eyes, everything turned into a moving strip of color. The green is the grass, the brown is the soil, and occasionally flashes of the brilliant colors of horseback riding clothes. Can't see clearly, just a feeling of dizziness brought on by the speed. The ground swayed and retreated gradually. One could feel the horse's muscles tense, Han Triet's heartbeat, and the strength in his arms. “If you're afraid, close your eyes.” His voice mixed in the wind. I close my eyes. Other senses are even clearer. The wind is stronger, blowing my hair. In the air is the taste of freedom. There was also a clean scent of soapberry coming from him. Even tasted a little sweetness in the wind, probably the scent of wildflowers. Rare stimulation. The sounds of people and horse hooves gradually faded away. The smell of dirt fades, the scent of flowers gradually deepens. Han Triet restrained himself and slowed down. He took me around a corner, then stopped completely. “Here we are.” His voice was a bit tense, "In front there is a wallflower bush, blooming... it's okay." He got off his horse and offered his hand to help me down. As soon as her feet touched the ground, her skirt slid across the grass. The scent of flowers is passionate, enveloping me. I took a deep breath. Take a few steps and ask him: "Did you turn back on purpose just now to take me to smell the wall?" His throat moved and he muffled a "yes" sound. Admit it. I stopped. Not like him at all. Before he could react, he opened his mouth again. The voice was low, but clear: "Trac Tu, what I said that night is true." “It's not because I'm drunk, it's not because I'm crazy.” "I just... like you. It's been that way for a long time." He paused for a moment, speaking quickly: "So, don't try to avoid it. Don't pretend you don't understand." I was completely dumbfounded. This kind of direct confession makes me unable to handle it. I thought he would at least be embarrassed for another ten days and a half a month. Who would have thought that in the middle of the bushes, he spoke again. Cheeks are hot. I opened my mouth, wanting to say something. Like “I know”, or “please shut up”. But couldn't say a word. Luckily we didn't see it. Not to touch his burning eyes.