Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

Jian Guozhi finished the sweets that Xue Yu-Yan had prepared for him. Both of them were on the patio. The falling raindrops on the top of the roof and the ground were like a piece of natural music.

"I missed Jian Ge. His arrival surprised me. However, I found him troubled," said she, "here. Please drink this wine. It will keep his body warm."

Jian Guozhi took the porcelain cup from her and brought it to his lips. He took a sip and put it on the floor table before them. "Xue, you have seen me since my childhood. My treatment towards Brother Sheng, you are well aware of it." Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head.

"I felt terrible when I saw Brother Sheng lying unconscious. I had always desired his death, in my previous self. When he did not wake up, I was scared. Years ago, because of me, my father's life had come into danger. Once again, I saw myself in a position, where I was unable to protect my close ones. Brother Sheng is admirable. Despite undergoing injuries, he always has thought of his people, his loved ones." Jian Guozhi said with a heavy heart.

"The Emperor doesn't have any complaints from Jian Ge. He does not need to blame himself anymore," said she.

"But seeing him sick or injured, I sometimes feel bad. Also, the wound that my mother gave to Brother Sheng, I saw that. How could she be so cruel to a child? I should not have complained to her."

Jian Guozhi recalled the day when Sheng Li mistakenly broke his precious toy. His mother didn't hesitate to push the dagger's blade into Sheng Li's chest. He picked up the cup and drank the wine.

"I am also upset to see how Brother Nianzu ended up getting betrayed. He did everything for his mother. I have seen him remaining quiet and aloof just for his mother. In the end, she gave her the worst memories before leaving. I wonder why our mothers thought that taking the throne would give us happiness." Jian Guozhi's complaints were many, and there was no answer to these complaints.

Xue Yu-Yan placed her hand over his. He curled his fingers around her hand. "I brought something for Xue from Changying," said he and stood up from the floor seating. He went inside the chamber and from a shelf, he picked up a box. Returning to his seat, he put the box on the floor table.

"It is for you," Jian Guozhi said. "I purchased it on the second day while my stay in Changying from a local jeweler. Open it."

Xue Yu-Yan smiled and picked up the redwood box. She opened it and her eyes glinted in happiness. "A hairpin." She looked into his eyes and then at the hairpin. "It is beautiful, Jian Ge."

Jian Guozhi was happy to find that Xue Yu-Yan liked his present. "Xue can wear it tomorrow," he suggested to her.

She hummed and put the hairpin inside the box. She closed it and peered at Jian Guozhi. "Jian Ge took out time to pick such a beautiful present for his wife. I am overwhelmed seeing his care and affection." Her way of thanking was amusing to him.

"Xue, we both grew together with insecurities. I am glad that we both got a chance to reflect upon ourselves," asserted Jian Guozhi.

Xue Yu-Yan saw Jian Guozhi's cheeks turn red because of the cold wind. She had told him to stay inside the chamber, but he was adamant to sit on the patio to have a better outside view.

She rubbed her palms together and leaned forward to him. She brought her palms to his cheeks. "Jian Ge will catch a cold. His cheeks are cold," said she and pulled her hands back.

He put his hands on the back of her palms and put them down. "I am fine. Are you cold?" He caressed her hands and found that they were cold. "Let's go in." He stood up and took Xue Yu-Yan inside with him.

"Jian Ge, I have knitted a woolen overcoat for you. A little work has left in it, then I will give that to you," Xue Yu-Yan informed him. Jian Guozhi pushed the curtains away and the two entered their main chamber.

She decided to call a maidservant and ask her to clean the table on the patio. Jian Guozhi grasped her wrist and pulled her behind. Her back hit Jian Guozhi's chest, whose hands wrapped around her. Securely.

"Jian Ge," Xue Yu-Yan tilted her head. His chin rested on her shoulder and her cheek touched hers.

"Thank you for dedicating your life to me. I was harsh to you, but you always thought of me," he whispered.

"I was not good to Jian Ge either. Yet, he forgave me and we came such a long way," Xue Yu-Yan said with a smile.

She was surprised the moment Jian Guozhi carried her up in his arms and her arms automatically locked behind his neck. "You have gained weight," he said.

"Really?" She arched her brows. "I tried not to eat much," she murmured.

"Don't skip your meals. You are already so skinny," Jian Guozhi said and walked to the bed. Putting her gently on the bed, he removed his overcoat and got into the bed.

"Jian Ge shall not lie," Xue Yu-Yan said and brought her hands to Jian Guozhi's hair bun. She removed the knot holder and put it on the bedside table.

"I did not lie. You indeed are skinny," Jian Guozhi answered. "But I'm glad that you have put on weight," said he, tucking the fringes that come to her face behind her ear. His hand moved to her nape and he drew her close for a kiss.

He tenderly kissed her lower lip, followed by the upper lip. Xue Yu-Yan quickly reciprocated his kiss. His thumb was still on her cheek and he angled her head a little.

Gradually, she leaned down and her back touched the mattress while he hovered over her. Their lips were still connected. They gasped for air when their lungs ran out of air. She lifted her finger and wiped his lips.

"The taste of wine is strong," she whispered.

"Is it so?" Jian Guozhi arched his brow.

"Hmm."

"Jian Ge, will you go with me to the Buddhist temple? I had prayed about your safe return. So, I need to again offer the prayer to the Lord," Xue Yu-Yan expressed her desire.

"If the weather will be good, then we definitely will go," Jian Guozhi answered and yawned.

"Jian Ge, you must sleep," said Xue Yu-Yan and pulled the quilt. Jian Guozhi laid down, pulling her down and she let out a low scream. He covered them from the blanket and kissed her forehead before closing his eyes. The day was tiring for him and troubling too. Sitting and conversing with Xue was the best medicine to heal h