Shen Yue hadn't been here for two days. In the past, no matter how busy Shen Yue was, she would come here to stay overnight. Sometimes she was quite proactive, her soft, sweet lips clumsily and shyly rubbing against his. Cheng Qian Gong, for reasons unknown, didn't stop her.
She would also chatter in his ear about interesting things happening outside. At these times, Cheng Qian Gong would simply lower his head and read his book indifferently, not responding. When she received no response, Shen Yue would eventually stop talking, as if afraid of disturbing him, quietly accompanying him in his reading.
Cheng Qian Gong found it rather annoying, but when his ears finally grew quiet, he felt an inexplicable restlessness in his heart.
Recalling Shen Yue's words to him that day, completely drenched, a sense of dread inexplicably surfaced within him, as if foretelling the loss of something very important.
Shen Yue seemed truly angry…
Was it because of those matters?
Cheng Qian Gong unconsciously clenched his fingers. In truth, the imperial decree for marriage had not yet been issued. When the Emperor had spoken to him about it, he had been somewhat surprised but had not refused.
Because he had indeed reached the age to marry, and his heart was only filled with aspirations for the nation, not with the affections of romantic love. It didn't matter whom he married; he merely wished for a relationship of mutual respect.
At the time, he hadn't thought much of it. But Shen Yue's words caused a dull ache in his chest.
However, their situation was ultimately wrong…
He stared intently at the book in his hands until a maid gently called him for dinner, bringing him back to himself.
The table was laid with delicacies and fine foods, but Cheng Qian Gong found no appetite for them.
The maid served the dishes with light steps. As she prepared to withdraw, Cheng Qian Gong stopped her.
The man with a clear and handsome face pursed his lips, seeming hesitant, but still asked, "Is His Highness… unwell?"
If she wasn't unwell, Shen Yue wouldn't have stayed away for so long without seeking him out. It couldn't just be because of those words.
The maid knew the esteemed position this young lady held in the Fourth Prince's heart, so she dared not be negligent and truthfully replied, "His Highness caught a severe cold a couple of days ago and only woke up yesterday."
Cheng Qian Gong's throat felt dry, and his breath trembled.
The rain that day had been so heavy, and Shen Yue had been soaked through. How could she not catch a cold?
If he had kept Shen Yue with him then, would it not have been so severe?
Cheng Qian Gong was restless all day, his mind filled with the image of Shen Yue, dripping wet, her clothes still shedding water, her eyes red-rimmed, her skin pale and sickly, and weariness etched on her brows.
And then she had rushed out and never returned.
She had even cried after his few words. He hadn't known Shen Yue was so prone to tears before.
She had a fever for a whole day; it must have been serious.
Cheng Qian Gong was agitated, unable to focus on the book in his hands. He tossed the book aside and stared at the closed door, his eyes dark and unreadable.
By evening, Shen Yue still hadn't come. Was it because she was still feeling unwell?
Cheng Qian Gong remained in one position for the entire day. When he stood up, his calves felt a prickling numbness.
He calmly told himself that he was partly responsible for Shen Yue contracting the cold. Therefore, regardless of the circumstances, he should at least go and check on her.
Having convinced himself, the oppressive feeling in his chest immediately dissipated, and a hint of anxious concern, of which he himself was unaware, flickered in his eyes.
This was the first time he had stepped out of that room.
The corridor was brightly lit, the lanterns swaying in the gentle breeze. The guards stationed at the entrance to the sleeping quarters were quite surprised to see Cheng Qian Gong. Everyone in the palace knew tacitly about the relationship between Cheng Qian Gong and Shen Yue, and many had gossiped behind their backs, saying that Cheng Qian Gong used his looks to win favor, and that he, a man, was more debased than a woman.
They described Cheng Qian Gong with the most vicious and demeaning words. While it appeared as disdain and mockery, it was actually hidden jealousy and unwillingness.
When Shen Yue learned of this, she directly had the tongues of those gossips cut out and expelled them from the palace.
After that, no one dared to speak any lewd or unsavory words.
Cheng Qian Gong had reprimanded Shen Yue for this matter, but being told off a couple of times wouldn't have cost him anything, so there was no need for such cruel methods.
Shen Yue had simply smiled, her tone light, "How can I allow others to speak ill of someone whom I myself cannot bear to criticize?"
At that time, Cheng Qian Gong didn't know how he felt; his heart simply beat a little faster, as if it were about to leap out of his chest.
The guards did not allow him in directly. As this was the first time Cheng Qian Gong had actively come to the Fourth Prince's sleeping quarters, the guards dared not make a decision on their own and went in to report.
Cheng Qian Gong stood outside the door, his figure as straight as a pine tree, gazing at the night sky, waiting quietly. The fingers hanging at his sides involuntarily curled in nervousness.
He didn't know if Shen Yue was still angry with him, nor if her health had improved.
Soon, the guard emerged. He saw the tall and solitary figure standing outside the door. Upon hearing his footsteps, the figure immediately looked over, his eyes filled with eagerness.
The guard stood at the entrance and said matter-of-factly, "His Highness refuses to see you."
Winter was fast approaching, and the temperature at night was quite cool. Cheng Qian Gong didn't feel cold, but upon hearing the guard's words, he felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
At first, he didn't even react. He was stunned for a moment, his gentle, jade-like face quickly turning cold, an aura of low pressure emanating from him.
His demeanor was so intimidating that it startled the guards.
Cheng Qian Gong did not leave. He controlled his breathing, his clenched teeth slowly loosening, a taste of blood flooding his mouth.
"His Highness…" His voice was hoarse, "Did she say anything else?"
The guard recalled the scene within the sleeping quarters. The Fourth Prince, clad in a dark, thin robe, with delicate and slender wrists exposed, was holding a brush with graceful hands, diligently practicing calligraphy on Xuan paper.
Upon hearing his words, the Fourth Prince's movements clearly paused. He remained silent for a long time. Just as the guard thought the Fourth Prince was about to agree, she spoke. 138 Reading Network.
With just two cold words.
"Unwilling."
The guard also found it unbelievable. After all, the Fourth Prince's feelings for Young Master Cheng were sincere and deeply affectionate. Yet, now she refused to see him, as if everything before was merely an illusion.
The guard honestly reported, "His Highness only left two words: 'Unwilling.' Please return, Young Master Cheng."
Cheng Qian Gong stood there, his gaze as sharp as a thin blade. He asked nothing further, turned, and left. Only after returning to his room did the rage continue to surge, almost burning away his reason.
His emotions were usually very subdued, but Shen Yue seemed to push his limits every time.
Unwilling.
A truly unforgivable 'unwilling'!
A somber inkiness flashed in Cheng Qian Gong's eyes. His chest heaved violently. He tried to calm himself, but his hands were still trembling with emotion.