Returning from Meilin, Situ Yao again stayed at my place for dinner.
These days have been incredibly comfortable. Even though I went out every day in the depths of winter, thanks to Aunt Ruyi’s meticulous care for my diet and daily life, I've visibly gained some weight. Aunt Ruyi was pleased with my increasingly plump face, but she also grew suspicious of the Crown Prince’s frequent visits.
After dinner, she finally couldn't help herself, “Did Miss visit Meiyuan with His Highness the Crown Prince today?”
I really didn’t want to admit it, but it was indeed the truth, so I nodded dejectedly.
Aunt Ruyi continued, “Miss, this servant only remembers you had a good relationship with His Highness the Second Prince. Since when did you become so close with His Highness the Crown Prince?”
“Hmm, perhaps it’s because I met an old acquaintance in a foreign land.”
“But Miss, this servant observes that His Highness the Crown Prince might have developed some special feelings for you. Do you plan to enter the Crown Prince’s manor in the future?”
Her words jolted me awake. I immediately shook my head.
Given our differing statuses, if I were to aspire to the Crown Prince, my mother would undoubtedly be furious. I myself would feel too ashamed to face Her Majesty the Empress.
Aunt Ruyi has always been a reserved and law-abiding person, never overstepping her bounds by inquiring about things she shouldn’t. For her to speak up and remind me, it was evident that my interactions with Situ Yao had indeed been too frequent.
Although it was always him who insisted on coming over.
Sigh, it seems I need to distance myself from this matter.
However, I tossed and turned all night without finding a way to avoid him, resulting in dark circles under my eyes by the next morning. My skin, tanned from my recent sea voyage, made the dark circles less noticeable. But lately, I’ve been well-cared for, and A Xiu even applies masks to my face daily using a formula from Her Majesty the Empress. My skin has basically returned to its former fairness, even smoother than before. Thus, the dark circles became difficult to conceal.
A Xiu sighed and rolled a hard-boiled egg over my eyes, “How can Miss show her face outside looking like this?”
“It’s fine, Steward Ye is not an outsider.”
“Ah? You are seeing Steward Ye today?”
“Yes, my father sent me here to work. If he knew I was just indulging in leisure and not doing anything important, he might be disappointed.”
Steward Ye is simply too capable; otherwise, I wouldn’t be living such an easy life. However, coming here, it wouldn't be right for me to be a completely hands-off manager. If I had to rely on Steward Ye every time to set up a branch, I might as well stay at home and wait for a marriage proposal.
From that day on, I began frequenting the wine shop more often.
And often I would spend the entire day there.
Steward Ye was cultivated by my father himself, and he spared no effort in teaching me. As I invested my energy, I became increasingly dedicated to the branch’s development, practically watching it take shape piece by piece.
With my early departures and late returns, Situ Yao found it increasingly difficult to catch me. During this period, my encounters with him significantly decreased.
“What has Miss Wang been busy with lately? She’s like a dragon that shows its head but not its tail.”
“Busy setting up a branch.”
“What are those servants for? Do you have to personally oversee everything?”
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, that’s not right. I am here to learn from Steward Ye. He is willing to teach, so I naturally must learn diligently.”
Perhaps sensing the distance in my words, Situ Yao’s handsome brows furrowed, “But you shouldn’t neglect your health. What if you collapse?”
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, rest assured, with Aunt Ruyi taking care of me, my health is fine. As for you, is it alright to be away from the capital for so long?” It’s been almost a month since we arrived in Meicheng, hasn't it? What kind of errand keeps the Crown Prince here for so long?
He is the Crown Prince.
Situ Yao glanced at me, “The country cannot be without a ruler for a day, but it can be without a Crown Prince. With my father on the throne in the capital, it is permissible for me to be away on duty for a longer period.”
“It’s still not over after such a long time. Is Your Highness the Crown Prince’s current mission particularly difficult?”
“It’s already in the final stages.”
I breathed a sigh of relief, “That’s good then.”
But Situ Yao’s expression turned colder, with a hint of hurt in his eyes, “So, you are hoping I leave sooner?”
“This commoner would not dare.”
“But that is precisely what you are thinking.” The Crown Prince turned and left abruptly.
Dealing with intelligent people is precisely like this, understanding the implied meaning from what is said. Simply asking one more question, and he guessed the entire situation.
Oh no, this can hardly be considered ‘implied meaning’ on my part.
I slumped onto the armchair, wiped my face, and once again rejected the Crown Prince. Given his status, he was probably truly angered. I should have felt relieved, but a sense of melancholy surged within me.
In this life, I probably won’t encounter such an excellent man again.
However, I don’t regret it.
I have been relatively fortunate in my life. Although my father holds no official position, being the daughter of the head steward of Her Majesty the Empress’s private estate is akin to being the daughter of a high official. When out and about, even the daughters of prime ministers would show me some respect.
I understood this clearly. As long as my future marriage partner’s family status is not too high, I would not be considered to have married above myself.
But if I were to marry into royalty, I would undoubtedly be branded a hussy who seduced her master.
Moreover, given the Crown Prince’s status, marrying him as a principal wife is out of the question; I could only be a concubine. The thought of having to observe strict etiquette in front of the Crown Princess, standing while she sat, serving her meals, and perhaps not even being able to raise my own children…
Forget it, I can’t even bear to think about these things.
Since I cannot endure such grievances, it is better to sever ties sooner rather than later.