Love at First Sight Chapter 46 My Request Isn’t Too Much, Is It?

Zun You glanced at Tian Liangren, not thinking much of it. He simply said, "As long as you're alright, that's what matters. In that case, listen to the physician from the Zhang residence and rest well." With that, he stood up and left, Wen Yueqing following behind.

At that moment, Tian Liangren felt rather awkward. She had expected His Highness to comfort her, but he left so quickly. She wanted to ask him to stay a little longer; just as she was about to speak, Wen Yueqing turned back and smiled at her.

Though Wen Yueqing's face wore a smile, her gaze was cold, even disdainful. That look made Tian Liangren uneasy, and she sighed inwardly, "Why is that? She's only a fifteen-year-old girl, yet her eyes are so mature and sharp."

She could not have known that Wen Yueqing had fought her way through the entertainment industry—the most fiercely competitive circle, a veritable purgatory, where newcomers abound, audiences are fickle, and capital reigns. One misstep, and you're forgotten in a corner. With her candid and forthright temperament, if she were truly naïve, she would have faded into obscurity long ago. It was precisely because she dared to speak and act that others in the industry feared her. To claim the throne of the leading lady, she had seen all manner of intrigue and betrayal.

As they say, a person's experience is written in their eyes. Her acting was so superb that she could effortlessly switch between roles. Though Wen Yueqing was still young and unworldly, her eyes remained clear and pure; yet, for her, one look was enough to intimidate.

"Your Highness, take care," Tian Liangren said, resigned. Watching Wen Yueqing's retreating figure, her thoughts raced.

Back in the front courtyard, Wen Yueqing asked, "Your Highness, do you think I was too ruthless with Cui'er?"

She truly wanted to know Zun You's opinion, to understand how he saw her in his heart.

"Ruthless? Why would you think that?" Zun You was curious about her sudden question.

"Isn't it so? Look, I frightened your Tian Liangren into illness. Isn't that ruthless?" She raised her head and retorted.

Zun You gazed into her eyes without speaking, then pulled her into his arms. After a moment, he whispered by her ear, "If you hadn't woken up then, I would have ensured her death was far more miserable. To be beaten to death would have been mercy."

Wen Yueqing gently pushed him away and said, "So Your Highness is that cruel? I dare not provoke you anymore. If I make a mistake, you might make me wish I'd never been born."

Zun You chuckled, flicking her nose. "As long as you know how formidable I am, you must behave from now on."

"And if I don't? Will you punish me?" she asked casually, knowing full well she was not one to sit quietly.

"What else could I do? Of course I'd have to punish you." Zun You grinned mischievously. "How about this: marry me, and I'll make you wish you'd never been born every day. What do you say?"

Wen Yueqing was stunned at first. When she realized what he meant, she discovered he was teasing her—and this was certainly not child's play. Her cheeks flushed crimson, then she suddenly grew indignant. How could she let a young man tease her like this?

With that thought, she chased after Zun You, hitting him playfully. "Marry you? Keep dreaming!"

In the blink of an eye, the first day of the twelfth lunar month arrived, and a great event occurred in the capital. The Emperor, Zun Long, personally arranged a marriage for the second prince, Zun Xiu, bestowing Cai Zhaoxia, the eldest granddaughter of Imperial Teacher Cai, upon him as princess consort.

The date was set for the eighth day of the first month. The match had been proposed by the Empress herself. The eldest prince, Zun Ren, had already married last year and now had a legitimate son. She did not want her own son to fall too far behind, so she set her sights early on Cai Zhaoxia.

After all, Imperial Teacher Cai was no ordinary minister. He had aided Zun Long in ascending the throne and was his most trusted tutor. He had two sons—one a second-rank general, the other Minister of Rites—and two granddaughters, both famed for their beauty and talent, truly ideal candidates for princess consort.

After court, officials hurried to congratulate Zun Xiu, especially the faction led by Chancellor An, who spared no effort in their flattery.

Zun Xiu was quite pleased, and he was satisfied with the marriage. With the Cai family’s support, he was one step closer to the Eastern Palace.

Led by Zun Ren, his brothers also offered their congratulations.

"Second brother, congratulations. I’ll prepare a grand gift for you," Zun Ren said, patting his shoulder.

"Second brother is so lucky. Father arranged such a fine match for you," added the fourth prince, Zun Zhi.

"What’s wrong, fourth brother—are you anxious? In two years, it’ll be your turn," Zun Xiu laughed heartily.

"Why would I be anxious? Third brother hasn’t married his princess yet," Zun Zhi replied, glancing at Zun You.

Zun You smiled as well. "I’m not in a hurry. I want to enjoy a few more years of leisure. Once I marry a princess, I won’t have peace anymore."

At that moment, his thoughts turned to Wen Yueqing. He mused, "I wonder when she’ll agree, when she’ll be willing to marry me. No, I must hasten things."

"Cai Zhaoxia, Cai Zhaoqin," Zun Zhi repeated the names in his heart. If he could marry Cai Zhaoqin, that would be good too. He recalled the day at the marketplace.

For a time, the common folk of the city were abuzz. A prince’s marriage meant excitement and spectacle, and with so few entertainments in ancient times, wedding festivities were the greatest of all. Everyone looked forward to the day.

On the morning of the eighth day of the twelfth month, Tong’er cooked a bowl of noodles for Wen Yueqing.

"Hmm? Isn’t today the Laba Festival? Shouldn’t we have Laba porridge?" Wen Yueqing asked, puzzled.

"Miss, you’ve forgotten—today is your birthday," Tong’er said, covering her mouth as she laughed. She knew Wen Yueqing was sure to forget.

"Is it? So today is my birthday. Then I must celebrate properly," Wen Yueqing said happily, finishing her longevity noodles.

After breakfast, she ran to Zun You’s room, stood before him with hands on her hips, and demanded, without ceremony, "Your Highness, today is my birthday. Tell me, what gift will you give me?"

"Oh? Is that so? You’re sixteen already, Yue’er. Then I must give you a proper celebration," Zun You replied, surprised at himself for never having asked her about this before.

"Take me out of the residence; let’s have a grand meal, then go to Meijin Courtyard for drinks. Tong’er must come with us. That’s not too much to ask, is it?"