Chapter 102: The Third Prince Favors You

Even so, Gu Shengyu could not quiet the restlessness in his heart.

“Father even sent Chief Steward Liu, who serves at his side, to stay with him.”

He pressed his lips together fiercely, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. “Tomorrow I must go and meet him.”

Otherwise, he could not dispel the anxiety gnawing at him.

Things should have unfolded naturally—he should not have returned.

—

Qingrui entered the Shaohua Courtyard carrying a pile of items, followed by many attendants, each holding something in their arms. Shen Nanyuan raised her brows in mild surprise and asked, “What are these?”

“Miss,” Qingrui replied, “these are gifts sent by others for your birthday yesterday. Young Master asked me to bring them for your inspection.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the attendants opened the rosewood boxes one by one—precious ginseng, all sorts of jewels, a dazzling array. Shen Nanyuan glanced at a few, then, uninterested, put them back.

“Place them all in the storeroom.”

Yesterday, the emperor and the second prince had sent rare treasures as well. She looked at them and instructed Qingrui to store them away.

To her, none of these could compare to the bowl of noodles Xiao Yan had made for her yesterday.

Shen Nanyuan stared at the storybook in her hand; ordinarily, she loved to read when idle, but today she simply could not focus. Just then Meng Chuyue arrived at Shaohua Courtyard. She quickly hid the book in her usual spot and rose to accompany her to the pavilion in the rear garden.

“Have you heard that the third prince, who had been wandering outside, has returned to the palace?” Meng Chuyue cast a sideways glance at Shen Nanyuan, saw her nod, and pursed her lips. “News of this has spread throughout the capital, and the ministers are astounded. But only a few know that the third prince was once a guard in this courtyard.”

She sighed softly. “It was my father who found him, so I knew as well. I had intended to warn you earlier, but with the third prince always at your side, I had no chance to speak.”

Shen Nanyuan lowered her gaze.

No wonder, during that period, whenever Chuyue came by, Xiao Yan would stick closely to her, never leaving her side.

He must have feared Chuyue would reveal the truth to her.

So, how long had he known? He had always known, yet continued to stay in Shaohua Courtyard, hiding his identity and not returning to the palace?

“Yuanyuan,” Meng Chuyue hesitated, “I’m not sure if I should tell you this.”

She had an engagement to the second prince now, so discussing this was somewhat improper, but she still wished to remind Shen Nanyuan.

“Did you know the third prince... has feelings for you?”

Shen Nanyuan’s first reaction was disbelief. She shook her head. “How could that be? How could Xiao Yan possibly be fond of me? He wouldn’t...”

But as she spoke, her voice grew weaker and weaker.

—

A sudden tremor gripped her heart. She stood frozen, gazing blankly at Meng Chuyue.

In her ears, a gentle, low voice echoed: “Next year, at this time, will you stay up with me to watch the fireworks?”

“You must wait for me.”

“I promise I’ll return.”

Back then, his eyes were dark and unwavering as he looked at her. She hadn’t realized it then, but now, recalling those words, something felt distinctly different.

Shen Nanyuan had always thought he only learned her identity after autumn set in. But if he had known all along and still stayed in Shaohua Courtyard... was it for her?

Waves of disbelief crashed over her heart. She drew a deep breath, lifted the tea cup, and took a sip—her hand trembling.

Her heart was pounding, a strange tension rising within her.

Seeing her reaction, Meng Chuyue knew she must have remembered something and sighed softly. “At that time, he kept watching me, so I couldn’t speak to you.”

Her gaze lingered. “Yuanyuan, the third prince has long admired you.”

Shen Nanyuan’s fingers tightened.

An indescribable emotion spread through her limbs. She bit her lip, dazed and lost in thought.

Meng Chuyue’s lashes quivered slightly.

The current situation was unstable. Originally, the second prince was to be named crown prince, but the third prince’s sudden return made everything uncertain.

Her father supported the third prince, but she wasn’t sure how Shen Nanyuan felt in her heart.

One was her fiancé, the other had lived in her courtyard for years as her attendant.

Curious, she asked, “Yuanyuan, between the second prince and the third prince, who do you think is more suited to be crown prince?”

There were no outsiders in the courtyard, only herself, Shen Nanyuan, and her own trusted attendants, so she felt safe.

Shen Nanyuan did not hesitate. “Naturally, Xiao Yan.”

Meng Chuyue’s expression eased a little at this. “Do you want to marry the second prince?”

“No.”

It was the answer she expected.

Meng Chuyue said, “If the third prince is named crown prince, perhaps your engagement can be dissolved.”

Her voice was gentle. “Do you understand what I mean?”

Ever since Shen Nanyuan was granted the marriage, she had been worried. She knew Shen Nanyuan did not like the second prince, and must be deeply troubled now. So, if Xiao Yan became crown prince, perhaps the engagement could be broken.

—

Although Xiao Yan admired her...

Now it was up to her to choose.

Would she marry the second prince or choose the third prince?

Shen Nanyuan’s breathing grew heavier.

“If you don’t like the third prince, speak to him sincerely. He’s been at your side for so long, knows your temperament well, and might set you free.”

Meng Chuyue had initially found Xiao Yan’s affection for Shen Nanyuan unsettling.

But now, it might be the only way to escape the current situation.

Shen Nanyuan was the only noblewoman at her side who was truly sincere toward her. She had no other intentions—she only wished for her to live according to her own heart.

Compared to the second prince, Xiao Yan, having spent so much time in Shaohua Courtyard, was more approachable.

Yet...

Meng Chuyue felt a twinge of anxiety.

Xiao Yan did not seem the type to let go easily.

Shen Nanyuan pondered for a long time, then lifted her gaze. “I understand.”

If nothing else, simply for Xiao Yan’s sake—as the future emperor—she must persuade Shen Yi to support him.

But whether Shen Yi would heed his daughter’s counsel was uncertain.

The successive blows of her engagement and Xiao Yan’s return had left her mind muddled for days. Now, clarity returned; she narrowed her eyes slightly.

This matter could not be rushed; it required careful consideration.

If all else failed, she would rather see Xiao Yan than the second prince.

—

In Jinghua Palace.

A sharp voice rang out: “The second prince has arrived.”

Xiao Yan’s eyes darkened. He looked at Gu Shengyu, who approached, and spoke calmly, “Brother.”