The Queen’s Husband Chapter 47

Yuxin Ruo’s anger surged as she saw the shameless girl making advances despite the presence of his fiancée. “What a brazen little hussy, daring to flirt even when you know the fiancée is here. Your audacity is beyond belief!”

In a fit of anger, she marched over, yanked Qu Yan aside, and coldly mocked Ying Lan, “Even though you’re a high-ranking princess, you’re still here trying to steal someone’s husband. Your shamelessness knows no bounds.”

Ying Lan, infuriated by these words, saw that Qu Yan only frowned and did not come to her defense. She was both anxious and enraged, stamping her foot and shouting, “Fine, fine! You people from Jun Country are bullying our Golan princess. I’ll go to the palace and demand an explanation from your emperor!”

With that, she slashed a nearby table in half with her sword and stormed out.

“Humph! I’m not afraid of calling the emperor! I’ll deal with you later!” Yuxin Ruo triumphantly lifted her chin at Ying Lan’s retreating figure. However, Qu Yan pushed her hand away and, after leaving a quick remark of “I’ll come find you tonight,” hurriedly chased after Ying Lan.

Jun Yilie had instructed that Princess Ying Lan was an important guest from Sakura Country, and should not be treated poorly. If she threw a tantrum and disrupted the alliance between Sakura and Jun countries, it would be disastrous. Although he didn’t want Yuxin Ruo to misunderstand, it was impossible to explain things clearly right now. He would have to explain later, after leaving the palace tonight.

“Hey! Hey! Brother Qu Yan! You’ve made me so mad!” Yuxin Ruo stomped her feet in frustration, but Qu Yan’s figure had already disappeared.

Damn it! Has he just left her behind like that?

Du Qiulian walked over leisurely, a hint of amusement in her eyes, and said with a smile, “Your Brother Qu Yan has gone after another woman. Aren’t you going to chase after him?”

“Get lost! Stay away from me in the future and don’t provoke me again!” Yuxin Ruo was both angry and upset, her fury directed at him. With a fierce scowl, she turned and stormed off.

Du Qiulian stood there, stunned. She had seen the sparkling tears in her eyes—had she been crying?

For three whole days, Yuxin Ruo stayed cooped up in the Queen’s Inn, lying in bed, bored counting silver coins, having lost interest in everything. Du Qiulian came by several times but was turned away.

Xiaoli and Xing’er, worried, finally couldn’t hold back and asked, “Miss, what’s wrong? Did Young Master Du make you unhappy?”

Since returning from shopping with Du Qiulian, Yuxin Ruo had been sulking and barely speaking, as if she had something on her mind.

“I’m fine. Just get me a beautiful outfit and have Zhong Shuwen prepare a carriage. I’m going to the palace to see the emperor.” Yuxin Ruo lazily got up from bed, speaking listlessly. She was still seething with anger towards Qu Yan, thinking, “That little brat promised he would come tonight, but it’s been three days and I haven’t even seen a shadow of him. He must be entangled with that princess!”

“Miss, why are you in such a hurry to go to the palace? Didn’t the emperor say he would send a carriage for you later?” Xing’er asked, puzzled while searching for clothes. The miss had never been fond of the emperor.

Yuxin Ruo snorted and replied, “Is it so strange that I want to see my cousin, the emperor?”

She suspected that Jun Yilie was behind this, trying to break her and Qu Yan apart, and she would not let him succeed.

In the Imperial Garden, butterflies flitted and the air was filled with fragrance.

Inside the refreshing pavilion among the lush trees, Qu Yan and Jun Yilie were sitting on stone benches playing chess. Princess Ying Lan of Sakura Country sat beside Qu Yan, smiling as she watched them play, occasionally fanning Qu Yan with a hand fan, appearing both gentle and considerate.

Jun Yilie’s handsome face was smiling, glancing at the two with a hidden plan in mind.

At this moment, a palace maid came to report, “Your Majesty, Miss Changting has arrived.”

“Oh? Didn’t I say I would send a carriage for her in a few days? Why is she here so early?” Jun Yilie raised an eyebrow in surprise and looked at the equally surprised Qu Yan, instructing, “Let her in.”

“No need for that, Cousin Emperor. I’ve already arrived.”

With these clear words, Yuxin Ruo’s graceful figure slowly appeared before everyone. Dressed in a white dress with lace, and a green veil draped over it, she looked charming.

Her eyes, shining with a hint of a smile, scanned the three slightly surprised people. She smiled and said, “Cousin and Brother Qu Yan, you seem to be enjoying yourselves. With the country affairs so busy lately, it’s impressive that you can find time to play chess. I’m truly envious.”

Damn, Qu Yan! He doesn’t even speak to her and is so close to that princess. How infuriating!

Jun Yilie could hear the sarcasm in her words, but he pretended not to understand and smiled, “Oh, it’s nothing. With the emissaries from Sakura Country here, I’m just taking the opportunity to entertain my esteemed guests. The sun is so strong outside; cousin, please come in and chat.”

Qu Yan had already risen, bowed slightly, and looked at her with a gaze full of longing. He smiled faintly and said, “Princess, please have a seat over here.”

Even though they had a special relationship, they were not yet married, and they were in the palace, so formalities still had to be observed.

The princess! He called her princess! And he was sitting so close to that detestable princess! He showed no regard for propriety!

Yuxin Ruo glared at him angrily, ignoring him completely as she walked straight to Jun Yilie’s side with a charming smile. “Cousin, didn’t you say you needed my help with the palace selection process? Since I had nothing to do, I came to the palace early. Are you happy?”

“Happy, of course,” Jun Yilie replied, inwardly pleased as he saw Qu Yan’s slightly embarrassed expression. He courteously offered Yuxin Ruo a seat, “Please sit down, cousin.”

Yuxin Ruo responded with a gentle smile, “Thank you, cousin. You’re so considerate, unlike some people.”

The smile on Qu Yan’s face instantly vanished.

Princess Ying Lan, who had been silent, looked coldly at Yuxin Ruo. Her eyes flashed with a hint of provocation as she scrutinized Yuxin Ruo’s overly sweet demeanor. Not very pretty, yet all the handsome men from Jun Country seemed to revolve around her. It was clear she was the type of woman who couldn’t be trusted.

With a shifting gaze, she stood up, linked her arm with Qu Yan’s, and defiantly raised her chin towards Yuxin Ruo. Then, with a gentle smile, she said to Qu Yan, “Brother Qu Yan, since the princess is ignoring you, you don’t need to pay her any attention. Why don’t you sit down and let Ying Lan continue to keep you company while you play chess?”

“Thank you, Princess, but Qu Yan no longer wishes to play chess,” Qu Yan said, pushing her hand away. He then bowed to Jun Yilie, “Qu Yan has something to discuss with His Majesty and requests permission to leave the palace.”

Without waiting for Jun Yilie to respond, he turned and quickly left.

Watching him leave, Jun Yilie smiled and said, “Cousin, do you think Qu Yan is jealous?”

“Let him be jealous. He’s always hanging around shameless women who annoy me,” Yuxin Ruo replied, vexed and upset.

Princess Ying Lan did not appreciate that remark. She stared at Yuxin Ruo with a cold smile and said, “Princess, who are you calling shameless?”

Yuxin Ruo ignored her, stood up, and walked towards the pavilion’s exit, saying, “I was talking about that shameless woman. She should know who she is!”

Without Qu Yan around, Yuxin Ruo had no interest in staying and arguing with that irritating princess.

“Your Majesty, is this how you treat guests in Jun Country?” Princess Ying Lan asked angrily, looking at Yuxin Ruo’s haughty back.

“Princess Ying Lan, I apologize on behalf of Princess Changting. She has always had this temperament. I apologize for her behavior,” Jun Yilie said.

“What good is an apology?” Ying Lan slammed the table, “I came here specifically to discuss peace and marriage, not to be insulted!”

Jun Yilie’s gaze grew stern as he smiled faintly, “Though Jun Country may not be a superpower, it is among the top three of the Five Nations. We recognize the sincerity of Princess Ying Lan’s mission to form an alliance. However, this is Jun Country, and I ask Princess Ying Lan to be mindful of her behavior. Otherwise, I wouldn’t hesitate to cancel this alliance.”

Sakura Country had been growing stronger, almost becoming a major power. If not for the current internal strife, they likely wouldn’t have come to seek an alliance. Jun Yilie thought coldly as he looked at Princess Ying Lan.

Sensing his displeasure, Princess Ying Lan was momentarily at a loss for words. After a while, she forced a smile and said, “Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. I was just momentarily upset and acted out of temper. Your Majesty is magnanimous, so please don’t take it to heart. However, I do genuinely like Qu Yan.”

She lowered her gaze shyly and continued, “So, I hope Your Majesty can arrange a marriage for me and Qu Yan. I will persuade my brother to unite Sakura Country and your country in our endeavors.”

She looked at Jun Yilie with hopeful eyes.

Jun Yilie smiled noncommittally and said, “While I can arrange the marriage, it ultimately depends on Qu Yan’s feelings. If he does not agree, there is nothing I can do. So, Princess should put in more effort with Qu Yan.”

Although he wanted to break up Yuxin Ruo and Qu Yan and keep Yuxin Ruo by his side, he knew her fiery temper would cause trouble if she found out he was meddling. For now, it was best to let Princess Ying Lan handle Qu Yan herself, while he just needed to create opportunities for them to be alone together.