Xiao Changying returned to his princely residence in a few strides. As a Prince of First Rank and a prince serving in the military camp, he couldn’t leave the capital without the Emperor’s decree – doing so would be a serious crime. Therefore, he needed to slip away secretly.

Whether feigning illness or crafting other excuses, none would work for long. Thus, he needed someone to cover for him. Only if that person were his elder brother could he proceed without worry.

“Your Highness, Third Lady has arrived,” Xiao Changying’s Chief Secretary reported.

Xiao Changying, who had been packing his belongings, paused briefly before striding out.

The third Lady was his Emperor-decreed betrothed – You Wenjun. Their grand wedding was to take place in three months.

You Wenjun, daughter of a military family, disliked feminine attire and typically wore a lapeled robe with her long hair tied high, carrying herself with valiant grace.

“I request Your Highness dismiss the attendants,” You Wenjun said after paying her respects, glancing at those beside Xiao Changying.

Xiao Changying waved his hand, and everyone withdrew, leaving just the two of them in the corridor pavilion. “Third Lady, speak freely.”

“Your Highness cannot leave the capital,” You Wenjun stated directly.

Xiao Changying’s long eyes narrowed slightly.

You Wenjun froze momentarily. She had only been guessing, but his reaction confirmed her suspicions that he truly intended to leave.

After their betrothal, Xiao Changying had sought her out to confess that his heart belonged to another, one he would likely never forget in this lifetime.

She had felt bitter then. While she couldn’t claim to have deep romantic feelings for Xiao Changying, as they had only just met, they were betrothed. He was different to her – how could her heart remain unmoved when her fiancé declared his eternal love for another?

She could never forget that day under the bright sun, in a courtyard filled with fragrant flowers and fluttering butterflies, how frankly and honorably he had spoken such cruel and heartless words.

“Third Lady, this prince’s heart yearns for another, but I lack the virtue to win her favor. Though fate denies us union, I cannot let go. I tell you this today to avoid deception. If the Third Lady is unwilling to marry into Prince Li’s household, this prince will cancel the engagement. Be at ease, this prince will ensure the Third Lady bears no shame or consequences.”

Cancel the engagement?

Just after their imperial betrothal, he spoke of canceling it. He was so direct, standing straight as a spear, his bearing leaving no room to doubt his words. She believed that if she shook her head, he would truly nullify the marriage and ensure she emerged unscathed while bearing all consequences himself.

Suddenly, she deeply envied the woman who held his heart. She even found it absurd and curious – what kind of lady would look down upon an imperial prince, accomplished in both civil and military arts, and uncommonly handsome?

“Your Highness, do you know why our betrothal came to be?” You Wenjun couldn’t help but ask.

Their marriage was decreed by the Emperor, a show of imperial favor and a means to secure the You family’s loyalty. Did he understand the consequences of breaking it?

“This prince speaks candidly with the Third Lady today to give you the choice. There’s no need to delve deep into the meaning of our betrothal,” his eyes held a watery gleam, yet remained unwavering.

No need to delve deep?

Though You Wenjun favored martial arts over scholarly pursuits, avoiding elaborate ceremonies, she clearly understood that she had no autonomy in marriage. For the You family to advance further, to avoid the Emperor’s suspicion in the Northeast, and to prove their loyalty, she had to marry into the imperial family.

Having been betrothed to Prince Li, she couldn’t possibly marry Prince Jing or another prince after a broken engagement – she could only marry into the imperial clan. The Emperor traditionally showed respect and courtesy to the imperial clan but never granted them power. Marrying into the clan would mean abandonment by her family.

Only an imperial prince could proudly dismiss such concerns. Even if he bore all responsibility for breaking the engagement, he would remain the Emperor’s son. After a few years of military achievement, he would still be the Emperor’s favored Prince of First Rank. They weren’t equals.

You Wenjun remained silent. Xiao Changying seemed to understand her thoughts and said, “If the Third Lady still wishes to marry this prince for the You family’s sake, we can live together with mutual respect. Third Lady will not lose any of the glory of being Prince Li’s wife.”

All the glory of being Prince Li’s wife, but expect nothing else, right?

Her nervous hopes for marriage were uprooted from the mud before they could sprout, thrown to the ground, and trampled to pieces. She was You Third Lady, the Iron Lady of the Eastern Cavalry. She straightened her back: “Your Highness, rest assured, I understand.”

Mutual respect would have to do. The romance wasn’t what she sought anyway. If possible, she would rather stay in the Northeast, on those vast plains where she could gallop freely, but alas, she was born a woman…

“This prince thought matters were clear that day,” Xiao Changying said coldly.

Xiao Changying was exceptionally handsome and martially skilled. Despite being roughened in military camps, he showed no trace of brutishness or severity. When he frowned, an inexplicable shadow fell over his features, inspiring fear.

“Your Highness, since our marriage approaches, we are one. Your departure would mean opposing His Majesty – if discovered, the crime would far exceed unauthorized departure from the capital!” You Wenjun persuaded.

After so long in the capital, she could guess who occupied Xiao Changying’s heart. The only lady who could make him feel inadequate and ashamed was surely the one in the Eastern Palace…

He never actively sought her out, but wherever she appeared, even his toes unconsciously pointed toward her. His gaze struggled not to follow her. You Wenjun even believed that if an assassination attempt occurred, his first instinct would be to shield not their rightful Emperor, but her.

That lady was indeed rare in this world and had once saved his life. His inability to forget was understandable.

She could pretend blindness to his actions, but not this time.

“Third Lady, please return,” Xiao Changying said, turning away.

After a few steps, You Wenjun said gravely, “Your Highness, is it worth it?”

“Third Lady, where emotions lead, the heart follows. If one could weigh worth, one could also let go.”

Precisely because he couldn’t let go, he couldn’t weigh gains and losses. When he heard the news, his first instinct was to help her, whether she needed it or not. He wanted to assist with all his might. That was enough.

He simply wished to follow his heart.

You Wenjun stared blankly at Xiao Changying’s retreating figure, his crimson robes billowing like flames with each step.

She couldn’t help but frown. She couldn’t understand what depth of love could watch the beloved marry another, could know the beloved’s heart held no place for him, could know she was already another’s wife, yet still brave knife mountains and seas of fire for her without hesitation.

The Crown Princess’s heart belonged to the Crown Prince.

That elegant, reserved, refined lady – only when looking at the Crown Prince did her gaze show a moment of tenderness.