Gluttonous Crown Princess

Early the next morning, Tao Ti and Pei Yan got on the carriage to Marquis Yong Wei’s manor.

Marquis Yong Wei’s family was a big family typical of the ancient times. Just thinking about the various uncles, elder and younger brothers, multitude of aunts, elder and younger sisters, made one’s head spin.

Putting these relatives aside and just talking about the original owner’s father, Marquis Yong Wei’s bloodline, it could only be said this old guy’s desire to reproduce was really strong. He had taken a total of eight concubines over the years, and given the original owner eighteen half-brothers and sisters; her youngest brother was only two years old this year.

Tao Ti, who was the only child in her previous life, suddenly gained so many brothers and sisters… well, she was quite panicked.

After the carriage exited the palace gates, the surroundings became lively.

Tao Ti is somewhat curious about what the ancient street was like, but was afraid it might be improper behaviour. She reflexively snuck a glance at Pei Yan beside her, only to see that the back of his head was leaning against the compartment, as he rested with his eyes closed. His face was so pale it was nearly transparent, making him look like a serene jade-faced Bodhisattva.

Asleep…? Or was it that this carriage ride was too hard on his body? 

A small bubble of sympathy welled up in Tao Ti’s heart. She turned, lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, and looked out.

Zhuque Street was the main road of Chang’an city. Spacious and flat, it was flanked by rows of shops on both sides. Cries of hawkers and peddlers could be heard without end, creating a truly lively atmosphere.

A warm spring breeze blew towards her, delivering a sweet scent of sophora flowers that was interspersed with the crisp aroma of mutton flatbread.

Tao Ti looked in the direction of the fragrance and saw a small stall at the entrance of the market. The flatbread hawker was currently deftly picking out pieces of long flatbread that have been baked till crisp and golden. Held with a sheet of oiled paper, the slightest pressure with one’s fingertips would cause its crispy exterior to make a crusty sound.

At the thought of the rich sensation of delicious meat filling mixed with flatbread filling up her mouth, Tao Ti couldn’t help swallowing——　　

The meals in the Eastern Palace were simply too bland; if this continued, she was afraid her cravings might kill her.

“What’s so interesting out there? You look so absorbed.” A gentle voice rang out softly.

Tao Ti turned and immediately met Pei Yan’s calm eyes. She hurriedly let go of the curtain and sat up straight in an orderly manner. “It’s nothing, I’m just looking around.”

Seeing her all rigid and upright, Pei Yan smiled and said, “It’s your home we’re going back to, why do you look more nervous than me?”

Tao Ti said softly, “I did such a foolish thing, I’m not sure how I’m going to face my parents… “　　

The smile in Pei Yan’s eyes retracted slightly, and he said, “I’ve tried to suppress the news of you ingesting poison as much as possible. This matter is related to the prestige of the Imperial family, so no one would dare talk nonsense outside.”

After a pause, he looked at her, “Besides, I’m with you. If anything happens, I’ll protect you, so you can rest assured.”

Tao Ti was moved beyond measure; she gave him a serious nod. 

After about an hour or so, the carriage came to a halt.

A young eunuch pulled aside the carriage drapes. Tao Ti had wanted to alight first, but Pei Yan extended his hand to stop her. “I will alight first.”

Tao Ti was startled, “Oh, all right.”
She couldn’t help wondering if she had broken some rule again?

But Pei Yan only alighted, and after standing firm, extended his hand towards her with a smile, “Come.”

Tao Ti’s heart warmed; it turned out he was wanting to help her down.

She pursed her lips and slowly stretched out her small hand, placing it in his wide and slender palm.

His hand was cold as always; it wrapped around her soft little hand and helped her down steadily.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome,” replied Pei Yan, but he didn’t seem to have any intention of letting go. 

Tao Ti was a little puzzled and was just about to ask when she unintentionally caught a glimpse of the scene beside them from the corner of her eye, and the words suddenly became stuck in her throat——

T-there were so many people!

In front of the imposing Marquis Yong Wei manor stood a grand mass of more than fifty people, each dressed in a dignified manner, standing in neat order.

Pei Yan caught the frightened expression on her face, and the corners of his lips turned up quietly.　　

Marquis Yong Wei, who was at the head of the group, took the lead to greet them. Then, the large group behind him also followed suit and paid their respects, “We pay respects Your Highnesses, Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”

Pei Yan said lightly, “You may all rise.” 　　

Only after everyone got up did he pull Tao Ti forward and said politely, “We are all family, there’s no need to be so polite.”　　

This sentence was said with such frankness it filled Marquis Yong Wei with terror; as he stepped aside to invite Pei Yan and Tao Ti into the manor, he quickly shot a glance at his dim-witted daughter.

Seeing Ah Ti draped in gold and silver, she seemed to be doing pretty well? Moreover, the crown prince had first helped her down the carriage, then held her hand; such affection didn’t seem to be fake.