Chapter Four: The Summons of the Two Phoenixes—Could There Be a Third Whip?

Li Chengqian sat down, gathering his thoughts. He understood that at this moment, he was also in a precarious position and had to tread carefully; one wrong step could lead to irreversible disaster.

Given the current situation, rebellion was not an option. Some troublesome elements within the Eastern Palace had to be eliminated; otherwise, it wouldn’t be long before Li You’s rebellion would drag him down as well.

“Tomorrow, I will have someone summon Helgan Chengji. Then you will search his chambers thoroughly. I’ve heard recently that he harbors ill intentions. Make sure to uncover everything,” Li Chengqian instructed.

“Your Highness, what if there’s nothing?” Yang Jiguang looked up anxiously, a flicker of worry in his eyes.

“There is no ‘what if’!” Li Chengqian paused, picked up a cup of water, and traced a circle on the table. “There must be something—his room is only so big.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Understood.” Yang Jiguang nodded, relieved.

“You may go rest for now. Find a few trusted guards and cultivate them as your confidants. When the time comes to act, you’ll be well-prepared. I believe in you; your future is boundless.”

“Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. I know what to do,” Yang Jiguang replied gratefully and turned to leave.

After arranging several matters, Li Chengqian felt somewhat weary. Suddenly, he thought of his Crown Princess, Su Yuyan.

At that moment, his stomach rumbled. “Patience, my dear stomach. Soon, I’ll satisfy you. Let’s go see what delicious food the Crown Princess has prepared.”

With that thought, he made his way straight to Su Yuyan’s chambers.

“The Crown Princess, the Crown Prince has arrived!” the palace maids hurriedly announced the good news to Su Yuyan.

Su Yuyan’s rosy face blossomed with joy. She stepped out to greet him personally.

“Your Highness, I apologize for the late reception. Please forgive me,” she said modestly.

“Come, Crown Princess, rise quickly,” Li Chengqian limped over and helped Su Yuyan up. “Have the meals been arranged?”

“Rest assured, Your Highness, I arranged everything early,” Su Yuyan replied with a bright smile, signaling the maids behind her. “Hurry and bring the dishes. The Crown Prince is ready to dine.”

“Yes, Crown Princess,” the maids responded, rushing inside.

“Your Highness, please be seated first,” Su Yuyan said, blushing deeply. She had waited so long for this moment.

“My beloved, come, I will dine with you,” Li Chengqian said as he took her hand and stepped inside with measured steps.

Meanwhile, the maids began their busy yet orderly preparations.

Shortly after, a variety of dishes were brought out.

Li Chengqian looked over the spread: every dish was carefully arranged, rich in color, aroma, and flavor, instantly whetting his appetite.

He was stunned—this was no ordinary meal. It was a feast personally prepared by Su Yuyan, tailored just for him.

Whether it was the food’s exquisite allure or his gratitude toward Su Yuyan, Li Chengqian felt his mouth watering.

“Your Highness, allow me to serve you,” Su Yuyan said sweetly, helping him to sit before picking up a large prawn from the plate. With delicate hands, she peeled it for him.

Her movements were practiced, and happiness shone unabashedly on her face.

At that moment, Li Chengqian realized how much he had neglected Su Yuyan before. This scene—this affection—was what he should have cherished from the moment she became Crown Princess.

But because of that unfortunate favor, Su Yuyan’s life had been far from content for so long.

“My beloved, let me do it myself,” Li Chengqian said, feeling a pang of guilt.

“Your Highness, serving you is my duty. You work tirelessly at court; now in the Eastern Palace, you should relax,” Su Yuyan replied with a smile. She had already peeled the prawn and gently brought it to his lips.

“Thank you, my love,” Li Chengqian expressed his gratitude, opening his mouth willingly and eagerly biting into the prawn.

The flavor lingered exquisitely; it was simply divine.

His taste buds were thoroughly delighted. The sensation of chewing the juicy prawn sent a rush of delight through him.

“My beloved, have one yourself,” Li Chengqian said, reaching for another prawn.

Though clumsy in such matters, his love for Su Yuyan was genuine. At least now, he truly wanted to make amends.

“Your Highness, please allow me to serve you,” Su Yuyan quickly took the prawn from him and continued peeling.

After two prawns, Li Chengqian felt invigorated.

“My beloved, eat this one,” he said, finally taking a prawn and peeling it with surprising skill.

Su Yuyan was stunned. She hadn’t expected Li Chengqian to be so adept—his technique was even more professional than hers.

Especially the way he cleaned the vein—so neat and smooth.

Of course, she didn’t know that this skill wasn’t from his previous life but carried over from another world along with him.

“Here, my love, let me feed you,” Li Chengqian said without hesitation, bringing the prawn to Su Yuyan’s lips.

“Your Highness, I...” Su Yuyan began.

“My beloved, no need for words. I understand everything,” Li Chengqian interrupted gently, feeding her carefully.

Moved to tears, Su Yuyan’s innocent face glistened with tears.

Li Chengqian looked up, utterly amazed.

“Natural and unadorned... this is true beauty.”

Thinking this, he reached out to gently wipe the tears from Su Yuyan’s cheeks.

The two embraced tenderly, their long-suppressed emotions finally finding release.

They ate their meal with deep satisfaction.

Su Yuyan was shy, like a bride on her wedding day, as if this were their wedding night.

After the meal was cleared, they slowly walked into the inner chamber.

Touching the scars on Li Chengqian’s cheek, Su Yuyan’s heart ached, and tears flowed again.

“Your Highness, how could His Majesty lay hands on you? What if you were hurt? Even a fierce tiger doesn’t eat its own cubs. I don’t understand what His Majesty was thinking.”

“My beloved, let’s not speak of such things. I am fine. It is not without reason that I appear before you now—I have missed you...” Li Chengqian whispered.

That night, the two slept soundly.

The next morning, early.

Li Chengqian had just finished washing when Li Siyuan arrived outside the hall.

“Crown Prince, His Majesty summons you to the Taiji Palace. There is an urgent matter,” he reported.

“I understand. Wait outside,” Li Chengqian said, his heart stirring. He quickly dressed, then gently kissed Su Yuyan’s forehead.

“My beloved, I have business to attend to. I will return soon.”