My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

"You two have finally become a couple."

As the words fell into his ears, Chen Yi, who was originally standing up, bowed deeply once more.

When he entered the Southern Border, Qin Qingluo watched him as if facing a great enemy, in a nearly life-and-death situation, even though Chen Yi was confident he could eventually make the Princess bow her head and submit. If not for Ancestor’s assistance, it wouldn’t have been this smooth; merely walking through the main gate into the Annan Royal Mansion would have been as difficult as moving mountains, and he would never have managed to make Qin Qingluo truly open her heart to him.

Qin Qingluo sensed something from Chen Yi’s unusual demeanor and suddenly lifted her eyes to scan him, her expression becoming more solemn.

As Chen Yi slowly rose from before the ancestral tablets, Qin Qingluo accompanied him out of the ancestral temple. Although Chen Yi was male, he was a concubine and did not show his face publicly. Covered by a veil and in stature far less than the Prince, it was hard to discern any hints.

"Ceremony complete—!"

With the long and solemn declaration of the ceremonial officer echoing in the solemn temple halls, this complex temple visitation ceremony finally concluded, the incense still curling in the air as if the gaze of the ancestors had yet to completely dissipate.

Qin Qingluo was the first to turn around, the python robe with a dark base gently brushing the ground in the silence, producing a faint rustling sound.

Her steps steady, she walked directly towards the horses already prepared outside the temple.

Chen Yi followed closely after; according to the ceremonial rules, as a "concubine," he ought to mount the magnificently adorned phoenix carriage at this moment. He lowered his head slightly, the large veiled hat covering his face, ready to step forward.

However, just as he was about to step on the phoenix carriage’s footboard,

"Princess, hold your steps."

Qin Qingluo’s voice sounded, not loud but with an undeniable tone, attracting the attendants and ritual officers nearby to glance sideways.

Chen Yi halted as instructed, through the thin veil gazing at the Princess on horseback, showing a hint of confusion.

Immediately, under everyone’s astonished gaze, this female prince made an utterly unexpected move.

She did not even dismount, merely slightly leaning over, stretching out an arm filled with amazing strength, and without a word wrapped it around Chen Yi’s waist.

A surge of tremendous power came, and Chen Yi’s feet instantly left the ground, leaving him momentarily stunned.

From those sharp snake-like eyes, at this moment flashed an almost joyful smile, seemingly enjoying his unexpected awkwardness.

Her arm as steady as a rock, she easily lifted Chen Yi to her front, placing him on the saddle, letting him sit sideways in her embrace.

This scene was an astonishing anomaly to the surrounding ritual officers; such actions were not ceremonial, and if spread, court officials would surely submit impeachment reports. But meeting the upright and imposing back of the Prince of Annan, all words ready to spill out became a hasty breath, forcibly swallowed back down.

Qin Qingluo seemed to completely ignore the surrounding gazes, feeling the cooperation of Chen Yi in her embrace and the astonished gaze through the veil; the smile on her lips deepened slightly.

She tightened the arm around his waist, securing him more firmly between her embrace and the saddle, then murmured softly:

"Sit tight."

Pausing, she almost whispered against the veil, in a voice only the two could hear, adding two words:

"Hold on."

Chen Yi couldn’t find words to say, instinctively raising his hands, wrapping them around her waist, then grasping the cold woven gold fabric of her python robe’s front, sensing her steady heartbeat and warm body through the clothes.

Under Qin Qingluo’s handling, the horse stepped forward, its hooves clicking crisply on the road, moving ahead without waiting for the guards.

All attendants, ritual officers, and palace attendants watched the shared ride slowly depart, recovering from their initial shock, their hearts stirred up in waves, silently sighing: the Prince’s favor towards the newly arrived concubine had reached an extraordinary level...

Besides, some palace attendants speculated,

If the Prince favored this concubine to such an extent, how would the main wife Zhu Family handle it?

...........

The Prince favored the concubine, and the concubine naturally favored the main wife.

Recently, taking opportunities to accompany Yue’er, Chen Yi spent much more time with Zhu E.

To speak frankly, it was shameful; since entering the Prince Mansion, most of his mind was focused on the Prince and his daughter, attentive here, playful there, while he neglected Zhu E, though without Zhu E, he and Qin Qingluo likely wouldn’t be together like this.

Chen Yi caressed his daughter’s little head; if not for Zhu E, it’s likely Qin Yue wouldn’t have existed, let alone reaching today’s fame and status.

Undoubtedly, Zhu E was their wise advisor.

Qin Yue played energetically and fell asleep with her little face on Chen Yi’s lap; lately, she had been very attached to Chen Yi, making him naturally happy. Before having children, he never thought they would be so endearing, though perhaps due to not experiencing many child-rearing troubles.

For some unknown reason, Qin Yue always unconsciously leaned towards his chest, occasionally touching with her small hand, her pinkish face sometimes showing slight confusion, as if wondering why here was so flat, different from her familiar father.

Yet Chen Yi didn’t think much of it, as at this age she still didn’t know the differences between genders.

Zhu E gently cradled the sleeping Qin Yue from Chen Yi’s embrace, handing her to the nanny beside them, then daintily lifted her robes, sitting beside Chen Yi.

"Yue’er, this child has been clinging to you even more lately." Zhu E spoke with a gentle smile, her gaze lingering in her daughter’s departing direction, her tone filled with maternal comfort and a hint of teasing, "Shows that the official truly dotes on her; children are sensitive, vaguely aware of who is a birth parent, hence the closeness."

Chen Yi smiled relaxedly, leaning against the chair back: "Yue’er is so adorable, how could I not be willing to accompany her."

Playing with his own daughter was far better than battling the Great Yin with wits and courage, far better than enduring the sulky faces of young ladies, and he felt a bit guilty for being absent from her life in the first two years after her birth.

He paused, sensing that today’s Zhu E seemed subtly different from usual, behind her gentle smile was a hint of unspoken words.

Chen Yi turned to look at her, directly asking:

"Zhu E, coming here today, surely it’s not just to talk about Yue’er, right?" His eyes shifted slightly, recognizing her intent, "Is it that you have business in the Three Treasures Hall?"

Upon hearing these words, Zhu E lightly chuckled, a knowing honesty revealed in her rolling eyes, she nodded slightly, her voice remaining soft:

"The official’s keen eye, spotted it immediately.

Indeed there is something. Just now a message came in from outside, it’s... sent by Gongsun Sect Leader."

Chen Yi heard this and gently lowered his gaze.

Zhu E also reined in her smile, her expression became slightly formal, her voice lowered in seriousness, looking at Chen Yi clearly stated:

"The Gongsun Sect Leader sent a message, asking when the official might have leisure to personally go to Gaoliang Mountain to preside over affairs?"