Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 282 Jiang Youan's Woman

After a summer downpour, the capital of Xijing Kingdom was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass. The setting sun cast its golden rays through the thick clouds, draping the city in a thin veil. Jiang You'an, dressed in a moon-white robe and wearing a bamboo hat, strolled through the bustling streets. He had left the palace incognito, partly to understand the hardships of the common people, and partly to temporarily escape the rigid formalities of the palace and experience the freedom of the outside world.

The street was bustling with people, a mingled mix of vendors' calls and laughter. Jiang Youan stopped at a sugar painting stall, watching the vendor skillfully create the artwork, a touch of childlike wonder welling up inside him. Just then, a commotion arose from the other end of the street.

"Thief! Someone's robbing us!" A woman's shout shattered the tranquility of the street. Jiang Youan frowned slightly and looked in the direction of the sound. He saw a man in black wielding a sharp blade, rampaging through the crowd, with a woman in red in hot pursuit.

Jiang Youan didn't hesitate to extend his foot and trip the man in black. The man in black fell to the ground, and the package in his hand flew out. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the woman in red stepped forward, stepped on the man in black's wrist, and snatched the sharp knife away with clean and swift movements.

"Thank you for your help, young master." The woman in red turned around and smiled at Jiang Youan.

Jiang Youan then saw the woman's face clearly. She had willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a high nose bridge, and small, rosy lips like cherries. Her long, black hair was tied in a ponytail, and she exuded a heroic aura.

"You're too kind, young lady. It's only right to help those in need," Jiang Youan said with a smile.

The woman in red picked up the package from the ground and dusted it off. "This is an important item of mine; it was almost stolen by this thief. By the way, may I ask your name, young master?"

"My name is Jiang Yichen." Jiang Youan pondered for a moment and gave an alias. "Why are you chasing a thief alone on the street, young lady? Don't you have any companions?"

The woman in red chuckled: "I'm used to traveling the world alone, so this little thing is no problem for me. My name is Su Liyue, and I'm a chivalrous swordsman."

Jiang Youan was quite interested in Su Liyue's forthright personality, and the two chatted happily. Su Liyue vividly recounted her various experiences in the martial arts world, and Jiang Youan listened intently, his heart filled with longing for life in the martial arts world.

"Young Master Jiang, you have an extraordinary air about you, you don't seem to be from an ordinary family. Why are you wandering around the streets alone?" Su Liyue asked curiously.

Jiang Youan was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "I am just a scholar who likes to travel around. I heard that the capital is prosperous, so I came to see for myself."

Before they knew it, dusk was falling, and the lanterns on the street were lighting up one by one. Su Liyue patted her forehead: "Oh dear, we were having so much fun chatting that we forgot about time. Young Master Jiang, there's a tavern up ahead. How about we go in for a few drinks and continue our conversation?"

Jiang Youan nodded in agreement, and the two went to the tavern, finding a seat by the window. The tavern was bustling with activity, the patrons playing drinking games and laughing and chatting. Su Liyue skillfully called to the waiter and ordered several small dishes and a pot of fine wine.

"Young Master Jiang, come, try this wine." Su Liyue poured Jiang Youan a full glass of wine. "This is the tavern's signature wine, with a mellow taste and an unforgettable aftertaste."

Jiang Youan picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, and the wine spread across his tongue, carrying a faint fruity aroma: "Indeed, fine wine. Miss Su, have you encountered any danger in the martial world?"

A flash of recollection crossed Su Liyue's eyes: "Of course. Once, I encountered a group of bandits deep in the mountains. They saw that I was alone and tried to rob me. Humph, this young lady will not give up easily. After a fight, I beat them to a pulp."

Jiang Youan listened with great enthusiasm, his admiration for Su Liyue growing even stronger. The two drank and chatted, discussing everything from poetry and songs to tales of the martial arts world.

Just then, several fierce-looking men suddenly walked into the tavern. The leader's gaze swept around the room, finally landing on Su Liyue, a malicious smile spreading across his face: "Oh, isn't this Su Liyue? What's this, all alone today?"

Su Liyue's face darkened, and she put down her wine glass: "Wang Bao, what do you want to do?"

Wang Bao sneered, "You ruined my plans last time, so today I'm going to teach you a lesson." With that, he waved his hand, and his men surrounded him.

Seeing this, Jiang Youan stood up and stood in front of Su Liyue: "How dare you cause trouble in the capital in broad daylight? Is there no law left?"

Wang Bao glanced at Jiang Youan with disdain: "Hmph, you think you can stop me? Brothers, let's go!"

Although Jiang Youan was skilled in martial arts, he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of his opponents and found it difficult to defend himself. Seeing this, Su Liyue drew her sword and joined the battle. The two, back to back, worked in perfect coordination, forcing the enemy into a retreating rout.

"Miss Su, you go first, I'll hold them off," Jiang Youan shouted.

Su Liyue shook her head: "No, we'll go together."

Just as the two were in trouble, a group of soldiers stormed into the tavern. The leading officer shouted, "Stop! You're fighting and disturbing the peace here. Come with us to the yamen!"

When Wang Bao and his men saw the soldiers arrive, they dared not resist and obediently surrendered. Jiang Youan and Su Liyue explained the situation to the soldiers, who, upon learning that they had acted bravely and righteously, not only did not make things difficult for them but also expressed their gratitude.

After this battle, Jiang Youan and Su Liyue's feelings for each other deepened. When they parted, Su Liyue looked at Jiang Youan, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes: "Young Master Jiang, I hope we will have the chance to meet again."

Jiang Youan smiled and said, "I definitely will. Miss Su, you must be careful in the martial world."

Watching Su Liyue's departing figure, Jiang Youan felt a mix of emotions. He knew that as the Crown Prince, he bore heavy responsibilities.

In the early morning at the Xijing Kingdom's palace, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting golden halos across the blue brick floor of the Crown Prince's sleeping quarters.

Jiang Youan sat at the table, gazing at the breakfast before him. A delicate jade bowl held bird's nest porridge, and a plate was laden with translucent crystal shrimp dumplings.

It smelled enticingly fragrant, but he had no appetite and just stared blankly into space.

This was the first time Jiang Youan had lost his appetite since returning to the palace.

The once spirited crown prince now looked haggard, his eyes bloodshot, and he seemed preoccupied. His personal eunuch repeatedly urged him to eat, but he refused each time by waving his hand.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Garden, Jiang Youan's younger brother, Xiao Bao, was playing and laughing with a group of palace maids and eunuchs. Xiao Bao, still young, was lively and adorable, like a little sun, bringing much joy to the palace. While chasing a butterfly, he passed by the Crown Prince's sleeping quarters and inadvertently saw Jiang Youan sitting there, staring blankly at his food.

Xiao Bao was puzzled. He said goodbye to his playmates and quickly entered the bedchamber. "Brother, why aren't you eating? These are all your favorite foods." Xiao Bao's childish voice broke the silence in the room.

Jiang Youan snapped out of his daze, looked at Xiao Bao's innocent face, and forced a smile: "Xiao Bao, your brother isn't very hungry today, go play."

Xiao Bao didn't leave. He walked to Jiang You'an's side and took his hand: "Brother, are you sick? Should we call the imperial physician to take a look?"

Jiang Youan patted Xiao Bao's head: "Your Majesty is not sick, just a little tired. Don't worry." Although Jiang Youan tried to hide it, Xiao Bao still noticed that he was in low spirits.

After leaving the Crown Prince's palace, Xiao Bao kept thinking about Jiang You'an. He decided to tell his father, Emperor Jiang Liushen, and his mother, Consort Jia Xiaoyan, about the matter, hoping they could help his elder brother.

Little Bao toddled in with his short legs and ran all the way to the Imperial Study. Jiang Liushen was sitting on the dragon throne, reviewing a mountain of memorials. "Father!" Little Bao rushed in, panting, his face flushed red.

Jiang Liushen put down the memorial and hugged Xiaobao in his arms: "Xiaobao, why did you run so fast? What happened?"

Xiao Bao frowned and said seriously, "Father, my elder brother hasn't been eating well these past few days and seems very unhappy. I asked him what was wrong, and he said nothing was wrong, but I think he must have something on his mind."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liushen's expression hardened. As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince bore the weight of the nation's future, and his every move was of paramount importance. Jiang Youan's sudden despondency deeply worried Jiang Liushen.

"Xiao Bao, you did a great job." Jiang Liushen patted Xiao Bao's head. "Father will go see your elder brother now."

Afterwards, Jiang Liushen took Xiaobao to Jia Xiaoyan's palace. Jia Xiaoyan, upon learning of this, was also filled with worry. "You'an is always so sensible; he must have encountered some trouble this time." Jia Xiaoyan stood up. "Your Majesty, let's go and see."

The three arrived at the Crown Prince's bedchamber. Jiang You'an saw his father, mother, and Xiao Bao arrive together and quickly rose to greet them. "Your subject was unaware of your arrival, Father and Mother. I have failed to greet you properly."

Jiang Liushen waved his hand, gesturing for Jiang Youan to sit down: "Youan, Xiaobao said you haven't been eating properly these past few days. What happened? Tell your father the truth."

Jiang Youan hesitated for a moment, unsure how to begin. He was thinking of Su Liyue, unable to forget her on one hand, but also knowing full well the disparity in their social statuses, making this relationship unlikely to have a happy ending. He was deeply conflicted.

Jia Xiaoyan walked to Jiang Youan's side and gently held his hand: "Youan, you are my flesh and blood. If you have anything on your mind, don't keep it to yourself. Tell me."

Under the watchful eyes of his father and mother, Jiang Youan finally revealed his innermost thoughts. He recounted his encounter with Su Liyue, his longing for her after returning to the palace, and his uncertainty about their future together.

Jiang Liushen listened and fell into deep thought. He understood his son's feelings; love knows no social class, but the Crown Prince's status was special, and marriage was often closely related to national interests. Jia Xiaoyan looked at Jiang Youan with heartache: "Youan, matters of the heart cannot be rushed. Since you like this Miss Su, we can slowly think of a way."

Xiao Bao blinked his big eyes, took Jiang Youan's hand, and said, "Brother, I support you. As long as you're happy, I'm happy too."

After pondering for a long time, Jiang Liu said, "You'an, your father understands your feelings for Miss Su. How about this, I'll send someone to investigate Miss Su's background. If she is of good character, we can discuss this further."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Jiang Youan's eyes. He stood up and bowed to Jiang Liushen: "Thank you, Father!"

Jia Xiaoyan also comforted him, "You'an, don't worry too much, everything will be alright. Now, eat your meal first, health is the foundation of everything."

At the urging of his father, mother, and Xiao Bao, Jiang Youan picked up his bowl and chopsticks and began to eat. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they watched him finish his meal.

Afterwards, Jiang Liushen sent spies to investigate Su Liyue's background. While waiting for news, Jiang Youan's mood gradually calmed down.

Thirty miles south of the capital of Xijing Kingdom, there is a small town called Qingping Town.

The town is nestled against green mountains and faces clear waters, with a clear stream flowing through it. The houses are neatly arranged, the cobblestone streets meander, and the rustic architecture is beautifully distributed.

The streets are lined with shops, which, though not as bustling as the capital, exude a leisurely and lively atmosphere.

Su Liyue's home is on the edge of the town, in a small, detached courtyard.

Pink roses climbed all over the courtyard gate, in full bloom. The blossoms clustered together like clouds on the horizon, their rich fragrance filling the air. Pushing open the gate, one could see several osmanthus trees in the yard, with stone tables and benches beneath them. In the corner was a small vegetable garden, where tender green vegetables thrived under the sunlight.

Since parting ways with Jiang Youan, Su Liyue's heart felt as if it were being pulled by an invisible thread, leaving her listless and unable to muster any enthusiasm for anything. As evening fell, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the courtyard in a golden light. Su Liyue sat on a stone bench, gazing at the courtyard gate, her eyes filled with melancholy.

"Yue'er, dinner's ready!" came her mother's gentle call from inside the house. Su Liyue responded, but didn't get up. Images of her time with Jiang Youan kept flashing through her mind; his smile, his words, were unforgettable.

After a while, Su's mother came out of the house carrying the food. She was about forty years old, with a kind face. Time had left faint marks on her face, but it did not diminish her gentle temperament. "Yue'er, why are you still sitting here? The food is getting cold." Su's mother placed the food on the stone table and looked at her daughter with concern.

Su Liyue stood up and walked to the stone table. Looking at the colorful and fragrant dishes on the table, she had no appetite at all. Her mother had made her favorite sweet and sour carp, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a delicious mushroom soup, but at this moment, these dishes tasted like cardboard to her.

"Mother, I'm not very hungry," Su Liyue said softly.

Mother Su frowned slightly and reached out to touch Su Liyue's forehead: "You don't have a fever, so why aren't you hungry? Did something happen outside? Tell your mother."

After hesitating for a moment, Su Liyue recounted to her mother the details of her encounter with Jiang Youan and her longing for him after their separation. Her mother listened quietly, her eyes filled with heartache.

"So that's how it is." Madam Su sighed softly. "Yue'er, matters of the heart are the most agonizing. But, since that young master Jiang claims to be a scholar, why does he possess such an extraordinary air, exuding nobility in every gesture?"

Su Liyue shook her head: "I don't know either. But I can feel that he is a good person. Mother, I can't stop thinking about him these past few days. I can't eat or sleep. What should I do?"

Su's mother held Su Liyue's hand and sat her down on the stone bench: "Liyue, feelings can't be forced. Everything depends on fate. Maybe after a while, you'll gradually let go. Come on, eat something, don't go hungry."

Su Liyue picked up her chopsticks, took a bite of food, but couldn't swallow it. She put down her chopsticks, gazed at the distant, rolling mountains, and silently thought: Young Master Jiang, what are you doing now? Are you thinking of me too?

Night deepened. The bright moon hung high, casting its silvery light, draping the courtyard in a veil. Su Liyue lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. The chirping of insects outside the window only amplified her loneliness.

After an unknown amount of time, Su Liyue got up and walked to the window. Under the moonlight, the osmanthus tree in the courtyard cast dappled shadows, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. She recalled her long chat with Jiang Youan in the capital's tavern; his focused gaze and hearty laughter seemed to be right before her eyes.

"Young Master Jiang, will we ever meet again?" Su Liyue murmured softly, her voice sounding particularly lonely in the quiet night.

Days passed, and Su Liyue remained listless, losing her appetite and growing increasingly thin. Her mother, seeing this, was deeply worried. To cheer her daughter up, her mother tried to cook different dishes every day and even took Su Liyue to town for walks, but all to no avail.

That day, Su Liyue sat in the courtyard gate, lost in thought, as usual. Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves approached. She looked up, a flicker of anticipation rising in her heart—could it be Jiang Youan coming to find her? However, as the rider drew closer, she realized he was a stranger.

Su Liyue's hopes were instantly shattered, and she fell into deep despair. She knew that Jiang Youan, as a scholar, probably had his own life, and the chances of them meeting again were slim. But even so, she couldn't help but hope that one day she would meet him again at the street corner.