Love at First Sight Chapter 60: The Awakening of Feelings

The Spring Festival had passed, yet the weather remained fiercely dry and cold, with winds sweeping through every now and then.

Though the winter air was biting, hearts were warm. From the first day of the new year, the Fifth Prince, Zun Yi, had visited the Third Prince’s residence every single day, five days in a row. He would arrive after breakfast and stay until after dinner, punctual as if he were clocking in for work.

His servants quietly speculated among themselves: what was it about the Third Prince’s mansion that so captivated him? The Fifth Prince seemed bewitched, coming far more frequently than before and lingering all day long.

Zun You was recovering from his wounds and unable to leave the house, but he found his younger brother’s company comforting. After several days, Wen Yueqing had grown familiar with Zun Yi as well; during card games, they would often joke together.

Zun Yi’s fondness for this young maid only deepened, and a thought began to take root in his heart: he wanted to ask Zun You to let Wen Yueqing go to him. Having turned fifteen, he was now permitted his own concubine. Normally, young noblemen his age would already have experience in such matters, but he, unusually, remained untouched.

As a prince, women were never beyond his reach if he so desired, but his heart had only just awakened to love, and he hoped to find someone he truly liked. Now, having met Wen Yueqing, he felt this was fate.

Yet, observing how well his third brother treated the maid, he dared not broach the subject recklessly and sought an opportunity to ask her thoughts.

On the seventh day of the first month, he arrived late, preoccupied with preparations for the Second Prince Zun Xiu’s grand wedding the following day. He had spent the morning at the Second Prince’s residence, helping out, and hurried over only in the afternoon.

When he arrived, Zun You was still resting after lunch, and Wen Yueqing was nowhere to be seen. Bored, he decided to wander about the estate himself.

At that moment, Wen Yueqing and Tong’er were in the small garden playing with Jinzi. The dog had doubled in size, and looked even more majestic than before.

Zun Yi spotted them and walked over to greet them.

Tong’er was the first to bow deeply, “Greetings to Your Highness, the Fifth Prince.”

“Very good,” Zun Yi nodded in acknowledgement.

“Miss Wen, so this is where you were,” he said cheerfully.

“Yes, Your Highness, you’ve come. I thought you might not visit today,” Wen Yueqing replied with a smile, seeing the Fifth Prince as something of a younger brother now.

He explained, “Tomorrow is my second brother’s wedding, marrying the eldest granddaughter of Imperial Tutor Cai, so I went over to help.”

“Oh, so that’s it. What a wonderful occasion,” Wen Yueqing nodded in polite agreement.

She had no idea who Imperial Tutor Cai was, let alone his granddaughter, so could only offer courteous words.

Just then, Jinzi dashed off, with Tong’er chasing after. Zun Yi remarked, “Your dog is raised well, its coat is so shiny and smooth.”

“I only play with him now and then; Tong’er takes care of feeding him,” Wen Yueqing replied, glancing toward her friends.

Zun Yi suddenly felt his heart race and his cheeks flush; finally, he had a chance to speak with her alone, and he didn’t want to waste it.

He stepped closer, “Miss Wen, there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

Wen Yueqing turned to him, “Your Highness, please speak freely.”

“I… actually, I…” He hesitated, nervous, lowering his head, unable to get the words out.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Take your time,” Wen Yueqing comforted him gently.

Zun Yi was silent for a moment, then, as though making a momentous decision, he lifted his head.

“Miss Wen, I like you very much. Would you be willing to come with me?”

His expression was still tense, cheeks flushed, and he looked at Wen Yueqing with hopeful anticipation.

“Ah?... You—Your Highness, what do you mean?” Wen Yueqing was completely startled, hardly able to believe her ears. She asked again to make sure she hadn’t misheard.

Seeing her confusion, Zun Yi repeated, “I said I like you and wish you would come to my residence, to... to be my concubine.”

The last words he spoke in a quiet voice, yet Wen Yueqing heard them clearly.

She shook her head vigorously, as if her head were a rattle.

“No, no, absolutely not. Your Highness, please never speak of this again.”

She was utterly alarmed; what was it with these princes and their peculiar tastes, always wanting someone as their concubine? Zun You had been like this, and now this young one as well. She never imagined her youthful face would be so popular.

Without another word, Wen Yueqing hurried toward the front courtyard.

“Your Highness, let’s pretend this never happened. Please, don’t let the Third Prince find out.”

Her intentions were good, fearing that her own affairs might create discord between the brothers, knowing how much Zun You valued his younger sibling.

Zun Yi, however, thought Wen Yueqing simply disliked him, and feared he might ask his third brother for her directly.

Seeing her about to leave, Zun Yi grew anxious and grabbed her arm.

“Miss Wen, do you dislike me so much?”

“Your Highness,” Wen Yueqing said, removing his hand with her other, “I don’t dislike you. I just don’t wish to marry right now. I am not worthy of you, and the Third Prince treats me very well—I wish to serve him always.”

With that, she ran off to find Tong’er and Jinzi.

Zun Yi was somewhat disheartened, thinking perhaps he had been too hasty, after all, he had not known Wen Yueqing long.

“She says she doesn’t dislike me, so there’s still hope.”

Having finally met someone he truly liked, he was unwilling to give up so easily.

He resolved to visit more often, determined to win her affection.

If all else failed, he would ask Zun You for her, but that would be a last resort, not to be taken unless absolutely necessary.

That day, Zun Yi had no mood for card games and returned directly to his own residence.

After both had left, a head poked out from behind the garden wall—Qiao’er, who had been eavesdropping.

Lady Tian had originally sent her to inquire about Zun You’s condition, knowing the Fifth Prince had been visiting frequently and that it was inconvenient for her to visit the front courtyard herself, so she sent Qiao’er instead.

Just as she reached the small garden, she saw Zun Yi and Wen Yueqing talking together and, curious, hid behind the wall to listen.

“This is a big secret—I must hurry and tell my lady,” Qiao’er thought, and quickly ran back, breathlessly relaying everything to Lady Tian.

Upon hearing the news, Lady Tian was beside herself with excitement, “Are you sure it’s true?”

“Absolutely, I heard it all clearly. The Fifth Prince even grabbed her hand,” Qiao’er assured her earnestly.

“Good, excellent. Now I will ensure Wen Yueqing completely loses His Highness’s favor,” Lady Tian laughed loudly.