“No need to send me any further” I said when I arrived at the palace gates, turning to face Yi Chen.

“I wasn’t planning on going in anyway” Yi Chen said.

I lightly drew my lips to one side, “It’s better if you didn’t since you are an outlaw”

“I may be an outlaw, but I was wrongly accused of a crime”

“What crime?” I curiously ask.

“If we meet again, I’ll tell you a story” he answers as he steps back to turn away.

“Hold on!” I raised my voice, “You never told me your name”

“Jiang Yi Chen!” he shouts as he waves his hand in the air to say his farewell.

“Will we meet again?!” I shout at his back figure that’s facing me.

“Of course we will!”

I grin widely as I walked towards the palace gates.

    The first thing I wanted to do when I arrived in the palace was to go see A’Li and immediately apologize to her. She must be worried sick about me. I know what I’ve said yesterday to her was out of line. She’s not just an object with a price. She’s A’Li. My A’Li. The A’Li who protected, raised, and watched me grow up. She is my older sister who’s been silently loving me. She’s everything to me. So me saying cruel words to her about giving her away, it’s not right. I shouldn’t be treating her like an object.

“Crown Princess! You’re back!” a bunch of maids rushes my direction including A’Li.

I puzzling stare at them wondering how they knew I arrived since I literally just passed the gates.

“A’Li” I grab both of her arms, “I need to speak with you”

“Crown Princess Xiang Yun, that can wait” she said with a worried face, “Crown Prince Yan has fallen ill”

I made an ‘oh’face like that’s the big news that’s making everyone nervous and worried. I can care less about that man who barely has any affection towards me.

“He can wait, I need to speak with you right now” I spoke in my commanding voice.

“Okay, we can talk” A’Li said.

Walking back to my bedroom with A’Li’s arm locked with mine, I patiently explained to her about how sorry I felt when I spoke impulsively at her. I continued to apologize as she continued to humbly deny that it was my fault.

“Actually, I’ve thought about your words” A’Li said, “You’re right. Everyone would have chose that opportunity. However, I’m not going to pick a path that requires being away from you”

“A’Li, I know I can’t force you but I really hope you can take a step forward without worrying about me”

“How can I stop worrying about you considering that you were gone the whole night?”

I guiltily laugh, “I promise next time it won’t happen. And plus, ain’t I back safe and sound?” I pointed out as we arrived the outside to my bedroom. “I ran into a good man who saved me”

“Saved you from what?” A’Li stops making me stop.

“From a bunch of human traffickers” I harshly gulped my saliva.

“What?!”

“I’m fine” I instantly retort, “They didn’t do anything to me. A man saved me, so don’t worry” I smiled.

A’Li exhales in relief at the same time the imperial physician exits Crown Prince Yan’s bedroom. We both glance over as Consort Xue exits the bedroom talking with the imperial physician. I continue to watch from a far as she talked with him.

“What is wrong with Crown Prince Yan?” Consort Xue’s eyebrows burrows with concern.

“Crown Prince Yan’s condition is not serious, but shouldn’t be taken lightly either. It seems like his internal energy is out of balance and from spending a night out in the cold it has affected his yin and yang causing a small fever. But don’t worry, I’ll prescribe some herbal medicines and have them be sent over immediately” the imperial physician said as he bows before leaving.

“Xiao Mei, send the guest off” Consort Xue orders as the maid nods, leaving to the physician.

Consort Xue glances at my direction as our eyes met. The moment our eyes met, my eyes expands while she was the first one to turn around to enter Crown Prince Yan’s bedroom. I bit my lower lip feeling a small guilt rushing inside of me. Did he--- no. Why would he spend a night looking for me? I must be foolish to believe so. But it is true that he injured his internal energy the day of my punishment. I should at least be responsible for that.

“Are you going to look at Crown Prince Yan and see if he’s doing fine?” A’Li asks, reading my concerned eyes.

“No” I flatly denied, “He has Consort Xue to take care of him. Why should I go and be the third wheel?” I rapidly enter my bedroom as A’Li follows me. I sat on the stool and fiddled with my fingers.

“Crown Princess Xiang Yun, when Crown Prince Yan found out about your missing whereabouts, he personally went to find you. He was extremely worried about you and didn’t give up until he collapsed half way through the search this morning. You must go see him” A’Li explains.

“Why are you explaining it to me? I didn’t ask you”

“Crown Princess Xiang Yun-”

“Didn’t you hear me? I don’t want to hear it. I’m tired. Prepare me water to bathe”

A’Li frowns, “Yes” she bows and left.

Impossible. He would never personally do something unless it’s not Consort Xue related. What’s with the sudden change of heart? I can’t believe him so easily. Plus, he’s not that ill. He just caught a small fever. I don’t need to worry too much.