Chapter 798: Childhood Sweethearts

A short while later, a maid reported that someone had arrived at the East Palace.

"Is that so? Invite them in quickly!" Bi Linglong instantly rose, about to leave, but suddenly turned back to check herself in the dressing mirror. Only after confirming there wasn't a single flaw did she gather her skirt and practically dart out.

Behind her, Rong Mo was filled with surprise and uncertainty, wondering what had come over the Crown Princess. Was it necessary to be so excited just to receive visitors?

The Crown Princess paused upon reaching the reception hall, tidied her dress, which had become slightly disheveled from her hurried pace, and resumed her usual composure and elegance. Then she cleared her throat, pushed open the door, and stepped out, saying, "Why are you here so early, Zu..."

Her words froze mid-sentence, as she now clearly saw the people in the hall, and they were not the person she had expected.

In the hall, two young men were seated, drinking tea. Although they bore some resemblance, their demeanor and actions were strikingly different. The bearded man sat upright in his chair, back straight, exuding an air of steady composure. The other, with one leg crossed, continuously jiggled his foot, and his face held a frivolous expression.

Hearing the door open, the two men turned, saw Bi Linglong, and immediately stood, moving towards her:

"Greetings, Crown Princess!"

"Sister Linglong!"

"Oh, it's you two." Bi Linglong's disappointment was immediate. The two men before her were none other than the Gu brothers, Gu Heng and Gu Xing, who had trained together since childhood. The steady, bearded man was the elder brother, Gu Heng, and the somewhat frivolous one was the younger brother, Gu Xing.

"Who did Sister Linglong think it was?" Gu Xing chuckled.

Bi Linglong composed herself, adopting her usual formal smile befitting her high status: "I was waiting for you two. It's been a long time since we last met."

Gu Heng gazed at her, his voice filled with emotion: "Indeed, we haven't seen each other since you entered the palace and became the Crown Princess." His eyes revealed deep affection and regret.

Gu Xing, on the other hand, was much more direct: "Long time no see, Linglong. You've become even more beautiful."

Gu Heng frowned: "Brother, she is now the Crown Princess. We must respect the difference in status; we cannot address her by her given name as we used to."

Bi Linglong smiled: "It's fine. We grew up together; there's no need to be so formal. Please, sit down."

Gu Xing chuckled, saying to Gu Heng: "See, Brother? I told you Linglong wouldn't change. She's still as understanding as she used to be."

Seated at the head of the room, Bi Linglong maintained a gentle smile. The affection in the brothers' eyes did not escape her notice; having been clever since childhood, she was well aware of their feelings for her. However, she never acknowledged it, always pretending to be oblivious and carefree. In her view, once she became the Crown Princess, they would naturally abandon such thoughts. Furthermore, having two more people admire her caused no harm. As a person in power, she was skilled at leveraging such adoration to better manage her subordinates.

"Oh, why isn't the Crown Prince here?" Gu Heng asked, curiously looking around.

Bi Linglong replied: "He hasn't woken up yet."

"The Crown Prince truly is broad-minded and without a care in the world," Gu Heng praised, though a hint of disdain flickered in his eyes.

Gu Xing's tone was also sour: "The Crown Prince is truly blessed. He must be tired and needs more rest, I suppose." The thought of a fat, pig-headed oaf reveling with his goddess night after night, leading to such exhaustion, made the jealousy in his heart almost drive him mad. But alas, he was simply born fortunate, being the Crown Prince.

Bi Linglong naturally sensed their resentment. While she also harbored much dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince, she could neither agree with them nor reprimand them at this critical moment before their expedition, lest she undermine morale. She merely glanced instinctively towards the main entrance, wondering why that person still hadn't arrived.

The Gu brothers were exceptionally excited upon seeing Bi Linglong, endlessly reminiscing about their childhood together, with an inexhaustible stream of conversation. Bi Linglong initially responded, but as she saw their increasing excitement, she couldn't help but frown inwardly. Although they were childhood sweethearts, in the East Palace, discretion was paramount.

So she proactively steered the conversation towards the upcoming secret realm expedition. Gu Xing immediately puffed out his chest and declared cheerfully, "Linglong, rest assured. We'll handle everything concerning the Crown Prince's grand examination this time. We'll take care of it for you."

Gu Heng also added: "Indeed. This time, I've gathered extensive information about the Heaven-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon and trained with my warriors on how to coordinate its hunting. It will be absolutely foolproof."

A genuinely heartfelt smile finally appeared on Bi Linglong's face: "Thank you both very much."

Gu Xing laughed heartily: "Linglong, you're too polite. Between us, there's no need for such formality. Are you treating us as strangers..."

Bi Linglong responded with a gentle smile, her demeanor and words utterly flawless. Although the brothers sensed a certain distance from her, they felt it was only natural. As the exalted Crown Princess, such a demeanor aligned perfectly with their expectations.

As they discussed the various possibilities that might arise during their upcoming trip to the secret realm, time passed by unnoticed. Even the Crown Prince had woken up and dressed, aided by his eunuchs, but Zu An still hadn't arrived.

"Is the Crown Princess waiting for someone?" The Gu brothers also noticed the abnormality, and Gu Heng couldn't help but ask.

Bi Linglong nodded: "I'm waiting for Master Zu An, the Crown Prince's Provisional Secretary."

"Oh, that live-in son-in-law from the Chu family in Brightmoon City," Gu Xing scoffed, his tone tinged with disdain.

Bi Linglong frowned inwardly but ultimately said nothing.

Gu Heng cleared his throat: "Brother, watch your words. Master Zu is now the Crown Prince's Provisional Secretary."

Gu Xing mumbled: "He's from Brightmoon City, and he was the Chu family's live-in son-in-law. What did I say wrong?"

Bi Linglong said calmly: "He has no connection with the Chu family anymore. Please don't use terms like 'live-in son-in-law'."

"Oh, right, I remember now, he was apparently divorced by the Chu family," Gu Xing said. "That's for the best, otherwise we'd all feel sorry for Young Miss Chu. Why would someone like her choose a person of common origin?"

Bi Linglong frowned inwardly. The disdain in their tone—the kind noble families often held for those of humble origins—was common. She hesitated, knowing her position made it inconvenient to offer any explanation.

Gu Heng also suggested: "Perhaps we should head towards the academy first. Master Zu will naturally follow."

Bi Linglong shook her head: "Let's wait a little longer. We agreed yesterday to depart from here."

Gu Heng and his brother couldn't help but exchange glances. It seemed Zu An held an unusual position in the Crown Princess's heart. No wonder he had risen from Crown Prince's Attendant to Provisional Secretary in such a short time. Both felt a sense of unease, but they didn't pay it too much mind. After all, no matter how highly the Crown Princess regarded him, he was still just a subject. They, on the other hand, were different; they had grown up and trained with the Crown Princess since childhood, sharing a bond as childhood sweethearts.

Gu Xing was about to say something, but the always-composed Gu Heng stopped him, saying with a chuckle, "It's still early anyway, waiting a bit longer for Master Zu won't hurt."

Gu Xing frowned but ultimately said nothing more.

Seeing that idly waiting was not an option, Bi Linglong led the two to meet the Crown Prince and simultaneously instructed the maids to serve a meal. Although the brothers had already eaten before setting out, dining in the East Palace was a great honor. They beamed, constantly complimenting Bi Linglong, and even went as far as praising the fat, pig-like Crown Prince whom they disdained.

The meal passed pleasantly. Bi Linglong looked towards the main entrance several times, but alas, the person she was waiting for still did not appear. Even Bi Linglong began to frown slightly: Why hadn't he arrived yet? Had he overslept? That couldn't be right; how could he make such a mistake on such an important occasion? Or perhaps something unexpected had happened on the way? Had people from Prince Qi's side attacked him? But if so, she should have received news.

As she worried and wondered, Gu Xing finally grew somewhat impatient: "Is that Zu fellow coming or not? So many of us are waiting! Could he be afraid and backing out?"

The Crown Prince, who had been drinking soup, was so startled that his entire body of fat quivered: "Die? Is this trip very dangerous?"

Bi Linglong quickly reassured him: "Rest assured, Your Highness, there's no danger with us here."

Gu Heng also shot his brother a glare and quickly explained: "My brother spoke out of turn. I hope Your Highness won't take offense." At the same time, his contempt grew. How could this pig-like fellow be worthy of being Crown Prince? For someone as extraordinary and gifted as Linglong to be married to him... Alas, apart from his family background, in what way is he superior to me? Is this fate?