Bookworm to the core—what’s the point of buying so many books?

Prince Jun’s Residence, Quiet Book Study

Zhao Chengxian lounged comfortably in a reclining chair, occasionally leaning back with obvious ease. Watching him relax while she toiled away at moving stacks of books, Hui Yue’er grew increasingly frustrated, cursing him in her heart: “You wretched bookworm, why did you buy so many books? If you insist on collecting them, take care of them yourself. How could you use books as a means to torment others?” From that day on, Prince Jun earned himself the nickname “bookworm”—though, of course, Hui Yue’er would only ever call him that in her mind; if she dared say it aloud, Zhao Chengxian would probably kill her.

Zhao Chengxian watched Hui Yue’er, utterly at ease, and said, “Little Crescent, hurry up! Or there’ll be no dinner for you tonight!” As he spoke, servants flanked him, presenting tea and refreshments while another massaged his shoulders—he was flaunting his privileges, pure and simple.

Hui Yue’er shot him a sharp glare, her eyes clearly saying, “If you make another snide remark, I’ll toss these books at your head!” Zhao Chengxian, seeing this, merely grinned and fell silent, content to bask in his luxury. In truth, Hui Yue’er was picturing a rather comical scene in her mind: Zhao Chengxian as a tiny worm, shrieking in terror as a flock of little birds fought over him for breakfast. The thought made her burst out laughing, “Ohoho~haha!” leaving everyone else utterly bewildered.

Zhao Chengxian found it odd as well—she’d just been fuming, and now she was cackling with delight. Glancing at Hui Yue’er, lost in her daydream, he called out, “Hey, hey, hey, Little Crescent, you’re not losing your mind, are you?” Little did he know, Hui Yue’er’s mind was entirely occupied with various ways to torment him. But who could blame her, when Zhao Chengxian, emboldened by power and status, used them to make life difficult for others?

Dragged from her reverie by his words, Hui Yue’er shot him a venomous look. “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I’m perfectly well!” In fact, Zhao Chengxian had only wanted to tease her from the start—he could never resist challenging that stubborn look on her face. Both were fiercely competitive, forever determined to outdo the other. Heaven only knew how their rivalry would end.

Zhao Chengxian merely smiled, but it was Consort Qin who stepped forward to scold, “How dare you refer to yourself as ‘I’ in front of His Highness! Such disregard for decorum!” Her indignation was little more than borrowed authority.

Hui Yue’er sidestepped Consort Qin, set down the books, shook out her sore arms, and smiled coolly. “If I’m not supposed to say ‘I’, should I call myself ‘you’ instead?” Already aggrieved at being demoted from head of a company of bodyguards to a mere maid, Hui Yue’er had little patience left for ridicule. If Consort Qin provoked her further, there was no telling what Hui Yue’er might do.

Without waiting for a reply, Hui Yue’er returned to her task. Consort Qin made to follow, but Zhao Chengxian caught her by the arm. Coyly, Consort Qin pleaded, “Your Highness, did you see her attitude? She needs to be properly disciplined!” Unlike the astute and reserved Consort Yu, or the gentle and unassuming Consort Xiang, Consort Qin was simply a spoiled young lady. Zhao Chengxian had married each woman for the sake of forging alliances, but the title of Princess Consort—he reserved that for the one he truly loved.

Zhao Chengxian shook his head with a smile. “She’s a martial arts master, you know. If you’re not afraid of being beaten, by all means, provoke her. She’s quick with her hands—if she strikes, even I might not be able to save you.” After that, Consort Qin dared not step any closer. Zhao Chengxian mused to himself: how strange, that he could bully Hui Yue’er with impunity, but couldn’t bear to see anyone else do the same.

Turning to Zhao Chengxian with a soft smile, Consort Qin cooed, “Your Highness, will you come to my chambers tonight? Let me serve you well.” Zhao Chengxian nodded, still smiling, though his gaze never once strayed from Hui Yue’er—something no one else seemed to notice.

Just then, Hui Yue’er passed by, catching the exchange. She shot Consort Qin a look of utter disdain. Did women really need to debase themselves so? Hui Yue’er was a girl who lived by her own rules—she could never understand women who survived only by clinging to men. She swore she would never become someone so pitiable. Hui Yue’er was simply unlike other girls.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and all those in between—quickly, shower me with golden medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm rage on all the fiercer!