Crying While Filling the Pit I Dug - Chapter 67

“I didn’t order that adaptation. It was highly favored by the Emperor, which is why the drama was produced.”

“Ah,” Yi Qing didn’t seem particularly concerned. “Princess, if you have any other favorites, let me know. I’ll arrange for a theater troupe to perform them in the mansion.”

With a snap, Song Miaomiao’s brush handle fell, splattering ink everywhere. Her hand was covered in black ink.

“Princess,” Yi Qing grasped her wrist. “Bring some water!”

Yan Yu quickly brought a basin of steaming water. Yi Qing earnestly dipped water and added some fragrant soap, carefully cleaning each of Song Miaomiao’s fingers.

Meanwhile, Yan Yu tidied up the table and placed the books on the bookshelf. “Aren’t these the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone that His Majesty awarded to the Princess last year?”

Indeed, these were the set of writing materials that Song Miaomiao had obtained by exchanging bonus points to reward Yi Qing.

The brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were all packed in an exquisite box. Song Miaomiao touched them, finding not a speck of dust on them. It seemed they weren’t just accumulating dust; rather, they were being treasured?

Goodness, he carried the sachet, accompanied by the tassel of the sword, and treasured the writing materials…

———

Song Miaomiao tried hard to push the plot forward. Even though she had messed up the later part of the plot, since it was planned to be a story of the tragic love between the Prince Consort and the Crown Princess, there must be some antagonist scenes involving them. The first step was to give them a chance to meet and have antagonistic scenes. How could she write a story if the main characters weren’t together?

However, plans were one thing, and reality was another. Song Miaomiao couldn’t help but regret exchanging Yi Qing’s coordinates, wasting hundreds of bonus points. However, she wouldn’t need those points in the future anyway; on the contrary, her points would only continue to increase.

The courtiers of this dynasty still had a month’s marriage leave, during which Yi Qing only ventured out once, and that was when Xiao Chengqi summoned him again.

After a month of marriage leave, apart from attending court and necessary official duties, Yi Qing occasionally returned home with Song Miaomiao to dine with General Yi and Mrs. Yi. He avoided social gatherings and remained secluded. One could say he was an energetic “otaku.” With such limited outings, how could he ever chance upon meeting the female lead, Gu Jiaren?

During this time, Song Miaomiao’s understanding of Yi Qing gradually deepened. As she carried out her tasks, she uncovered all the efforts Yi Qing had made for her.

For instance, it took Song Miaomiao half a month to realize that the bone soup, chicken soup, and crucian carp soup she consumed daily… were all easy-to-serve stews.

Moreover, Yi Qing presented her with various gifts, such as books, calligraphy, paintings, hairpins, bracelets… and much more!

For instance, if Song Miaomiao coughed even slightly, he promptly brewed ginger soup and prepared warm tea for her. If she woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, he would inquire if she felt cold and even used himself as a bed warmer, surpassing the effectiveness of a large heater, hot water bottle, or electric blanket.

Similarly, when eating barbecue, Yi Qing would always offer her the first piece of meat, prepare soup for her, and give her hawthorns afterward to prevent hiccups.

He even went as far as buying her a theater troupe to perform the scripts he gave Song Miaomiao. She lost interest in writing her own stories since transmigrating inside her own novels. However, what if she were to dig herself into a pit again? The book Yi Qing gave her was too boring for her to read, and it was good to indulge in opera once in a while.

Additionally, wherever she went, he would always gaze at her, and he would become very shy if she found out…

Wherever Song Miaomiao was, he was there.

She moved, and he followed. When Song Miaomiao sat down, he accompanied her.

When she felt sleepy, he took charge of warming the bed. Upon waking, Song Miaomiao found him kissing her forehead.

If she felt hungry, he added food for her. And when she was full, he gave her hawthorns.

Whether she spoke to him or not, his eyes remained focused on her. In moments of silence, he quietly pursued his own interests—practicing swordsmanship, reading books, honing calligraphy, and even creating paintings for Song Miaomiao.

Song Miaomiao wondered if Yi Qing had been impaled, or if he, too, possessed a system to complete missions and maximize the Princess’s favorability. Despite her repeated attempts, she couldn’t uncover the truth. With every inquiry, Yi Qing maintained the demeanor of a young boy, watching her with watery eyes, causing her cheeks to flush.

It was unsustainable! This way of living couldn’t continue!

She was obviously feeling word that the male lead was being too flirtatious with the female supporting character. What was he thinking?

If he were likened to an air conditioner—someone who acted like a Casanova while claiming to be committed—he would surely tease others. Yet, he didn’t even have a maid by his side. Having grown up in a military camp, he wouldn’t spare a glance for any girl prettier than Song Miaomiao.

Perhaps it was because she was a Princess, but if that were the case, he should lavish more attention on her and spend more money on her.

After over three months of newlywed life, the Emperor announced in the early court session that he would wed the Lord of Anhua County to Prince Xiao Chengqi. Their marriage took place on the first day of July.

Upon hearing the news, Song Miaomiao kept an eye on Yi Qing’s every action, searching for signs of hidden sorrow, thoughts of another, or depression.

Yet, nothing! Absolutely nothing!

Yi Qing continued his routine, making soup for Song Miaomiao and warming her bed as usual. However, upon noticing Song Miaomiao’s watchful gaze, he would blush and appear embarrassed.

This silent suffering! Where was the love? The female lead was about to marry someone else, yet the male lead showed no signs of sadness.

Could it be that he was silently enduring his pain, refusing to display even a hint of it on his face?

Song Miaomiao couldn’t help but ponder. Sitting in the study, she faced the list of items Yan Yu had organized and asked, “Yi Qing, tell me, what gift should I give my brother for his wedding?”

Yi Qing set aside his book and regarded Song Miaomiao earnestly. “The Crown Prince possesses wealth beyond measure, with no shortage of gold, silver, or jewelry. Princess, you should give a gift that reflects the sincerity of your heart.”