After washing up, I told the maids to summon Zhong Yi—My Husband. They looked confused—why was he calling him 'Husband' now? Previously, the Prince had seemed cold and distant, never even touching him.
Zhong Yi entered the room. "Your Highness, what does this servant need to do?"
"Come here," I said softly.
"Yes?" He stepped closer.
"I need you to help me put on my robes," I commanded.
"Wh-what?" Zhong Yi froze, his face turning bright red instantly.
"Do you have a problem with that?" I teased, enjoying his reaction.
"N-no!"
He walked towards me. I stood there with my arms spread wide, waiting. He gulped visibly, his hands trembling as he reached out to undo my sleeping garments.
I looked up at him. This guy is seriously handsome. And he's huge—definitely over 190cm tall. I barely reach his neck. Tch. And he acts so innocent...
Mesmerized by his features, I stood on my tiptoes and quickly pressed my lips against his.
He stiffened completely, eyes wide open as he finished dressing me.
"Master... what... what was that?" he stammered.
"Hmm, a reward for your hard work," I said, touching my lips and smiling. "And from now on, when we are alone... call me by my name. Understood, husband?"
Zhong Yi's face turned so red it looked like it might explode. "Y-yes... Tianyi."
"Good. Now, let's go. Prepare the carriage. We're going to the palace."
As we stepped outside and the carriage began to move, I looked out at the sky and the vast, ancient landscape.
Whoa... this world is beautiful.
I thought about all the new things I needed to learn. Well, I'm going to be living here from now on, so I need information. Information that can help me navigate this world and maybe find a way to escape this palace.
As I looked outside, my eyes started to ache. So much information was flooding in because of my Appraisal Eyes. I rubbed them to relieve the pain.
Then, I looked at Zhong Yi, and his status window appeared:
* Zhong Yi
- Gender: Male
- Age: 20
- Ling: Fire Peak (- Ice Body (Rare))
- Title: Assassin of Frost
- Position: First Husband of the Crown Prince
- Skills: Dagger (Expert I), Silent Movement (Veteran V)*
Hmm. He's stronger than me, I thought. Well, it makes sense. He was raised to be an assassin and protector for me.
When we arrived at the Imperial Palace, I walked to the front where all the royals were gathered.
As the Crown Prince, I am the third son of the Emperor, but the first son of the Empress. I looked at the faces of my two older brothers who were already standing in their positions.
Since the Emperor had not arrived yet, it was the proper time to exchange greetings. I walked up to them and performed the proper etiquette—cupping my left hand over my right fist and bowing respectfully.
"Third Brother, Tianyi, greets Eldest Brother and Second Brother. May your fortunes be as vast as the Eastern Sea," I recited formally.
Zhou Changfeng, the eldest, let out a hearty laugh and returned the salute casually. He was a big man with an air of martial prowess. "At ease, Third Brother. There is no need to be so stiff between siblings." He became a General at a young age and has absolutely no desire for the throne.
- Zhou Changfeng
- Gender: Male
- Age: 25
- Ling: Heaven Realm I (- Flame Dragon Body)
- Title: Great General of the Empire
- Position: Eldest Prince
- Skills: Spear Arts (Master V), War Tactics (Expert V)*
Zhou Zishu, the second brother, offered a gentle, refined smile and nodded gracefully, returning the gesture with a clasped-fist salute of his own. "Indeed, but it is good to see you minding the rites today, Third Brother." He is a genius, often called the greatest talent in the empire. In the novel, he was an amazing supporting character.
- Zhou Zishu
- Gender: Male
- Age: 23
- Ling: Heaven Realm I (- Brain of Wisdom)
- Title: The Strategist
- Position: Second Prince
- Skills: Strategy (Master V), Medicine (Master V)*
"What is this 'Master V'?" I wondered silently. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, more information flooded my vision, appearing in a transparent text box:
[Skill Ranking System]
- Novice: I, II, III, IV, V
- Beginner: I, II, III, IV, V
- Intermediate: I, II, III, IV, V
- Expert: I, II, III, IV, V
- Veteran: I, II, III, IV, V
- Master: I, II, III, IV, V
- Grandmaster: I, II, III, IV, V
I blinked as I processed the explanation. Hmm, so that is what it means. Master V is the highest tier within that rank and Grandmaster. Well My brothers really are monsters...
Just then, a loud ceremonial shout echoed through the hall, interrupting our quiet exchange.
"His Imperial Majesty has arrived!"
The atmosphere in the room instantly turned solemn. All the officials and princes straightened their robes and knelt down, bowing their heads to the ground.
"Long live the Emperor! May His Majesty reign for ten thousand years!" the crowd chanted in unison.
I quickly composed myself and joined them, bowing respectfully.
As the court session began and discussions regarding state affairs took place, I felt a piercing gaze fixed upon me. I looked up subtly and noticed a man standing among the officials, staring at me intensely. His look was strange, almost aggressive—it felt as if I owed him a massive debt or had killed his entire family.
Suddenly, he stepped forward from the line of ministers and bowed.
"This humble servant greets His Majesty," he announced loudly. "I, Lin Mo, have something to report."
Wait... what? He's Lin Mo?!
My heart skipped a beat. I recognized the name instantly. In the novel, he was the Second Male Lead and eventually became the Princess's Second Husband—but that hadn't happened yet. Currently, according to the plot, he was still betrothed to me. He was supposed to be one of the consorts I was going to marry through the Imperial arrangement!
But looking at the way he was glaring at me, it was clear he wasn't happy about this marriage at all. Well, it was understandable, given the cruel and arrogant things the previous owner of this body had done to him.
Sigh... I know exactly what he is going to report.