Chapter 802: Childhood Sweethearts

A moment later, a maid reported from outside that someone had arrived at the Eastern Palace.

"Really? Please invite them in quickly," Bi Linglong exclaimed, instantly standing up. As she was about to head out, she suddenly turned back to check herself in the dressing mirror. Only after ensuring there was not the slightest flaw did she pick up her skirt and jog out.

Rong Mo, who was behind her, was filled with doubt and surprise, wondering what was wrong with the Crown Princess. Was it necessary to be so excited to receive a subordinate?

The Crown Princess stopped when she jogged to the reception hall. She tidied her dress, which had become a little disheveled from jogging, and regained her usual calm and elegance. Then she cleared her throat, pushed open the door, and went out, saying, "Why have you come so early, Zu..."

Her words froze halfway because she now clearly saw the people in the hall. They were not the person she had imagined.

Two young men were sitting in the hall, drinking tea. Although they bore some resemblance to each other, their demeanor and actions were completely different. The one with the beard sat upright in his chair, back straight, exuding a stable and steady aura.

The other one had his leg crossed, and his foot kept twitching uncontrollably. His face held a hint of frivolity.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, they turned their heads and saw Bi Linglong. Both instantly stood up and walked towards her.

"Greetings, Crown Princess!"

"Sister Linglong!"

"Oh, it's you two," Bi Linglong said, feeling a touch of disappointment. The two men before her were none other than the Gu brothers, Gu Heng and Gu Xing, who had trained with her since childhood. The calm one with the beard was the elder brother, Gu Heng, and the somewhat devil-may-care one was the younger brother, Gu Xing.

"Who did Sister Linglong think it was?" Gu Xing asked with a laugh.

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

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

Gu Xing, standing beside him, was much more direct. "Long time no see. Linglong has become even more beautiful."

Gu Heng frowned. "Second brother, she is now the Crown Princess. There is a distinction of status between us, so we cannot address her by her given name as before."

Bi Linglong smiled. "It's fine. We all grew up together, so there's no need to be so formal. Please, have a seat."

Gu Xing chuckled and said to Gu Heng, "See, elder brother? I told you Linglong wouldn't change. She's still as understanding as ever."

Bi Linglong, now seated at the head of the table, maintained a gentle smile. The affection in the brothers' eyes did not escape her notice. She had been clever since childhood, so how could she not know that these two brothers liked her?

However, she never revealed this. She had always pretended to be oblivious and carefree.

In her view, once she became the Crown Princess, they would naturally abandon such notions.

Besides, there was no harm in having two more people who liked her. As a person of high status, she was adept at using such admiration, which allowed her to better control her subordinates.

"Oh, why don't I see the Crown Prince?" Gu Heng asked, looking around curiously.

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

"The Crown Prince truly has a broad mind, free from worries and troubles," Gu Heng said. Although his words were complimentary, a hint of disdain showed in his eyes.

Gu Xing's tone was also tinged with sarcasm. "The Crown Prince is truly blessed. He must be tired and needs more rest, I suppose."

The thought of a clumsy, pig-like fat man engaging in nightly revelry with his goddess, making him so exhausted, made the jealousy in his heart almost drive him mad.

But who could blame him? He was the Crown Prince, after all, blessed with good fortune.

Bi Linglong naturally perceived their resentment. Although she also had many grievances with the Crown Prince, she could not possibly agree with them, nor could she reprimand them at this critical moment of departure, lest it demoralize the troops. She simply glanced unconsciously towards the main entrance, wondering why that person still hadn't arrived.

The Gu brothers became exceptionally excited after seeing Bi Linglong. They had endless things to say, constantly reminiscing about their childhood together.

Bi Linglong initially responded, but seeing them grow more excited, she couldn't help but frown inwardly. Although they were childhood sweethearts, in the Eastern Palace, they still needed to maintain appropriate distance.

So she deliberately guided the conversation towards the upcoming secret realm expedition. Gu Xing immediately perked up, patted his chest, and said, "Linglong, don't worry. This time's Crown Prince's examination is on us. We'll handle everything for you."

Gu Heng also said, "That's right. This time, I've gathered a lot of information about the Azure-Moon Dragon and practiced how to coordinate the hunt with my warriors. It will be foolproof."

A genuine smile finally appeared on Bi Linglong's face. "Then I truly thank you both."

Gu Xing laughed heartily. "Linglong, you're too polite. Between us, there's no need for such talk; it's like treating us as outsiders..."

Bi Linglong responded with a smile. Her demeanor and words were impeccable.

Although the brothers sensed a hint of distance from her, they found it to be perfectly natural. As the exalted Crown Princess, such demeanor was more in line with their expectations.

The group discussed the various possibilities that might arise during their upcoming trip to the secret realm. Time passed without them realizing it.

Even the Crown Prince had woken up and dressed, aided by his eunuchs. Yet, Zu An still hadn't appeared.

"Is the Crown Princess waiting for someone?" Gu Heng asked, as the Gu brothers had also noticed the unusual situation.

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

"Oh, him. That son-in-law who came from Brightmoon City, of the Chu clan," Gu Xing scoffed, a hint of disdain in his tone.

Bi Linglong frowned inwardly, but ultimately said nothing.

Gu Heng coughed. "Second brother, mind your words. Master Zu is now the Crown Prince's Chief Secretary."

Gu Xing grumbled. "He *is* from Brightmoon City, and he *was* a live-in son-in-law of the Chu clan. I haven't said anything wrong."

Bi Linglong said calmly, "He no longer has any connection with the Chu clan. Please refrain from using terms like 'live-in son-in-law' anymore."

"Oh, I remember now, he was divorced by the Chu clan, wasn't he?" Gu Xing said. "That's good then. Otherwise, we all felt it was unfair to Miss Chu. Why would someone like her choose a man from the common populace?"

Bi Linglong frowned inwardly. The disdain in their tone, typical of noble families towards commoners, was something many possessed. She hesitated, as her status 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 to depart from here yesterday."

Gu Heng and his brother exchanged a glance. It seemed Zu An held an unusual position in the Crown Princess's heart. No wonder he had risen from Crown Prince's Chamberlain to Chief Secretary in such a short time.

Both felt a sense of crisis. However, they didn't pay too much attention to it. After all, no matter how much the Crown Princess valued him, he was still just a subordinate. They, the two brothers, were different; they had grown up and trained with the Crown Princess since childhood, sharing a relationship like childhood sweethearts.

Gu Xing was about to say something, but Gu Heng, always the composed one, stopped him. He said with a chuckle, "Anyway, it's still early, so it won't hurt to wait for Master Zu a bit longer."

Gu Xing frowned, but ultimately said nothing more.

Seeing that simply waiting like this was not ideal, Bi Linglong led the two brothers to pay their respects to the Crown Prince, and also instructed a maid to prepare a meal.

Although the brothers had already eaten before their departure, dining in the Eastern Palace was a great honor. They beamed with smiles, constantly complimenting Bi Linglong, and even went as far as praising the fat, pig-like Crown Prince whom they despised.

The meal passed pleasantly. Bi Linglong looked towards the main entrance several times, but unfortunately, the person she was waiting for never appeared.

Now even Bi Linglong began to frown slightly. *Why hasn't he come yet? Did he oversleep? But that shouldn't be the case. How could he make such a mistake on such an important matter?*

*Or did something happen to him on the way? Did Prince Qi's people ambush him?*

*But if that were the case, I should have received news.*

As she was feeling anxious and uncertain, Gu Xing finally grew somewhat impatient. "Is that Zu fellow coming or not? So many of us are waiting. Could he be a coward, afraid to face death and backing out?"

The Crown Prince, who was drinking soup, trembled all over, his fat jiggling. "Death? Is this trip very dangerous?"

Bi Linglong hastily reassured him, "Don't worry, Your Highness. With us here, there's no danger."

Gu Heng also shot his brother a glare. He quickly explained, "My brother spoke out of turn. I hope Your Highness will not take offense."

At the same time, he felt even more contempt in his heart. *How could this pig-like fellow be worthy of being the Crown Prince? Someone as gifted and elegant as Linglong is forced to marry him.*

*Alas, besides his family background, in what way is he superior to me? Is this fate?*