The Crown Princess Awakens

Morning light filtered softly through the wooden window, gently waking the quiet room.

Yan’er stepped inside, carrying a towel and a basin of warm water.

“Good morning, Crown Princess. It’s time to wake up.”

Chen Ruoxi slowly opened her eyes, rubbing them with her small hands.

“Mmm… Yan’er…”

Yan’er smiled gently. “Come on, Princess. We have to get ready.”

Chen Ruoxi stretched her little arms and rubbed her eyes again before slowly sitting up. Yan’er carefully helped her out of bed, washing her face and hands with warm water before preparing her bath.

After bathing her, Yan’er dressed her in a soft, pale-colored hanfu, tying the ribbons neatly at her waist. She gently combed Chen Ruoxi’s long hair, arranging it simply so it wouldn’t feel heavy on her small head.

Chen Ruoxi sat quietly the whole time, blinking sleepily like a little kitten.

Suddenly—a knock at the door.

Yan’er frowned slightly and stepped outside to check. Chen Ruoxi followed closely behind her.

When Yan’er opened the door, she was startled to see a beautiful carriage waiting outside, surrounded by attendants. The servants immediately bowed in front of Chen Ruoxi.

Chen Ruoxi blinked, confused, tilting her head slightly, not understanding what was happening.

Then—the curtain of the carriage slowly lifted. Inside sat the Crown Prince. He looked handsome and distant, his sharp eyes meeting hers for the first time.

Chen Ruoxi quickly lowered her head and bowed clumsily.

“G-greetings… Your Highness…”

He looked at her silently for a moment, expression unreadable.

“You may rise.”

She slowly lifted her head. Their eyes met, and for a brief second, the world felt strangely quiet. His gaze lingered on her small figure—she looked even younger than he had imagined.

His expression hardened again.

“Get in the carriage,” he said coldly. “We have to go. I don’t have time.”

Chen Ruoxi hesitated, glancing at Yan’er. Yan’er gently nodded and whispered softly, “Princess, go. I’ll follow behind.”

“O-okay…” Chen Ruoxi murmured. She carefully stepped forward and climbed into the carriage, sitting opposite the Crown Prince.

The space between them felt distant and silent. An awkward stillness filled the carriage.

The Crown Prince sat calmly, reading a book, expression cold and indifferent. Chen Ruoxi’s small hands rested on her lap, but from time to time, she secretly lifted her gaze to him. Her eyes were full of curiosity and innocence, as if trying to understand the person in front of her.

But he did not notice. Or perhaps… he chose not to.

The only sound in the carriage was the soft turning of pages and the faint rumble of wheels against the road.

Chen Ruoxi slowly lowered her gaze again, gently swinging her small feet that could not reach the floor. She wanted to say something, but she didn’t know what. So she remained silent.

Suddenly—the carriage shook violently over a rough patch of road.

“Ah—!”

Chen Ruoxi lost her balance. Her small body tilted forward, about to fall.

Before she could hit the floor—a firm hand grabbed her wrist. In one swift movement, the Crown Prince pulled her toward him. She stumbled forward and lightly fell against him, landing awkwardly on his lap.

Her eyes widened in shock. For a moment, everything went still. She looked up at him with big, innocent eyes, startled and confused.

He frowned slightly, clearly not expecting this either.

“Sit properly,” he said coldly, though his grip on her wrist hadn’t loosened.

“S-sorry…”

Realizing their position, he quickly released her and gently pushed her back to her seat. The carriage continued moving as if nothing had happened—but the atmosphere inside had changed.

For the first time, he had touched her. And for the first time—he had truly looked at her.

Chen Ruoxi quickly lowered her gaze.

“T-thank you…”

The Crown Prince did not respond. As if nothing had happened, he picked up his book again, expression calm and distant.

The carriage moved forward in silence. Chen Ruoxi sat quietly, small hands folded in her lap, occasionally glancing at him—but he never looked up.

A few minutes later—the carriage slowly came to a stop.

The Crown Prince closed his book and stepped out first without a word. Servants immediately bowed.

Chen Ruoxi hesitated inside, unsure of what to do. Then—a hand appeared in front of her.

She blinked in surprise. The Crown Prince stood outside, one hand slightly extended toward her. His expression was still cold.

“Come down.”

For a second, she simply stared at his hand. Then, slowly… carefully… she placed her tiny hand into his. Her hand felt so small in his.

As soon as she stepped down from the carriage, he gently pulled his hand back. Without looking at her, he walked ahead.

Chen Ruoxi stood there for a second… then hurried to follow behind him with her small steps.

They entered the Imperial Palace Hall. Inside, the Emperor and Empress were already seated on their thrones. Golden sunlight reflected off the grand hall, filled with officials and servants standing at attention.

Chen Ruoxi instinctively slowed down, nervous. She had never been in such a majestic place before.

The Crown Prince stepped forward calmly and bowed.

“This son greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress.”

Chen Ruoxi quickly copied him, bowing clumsily.

“R-Ruoxi greets… Emperor and Empress…”

For a brief moment—the hall fell completely silent.

The Empress’s lips curved into a gentle smile. She walked gracefully toward Chen Ruoxi, cupping the little girl’s soft cheek and pressing a delicate kiss to her forehead.

“I’ve always wanted a daughter…” she whispered softly, eyes shimmering with warmth. “And now… I have you.”

Chen Ruoxi blinked, wide-eyed and surprised. Her small hands instinctively clasped together in shyness.

The Empress smiled again, heart full, while Chen Ruoxi felt a warmth spreading in her chest—a strange, comforting feeling she had never known.

The Emperor stepped forward and gently patted her hair, his large hand enveloping her small head.

“You’re a brave little one,” he said kindly, his deep voice soft and gentle.

Chen Ruoxi looked up at him with innocent eyes, feeling a strange sense of belonging—so different from the Crown Prince’s cold distance.

The Empress squeezed her hand gently, making Chen Ruoxi feel truly cherished… at least for this fleeting moment.

They talked softly for a while, the room filled with gentle laughter and words of comfort.

Finally, the Emperor’s gaze turned serious.

“Does the Crown Prince treat you well?” he asked, firm but kind.

Chen Ruoxi’s small hands fidgeted in her lap. She bit her lip, looking down.

“Y-yes, Your Majesty,” she whispered softly, voice barely audible. She didn’t dare speak of the coldness, the loneliness, or the harsh words.

The Emperor studied her, suspicion flickering in his eyes, but said nothing. Instead, he ruffled her hair gently, worry hidden behind a calm smile.

After the formalities ended, the carriage prepared to depart. Chen Ruoxi clutched the edge of her seat nervously.

The Crown Prince remained distant, eyes scanning the path ahead as he stepped down first. He offered his hand briefly; she hesitated, glancing at Yan’er for reassurance.

Yan’er whispered softly, “Go on, Princess… he’ll wait for you.”

Chen Ruoxi took a small step forward and placed her tiny hand in his. Their hands touched briefly—and the coldness in his grip was unmistakable. He pulled back immediately, walking ahead with long, decisive strides.

Chen Ruoxi followed quietly behind, small feet making soft sounds against the polished stone path. The sun dipped toward noon as they approached the General’s mansion.

The mansion loomed large, gates wide and guards stationed at attention. Chen Ruoxi’s heart pounded. This was her family… yet stepping inside felt like entering a world that wasn’t hers.

The Crown Prince led the way, and behind him, Chen Ruoxi trailed with small, careful steps. His cold gaze lingered over her, unreadable as ever.

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