“Does Prince Qin treat you well? Is he easy to get along with? Have you suffered any grievances these past few days?” Madam Jiang held Yanyu’s hand, studying her carefully, her own heart aching.
Truthfully, though Madam Jiang regarded Yanyu as her own daughter, she could not bring herself to say: *“If you suffer grievances, tell your family—we will stand behind you.”*
Marrying into the royal family meant that no matter what grievances Yanyu endured, the Shao family dared not intervene.
If Duke Zhen and his son were still alive, it might be different. But they were gone.
Yanyu understood Madam Jiang’s worry. She shook her head gently: “Everything is fine in the Prince’s residence, Aunt. Please don’t worry too much.”
Madam Jiang dabbed at the tears in her eyes: “In a few days, I must return, but after I leave, your elder sister-in-law and third sister-in-law will accompany your cousins. If anything happens, let them advise you. They have more experience and think things through carefully.”
Yanyu nodded.
Madam Jiang again held her hand, examining her closely.
Just days ago, Yanyu had still been a maiden. Madam Jiang remembered her in lilac robes, sitting by the window reading, her dark hair falling over her shoulders, like a painting of a refined lady. Now her hair was styled up, her jewelry more splendid, yet her brows and eyes still carried a touch of youthful fragility that stirred pity.
“Are there concubines in the Prince Qin’s household?” Madam Jiang asked. “How are they?”
Yanyu thought for a moment: “There are a few, all bestowed by the Empress Dowager. I haven’t met them. As long as they don’t cause trouble, they may be kept well. If His Highness wishes to favor them, he may. I have no mind to compete for attention.”
Madam Jiang nodded: “Do not grow close to them. Who knows what schemes they harbor? Your elder sister-in-law is a living example. You may not harm others, but others may wish to harm you.”
Shao Junliang’s wife, Madam Luo, was known for her kindness—dutiful to elders, generous to juniors. Before her, a concubine had borne a son. That concubine behaved properly, and Madam Luo treated her like a sister.
Later, when Madam Luo was five months pregnant with a boy, she miscarried. The household investigated and discovered it was the seemingly proper concubine’s doing.
Madam Luo’s child was lost, her health was gravely damaged, and she could never bear children again. But the concubine’s son thrived, growing clever and capable, destined to inherit much of the family’s fortune.
Hearing this, Yanyu nodded softly: “Aunt, I will remember your teachings.”
Madam Jiang patted her shoulder: “Good child. When we marry into noble households, if we wish to live well, our hearts must be ruthless. You have married into the royal family, where interests are tangled and complex. You must be ten times, a hundred times more ruthless. If you see the slightest sign of danger, better to strike first—even wrongly—than allow anyone to harm you.”
Yanyu knew Madam Jiang treated her as a true daughter—that was why she spoke so openly with her.
In truth, all these years, Yanyu had been like rootless duckweed, drifting from north to south and back again, without a real home. Now married, she was once again living in another household. Every step she took, every word she spoke, had to be cautious.
After lunch, Yanyu grew drowsy. The summer heat weighed on her, and earlier that morning, she had been unsettled by her encounter with the Empress Dowager. She could not hold out and fell asleep for a while in Madam Jiang’s arms.
By afternoon, Xiao Chengji wished to return to the Prince’s residence. He asked where Yanyu was staying and intended to take her back.
Ruidong feared not only Prince Qin but also his eunuchs and guards.
The senior eunuch Huo Ha stepped forward to ask, and Ruidong hesitated: “The Princess Consort is napping now… can we wake her?”
Huo Ha gave her a sharp look: “What else? You expect our Prince to wait here? How dare you!”
Ruidong saw the Prince standing not far away, dressed in dark robes, a long blade at his waist, looking intimidating. Terrified, she hurried inside to wake Yanyu.
Yanyu had only slept for a quarter of an hour. Still half-asleep, she rubbed her eyes.
Madam Jiang shook her shoulder: “His Highness wants you to return, Yan’er. Hurry now. Xiaocui, bring a damp cloth. Ningxia, tidy her hair.”
The maids accompanied Yanyu outside. Still groggy, she leaned on their hands as she boarded the carriage.
Huo Ha said to Xiao Chengji: “Your Highness, your horse is ready. Please mount.”
Yanyu lifted the curtain slightly and looked out: “In this hot afternoon sun, riding all the way back will be uncomfortable. Why not take the carriage instead?”
Huo Ha laughed: “Princess Consort, His Highness has always preferred riding. He dislikes carriages. Back when he fought in the frontier, the hardships were far worse, yet he never complained. You needn’t worry about him.”
Xiao Chengji glanced up at the blazing sun. Riding under it was indeed uncomfortable. He lifted the curtain and stepped into the carriage.
Yanyu was still drowsy. She tugged lightly at his sleeve: “Wearing dark clothes in summer makes the heat worse. You’re dressed in so many layers—if you ride out in the sun like that, you’ll get heatstroke.”
Xiao Chengji felt her soft, boneless hand squeeze his arm.
Yanyu herself didn’t think much of it. She pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve. Earlier, when she had napped in the room, several ice basins had been placed there to cool the air. Her body and clothes were chilled, and the handkerchief was cool and smooth. She used it to wipe Xiao Chengji’s face: “Are you not going to the Ministry of Justice this afternoon?”
Suddenly, Xiao Chengji gripped her slender wrist and pushed her hand away: “No.”
Seeing how much he disliked her, Yanyu said nothing more, lest she annoy him further. Still sleepy, she closed her eyes and dozed again.
Watching her sleep sitting upright irritated Xiao Chengji even more. He pulled her into his arms: “Stay still.”
Yanyu’s body was soft, almost boneless, carrying a rich fragrance of roses. As soon as he held her, Xiao Chengji regretted it.
Sure enough—
Not long after, Yanyu felt something pressing against her, making her uncomfortable. His sword had been set aside, so she suspected he had another weapon hidden in his robes, deliberately poking her. Eyes still closed, she reached out to feel around him.
In an instant, Xiao Chengji seized her hand. His voice was low and hoarse: “Miss Wen, what are you trying to do to me?”
Yanyu, confused, opened her eyes: “Hmm?”
Xiao Chengji steadied her delicate shoulders and slowly set her upright: “Sit properly.”
Yanyu obediently sat up: “Oh.”