Xiao Chengyu’s gaze swept across Shen Qingtang’s rosy lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing imperceptibly as he spoke with unyielding stubbornness: “Whether it’s sweet or not, I must taste it to know.”
The Empress had initially thought her son was merely speaking casually, but seeing the seriousness in his eyes now, she suddenly realized he seemed genuinely taken with that woman.
Hesitantly softening her tone, she attempted to mediate: “How about this—first tell Mother which family’s daughter it is. If you truly admire her temperament and appearance, Mother can find you someone similar. Wouldn’t that be just as good?”
“Similar?” Xiao Chengyu let out a light scoff through his nose, his voice filled with disdain. “Mother, are you suggesting I settle for a counterfeit?”
The Empress was rendered speechless by his words and retorted with mild reproach: “What counterfeit? Since the woman you fancy is already betrothed, do you intend to cling stubbornly to one tree and never discuss marriage again?”
Xiao Chengyu’s gaze darkened abruptly, his voice gaining an obstinate edge: “What if your son insists it must be her?”
The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall instantly froze.
Fearful that further argument would lead to an irreparable situation, Shen Qingtang hurriedly looked at the Empress: “Aunt, don’t worry! Cousin has always been noble and principled, a man of integrity—he would never commit such a disgraceful act as seizing another’s betrothed!”
She then turned to Xiao Chengyu, forcing a lighthearted tone: “Tangtang thinks Cousin must be joking with us.”
The Empress also felt that given her son’s usual composure, he shouldn’t be capable of such foolishness.
Though slightly reassured, she still eyed Xiao Chengyu suspiciously: “Tell me truthfully—do you truly have someone you fancy, or have you fabricated this excuse because Mother’s pressing has made you anxious?”
Xiao Chengyu had originally intended to use this opportunity to declare his feelings for Shen Qingtang.
This would both make his intentions clear to her and prevent his mother from constantly troubling herself over his consort selection.
As for her engagement to Lu Rongyu—in his eyes, it had never counted for anything and he’d never taken it seriously.
But now, watching Shen Qingtang’s pale, tense face and her faintly trembling fingertips, the resolve in his heart suddenly softened.
He sighed inwardly: 【Forget it. I won’t push her too hard today, lest she avoid me again.】
Xiao Chengyu slowly adjusted his sleeves, his tone regaining its usual nonchalance as if his earlier stubbornness had been an illusion: “Seeing Mother fret daily over your son’s marriage matters, I had no choice but to invent a reason to amuse you.”
The Empress hadn’t expected to actually be fooled by her son. Both angry and helpless, she pointed at him: “You… you child! I’ve always considered you steady—how could you suddenly make such an irresponsible joke? If this were to spread, where would that leave the dignity of the heir apparent?”
Xiao Chengyu curled his lips into a casual smile: “We’re all family here, and no outsiders heard.”
Afraid the conversation would circle back to the Crown Princess selection, Shen Qingtang quickly found an excuse to change the subject: “By the way, Aunt, my cousin has been staying at the Marquis residence lately. I’ve been playing chess with her these past few days and feel my skills have improved quite a bit.”
“How about Tangtang plays a game with Aunt? Consider it a way to lift your spirits.”
The Empress was currently so upset with her son she felt stifled in her chest—how could she possibly be in the mood for chess?
She waved her hand, her tone tinged with weariness: “Your cousin has given your aunt such a headache. I won’t continue playing—I need to rest for a while.”
Xiao Chengyu respectfully suggested, “Since Mother is unwell, why not retire to your bedchamber for a short rest? I happen to have nothing to do and can keep Tangtang company with a game of chess, allowing her to practice as well.”
Shen Qingtang’s heart fluttered with panic. Just as she was about to find an excuse to refuse, the Empress rose, leaning on her maid’s hand.
The Empress smiled and patted her hand, saying, “Tangtang, why don’t you play a few rounds with your cousin to pass the time? Your aunt will go rest and chat with you later.”
Watching the Empress’s figure disappear behind the screen, Shen Qingtang’s heart instantly tightened.
She had no desire whatsoever to be alone with Xiao Chengyu, but before she could speak, the palace attendants had already brought over the chessboard and pieces, arranging them neatly on the table.
Xiao Chengyu sat down at the table, glancing at her with a faint smile curling his lips. “Didn’t Tangtang claim her chess skills had improved earlier? Why not come over and prove it?”
Shen Qingtang took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around her handkerchief as she tried to appear natural while seating herself opposite him.
She now understood clearly that even the Empress couldn’t control Xiao Chengyu, let alone herself daring to displease him—especially by tearing down that thin veil between them.
As long as they maintained the facade of being cousins, he wouldn’t go too far.
Yet, the turmoil in her heart tangled like a mess of threads; how could she possibly focus on placing her pieces?
Before long, she found herself losing ground repeatedly.
Xiao Chengyu watched her with an amused smile, tapping the chessboard lightly with his fingertip. “Tangtang, what’s on your mind? If you keep being this distracted, you’re going to lose to your cousin.”
Shen Qingtang’s long lashes fluttered. She tossed her chess piece into the box with deliberate petulance. “I’m done! Cousin, you know I’m no match for you, yet you deliberately make me lose—you’re just bullying me!”
Lately, Shen Qingtang had been intentionally keeping her distance from him. Now that she was finally acting coquettish in front of him again, Xiao Chengyu’s mood instantly brightened.
He raised his hand, gently pinching the tip of her nose with a tolerant tone. “Alright, it’s my fault. Let’s start a new game. This time, I’ll go easy on you, okay?”
Shen Qingtang quickly turned away to avoid his touch, puffing her cheeks. “Chess is only fun when both sides are evenly matched. Since I can’t beat you, I don’t want to play with you!”
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before a palace attendant announced that lunch was ready, rescuing her from her embarrassment.
The Empress, having rested briefly, looked much more refreshed. As soon as she sat down, she asked with a smile, “Between you cousins, who won the chess game earlier?”
Seizing the opportunity, Shen Qingtang immediately “tattled,” pouting. “Cousin only knows how to bully me! He crushed me completely. I’m never playing chess with him again!”
Xiao Chengyu shook his head with a laugh, his tone tinged with helplessness. “I only wanted to help Tangtang improve her skills. How is that bullying?”
The Empress shot her son a reproachful look. “You’re a grown man now. Shouldn’t you know better than to go all out against your cousin? Aren’t you ashamed?”
The lunch atmosphere remained relatively relaxed, with no further mention of the Crown Princess or any incidents that unsettled Shen Qingtang.
After the meal, Shen Qingtang intended to wait for Xiao Chengyu to leave first before bidding farewell to the Empress, but he remained seated, chatting with his mother without any sign of departing.
The Empress began to look drowsy again, clearly ready for her afternoon nap.
Shen Qingtang had no choice but to take the initiative and rise. “Aunt, it’s getting late. Tangtang will take her leave now.”
The Empress held her hand reluctantly, repeating her advice. “Come visit the palace more often to keep me company. Don’t always stay cooped up in the Marquis’ residence.”
Just as Shen Qingtang turned to leave, Xiao Chengyu stood up smoothly and said to the Empress, “Mother, I also have official matters to attend to at the Eastern Palace. I’ll escort Tangtang out of the palace on my way.”
The Empress nodded with a smile. “That works.”
Though filled with reluctance inwardly, Shen Qingtang maintained a calm facade and curtsied slightly. “Then I’ll trouble you, Cousin.”
Xiao Chengyu raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.
Lately, Tangtang had been subtly avoiding him. He hadn’t expected her to revert somewhat to her old self around him today.
In truth, as long as Shen Qingtang wasn’t so resistant, he wouldn’t mind giving her more time to think things through on her own and willingly come to his side.
The two walked shoulder to shoulder out of Kunning Palace, following the palace path toward the main gate.
Along the way, Shen Qingtang tried her best to act as naturally as she always had, occasionally exchanging a word or two with Xiao Chengyu.
But when they reached a bend in the palace path, Xiao Chengyu suddenly halted, his gaze heavy as he looked at her.