Shen Qingtang now flinched like a startled bird at the mere mention of “Crown Prince,” her hand trembling so violently she nearly dropped the teacup.
Setting the cup down, she forced her voice to remain steady. “It hasn’t been decided yet.”
Madam Ding’s eyes lit up, and she quickly pulled Ding Ru Shan’s hand, gazing eagerly at Shen Qingtang. “Tangtang, your cousin is a year older than you, yet her marriage prospects remain unsettled. Your aunt is truly anxious.”
“Look at your cousin—her appearance and temperament are exceptional. If she could enter the Eastern Palace, she would surely have a bright future!”
Yang Shi chimed in eagerly, “Yes, Tangtang, you and Ru Shan have been close since childhood. If Ru Shan stays in the capital, you sisters could see each other often.”
Madam Ding echoed in agreement, “Tangtang, let me be frank. Although the Empress dotes on you, you… are not her biological niece.”
“But if the Crown Prince marries your cousin, you’ll become family, strengthening your bonds. Then, your cousin could protect you more!”
Shen Qingtang’s fingertips stiffened slightly. She never expected that Madam Ding’s purpose in visiting was to have her cousin marry into the Eastern Palace.
With Ding Ru Shan’s looks and talents, finding a suitable young man of comparable status in the capital would hardly be difficult.
Yet the position of Crown Princess was of utmost importance—requiring both beauty and intellect, as well as a family background worthy of the heir apparent.
Although the Ding family held the third-rank position of Provincial Governor, they fell far short of the threshold for “Crown Princess”…
Earlier in the palace, she had unexpectedly learned of the Crown Prince’s absurd intentions toward her, discovered that her personal maid had long been bribed by him, and found it difficult even to speak with her fiancé. Her heart was filled with anxiety.
Seeing her close cousin had briefly allowed her to forget the palace affairs.
But now, that sliver of joy was utterly washed away by Madam Ding’s sudden request, leaving only bewilderment and irritation.
Clutching her handkerchief, Shen Qingtang tried to keep her tone calm. “Mother, Aunt Ding, it’s not that Tangtang is unwilling to help. But the selection of the Crown Princess is a grave matter, traditionally subject to rigorous screening by Your Majesty and the Empress, with considerations of family background and character. I truly have no right to interfere in such an important affair.”
As soon as she finished, Yang Shi frowned. “Tangtang, you mustn’t say that. You are the Empress’s niece, and the Crown Prince has always doted on you. A few kind words from you would carry more weight than from anyone else.”
“Besides, Ru Shan is your cousin. If she can enter the Eastern Palace, wouldn’t she be your ally in the capital in the future?”
Madam Ding leaned closer, her tone growing more urgent. “Your aunt knows Ru Shan’s family background is somewhat lacking, and we dare not hope for the position of Crown Princess. But isn’t she qualified to be a Liangdi? She’s pretty and gentle by nature. Once she enters the Eastern Palace, she will surely know her place.”
“I won’t make it difficult for you. Just put in a good word for your cousin in front of the Crown Prince and arrange a meeting for them. Perhaps the Crown Prince will take a liking to Ru Shan? Regardless of the outcome, your aunt and your cousin Ru Shan will remember your kindness!”
Madam Ding’s blunt words made Ding Ru Shan blush slightly. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but having always been obedient to her mother, she ultimately lowered her head meekly.
Faced with Madam Ding’s earnest plea and the barely concealed eagerness in her eyes, Shen Qingtang instinctively averted her gaze.
A thought suddenly crossed her mind: Perhaps it was because the Crown Prince Cousin had no other women around him that he momentarily lost his senses and developed improper thoughts about her?
If he had a Crown Princess or if the Eastern Palace welcomed new ladies, would he then abandon those strange notions?
But then, Shen Qingtang recalled her cautious suggestion in the palace for the Crown Prince to select a consort, and his shocking inner thoughts at that time…
No… She couldn’t recklessly meddle in this matter!
Just as Shen Qingtang was hesitating, Madam Ding’s inner voice suddenly rang out, filled with impatient disdain: [A mere adopted daughter of a marquis’ household, and she really thinks she’s something? If it weren’t for her connection to the Empress, would I, the wife of a third-rank provincial governor, stoop so low to beg her?]
She scrutinized Shen Qingtang with a suspicious gaze. [This girl keeps making excuses. Could it be that she wants to seduce the Crown Prince herself? But she’s already engaged! How shameless!]
Even Yang Shi was displeased: [After all the kindness I’ve shown Shen Qingtang all these years, and now when I ask her for a small favor, she keeps refusing, making me lose face in front of my relatives! Truly an ungrateful wretch!]
These two inner voices felt like two buckets of ice water, drenching Shen Qingtang from head to toe.
She never expected that Yang Shi and Madam Ding, who had always been so kind to her, actually thought this way in their hearts!