After having lunch at the Chancellor’s residence, Xiao Yuzhen did not dare waste a single moment. She hurried back to the Grand Princess’s manor without stopping.
The Grand Princess of Wuyang, Pei Shen’ai, was playing chess in the courtyard with her consort, Xiao Huan, enjoying the shade. Seeing her daughter rush back in such a flurry, Pei Shen’ai quickly stopped her.
“Minmin, where are you off to? Careful, your hairpin is about to fall off.” Pei Shen’ai held a black chess piece and shook her head at her daughter.
“Mother.” Xiao Yuzhen walked a few steps toward Pei Shen’ai. “Where is Second Brother?”
“Your second brother is in his own residence. How would you find him by running home?” Pei Shen’ai sighed.
“Why are you in such a hurry to find your second brother? Sit down, have some water, and calm yourself. Look at you, drenched in sweat,” Xiao Huan teased, motioning for a maid to bring tea.
Xiao Yuzhen took the cup and drank several large gulps.
Pei Shen’ai asked again, “Did you see the young lady from the Xue family today?”
“I did.”
“How does she look?”
“Extremely beautiful—like a celestial fairy.”
Pei Shen’ai frowned slightly and smiled. “Oh? Then compared to your Sister Jin’an, who is more beautiful?”
Princess Jin’an, Pei Shang’er, known as the greatest beauty under heaven, the Emperor and Empress’s most beloved only daughter—noble beyond compare, peerlessly lovely.
“Sister Jin’an…”
Xiao Yuzhen recalled Pei Shang’er’s appearance.
Emperor Gaozong had refined features, Empress Wan was bewitchingly beautiful, and Emperor Xuan had inherited excellent looks. As for Empress Hui, though born the daughter of a butcher, she had captured Emperor Xuan’s heart at first sight when he was still a prince and was taken as his principal consort—her beauty had once toppled cities and nations. Their daughter, Pei Shang’er, was even more outstanding.
No amount of brocade, jewels, or finery could overshadow her beauty. When she smiled or frowned, her eyes shimmered with allure; even when she knitted her brows and pressed her crimson lips together, she was breathtaking—truly deserving of the title “the most beautiful woman under heaven.”
But that was before the appearance of the Chancellor’s daughter, Xue Yingyue.
After some thought, Xiao Yuzhen answered, “The young lady of the Xue family is not inferior to Sister Jin’an at all.”
At that, Pei Shen’ai grew interested.
Since ancient times, beautiful women had always brought trouble—especially within the imperial family.
Pei Shen’ai’s mother had been a beauty and became the first empress regnant in history. Her fourth sister-in-law had been a beauty, and her fourth brother, an emperor, had been willing to die for her. Her third sister-in-law and niece were also beauties, now firmly holding her third brother and the imperial power in their grasp. She herself was a beauty as well—and she wished to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become emperor.
Who knew what kind of upheaval this beautiful future Crown Princess would stir within the royal family?
Eager to find Xiao Chongheng, Xiao Yuzhen said no more and prepared to go to the Duke of Yan’s residence.
Just as she reached the gate, she saw her eldest brother, Yang Chongzheng, seated in a wheelchair and being pushed back by a servant.
Although they were half-siblings by different fathers, she could not fail to greet him upon seeing him. Xiao Yuzhen stepped forward. “Greetings, Elder Brother. Why didn’t you rest at home this afternoon?”
“After you went to the Chancellor’s residence for the banquet, I went to Chongheng’s residence to discuss official matters. I just returned. Where are you rushing off to?” Yang Chongzheng was affectionate toward this younger sister.
“I’m also going to find Second Brother,” Xiao Yuzhen said, noticing a scratch on his neck. “Elder Brother, your neck is scratched—it’s bleeding.”
As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief and wiped it for him.
Only then did Yang Chongzheng feel the sting on his neck. He explained, “Oh, Chongheng keeps a cat at his residence. It scratched me.”
“That cat is usually very well-behaved,” Xiao Yuzhen muttered softly, speaking up for the cat.
Of course, it was not a cat scratch. Yang Chongzheng smiled and changed the subject. “Go early and come back early. Don’t keep Mother waiting anxiously.”
“I know.” Xiao Yuzhen nodded vigorously and turned to leave.
When she arrived at the Duke of Yan’s residence, she happened to meet Banhe, one of Xiao Chongheng’s trusted aides. Banhe asked her to wait while he went to summon Xiao Chongheng.
“County Princess, please try to persuade His Grace. The Duchess quarreled with him again this morning. Neither would yield. Prince Gao’an came an hour ago and spent quite some time advising the Duchess before she finally calmed down. Please ask His Grace to spend more time with the Duchess and stop thinking about women outside.”
Women outside…
Xiao Yuzhen fell into thought.
Xiao Chongheng’s study housed many mechanisms and keys. He never allowed outsiders inside. The last time Xiao Yuzhen had seen the portrait was because Xiao Chongheng had been drunk and asleep, forgetting to put it away.
Ever since marrying Pei Chanlian, Xiao Chongheng had moved into the study, claiming it was for convenience in handling official matters. In truth, anyone with eyes could see he was avoiding contact with Pei Chanlian.
“Second Brother.”
When Xiao Yuzhen entered the study, a cat ran toward her. She picked it up and stroked it.
Soon after, Xiao Chongheng emerged from the inner room, looking as though he had just woken up. On the desk lay unfinished calligraphy, seemingly the words “Holding to Abundance.”
“Was the flower banquet at the Chancellor’s residence enjoyable?” Xiao Chongheng asked casually as he walked to the desk, intending to put away the writing.
Holding the cat, Xiao Yuzhen said seriously, “Second Brother, I want to tell you something. Don’t be angry.”
Xiao Chongheng chuckled. “When have I ever been angry with you?”
“Then I’ll say it.” Xiao Yuzhen rolled her eyes. “Do you remember that portrait you were holding the last time you were drunk…”
Before she could finish, Xiao Chongheng cut her off. His expression darkened instantly. “Yongtai, didn’t I tell you to forget about that?”
Seeing him call her by her title, Xiao Yuzhen shrank back, her voice turning small. “I mean… I saw her.”
“What did you say?!”
She was still alive? She hadn’t died?
Xiao Chongheng immediately forgot about putting away the calligraphy. He strode up to Xiao Yuzhen, disbelief filling his eyes. “You saw her? Where did you see her?”
“At the Chancellor’s residence… that Miss Xue, Xue Run—she looks exactly like the woman in your painting.”
“Xue Run?” Xiao Chongheng was puzzled.
Xue Run was the future empress known to all at court, noble beyond measure. How could she possibly be connected to a woman like Ling Zhenli?
Perhaps she merely resembled her.
“The Xue family’s young lady is so beautiful she looks like a celestial being descended to earth—no less than Sister Jin’an.”
“Oh… is that so?” Xiao Chongheng forced himself to calm down.
Ling Zhenli truly was as beautiful as a celestial fairy. Had her father, Magistrate Ling, not hidden her away so strictly, suitors would surely have worn down their threshold long ago. Countless nobles would have sought to protect her family. She would never have fallen into his hands—someone else would have taken her first.
Seeing that Xiao Chongheng looked deeply unsettled, Xiao Yuzhen quickly set the cat down. “Maybe I was mistaken… Second Brother, you should rest. Lu Xin invited me to Huai Ming Temple.”
“Do not mention this matter to anyone,” Xiao Chongheng said calmly.
After Xiao Yuzhen left, Xiao Chongheng returned to the desk, utterly exhausted in body and mind. He collapsed into the chair. The cat circled him and jumped onto his lap. Xiao Chongheng smiled wearily at it, then looked at the words on the desk.
Holding to Abundance.
This was the name he had chosen for that unborn child, from the very first moment he learned of its existence.
Had he known that after cutting ties with Ling Zhenli he would be so restless day after day, he would not have forced himself to act so ruthlessly. But back then, if he had brought Ling Zhenli into the residence, she would have learned his true identity—and with the blood-deep hatred between them…
Between him and her, there was no perfect solution in the end.
When Pei Xuanlin stepped into the Chancellor’s residence, everyone in the courtyard lowered their heads and held their breath, not daring to look directly at him, only kneeling to salute.
He was not wearing bright yellow dragon robes today, only a dark brocade gown, yet it was still luxurious. A coiling-dragon pattern was embroidered at the collar, and a belt hung at his waist. His steps were steady, like night wind skimming over deep water—calm yet imposing.
Xue Wenmian personally came forward to greet him at the steps, bowing deeply. “Your Highness’s presence brings great honor to this humble residence.”
Pei Xuanlin inclined his head slightly, his voice cool. “The Chancellor’s invitation was generous. I naturally had to come. There is no need for such formality—after all, the Chancellor is my future father-in-law.”
His tone was unhurried, yet an unspoken pressure lay beneath each word, as though they pressed directly upon the heart.
Pei Xuanlin had not wanted to attend such a tedious banquet, but the Chancellor had pressed him repeatedly, and the Emperor wished for him to establish a family and quickly marry the Chancellor’s daughter. Thus, he had made this visit.
He had never liked the legitimate daughter of the Chancellor, Xue Yingyue. The mere mention of her irritated him.
This woman had been a candidate for Crown Princess for who knew how many years. During all the turmoil within the imperial family, with Crown Princes and imperial heirs changing again and again, the Xue family had never once declined a marriage. Their skin was truly thick—allowing their daughter’s “husband” to be replaced time and again, all while clinging tightly to imperial marriage ties. Clearly, the Xue family was desperate to climb the dragon ladder, determined to produce an empress at any cost.
It was no wonder the Xue family was so obsessed. Back when Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, his first empress had been a Xue. Yet he had loved Consort Yang exclusively, so he deposed Empress Xue and established Empress Yang Wan instead.
Empress Xue was deposed without cause and later died in despair. Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wan felt indebted to the Xue family, so they promised that the Chancellor’s daughter would marry a suitable imperial grandson and become Crown Princess, and eventually empress.
The more Pei Xuanlin thought about it, the more irritated he became. Tonight he would finally see Xue Yingyue. He wondered whether she could truly bear the honor of being Crown Princess.
As he walked further inside, his expectations dropped lower and lower. He began thinking that Xue Yingyue at least needed to be virtuous and not clingy. Stepping inside, he let out a sigh.
Then he thought: the marriage alliance was not her fault. As long as she was not so malicious as to plot harm against her own husband, he would live properly with her.
At one side of the main hall hung an exquisite curtain.
Behind it, Ling Zhenli knelt on a soft cushion, idly teasing the tassels of her round fan with her fingertips.
Through the gaps in the beaded curtain, she could clearly see everyone at the banquet.
Crown Prince Pei Xuanlin sat in the seat of honor. Dressed in black, he looked even more cold and stern. When he lifted his cup to drink, his fingers were long and jade-like; his throat bobbed slightly, his bearing elegant yet distant.
His gaze occasionally swept over the beaded curtain, yet never lingered on her.
After the banquet officially began, Cui Yueyong stepped forward with a smile and bowed. “Your Highness, my daughter has long lived in seclusion. This is her first time meeting guests. If there are any breaches of etiquette, I ask for your understanding.”
Pei Xuanlin raised his eyes and glanced indifferently at the beaded curtain, replying with only, “No matter.”
Just two words—nothing more.
Ling Zhenli matched him in silence.
It was improper by etiquette, yet Pei Xuanlin did not pursue the matter.
As the banquet progressed, noble ladies recited poetry or performed arts. Pei Xuanlin remained expressionless, only nodding slightly when necessary to acknowledge courtesy.
His gaze passed over the beaded curtain several times.
Behind it, the woman held her fan half-covering her face. Only her eyes were visible—cool as frost. Occasionally, they met his gaze, neither retreating nor avoiding it.
She was appraising him.
Though the beaded curtain obscured details, that gaze was not tender or admiring, but assessing. A flicker of coldness passed through Pei Xuanlin’s eyes, yet faint interest arose as well.
Since they were to be married, a wife need not fear her husband—but this Miss Xue was far too bold. He was the Crown Prince, yet she dared to stare at him so directly.
Finally, sensing that his gaze had changed, Ling Zhenli took a deep breath and raised her round fan slightly, adopting a different expression. Only a pair of shimmering, watery eyes were revealed as she greeted him softly, “This subject’s daughter, Xue Yingyue, pays her respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Her voice was gentle and lilting, like the first call of an oriole.
Pei Xuanlin’s expression did not change. He merely nodded slightly. “Mm.”
Just an “Mm”?
Not even a polite remark?
Ling Zhenli’s heart sank. Maintaining her gentle demeanor, she continued, “Your Highness’s visit tonight is a great honor to our residence.”
Pei Xuanlin did not even raise his eyelids. “The Chancellor’s hospitality was difficult to refuse. I had no choice but to come.”
His tone was distant, his words discourteous.
It sounded as though someone had held a blade to his neck and forced him to attend.
Ling Zhenli snorted inwardly. He had been looking her way the whole time just now—what was he pretending for? Was he not here precisely to see her? Yet he spoke as though he were merely fulfilling an obligation, not coming for her.
A competitive urge surged up at once.
Ling Zhenli subtly cast a glance. A maid immediately presented a roll of plain silk and said respectfully, “Your Highness, upon hearing that you would visit the residence, my lady specially painted a piece for you at the flower banquet. We ask that you graciously appraise it.”
Pei Xuanlin nodded for the maid to present the painting. He took it, unrolled the scroll, and saw a cluster of peonies. On closer inspection, they looked less like peonies and more like peony roses.
Though he was reluctant to marry a woman who could marry anyone so long as she became Crown Princess, she was now to marry him.
So Pei Xuanlin gave her face and said calmly, “Your painting skills are acceptable. I accept Lady Xue’s intention, and I like it very much.”
After all, it was his turn to be Crown Prince.
Behind the fan, the corner of Ling Zhenli’s lips curved slightly. She had finally succeeded.
Through the hanging curtain, Pei Xuanlin caught sight of the smile in her eyes, and for an instant, his own heart lifted with hers.
He had heard she had been strictly controlled since childhood. Seeing how dignified and proper she was at the flower banquet, he had thought she would be a rigid, rule-bound woman. He had not expected her to reveal such girlish charm.
Was it simply because he had praised her?
She was rather easy to please.