“An exceptional man, is he?” Ruan Mianmian’s eyes narrowed. “If I remember correctly, the Empress doesn’t have any sons—only two princesses. So her ‘care’ for Concubine Li and Prince Xiang… hmm, the Emperor still hasn’t appointed a crown prince, right?”
“That’s right,” Fangcao said with a smile. “So you really don’t have to worry, miss. Just as you said—once you marry him, your life will be full of wealth and honor.”
Now it all made sense.
Ruan Mianmian finally connected every thread of the puzzle.
The Empress, having no sons of her own, naturally wanted to help Prince Xiang ascend the throne so she could secure power for herself and her family. If the Duke’s household could produce yet another empress, their prosperity would last for decades—an outcome that served everyone’s greatest interests.
No wonder. No wonder Madam Chang, the old matriarch, and the other branches had all been so friendly and deferential. And no wonder the two legitimate young ladies—still unmarried—looked at her with concealed hostility.
If the Empress’s so-called “dream” was real, then it all added up. Otherwise, who would offer such a “fortunate match” to a concubine’s daughter who had been cast out years ago, unless they were forced into it?
At least it wasn’t the worst-case scenario. There was still room to maneuver, to plan.
Ruan Mianmian let out a long breath. For now, she only needed to play the role of the gentle, fragile country-born daughter—obedient, graceful, harmless. She would endure the “hellish” training from the palace tutors, then enter the palace to meet the Empress. Her first goal: get a good look at Prince Xiang and assess him. This man would determine whether she could eventually escape this political marriage intact.
As for the Duke’s mansion?Ha! Hypocrites. They threw her family out to fend for themselves for over ten years, and now that she was useful, they came smiling like saints, acting as if they’d always loved her. They wanted her to secure their future glory—how convenient. She wouldn’t say a word, but in her heart, she spat on their shamelessness.
Still, now that the biggest mystery was settled, Ruan Mianmian finally slept soundly that night for the first time in days.
“Tomorrow, we enter the palace. Gugu, tell me—how is Mianmian doing? Even if Her Majesty favors her, Prince Xiang is still the one who must approve. If the girl embarrasses herself, it won’t be a marriage alliance—it’ll be an insult,” said Madam Chang the next morning, gently stirring her tea.
Across from her, Wan Gugu’s usually composed face carried a faint smile.“Madam needn’t worry. No wonder Her Majesty dreamed of this child—though she lived in the countryside for years, she hasn’t picked up any coarse habits. She carries herself with the calm grace of a true noble daughter. We were worried there wouldn’t be enough time to polish her, but she has a natural bearing and remarkable perseverance. Never once did she complain. By yesterday, her posture and manners already surpassed many young ladies of noble birth. Her temper is mild and steady, without arrogance. Madam, allow me to congratulate you in advance—your household is about to produce another exalted lady.”
Madam Chang’s expression softened slightly, though her tone remained reserved. “She’s still just a child. You flatter her too much. Prince Xiang has seen every kind of woman—what if she falters and fails to please him? But hearing your praise, I feel reassured.”
Wan Gugu nodded. “Rest easy, Madam. I guarantee even the most critical eye will find no major fault. And as long as she avoids any grave misstep, her position as princess will be as solid as stone.”
“I wouldn’t dare be that confident,” Madam Chang replied coolly. “Still, thank you, Gugu. It’s the last day—please don’t let up. A little extra effort can never hurt.”
Wan Gugu agreed and soon departed.
Her head maid, Yinxing, smiled. “Allow me to congratulate Madam early. The Fourth Young Lady truly is remarkable. I’ve heard that most girls break down crying when trained by palace tutors, yet she endured it silently. She must have great inner strength.”
Because Madam Chang valued Ruan Mianmian, Yinxing dared to speak freely.But her mistress merely took a sip of tea and said faintly, “Not necessarily strength. A country girl like her—suddenly brought back to live in wealth—wouldn’t dare slack off. Still, that suits me fine. She’s quiet, obedient, and unambitious. Easier to control that way. Once she becomes a princess, I won’t have to worry about her forgetting who she owes everything to.”
Yinxing chuckled. “Impossible. You’ve treated her like a true daughter. How could she ever forget your kindness? Besides, even if she does become a princess—or even one day an empress—she’ll still need her family’s support. The imperial harem is no peaceful place. And she’s not exactly a peerless beauty who can win the Emperor’s undivided favor.”
Madam Chang gave her maid a pleased glance. “Well said. No wonder I keep you by my side.”
She stood and gazed out the window at the courtyard—its autumn leaves dry and rustling. After a long silence, she spoke softly, “Let’s hope she has that same understanding. The past is the past. Whatever happened back then, thunder and rain are both blessings from one sky. Who told her brother to be born under such an ill-fated star?”
A cold glint flashed in her eyes. Ruan Mianmian must be supported—but as for Yun Niang and that so-called “cursed star” of a son, they would have to be dealt with. Only by removing them could Mianmian be fully bound to rely on her and the Duke’s power alone.
The next day, the carriage rattled through the palace gates.
Ruan Mianmian sat perfectly still, her face composed and serene. Wan Gugu watched her, quietly impressed by her calmness.
Little did she know that inside, Ruan Mianmian’s thoughts were a boiling pot of chaos.Finally! After days of torture disguised as “training,” I’m actually going into the palace. Prince Xiang, you’d better be easy on the eyes. Give my battered soul a little comfort. The least you can do is make it easier for me to maintain this “noble maiden” act until the wedding—for both our sakes!
The carriage stopped.“Please, Madam and Miss Ruan, step down,” came a sharp eunuch’s voice.
Following Madam Chang, Ruan Mianmian alighted and saw two sedan chairs waiting ahead. They each took one, traveling another half-hour before someone outside announced, “We’ve arrived at Kunning Palace.”
Well, damn. The palace really is enormous.No wonder in dramas, when an imperial consort fell out of favor, she was banished to some far corner of the compound. If the emperor wanted to visit her, he’d have to commute for an hour! With all his government work, who’d make that trip just for a disgraced beauty? She wouldn’t, if she were him.
Thinking idly, Ruan Mianmian stepped down from the sedan chair and looked up at the plaque that read Kunning Palace. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and climbed the steps with quiet grace.
“So that’s the Ruan family’s young lady?”
Not far from Kunning Palace, in a pavilion overlooking the imperial garden, stood a man and a woman.
The woman’s beauty was breathtaking—though faint lines showed at the corners of her eyes, her skin was still fair and well-maintained, exuding elegance and authority.
(End of Chapter)