Both sides were very satisfied. When the other consorts arrived, the atmosphere grew even more lively. By noon, the Emperor himself came as well. After accompanying the Empress for her birthday banquet, he did not leave; instead, he said that he had been weary from recent affairs and would rest in Kunning Palace for the day.
This was an unmistakable sign of favor and respect. Anyone in the harem with even a bit of sense would understand—Her Majesty’s position was unshakable. Others should abandon their delusions.
No wonder… no wonder Consort Li was so loyal to the Empress. Even someone as outstanding as Prince Xiang obeyed the Empress’s arrangements and agreed to marry her, a mere concubine-born daughter of a duke’s family. That was the pure taste of power.
Outside the carriage, the prosperous streets of the capital bustled. Ruan Mianmian, lost in thought, suddenly lifted the curtain with interest to look out.
On both sides of the street were all kinds of people—street performers, storytellers, hawkers, restaurants, and wine houses—such a vivid picture of peace and prosperity.
So this marriage was set, then. Once I become a princess consort, I’ll enjoy a few years of wealth and leisure, build up some savings, and when Lin Zhuo ascends the throne, I’ll quietly retire. I’ll live among the common folk with Mother and my younger brother—or return to the countryside to farm. Living out a comfortable life would be enough to make my crossing to this world worthwhile.
“It’s all my fault for being useless,” Yunniang wept bitterly, holding her daughter in the dim candlelight. “I’ve dragged you into this whirlpool. What will you do now? Once you become a princess consort, how could you ever withdraw? I’m just a woman, but even I know how cruel and dangerous palace struggles can be…”
It was deep in the night. No matter how Ruan Mianmian tried to comfort her, her mother could not calm down.
“There’s no time, Mother,” Ruan Mianmian interrupted firmly. “Listen carefully, and remember what I say. After I’m married, you and my brother must keep a low profile—live quietly, draw no attention. It’s best if the people in the mansion forget your existence entirely. Endure for a while. When someone from Prince Xiang’s residence comes to fetch you, follow them. Once you arrive, tell Jian’er to bring Uncle Jiang there. From then on, settle down—farm or run a small business, live quietly and peacefully. Three to five years, maybe seven or eight, at most ten or twenty—I promise, one day, I will come find you. Do you understand?”
“Mianmian, what are you trying to do?” Yunniang’s frightened shake of the head showed she didn’t understand at all.
Ruan Mianmian buried her head in the pillow. For days she had endured hellish “training,” while the Duke’s household had intentionally kept her and her mother apart. To maintain her image as a fragile, pitiful “white lotus,” she could only endure it in silence.
Finally, on the night before her wedding, Madam Chang had reluctantly allowed Yunniang to see her daughter one last time.
“Never mind if you don’t understand,” Ruan Mianmian said softly, clutching her mother’s hand. “Just remember my words and follow them exactly. I’ll tell you only this—the Duke’s family will not get what they want. Their retribution will come later. As for me, I’ll regain my freedom one day. Or, if things go smoothly, I might come to you much sooner.”
She gripped her mother’s hand tighter. “Mother, there will be steamed buns, there will be a house, there will be land. Sons, daughters—no one will leave you. The road ahead may be hard, but the future will be bright. You must take care of yourself and live on—strongly, bravely.”
By the end, tears slipped down her cheeks. Yunniang was already weeping uncontrollably, hugging her daughter and repeating, “Alright, my child must live well. No matter how hard it is, your mother and Jian’er will wait for you.”
“Miss, Madam, the maids for the bridal makeup have arrived. It’s time for the young lady to get ready,” Fangcao called softly from outside.
Ruan Mianmian quickly wiped her tears, then used her handkerchief to dry her mother’s face as well. “Enough, Mother. Go back now, or you’ll only be sadder watching me leave.”
“No, I won’t go. I’ll stay and see you. They say ‘entering a noble house is like plunging into the sea’—and this is a prince’s residence!” Yunniang shook her head desperately.
Seeing this wouldn’t work, Ruan Mianmian swiftly changed tactics. “Mother, if you stay, how can I even get married? I mean, how can I leave the mansion? If I suddenly regret it at the last moment, then all our efforts would be wasted—and none of us would have a way to live.”
The effect was immediate. Yunniang stood up and went to the door. She looked back at her daughter, who was gazing back at her, gently waving her hand. Unable to hold back any longer, Yunniang turned back and hugged her again, sobbing, “My poor child!”
Ruan Mianmian: …
“Mother, I’m going to be a princess consort. How could I be poor or pitiful? Prince Xiang is very handsome, and he’s a royal prince—elegant and refined. Besides, don’t you know your own daughter? I’m no helpless flower. You just take care of yourself; there’s no need to worry about me.”
“Madam, please, it’s time to leave. The young lady must get dressed, or she’ll miss the auspicious hour,” called the matron of honor from outside.
Finally, Ruan Mianmian sent her mother out. Turning back, she wiped away her tears, sat before the dressing table, and gazed quietly at the elegant, composed young woman in the mirror. Then she clenched her fist and silently encouraged herself: Ruan Mianmian, you can do this!
“Your Highness, please drink this sobering soup. You should go to the Princess Consort’s chambers soon—it’s your wedding night.”
Lin Zhuo opened his eyes to see a beautiful maid before him, holding a delicate jade bowl, gazing at him with affection.
“Hongxiu,” Lin Zhuo said softly, taking the bowl and drinking it slowly. After a moment’s pause, he asked calmly, “Where is the secondary consort resting?”
“Huh? The secondary consort?” Hongxiu was startled. “She’s in Qinghui Pavilion. But, Your Highness, although the secondary consort was chosen by His Majesty, tonight is your wedding night—the Princess Consort…”
“No need to say more. I have my own plans.” Lin Zhuo rose and glanced at her. “You’ve been busy all day. Go rest.”
“Your Highness, I’m not tired. I’ll accompany you.”
Tears welled in Hongxiu’s eyes, her voice tinged with grievance. She set down the bowl and stepped forward to help arrange his robes, but he waved her off.
“No need. Let Chunfen follow me.”
“Your Highness…” Hongxiu bit her lip. “Does this mean… you don’t want me anymore?”
Lin Zhuo paused, then said coldly, “Think carefully—is that something you should be asking? Don’t let it happen again.”
With a sweep of his sleeve, he left. Hongxiu stood frozen, face pale, clutching her chest in fear and sorrow.
When Lin Zhuo arrived at Qinghui Pavilion, the moon hung bright and full above. He looked up, then turned his gaze toward Anlexuan—the quarters meant for the Princess Consort. It had long stood empty but finally had a mistress tonight. That delicate, beautiful girl was surely waiting under the candlelight, heart full of sweet anticipation. Unfortunately, she was destined for disappointment.
The Princess Consort was the Empress’s gift; the secondary consort, his father’s choice. Tonight, he must make his decision—and his choice was Qinghui Pavilion.
If he wanted to please both sides, there were ways—but…
Lin Zhuo smiled faintly and shook his head. Forget it. That daughter of the Ruan family would never imagine this. He could help her once, but not twice or thrice. In the end, she was just a figurehead. As long as she behaved, he wouldn’t treat her harshly.
With that thought, Lin Zhuo stepped into Qinghui Pavilion without hesitation.
(End of Chapter)