Shen Yanshui took in the subtle changes in the expressions of the servants below, smiled faintly, but didn’t dwell on it too much.
As merely a Zhaoxun of the Crown Prince, she couldn’t bring her lifelong personal maid into the palace even after entering.
Fortunately, before entering the palace, she had managed to secure in advance a portion of the dowry originally prepared for her from her Legal Mother.
Even without favor, with this considerable sum of money at her disposal, it should be enough for her to live comfortably without worries about food or drink.
After all, very few people in this world would turn their noses up at silver.
“Chunping, prepare the writing materials.”
“Yes.” Chunping swiftly and efficiently laid out a complete set of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, clearly familiar with the placement of items in the room.
Shen Yanshui then turned to Quanfu and asked with a smile, “Do you know how to write?”
Quanfu replied, “Answering my lady, I know a little, but my handwriting is crude and unrefined. I fear it might offend your eyes.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Yanshui felt largely reassured. After having him write a few characters for her to examine, she realized he had been modest—this was more than just basic literacy.
Upon further inquiry, she learned that Quanfu had become literate because he had recognized an old eunuch who had served in the Zhaowen Pavilion for over a decade as his godfather.
The reason he was now in Donggong was that his godfather had fallen ill some time ago. Feeling his condition worsening, the old eunuch had asked for Quanfu’s opinion and then used his connections to secure him a position in Donggong.
Shen Yanshui understood the situation.
She then instructed him to inventory and record all the items in the room and said to Chunping, “First, learn to read and write under Quanfu’s guidance. The two of you will manage the storeroom together. From now on, any items entering or leaving the storeroom must be checked and signed by both of you simultaneously.”
Although she estimated there wouldn’t be anything particularly valuable—after all, her most precious possessions at the moment were the two thousand taels in banknotes she had hidden on her person and some loose silver for daily expenses—certain rules still needed to be established from the start.
Both of them promptly acknowledged the instructions. After Quanfu withdrew, Chunping brought a cup of hot tea and asked respectfully, “My lady, shall I send someone to the kitchen to request a meal?”
In the Dayong Dynasty, noble households typically followed a three-meal system. However, the palace kitchens generally operated on a fixed schedule, meaning one couldn’t eat whenever they pleased.
Unless they were willing to spend extra silver.
Shen Yanshui pushed open the window behind her. Daylight streamed in, and the spring sunlight enveloped her, making her feel warm and pleasantly lazy all over.
She glanced at the sky outside and realized she was somewhat hungry. “Go and request a meal. Also, bring more meat dishes—something sour, spicy, and appetizing, not too bland. If it’s not included in the standard allotment, use silver to purchase it.”
After finishing the meal, she planned to stroll around the entire courtyard to aid digestion, which would be perfect before settling down to sleep.
Just as she was happily making these plans, she noticed Chunping looking at her with a hesitant expression.
“What is it?”
Chunping bowed slightly, her tone uncertain. “Answering my lady, today is the first day for newcomers entering Donggong. If you consume overly sour or spicy food and His Highness the Crown Prince visits, it might be considered improper in his presence…”
Not only must palace maids and eunuchs serving their masters maintain neat attire and avoid unpleasant odors to prevent offending their noble masters, but consorts and ladies of various palaces must also ensure they carry no strong or unpleasant scents when required to attend to others.
Shen Yanshui smiled, “No need to worry. It’s said His Highness the Crown Prince values propriety and rules above all. Your mistress here still has two others above her head—today won’t be my turn.”
Not to mention the relationship between her and her elder sister.
Recently, she had heard that the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle, the Cavalry General, had stirred up quite a few disputes with the civil officials at court. She reckoned the Crown Prince’s mood these days couldn’t be too good—it would be best if he didn’t come at all.
After hearing this, Chunping also found it reasonable and said no more. She went out to give instructions, but when speaking to Dongyi, she paused to think and added a few more reminders before finally handing her the silver, telling her to go with Quanshou to the Donggong kitchen to fetch the meal.
“Your Highness, it’s exactly the hour of Shen. Shall this servant have the evening meal served?”
Outside the study of Dunben Hall, Zheng Yuande’s cautious and eager inquiry sounded.
Beyond the closed door, the study was dimly lit, with windows and doors shut tight.
A man with an upright posture and refined, gentle features sat alone expressionlessly before a red sandalwood desk.
He wore a white jade crown and a dark robe embroidered with subtle silver patterns, a round-collared, wide-sleeved gown tied at the waist with a leather belt. Despite his scholarly and elegant appearance, an aura of noble dignity and sternness emanated from him, inspiring awe in those who beheld him.
“No need,” Cui Yu replied calmly, lowering his gaze to the book before him.
Outside the study, Zheng Yuande grew increasingly anxious, stomping his feet in worry. “Oh dear! How can this be, Your Highness? You’ve hardly eaten properly all day today. This servant begs you, please have at least a little. What if you ruin your health from hunger?
“If Her Majesty the Empress finds out, she’ll surely not spare this servant. Your Highness, please take pity on this servant and save me…”
Zhen Yuande’s tearful tone sounded particularly pitiful.
“Annoying,” Cui Yu frowned impatiently.
Zheng Yuande instantly raised his plump hand to cover his mouth, not daring to speak another word.
Yet inwardly, he couldn’t help but sigh heavily. He knew His Highness was in low spirits and had no appetite because the Emperor had reprimanded the Cavalry General.
But no matter the matter, His Highness must eat on time. How could things go on like this?
Just as he was fretting, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he almost eagerly looked at the person approaching. “Why has Miss Hongling come? Has Her Highness the Crown Princess sent you to invite His Highness to dine together?”
Hongling curtsied with proper etiquette and smiled, “Greetings, Eunuch Yuande. Her Highness has sent this maid to invite His Highness the Crown Prince to Xiefang Hall for the evening meal, as she has matters to discuss with His Highness.”
Upon hearing this, Zheng Yuande grinned from ear to ear and immediately went to report to His Highness in the study.
In Xiefang Hall, dishes were being served in an orderly manner. The Crown Princess asked, “Is the pre-rain Longjing tea that His Highness likes already brewed?”
“Your Highness, this maid prepared it early on.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the Crown Princess heard the distinctive commotion that accompanied His Highness the Crown Prince’s arrival outside the courtyard.
First came a series of light, quick footsteps, followed by steady, unhurried ones.
The Crown Princess watched as the tall, upright figure, resembling a green bamboo, with gentle and refined features, approached her. She pressed her lips into a smile and stepped forward to curtsy. “Your consort greets Your Highness.”
Cui Yu’s expression remained calm as he raised a hand slightly to assist her. “No need for formalities.” His voice was deep and even, betraying no emotion.
Seeing his impassive face, the Crown Princess couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
After naturally taking her seat beside him, Cui Yu turned his head toward her and asked, “What matter does the Crown Princess wish to discuss?”
Hearing his polite yet distant address, the Crown Princess’s smiling expression stiffened almost imperceptibly beneath the surface, though it lasted only a brief moment before she returned to her usual composure.
Over the past three years, she had come to understand clearly that although the Crown Prince possessed unparalleled elegance in appearance, his temperament was truly somewhat aloof and reticent.
It wasn’t directed solely at her—he was the same with the other women in the Donggong. Yet, deep down, she still harbored a trace of unwillingness.
He was the Crown Prince, the heir to the empire, but he was also her husband. Why couldn’t he be a little more gentle and considerate toward her?
Nevertheless, she maintained her dignified and gentle demeanor, smiling softly as she said, “There’s no hurry. I heard from the eunuch in charge of the kitchen that Your Highness hasn’t ordered any meals today, so I grew concerned about your health. Why not have something to eat first?”
Upon hearing this, Cui Yu nodded slightly.
Zheng Yuande, who had been waiting nearby, finally breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the Crown Prince pick up his chopsticks.
However, it wasn’t long before he noticed the Crown Prince had only taken a few bites, finishing just half a bowl of chicken congee before setting down his utensils.
Zheng Yuande thought to himself, “That’s not even enough for two mouthfuls compared to His Highness’s usual appetite.”
Seeing this, the Crown Princess quickly put down her own chopsticks. Cui Yu glanced at her and said, “I had some pastries earlier in the study, so I’m not hungry now. There’s no need to worry about me.”
The Crown Princess dabbed the corners of her mouth and replied with a smile, “Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. I am also quite full now.”
Cui Yu looked at her but said nothing more.
After both had rinsed their mouths, they took their seats on the daybed in the Dongnuange, separated by a rosewood tea table. The Crown Princess personally brewed a cup of tea, her slender fingers adorned with layers of vibrant red nail polish, striking and dazzling.
“This is the newly harvested Longjing tea sent by the Imperial Food Bureau this year. Would Your Highness like to try it?”
Cui Yu reached out to take the cup, taking a small sip. “Not bad.”
The Crown Princess smiled gently. “I’m glad Your Highness likes it.”
Just then, Qinghe came to report that the little prince had woken up and was clamoring to see the Crown Princess.
The Crown Princess turned to the Crown Prince with a smile and said, “Bring Zhang’er here quickly.”
Soon, Qinghe entered with the wet nurse, who carried the little prince in her arms.
After paying her respects, the wet nurse, not daring to raise her head, respectfully handed the child to the Crown Princess, who reached out to take him.
Holding the child, the Crown Princess laughed and chatted cheerfully, showing him to the Crown Prince.
This was Cui Yu’s only son and his legitimate eldest son, so he naturally valued him deeply. As he looked at the child before him, his expression softened unconsciously.
However, the child was barely over two years old by traditional reckoning and had been frail and sickly since birth. Even now, his thin and delicate frame was evident at a glance.
Seeing the child still drowsy from sleep, Cui Yu unconsciously furrowed his brow.
After watching for a moment, he inquired about the child’s recent health.
The Crown Princess handed the child back to the wet nurse and replied with loving eyes, “Your Highness need not worry. Under Physician Zhang’s care, Zhang’er’s health has visibly improved. He will surely grow up safe and healthy.”
The slight frown on Cui Yu’s brow eased slightly.
Noticing this, the Crown Princess smiled and shared some amusing anecdotes about the child recently. However, seeing that the Crown Prince merely listened without responding further, the smile on her lips faltered slightly, and she clenched the embroidered handkerchief hidden in her sleeve.
After a moment, she shifted to another topic. “The reason I specifically invited Your Highness here today is regarding the newly bestowed palace maidens by His Majesty.”
Cui Yu lifted his gaze to look at her.
The Crown Princess said, “All four younger sisters have been personally reviewed and approved by His Majesty. They have now been properly settled.”
“Among them, Lady Zhang has been placed in the main hall of Zhuxiangju, while Lady Wu is settled in the main hall of Haitangyuan.”
After speaking, the Crown Princess smiled and asked, “I wonder where Your Highness will stay tonight?”
Cui Yu set down the teacup in his hand, turned his gaze to her, and replied in an even tone, “Weren’t there four? What about the other two?”
Hearing this, the Crown Princess was slightly surprised. She looked at his expression and smiled gently, saying, “The other one, Shen Zhaoxun, comes from the Loyalty and Righteousness Earl’s household. She and Lady Liu have been placed in the east and west side halls of Lotus Heart Court.”
The Crown Prince suddenly asked, “What does the Crown Princess think… of Shen Zhaoxun?”
Hearing this somewhat abrupt question, the Crown Princess was momentarily stunned. Then, Shen Zhaoxun’s strikingly beautiful and unforgettable face involuntarily flashed through her mind.
She instinctively frowned. Had His Highness met Shen Zhaoxun? Otherwise, why would he suddenly bring her up?
After a brief pause, she smiled and replied, “Shen Zhaoxun comes from a noble military family. Her father and brothers are all military officers, and she is a concubine-born daughter. Her upbringing at home was inevitably somewhat lax. Although she has learned some palace etiquette, it has only been a short time, and her words and actions still show some shortcomings.”
“I was thinking of training her further before allowing her to serve Your Highness.”
Cui Yu’s brow imperceptibly tightened for a moment. His phoenix eyes glanced at her coldly. After a brief pause, he stood up calmly and said, “No need. It will be Shen Zhaoxun.”