Early the next morning, as dawn’s first light crept in, Shen Yanshui was roused from her slumber in a daze.
Her eyes still heavy with sleep, she burrowed deeper into the bedding, managing to crack open a sliver of an eyelid. A faint, blurry glow seeped through the bed curtains, and she asked in a hoarse, groggy voice, “What time is it?”
Chunping replied with a cheerful smile, “It’s now the third quarter of the mao hour, Mistress. It’s time to pay respects to Her Highness the Crown Princess.”
At this, Shen Yanshui felt a bit more alert, though her body still felt sluggish. Recalling that the Crown Prince had risen at the third quarter of the yin hour—around four in the morning—she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of admiration.
Waking up so early every day to attend court and listen to political discussions… Hmm?
Wait.
Suddenly, she jolted upright with a start!
This familiar sensation within her body… Could it be… her Supernatural Ability?!
She immediately dismissed everyone with a glance, then almost eagerly began examining the energy that seemed to have abruptly surged within her.
It was real—not a figment of her imagination.
Opening her eyes again, she reached out and plucked a half-blooming peach blossom branch from the white porcelain vase on the bedside incense table, channeling her Supernatural Ability.
In mere moments, the once tightly budded peach blossom branch burst into full bloom.
Shen Yanshui’s heart swelled with joy!
But how could this be? Why had her Supernatural Ability lain dormant for over a decade, only to suddenly awaken today?
The most significant difference from before was… she had slept with the Crown Prince?
“Mistress, it’s almost time. We can’t delay any longer,” Chunping gently reminded her from outside the room.
Shen Yanshui tucked the peach blossom back into the vase and called for her attendants to enter.
Regardless of the reason, being able to use her Supernatural Ability again was a tremendous boon.
Xia’an entered the inner chamber with light steps, bowing as she held a copper basin of warm water high above her head, waiting for her mistress to rise and wash.
After freshening up, Shen Yanshui glanced at the vibrant pomegranate-red and begonia-colored garments laid out beside her and said, “I’ll wear the hibiscus-colored one. Style my hair into a small round bun and adorn it with the Moon Pearl Crown.”
Xia’an, standing nearby, hesitated for a moment before whispering, “Mistress, isn’t the hibiscus-colored gown a bit too plain?”
Qiuhe softly acknowledged the instruction and began meticulously arranging her mistress’s hair and makeup.
Shen Yanshui smiled at the question. “Plain is just right. Do as I’ve said.”
Xia’an replied, “Yes.”
When it came to attire and appearance, her preference was for moderation—neither too plain nor too subdued, lest others perceive her as timid and easy to bully, nor too ostentatious, which might draw unwanted attention. The ideal was to attract as little trouble as possible.
In Dayong, married women traditionally styled all their hair into various updos, with the round bun being one of the more common styles.
Commoners adorned their buns with hair ribbons and hairpins, while noblewomen in recent years had taken to wearing various floral crowns, with the Moon Pearl Crown being a popular choice.
The April morning was still shrouded in a grayish haze, carrying a slight chill. Before stepping out, Shen Yanshui draped a cloak over her shoulders. As soon as she left her quarters, she spotted Lady Liu already standing in the courtyard, dressed rather thinly, her slender figure appearing all the more delicate.
“Greetings, Elder Sister Shen,” Lady Liu said, her lips trembling slightly from the cold. Seeing Shen Yanshui’s radiant complexion, flushed with health, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.
Shen Yanshui felt a chill just looking at her. Although her supernatural ability would likely make her impervious to heat and cold in the future, the habits formed over many years were not easily changed.
“No need for formalities, Lady Liu. You should wear more to avoid catching a chill.”
Lady Liu tugged at the corner of her mouth and smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Sister Shen. I am not cold.”
Seeing this, Shen Yanshui said no more. Accompanied by Chunping, and with Lady Liu also bringing a palace maid, the four of them left Lotus Heart Court together. As they looked up, they saw a group of four people approaching from the opposite side of the corridor. The two parties happened to meet in front of Yuehua Gate.
Shen Yanshui was the first to bow, smiling as she said, “Greetings, Lady Zhang.” Lady Liu beside her and Lady Zhao beside Lady Zhang also curtsied in turn.
Lady Zhang was dressed today in a moon-white cross-collared upper garment, with a plum-patterned fragrant-pink pleated skirt underneath, and a sky-blue long-sleeved robe with a straight collar worn over it. Her hair was styled in a single spiral bun, adorned with a white jade plum blossom hairpin, which perfectly matched her elegant demeanor.
However, her makeup appeared somewhat heavy, her complexion looking a bit too pale.
“Please rise, Shen Zhaoxun.” Lady Zhang smiled as she looked at Shen Yanshui’s strikingly beautiful face, but her expression carried a faint hint of bitterness.
She was clearly the highest-ranking newcomer in Donggong, yet last night, the Crown Prince had not visited her quarters. This left her feeling deeply pained and humiliated.
Now, she could only console herself with the thought that it was better for it to be Shen Zhaoxun than that Lady Wu.
At least this Shen Zhaoxun did not seem like the type to be overly competitive or harsh. If Lady Wu had received favor last night, she would likely have flaunted and mocked her today.
After exchanging greetings, they fell silent, as they were not familiar with one another.
Shen Yanshui glanced at Lady Zhao standing behind Lady Zhang. She had not met her before, which meant she was one of the original senior members of Donggong.
Passing through Yuehua Gate and rounding a long covered corridor, the main hall of Xiefang Hall came into view. Just as they were about to remove their cloaks, their footsteps halted simultaneously.
Before the steps of the main hall stood a strange tree they had never seen before.
Its branches were laden with silver blossoms, pure and white as snow, piled like clouds and jade, drooping low. As a gentle breeze passed, delicate petals fluttered and drifted, resembling the flurry of willow catkins in late spring or the swirling snow of winter.
“What… what kind of flower is this? I’ve never seen it before,” Lady Liu couldn’t help but exclaim softly.
Lady Zhang also widened her eyes slightly. “This tree covered in white is like fallen snow—truly a wondrous sight.”
Shen Yanshui gazed at the April Snow before her, equally surprised. Soon, however, she noticed several pots of gold-edged daphne blooming exceptionally well at the foot of the steps, their emerald leaves edged in gold and clusters of purple flowers filling the air with fragrance.
The others saw them too, but before they could take a closer look, a palace maid from Xiefang Hall approached. Only then did they remove their cloaks, and the group was led into the main hall by the palace maids outside the Crown Princess’s quarters.
“We pay our respects to the Crown Princess. May Your Highness enjoy boundless fortune and peace.”
The Crown Princess, dressed in a wisteria-purple wide-sleeved robe and wearing a pearl-adorned shoulder-length crown, appeared dignified and graceful. She smiled warmly at them and said, “We are all sisters here. No need for formalities. Please be seated. Serve tea.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” After rising, they exchanged greetings with those who had already arrived before finally taking their seats.
Shen Yanshui’s seat was toward the back, relatively close to the main hall’s entrance. Holding a warm teacup, she gazed at the pre-rain Longjing tea inside, pretending to take a small sip—barely touching her lips before stopping—then cupped it in her hands to warm them.
“Only at Your Highness’s place can one have the chance to savor such exquisite pre-rain Longjing. This must be this year’s new harvest, isn’t it?” A crisp, clear voice suddenly rang out.
Shen Yanshui looked up and saw a woman dressed in a blue wide-sleeved beizi, with a plump and full figure but only a simple round bun, speaking eagerly to the Crown Princess.
The Crown Princess pursed her lips slightly and replied with an elegant, composed smile, “It’s just some tea bestowed by the Crown Prince, nothing of great value. If you like it, feel free to visit my quarters more often.”
“His Highness treats Your Highness so well. I heard the April snow and gold-edged daphne outside the hall are newly tributed…”
Listening to their back-and-forth conversation, she soon realized who this was.
Wang Liangyuan, mother of a one-year-old little princess, formerly the Crown Princess’s dowry maid.
She glanced around casually and noticed that, aside from the empty seat to the left of the Crown Princess, all other seats were occupied. That must be the seat for Chu Liangdi, the highest-ranking consort in Donggong besides the Crown Princess.
In Donggong, aside from the Crown Princess, who had given birth to a Little Imperial Grandson, only Wang Liangyuan, the Crown Princess’s former dowry maid, had a daughter. There were no other children.
However, it was said that the highly favored Chu Liangdi was now pregnant.
Just as she was thinking this, she heard movement from outside—the voice arrived before the person.
“What fragrance are Your Highness and the sisters discussing?” a voice tinged with laughter inquired.
Turning her gaze, she saw a stunningly beautiful woman surrounded by attendants in the center.
The newcomer wore a pomegranate-red wide-sleeved gown, a pearl-adorned peony crown on her head, one hand resting on the arm of an elderly maid beside her. With a prominent belly, she was preceded by two palace maids clearing the way, followed closely by four elderly maids.
Shen Yanshui merely glanced at this display and couldn’t help but inwardly click her tongue.
“This humble consort pays respects to the Crown Princess. Please forgive my inability to perform the full courtesies,” Chu Liangdi said with a slight bow, her expression apologetic.
The Crown Princess quickly had someone support her, chiding gently, “You are with child now, and the imperial physician said this pregnancy is not stable. Your morning greetings were exempted early on. You should rest more and take good care of yourself. Why trouble yourself with this visit?”
Chu Liangdi smiled, covering her lips slightly. After taking her seat, she said cheerfully, “Your Highness’s kindness is etched in my heart. But today, I simply had to come and meet the new sisters. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be awkward if we passed each other without recognition?”
Then, she added with a smile, “By the way, what were Your Highness and the sisters laughing about earlier? From afar, I could hear how lively it was.”
The Crown Princess replied with a gentle smile, “It was nothing much, just discussing some flowers and plants outside the hall.”
Chu Liangdi’s smile stiffened for a moment—displayed so conspicuously, as if afraid others wouldn’t notice.
She covered her lips again. “They are indeed somewhat novel. However, no matter how beautiful the flowers, how could they compare to the new sisters? Truly, people outshine flowers—it makes this humble consort feel inadequate.”
Lady Wu couldn’t help but lift her chin slightly with pride, while Shen Yanshui and the others hurriedly expressed their humility. Suddenly, Chu Liangdi shifted the topic, sweeping her gaze over them and letting it linger on Lady Wu’s face for a moment before smiling and asking, “Which of you sisters is Shen Zhaoxun?”
Shen Yanshui rose and bowed her head respectfully, “This humble one greets Chu Liangdi.”
Chu Liangdi glanced at her from head to toe, then said with an indifferent smile, “Indeed, a beauty in the making. No wonder she caught His Highness’s eye.”
After speaking, she cast a meaningful glance at Lady Zhang and Lady Wu, who were seated in front of her.
Lady Zhang lowered her head, nervously twisting her handkerchief, not daring to speak.
Lady Wu, who was separated from Shen Yanshui only by a tea table, flushed with shame and anger. Unable to restrain herself, she turned and glared fiercely at Shen Yanshui!
In terms of status, beauty, or talent, she believed she was in no way inferior to Shen Yanshui, who had nothing but her looks! How could it be that Shen Yanshui had such good fortune to take the lead!
Seeing Lady Wu still glaring at her, Shen Yanshui asked with a concerned expression, “What’s wrong with Sister Wu’s eyes? Why are they so red? Is there something troubling your health?”
Lady Wu’s heart skipped a beat in panic, but then she felt even more humiliated and angry, glaring back, “What do you mean? Are you saying I’m jealous of you?”
Shen Yanshui glanced at her timidly, pursed her lips, and said, “Sister Wu, you misunderstand. I didn’t mean that. I was just worried about your eyes and expressed my concern.”
Lady Wu didn’t believe her. She had seen too many women like her, pretending to be weak and pitiful!
“You…”
The Crown Princess smiled and said, “Enough. Shen Zhaoxun was only concerned about you.”
Upon hearing this, Lady Wu felt even more aggrieved and furious, but she dared not act out in front of the Crown Princess and could only grit her teeth and endure it.
The Crown Princess turned her gaze to Shen Zhaoxun, her smile growing a bit more genuine. After exchanging a few more words to acquaint the old and new members of the Donggong, she said, “I must soon go to Kunning Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Let us end here for today. From now on, there is no need to come for morning and evening greetings every day. Once every five days will suffice.”
“Yes,” everyone replied, rising to bow before dispersing. Lady Wu swallowed her anger, not daring to cause a scene in front of the Crown Princess.
Chu Liangdi was the first to leave, accompanied by the same entourage as when she arrived. Then, the others withdrew in order of rank.
Shen Yanshui slowed her pace, allowing those of higher rank to go ahead.
But Lady Wu deliberately waited for her, her face dark as she glared and said through gritted teeth, “Don’t get too smug. We’ll see.”
Shen Yanshui watched her retreating back with an unchanged, smiling expression. Only after entering Lotus Heart Court and returning to her own room did Chunping whisper, “Mistress, should we have someone keep an eye on that Lady Wu?”
Shen Yanshui removed her soft-soled embroidered shoes and sat on the soft couch. Nodding with a smile, she replied, “In the Donggong, we cannot be deaf or blind, but we must also be careful. Avoid getting too close to anyone, especially those who serve the two young princes closely. Keep your distance in daily interactions.”
Chunping bowed and said, “Yes, this servant understands.”
Shen Yanshui had Qiuru remove her moon-pearl crown and jade hairpins with pearl tassels, tying her hair only with two crimson ribbons. The weight on her head immediately felt much lighter.
She then leaned back comfortably on the soft couch, lost in thought, idly toying with the lush green bamboo branch on the incense table.
Before yesterday, the Crown Prince had a total of only seven wives and concubines—a modest number compared to the twenty or thirty women in the harems of other princes, and even considered few.
She didn’t particularly mind this. What she wanted was simply to live her own little life well—eating, drinking, and enjoying herself in comfort and happiness.
After being bestowed upon the Donggong, she had originally thought she would have to rely on silver to get by from then on. However, this Crown Prince had shown her a glimmer of other possibilities.
Not wanting to fight tooth and nail for favor was one thing, but if favor came her way and could make her life more comfortable, she wouldn’t turn such an opportunity away.
Suddenly, Quanfu hurried into the room and reported, “Mistress, the Crown Princess has gifted two pots of gold-edged daphne…”
Upon hearing this, Shen Yanshui quickly rose, respectfully accepted the gifts, and, as was customary, slipped some silver to the palace maid sent by the Crown Princess. Only after seeing her off did she learn that the Crown Princess had not only gifted her but also bestowed favors upon the more distinguished concubines in the rear chambers.
Some received fewer gifts, while others received more.
She turned her gaze to the gold-edged daphne blooming vibrantly beside her…
The leaves were edged in gold, with emerald green in the center. The flowers were small, clustered tightly together at the tips of the branches. The outer petals were pale purplish-red or pinkish-purple, while the inner ones were milky white.
It looked both noble and elegant, making a very dignified display in the hall.
However, as far as she knew, this flower was also called the “fragrance-stealing flower,” with an intensely strong scent.
If a pregnant woman were to smell it…
Her gaze sharpened slightly, and her fingertips lightly brushed over the clustered purplish-red buds.
Pregnant women naturally channel their qi and blood downward to nourish the fetus, making the upper body’s qi more susceptible to deficiency.
Upon first smelling this flower, one might feel invigorated, but after a while, dizziness, blurred vision, sleepless nights, and restless sleep would follow, leading to poor nourishment of the fetus.
If exposed for even longer, symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and night sweats might occur… It was just unclear whether this was done intentionally or unintentionally.