Lin Nong said, “My sachet went missing in the Empress’s palace! The Empress certainly wouldn’t harm me, so it must be our opponents trying to use me to implicate both the Empress and Your Highness. What’s particularly suspicious is that Qin Wangfei was the one who initiated conversation with me earlier.”
“Fortunately, when I slipped something into your embrace, you didn’t immediately take it out to question me!”
This act of slipping something into his embrace could be considered flirtation.
Xiao Chengyan naturally couldn’t take it out in public.
But her flattering words nonetheless boosted his masculine pride, making him find her obedient and adorable!
Lin Nong continued, “When I entered Shu Consort Palace, I secretly applied the sachet’s fragrance to a palace maid who couldn’t possibly have come into contact with it. Since she neither had direct contact with me nor served in the side chamber where the miscarried Qin Prince Manor consort was, the only one who could have acquired the sachet’s scent would be the thief!”
“While this might not be enough to overthrow Shufei, I believe Her Majesty the Empress can use this to make His Majesty aware that Shufei was also involved! Moreover, I’ve heard that particular palace consort is Shufei’s right-hand woman – at the very least, we can cut off a major source of her support!”
Xiao Chengyan’s gaze deepened: “Nong Er’s thoughts are meticulous, remaining calm in crisis. Very good.”
Lin Nong’s eyes sparkled: “When Wangye praises me, I’ll take it seriously!”
Xiao Chengyan chuckled lightly: “Nong Er is truly clever, why shouldn’t you take it seriously?” He paused, then asked, “Was that sachet embroidered by you?”
Lin Nong shook her head.
She knew embroidery, but didn’t want to embroider sachets or patterns for anyone, always claiming she couldn’t do anything.
Leaning close to his ear as if sharing a secret, she whispered: “Mother says my needlework is so poor it could ward off evil spirits!”
After speaking, her eyes and delicate face were filled with charming, soft laughter.
Brighter than the spring sunshine outside!
Her subtle fragrance drifted into Xiao Chengyan’s nostrils, weaving its way into his heart, causing a faint, tingling itch!
He blurted out: “You should learn properly, otherwise our future children’s clothes will have to rely entirely on embroidery maids!”
Lin Nong was slightly startled.
Her gaze towards him held surprise mixed with confusion and melancholy.
Her shimmering eyes told him she didn’t want to destroy others’ relationships, nor was she willing to humbly serve as a tool for bearing heirs.
“Wangye…”
Xiao Chengyan said nothing more, only gently patting the back of her hand.
…
In the following period, Xiao Chengyan basically stayed overnight in Changning Hall.
Nothing happened.
Lin Nong knew the proud Qinwang was waiting for her to take the initiative, but she didn’t comply with his wishes.
She was waiting for the right moment, so when this matter occurred, she would maintain the upper hand!
The maid Yi Ran returned from outside, fuming: “That Wangfei is too much! Even under confinement she won’t behave properly! Changning Hall is surrounded by spies inside and out, practically pressed against the main room’s windows to monitor us! Do they take us for thieves?”
Lin Nong remained unperturbed: “You should be happy for me.”
Yi Ran was confused: “Master, what do you mean?”
Lin Nong lifted her beautiful eyes, their shimmer gentle and charming: “If Zi Sangli were truly confident about her relationship with Wangye, would she send people to monitor me so comprehensively?”
It was precisely because of her suspicion and uncertainty that she treated this as a great threat!
The moment she detected the slightest irregularity, she would certainly take the initiative to scheme.
Yi Ran didn’t understand: “Wangye is devoted to Wangfei – he’s never taken concubines on his own initiative all these years. What could she possibly be uncertain about?”
Lin Nong lazily let out a light scoff. “Since ancient times, men’s vows and promises have been the least trustworthy. When two people are deeply in love, her jealousy and petty schemes are proofs of affection. But Wangye is no ordinary man—dignity and authority always come first.”
“Moreover, with Wangye currently locked in struggle against Prince Qin, he urgently needs support from influential court officials. Her willful arrogance will only displease him, making her appear selfish and foolish—unfit for important matters.”
In modern society where monogamy is enforced, men still struggle to remain devoted to their wives. How could one expect loyalty in ancient royal courts where taking concubines was as casual as buying new clothes?
Xiao Chengyan was the crown prince born of the empress, raised with heavy expectations. From childhood, he was drilled in politics, military strategy, balance of power, and the welfare of the people. How could he possibly spare much energy for romantic entanglements?
Whatever exclusive favor and devotion he might have shown—perhaps there was some sincerity in his late teens—had likely been eroded by palace pressures, difficulties in producing heirs, and the relentless schemes of Prince Qin and his mother.
Therefore!
She only needed to add a few more sparks to widen the cracks in their relationship ahead of schedule.
“How are the tasks I assigned progressing?”
Yi Ran smiled. “Every maid trained under your personal guidance is clever and capable! We’ve also collected evidence of various stewards’ misconduct beforehand. Taking advantage of Wangfei’s confinement, we’ve secured all key positions.”
Lin Nong had her fetch a stack of silver notes.
“Be generous with rewards. Only when real silver reaches their hands will people work earnestly for us!”
This was wisdom gained from palace intrigue dramas.
Yi Ran responded, “This maid understands!”
…
The second day of the fourth month.
Fireworks Festival.
Xiao Chengyan kept his promise and took Lin Nong boating on the lake.
During the sunset hours, the crowd was still thin. Knowing Lin Nong hadn’t been out for long and would be curious about everything, Xiao Chengyan slowed his pace to stroll leisurely with her.
Though it was the Fireworks Festival, all sorts of lanterns already lined the streets, each vying to outshine the others!
Lin Nong owned many lanterns gifted by her father and brothers, but this was her first time seeing them displayed live. “When the fireworks ascend to illuminate both heaven and earth, the sight must be breathtaking!”
Seeing her delight like a little sparrow, Xiao Chengyan’s expression softened. “You’ve never been before?”
Lin Nong pointed toward a tall building a hundred steps away. “Only watched from the Moon Gazing Tower over there.” She added playfully, “My brother said Nong Er is too beautiful—crowded places aren’t safe for me!”
Xiao Chengyan chuckled softly.
That wasn’t wrong.
His Cefei’s beauty ranked among the finest in the entire capital! Her features balanced delicacy and charm, her demeanor a blend of quiet grace and lively wit—impossible to dislike.
Lin Nong laughed with sparkling eyes, her cheeks faintly flushed. “Does Wangye find this boring? These are all trifles girls enjoy! Where is our decorated boat? We can play just a little longer before heading back.”
Xiao Chengyan raised an eyebrow.
Our?
These two words, encompassing her and himself, sounded rather pleasing coming from her lips.
“No rush, take your time strolling.”
Amid sudden laughter and shouts, a group of children chasing each other dashed toward them.
Lin Nong dodged and stumbled into the man’s embrace.
She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly against his chest.
Lin Nong leaned into him, affecting a nervous yet dependent manner.
Her pale fingers, which had been clutching his lapel, slowly relaxed and tentatively brushed against his hand.
Xiao Chengyan lowered his gaze to look at her, his pure eyes ignited by the lantern light, seeming more passionate than usual.
With a backhanded clasp, he enveloped her hand in his palm.
She would be the mother of his first child. Since she was willing to take the initiative, he would naturally grant her the dignity and favor she deserved!
Hand in hand, the two walked forward and arrived at the place where the Decorated Boat was moored.