Early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Chen Zhu and Fu Yun slipped quietly into the inner chamber, preparing to help Ye An’an get up.
According to the rules, a new bride had to go and pay her respects to the Empress on the first day—she absolutely could not be late.
But when they lifted the bed curtains, they found the bed empty.
The two of them were instantly startled.
“Your Highness?” Fu Yun called softly.
“I’m over here.”
A crisp voice came from the dressing table.
They followed the sound—and froze on the spot, mouths wide enough to fit an egg.
Ye An’an was already fully dressed and sitting in front of the mirror, leisurely applying a layer of something shiny to her lips.
The key point was her outfit!
Before her marriage, in order to cater to the so-called “elegant and refined” aesthetic of the noble ladies in the capital—and to avoid making the General’s residence stand out too much—Ye An’an had always dressed in simple and understated styles.
But now, she was wearing a bright pomegranate-red ru skirt embroidered with large peonies in gold thread. It was gorgeous and flamboyant.
Her hair was not styled in the complicated married woman’s bun. Instead, it was loosely gathered into a delicate knot, with a red-gold beaded hair ornament swaying gently, glittering with every movement.
She wore only light makeup. Her eyebrows were drawn in a slightly upward, heroic shape, and eyeliner traced a beautiful curve at the corners of her eyes, making her already pretty eyes shine even more.
Especially that moist red on her lips—like freshly picked cherries, vibrant and tempting.
The whole person looked like a red rose blooming freely in the morning light—bright, passionate, and full of irresistible vitality.
Where was their old young lady, who—though lively—had at least dressed somewhat modestly?
This was clearly… a completely different person!
“Y-Your Highness…” Fu Yun stammered. “Wh-why are you dressed like this?”
“What’s wrong with this? Isn’t it pretty?” Ye An’an looked at herself in the mirror from every angle and pressed her lips together with satisfaction. She had spent half the night mixing honey and rouge to make that lip gloss—it worked quite well.
“It’s pretty, but… it’s too… eye-catching…” Fu Yun said honestly.
Chen Zhu also came back to her senses, worry written all over her face. “Your Highness, today you’re going to greet the Empress. Dressing like this… won’t people gossip? And I heard the Crown Prince likes… simple and gentle women.”
“He can like what he likes. I’ll wear what I want. What does that have to do with me?” Ye An’an stood up and spun around, her skirt blooming like a flower. “Besides, this is who I really am. Before, I was just pretending to keep a low profile. Now that I’m married, why keep pretending? It’s exhausting.”
Her tone was so righteous that the two maids had no rebuttal.
Yes. Their young lady had always been the brightest scenery in the capital, the pride of the General’s residence.
Forcing her to act like those fragile, willow-like ladies truly had been unfair.
“But…” Chen Zhu still worried.
“No more ‘buts.’” Ye An’an cut her off. “My father didn’t raise me to live by watching other people’s moods. Let’s go pay our respects. Oh right—what’s for breakfast?”
“Your Highness, the Imperial Kitchen has already sent the morning meal: polished rice porridge, crystal-style braised meat, pine-nut lily pastries…” Fu Yun quickly listed the dishes.
Ye An’an curled her lips in disdain.
They sounded fancy, but after tasting them yesterday, she knew they were bland.
“No appetite.” She waved her hand. “We’ll talk after we get back. I’m starving.”
She had already begun planning in her mind.
Tinglan Waterside Pavilion had its own small kitchen. Though not big, it was fully equipped. It seemed she would have to rely on herself from now on.
After getting ready, the group headed toward the Empress’s Fengyi Palace.
Along the way, every palace maid and eunuch who saw Ye An’an looked at her in amazement and surprise.
Yesterday, the Crown Prince’s concubine had seemed quite proper. How had she transformed overnight? Her presence was so bold it almost seemed… domineering.
Rumors spread through the palace like they had feet.
By the time Ye An’an arrived at Fengyi Palace, several princesses and royal wives were already seated.
The moment she entered, the hall fell silent.
All eyes were fixed on her like spotlights—filled with scrutiny, jealousy, and anticipation of drama.
Princess Consort Jing sat closest to the Empress.
When she saw Ye An’an, a mocking smile appeared on her lips.
“Oh my, the Crown Prince’s consort is truly… radiant today.” She spoke in a sarcastic tone, emphasizing the words “radiant.”
Ye An’an ignored her and walked straight to the center of the hall, bowing properly. “This daughter-in-law greets Mother Empress.”
Empress Wei sat on the phoenix throne, dignified and gentle in appearance, but her deep eyes quietly examined Ye An’an from head to toe.
“Rise,” she said warmly. “On your first day of marriage, how do you feel? Has Jing Shi treated you well?”
That question was like a knife to the heart.
Everyone knew the Crown Prince hadn’t even gone to her chambers the night before.
Princess Consort Jing’s smile widened, waiting for Ye An’an to embarrass herself.
But Ye An’an smiled brightly, as if she hadn’t caught the hidden meaning. “Mother Empress, His Highness treats me very well. He cares deeply for the country. Last night, he spoke with me all night about state affairs. I learned a great deal. I feel fortunate to have married such an ambitious man.”
Someone in the hall almost burst out laughing.
Talking about state affairs all night? Who would believe that?
Everyone knew the Crown Prince was a man of few words.
Princess Consort Jing laughed even harder. “Sister-in-law, you’re quite humorous. We know the Crown Prince is devoted to the country. But I didn’t expect him to guide you… even on your wedding night.”
“Yes,” Ye An’an replied with an innocent expression. “Unlike Prince Jing, I heard he spends his days among flowers. I suppose he has no state matters to discuss with you, Sister-in-law. It must be hard for you.”
“You…!” Princess Consort Jing’s face instantly turned red.
Her husband was famously useless—skilled in pleasure, not governance.
Ye An’an had exposed her publicly.
She was so angry she couldn’t speak.
A trace of amusement flashed in Empress Wei’s eyes before she regained her composure. “Enough. We are family. Jokes should have limits.”
She looked at Ye An’an with newfound appreciation.
This daughter-in-law did not seem to be the simple, spoiled girl the rumors described.
After the greeting, Ye An’an had no interest in further polite exchanges and was the first to leave.
As soon as she stepped out of Fengyi Palace, she took a deep breath.
“I’m starving!” she rubbed her stomach. “Let’s go back. I’m cooking myself!”
“Your Highness, you’re going to cook?” Fu Yun was shocked.
“Yes! I want pancakes! Two eggs and lots of fillings!”
Ye An’an’s eyes sparkled.
She had had enough of the palace’s bland food. Today, she absolutely needed a heavy, carb-loaded meal to comfort her wounded stomach and soul.