The Prime Minister’s wife was instructing her daughter: “Zhao’er, once you become Crown Princess, you must not be willful anymore.”
“Mother, how many times have you said this? I remember—be dignified, be virtuous. Once I join the royal family, I must take responsibility and never bring shame to His Highness the Crown Prince.” Liu Meizhao repeated the words her mother had told her countless times.
“You and the Crown Prince have known each other since childhood, and this marriage was decreed personally by His Majesty. As Crown Princess, you will naturally have status.”
The Prime Minister’s wife was very pleased with this match. Her daughter’s future would rise even higher.
“What use is status?” Liu Meizhao muttered softly. “Liangdi Xiao has been in the palace for days. Would His Highness not favor her?”
“Zhao’er, when His Highness was gravely injured, it was thanks to Liangdi Xiao. If not for you…” The Prime Minister’s wife reminded her again: “You are the Crown Princess. You must tolerate the concubines beneath you. Today it is Liangdi Xiao; in the future, there will be other women.”
“How was I to know the Crown Prince would even wake up…”
“Zhao’er, do not speak recklessly.”
The Prime Minister’s wife cut her off sternly, her face turning cold. “In the eyes of the Crown Prince and the Empress, Liangdi Xiao is a benefactor. If you make things difficult for her, do you think the Crown Prince will still care for you?”
“I understand, Mother,” Liu Meizhao answered, aggrieved.
The Prime Minister’s wife’s heart softened for her daughter. “Zhao’er, you and His Highness share childhood ties. Now you will marry him. Just win his heart well. No matter how good Liangdi Xiao is, there will come a time when he grows weary of her, won’t there?”
“I will remember.”
“And most importantly, once you marry, you must bear a child quickly—give birth to the Crown Prince’s first son. With a child, your position will be secure.” The Prime Minister’s wife lowered her voice: “I will have Nanny Zhang accompany you. With her there, she will arrange everything properly.”
“Mother, but Nanny Zhang has always cared for you.” Liu Meizhao frowned in worry. “What will you do?”
Seeing her daughter’s concern, the Prime Minister’s wife held her hand. On her delicate, pretty face was genuine worry, which made the mother smile with relief. “I have already arranged it. Nanny Li has been promoted. You need only focus on being a good Crown Princess.”
“Alright, then I am reassured.”
“Mm. Zhao’er, let me help you try on the wedding gown.”
“Yes…”
Eastern Palace.
“Liangdi, come quickly, look!” Qingdai covered her mouth in astonishment, calling Xiao Hanyan over again and again.
Xiao Hanyan shook her head, walked over, and smiled indulgently: “I’ve already seen it.”
Shen Qingchen had arranged her residence—Wutong Courtyard—only half a quarter of an hour’s walk from the main hall.
The moment she entered, the dazzling furnishings caught her eye. At the head of the bed sat two luminous pearls, which explained Qingdai’s excited cries.
“His Highness truly favors Liangdi most.”
Even the Empress herself sent gifts from time to time.
Wutong Courtyard had no red silk draped about, making it far more pleasing to the eye.
Xiao Hanyan looked around. It was hardly inferior to the Crown Prince’s main hall, especially the grand four‑poster bed, spacious and magnificent.
“Liangdi, Wutong Courtyard is such a fine place,” Qingdai exclaimed again.
Xiao Hanyan smiled. How could it not be? The phoenix rests upon the wutong tree; only the Empress could truly be considered phoenix‑fated within the palace. Yet Wutong Courtyard was even more symbolic—it was the place where a phoenix dwells. For the Crown Prince to arrange this was extraordinary.
Of course, Xiao Hanyan pretended not to notice. Such overstepping was something she “knew nothing about.”
“Pay respects to His Highness…”
Shen Qingchen strode in. The attendants of Wutong Courtyard bowed respectfully. Since Liangdi was moving into her new quarters today, His Highness naturally had to come.
The servants assigned to Wutong Courtyard were delighted. They wished to serve Liangdi and would only heed her.
Shen Qingchen’s tall figure entered the main hall of Wutong Courtyard, and the attendants discreetly withdrew.
“Your concubine greets His Highness.” Xiao Hanyan bowed softly.
Qingdai quickly left, giving the two masters privacy.
“Are you satisfied?” Shen Qingchen personally helped her up, a smile on his face.
Xiao Hanyan’s cheeks flushed with joy. “Your Highness, how could I possibly deserve to live in such a splendid place?”
“If I say you live here, then you live here.”
Hearing the Crown Prince’s words, which allowed no refusal, Xiao Hanyan stopped protesting. “I will remember.”
“I’ll accompany you to look around.”
“Alright.”
Here, there was no blinding red silk, and it felt as though they had returned to the days when Shen Qingchen was still recovering. At that time, Xiao Hanyan would support him every day, helping his tall, strong frame walk slowly through the courtyard.
The servants, seeing how much effort and devotion Liangdi Xiao gave, could not help but sigh softly.
The Crown Prince often used those moments to tease Liangdi Xiao, leaving her flustered and helpless.
Now, the two of them still carried on in the same way, harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Yet such days would not last long. Soon, the Crown Princess would arrive. When that time came, perhaps there would be no place left at the Crown Prince’s side for Liangdi Xiao.
To celebrate Liangdi’s move into her new quarters, the table was laid with a feast, rich and exquisite.
Even Xiao Hanyan was permitted by the Crown Prince to sip a little wine.
“Your Highness… I toast you.” Xiao Hanyan raised the cup with her slender jade-like hand, gazing at Shen Qingchen with gentle eyes.
“Only one sip.” Shen Qingchen reminded her, then tilted his head back to drink.
Xiao Hanyan lifted the cup gracefully to her lips, covering them with her wide sleeve. She only moistened her lips lightly before setting the cup down.
“Your Highness, please eat.” Xiao Hanyan personally placed a dish before Shen Qingchen.
“Mm.”
After the meal, they each went to wash. Though she had only taken a sip, Xiao Hanyan’s eyes were already tinged with red, her steps a little unsteady.
“Liangdi, are you unwell?” Qingdai asked as she helped her dress after bathing, noticing her hazy gaze and flushed cheeks.
“It’s nothing.” Xiao Hanyan gently shook her head, still clear‑minded.
After helping her out, Qingdai withdrew.
When Shen Qingchen came out, he realized that Liangdi Xiao’s tolerance for alcohol was poor—she was already dazed.
“Drunk?” Shen Qingchen held her close; her body felt softer than usual.
“No, I’m very clear.”
Shen Qingchen chuckled, lifting her in his arms and carrying her to the grand bed. Looking down at her flushed face, he said: “Today, Liangdi Xiao moves into her new quarters. I’ve come to add joy to the occasion.”
“How… add joy?” Xiao Hanyan’s hazy eyes looked at him with confusion.
“Have you forgotten how to call me?”
“Husband…”
“That’s better.” Shen Qingchen bent down and captured her lips. “I’ll show you.”
“Mmm…”
As their passion deepened, Xiao Hanyan whispered between breaths: “Your Highness… you are mine…”
Shen Qingchen paused, gazing at her dreamy face, then slowly tightened his embrace. “I am yours.”
The room was filled with tender intimacy.