Xiao Hanyan also stepped forward and clasped the Empress’s hand. “Your Majesty, this concubine will take care of you on behalf of His Highness.”
“Yan’er is such a good child. The moment she heard that I was unwell, she rushed here without delay, afraid it might interfere with your wedding. Yan’er is so considerate—I truly long to hear her call me ‘Mother,’ but…” The Empress paused, a faint, weary smile on her lips. “Yan’er understands propriety better than anyone; she would never do such a thing.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Your Highness, you went to war when you were still so young. The Empress worried day and night, often so anxious she could not eat for days. Later, when you returned gravely injured, she was so distraught she coughed up blood. For your sake, she knelt in prayer night after night, never rising.”
“Fortunately, when Liangdi Xiao entered the Eastern Palace, Your Highness awoke. The Empress valued Liangdi greatly—I saw it with my own eyes. Your Highness, this is a sickness of the heart; it must heal slowly.” Nanny Qin wiped her tears, her voice choked with emotion.
Shen Qingchen’s throat tightened, his eyes stung, and for a moment he could not speak.
Xiao Hanyan’s face was already streaked with tears. Choking back sobs, she called out, “Mother…”
The Empress paused, then revealed a tender smile. “Ah, at last Mother has heard it.”
“Yan’er, Mother knows it breaks protocol. Just call me so in private.”
“Yes, Mother.” Xiao Hanyan lowered her head in assent. In the original story, the Empress had never shown her such affection—could it be because she had transmigrated into the book, creating a butterfly effect?
That the Empress now valued her so highly was, after all, a blessing. Better to have a powerful patron than none at all.
“Your Highness, this concubine will stay and care for Mother. Please return first.” Xiao Hanyan looked at Shen Qingchen, speaking with gentle understanding.
Shen Qingchen’s expression chilled. “You go back. I will remain.”
“But tonight is—”
Before she could finish, Shen Qingchen’s gaze silenced her. She lowered her head and said no more.
“Enough, Chen’er, don’t frighten Yan’er.” The Empress’s face softened, and she smiled. “Now that you are married, Mother feels much more at ease. Truly, I am fine—it was only that I should not have drunk today.”
“Mother, your son has been unfilial,” Shen Qingchen murmured.
The Empress smiled faintly. “You are the Crown Prince, burdened with heavy duties. Mother understands. Now that the Crown Princess has entered the Eastern Palace, you must protect Yan’er.”
The Empress, always partial, placed Xiao Hanyan first in everything. When Liu Meizhao had failed to enter the palace to save the Crown Prince, it had left a blemish in her heart.
“I understand,” Shen Qingchen replied.
Xiao Hanyan also whispered, “Thank you, Mother…”
When Liu Meizhao arrived, she saw the Crown Prince and Xiao Hanyan kneeling at the bedside. Though the Empress looked somewhat frail, her face was full of warmth as she gazed at them, holding their hands. In that moment, they seemed like a true family.
Nanny Zhang lightly touched Liu Meizhao’s arm, jolting her back to herself. Adjusting her expression, she glided gracefully into the hall.
“Mother, your daughter has come late.” With a dignified smile, Liu Meizhao approached the bed and bowed respectfully. “I greet Mother. Are you feeling better?”
Shen Qingchen rose to his feet and stood to the side.
Xiao Hanyan bowed to Liu Meizhao. “This concubine greets the Crown Princess.”
Liu Meizhao turned toward the speaker. Her eyes narrowed slightly—she had long heard that Liangdi Xiao was famed for her beauty and favored by His Highness, but seeing her in person, she found her even more stunning than the rumors. And judging from what had just transpired, the Empress seemed very pleased with Liangdi Xiao.
“Liangdi Xiao, no need for such formality. You have worked hard serving Mother. Now, you may return. This palace and His Highness will remain here.”
Xiao Hanyan lowered her head. “Yes, Crown Princess.”
The Empress’s frail expression shifted slightly as she spoke slowly. “Crown Princess, you and Liangdi Xiao should both return. I have words to say to the Crown Prince.”
“Mother, allow your daughter to stay and care for you,” Liu Meizhao said gently.
“Today is your wedding day. Mother feels guilty enough—how could I let you tire yourself further? You should return, and let the Crown Prince remain. I have matters to entrust to him.” The Empress coughed lightly, her face weary.
Liu Meizhao could not insist further. “Mother, please rest well. Your daughter takes her leave.”
“Go on.”
After Liu Meizhao departed, Xiao Hanyan also said respectfully, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, this concubine will withdraw.”
The Empress smiled and nodded.
Shen Qingchen sat down by the bed. “Mother, is there something you wish to tell your son?”
“Mother is tired. There is nothing to say.” The Empress cast him a sidelong glance.
“…”
“All your thoughts are fixed on the war. Did you not notice Yan’er’s forlorn look? She was so sad she could barely keep her composure.”
“In a while, you must return and comfort her properly.” The Empress saw nothing wrong in this; she was even plotting it out.
“Mother, you…”
“Mother sees you unhappy, and Yan’er is unhappy as well. How could Mother feel joy then? So go quietly, be good to Yan’er, and Mother’s illness will vanish.”
Shen Qingchen could only laugh and sigh. Very well—if it pleased Mother, and truth be told, he himself had no desire to go to the Crown Princess.
“Your son understands.”
Xiao Hanyan returned to Wutong Courtyard, exhausted. Thinking of the Crown Princess and His Highness, a perfect match of talent and beauty, she felt so weak and miserable that she could hardly move.
“Liangdi…” Qingdai saw her collapse onto the couch and grew deeply worried.
Xiao Hanyan’s body was drained of strength. Only the dull ache in her heart kept her faintly conscious, so uncomfortable she did not even wish to lift a finger.
Shen Qingchen hurried back. Seeing her in such a state, his own heart felt heavy.
“Liangdi Xiao.”
Hearing the familiar voice, Xiao Hanyan could hardly believe it. She slowly turned, and there stood the Crown Prince’s tall figure at the doorway.
“Your Highness…” Xiao Hanyan murmured softly, her voice tinged with both joy and grievance. But when she saw him dressed in ceremonial red, her expression froze.
Seeing that she had no intention of coming forward to greet him, Shen Qingchen entered on his own, removing the cumbersome formal robes as he walked inside.
Qingdai quickly gathered the discarded garments from the floor and withdrew to stand guard outside. On such a special night, since His Highness had come here, she knew she must keep watch.
Shen Qingchen approached the couch and scooped the frail figure into his arms, his voice hoarse. “Am I not welcome?”
“No… it’s not that…” Xiao Hanyan whispered in denial. “Your Highness, why have you come tonight…?”
“Xiao Liangdi is unhappy. Mother asked me to come and comfort you.” Shen Qingchen sighed as he held her delicate body close.
“This concubine is not…”
“Oh?” Shen Qingchen looked at her in disbelief. “Not at all?”
Xiao Hanyan bit her lip, her small face slowly crumpling, her eyes misting over. “This concubine is very sad… but I have no choice…”
“There now, why cry? Am I not here?” Shen Qingchen lifted her up and carried her into the inner chamber. “I will attend Xiao Liangdi’s bath.”
“Your Highness…”
The sound of water lingered for a long while. When they emerged, Xiao Hanyan’s cheeks were flushed, her body limp against Shen Qingchen’s embrace.
Once they reached the bed, his low, pressing voice sounded again. “Continue.”
“Your Highness… spare me…” Xiao Hanyan pleaded weakly, pushing against him. “This concubine is tired…”
“Just once more.”
“No… please…”
Shen Qingchen remained relentless, only ceasing at the third watch of the night. After she had fallen asleep, he finally slipped away under the cover of darkness.
Meanwhile, at Liu Meizhao’s side, the wedding night’s rituals had left her weary and dissatisfied. His Highness had been detained at Kunning Palace, and she could only stifle her frustration and rest alone.