Shen Qingchen’s tall figure stood there, an invisible pressure spreading throughout the hall.
The chamber fell utterly silent. Liu Meizhao’s face turned pale, her body swaying uncontrollably. Nanny Zhang quickly steadied her, patting her hand gently.
Liu Meizhao drew in a deep breath, realizing she should not oppose the Crown Prince. Entering the Eastern Palace meant she belonged to him—he was her sky. Their marriage had not yet had time to cultivate affection; she could not afford to push him further away. At this moment, his favor was entirely upon Liangdi Xiao. She could not risk losing everything over a small matter.
After a brief struggle, Liu Meizhao rasped, “I misspoke. I beg Your Highness’s pardon.”
Shen Qingchen cast her a light glance, saying nothing.
Strength drained from Liu Meizhao, her nose stinging. With a bitter twist of her lips, she slowly knelt. “I misspoke. I beg Your Highness’s pardon.”
Only after helping Xiao Hanyan to her feet did Shen Qingchen speak coldly: “Do not let it happen again.”
The words carried a double meaning. Liu Meizhao’s palm nearly bled from how tightly she clenched it, her teeth grinding. “Yes.”
Shen Qingchen left with Xiao Hanyan. As he turned, his gaze fell on the maid who had presented the bracelet. His voice rang out, sharp and merciless: “Thirty strokes. Administer them here in Xiwu Hall, with everyone watching.” Then he departed with his people.
The morning’s shocks proved too much for Liu Meizhao. She collapsed in a faint.
Chaos erupted in Xiwu Hall—outside, the sound of boards striking flesh; inside, Nanny Zhang and Molan’s panicked cries.
But Xiao Hanyan heard none of it. Shen Qingchen pulled her along at a brisk pace, so fast she stumbled, unable to keep up. She dared not speak. She knew without looking that he was angry. By the time they reached Wutong Courtyard, her wrist was red from his grip.
Seeing her timid silence only stoked Shen Qingchen’s fury. His words came out harsh: “Doesn’t it hurt enough to cry out?”
Xiao Hanyan dropped to her knees in apology. “This concubine was wrong… please, Your Highness, do not be angry.”
His anger flared hotter. He swept her up, forcing down his rage. Watching her cautious demeanor, his heart softened. He was not angry at her—he was furious at Liu Meizhao’s cruelty.
His woman had been bullied. Shen Qingchen was suffocated with rage.
“I was not shouting at you.” His expression eased as he held her wrist, rubbing it gently. “I came too late. You suffered.”
When one is wronged, words of comfort cut deepest. Xiao Hanyan’s eyes reddened instantly. She bit her lip, gazing at him with pitiful grievance.
“Your Highness… it hurts…”
Her soft sob made his heart ache even more. He immediately ordered ointment brought, applying it himself, then blowing lightly over the spot. “Does it still hurt?”
Xiao Hanyan shook her head gently. “It doesn’t hurt anymore, Your Highness.”
Shen Qingchen cherished her, staying in Wutong Courtyard without leaving.
Meanwhile, in Xiwu Hall, after the imperial physician’s visit, Liu Meizhao had awakened. Pale-faced, she lay on the bed, her eyes vacant. In just one day, she had been reduced to such misery. Molan fed her medicine, but she remained unresponsive.
Nanny Zhang, choking back tears, whispered comfort. “Crown Princess, please take heart. Liangdi Xiao entered the Eastern Palace first—it is only natural His Highness shows her some pity.”
“You are the Crown Princess, chosen personally by His Majesty and the Empress. His Highness would never, nor dare, to truly wrong you. If you lower your attitude before him, he will not hold it against you.”
Liu Meizhao’s eyes stung as she recalled the thrill and joy of seeing the Crown Prince last night. At that moment, she had been filled with the impulse to claim this man entirely for herself. But after only one night, she realized Liangdi Xiao had already seized the advantage. Not only did His Highness protect her, but the Empress shielded her. Yet last night was her wedding night with the Crown Prince. How could the Empress…
The thought pierced Liu Meizhao’s heart, making her cough softly. “Cough…”
“Crown Princess…”
“Please, don’t strain yourself…” Nanny Zhang and Molan hurried to support her, offering water and soothing her chest.
“Molan, feed me my medicine.” Liu Meizhao’s cough left her breathless. “Later, invite His Highness to Xiwu Hall for supper.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. Her mother had been right—she must conceive His Highness’s child quickly. Once she bore his eldest son, he would naturally stand by her side. By then, Liangdi Xiao would be pushed aside. For now, with no other concubines in the Eastern Palace, her only rival was Liangdi Xiao. And Liangdi Xiao’s advantage was merely that she had arrived first.
But she was the Crown Princess, appointed by the Emperor himself. Liangdi Xiao could never surpass her. Once her position was secure, she would deal with Liangdi Xiao properly.
“Yes, Crown Princess.” Molan carefully served her the medicine, then withdrew, leaving Nanny Zhang to attend her.
“Crown Princess, it is good that you can think clearly,” Nanny Zhang said with heartfelt concern.
Though her face was weak, Liu Meizhao’s tone was firm. “His Highness’s person and heart will belong only to me.”
At the hour of You, Molan arrived outside the main hall just as Shen Qingchen was coming out.
“This servant greets His Highness.” Molan bowed respectfully. “The Crown Princess sends me to invite Your Highness to Xiwu Hall for supper.”
Last night’s wedding festivities had been disrupted. Tonight could not be delayed again.
Shen Qingchen halted, his gaze cold as it fell upon Molan.
Under his piercing eyes, Molan nervously added, “Your Highness, the Crown Princess has fallen ill from this morning’s incident. She wishes to personally apologize to you. Please, would Your Highness come see her?”
Fushun glanced between the Crown Prince and Molan, quietly assessing. The Crown Princess had only just entered the Eastern Palace—what was she already stirring up?
Shen Qingchen was about to refuse when a palace attendant rushed in, face urgent. “Your Highness, Her Majesty has suddenly fallen unconscious. His Majesty bids Your Highness to come at once!”
“What happened!” Shen Qingchen’s voice was icy. His robes flared as he vanished from sight.
Molan bit her lip and returned to Xiwu Hall.
Seeing her expression, Liu Meizhao’s anger surged. “His Highness still refuses to come?”
“Crown Princess, the Empress suddenly fainted. His Highness went to see her,” Molan reported softly.
“Fallen ill again?” Liu Meizhao asked in disbelief.
Nanny Zhang quickly hushed her. “Crown Princess, mind your words. The Empress is ill—you must go at once, or Liangdi Xiao will seize the chance again.”
Liu Meizhao’s eyes hardened. “Quickly, dress me.” She was the Crown Princess, the one meant to stand at His Highness’s side—not someone pushed aside by Liangdi Xiao. Nanny Zhang and Molan hurried to dress and arrange her hair. With her pallor concealed, her appearance improved.
Together, they rushed to Kunning Palace.