When Xiao Hanyan arrived at Xiwu Hall, the Crown Princess was already dressed. She wore a flowing blue palace gown that perfectly accentuated her figure, with a pair of jade hairpins dangling tassels in her hair, exuding nobility.
“This concubine greets the Crown Princess.” Xiao Hanyan inclined slightly, her manner respectful.
Liu Meizhao gave her a faint glance. “Liangdi Xiao, rise.”
“Thank you, Crown Princess.”
“Today the palace hosts a banquet. I hear Father intends to select concubines for the Crown Prince. That way, Liangdi will no longer have to serve His Highness alone.”
Her tone was cool, even faintly tinged with disdain—something Xiao Hanyan could not fail to hear.
“Crown Princess, it is only right to serve His Highness. It is not burdensome.” Xiao Hanyan replied obediently, her face betraying no emotion.
Liu Meizhao studied her. This woman, who had entered the Eastern Palace under the pretext of bringing good fortune, always appeared so compliant and sensible, leaving no fault to be found. Was she truly so perfect? Any other woman, upon hearing her husband would soon take new concubines, would surely grind her teeth in fury. Yet Xiao Hanyan showed no reaction at all, her face flawless, without a single crack in her composure.
Xiao Hanyan could feel Liu Meizhao’s complicated gaze upon her, but she stood calmly, allowing herself to be scrutinized.
“Let’s go.” Liu Meizhao lifted her chin slightly, her expression indifferent as she walked ahead.
“Yes.” Xiao Hanyan followed gracefully, her figure elegant.
At Kunning Palace.
The Empress presided over the banquet. The consorts were already present. Once Xiao Hanyan and Liu Meizhao were seated, the Empress spoke first.
“Today is but an ordinary banquet, with only one matter of importance. This year’s selection has been simplified after discussion with His Majesty.”
“Only a few noble daughters from the capital have been chosen, and the consorts will select among them for the princes.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Upon hearing this news directly, Liu Meizhao could not hide her dismay. She had clung to hope that things might change. But now, with the Empress herself announcing it, her heart twisted painfully. She could not accept it, her mind thrown into chaos.
Xiao Hanyan, on the other hand, felt indifferent. Yet her role was to appear deeply devoted to the Crown Prince, and since he had already told her beforehand, she feigned shock at the announcement, her eyes showing a trace of panic.
The Empress, seeing her sorrowful expression, felt pity and gave her a subtle nod of reassurance.
Xiao Hanyan obediently lowered her head, tears shimmering in her eyes, her demeanor sensible and well-behaved.
The Empress then turned her gaze to Liu Meizhao. Seeing her dazed and dispirited expression, irritation rose. If she had not secretly sent word outside, how would the Prime Minister have seized upon it to make an issue? Unable to endure even the smallest matter—such a temperament could never shoulder high office.
By contrast, Yan’er’s calm and composed nature pleased the Empress. Even though she had entered the Eastern Palace under the pretext of bringing good fortune, she had never shown panic. Such steadiness was what true responsibility required.
“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is nearly twenty. It is indeed time to select more women. The Eastern Palace has yet to produce an heir.” Consort De, who had only borne a twelve-year-old princess, spoke.
“Consort De is right. The Crown Prince carries heavy duties. Liangdi Xiao has been in the palace for months—why is there still no good news?” Consort Shu lifted her teacup, smiling, though the sarcasm in her words was plain. She herself had borne the eldest princess, now married, with her husband favored in court.
In this palace, since the Empress had borne the Crown Prince, the other consorts had either given birth to princesses or sons who did not survive. A few princes had lived, but they were still young—far too early for marriage.
Today’s banquet was clearly for the Crown Prince. Everything the Empress did was for him. Had she not, when he lay unconscious, even resorted to bringing in a woman under the guise of fortune to save him?
Hearing such cold, mocking words, the Empress’s eyes sharpened. Who did not know the Crown Prince had gone out to temper himself at a young age, returning gravely wounded, lying unconscious for so long before waking?
Liangdi Xiao had only been in the palace half a year, and the Crown Princess had only just married him. To bring up heirs of the Eastern Palace was to strike at a sore wound.
“The Eldest Princess has been married for three months. Has there been any good news?” The Empress’s gaze swept coolly toward Consort Shu.
Consort Shu’s hand holding the teacup faltered, her face uneasy. “Your Majesty, is that not too hasty? It has only been three months.”
“As long as you understand.” The Empress’s authority as mistress of the harem silenced all dissent.
Later, in the Imperial Garden.
The selection of maidens began. Xiao Hanyan was nearly restless, as one beauty after another stepped forward to perform. At first she showed some interest, but as time went on, she grew weary, longing only to return and rest.
Liu Meizhao, however, remained vigilant throughout. She wanted to know which women would enter the Eastern Palace. Her own position as Crown Princess was not yet secure—every face looked like an enemy.
After much commotion, the Empress chose three women for the Crown Prince.
Liu Meizhao’s palms were nearly bleeding from how tightly she clenched them. She turned to see Xiao Hanyan’s indifferent expression and could not resist a sneer. “Liangdi Xiao, you endure well.”
“Crown Princess, what do you mean? In such circumstances, what else could this concubine do?” Xiao Hanyan only furrowed her brows slightly, meeting her gaze.
Liu Meizhao stiffened. If Nanny Zhang had not secretly sent word, perhaps the selection would not have come so soon, and she would have had time to win His Highness’s heart. Now, besides guarding against Xiao Hanyan, she had several more rivals. The breath caught in her chest, unable to rise or fall.
When the garden banquet ended, the Empress dismissed the crowd. The chosen women would enter the Eastern Palace on another day.