Even at night on the bed, he was unfailingly gentle. The moment she furrowed her brows, Shen Qingchen would immediately stop and ask anxiously. This suited Xiao Hanyan perfectly. Her body could not withstand strain now, so she took advantage of it, feigning discomfort to avoid further intimacy.
In the morning, Xiao Hanyan slowly opened her eyes. As soon as she stirred, Shen Qingchen awoke too.
“Why not sleep a little longer?” He held her tightly, affectionately rubbing his chin against the crown of her head.
Resting against his chest, she leaned on him completely. “This concubine cannot sleep.”
“Yan’er, what has been wrong these past days? I see you frowning often. Is your body unwell?”
He rolled her beneath him, gazing down from above.
Her misty eyes looked up at him, filled with deep emotion. “Your Highness has been so good to me these days. I fear losing you.”
“When have I ever treated you poorly? In my eyes and heart, there is only you. Why fill your head with nonsense?” He pinched her cheek lightly, his tone scolding but full of tenderness.
“Your Highness, I know… but today those sisters will enter the Eastern Palace…” She bit her lip, turning her head slightly.
Only then did Shen Qingchen realize her unease these past days stemmed from this. He had thought he had reassured her before, but she still cared deeply.
“I will still come to you tonight. Will that ease your heart?” He had never taken those newcomers seriously.
Agreeing to let them enter was one thing—how they were arranged was entirely up to him.
Xiao Hanyan turned back in surprise. “Truly, Your Highness?” Though she asked, the curve of her brows betrayed her true delight.
“When have I ever lied to you?” He bent down and kissed her firmly. “I must go see Father. Rest a while longer.”
She nodded, and he rose, leaving Wutong Courtyard shortly after.
Once he was gone, Xiao Hanyan sat up slowly, yawning delicately, her eyes misty.
Qingdai came to help her to the dressing table, handing her a warm damp cloth.
Xiao Hanyan wiped her face, feeling refreshed, and passed the cloth back. “Qingdai, the newcomers enter today. Was it arranged by the Crown Princess?”
“With the Empress’s decree, the Crown Princess dared not interfere. This time, it was the Empress’s arrangement. The chosen girls are all from good families: the daughter of the Assistant Minister of the Secretariat has been granted the title *Liangyuan*, the daughter of the Li clan from a great family has been granted *Zhaoxun*…”
“Hm? And the third?” Xiao Hanyan turned, puzzled.
“Master, the daughter of Marquis Qing’an has been granted the title *Liangdi*. The other two are of little consequence, but this Liangdi jiang will stand equal with you. This servant fears…”
“Since it is the Empress’s decree, we must not speak too much. Where will they live? Was it arranged by the Crown Princess?”
“The Empress seems somewhat displeased with the Crown Princess. This matter was personally overseen by the Empress. Liangdi Jiang will reside in the Yufu Hall, while Zhaoxun Li and Liangyuan Xu will live in the east and west wings of the Xiyun Hall.” Qingdai gently combed Xiao Hanyan’s waterfall-like hair.
“Qingdai, all three places must have our people. Do you understand?”
“This servant understands.” Qingdai straightened her expression. Fortunately, Liangdi Xiao had entered the Eastern Palace first and already won over many attendants. Planting a few more was easy.
“Qingdai, later have Imperial Physician Su come. I’ve been a little dizzy these past days,” Xiao Hanyan instructed.
“Master, are you unwell? This servant will fetch him immediately.” Qingdai was surprised—why hadn’t her mistress told His Highness?
“Later,” Xiao Hanyan repeated.
Only then did Qingdai understand. “Yes, Master.”
At Xiwu Hall.
“Molan…” Liu Meizhao paced restlessly inside.
Molan hurried to steady her. “Crown Princess, what troubles you?”
“What is that noise outside? It’s giving me a headache.”
“Crown Princess… the newcomers have already entered the Eastern Palace. With more people, noise is inevitable.”
Liu Meizhao froze, staring at the fading daylight. Her breath caught, neither rising nor falling, leaving her stifled.
“Mother forbids me from interfering—she’s using this to teach me a lesson, isn’t she?”
“Crown Princess, mind your words.” Molan guided her into the inner hall and helped her sit. “The Empress has handled it, sparing you the effort.”
“I cannot bear it. In her eyes, I am worth less than Xiao Hanyan.” Liu Meizhao seethed with anger and resentment.
“Crown Princess, take it slowly…”
“Where are those women housed?” she demanded.
“Liangdi Jiang is in Yufu Hall. Zhaoxun Li and Liangyuan Xu are in the east and west wings of Xiyun Hall.”
“Yufu Hall is close to His Highness’s quarters.” Liu Meizhao’s chest burned with fury. “Whom will His Highness summon tonight?”
“Crown Princess, no word has come yet. Tomorrow, the newcomers will pay respects to you. It depends on whom His Highness chooses to visit.”
“Molan, go. Tell His Highness I have urgent matters to discuss. He must come at once. Hurry.” Liu Meizhao’s head spun with desperation. She could not let the newcomers steal him. Tonight, he must come to her.
Molan dared not delay and left immediately. By fortune, just outside Ninghe Hall, she encountered the Crown Prince. Steadying herself, she hurried forward and knelt. “This servant greets Your Highness. The Crown Princess has urgent matters to discuss. Please, come at once.”
Shen Qingchen’s face was cold. He wanted to ignore her, but recalled the scolding he had received from the Emperor earlier.
Neglecting the Crown Princess had already stirred criticism among ministers. Now, with newcomers in the palace, the Emperor demanded that he not act willfully, but show equal favor.
Without answering Molan, Shen Qingchen strode away. She was about to call after him when she saw he was heading toward Xiwu Hall. Overjoyed, she rose and followed.
At Wutong Courtyard.
Qingdai approached Xiao Hanyan, hesitant. “Master… His Highness has gone to Xiwu Hall…”
Xiao Hanyan had already expected this. For Shen Qingchen to resist until now was no small feat. But he could not withstand the Emperor’s pressure. He had his responsibilities.
Looking at the untouched dishes on the table, Xiao Hanyan lowered her head in desolation. When she lifted it again, sorrow clouded her eyes. “Qingdai, has the physician arrived?”
“Master, he is waiting outside. I will call him in.”
In truth, the physician had already come. Qingdai had deliberately kept him waiting, hoping His Highness would arrive first, so he could see her mistress’s frailty and feel pity.
But who could have guessed—His Highness had gone to the Crown Princess instead?