His Highness *must* come to her tonight—otherwise, how could she establish her authority as Crown Princess? It wasn’t merely the newcomers entering the Eastern Palace that pained her. What cut deepest was that since the wedding, His Highness had not touched her at all.
Each time Liu Meizhao thought of it, she wanted to smash her head against the wall. Yet she refused to give up. The thrill she had felt upon seeing him on their wedding night had ignited her desire to claim his heart completely.
With Xiao Hanyan constantly clinging to him, Liu Meizhao could not endure it. She wanted the Crown Prince to belong to her alone. If he came to Xiwu Hall tonight, she could finally hold her head high.
As the evening deepened, Liu Meizhao gripped the doorframe so tightly her fingertips turned white.
“Crown Princess, don’t be anxious. His Highness…”
“He *will* come, won’t he?” Liu Meizhao cut off Nanny Zhang, staring unblinkingly outside.
Nanny Zhang’s throat tightened. How could she answer? Clearly, these days, His Highness had devoted himself to Liangdi Xiao. Neglecting the Crown Princess despite pressure from the Emperor and ministers, refusing to step foot in Xiwu Hall—how could she be sure he would come now?
Without an answer, Liu Meizhao’s eyes reddened. Proud as ever, she tilted her head back, biting her lip to keep tears from falling. Then came footsteps outside. She looked up sharply. A tall figure strode toward her. Tears nearly spilled instantly—she could hardly believe her eyes.
“Crown Princess, His Highness has arrived,” Nanny Zhang whispered quickly.
Liu Meizhao wiped her eyes and stepped forward. “This concubine greets Your Highness,” she choked.
Shen Qingchen looked down at her. After a moment’s silence, he spoke. “Rise.”
Joy surged through her—was this at last the turning point?
“Your Highness, supper is prepared. Allow me to serve you.” Her reddened eyes shone with expectation.
Shen Qingchen walked silently into the hall.
The table was laden with dishes. Yet he thought only of how he had promised to spend the night at Wutong Courtyard with Yan’er. Now he had broken his word—how desolate would she feel, what thoughts would torment her? He decided he would sit a while, then leave. At least it would silence the gossip.
Liu Meizhao, unaware of his thoughts, was simply elated that he had come. She personally served him food. “Your Highness, try this. Mother said you liked it.”
He picked up the chopsticks and ate, but his mind was elsewhere. He could not even taste the flavor.
Fushun stood aside, quietly sighing. Serving dishes was his duty, yet the Crown Princess, desperate to please, did it herself. He stepped back. But at Wutong Courtyard, it was His Highness who served Liangdi Xiao, never allowing her to tire herself.
Now, merely by coming once to Xiwu Hall, both mistress and servants were overjoyed beyond concealment.
“Your Highness, this concubine toasts you.” Liu Meizhao lifted her cup, looking shyly at Shen Qingchen. “Your Highness will stay tonight, won’t you?”
Shen Qingchen’s brows furrowed. He had already been here for some time and did not wish to remain longer. “I tonight…”
“Your Highness, it is already late. Surely the other sisters have gone to bed.” Liu Meizhao hurriedly cut him off. She could not bear to hear him refuse.
His frown deepened. He set the wine cup back down on the table.
Liu Meizhao’s heart sank.
“Your Highness… Your Highness, something’s wrong…”
“Your Highness…”
Noise erupted outside. Fushun rushed to check. Liu Meizhao’s fury rose—just when His Highness seemed inclined to stay, if anyone ruined her moment, she would never forgive them!
Fushun returned, leading in a panicked Qingdai, who quickly reported: “Your Highness, Liangdi Xiao suddenly fainted. The physician says she has stirred her pregnancy…”
Shen Qingchen’s face darkened. He rose at once, his voice sharp. “What did you say!”
“Your Highness, please go see Liangdi at once…” Qingdai sobbed uncontrollably.
Shen Qingchen hurried out. Xiwu Hall fell silent again.
Liu Meizhao suddenly laughed, startling Molan. “Crown Princess, what is wrong?”
“She is with child… Xiao Hanyan is pregnant now, ha…”
“She always opposes me. Why must she always oppose me?”
Liu Meizhao overturned the table, leaving the hall in chaos. The uproar lasted long before it subsided.
Earlier, Qingdai had brought Imperial Physician Su to examine Xiao Hanyan’s pulse.
“This servant greets Liangdi.”
“Thank you, Physician Su.” Xiao Hanyan, pale-faced, sat by the desk.
“I dare not. Please.”
She extended her wrist. He respectfully placed a silk cloth before touching her pulse. Within moments, his eyes lit with joy. He looked at her. “Liangdi… you are with child.”
Qingdai’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Liangdi is pregnant?”
The physician withdrew his hand. “Judging by Liangdi’s demeanor, she already knew.”
Xiao Hanyan nodded softly. “I suspected. Now that you have confirmed it, I am reassured.”
“Liangdi, you are with child. This servant was careless not to notice. Thankfully, you are well…” Qingdai stammered in excitement.
“This pregnancy is just over a month, but the pulse is strong, the child healthy. I can prescribe nourishing medicine, harmless and beneficial.”
“Physician Su.” Xiao Hanyan looked at him steadily. “You were sent by His Majesty to care for His Highness. I have seen your devotion. Tell me honestly—will this child be safe?”
He hesitated, puzzled by her calm tone. Her composure struck him deeply. Xiao Liangdi knew she was pregnant, yet had told no one, even concealing it from those who checked her pulse. Now she asked him directly.
“If you aid me, Physician Su, should I one day rise high, I will never forget your great kindness.” Xiao Hanyan continued to look calmly at Physician Su.
Having served in the Imperial Medical Bureau for so long, and being personally assigned by the Emperor to care for Shen Qingchen in the Eastern Palace, Physician Su needed no further explanation—he already understood. He had never wished to be entangled in the intrigues of the harem. Yet ever since Xiao Liangdi entered the Eastern Palace and tirelessly tended to the Crown Prince, he had seen it all with his own eyes. Since Xiao Liangdi had chosen him, there was no escaping.
Physician Su slowly knelt, his expression turning solemn before he spoke: “Liangdi is in the early stages of pregnancy. Excessive heart fire has stirred the fetus…”
Almost as soon as his words fell, Qingdai grasped the meaning and rushed out, her face full of panic and urgency. “Please, Physician, prescribe the medicine.”
“Yes…”
If Xiao Hanyan had won over the Eastern Palace attendants while Shen Qingchen lay unconscious, Physician Su was among them. And now, she had only bound him more firmly to her side of the struggle.