“Master, your body is unwell. Why must you go to pay respects today?” Qingdai asked as she helped Xiao Hanyan wash and dress, puzzled.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Xiao Hanyan spoke softly: “Yesterday His Highness left Xiwu Hall. The Crown Princess must be furious. And today, with the newcomers paying respects for the first time—if I don’t go, tongues will wag.”
“But Master, you are with child. His Highness has already said you need not attend.” Qingdai worried. Though yesterday’s ‘fetal agitation’ was feigned, it was a secret that must never be spoken of, not even once.
“If I don’t go, how can I see the Crown Princess’s reaction? Don’t worry.”
“His Highness was concerned for you. He stayed with you all morning before leaving. I fear he will be angry.”
Qingdai prepared cosmetics, but Xiao Hanyan stopped her. “No need for powder. Just a touch of lip color.”
“Yes, Master.”
“I have my own explanation for His Highness. Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
As she walked, Xiao Hanyan pondered. In the original story, she had been suppressed by the Crown Princess, receiving only scraps of favor, and died without ever bearing a child. But now, because she had come—perhaps due to the butterfly effect—Liu Meizhao had suffered setback after setback, while Xiao Hanyan carried a child. Everything was different. Fate itself seemed to have shifted.
Liu Meizhao had not yet won Shen Qingchen’s heart, and now faced the agony of losing him. That torment—of never possessing, yet being forced to watch him slip away—was the most unbearable of all. And with more women in the Eastern Palace, Liu Meizhao’s jealous nature might drive her to reckless acts.
Xiao Hanyan raised her hand to her belly. She would never allow her child to suffer even the slightest grievance.
“Master, are you unwell?” Qingdai asked when she saw her silent.
Xiao Hanyan shook her head gently. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
At Xiwu Hall.
“Crown Princess, the time for paying respects is near,” Molan reminded cautiously.
Liu Meizhao sat before the dressing table, staring blankly into the bronze mirror. She had not slept all night. Her face was pale and haggard, with dark circles beneath her eyes.
Molan applied powder to slightly improve her appearance.
“Crown Princess, today the newcomers will pay respects. All preparations are ready.” Molan spoke softly again. “Crown Princess, you must compose yourself. Liangdi Xiao is with child—she cannot serve His Highness now.”
Liu Meizhao’s eyelids twitched as she slowly came back to herself. Clenching her fists, she muttered, “Even with her seductive tricks, she’ll cling to His Highness despite being pregnant.”
“Crown Princess, the Eastern Palace has newcomers now, and Liangdi Xiao is with child. Everything will be under your command,” Molan reminded softly.
Hearing this, Liu Meizhao gradually regained her composure. She took a deep breath, examined her makeup, dabbed a little lip color to brighten her face, and finally stood. “Let’s go.”
“Yes.” Molan supported her as they walked to the outer hall.
Inside Xiwu Hall.
The three newcomers had already arrived, seated and waiting for the Crown Princess.
Xiao Hanyan entered from outside. The three rose immediately to salute. Liangdi Jiang, though of equal rank, hesitated but still bowed—since Xiao Hanyan had entered the palace earlier and was now pregnant.
Xiao Hanyan smiled faintly. “Rise.”
Just then, Liu Meizhao appeared, witnessing the scene. The other two were expected to bow, but Liangdi Jiang’s salute to Xiao Hanyan stung her. Their family backgrounds and ranks were nearly equal—yet Jiang Liangdi still deferred.
“This concubine greets the Crown Princess.”
Seated at the head, Liu Meizhao felt slightly appeased as all four women saluted her. “Rise.” Her expression softened. “Liangdi Xiao is heavy with child. Do not overexert yourself. If you harm your body, I cannot explain it.” Though she smiled, her words were sharp.
Li Zhaoxun and Xu Liangyuan lowered their heads, silent. Liangdi Jiang also said nothing.
Xiao Hanyan, protecting her belly, replied calmly: “It is my duty to greet the Crown Princess. I am not so fragile.”
“Yesterday you fainted. I was truly worried. Your body is too weak. If His Highness’s heir suffers any mishap, not only will he grieve, but I too will be distressed.” Liu Meizhao furrowed her brows, feigning concern.
Xiao Hanyan’s eyes hardened imperceptibly. She met Liu Meizhao’s gaze. “Crown Princess, rest assured. I will protect the child well. His Highness has already ordered the physician to check my pulse daily.”
Liu Meizhao’s sleeve hid her clenched fists. She had meant to suppress Xiao Hanyan, but instead, it became her moment to boast. If His Highness had truly accepted her, how could a concubine rise above her?
What should have been a simple greeting turned into a silent clash between Crown Princess and Liangdi Xiao. The three newcomers dared not speak.
Seeing Liu Meizhao’s face darken, Molan quickly interjected: “Crown Princess, shall we present gifts to the newcomers now?”
Liu Meizhao smiled faintly. “Since you have just arrived, I prepared small gifts. Take them back with you.”
“Thank you, Crown Princess.”
“As for Liangdi Xiao, she lacks nothing. I prepared nothing for her. Surely she won’t mind?” Liu Meizhao looked at Xiao Hanyan.
Xiao Hanyan had been standing the whole time, never invited to sit. Her legs ached, but she only shook her head. “Crown Princess’s gifts for the sisters are enough.”
“Liangdi Xiao is indeed considerate.” After the gifts were accepted, Liu Meizhao rose. “It grows late. Let us disperse.”
“Yes, this concubine takes her leave…”
Xiao Hanyan and the three newcomers departed.
Liu Meizhao collapsed back into her chair, her face dark, teeth clenched. “Was she here to flaunt herself?”
“Crown Princess, calm yourself. Don’t harm your health,” Molan soothed, worry on her face.
Pain twisted Liu Meizhao’s features. “Molan, didn’t you see? Xiao Hanyan’s arrogance—pregnant and already flaunting it before me. And those three, all foxlike beauties. How could His Highness not favor them?”
Now, with Xiao Hanyan pregnant, His Highness was blinded by joy. But once he realized she could not serve him, would he not turn to those three radiant newcomers?
“Crown Princess, His Highness will only have more women in the future. You must seize his heart now. Liangdi Xiao cannot serve him, and the newcomers must follow your arrangements.” Molan urged gently.
“I want His Highness to hold me in his heart… but all he sees is Xiao Hanyan.” Liu Meizhao’s voice was bitter. She had not yet gained him—and already feared losing him.