“She disregards my feelings entirely, giving me no face as Crown Princess.”
“Today, Xiao Hanyan even dared flaunt herself before me. Molan, what should I do?”
Liu Meizhao lifted her head toward Molan, her voice full of resentment and sorrow, pain flickering in her eyes.
Molan, distressed, choked out hurried comfort: “Crown Princess, since Liangdi Xiao is pregnant and cannot serve His Highness, why not draw the three newcomers to your side? If they gain favor before His Highness, they can also speak for you.”
“But you must not appear dependent on them. After all, you are the Crown Princess. Forgive my boldness, but who else could sit upon the phoenix throne in the future, if not you?”
“Or let them compete with Liangdi Xiao for favor, while you reap the benefit. You are mistress of the Eastern Palace—everything will be yours in time. For now, the most important thing is not to anger the Empress again.”
Molan’s words struck Liu Meizhao like a revelation. She realized she had been too hasty these days; she needed patience.
What of Xiao Hanyan’s pregnancy? Even if she bore a child, that child must still call Liu Meizhao *Mother Consort*.
Xiao Hanyan sought to monopolize His Highness’s affection. But now, with several new women vying for him, could she remain calm?
The Eastern Palace was bound to grow lively. Liu Meizhao’s lips curved into a smile—the more chaos, the better.
“I shall see how Liangdi Xiao manages.”
“It is good the Crown Princess understands.”
Meanwhile…
On her way back, Xiao Hanyan, weary from walking and standing long in the hall, decided to ride in a soft sedan chair. Just as Qingdai summoned attendants to carry it, Liangdi Jiang called out: “Greetings, Liangdi.”
Xiao Hanyan turned slowly. “We are of equal rank. No need for such formality.” Her voice was gentle, yet carried a faint, subtle distance.
In the original tale, Liangdi Jiang had sided with the Crown Princess, often bullying Xiao Hanyan. Liu Meizhao, jealous by nature, would never yield the Crown Prince to another. Liangdi Jiang alone was deceived by her words, believing that standing with the Crown Princess would bring favor.
Now, facing Xiao Hanyan directly, Liangdi Jiang’s heart sank. She had not looked closely before, but now she was stunned.
The Crown Princess’s beauty was already formidable, but Liangdi Xiao’s was even more breathtaking. No wonder His Highness favored her alone.
Jiang Rou had thought the Crown Prince’s affection for Liangdi Xiao was merely because she entered the palace earlier than the Crown Princess. She had dismissed her as just another concubine. But now, she wondered—was the Crown Prince’s devotion truly only because of timing? Last night, he had rushed to her side in panic, and even the Empress had scolded the Crown Princess, leaving her no dignity.
A shadow flickered in Jiang Rou’s eyes. They were all women of the Crown Prince—who could say what the future held?
Though her mind churned, she kept a smile. “Liangdi Xiao is truly beautiful. Even I cannot help but admire you.”
“You flatter me. You are charming as well,” Xiao Hanyan replied coolly.
“I am new to the palace, unfamiliar with things. Might I trouble elder sister for guidance, perhaps even companionship?” Jiang Rou’s delicate face held hopeful anticipation.
“If you have questions, ask the Crown Princess. She governs all matters of the Eastern Palace. If I overstep, she may take offense.”
“But everyone says His Highness favors you most. Surely the Crown Princess would not mind.” Jiang Rou’s words carried a probing edge.
Xiao Hanyan caught it immediately, frowning slightly. She was too tired to continue the exchange.
Qingdai, noticing her mistress’s weariness, interjected: “Master, His Highness ordered the physician to prepare your medicine. If delayed, it will cool.”
Xiao Hanyan gave Jiang Rou an apologetic look. “It grows late. I must return for my medicine. We can speak another time.”
“Then farewell, elder sister.” Jiang Rou inclined her head.
Watching Xiao Hanyan depart, Jiang Rou frowned in thought. For now, Liangdi Xiao seemed most favored. But the Crown Princess remained the true power.
It was only their second day in the palace. Surely His Highness would summon one of them soon. Among the three, her family background was the most distinguished. If summoned, she should be first. She must prepare.
“Master, what are you thinking?” Jinyun asked softly.
Jiang Rou shook her head. “Let’s go back.”
“Yes.”
At Wutong Courtyard.
Xiao Hanyan returned to find Nanny Qin waiting. She hurried forward. “Liangdi, where have you been? I have waited long.”
“I went to pay respects. On the way back, I lingered in the Imperial Garden to admire the flowers. Forgive me for keeping you waiting.”
“Not at all. The Empress ordered me to bring you ginseng soup—she prepared it herself.” Nanny Qin’s fondness for Xiao Hanyan was genuine, for she pleased the Empress greatly.
“Thank you, Nanny. Please convey my gratitude to Her Majesty. I am honored and will drink it.”
“Good. You are sensible. I will report back to Her Majesty.” Nanny Qin left reassured.
Qingdai served the soup. “Master, the Empress truly cares for you.”
Xiao Hanyan drank a sip. Had she not won the Empress’s favor early, she might have ended as in the original tale—weak, suppressed by Liu Meizhao, and losing the Empress’s regard.
“Master…” Qingdai hesitated.
“What is it?”
“Master, you are pregnant and cannot serve His Highness. With newcomers here, I worry…”
Xiao Hanyan’s eyes flickered. Liu Meizhao must be more anxious than she. She herself did not mind where Shen Qingchen went. But if he touched another woman, she feared she would despise him.
“Qingdai, discreetly find out where His Highness goes tonight.”
“Master, you’re not anxious?”
Xiao Hanyan smiled faintly. “You’re more anxious than I am.”
“Come closer…” She leaned to whisper in Qingdai’s ear.
Qingdai’s lips curved into a smile. “Master, will this work?”
“That depends on you.”
“I will see it done.”
“Good. Go.”