Originally, after the final battle at Yang, he should have returned to the palace without incident—but unexpectedly, something went wrong. It seems now he has indeed returned, and is in his own Eastern Palace.
What did the physician just say? *Liangdi*? Since when did he have a Liangdi?
“Your Highness, please drink some water.” Xiao Hanyan held a cup to Shen Qingchen’s lips, her eyes red and brimming with emotion as she looked at him.
Shen Qingchen opened his mouth and slowly drank. Xiao Hanyan quickly wiped his lips, set the cup aside, and asked softly: “Your Highness, do you feel any other discomfort?”
“You…” Shen Qingchen’s voice was hoarse from his long coma, almost unable to speak. Only after drinking water did it ease slightly.
“Your Highness, you returned gravely wounded and remained unconscious for a long time. The Empress, worried for you, ordered me to marry you to bring fortune and joy. I am now your Liangdi.” Xiao Hanyan explained truthfully.
Shen Qingchen: “…”
Bring fortune? So this was his mother’s doing? It seemed she had no other choice.
“Your Highness, you have just awakened. You must rest well. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.” Xiao Hanyan gently tucked the quilt around him, then lay down beside him once more.
Shen Qingchen’s body stiffened. Though he had been unconscious these past days, he had faintly sensed voices from the outside world. Especially in recent days, there had always been a soft voice murmuring at his side. Now he realized—it was his Xiao Liangdi speaking. And this sensation of someone lying beside him, he had vaguely felt that too.
Having slept so long, Shen Qingchen lacked the strength to think further and soon drifted back into slumber.
Only then did Xiao Hanyan lift her head, pressing herself even closer against his chest. Physical closeness helped strengthen their bond; it built muscle memory, making him accustomed to her presence.
The next day.
At dawn, the Emperor and Empress hurried to the Eastern Palace. They had received the news the previous night and wanted to come immediately, but thought it improper. Only when daylight broke did they rush over—the Empress, unable to wait another moment, came quickly with the Emperor.
By the time they arrived, Shen Qingchen was already awake, leaning against the bed’s headboard. The physician had just finished checking his pulse, while Xiao Hanyan was carefully wiping his hands.
“Your Highness, all done.” Xiao Hanyan set down the cloth and remained by his side.
Shen Qingchen glanced at his Liangdi. When he woke that morning, he wasn’t surprised at all—there was still someone lying in his arms.
“Chen’er…” The Empress entered the bedchamber directly. Seeing Shen Qingchen truly awake, she felt as though she were dreaming.
In a hoarse voice, Shen Qingchen called: “Mother… Father.”
The Empress nearly stumbled to the bedside. All her strength from the past days collapsed in an instant. If the Crown Prince had not awakened, she did not know how much longer she could have endured.
With the Crown Prince gravely injured, countless watchful eyes had been fixed upon them. Both the Emperor and Empress had been under immense pressure.
Looking closely at Shen Qingchen, the Empress wept uncontrollably: “It is enough that you are awake, enough that you are awake.”
“Physician,” the Emperor stood with commanding presence, though his eyes were filled with concern. “How is the Crown Prince now?”
“Your Majesty,” the physician replied, “His Highness’s external injuries only require careful treatment. It was the internal wounds that caused his long coma. But now that he has awakened, there is no danger to his life. With proper care over the coming days, he will recover.”
Hearing this, the Empress finally felt completely reassured.
The Emperor ordered firmly: “You must restore the Crown Prince’s health.”
The Crown Prince was the foundation of the nation. If he had not survived, his coma alone might have caused great upheaval.
“Yes, I obey.” The physician withdrew, and the others left, leaving the family together.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, I… shall also take my leave.” Xiao Hanyan bowed softly.
“Liangdi Xiao,” the Empress called her back. “Come closer.”
Xiao Hanyan stepped forward, and the Empress took her hand. “This time, you have done well. What do you wish for? I can grant it.”
“No… I dare not. It was only my duty.” Xiao Hanyan shook her head in fear. “His Highness’s awakening is thanks to Your Majesty’s and Your Highness’s protection. I dare not claim credit…”
“It’s fine, speak. The Emperor and I never go back on our word.” The deeds of Liangdi Xiao these past days had already reached the ears of the Emperor and Empress. Rewards were due, and they would not be stingy.
“Mother…” Shen Qingchen called out helplessly.
“Foolish child, what do you understand? You were gone for years, and when you returned, you were wounded. Do you know how much pain your mother felt? I had no choice but to do this.”
The truth was, the Crown Prince had indeed awakened. Whatever the reason, after Liangdi Xiao entered the palace, he soon woke.
Had they not taken this gamble, perhaps he would never have awakened. But now, with the Crown Prince sitting here safe and sound, Liangdi Xiao had merit—and merit deserved reward.
Shen Qingchen felt guilty toward his mother and fell silent.
“I… I don’t want anything. I only hope His Highness will not despise me and will allow me to remain by his side.” Xiao Hanyan spoke softly, glancing timidly at Shen Qingchen.
“Of course, you will remain by the Crown Prince’s side. You are his Liangdi, chosen by the Emperor and me ourselves,” the Empress reassured her gently. “The Crown Prince needs attendants. At present, the Eastern Palace has no one else. The affairs of the residence will be entrusted to you.”
“Your Majesty, how could I possibly…”
“When the Crown Princess enters the palace in the future, the duties will be handed to her.”
At the mention of the Crown Princess, the Empress’s tone carried some reproach. No one was more important than her son, yet at that crucial time, the Crown Princess had fallen ill. So now, there was no rush to marry her in. Instead, the Empress was more satisfied with Xiao Hanyan, entrusting her with the management of the Eastern Palace.
“I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty…” Xiao Hanyan hadn’t expected such an unexpected blessing. Do not underestimate the management of palace affairs—by the time the Crown Princess entered, all she would inherit would be an empty shell.
“Empress, let us return now, and allow the Crown Prince to rest.” The Emperor reminded softly: “Crown Prince, once your health is restored, you must come to assist me.”
“Yes, Father, Mother. Do not worry.”
The Empress was reluctant to leave, but knew it was not proper to stay longer. She departed with deep reluctance.
The weather was fine that day. Xiao Hanyan ventured: “Your Highness, may I help you outside for a walk?”
Shen Qingchen looked out, then at the gentle Liangdi before him, and nodded.
“Your Highness, allow me.” Xiao Hanyan supported him as he rose from bed. Shen Qingchen, having slept so long, was still unsteady. When his feet touched the ground, they felt weak.
“Slowly, Your Highness, take your time.” Xiao Hanyan’s frail body steadied him.
As Shen Qingchen stood, Xiao Hanyan realized how tall he was. His physique, honed on the battlefield, even after such a long coma, still carried an imposing presence.
Looking at this delicate, fragile Liangdi, Shen Qingchen felt a warmth rise in his heart. At night, she nestled against him, and during the day, she devoted herself to serving at his side. He was used to the roughness of the battlefield, so this gentleness still felt unfamiliar.
“Why did you agree to Mother’s unreasonable request?” Shen Qingchen asked hoarsely.
Surely no woman would willingly accept such a thing.
“Your Highness, I dare not deceive you. The orders of the Emperor and Empress—I could not disobey.” Xiao Hanyan bit her lip, speaking shyly: “But to serve Your Highness is also my blessing. My father once told me my fate is good, that I would surely bring fortune to Your Highness.”
“And now, has Your Highness not awakened?”
Indeed, he had awakened. No matter the reason, the truth was that he had truly woken.
Xiao Hanyan supported Shen Qingchen into the courtyard, where servants brought a chair for him to sit. She then remained quietly at his side.
Shen Qingchen’s lips curved faintly, almost imperceptibly. The moment was peaceful, serene.