Thus, without needing to do much, she already had the Eastern Palace firmly in hand. Everyone there trusted her completely, with no divided loyalties. They cared for nothing else—only that after Liangdi Xiao entered the palace, His Highness awoke, and each day he grew stronger.
Liangdi Xiao personally attended to the Crown Prince in all things, treating the servants with kindness as well. Whenever she supported him outside for a walk, those watching from afar thought they looked like a perfect pair.
Shen Qingchen had been recuperating for some time now. He felt as though he could once again ride into battle against the enemy.
When the physician checked his pulse again, his face broke into a genuine, relieved smile: “Your Highness’s body has recovered well. As long as such grave injuries do not happen again, I can guarantee there will be no further problems.”
“Thank you, physician. You have worked hard all this time.”
“Your Highness, I dare not claim credit. I must now report back to the Emperor and Empress. I take my leave.”
“Mm.”
“Congratulations, Your Highness…” Xiao Hanyan said softly.
Shen Qingchen gave a helpless smile. What was there to congratulate? Still, he could not deny her contributions over the past few days. Moreover, she had managed the palace affairs with order and precision. Though she appeared delicate, her nature was resilient.
“These days, you have worked hard as well. Speak—what do you wish for? I will grant it.”
“Your Highness truly promises anything?”
“My word is iron.”
“I… I wish to return home to see my father and mother,” Xiao Hanyan whispered.
When she entered the Eastern Palace, her mother had been so worried she could hardly eat. Now that the Crown Prince had awakened, she felt she must return, if only to ease her parents’ hearts.
“Fushun.”
The young eunuch attending the Crown Prince immediately bowed: “What are Your Highness’s orders?”
“Go to the storeroom and prepare some gifts. I will accompany Liangdi home.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Xiao Hanyan’s beautiful eyes widened in surprise: “Your Highness… I could go back on my own.”
“Since I have nothing else to do, I’ll accompany you back.”
“Thank you, Your Highness… I’m truly happy.” Xiao Hanyan walked over joyfully, leaning against Shen Qingchen, her eyes filled with deep affection and gratitude.
Feeling the familiar softness against his arm, Shen Qingchen reached out, gently patting her slender shoulder. “Let’s go.”
“Mm.”
Fushun had already prepared the carriage and gifts. Shen Qingchen brought Xiao Hanyan aboard, and once they were seated, the carriage began to move slowly.
Inside, the two sat side by side. Shen Qingchen’s tall figure, tempered by years on the battlefield, seemed even more steady and imposing—like a mountain seated there.
As they sat quietly in the carriage, Xiao Hanyan felt a little uneasy. Just as she was about to speak, the carriage suddenly jolted. Her body tipped uncontrollably to the side, and she let out a startled cry: “Ah…”
Quickly, Shen Qingchen caught her firmly in his arms and looked down. “Are you alright?”
Xiao Hanyan, her face pale, shook her head.
“What happened?” Shen Qingchen’s voice was low and commanding as he called outside. Fushun’s cautious reply came: “Your Highness, a merchant suddenly rushed into the road. This servant failed to notice in time and startled Your Highness and Liangdi. Please forgive me.”
“Your Highness, I’m fine.”
It wasn’t really anyone’s fault—if anything, it gave her an unexpected chance for closeness with Shen Qingchen.
“Continue.”
At his command, the carriage resumed its slow pace.
Looking down, Shen Qingchen noticed her face was still pale. He wondered—was she truly so frightened?
“Such a timid heart?”
“Your Highness, I was really startled just now. But fortunately, you protected me. It’s so good to have you.” Xiao Hanyan nestled lightly against him, her words full of dependence.
Having gone to the battlefield at a young age, Shen Qingchen had grown up among men. Now, suddenly, he had a delicate, tender Liangdi by his side. The Crown Prince found himself unable to resist her soft words and gentle affection.
“Don’t be afraid. I am here.” Shen Qingchen’s hoarse voice offered comfort.
Xiao Hanyan boldly wrapped her arms around his shoulder and brushed her lips lightly against his: “Your Highness must always protect me.”
Shen Qingchen’s eyes widened slightly. What had Liangdi Xiao just done?
She kissed him?
Xiao Hanyan secretly laughed in her heart. So tall and imposing, yet so innocent? It was only a kiss.
Though they had shared the same bed these past nights, nothing else had happened. First, Shen Qingchen had only just awakened and his body was still weak. Second, the two were not yet familiar with each other—it had to be taken slowly. So whenever an opportunity arose, Xiao Hanyan seized it to draw closer to him.
“Cough…” Shen Qingchen gave a soft, awkward cough, tightening his embrace around her.
“Your Highness, gently… it hurts…” Her tender, delicate voice made Shen Qingchen’s body tense, his eyes flickering with a dark, unreadable light.
But Xiao Hanyan worried that Shen Qingchen, after sleeping so long, might not yet be fully recovered. She stopped teasing him, letting the moment pass.
When the woman in his arms remained still for a long time, Shen Qingchen looked down—and his face instantly darkened.
Xiao Liangdi was staring at his lower body, brows lightly furrowed, her expression full of concern.
“Presumptuous.” His hoarse warning carried a sharp edge, his face black with displeasure.
Xiao Hanyan bit her lip in frustration. “Your Highness… I didn’t mean anything else, I just…”
“Hm?”
“I feel dizzy… so dizzy…” Xiao Hanyan buried herself like an ostrich in his chest, refusing to lift her head.
Shen Qingchen nearly laughed in anger. He clenched his teeth—he would have to show her, for the sake of a man’s dignity. He could not allow her to look down on him.
When they returned to the Xiao residence, Gu Xian had many questions for Xiao Hanyan. After a few polite greetings, she pulled Xiao Hanyan into the inner hall.
Shen Qingchen remained behind to speak with Xiao Wenyuan.
“Congratulations, Your Highness, on your recovery.” Xiao Wenyuan was delighted—his daughter truly seemed to bring fortune.
“It is all thanks to Liangdi Xiao.”
Xiao Hanyan was the first woman Shen Qingchen had ever been so close to. He did not mind treating her with a little more kindness.
“Your Highness flatters me…”
In Xiao Hanyan’s boudoir, Gu Xian looked her up and down, eyes brimming with tears, voice choked: “Yan’er, are you alright? Truly alright? Is everything well?”
“Mother, am I not standing here before you? Please don’t worry.” Xiao Hanyan gently wiped away her tears. “His Highness has recovered. Everything is fine now.”
“That’s good, that’s good. Now I can be at ease.” Gu Xian still trembled with lingering fear. “I truly couldn’t sleep at night, I worried myself sick.”
“Your daughter has made you worry…”
“Silly child, as long as you are well, I am at peace.” Gu Xian held back her tears. “And His Highness, how does he treat you…”
“His Highness treats me kindly for now. In the future…” Xiao Hanyan reassured her, “I will be fine, Mother, don’t worry.”
Gu Xian nodded. Though her daughter was delicate, her nature was resilient. Some things could only be faced by herself.
They stayed to share a meal. Yet, despite their reluctance, they could only watch the carriage depart.
“Madam, don’t look any longer. Let’s go inside.” Xiao Wenyuan wrapped an arm around Gu Xian’s trembling shoulders to comfort her.
“Mm.” With tear-filled eyes, Gu Xian turned away.