In the imperial study, the Emperor sat firmly upon the dragon throne, dressed in his dragon robe. Years of ruling from the highest seat gave him unmatched authority. His gaze, filled with satisfaction, fell upon Shen Qingchen: “The Crown Prince has always given me peace of mind.”
“Father, your son has been unfilial. Only today does he come to share your burdens.” Shen Qingchen’s deep eyes carried guilt. He had been away for years, worrying his parents. Returning wounded had drained his mother’s tears and added weariness to his father’s face.
“You are the Crown Prince, the foundation of the nation. Your trials were permitted by me, and they were necessary for you to endure,” the Emperor said calmly. “Now that all has returned to normal, it is time for you to marry the Crown Princess.”
Shen Qingchen was taken aback, a flicker of emotion crossing his eyes.
“Father… I already have Xiao Liangdi.”
Xiao Hanyan was his first woman. If possible, he wished to have only her.
“Crown Prince,” the Emperor’s somewhat clouded eyes fixed on him, “you are the heir. You cannot have only one woman, nor will you ever have only one. The Crown Princess you marry, the concubines you take—all are matters of the court and the harem.”
“Liangdi Xiao is good. Your mother and I will not oppose your favoring her. But remember—do not lose yourself in one woman. You are already betrothed to the Prime Minister’s daughter. Now that you are safe, it is time to fulfill that marriage.”
Even the Emperor himself had countless women in his harem. The Crown Prince would be no different.
“Father, I have only just begun to adapt to court affairs. Could I not delay a little longer?” Shen Qingchen’s voice was firm, his eyes holding a trace of hope as he looked at the Emperor.
The Emperor stared straight at him, as though seeing through his heart: “You are my most favored son. Crown Prince, do not let me down.”
Shen Qingchen’s heart trembled. If he disappointed his father, the consequences would be unbearable.
“Your son understands.”
The Emperor sighed inwardly. He cherished his son and did not wish to press him too hard. Yet in this position, reality was far harsher.
“Chen’er, when one day you stand at the highest seat, you may have many Xiao Liangdis. Do not let personal feelings make you forget your duty. I will clear the path for you as much as I can, but in the end, it will depend on you.” The Emperor’s tone softened, his gaze filled with paternal affection as he looked deeply at Shen Qingchen.
A wave of bitterness rose in Shen Qingchen’s heart. He took a deep breath to suppress the ache within him: “Your son will remember. Please rest assured, Father.”
“Good. Go now—your mother is waiting for you.”
“Your son takes his leave.”
In Kunning Palace, Xiao Hanyan was accompanying the Empress. That day, she had entered the palace with the Crown Prince. While he went to meet the Emperor, she remained with the Empress.
“I have heard that you manage the Eastern Palace very well, and that you serve the Crown Prince with devotion. Allowing you to enter the palace was indeed the right choice.” The Empress was genuinely pleased with Xiao Hanyan. Perhaps it was the influence of first impressions, but she found everything about her agreeable.
“It is only because Your Majesty sent people to assist me that I was able to accomplish these things. Serving His Highness is my duty. Your praise shames me—I truly do not deserve it.” Xiao Hanyan blushed slightly, her tone carrying a touch of shy playfulness.
“I can see that Chen’er likes you. That child is rough in nature, not skilled at pleasing women. If you have any requests, speak to him directly.”
The Empress was in high spirits. With the Crown Prince recovered and Xiao Liangdi by his side, her heart could finally rest.
“His Highness treats me well. I am content, and dare not ask for more.”
Xiao Hanyan could tell the Empress was very satisfied with her. In the original story, the Empress had also been pleased with the woman who saved her son. But because “Xiao Hanyan” was timid and later suppressed by the Crown Princess, she eventually lost the Empress’s favor. She herself was not going to be a disposable pawn. She would do everything in her power to win the Empress’s lasting approval. With the Empress’s support, her standing would be entirely different.
Now it seemed the Empress nearly regarded her and the Crown Prince as a pair, almost forgetting about the Crown Princess, who was soon to be married in.
“Hanyan.” The Empress affectionately took her hand, a trace of reluctance in her voice. “Now that the Crown Prince has recovered and returned to court, you know he was betrothed to the Prime Minister’s daughter in childhood. That young woman’s illness has healed, and His Majesty has already decreed that an auspicious day be chosen for their marriage.”
Shen Qingchen had been well for some time. According to the original plot, his marriage to the Crown Princess was approaching.
In the original story, Xiao Hanyan had not been so close to the Empress, so she had not been told of these matters. On the day of the Crown Prince’s wedding, she had only suffered in silence. But now, the Empress was confiding in her. It seemed, at present, she truly held some favor in the Empress’s eyes.
Xiao Hanyan quickly thought through her response, but outwardly her expression shifted at once, her shy smile stiffening at the corners of her lips: “Yes, I understand. I will prepare everything properly for His Highness.”
“Ah, Hanyan. If it were possible, in my heart, you are already my daughter-in-law. Without you, I don’t know what would have become of Chen’er.” The Empress, seeing her so sensible, felt even more tender affection. “Rest assured, I am always on your side.”
Xiao Hanyan smiled gently, though faint tears glimmered in her eyes: “Your Majesty’s kindness is more than I deserve. It is my misfortune—only the Crown Princess can truly be your daughter-in-law.”
Just then, Nanny Qin entered to report: “Your Majesty, His Highness has arrived.”
“Let him in.” The Empress dabbed at her eyes, calming her emotions.
Xiao Hanyan withdrew her hand from the Empress’s grasp and lowered her head, standing quietly to the side.
The emptiness in the Empress’s hand made her heart ache all the more.
When Shen Qingchen entered, he immediately noticed his mother’s troubled expression, while Liangdi Xiao stood silently aside.
Could it be that Liangdi Xiao had displeased his mother? Yet these past days, his mother had been nothing but pleased with her.
“Your son greets Mother.” Shen Qingchen bowed respectfully, his voice steady and strong.
Xiao Hanyan also knelt gracefully in greeting.
The Empress smiled indulgently: “Have you finished speaking with your father?”
“Father instructed me on some matters, then dismissed me.” Shen Qingchen’s gaze fell on Xiao Hanyan. “Mother, did Liangdi Xiao anger you?”
The Empress shook her head gently: “Hanyan is very good, very sensible. Enough now—go back early. I am a little weary.”
“Then, Mother, please rest well. I will take Liangdi Xiao back with me.”
“Mm, go on.”
“Your son takes his leave.”
Shen Qingchen glanced at Xiao Hanyan before turning to depart.
“Your Majesty, I also take my leave.” Xiao Hanyan bowed softly.
“Go on.”
Nanny Qin noticed that the Empress kept gazing outside, even though the figures of the Crown Prince and Liangdi Xiao had long disappeared. Still, she did not move her eyes away. Nanny Qin softly reminded: “Your Majesty, His Highness has already returned.”
“Ah…” The Empress sat wearily in her chair, pressing her hand to her forehead. It was clear she was exhausted.
“Your Majesty, His Highness is well again. What worries remain?” Nanny Qin gently massaged her temples.
“Han Yan, that girl is so sensible it makes one’s heart ache,” the Empress said slowly. “In truth, I do not wish for the Crown Prince to marry Liu Meizhao. When Chen’er was in danger, she could not help him. I truly resent her for that.”
“But she is the Prime Minister’s daughter, and her marriage to His Highness was arranged long ago.”
Madam Qin, of course, understood all of it.