Queen Chu Mengyao sat upright on the couch, holding a piece of clothing in her hands.
She carefully threaded a needle through the fabric.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she gently shook the garment open—a dark, patterned brocade robe with black edging.
She had spent several days meticulously crafting it, and now it was finally complete.
A maid nearby, quick and attentive, stepped forward, smiling as she took the robe and spread it out so the queen could inspect it for any needed adjustments.
Everyone in the room who saw the garment praised her skill.“Your Highness, this robe is exquisitely made and beautiful.”“Your stitching is as impeccable as always.”
Hearing the compliments, Chu Mengyao’s mood lifted, and she smiled.
“Do you think the prince will like this robe?” she asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Madam Zhao stepped forward with a reassuring smile.“Do not worry, Your Highness. What the prince notices most is your sincerity. And this robe is truly exquisite—he will surely like it.”
Chu Mengyao felt slightly relieved at the maid’s words, though her eyes still kept drifting toward the door.
She knew the prince would visit today. Whenever a new bride entered the palace, he would come to the main hall after three days—that was his way of showing her respect.
At that moment, faint but clear footsteps echoed outside, accompanied by the respectful greetings of the attendants:“Greetings, Your Highness.”
A thrill of joy went through Chu Mengyao. She hurried to the door and just as she reached it, the prince stepped in, his expression somber.
She paused for a moment, then quickly regained her composure and led the greeting. Her soft, sweet voice rang out,“I pay my respects, Your Highness.”
The other maids followed suit, bowing and saying in unison,“Greetings, Your Highness.”
As he walked, Prince Xuan casually said,“Everyone, rise. Bring the meal.”
His tone was calm, yet carried an unmistakable weight of authority.
Chu Mengyao and the maids responded together,“Yes, Your Highness.”
Soon, a sumptuous meal was laid before them. The two sat facing each other, maids quietly serving each dish, the entire process silent and precise. They ate without speaking.
After the meal, Chu Mengyao looked at the prince and softly asked,“Your Highness, I have made a brocade robe for you. Would you like to try it on to see if it fits?”
Prince Xuan, seeing the room full of people, didn’t wish to refuse her. He nodded in agreement.“Very well.”
He rose and walked toward the inner chamber. Chu Mengyao quickly followed, gesturing for the maids to remain behind.
Inside, she went to the couch, took the robe, and helped Prince Xuan into it personally.
Once he was dressed, he glanced down briefly and said,“Very good.”
Though the words were few, Chu Mengyao’s face lit up with joy. She moved to embrace him, but he suddenly stepped back.
“I need to speak with you,” he said, expressionless, and walked to the table to sit.
Chu Mengyao felt a chill of foreboding. She carefully recalled recent events—nothing seemed amiss—but still, she took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. Then she sat opposite him.
“What would Your Highness like to say?”
“I happened to witness your younger brother openly abducting a civilian girl on the street while at Zui Xiang Tower today. I intervened to teach him a lesson,” the prince said flatly.
Chu Mengyao’s face fell. She hurried to explain,“Your Highness, my brother is still young and spoiled by his family. He can be headstrong. I will ensure my father disciplines him strictly.”
Prince Xuan snorted coldly.“He is hardly a child. You were fortunate it was me who intervened. Imagine if it had been someone else, and this reached the emperor—think carefully.”
He turned as if to leave.
Chu Mengyao’s face paled. She grabbed his sleeve.“Your Highness, what should be done about this matter?”
“I have already handled it. You need not worry,” he replied.
“Very well, I will ensure they are properly restrained in the future,” she said.
“That is satisfactory. I am returning to the main hall,” he said, withdrawing his sleeve and preparing to leave.
Gathering courage, Chu Mengyao asked,“Will Your Highness come again tonight?”
“No. I have other matters. Rest early,” he replied, disappearing into the night.
The next morning, Chu Mengyao hurried back to the Minister’s mansion.
After lunch, Shen Jingyi was planning to take a walk to aid digestion when Qiukui came running in.
“Side Consort!”
“What is it? You’re sweating all over.”
“Side Consort, I just heard that at this morning’s court, the Censor reported that Minister Chu had failed to properly discipline his son, allowing him to publicly abduct a girl.”
Shen Jingyi paused briefly, then smirked lightly.“Good. Better to expose a festering sore early, so it can be treated before it worsens.”
Chun Tao and Xia Zhu, following behind, were initially worried. They thought, Yesterday’s incident—already reported to the emperor today?
However, after hearing Shen Jingyi’s words, they slowly understood the reasoning and relaxed, curiosity and gossip rising in equal measure.
“What happened next?” Shen Jingyi asked.
“I heard that after Minister Chu learned of the matter yesterday, he was furious. He immediately released the abducted girls, giving each one a hundred taels as compensation. He also disciplined his son, giving Chu Chengming forty strokes,” Qiukui said with a chuckle.
“They say his backside was sore to the point where no one could plead for mercy—not even the grandmother feigning illness could stop it. This morning, the emperor summoned them; they were carried into the hall. Hearing of Chu Chengming’s punishment and the compensation given, the emperor only confined him to the house for three years. Minister Chu, for failing to properly discipline his son, was docked a year’s salary and given twenty strokes. The prince also docked a year’s pay.”
“That’s good—not overly harsh. Now, look at you, sweating. Haven’t eaten yet, have you? Go do so.”
“Yes, Side Consort. Thank you. I shall take my leave.”
“Wait, Spring Peach, you and Qiukui should go and admonish them. No discussing this matter in the courtyard.”
“Yes, Side Consort. We will go immediately.”
After the maids left, Shen Jingyi, Xia Zhu, and the hurriedly arriving Qiujü strolled slowly toward the rear garden.
They laughed and chatted, keeping in the shade, enjoying the cool, pleasant walk.
In the garden, flowers of all varieties bloomed in competition, each more beautiful than the last. A gentle breeze carried their fragrance.
Shen Jingyi loved this place. She found a shady spot among the blossoms, sat down, and breathed in the scent, watching bees and butterflies busily flit among the flowers. A sense of peace washed over her.
At that moment, a small child burst into the scene, becoming part of the garden’s beauty.
The little girl had two tiny hair buns, pale and soft skin, and wore a light yellow skirt. She was charming and adorable.
Xia Zhu whispered,“This must be Side Consort Su’s youngest daughter.”
Qiujü looked puzzled.“Why is she alone?”
“She isn’t remarkable herself, but her daughter is surprisingly pretty,” Shen Jingyi said, propping her chin in her hand, watching the girl pick flowers.
Suddenly, the little girl plopped onto the ground and burst into tears.“Waaah! Waaah!”
“What happened?”
“Let’s go see,” Shen Jingyi said, rising to investigate.