Early the next morning.
Shen Yanshui was still groggy, not yet awake, but her hand had already begun to grope about out of habit.
Down along that warm chest...
She found something soft, pleasantly textured, and instinctively gave it a squeeze.
Huh? Why had it turned into a hot rolling pin?
Before her sluggish, half-asleep mind could process it, her hand was enveloped by a large one.
That hand guided hers into motion.
Not too fast, not too slow, until her palm gradually grew warm...
When she finally opened her eyes, she was met with the Crown Prince’s noble, composed face.
He had awakened at some point and was lying on his side watching her. There was a trace of languidness between his brows, but his eyes were dark and unfathomable. He held her hand, guiding its movements.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes flew wide open. She glanced down, then looked back up at him, her round eyes brimming with accusation.
“...” Cui Yu’s movements paused.
Just as Shen Yanshui was about to speak, the Crown Prince suddenly released her hand. One hand caught behind her knee, lifting her leg over his lean, firm waist, and then... he used that “rolling pin” to block the entrance.
Cui Yu lowered his gaze to her, his voice husky with sleep. “You were the one who provoked me first.”
It was his day off today. He had not slept so well in a long while. When he awoke that morning and found A-Yan lying in his arms, he had been reluctant to get up and had indulged in sleeping in.
He had been thinking about what his father had told him yesterday—about going to the Western Hills summer palace in a few days to escape the heat—when A-Yan’s little hand began to wander...
Shen Yanshui: “...” Well, it did seem that her hand had misbehaved first. But... she had only done it unconsciously, before she was fully awake. It wasn’t deliberate...
As she was thinking this, she felt herself lifted by one of his hands, her upper body pressed against his chest. Her little trousers were pulled down to her ankles.
Cui Yu’s broad hand disappeared beneath her rose-colored camisole. Beneath the sleeping lotus embroidered upon it, the fabric shifted from time to time, revealing the flexing, distinct joints of his fingers. His large hand took up what little space there was, while the other side nearly slipped free of its restraint and swayed loose.
The next moment, it fell into his grasp.
In no time at all, Shen Yanshui was whimpering softly. Fine, wet sounds filled her ears. Just as she was being pleased into a haze, the hollow of her knee suddenly tightened, and he rubbed against her fiercely.
Her body shuddered, and in an instant she was drenched.
The rolling pin had only just entered at the tip and was about to press deeper when Shen Yanshui suddenly opened her eyes. Remembering something belatedly, she jolted. “Y-Your Highness, wait...” She hurriedly raised her leg and reached out, grasping the increasingly scorching rolling pin. The next instant, she pulled it out as though yanking up a radish.
“?!” The veins in Cui Yu’s forehead throbbed visibly. He drew in a deep breath, his voice hoarse beyond measure. “A-Yan?” Then, using her soft palm, he resumed his movements.
Shen Yanshui’s body felt strangely hollow and uncomfortable after that cry escaped him. The palm of her hand was beginning to itch from the friction, and she instinctively pressed it against him from the outside.
Cui Yu: “...?”
Seeing his expression, Shen Yanshui’s face flushed for a moment. After hesitating, she said softly, “Your Highness, my monthly cycle... is several days late.”
They couldn’t go any farther, but rubbing against each other on the outside should... be all right, shouldn’t it?
She had put it tactfully, but Cui Yu needed only a moment to understand. The desire in his eyes instantly faded by more than half, replaced by tremendous joy.
He sat up abruptly.
His sudden movement startled Shen Yanshui, and she hurriedly sat up as well. “Your Highness?”
Cui Yu looked at her, his usually composed expression clearly tense. “Have you had an imperial physician examine you?”
Shen Yanshui lifted a hand and scratched her cheek. “I know a little rudimentary medicine myself. My pulse feels slippery, but it’s still early, so I’m afraid I may have read it incorrectly. I was planning to wait a few more days, until things were more certain, before asking an imperial physician to take a look...”
He had just made her feel so good that she had nearly forgotten about it altogether...
Cui Yu immediately called out, “Zheng Yuande!”
Outside, Zheng Yuande was standing guard beneath the veranda. He jolted at the sound and hurriedly answered, “This servant is here!”
Cui Yu: “Summon an imperial physician!”
Zheng Yuande’s heart tightened, and he quickly replied, “Yes! This servant will go at once!”
He turned and ran, thinking as he went: What happened to His Highness? Has he overexerted himself these past few days and taken ill?
Not daring to delay, he immediately ordered a junior eunuch to fetch someone from the Imperial Medical Academy.
Inside the room.
Shen Yanshui sat on the bed and, almost unconsciously, glanced at the crown prince’s still fully erect manhood.
It hadn’t gone down yet.
Cui Yu felt uncomfortable beneath her gaze and instinctively turned slightly to the side, casually picking up a nearby garment to cover himself. In broad daylight, it was truly somewhat... improper.
Shen Yanshui said softly, “Your Highness... would you like me to use my hand to help you?”
Cui Yu looked at her, his gaze deep and complicated. After a long moment, he finally spoke in a low voice. “A-Yan may be carrying my child now. You mustn’t behave recklessly anymore.”
With that, as though afraid she might try something improper, he rose and entered the bathing room.
Only after entering did he realize that the garment he had casually picked up to cover himself was... A-Yan’s panties.
Without thinking, he brought them closer and lowered his eyes to look. Only then did he notice the faint dampness on the fabric—the sweetly scented moisture from A-Yan’s body...
The desire that had already begun to fade suddenly surged back. In the end, he gripped the damp panties in his hand and pressed them against himself...
Shen Yanshui watched his tall, straight figure disappear behind the screen and blinked.
A moment later, she faintly heard something through the screen.
Low, restrained gasps.
She froze for a moment, then realized what the crown prince was doing.
Images immediately surfaced in her mind of what was happening—especially the sight of His Highness’s handsome, refined, and aloof face, the corners of his eyes faintly reddened...
Her face flared hot, but her ears instinctively perked up.
The Crown Prince’s voice drifted from the washroom in broken fragments, low and magnetic, carrying a note of restrained suppression.
Shen Yanshui listened, her heart growing itchy, as though a feather were lightly brushing across its tip.
The longer she listened, the more she couldn’t help clenching her fist and thumping the soft pillow with it!
He could clearly have done it right in front of her—why did he have to hide in the washroom? And not let her watch, either... How stingy.
As she thought this, she suddenly felt a dampness between her legs. Listening to the faint sounds of water from the washroom, she unconsciously shifted her legs against each other, her face growing even hotter...
After some time, once the two of them had finally washed up and made themselves presentable, the imperial physician arrived as well.
The curtain was lifted, and Zheng Yuande led the physician into the room.
The physician entered and was about to bow when Cui Yu raised a hand to stop him. “No need for formalities. Examine Lady Shen’s pulse first.”
The physician paused in surprise, then promptly acknowledged the order. He walked over to Shen Yanshui, took a pulse cushion from his medicine chest, and placed it beneath her wrist.
Shen Yanshui extended her hand, inexplicably nervous.
The physician closed his eyes and concentrated, carefully feeling her pulse.
For a moment, the room was so quiet that one could have heard a pin drop.
Chunping and Qiuru stood guard at the doorway, their hearts taut with anxiety.
Zheng Yuande was also staring nervously at the physician’s face. So Lady Shen had been feeling unwell?
But... judging by the Crown Prince’s expression, a faint suspicion had already formed in his mind, and a trace of anticipation appeared on his face.
After a long while, the physician opened his eyes, joy appearing on his face.
He rose and bowed deeply to Cui Yu. “Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations! Lady Shen is with child!”
Although Cui Yu had already expected it, when he truly heard those words, his heart still skipped a beat.
He looked at Shen Yanshui. For the first time, his usually calm and composed face openly displayed such delight. He laughed aloud. “Good!”
The physician, too, was all smiles. “Lady Shen is still in the very early stages—less than a month along. If not for her robust health and steady pulse, it would likely have been difficult to confirm so soon.”
Chunping and Qiuru stood at the door, and at those words, they could no longer hide the joy on their faces. They exchanged a glance, their eyes full of smiles.
Quanshou and Quanfu were so delighted that they could hardly close their mouths.
Zheng Yuande, meanwhile, let out a great sigh of relief, unable to conceal his smile.
Lady Shen’s child had come at exactly the right time!
Just last night, he had thought His Highness would remain in low spirits for quite some time. Who would have thought that such wonderful news would arrive today?
He immediately said with a smile, “Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, Lady Shen!”
The others also joined in, offering their congratulations in unison.
Cui Yu laughed heartily. “Rise. There will be rewards!”
Zheng Yuande answered with a smile, “Yes, Your Highness!”
Sitting on the cushioned couch, Shen Yanshui watched the Crown Prince and everyone around her rejoice. She pressed her lips together and reached out to touch her still-flat abdomen.
It still didn’t quite feel real.
Yet she recalled the adorable little angel babies she had seen online in her previous life, and a sense of anticipation quietly bloomed in her heart.
In the future, she would not only be able to play with flowers, grass, and trees—she could play with a child, too.
Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly sensed someone’s gaze upon her.
She lifted her head and met the Crown Prince’s eyes.
The Crown Prince was looking at her. At some point, the joy on his face had faded somewhat, replaced by a complicated emotion she could not quite decipher.
Shen Yanshui was slightly taken aback.
“Your Highness?” She tilted her head, a trace of puzzlement in her eyes.
Cui Yu did not answer at once. He merely glanced at everyone in the room.
Zheng Yuande immediately led the others out with a bow.
The curtain fell, leaving only the two of them inside.
Cui Yu sat down beside her, slipped an arm around her waist, and gently drew her into his embrace, settling her on his lap.
Leaning against him, Shen Yanshui raised her face to look at him. “Your Highness, what’s the matter?” she asked. Reaching out, she lightly smoothed the faint crease between his brows. “Are you unhappy?”
That didn’t make sense. He had clearly been quite happy just moments ago.
Cui Yu took her hand and brought it to his lips, brushing a light kiss against it. His voice was low. “I am happy. I’m very happy.”
Shen Yanshui blinked, waiting for him to continue.
Cui Yu was silent for a moment, his gaze falling to her still-flat abdomen. There was a complicated look in his eyes.
It was just that, moments ago… for some reason, he had suddenly recalled what had happened on the day Lady Chu had suffered a difficult labor…
He paused, the arm around her waist tightening unconsciously.
His brows drew together, and in that instant, an unfamiliar emotion had risen within him—fear.
Seeing the expression on his face, Shen Yanshui seemed to understand what he was worried about. Her heart warmed, and she smiled lightly, deliberately keeping her tone relaxed.
“Your Highness needn’t worry.” She blinked. “The imperial physicians just said that I’m perfectly healthy.”
Cui Yu looked at her without speaking.
After a moment, Shen Yanshui’s thoughts began to turn.
In this era, giving birth truly was a passage through the gates of death… An idea suddenly occurred to her.
“Your Highness,” she said softly.
Cui Yu looked at her.
Shen Yanshui carefully considered her wording. “If you’re truly worried about me, then perhaps… you could have a few imperial physicians—or some female physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy—research the best methods for childbirth?”
Cui Yu’s brows shifted slightly.
Seeing that he was listening, Shen Yanshui continued, “I once read about a few methods in a miscellaneous book. It said they might make childbirth easier and reduce the chances of women dying in labor.”
“If the imperial physicians study and investigate the matter more thoroughly, then even if they can reduce the dangers of childbirth by only ten or five percent, they could still save countless lives throughout the realm.”
Cui Yu gazed at her for a long while without saying a word.
Somewhat puzzled, Shen Yanshui asked, “Your Highness?”
Cui Yu suddenly smiled. It was an extremely faint smile, yet it softened his entire expression.
“A-Yan is right,” he said, his voice low. “Rather than worrying needlessly, it’s better to prepare for trouble before it arises.”
Shen Yanshui froze, then her eyes lit up. “You agree?”
Looking into her bright, sparkling eyes, Cui Yu said, “I’ll make a note of it. I’ll have Zheng Yuande deliver word to the Imperial Medical Academy later and instruct them to select several reliable imperial physicians and female physicians who specialize in this field to research the matter in depth.”
At his words, Shen Yanshui immediately brightened. She cupped his face in her hands, leaned over, and pressed a gentle kiss to the center of his brow. Her eyes curved with a radiant smile.
“If this succeeds, women throughout the realm will be grateful to Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Cui Yu could not help but laugh. Looking at her brilliant, smiling face, he suddenly felt a swell of pride, as though he shared in her accomplishment.
“If it truly proves useful, the one they should thank is you, A-Yan.”
He was, after all, a man. Even though he understood the hardships women endured in childbirth, he could never truly empathize with them. All he could do was bestow gold, silver, and fine silks afterward—mere worldly possessions.
Before this, it had never even occurred to him that there might be something else he could do.
It was A-Yan who cared for all under heaven, whose heart was filled with compassion.
But then...
A-Yan was pregnant now.
His brows drew together slightly.
Shen Yanshui was still delighted. Noticing that the Crown Prince seemed to be pondering something, she assumed he was thinking over matters of state and did not disturb him.
Instead, she nestled in his arms and idly played with his fingers.
The Crown Prince’s hands were exceptionally handsome—well-defined knuckles, long and strong fingers, and faint calluses on his fingertips from years of holding a brush and...
She traced the calluses on his palm. They seemed like those left by someone who had wielded a spear for many years. Though she had never seen the Crown Prince practice with a spear, the calluses on his hands could not lie.
She squeezed his fingers one by one, then placed her own hand against his to compare them. The difference was enormous.
Just as she was amusing herself, a low voice sounded above her.
“A-Yan.”
Shen Yanshui lifted her head and met the Crown Prince’s deep phoenix eyes.
Cui Yu looked at her and said, “Yesterday, Father told me that in a few days, we will be going to the Western Hills Imperial Palace to escape the summer heat. Ministers from every department and the imperial consorts will all be accompanying him.”
Shen Yanshui froze for a moment, then her eyes lit up.
“The Western Hills Imperial Palace? To escape the heat?”
She knew about this!
Even before entering the Eastern Palace, she had heard that for the hottest two or three months of every year, His Majesty would take the court’s most important ministers and some of the imperial consorts to the Western Hills Imperial Palace for the summer.
She had heard that the palace had been improved considerably over the past few years. Nestled among mountains and waters, it was cool and pleasant in summer—far more comfortable than being stifled within the imperial city.
If the Crown Prince was going, then wouldn’t that mean she...
As she was thinking this, the smile on her face suddenly stiffened.
Wait.
She was pregnant now!
The lively glow on Shen Yanshui’s little face instantly faded. “Your Highness, since I am with child now, does that mean... I cannot accompany you?”
If she had not been pregnant, she was confident the Crown Prince would have taken her along. After all, her reputation as the Crown Prince’s favored concubine in the Eastern Palace was not for nothing.
But now that she was carrying a child...
She had heard that the imperial palace was bustling every summer. Horse races, hunts, hunting excursions, reviews of the Imperial Guard... there were all sorts of activities.
If she went, it would be like when the Crown Princess attended the Dragon Boat Festival—so many people and so many watchful eyes. Though Shen Yanshui believed she had the ability to protect herself and would not come to harm, the Crown Prince did not know that!
His Highness the Crown Prince would surely... not agree.
The more Shen Yanshui thought about it, the more dejected she became. Her lips unconsciously puckered into a pout.
This was one of the rare opportunities each year to leave the palace openly and go traveling!
The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, until even her shoulders drooped...
Seeing her like this, Cui Yu found her both pitiful and unbearably adorable, and his heart softened despite himself.
He had indeed planned to take her along.
But now that she was pregnant...
Cui Yu hesitated for a moment.
Yet when he looked into those limpid, peach-blossom eyes, the longing in them practically overflowing, his heart softened even further.
Besides, they would be away at the Western Hills Palace for at least two months.
Although the palace was only thirty or forty li from the capital and could be reached in a single day, he would be accompanying the Emperor and certainly would not have much time to return to the Eastern Palace to see her.
Two months without seeing A-Yan...
His brows drew together slightly.
Then he thought of the Crown Princess.
If he left the palace for two months and left A-Yan alone in the Eastern Palace... his expression changed faintly.
If something happened, he would be too far away to help.
“Does A-Yan want to go?” he asked, looking down at her.
Shen Yanshui immediately nodded like a chick pecking at grain. “Of course I want to go!”
“Just thinking about not seeing Your Highness for two months makes me miss you already, even though you haven’t left yet...”
She spoke in a soft, clingy voice, lifting her beautiful peach-blossom eyes to look at him with undisguised yearning.
One look from her, and Cui Yu’s wavering heart immediately tipped in her favor.
He paused before saying, “For the next few days, have the imperial physicians examine you every day. If you remain well after several days, then A-Yan may... come along as well.”
In the end, he still could not bring himself to leave her alone in the Eastern Palace. Keeping her by his side was the safest option.
Shen Yanshui froze for a moment, then her entire face lit up.
“Really?!” She threw her arms around his neck. “Your Highness! You’re the best! I love you the most!”
Her voice was clear and bright, her delight utterly unrestrained.
The force of her shout made the tips of Cui Yu’s ears grow warm. He kept a composed expression, but the corners of his lips rose despite his best efforts to suppress them.
“Careful.” He hurriedly supported her waist, afraid that she might fall in her excitement. “You’re carrying a child now.”
Shen Yanshui paid no attention. Cradling his face in her hands, she went “mwah~ mwah~,” smothering his entire face with wet kisses. Cui Yu was nearly overwhelmed by her enthusiasm.
But seeing her radiant, smiling face, he could not help but smile as well.
*
Outside, Chunping, Qiuru, Quanshou, Quanfu, and Zheng Yuande were waiting beneath the corridor, all of them straining to hear what was happening inside.
Suddenly, a clear and ringing voice rang out—
“Your Highness! You’re the best! I love you the most!”
The words were utterly unrestrained, direct, and passionate. The group exchanged bewildered looks.
Chunping and Qiuru glanced at each other. Their mistress was being... far too bold and straightforward, wasn’t she?
But then they thought about it again. Perhaps it was precisely because their mistress was so open and unabashed that she had won His Highness’s favor.
As for Zheng Yuande, his heart finally settled completely.
When he had seen the unusual expression on the Crown Prince’s face earlier, he had been terribly worried. But now, hearing Lady Shen’s delighted shout, he was finally reassured, and a smile appeared on his face as well.
*
The imperial physicians’ visits to Lotusheart Court could not be kept secret. Since this was such joyous news, no one had any intention of hiding it. Before long, every residence in the Eastern Palace had learned that Lady Shen was pregnant.
Begonia Court.
A teacup smashed to the floor with a sharp crack, porcelain shards scattering everywhere.
“The tea is scalding! Are you trying to burn me to death?!” Lady Wu raged.
The palace maid kneeling on the floor shook like a leaf, her forehead pressed to the ground. She did not even dare to beg for mercy.
“Someone! Drag her out and give her twenty strokes of the ruler!”
Before long, the heavy thuds of a ruler striking palms sounded from outside the courtyard—one blow after another, as though each stroke were landing on everyone’s heart, making their scalps prickle.
All the servants in Begonia Court stood silent as cicadas, heads bowed, even their breathing subdued for fear that they might be the next to suffer.
Through the window, Lady Wu glared in the direction of Lotus Heart Court next door, resentment churning within her.
Shen Yanshui!
Shen Yanshui again!
Why did she always have to oppose her?!
Lady Wu had only just been diagnosed with pregnancy and had not even had time to rejoice for more than a few days before Shen Yanshui became pregnant as well?
She had originally hoped that, for the sake of the child she carried, His Highness the Crown Prince might let her out sooner.
After all, Lady Chu of Bright Moon Pavilion had given birth to a sickly child. Surely the child in Lady Wu’s womb ought to matter more to the Crown Prince.
But now...
Shen Yanshui was pregnant too.
No matter how unwilling she was to admit it, Lady Wu knew that she and Shen Yanshui did not hold the same place in the Crown Prince’s heart.
But she could not understand it. In what way was she inferior to Shen Yanshui?
In terms of family background, her father was the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a third-rank official—far superior to Shen Yanshui’s father, who possessed only the empty title of Earl of Loyalty and Righteousness and held a nominal fifth-rank post.
In terms of beauty, she believed herself inferior to no one. And as for talent, she was accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
What could Shen Yanshui do? Back when they were still in the Palace of Selected Beauties, Lady Wu had looked down on her completely, thinking her nothing more than a pretty vase with a lovely face and nothing else to recommend her.
Useless at everything—except eating! She was practically a bottomless pit!
What on earth did the Crown Prince see in her?!
Qiaoyun, her chief palace maid, kept her eyes lowered, not daring to look at her mistress.
Yet she could not help glancing toward Lotus Heart Court next door.
Even with a wall between the two courtyards, they could hear the festive sounds drifting over from the other side.
It was said that the Crown Prince had bestowed many more gifts upon Lady Shen, and that every servant in her residence had received reward money as well.
A flicker of envy rose in Qiaoyun’s heart.
Not to mention that Lady Shen of Lotus Heart Court was gentle-tempered.
Since entering the Eastern Palace, Qiaoyun had never heard of Lady Shen beating or scolding a servant. She was also generous with rewards—pastries and other treats, bits of silver—and never treated those serving her poorly.
If only she had been assigned to Lotus Heart Court from the start... Alas, there was no such thing as knowing beforehand.
*
Bright Moon Pavilion.
Lady Chu leaned against the headboard, her face still somewhat pale. When she heard a maid quietly report what had happened at Lotus Heart Court, she fell silent for a long while.
“I understand,” she said blandly. “You may go.”
The maid acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Only Lady Chu remained in the room.
With her gaze lowered, her fingers unconsciously clenched the edge of the quilt.
A few days earlier, the Crown Prince had made an exception and elevated Lady Shen’s rank, promoting her from Zhaoxun to Chenghui. Lady Chu had known then that Lady Shen was different in His Highness’s eyes.
Over the years, the Crown Prince had never once made an exception for any woman in his inner court.
If it had been in the past, hearing this news would surely have left a bitter taste in her heart—perhaps even a twinge of jealousy.
But now...
She turned her head and glanced in the direction of Xiefang Hall, her eyes filling with profound hatred.
Too many children in the palace died young.
She had guarded against every danger, had risked her life to give birth to this son, only for that venomous woman to harm him and leave him frail from birth. Her child was so tiny, so thin; even his cries were faint and delicate, wrenching at her heart.
She had no confidence at all that he would be able to grow up safely.
Once she had recovered from childbirth, she would make the Crown Princess pay the price!
Yet...
What she had not expected was that, before the Crown Prince came to her chambers last night, he had already dealt with Matron Zhou, the Crown Princess’s attendant. And now, the gates of Xiefang Hall had been shut tight...
Lady Chu withdrew her gaze and let out a deep breath. At last, the resentment lodged in her chest had eased somewhat.
But then she could not help lowering her eyes to look at her abdomen.
The skin of her belly was now loose and slack, covered in unsightly stretch marks. Wrinkled like an old woman’s face, it was something she herself could scarcely bear to look at... How could she possibly let the Crown Prince see it?
For the rest of her life... the only one she could rely on was her child.
At the thought, her eyes stung and tears fell again.
Perhaps the one thing she could be grateful for was that the Crown Prince was not the sort of man who was heartless or faithless.
Even if she lost his favor someday, she was already a Lady of the Second Rank. Within the Eastern Palace, she stood only one rank below the Crown Princess, and her child would not be inferior to anyone else’s.
Wisteria Court.
Lady Wang was playing with her daughter when a palace servant came to report the news. She merely lifted her eyelids.
“I understand,” she said evenly. “You may leave.”
The servant withdrew.
Lady Wang lowered her gaze to see her daughter stuffing her fingers into her mouth. Gently pulling them free, she used a handkerchief to wipe away the child’s drool.
The Crown Prince favored Lady Shen above the others and spent more nights in her chambers than anywhere else.
It was only to be expected that Lady Shen would become pregnant. There was nothing particularly surprising about it.
But...
She recalled the news she had heard the previous night.
The Crown Prince had gone to Xiefang Hall last night. It was said that his expression had been icy when he emerged, and soon afterward, the gates of Xiefang Hall were closed.
That morning, she had intended to pay her respects to the Crown Princess, only to be turned away outside the hall.
The eunuch guarding the entrance had merely said that Her Highness the Crown Princess needed to rest and was not to be disturbed at will.
Yet Matron Zhou had been given fifty strokes of the rod by the Crown Prince the night before! With only her final breath remaining, she had been dragged away to the Laundry Bureau...
Then there was Xiaoxiang, the maid Eunuch Zheng had taken away from Bright Moon Studio a few days earlier...
A chill ran through Lady Wang’s heart. Lowering her eyes, she held her daughter a little tighter.
From now on, it would be best to preserve herself wisely. The Crown Princess, it seemed... might not be able to save even herself.
In the east wing of Wisteria Veranda, Lady Song was writing at her desk when she suddenly heard her maid mention the news from next door. She froze for a moment.
Then she flung down her brush. Forget writing her storybook—her heart was aching with jealousy!
“How is it that everyone else can bear His Highness’s child, but I can’t?!”
The maid standing beside her did not know what to say for a moment.
His Highness had not visited in months. If her mistress became pregnant now, would they not all be doomed together...?
But she did not dare say so. She could only lower her head and pretend not to hear.
Bamboo Fragrance Residence.
Lady Zhang was embroidering a handkerchief when a palace maid came to report the news. The needle in her hand paused.
“Sister Shen is pregnant?”
“Yes. The imperial physician only left a short while ago, and word has already spread.”
A trace of envy rose in Lady Zhang’s heart as well. Sister Shen truly had extraordinary luck. Not only did she now have the Crown Prince’s favor, she was also carrying his child. No matter what happened in the future, she would have nothing to worry about for the rest of her life.
Lady Zhang set down her needlework and sighed softly.
“Bring the garment I specially embroidered for Sister Shen some time ago.”
Huixin acknowledged the order and turned to fetch it.
Lady Zhang added, “And go to the storeroom. Bring out that double-sided embroidered table screen as well.”
Huixin hesitated. “My lady means... the screen embroidered with a hundred butterflies among flowers?”
“Yes.” Lady Zhang nodded. “The embroidery on it is exquisite. It would be perfect as a congratulatory gift for Sister Shen.”
When the Crown Prince had raised Sister Shen’s rank last time, Lady Zhang had intended to go and offer her congratulations.
But then a string of incidents had followed one after another, leaving the Eastern Palace simmering with hidden tensions. So she had remained behind closed doors in her own quarters, quietly focusing on her embroidery, and the matter had been delayed.
Now that Sister Shen was pregnant as well, she could not put it off any longer.
*
News from Lotus Heart Court spread quickly.
Cui Yu had no intention of concealing it.
He wanted to use this opportunity to raise A-Yan’s rank once more.
At present, she was only a Chenghui. When they went to the Western Hills Palace, should they encounter the female members of other princes’ households, her current status would ultimately be somewhat too low.
Thinking of something else, he instructed Zheng Yuande to select some attendants from the Department of Palace Servants.
Before long, Zheng Yuande led a group of people into Lotus Heart Court.
At their head was a kindly-looking nanny in her forties. Her brows and eyes held a gentle smile, and her bearing was composed and steady. Behind her stood four palace maids and two eunuchs, all with lowered eyes and deferential expressions. At a glance, it was clear that they were exceptionally well-trained.
“Your Highness, the people have arrived,” Zheng Yuande said with a bow.
Cui Yu nodded and looked toward the nanny.
The nanny immediately stepped forward and performed a proper, formal salute. “This old servant pays her respects to Your Highness, and to Lady Chenghui.”
“Rise,” Cui Yu said.
Nanny Wang stood, then waited respectfully at one side. She was neither servile nor overbearing, her manner calm and dependable.
Cui Yu looked at Shen Yanshui. “This is Nanny Wang. She has attended several consorts through childbirth and is highly experienced. From now on, she will serve at your side.”
Hearing this, Shen Yanshui gave Nanny Wang another look.
She had attended several consorts through childbirth... She was indeed experienced.
Shen Yanshui nodded, then looked at the four palace maids and two eunuchs. None of them appeared particularly young; at first glance, all seemed to possess steady temperaments.
“Your Highness, why have you suddenly added so many people?”
Cui Yu lowered his gaze to her, his voice quiet. “There are still too few attendants in your quarters. Now that you are with child, someone must always be at your side. Use these people for the time being. If you find them unsuitable, they can be replaced.”
Shen Yanshui felt a warmth spread through her heart.
More servants might mean more matters to handle, but no matter how many affairs arose below, they would not reach the ears of their mistress.
Besides, this was an expression of the Crown Prince’s consideration. Naturally, she would not refuse it.
She accepted with a radiant smile. “This concubine thanks Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Cui Yu looked at her bright, lovely face. “Between us, there is no need for thanks.”
Shen Yanshui simply gazed at him with a smile and nodded.
The two of them spoke for a while longer before Cui Yu rose to his feet.
“I still have government affairs to attend to.” He looked down at her and gently stroked the top of her head. “Take good care of yourself.”
Shen Yanshui quickly nodded, her face lighting up as she replied, “Your Highness, rest assured. I will certainly take excellent care of myself.”
At her words, the corners of Cui Yu’s lips lifted unconsciously.
There were many things he was uncertain about, but when it came to taking care of herself, A-Yan truly had a knack for it.
He gave her one last look before turning and walking out.
Zheng Yuande hurried after him.
Shen Yanshui watched until his figure disappeared behind the door curtain. Only then did she withdraw her gaze and look toward the row of newly assigned servants standing in the courtyard.
Nanny Wang led the four palace maids and two eunuchs in bowing once more.
“Your servants pay their respects to our mistress.”
Shen Yanshui curved her lips. “Rise, all of you. From now on, while serving at Lianxin Court, there is only one thing I require of you: do your duties conscientiously and responsibly…”
* * *
The moment they left Lianxin Court, Cui Yu said, “To Kunning Palace.”
Zheng Yuande quickly acknowledged the order and immediately sent someone to prepare a sedan chair to wait at the palace gates.
Although there had been heavy rain yesterday, the sky had cleared by dawn, and it was now the hottest, sunniest part of the day. They certainly could not let His Highness walk all the way to Kunning Palace under the blazing sun.
If the Empress saw him like that, she would skin him alive.
Still, Zheng Yuande could not help feeling puzzled. The news that Lady Shen was pregnant had already been reported to Chongzheng Hall and Kunning Palace by someone sent there on His Highness’s orders.
Why, then, was he making the trip there in person?
