The moment Lady Song learned that the Crown Prince had selected both Worthy Lady Shen and Lady Zhang to accompany him, she was utterly distraught.
Her eyes reddened, and tears immediately began to stream down her face.
“Why…” Unable to stop herself, she threw herself onto the couch and burst into tears, her voice choked with sobs. “Worthy Lady Shen is one thing, but Lady Zhang… When has His Highness ever spared her a second glance? Why would he choose her this time?”
Seeing her mistress cry so bitterly, the palace maid hurriedly offered her a handkerchief and gently consoled her. “Please don’t cry, my lady. You’ll hurt your eyes…”
Lady Song was crying so hard that even bubbles of snot had formed. Taking the handkerchief, she wiped her face and sniffled. “I entered the Eastern Palace before she did. My rank may be slightly lower, but I’ve been here longer. How could His Highness not think of me?”
The maid: “…”
After crying for a while, some of the grievance in her heart finally ebbed away, only to be replaced by an even stronger sense of unwillingness.
The maid beside her hesitated, then said softly, “This servant heard… that some days ago, Lady Zhang went to congratulate Worthy Lady Shen on her happy news. The gifts she brought were exceedingly lavish.”
Lady Song’s sobs abruptly stopped. Raising a pair of red-rimmed eyes, she asked, “What gifts?” The last time she had gone over, Lady Zhang had already been at Lotus Heart Court. She had not paid much attention to what the others had brought—surely they were all much the same sort of things.
“A set of clothing, a table screen, and a red coral ornament half a foot tall.”
“They say the clothing and the screen were embroidered by Lady Zhang herself. Her needlework is excellent; the maids from the neighboring courtyards are always praising their mistress’s skill…”
As she spoke, she stole a glance at her mistress’s expression, and her voice gradually grew quieter.
Lady Song stopped crying.
She sat there blankly, tears still clinging to her cheeks, but the look in her eyes slowly changed.
So that was it… So that was it! Worthy Lady Shen must have put in a good word for Lady Zhang before the Crown Prince!
Who would have thought that Lady Zhang, who usually seemed so mild and courteous, so unassuming and proper, would actually be such a sycophant—so skilled at currying favor?!
The more Lady Song thought about it, the angrier she became. She shot to her feet and began pacing back and forth across the room.
“Who doesn’t know how to curry favor?” she said bitterly. “If I can’t win over His Highness, can’t I win over Worthy Lady Shen? It’s only embroidery—”
She suddenly stopped.
Well… her needlework was quite ordinary. Back when she was still at home, whenever her mother saw her pricking her fingers while embroidering, she could not bear it and stopped making her learn.
She had only said that there were serving maids to handle such matters, so there was no need for her to do them herself. From then on, Lady Song had rarely touched a needle and thread again…
Dejected, she sat back down, and the fire that had just flared up inside her sputtered out.
But after only a brief moment of silence, her eyes suddenly lit up again.
“Wait…” She abruptly turned to Cui'er. “I remember you once said that Worthy Lady Shen enjoys listening to storybooks?”
Cui'er paused, then nodded. “Yes. Have you forgotten, my lady? You even had this servant inquire about it before. Eunuch Quanfu from Lotus Heart Court often asks the palace servants who go out to make purchases to seek out storybooks. They say Worthy Lady Shen is particularly fond of them.”
Lady Song’s eyes grew brighter and brighter. “Do you know what kind of stories she likes?”
“Hmm…” Cui'er thought for a moment. “I’ve heard that Worthy Lady Shen isn’t particularly fond of tales of gifted scholars and beautiful ladies. She prefers stories about women generals and wandering heroines of the martial world.”
The gloom on Lady Song’s face vanished at once, and she actually smiled.
Before entering the Eastern Palace, she had loved nothing more than reading storybooks. Over the years, the books she had read could have filled several large chests!
Since entering the Eastern Palace, with nothing much to do all day, she had begun writing to amuse herself. Over the years, she had written quite a few stories, though most were romances about talented scholars and lovely maidens.
She had even… written stories based on the Crown Prince and herself. Naturally, no one knew of this. She had never told a soul.
But now, she had grown tired of writing such romances. It truly was time to try something different.
The more she considered it, the more brilliant the idea seemed!
If she managed to win Worthy Lady Shen’s favor, then whenever opportunities like this arose in the future, how could Worthy Lady Shen possibly forget her?
The more Lady Song thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. With a spring in her step, she hurried to her writing desk, spread out paper, and began grinding ink.
*
Shen Yanshui had no idea that someone was eagerly preparing to curry favor with her. These past few days, she had been busy making little snacks. She could not bear to waste the peaches ripening on the trees, so she had the small kitchen hurry to turn them into candied fruit—something she could bring along to the summer palace afterward...
Two days later, it was time to depart for the Western Hills Palace.
Before dawn had even broken, Lianxin Courtyard was already ablaze with lamplight.
Quanfu and the others bustled in and out, carrying the last few trunks onto the carriage shafts. Meanwhile, Shouzhong and Shouyi stood guard outside the small kitchen as they carefully packed up the food Eunuch Lin had spent the entire night preparing. They wrapped it layer upon layer in oiled paper, afraid that it might be jostled and ruined on the road.
Once everything had been packed, Shen Yanshui and her party set out for the Eastern Splendor Gate.
As the sky gradually brightened, the area outside the Eastern Splendor Gate was already crowded with carriages and horses.
Guards, eunuchs, and palace attendants each went about their duties. The carriages stood in ordered ranks, while the ceremonial escort and honor guards were solemnly arranged. Though there were many people, the scene was far from noisy.
As Shen Yanshui approached the carriage assigned to her in the Eastern Palace, she spotted the Crown Prince some distance ahead. Dressed in a crimson court robe, a jade belt cinched at his waist, he stood beside a magnificent black horse, apparently giving instructions to Zheng Yuande.
It was still early. The morning light had not yet fully spread across the sky, and everything around them lay veiled in a thin wash of bluish gray.
Nothing could be seen quite clearly.
Just as Shen Yanshui was watching him, the man seemed to sense her gaze and turned his head.
Across the layers of carriages and moving figures, his eyes found her without fail.
The next moment, he began walking toward her.
A radiant smile bloomed across her face.
The crimson robe set off the Crown Prince’s jade-like features, while the belt at his waist emphasized his lean, narrow frame. The morning breeze stirred his robes, and he looked every inch the noble prince—peerlessly elegant and impossibly distinguished.
At that very moment, a crimson sun broke through the clouds, pouring down a flood of golden light.
The light fell directly upon him, gilding his entire figure with a faint golden rim. Even his scarlet robes seemed to catch fire, so dazzling that she could not look away.
Shen Yanshui felt her heart give a heavy thud.
This man… was truly far too handsome.
She was still lost in a daze when Cui Yu had already reached her carriage.
“Why are you standing out here?” He frowned slightly and reached out to guide her farther beneath the carriage eaves. “The morning wind is cold. Take care not to catch a chill.”
Shen Yanshui smiled up at him, her eyes curving. “Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. I’m quite warm, you know. If you don’t believe me, why not feel for yourself?” As she spoke, she used the cover of her sleeve to give his fingers a little squeeze.
Cui Yu: “...Ahem.” He cleared his throat and glanced around. Only after confirming that no one had noticed did he relax slightly.
A-Yan’s boldness... was truly becoming a little excessive. It would have been one thing in their own courtyard, but out here, she was still so... If someone happened to see, it would be rather improper.
Cui Yu: “...Have you had breakfast?”
Shen Yanshui nodded with a smile. “I have. Eunuch Lin rose before dawn to prepare it, and I ate quite a lot.” As she spoke, she tried to withdraw her hand, only to find that she could not pull it free. The Crown Prince had clasped it in his own. She could not help but glance at him.
Cui Yu: “...”
Slowly, he released her hand. “Mm,” he said, as though nothing had happened. “It is a fair distance to our destination. The procession will travel for at least an hour and a half before stopping at the Qinghe Imperial Palace for a rest. If you get hungry in the carriage, have some pastries first to tide yourself over.”
The Qinghe Imperial Palace was a stopping point on the route to and from the Western Hills. Nestled against the mountains and beside the water, it was not large, but exquisitely designed, intended solely for the imperial entourage to rest during the journey.
Listening to him, Shen Yanshui felt warmth spread through her heart, and she answered with a smile.
Then, remembering something, she quickly took an item from Chunping’s hands.
It was a sachet, somewhat larger than ordinary ones and made from fine fabric. Its stitching, however... was rather plainly mediocre. Embroidered upon it was a strange-looking little crab, all claws and legs, brandishing them fiercely.
“Your Highness,” Shen Yanshui said softly, placing the sachet in his hand, “I specially prepared this for you. Please keep it.”
Cui Yu accepted it. It felt pleasantly heavy in his hand. Lowering his gaze to her, one brow lifted slightly.
Shen Yanshui continued in a quiet voice, “There are several pieces of beef jerky in different flavors inside, as well as a few candied peaches. Eunuch Lin made them all. Your Highness will be riding shortly, so if you become hungry on the road, you can discreetly take one out to eat. They are convenient and won’t draw attention.”
Over the past few days, while they had been preparing their luggage, she had only concerned herself with her own small share of affairs. Nanny Wang and Chunping had handled everything else, so she had not been tired in the least.
The Crown Prince, on the other hand, had been busy for days on end, attending both to state affairs and to arrangements for the imperial journey.
She would be sitting in the carriage, able to pull out a snack whenever she was hungry. But the Crown Prince would be riding on horseback, surrounded by attendants, and it would not be convenient for him to eat.
The sachet was not large, but whenever he was hungry, he could take out a morsel to fill his stomach without attracting notice.
Cui Yu hung the sachet directly from his belt, then looked up at her. “All right.”
Zheng Yuande came trotting over from the front, bowed, and said, “Your Highness, the time is about right.”
Cui Yu nodded, then looked once more at Shen Yanshui. “Get into the carriage. Take care of yourself.”
Shen Yanshui obediently agreed and, supported by Chunping, climbed into the carriage before her.
This carriage... was more than twice the size of any she had ridden in before.
The interior of the carriage was lined with thick brocade, and a plush carpet covered the floor beneath their feet, soft as clouds underfoot.
Chunping said with a smile, “My lady, His Highness the Crown Prince personally instructed the Imperial Workshop to rush this carriage through. He said it was modeled after his own, only much larger than an ordinary carriage, with extra shock absorbers added so that you would ride more comfortably.”
A warmth stirred in Shen Yanshui’s heart at those words.
Before long, the carriage began to move, its wheels rolling steadily forward.
Shen Yanshui pricked up her ears, carefully sensing every movement of the carriage.
Sure enough, she could barely feel any jolting at all.
She lifted the gauze curtain at the window and looked outside.
The carriage was slowly leaving the Eastern Palace, traveling south along the palace road. As the morning light grew brighter, vermilion palace walls slipped silently past at her side. Now and then, eunuchs and palace attendants stepped aside along the road, lowering their heads and bowing, not daring to straighten until the carriage had passed.
Before long, they passed through the East Glorious Gate.
A little while later, the towers of the imperial city lay behind them.
Shen Yanshui felt as though the world had suddenly opened before her, her view widening in an instant.
In the distance, the broad east-west avenue stretched away in both directions. Though the streets had been cleared in advance for the imperial procession, leaving no ordinary townsfolk walking about, the shops lining either side were still plainly visible.
Teahouses, cloth shops, general stores, pastry shops... one after another, their signs and banners rising and falling in a lively disorder.
Shopkeepers who had risen early were removing their door planks. Young assistants carried buckets of water to wash the bluestone pavement outside their storefronts. Bamboo steamers were stacked high outside the bun shops, sending up billows of white steam, their fragrance seeming almost able to drift through the carriage curtains.
Peddlers carrying shoulder poles had been stopped far off at the street corners. They did not dare shake their rattle drums, yet they still craned their necks to look this way.
Young women with flower baskets tucked themselves beneath the eaves, their baskets filled with fresh gardenias beaded with dew—clusters of pure, snowy white blossoms.
Everything was bustling, yet strangely quiet.
Separated by only a thin gauze curtain and the soldiers standing solemnly along the street, the everyday lives of common people unfolded only a few steps away.
Shen Yanshui leaned against the carriage window and watched for quite some time, an unconscious smile curving her lips.
When the carriage turned into a quiet lane, with only tall walls and deep courtyards on either side and nothing more to see, she finally lowered the curtain with lingering reluctance and settled back against the soft cushions.
The carriage rode smoothly over the neatly paved bluestone road, with scarcely any bumps to be felt. Only the gentle rumble of the wheels sounded on.
“Chunping, bring me the beef jerky.”
Chunping answered with a smile. Rising to her feet, she opened a hidden compartment beside them and took out a wooden box.
Inside, several palm-sized porcelain jars were arranged in neat rows, each sealed tightly with oiled paper.
She took one out and peeled back the paper. At once, the rich scent of spicy meat filled the air.
Shen Yanshui drew in a deep breath, pinched off a small piece of beef jerky, and put it into her mouth.
The jerky was satisfyingly chewy, richly seasoned with spice, and grew more fragrant the longer she chewed.
Contentedly, she narrowed her eyes and chewed slowly, easing her hunger.
As for where this beef jerky had come from—that was a story that began several days earlier.
That day, when she had mentioned to the Crown Prince that they should prepare some snacks for the journey, she had casually said that she wanted some beef jerky. It had only been an offhand remark. After all, Great Yong’s laws strictly prohibited the slaughter of draft cattle; beef was not something one could simply eat whenever one pleased.
Yet the very next day, word came from the imperial estate that a cow had accidentally fallen from a field embankment and died...
The Crown Prince had the animal dealt with, and she received an enormous portion of beef.
For the next several days, Eunuch Lin, Shouzhong, and Shouyi were run ragged in the small kitchen. Most of the beef was made into jerky, while the remainder was cooked into dishes and eaten that very day, thoroughly satisfying a craving she had harbored for years.
Ever since she had come to this world, she had never properly enjoyed a hearty meal of beef.
It was not that the Zhongyi Earl’s residence could not obtain it, but she was fortunate if a slice or two of meat ever made its way to her. Anything more was beyond hope.
After finishing a small piece of spicy beef jerky, she reached into another jar and took out one flavored with numbing spice and chili.
Once her craving had eased somewhat, she had Chunping bring out another porcelain jar, this one filled with candied peaches.
It had taken a great deal of effort to make just over ten jars.
She had left one jar each for Xia'an, Qiuru, and the others remaining in the palace, and brought all the rest with her as snacks for the next month or two.
She picked up a piece of candied peach and placed it in her mouth. Sweet without being cloying, it carried the peaches’ distinctive fresh fragrance.
Nanny Wang watched her mistress eat one bite after another without pause, a gratified smile appearing on her face.
Her mistress truly was the easiest pregnant woman she had ever cared for.
There had not been the slightest bit of morning sickness, nor any troublesome pregnancy cravings. She could eat, drink, and sleep well, and her spirits were excellent—she was merely a little sleepier than usual.
The child in her womb did not trouble her in the least. It was a considerate child, one that already knew how to cherish its mother.
Nanny Wang had initially worried that her mistress might feel unwell on the journey, but now it seemed that she had worried for nothing.
As Shen Yanshui nibbled on her snacks, she occasionally lifted the carriage curtain to peer outside.
After the procession passed through the city gates, the road was no longer as smooth as those within the capital. Still, it was an official road near the imperial city, beneath the Son of Heaven’s very gaze, and it had been excellently maintained. Together with the carriage’s ample suspension, the unevenness scarcely affected them.
She watched the city walls gradually recede, the boundless fields outside the city, and the faint blue mountains in the distance. Her mood was exceptionally light.
The carriages traveled westward, heading farther and farther into the countryside. Human habitation grew sparse, replaced by rolling mountains and dense, verdant woods.
At noon, the party stopped at a waystation palace to rest for less than half an hour and take a light meal before continuing onward.
Shen Yanshui dozed while reclining in the carriage. When she awoke, she found that the air seemed considerably cooler than before.
Lifting the curtain, she saw that the carriage was traveling through the mountains. Ancient trees towered on either side, their thick canopy blocking out the sun. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, scattering dappled patterns of light and shadow across the ground.
A mountain breeze swept in through the carriage window, carrying the clean scent of grass and trees. It was cool and refreshing, wonderfully comfortable.
“My lady, we’ll arrive in another quarter of an hour,” Chunping said from beside her.
Sure enough, before long, the carriage came to a halt.
From outside came the shrill announcement of an attendant eunuch: “We have arrived at the Western Hills Palace. May all Your Graces disembark and settle in—”
Supported by Chunping, Shen Yanshui was just about to step down from the carriage when the curtain was lifted.
A long, elegant hand extended toward her.
She looked up and met the Crown Prince’s eyes.
Cui Yu stood below the carriage, still dressed in his red official robes. Though faintly dust-stained from the journey, he remained every inch as refined and imposing as ever. “Are you feeling unwell?”
His voice was clear and low, remarkably pleasant to hear.
Shen Yanshui shook her head and placed her hand in his palm. “No. This concubine is quite well.”
His hand was warm and dry, holding hers securely as he helped her down from the carriage.
Once Shen Yanshui had found her footing, she turned her attention to the palace before them.
Built along the mountainside in ascending tiers, its red walls and golden tiles nestled amid lush green foliage. Pavilions and towers could be glimpsed through the trees, arranged in an elegant, scattered harmony.
The mountain breeze brushed against her face, carrying the whisper of pines and bamboo. Cool and refreshing, it was at least several degrees colder than the imperial city.
Shen Yanshui drew in a deep breath, feeling utterly refreshed, as though her entire body had been enveloped by the crisp, clean air.
What delighted her even more was the faint sense that the strange power within her had become livelier—like parched grass and trees drinking in a long-awaited rainfall, slowly unfurling.
The corners of her lips curved upward, and a genuine smile appeared on her face.
Cui Yu had been watching her all along. Seeing her features relax, with not the slightest trace of weariness, eased the worry in his heart.
“Come,” he said. “Let us get you settled first.”
Only then did Lady Zhang step forward and offer a respectful bow. “This concubine pays her respects to Your Highness.”
Cui Yu gave a quiet hum and lifted a hand to indicate that she might rise. Then he led Shen Yanshui toward the courtyard assigned to the Eastern Palace.
Along the way, Shen Yanshui looked about her with open curiosity.
The paths in the palace were paved with bluestone, with flowering trees and shrubs planted on either side. Gardenias were in full bloom, their fragrance rich and intoxicating. Passing through a moon gate, the view suddenly opened onto a small lake. Its water was crystal clear, reflecting the green mountains and trees, while several koi drifted lazily beneath the surface.
Weeping willows grew along the shore, their trailing branches brushing the water and swaying in the breeze.
Farther ahead stood a courtyard. Its gates were open, revealing a quiet, elegant garden lush with flowers and trees. Above the entrance hung a plaque bearing three characters: Hall of Clear Heart.
Cui Yu stopped at the courtyard gate and turned to look at her. “A-Yan will stay with me in the Hall of Clear Heart.”
Shen Yanshui halted, her eyes widening slightly.
Stay together?
Instinctively, she looked up at the plaque, then back at the Crown Prince, as if to make certain she had not misheard him.
“This concubine... is to stay with Your Highness?” There was a note of uncertainty in her voice.
She had never expected this before coming here.
She had thought that, once they reached the mountain palace, she might seek out the friends she had known as a young lady, spend time chatting and enjoying herself with them. She still had several old companions in the capital, but since entering the palace, she had not seen any of them again.
As these thoughts turned over in her mind, a hint of them unconsciously showed on her face.
Cui Yu had been waiting for her to be pleased. Yet when he saw her standing there in a daze, her gaze wandering with hesitation... his eyes narrowed slightly.
“A-Yan is unwilling?” His voice was as mild as ever.
“Of course not.” Shen Yanshui immediately shook her head with conviction and smiled at him. “This concubine couldn’t wish for anything more.”
“This concubine only wishes to see Your Highness at every moment. I only fear that if Your Highness has to look at this face of mine every day, you may grow tired of me...”
The corner of Cui Yu’s lips curved faintly. He then turned to Nanny Wang and Chunping. “Move all your mistress’s belongings inside and get them settled.”
Shen Yanshui: *Whew—he nearly saw through me. Good thing I reacted quickly!*
Nanny Wang suppressed a smile and bowed in acknowledgment.
Zheng Yuande immediately understood. He beckoned to Little Lu. “Take Nanny Wang and the others inside to settle in. Be careful with everything.”
Little Lu promptly acknowledged the order and respectfully led Nanny Wang and the others inside.
Cui Yu then looked toward Lady Zhang.
In the end, Lady Zhang was assigned to Lànxiù Pavilion, which was somewhat farther away.
She performed a respectful curtsey. “This concubine shall take her leave and go settle in first.”
Only after she had left did Cui Yu lead Shen Yanshui into Chengxin Hall.
Chengxin Hall was a courtyard with three sections. The main hall was spacious and bright; the eastern side room served as a bedroom, while the western one was furnished as a study. Several stalks of slender bamboo grew in the courtyard, and beneath them clustered hostas in bloom—white flowers and green leaves, elegant and refreshing.
Behind it lay a small garden planted with flowers and trees of every kind. At its center stood a little pavilion, beside which was a clear spring. Its water tinkled softly, cool and soothing.
Shen Yanshui looked around, and the more she saw, the more she liked it.
This place was far more comfortable than the Eastern Palace.
The two took their seats in the main hall. Chunping served tea, then withdrew to one side.
Cui Yu lifted his teacup and looked at her. “There will be a family banquet at the imperial residence this evening, at the first quarter of the Rooster hour. Would A-Yan like to attend?”
Shen Yanshui’s eyes lit up. “A family banquet? Will there be music and dancing?”
Ever since entering the Eastern Palace, her daily amusements had consisted of tending to flowers and fruit trees—and her intimate exchanges with the Crown Prince at night.
But now that she was pregnant, even that one activity which brought such pleasure to body and mind could no longer be fully enjoyed. They could only stop at a taste, like passing one’s own doorstep without entering... These past few days, she had been feeling rather frustrated.
Seeing the eager look on her face, Cui Yu fell silent for a moment before he could not help laughing. He raised a hand and lightly tapped her forehead.
“Of course there will be.”
Covering her forehead, Shen Yanshui smiled even more brightly. “Then naturally, this concubine must go.”
At the sight of her expression, a trace of amusement appeared in Cui Yu’s eyes. He added, “There is no need to dress too formally for the family banquet. Wear something comfortable—ordinary attire will do.”
Shen Yanshui nodded. “This concubine understands.”
Cui Yu continued, “It will not begin until the first quarter of the Rooster hour, so there is still time. Rest for a while first. However...” He paused. “There will be many people at the banquet, and the food may not suit your tastes. Eat something before you leave, so you do not go hungry.”
Shen Yanshui nodded repeatedly, her eyes sparkling as she immediately turned to Dongyi.
“Dongyi, tell Eunuch Lin and Shouzhong and Shouyi to stop helping with the unpacking for now. Have them get the small kitchen ready at once and prepare dinner.”
Dongyi promptly acknowledged the order and hurried off to make the arrangements.
Having settled her affairs, Cui Yu still had other matters awaiting his attention and could not stay long. Once he had given his instructions, he prepared to leave.
Shen Yanshui rose with a smiling face and saw him to the door. Only after watching his tall, straight figure disappear beyond the moon gate did she turn and return to the room.
A mountain breeze swept past, rustling the bamboo leaves and bringing a refreshing coolness with it.
She took a deep breath, feeling entirely at ease.
An hour and a half later, the sky gradually darkened.
The sun had already sunk behind the western hills, and the last traces of twilight at the horizon were fading, leaving only a thin wash of orange-red light reflected against the distant, rolling mountains.
Within the imperial residence, lanterns lit one after another. Like scattered stars among the lush trees, they lent the grounds an even quieter, more elegant air than in daylight.
In the eastern side room of Chengxin Hall, Shen Yanshui sat before her dressing table while Chunping and Dongyi helped her prepare.
She had eaten until she was six or seven parts full earlier, enough to tide her over. She could have more at the banquet later.
What if there were some rare delicacies she had never tasted before? It would be a shame not to leave room for them.
Chunping was carefully arranging the ties at her waist, while Dongyi crouched behind her, smoothing out the last creases in her skirt.
Once everything was in order, Dongyi stood and glanced into the mirror—then froze.
“My lady...” She blinked, unable to stop herself from saying, “You look truly lovely today. So beautiful!”
Shen Yanshui’s lips curved into a smile at her words, and she looked into the mirror.
The woman reflected there wore a smoky blue, high-waisted ruqun dress. Her upper garment was an extremely pale moon-white, light and gauzy as mist, with a wide-sleeved robe of matching sheer fabric draped over it. As she moved, the gauze fluttered softly, making her seem almost ethereal.
Summer garments were thin, and the delicate fabric lay close against her body, outlining a slender waist that could be encircled in one hand. She was not yet showing, and her figure remained as trim as ever.
Yet above that narrow waist, her full breasts pressed snugly against the upper garment, stretching the moon-white cloth taut. Beneath the fabric, the gentle rise and fall of their curves could faintly be seen.
Even Dongyi could not help stealing another glance, her cheeks turning slightly red.
Her lady seemed to have grown... even more voluptuous?
Shen Yanshui gazed happily at her reflection, growing more pleased the longer she looked.
Nanny Wang, standing nearby, watched her mistress openly admire herself and could not help smiling inwardly.
After studying Shen Yanshui carefully, she found herself nodding in agreement.
No wonder the Crown Prince cared for her so deeply.
With her looks and figure, what man could possibly fail to be captivated? And added to that was her clear-hearted, endearing nature...
Pushing those thoughts aside, Nanny Wang picked up the prepared pibo scarf and stepped forward.
“My lady, the mountain winds at the imperial residence are cool at night. Even in summer, you must take care not to catch a chill.” As she spoke, she gently draped the scarf over Shen Yanshui’s shoulders.
The pibo was made of moon-white gauze, its edges embroidered with silver lotus patterns. Draped over her shoulders, it made her appear even more graceful and otherworldly.
Shen Yanshui looked down at it, then examined herself in the mirror once more. Satisfied, she nodded.
Just then, Quanfu’s voice sounded from outside as he announced, “My lady, Lady Zhang has arrived.”
Shen Yanshui withdrew her gaze from the mirror and rose to her feet.
“Come, let’s not keep Sister Zhang waiting.” After leaving the east side chamber, she crossed the main hall and arrived at the courtyard gate.
Lady Zhang was standing outside. The moment she saw her emerge, her eyes lit up.
“Sister Shen, your outfit tonight...” She pressed her lips together in a smile. “You look truly lovely.”
Shen Yanshui looked at her and smiled as well.
Lady Zhang wore a begonia-pink ruqun today. The color flattered her complexion perfectly, lending a gentle charm to what had otherwise been merely delicate features. She looked fresh, graceful, and pleasing to the eye.
With a bright smile, Shen Yanshui linked her arm through Lady Zhang’s. “This begonia color suits you wonderfully, Sister. You look absolutely beautiful.”
At those words, a faint blush rose to Lady Zhang’s cheeks, though the corners of her lips could not help but curve upward.
It took about a quarter of an hour to walk from Chengxin to the Qinghui Hall, where the family banquet was being held.
When the two arrived, the doors of Qinghui Hall stood wide open. The hall was brilliantly lit, and amid the laughter and conversation drifting out from within, the atmosphere was lively indeed.
A palace eunuch stepped forward and respectfully led them inside.
The moment Shen Yanshui entered the hall, her eyes brightened.
The hall was exceptionally spacious, its magnificent lamps illuminating every corner. The imperial throne stood at the head of the room, still vacant; Emperor Pingkang and the Empress had not yet arrived, nor had the Crown Prince.
Below, dozens of low tables had been arranged along either side, laden with every sort of fruit and sweet pastry. Quite a number of guests were already seated in the hall.
Shen Yanshui swept her gaze across the room and spotted several princes and princesses she had met before, as well as a number of imperial relatives.
She glanced only briefly before withdrawing her gaze and following the eunuch toward the seating reserved for the women of the Eastern Palace.
The Eastern Palace seats were positioned above those of the other princes, closest to the dragon throne at the head of the hall.
No sooner had Shen Yanshui and Lady Zhang taken their seats than palace maids came forward to refill their tea, moving with quiet efficiency.
She took a sip, then casually glanced toward the opposite side of the hall—and suddenly paused.
There was a young girl there, no more than fourteen or fifteen by the look of her. She was lively and charming, dressed in a goose-yellow ruqun. When she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared in her cheeks.
Pretty—and somehow familiar.
Just as Shen Yanshui was trying to place her, she saw the girl walk toward the Eighth Prince. Stopping at his side, she greeted him with a smile.
“Cousin.”
The Eighth Prince looked up at her, and some of the gloom on his face seemed to ease. He nodded and said something to her. The girl then took a seat beside him, and the two began chatting back and forth with easy familiarity.
Watching them, Shen Yanshui suddenly remembered. This girl was Noble Consort Lan’s niece... and, if she recalled correctly, the Seventh Prince’s future principal wife, though she had not yet married into the family.
Shen Yanshui remembered hearing of the match while she was at Chuxiu Palace. At the time, the girl had not made an appearance, nor had she participated in the selection or etiquette lessons as the other young women had.
Shen Yanshui had caught sight of her from afar then, standing beside Noble Consort Lan, but several months had passed, and she had not recognized her at once.
But...
Her gaze drifted to the Seventh Prince, seated beside the Eighth Prince.
The Seventh Prince still wore his usual silent expression. He did not so much as glance in the girl’s direction, as though the woman seated there was not his future wife at all, but a complete stranger.
And that young lady, from beginning to end, never so much as glanced in the Seventh Prince’s direction. She only chatted and laughed with the Eighth Prince.
Watching this scene, Shen Yanshui could not help but feel puzzled.
What... was going on here?
The principal consort-to-be was being so intimate with her future brother-in-law, yet she treated her proper fiancé as though he did not exist?
What Shen Yanshui did not know was that while she was quietly observing others, they were quietly observing her as well.
News of Worthy Lady Shen, the new favorite of the Eastern Palace, had long spread among the imperial relatives and noble families: in just a few months, she had risen several ranks—from Attendant-in-Training to the fifth-rank title of Worthy Lady—become pregnant, and had even been personally brought by the Crown Prince to the summer palace to escape the heat.
Now that they saw her in person, who could resist taking a few extra looks?
Just then, the shrill announcement of an attendant rang out from outside the hall—
“His Majesty arrives—the Empress arrives—the Crown Prince arrives—”
Everyone hurriedly rose and returned to their seats. With lowered heads and bowed bodies, they paid their respects.
Shen Yanshui followed the others in saluting, though her gaze could not help drifting toward the entrance.
Emperor Pingkang, clad in dragon robes, entered first. The Empress, dignified and resplendent, followed behind him.
The Crown Prince, Cui Yu, wore a dark crimson court robe fastened with a golden belt. Handsome and refined, with a calm and steady bearing, he walked at Emperor Pingkang’s side.
Behind him came the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince, who had not appeared until now.
Further back were the consorts of the imperial harem, as well as... Shen Yanshui’s eldest legitimate sister.
Shen Yanshui looked only once before withdrawing her gaze.
Emperor Pingkang and the Empress took their seats upon the imperial dais, while the Crown Prince, the princes, and the imperial consorts all settled into their respective places.
Cui Yu sat down beside Shen Yanshui.
The moment he was seated, he turned to look at her. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, and something like a smile flickered in his eyes.
Shen Yanshui blinked and gave him a small smile.
Emperor Pingkang swept his gaze around the hall, then raised a hand. “You may all rise. This is a family banquet tonight; there is no need for excessive formality. Make yourselves at ease.”
Everyone thanked him in unison before taking their seats.
The music of strings and flutes resumed, livelier than before.
At the same time, the doors of the hall swung open. Lines of palace maids entered in succession, each carrying a vermilion-lacquered tray. One dish after another, along with fine wines and choice spirits, was placed upon the small tables before each guest.
Before long, Shen Yanshui’s table was piled high with food.
The moment she looked down, her eyes lit up.
There was braised pork knuckle, glossy red and fragrant; steamed perch, its white flesh garnished with slivers of scallion and ginger; honey-glazed ham, gleaming with oil and looking deliciously sweet; and a dish of lamb stewed until tender, its rich broth dotted with a few goji berries.
Shen Yanshui swallowed, picked up her chopsticks, and was just about to take a piece of braised pork knuckle when something in her peripheral vision caught her attention.
Across from her, the Princess Consort of the Second Prince picked up a morsel of food and gently placed it in the Second Prince’s bowl. Her movements were tender, her smile perfectly proper. The Second Prince glanced at her, nodded, and lifted his chopsticks to eat.
Beside them, the Secondary Consort of the Sixth Prince was also serving the Sixth Prince. With great care, she placed deboned fish into his bowl, then poured him a cup of wine.
Shen Yanshui: “...”
The piece of braised pork knuckle already held between her chopsticks paused in midair. Then... it changed direction and landed neatly in the Crown Prince’s bowl.
“Your Highness, try this.” She beamed as she spoke.
Cui Yu lowered his gaze to the glossy chunk of braised pork knuckle in his bowl, then looked back at her. A faint smile surfaced in his eyes.
He picked up his chopsticks and ate the piece of pork.
Then he, too, picked up some food with his chopsticks—a piece of honey-glazed ham, sweet but not cloying. A-Yan would probably like it. He placed it in her bowl.
“Eat,” he said lightly, though there was a smile in his eyes.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes lit up even more. She picked it up and ate it at once.
Delicious.
Even as she ate, she did not forget the Crown Prince. From time to time, she would place a serving of his favorite dishes into his bowl.
Gradually, the gazes around them began to converge.
A few people quietly exchanged looks.
This Worthy Lady Shen of the Eastern Palace certainly had quite an appetite.
More surprising still—His Highness the Crown Prince was personally serving Worthy Lady Shen food?
Some were astonished; others could not help but feel a little jealous.
Across from them, the Princess Consort of the Second Prince withdrew her gaze, lowered her eyes, and lifted her teacup for a sip, concealing the complicated emotions in her eyes. A trace of bitterness stirred within her.
Her husband was frivolous by nature. There were so many women in his household that the prince’s residence could scarcely contain them all. There were at least a dozen or twenty concubines with names and titles, while those he had favored only once or twice were simply too numerous to count.
He treated her, his principal consort, with a measure of respect. On the first and fifteenth of every month, he would spend the night in her quarters, and he rarely caused her public embarrassment. As for the women in the rear court, she was free to deal with them as she pleased. Thus, though her days were often vexing, they were not unbearable.
But that was all there was to it.
Watching the pair across from her—watching the Crown Prince personally place food in Shen Yanshui’s bowl, watching Shen Yanshui eat with her eyes curved into crescents and such natural ease—the Princess Consort suddenly felt an indescribable pang in her heart.
The Secondary Consort of the Sixth Prince had no such complicated thoughts. She merely stole a few glances, unable to suppress her envy. Yet she did not dare dwell on it, and continued carefully attending to the Sixth Prince.
The music of flutes and strings drifted through the hall. Cups were raised and exchanged amid waves of laughter and conversation.
A troupe of dancers floated into the hall. Dressed in vibrant robes and holding long, cloud-like ribbons, they moved gracefully to the music. Their figures were light, their steps nimble, and their ribbons traced elegant arcs through the air—at times gathering like colored clouds chasing the moon, at others scattering like blossoms falling to the ground.
Shen Yanshui’s attention was immediately captured.
Chewing the lamb in her mouth, she stared fixedly at the dancers in the hall, scarcely willing to blink.
What a beautiful dance.
The dancers moved in perfect unison. Every turn and every sweep of a sleeve was executed flawlessly. More impressive still, several difficult movements were woven into the performance. One dancer balanced on a single foot, lifting her other leg high as she bent backward into a graceful arc. At the same time, she flung the long ribbon in her hands to either side like a colorful phoenix spreading its wings.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes went wide, and she nearly forgot to chew the lamb in her mouth.
Another dancer leapt into the air, turning two somersaults before landing steadily, her skirts blossoming like a flower.
Shen Yanshui nearly applauded and cried out in praise.
It was a close thing, but she managed to restrain herself.
The Crown Prince was not watching the performance in the hall. He had turned slightly toward the person beside him, his gaze resting on her, the smile in his eyes impossible to hide.
A-Yan’s eyes were wide and round, following the dancers’ every movement as they spun and swayed. At times she stared in amazement; at others, she gasped in wonder... Her expressions were even more entertaining than the performance in the hall.
Cui Yu watched her, the corners of his lips curving slightly upward.
He reached out, picked up a morsel with his chopsticks, and placed it in her bowl.
Without even turning her head, Shen Yanshui casually picked it up and put it into her mouth, her gaze still fixed on the dancers.
Cui Yu poured her another cup of fruit drink and set it by her hand.
She lifted it instinctively and took a sip.
This scene did not escape the notice of quite a few people.
Holding his wine cup, the Sixth Prince’s gaze moved between the Crown Prince and Worthy Lady Shen, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes.
His elder brother, the Crown Prince, had always been upright and proper, placing the highest value on decorum and protocol. Yet today...
He could not help but look at Worthy Lady Shen a few more times.
She was indeed exceptionally beautiful.
It was only natural for a man to lavish more favor upon such beauty.
But... as heir to the throne, personally serving food to a low-ranking Worthy Lady seemed rather beneath his status.
At a seat some distance away, Lady Shen sat poised and composed, her face wearing its usual calm, gentle expression.
Yet her eyes could not help drifting toward the Eastern Palace’s table.
Lowering her gaze, she drew a deep breath and tried her best to maintain her outward calm.
She had long since heard the news from the Eastern Palace. She knew that her unlearned, indolent, and carefree half-sister had become increasingly favored by the Crown Prince. She knew that Shen Yanshui had risen from Zhaoxun to Chenghui, then been promoted again to Worthy Lady. She also knew that she... was with child.
Lady Shen lowered her eyes and touched her own abdomen.
Then she looked up, her gaze drawn involuntarily toward the Sixth Prince.
He was holding his wine cup, smiling as he watched the performance in the hall. The Sixth Prince was as gentle as polished jade, his bearing elegant and unhurried. Then she looked once more at the noble, strikingly handsome Crown Prince...
And suddenly, other thoughts began to stir in her heart...
She withdrew her gaze and lowered her eyes. Earlier in the palace, she had tried several times to speak with the Sixth Prince, but the palace rules were strict, and she had never found an opportunity.
Now that they were at the imperial retreat, however, many things had become much more convenient...
