The next morning, dawn had barely broken when pale golden sunlight streamed through the half-closed window lattice and spilled into the inner room.
A mountain breeze drifted in through the cracks in the window, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees and the mountain’s distinctive coolness. It was neither cold nor warm—just pleasantly refreshing.
Shen Yanshui was awakened by the sound of birdsong.
Still groggy, she opened her eyes and found herself staring straight at the Crown Prince’s pale, broad chest.
The Crown Prince was still here?
She blinked, not yet fully awake. Almost instinctively, she raised a hand and pressed it against his strong, powerful chest. A faint pine scent lingered at the tip of her nose—clean, crisp, and wonderfully pleasant. She buried her nose in the crook of his neck and took a deep sniff.
Like a little puppy…
Cui Yu had been awake for quite some time. He simply had not wanted to get up while she was still sleeping. But now, with her rubbing against him so insistently, the sensation tickled. A tingling itch spread across his neck, and at last he could not help letting out a low chuckle.
His voice was husky and languid with sleep. “What are you doing?”
Hearing him, Shen Yanshui lifted her head from the crook of his neck and blinked. “Your Highness, you’re awake?”
The morning light happened to filter in through the window and fall across her face, making her peach-blossom eyes appear even clearer and brighter.
Cui Yu’s lashes trembled. He reached out and caught her wandering fingertips.
She gave an awkward little smile. Well, who could blame her? The Crown Prince was rosy and so delightfully springy to the touch. His skin felt wonderful.
She obediently withdrew her fingers and smiled with curved eyes. “Does Your Highness have nothing to do this morning? You don’t need to go discuss state affairs with His Majesty?”
Cui Yu’s voice was calm and indifferent. “There is nothing to do today.”
After a pause, he added, “There have been no major matters in court these past few days, and there is no need for me to see Father every day. I’m not busy.”
Shen Yanshui gave a quiet “Oh.” Since he was not busy, she could stay in bed a little longer.
One of her hands refused to remain idle. She picked up a strand of hair that had fallen across his pillow and wound it around her finger.
The Crown Prince’s hair was black, smooth, and wonderfully soft. She played with it for a while, then brought it to the tip of her nose and sniffed. It carried a faint scent of soapberry, which mingled with the pine fragrance and smelled exquisite.
As she played, a mischievous idea suddenly came to her. Pinching the end of the strand between her fingers, she stealthily reached over and brushed it lightly across Cui Yu’s Adam’s apple.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Cui Yu’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
The strand of hair felt like a feather brushing over his skin, and the tingling itch spread from his throat. He could not help giving a muffled laugh. The sound vibrated through his chest as he caught hold of her mischievous hand, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness.
“A-Yan, stop fooling around.”
Shen Yanshui laughed and continued teasing him. The bedchamber was soon filled with laughter and playful commotion. It was not until he pinned her down and gave her bottom two light swats that she finally settled down.
Outside the screen, Chunping and Dongyi had held their breath from the moment they heard movement coming from the bed. They stood with their hands folded before them.
Now that they finally heard signs of the couple getting up, the two exchanged a glance and let out a silent sigh of relief. Heaven knew how long they had been waiting there.
Chunping made a small gesture, and the palace servants waiting in the outer room filed in. Carrying bronze basins, towels, and other washing articles, they silently formed two orderly rows.
Once the two of them had washed and dressed, they headed to the main hall.
Breakfast had already been laid out.
The moment Shen Yanshui entered the hall, her gaze fell upon the large porcelain basin in the very center of the table.
It was filled to the brim with wontons. The broth was clear, and the wontons—plump and white, with thin wrappers and generous fillings—floated on the surface. Finely chopped green onions had been sprinkled over the top, and the fragrance immediately made her eyes light up.
Cui Yu’s gaze also landed on the enormous porcelain basin.
“???”
Before he could say anything, Shen Yanshui had already smiled and explained, “I specifically asked Eunuch Lin to make these yesterday. I suddenly had a terrible craving for wontons.”
As she spoke, she took a seat beside the table, picked up a spoon, and served Cui Yu a small bowl before handing it to him. “Your Highness, try some. These are filled with pork and fennel.”
Cui Yu lowered his eyes to the bowl of wontons, then looked at the huge basin. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly, but in the end he said nothing. He picked up the small bowl and took a bite.
The fresh fragrance of fennel blended with the savory richness of the pork. The wrappers were thin, the filling generous, and the broth delicious.
He gave a small nod. “Not bad.”
At that, Shen Yanshui’s smile grew even brighter. She served herself a bowl as well and sampled one first.
The fragrance of fennel spread across her tongue. She narrowed her eyes in satisfaction, then picked up the vinegar dish on the table and poured some into her bowl. She added a spoonful of chili oil, stirred it all together, and resumed eating.
Besides the wontons, several other dishes had been set on the table: jade-green siu mai with wrappers as thin as paper, revealing the emerald filling within; chicken porridge; golden-jade soup; and two small plates of vegetables, all light and refreshing enough to cleanse the palate.
After the two finished breakfast, a eunuch came in from outside to announce that the imperial physician had arrived to check their pulses.
By the time the imperial physician arrived, the sun outside had risen considerably higher.
The imperial physician entered the main hall and respectfully saluted the Crown Prince and Shen Yanshui. He then set his medicine chest aside, took out a pulse cushion, and placed it on the table.
Shen Yanshui rested her wrist on it. The imperial physician covered her wrist with a thin cloth, placed three fingers against her pulse, and closed his eyes slightly as he focused on the diagnosis.
Cui Yu sat to one side. As the time passed, the crease between his brows gradually deepened without him realizing it.
Why was today’s pulse examination taking so… long?
Shen Yanshui glanced at the physician’s solemn expression, then turned to look at the Crown Prince. The crease between his brows had already drawn into a faint vertical line, and his lips were pressed together slightly.
She reached out and tugged at his sleeve, smiling as she said softly, “Your Highness, don’t worry. I’m perfectly healthy.” She had not expected to frighten the Crown Prince first.
Cui Yu instinctively tightened his grip around her hand, then hurriedly loosened it. Seeing that her complexion was rosy and her expression calm, the tension in his heart eased somewhat.
He murmured an acknowledgment but said nothing more. His gaze remained fixed on the imperial physician.
The physician withdrew his hand and rose to his feet. With a face full of delight, he bowed deeply toward Cui Yu.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. Congratulations, Lady Shen. The child in Lady Shen’s womb appears to be twins.”
As soon as those words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent.
Everyone froze.
Chunping and Dongyi were stunned at first. Then their eyes lit up simultaneously, and broad smiles blossomed across their faces.
“Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, my lady!” Chunping was the first to react, her voice overflowing with barely contained joy.
Dongyi, Quanfu, and the others quickly followed, grinning from ear to ear. “Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, my lady!”
Their mistress was carrying twins?
Zheng Yuande’s face instantly filled with smiles. Leading the other palace servants, he bowed and congratulated them in unison. “Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, Lady Shen!”
For a time, the main hall rang with voices offering congratulations, and the atmosphere was exceptionally lively.
Nanny Wang was smiling as well and offered her own congratulations, but a hint of worry had instead appeared between her brows.
Shen Yanshui was somewhat surprised.
She had assumed that the Crown Prince would be overjoyed upon hearing the news.
After all, the Crown Prince had been looking forward to the child in her womb these past few days. She had thought that if there were two babies, it would mean twice the surprise and twice the joy.
But… judging by the Crown Prince’s expression, he did not seem happy at all.
Shen Yanshui was not the only one who noticed.
The lively congratulations that had filled the main hall moments ago gradually died down.
Zheng Yuande stole a glance at the Crown Prince’s expression, then wiped the smile from his face and stood with his hands at his sides.
The other palace attendants were all sharp-eyed people. Seeing the Crown Prince like this, none of them dared to keep smiling. One by one, they fell silent.
The imperial physician standing in the middle began to break out in a cold sweat.
His heart pounded. He truly could not figure out what the Crown Prince meant. This was clearly wonderful news, so why did His Highness look even more solemn than he had when taking her pulse?
The Crown Prince had obviously attached great importance to Lady Shen’s pregnancy. In the past, he had summoned people from the Imperial Medical Academy every few days to inquire about her condition. Why, then, was he displeased upon learning that she was carrying twins?
The imperial physician was filled with unease. Cold sweat trickled down from his temples into his hair, yet he did not even dare raise a hand to wipe it away.
Shen Yanshui reached out and lightly scratched his palm. Puzzled, she called, “Your Highness?”
Cui Yu came back to himself and turned his eyes toward her. He did not speak, only instinctively tightening his grip on her hand.
His hold was a little too tight.
Feeling the strength in his hand, Shen Yanshui said nothing more. She merely clasped his hand in return.
Holding her hand, Cui Yu drew a deep breath, as though forcing some emotion down, then looked up at everyone.
“Reward them.” His voice was steady. “Everyone is to receive one month’s wages.”
The attendants hurriedly knelt and expressed their thanks. “Thank you for Your Highness’s gracious reward!”
Even so, each of them felt somewhat uneasy. What exactly did the Crown Prince’s attitude mean?
Cui Yu turned his gaze to the imperial physician. His expression was serious as he asked in a deep voice, “Is carrying twins considerably more difficult and arduous for a woman than carrying a single child?”
The imperial physician froze for a moment, then quickly composed himself and answered truthfully, “To Your Highness: carrying twins is indeed somewhat more difficult than an ordinary pregnancy. The mother of twins must nourish two children in her womb, so the depletion of her qi and blood is greater, and the burden on her waist and abdomen is heavier. In the later stages, walking becomes more difficult, and shortness of breath and heart palpitations occur more frequently than in an ordinary pregnancy.”
As he spoke, he glanced at the Crown Prince’s expression and hurriedly added, “However… Lady Shen’s constitution is strong, and her foundation is excellent. Her pulse is smooth and powerful, and her qi and blood are abundant—far better than those of ordinary women. So long as she walks more in her daily life to keep her circulation flowing and takes care not to eat so much that the babies grow too large, with Lady Shen’s constitution, she should… remain safe and sound.”
Yet Cui Yu’s brows remained faintly furrowed and did not relax.
After a moment of silence, he called, “Nanny Wang.”
Nanny Wang immediately stepped forward. “This old servant is here.”
Cui Yu glanced at her, then looked toward Imperial Physician Wang. “Summon Eunuch Lin. Based on your mistress’s usual tastes and preferences, have the two of you draw up a dietary plan together with the imperial physician.”
Nanny Wang bowed and acknowledged the order. “Yes, this old servant will obey.”
She had been planning to do the same, but she had not expected the Crown Prince to think of it immediately as well.
Imperial Physician Wang hurriedly cupped his hands. “This subject obeys.”
The two of them withdrew one after the other.
Noting the expressions on the Crown Prince and Lady Shen’s faces, Zheng Yuande discreetly signaled to Chunping and the others, then quietly slipped out.
Chunping and Dongyi exchanged a glance before hurriedly curtsying and leaving without a sound.
Only Cui Yu and Shen Yanshui remained in the main hall.
Cui Yu reached out and pulled her toward him. He slipped an arm around her waist and carefully drew her into his embrace, while his other hand gently covered her still-flat lower abdomen. For a moment, he said nothing.
Leaning against his chest, Shen Yanshui could feel that his heartbeat was faster than usual, and that his breathing was slightly unsteady.
Cui Yu’s gaze rested on her abdomen, his fingers gently stroking it through the fabric of her clothes.
Once again, the sight of Lady Chu struggling through a difficult labor rose uncontrollably in his mind…
Lady Chu had given birth to only one child.
Now A-Yan was carrying twins. When the time came for her to give birth…
His fingers tightened unconsciously.
Shen Yanshui knew what he was worried about. After all, the Crown Prince had been somewhat anxious when he first learned that she was pregnant. It was only because he had spent these past days eagerly anticipating the child that she had gradually grown accustomed to it, assuming that his first reaction upon hearing the news of twins would be happiness…
At that thought, her heart softened.
His brows drew tighter and tighter, nearly knotting together.
With a bright smile, she raised her hand and gently stroked the space between his brows, trying to smooth away the furrow. “Your Highness, don’t worry. Just look at me—when have I ever sneezed, or fallen ill? I’ve had a strong constitution since I was young.”
“Besides, Your Highness already ordered the Imperial Medical Academy to study methods of assisting women in childbirth, did you not?” Her voice held a hint of laughter. “If you’re truly worried, why not send someone to ask whether they’ve made any progress?”
Seeing that his face was still slightly tense, and the faint crease between his brows had quietly returned after she had smoothed it away, Shen Yanshui suddenly cupped his face in both hands and pressed a kiss between his brows.
“With Your Highness here, my good fortune is still ahead of me~”
Cui Yu felt the light touch between his brows. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, most of the gloom and worry in them had already faded.
He drew a deep breath, temporarily pressing down the heavy concerns in his heart.
A-Yan was right. She had always been in excellent health, and with the imperial physicians and Nanny Wang watching over her, everything would surely remain safe and sound as long as her diet and daily routine were properly managed.
As he thought this, the expression on his face gradually returned to normal.
“A-Yan is right,” he said with a nod, his voice much steadier as well. “I’ll send someone to ask later.”
Only after seeing the tension leave his expression did Shen Yanshui curve her eyes into a smile and nod vigorously. “Mm!”
Cui Yu lowered his head, his gaze settling once more on her abdomen.
His eyes gradually took on a different look—one of sheer disbelief.
Within this small, perfectly flat belly of hers were actually two children belonging to him and A-Yan…
“Zheng Yuande.”
Zheng Yuande had been waiting outside the door all along. Upon hearing the call, he hurried in, taking three steps in two, and bowed. “Your Highness.”
He secretly stole a glance at the Crown Prince’s expression. His heart immediately relaxed, and his face once again lit up with joy.
“Immediately inform Father and Mother.”
Zheng Yuande quickly acknowledged the order, his face breaking into a wide grin. “Yes! This servant will go at once!”
With that, he turned and left, even his footsteps seeming light and cheerful.
Over the next half day, everyone’s reactions from when they had first learned of her pregnancy seemed to repeat themselves. They became excessively cautious around her.
What could Shen Yanshui do?
She could only obediently go along with them for the time being, if only to avoid having to listen to a whole earful of nagging.
*
Upon hearing the news, the Empress’s face lit up with undisguised delight. “You mean she’s carrying twins?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, it is absolutely true,” Wang Chun replied, beaming. “The imperial physicians have just confirmed it.”
The Empress’s expression immediately relaxed, her face full of smiles.
Aunt Qing was equally delighted. With a smile, she said, “His Highness the Crown Prince is truly blessed, and so is Shen Yanshui. Who would have thought her first pregnancy would be twins?”
The Empress wholeheartedly agreed. She immediately ordered with a smile, “Reward her—”
Aunt Qing answered cheerfully and hurried off to make the arrangements.
…
When the news reached the Emperor, Emperor Pingkang looked up in surprise. “Twins?”
“Yes.” Chief Eunuch Cheng smiled.
Emperor Pingkang was silent for a moment. “She certainly is blessed.”
*
Without Shen Yanshui knowing it, news of her pregnancy spread faster than the wind.
The rewards from Emperor Pingkang and the Empress poured into Chengxin Hall in a steady stream. Before half a day had passed, word that Shen Yanshui, a lady of the Eastern Palace, was carrying twins had spread throughout the entire imperial retreat.
For a time, countless people were green with envy.
“She won the Crown Prince’s favor the moment she entered the Eastern Palace, and now she’s carrying twins as well. Just how much good fortune does one person get?”
“Exactly. A stroke of luck like this somehow had to fall into her lap.”
Some people gossiped sourly behind her back, but in the end, all they could do was sigh, “Lady Shen really is blessed…”
…
After Lady Shen heard the news, her expression darkened.
She set the teacup in her hand heavily on the small table beside her. With a sharp crack, several drops of tea splashed out and seeped into the tabletop.
Xiangmo’s heart jolted. She immediately lowered her head, not daring to make a sound.
Lady Shen sat there and took one deep breath, then another, slowly forcing down the turmoil surging in her chest.
So be it.
Even if Shen Yanshui was pleased with herself now, how long could that pleasure last?
Whether the child could be born safely was still unknown. Pregnancy was difficult enough, and childbirth would be even more perilous.
And even if she gave birth safely, even if both children grew up healthy and unharmed… the Crown Prince would still be unable to escape that epidemic.
Still, with children to rely on, her half-sister would presumably never suffer the fate she had in her previous life…
As the thought crossed her mind, the resentment in her heart surged again.
She closed her eyes, concealing the trace of darkness in them.
Xiangmo stood to one side, scarcely daring to breathe. Back when they had been in the Shen residence, the Fourth Young Miss had been nothing more than an unimportant concubine-born daughter without even a mother of her own. How could she have compared with their mistress?
Their mistress had excelled in every way, stood out wherever she went, and been carefully raised by the principal wife. Who in the capital had not praised the Shen family’s legitimate daughter for her beauty and talent?
But now…
Xiangmo did not dare think any further. She only lowered her head even more.
Lady Shen remained silent for a long while before suddenly speaking in a low voice. “Go and find out where the Sixth Prince has been lately.”
Her voice was so low that it seemed to be forced out from between her teeth. Since the Sixth Prince refused to seek her out, she could only take the initiative and go to him herself…
Xiangmo’s heart gave a violent jump. “Yes.”
For the past several months, her mistress had repeatedly ordered her to inquire about the Sixth Prince’s whereabouts. What exactly was she planning?
*
In the space of a single day, Shen Yanshui felt as though she were about to be drowned by the cautious attentions of everyone around her.
She was trying to figure out how to bring the matter up with the Crown Prince when a burst of footsteps sounded outside. Zheng Yuande entered to report that General Qi had arrived and was asking His Highness to go horse racing.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes lit up at once.
She quickly turned to Cui Yu, her face breaking into a broad smile. “Your Highness, go quickly. Don’t keep my uncle waiting.”
“…”
Cui Yu glanced at her and raised a hand to tap her lightly on the forehead. “If you go out, remember to bring more people with you.”
Shen Yanshui covered her forehead and smiled at him, nodding repeatedly. “I know, I know. Your Highness, hurry up and go.”
Cui Yu gave her another look before finally turning and leaving.
Shen Yanshui looked at Chunping and Dongyi, her voice brimming with excitement. “Come on, let’s go pick pomegranates.”
Because of the Crown Prince’s warning, she made a point of bringing several extra attendants this time.
*
To the north of the imperial retreat lay a vast stretch of grassland, its terrain open and its grass lush and green.
The sun was shining brightly. Several fine horses galloped across the field, their hooves drumming against the earth like a sudden rainstorm and kicking up a fine cloud of dust.
The horse in the lead was jet-black from head to hoof, its mane gleaming. It was the Crown Prince’s mount.
Cui Yu wore a dark, close-sleeved riding outfit with a leather belt cinched around his waist. His figure was straight as a pine, long and graceful as he leaned over the horse’s back. One hand held the reins while the other was slightly raised. His posture was relaxed and composed, yet it carried a rare hint of carefree abandon.
The wind roared past his ears, whipping his robes behind him.
His usually calm, stern face now held a touch of exuberance. His brows and eyes were relaxed, and the corners of his lips curved faintly upward.
Qi Mingchuan trailed half a horse’s length behind him. Seeing him like this, a smile unconsciously surfaced in his eyes.
He urged his horse forward until the two of them were riding side by side. After galloping together for a while, they gradually drew in their reins.
The horses slowed to a stop, snorting loudly.
Qi Mingchuan dismounted and patted his horse’s neck before turning to Cui Yu with a smile. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen His Highness the Crown Prince this happy.”
As he said this, he could not help feeling a pang of emotion.
Ever since taking charge of the Eastern Palace, his nephew had grown more solemn with each passing day. Matters of the court, affairs within the Eastern Palace, the Emperor’s suspicions, the schemes of his brothers… One burden after another had settled upon his shoulders, tempering him into someone increasingly steady—and increasingly silent.
When Qi Mingchuan returned to the capital this time, he had felt that his nephew was even more composed than before.
It was rare to see him behave so unrestrainedly, almost as though he had forgotten to be dignified.
Cui Yu pulled in his reins and dismounted. He said nothing, but there was a smile in his eyes.
Once the initial anxiety and worry had passed, once he stopped troubling himself with needless fears, the belated joy gradually welled up inside him, leaving him unsure how to express it.
He and A-Yan would soon have two children…
If one was a daughter, she would surely be as beautiful and adorable as A-Yan. When she smiled, her eyes would curve like two little crescents…
And if it was a son… he would teach him well.
The Second Prince and the Sixth Prince soon reined in their horses as well.
The Second Prince wore a sapphire-blue riding outfit that day. His dismount was not especially graceful, but he landed steadily enough. After straightening his robes, he came over with a broad smile.
The two princes had encountered the Crown Prince and Qi Mingchuan on their way to the archery range. When the Second Prince heard that they were going horse racing, he had volunteered to join them, and the Sixth Prince had naturally followed.
“His Highness’s riding is something I could never match, even if I rode my horse to death,” the Second Prince said as he approached, his tone carrying genuine admiration.
Cui Yu replied, “Elder Brother, you flatter me. I was merely carried away by the excitement of the ride.”
Seeing that he was indeed in a good mood, the Second Prince smiled and added, “Speaking of which, I have yet to congratulate Your Highness. I heard that Shen Yanshui, the lady of your palace, is carrying twins. That is truly wonderful news.”
As he spoke, the smile on his face grew even more sincere. “Twins are quite rare. It seems the Crown Prince and Shen Liangyuan are blessed with deep fortune.”
A hint of a smile appeared on Cui Yu’s usually composed face. “She is indeed a fortunate woman.”
The Second Prince was somewhat surprised. It seemed the Crown Prince truly doted on this Shen Liangyuan.
Looking at the Crown Prince before him, he sighed inwardly. It was impossible to say that he had never harbored any thoughts about the throne. However, over the years, he had gradually come to recognize that he was not suited to be an emperor.
He loved beautiful women and enjoyed eating, drinking, and having fun. Asking him to spend every day miserably dealing with mountains of government affairs was something he absolutely could not endure.
As for his mother and his eldest brother…
He knew that both of them had always entertained such ambitions.
After all, before the Crown Prince was brought back to the palace, he and his eldest brother had been the princes most favored by the Emperor.
The problem was that his eldest brother had courage but no strategy, and was terribly simple-minded.
The Crown Prince, on the other hand, had grown increasingly steady over the past few years. His actions were ever more flawless, leaving no one an opportunity to find fault with him. His eldest brother, by contrast, remained as rash and impulsive as ever.
And as for the Emperor…
The Emperor’s attitude toward the Crown Prince, the First Prince, and the Fourth Prince had been inconsistent—sometimes suppressing them, sometimes elevating them. Ultimately, he was merely trying to use the First and Fourth Princes to balance the Crown Prince’s influence.
The Emperor… was old. His health had also been deteriorating in recent years, and he had begun to grow wary of his sons in the prime of their lives. That was only human nature.
Unfortunately, over the past two years, the Emperor had also become increasingly obsessed with elixirs, spending his days studying immortality and the Dao. To put it bluntly, no one knew how many years he had left to live.
For the latter half of his life, who else could he rely on but the Crown Prince?
After all, among all his brothers, he truly could not see anyone who could rival the Crown Prince.
What had finally made him resolve himself completely was what had happened to the Seventh Prince some time ago.
Although he did not know exactly what had happened, the Eighth Prince had been confined and still had not been released. He Yuwan, the Seventh Prince’s betrothed who had yet to marry him, had suddenly been sentenced to death. And the Seventh Prince?
He had suddenly been named Prince of An.
The several matters appeared unrelated, but the Second Prince did not think so. Although the Emperor’s temperament had grown increasingly unpredictable over the years, he rarely executed the daughter of a court official outright. The claim that she had offended the imperial carriage was clearly nothing more than an explanation for outsiders.
As for the Eighth Prince, there had still been no specific reason given for his confinement.
And in the Emperor’s eyes, the Seventh Prince had always been practically invisible. He was not yet old enough to marry, so there was no way the Emperor would suddenly remember him, grant him a title, and even skip over the rank of jun gong to make him a jun wang.
If no one had spoken up for him before the Emperor, this would never have happened.
And who else could speak for the Seventh Prince before the Emperor now?
It certainly could not have been the usually self-protective Sixth Prince.
Apart from the Crown Prince, there was no other possibility.
These past few days, people from the Crown Prince’s faction had also frequently visited the Seventh Prince. They had not made any effort to conceal it.
If the Crown Prince could treat the Seventh Prince this way, then he surely would not treat someone like himself poorly—a man who posed no threat to the throne and only wanted to spend the rest of his life as a wealthy and carefree prince.
At this thought, the smile on the Second Prince’s face grew even more genuine.
The Sixth Prince, standing nearby, had seen everything. He wore a faint smile and looked as gentle as jade, but his eyes darkened slightly.
Was the Second Prince… throwing in his lot with the Crown Prince?
He lowered his gaze, concealing the brief flicker of darkness in his eyes.
He had left Shen Jieyu alone for quite some time. Surely she ought to be growing restless by now.
When he looked up again, his face once more wore its usual mild expression.
Qi Mingchuan suddenly said, “Your Highness, about that hot pot last time—the one with the red-oil broth—when will you give me the recipe? I want to have my cooks learn how to make it when I get home.”
Cui Yu glanced at him with an impassive expression. “I forgot.”
Qi Mingchuan’s eyes widened. “…Forgot?”
Cui Yu’s expression remained indifferent. “Mm.”
Qi Mingchuan: “…”
Forgot what? He was clearly holding a grudge. All because Qi Mingchuan had called him afraid of his wife—was that really necessary? The older he got, the more spiteful he became.
Sighing, he could not help but look up at the heavens in sorrow.
The Second Prince, who had heard him, leaned over curiously. “What hot pot? What red-oil broth? What is Great General Qi talking about?”
Since he had been asked, Qi Mingchuan did not hide the matter. He said with a smile, “Your Highness, it is a type of food created by Shen Liangyuan. It is technically a kind of hot pot, but the broth is prepared somewhat differently. Half of it is clear soup, and the other half is red-oil broth. Chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns are added to the red-oil side, giving it a wonderfully novel flavor. I tried it once last time and have been craving it ever since.”
The Second Prince’s eyes brightened slightly. With great interest, he said, “Oh? You make it sound so delicious that now I am craving it too.”
He turned to the Crown Prince with a smile. “Your Highness, when would it be convenient for you to let me come over and try this novel hot pot?”
Cui Yu was just about to answer when the Sixth Prince also chimed in with a smile, “After hearing Great General Qi describe it so vividly, even I am curious. I wonder whether I might have the good fortune to try it as well.”
Cui Yu swept his indifferent gaze over them and gave a slight nod. “Come together after some time, once the Seventh Prince’s leg has healed a little.”
The Second Prince readily agreed. “Excellent, excellent. Once the Seventh Prince’s injury has improved, we shall all go together.”
*
After Shen Yanshui returned with Chunping, Dongyi, and Quanfu from picking pomegranates, she had some sent to the Empress, the Emperor, Great General Qi, Sister Xu, Lady Zhang, the Second Prince’s principal consort, his secondary consort, and the Sixth Prince’s secondary consort.
At first, she had only intended to send some to Sister Xu, Lady Zhang, and the Second Prince’s principal consort. But leaving out the Second Prince’s secondary consort and the Sixth Prince’s secondary consort would have seemed somewhat improper.
So she simply sent some to everyone. It was no great matter.
*
The Empress was drinking tea in her palace when a palace maid informed her that Shen Liangyuan of Chengxin Hall had sent over a basket of pomegranates. The Empress could not help but smile.
“That child is truly sincere.” She had only mentioned a few days ago that Shen Liangyuan should send her some fresh fruit, and now she had done so.
The palace maid presented the pomegranates. Each one was round, vivid red, and of excellent quality. The Empress picked one up and examined it for a moment before asking, “Who else did she send them to?”
The palace maid respectfully replied, “Your Highness, I heard that she also sent some to His Majesty, the Young Imperial Uncle, Sister Xu, Lady Zhang, the Second Prince’s principal consort, and the Sixth Prince’s secondary consort.”
The Empress nodded when she heard this. “She is quite thoughtful.”
She then had the palace maid open a pomegranate and tasted several of the seeds.
The sweet, refreshing juice spread across her mouth…
Before she knew it, her brows and eyes had relaxed even further.
…
At the Emperor’s palace, Chief Eunuch Cheng presented the pomegranates sent by Shen Liangyuan while the Emperor was playing a game of chess with Xu Chengwen.
“Your Majesty, Shen Liangyuan of the Eastern Palace has sent over a basket of pomegranates. She says they were freshly picked today and asks Your Majesty to enjoy them while they are fresh.”
Xu Chengwen’s hand paused for an instant, and he cast a sidelong glance at the pomegranates.
The Emperor opened his eyes and glanced indifferently at the basket of fruit. Showing little interest, he waved his hand.
“Give them to you. Divide them among yourselves and eat them.”
Chief Eunuch Cheng hurriedly replied with a smile, “Yes. This old servant will thank Your Majesty on their behalf.”
He took the basket of pomegranates and set it aside. Just as he was about to withdraw, he saw Emperor Pingkang take a pill from a box beside him and place it in his mouth.
Chief Eunuch Cheng stood with his hands lowered, keeping his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, not daring to look any further.
As Xu Chengwen was leaving, Chief Eunuch Cheng courteously asked, “Lord Xu, would you care to take some pomegranates with you?”
Xu Chengwen paused, then cupped his hands. “In that case, thank you, Chief Eunuch Cheng.”
Chief Eunuch Cheng was secretly taken aback. How strange. Lord Xu never usually accepted things like this.
*
At dinnertime, in Chengxin Hall.
The moment Cui Yu entered, he saw the wine jug on the table. He raised an eyebrow and glanced at her.
Shen Yanshui poured the Crown Prince a cup of wine with great enthusiasm and said with a smile, “Your Highness knows today that I’m carrying twins. To celebrate the imminent arrival of our two little babies, why don’t we have a drink?”
Cui Yu’s brows shifted slightly. “You’re with child. It’s best that you don’t drink.”
Shen Yanshui blinked, her smile bright and sweet. “Then I’ll use water in place of wine.”
Cui Yu looked at her, then gave a slight nod without saying anything more. The two of them lifted their cups and clinked them together.
Seeing that the Crown Prince had not suspected anything, Shen Yanshui immediately relaxed. They continued eating dinner and drinking together.
She was especially attentive throughout the meal. Whenever the wine in the Crown Prince’s cup grew shallow, she immediately refilled it. The jug was soon empty, so she had Chunping bring another.
Cui Yu accepted every cup without refusing, yet his expression did not change in the slightest. He remained as cool and composed as ever.
Shen Yanshui secretly watched him for a long while and discovered that the Crown Prince did not seem even remotely drunk. She could not help feeling a little disappointed.
She had originally planned to put that outfit on the Crown Prince later that night. Since she felt somewhat guilty about it, she was afraid he might take one look at it and change his mind about wearing it.
But she had been looking forward to it for so long. If he refused to put it on, wouldn’t all her efforts have been wasted?
That was why she had thought of getting him drunk first, then coaxing him into putting it on…
But who would have thought that the Crown Prince seemed to have an incredible tolerance for alcohol? He had drunk so much, yet why was there not the slightest sign of drunkenness?
She suddenly remembered that at the previous two banquets, the Crown Prince had also drunk quite a bit and remained perfectly clearheaded.
The thought made her shoulders droop, and her vivid, lovely features fell into visible disappointment.
Cui Yu glanced at her. Seeing the disappointment and worry on her face, he raised his brows slightly but said nothing.
After dinner was cleared away, the two of them went outside for a walk to aid digestion. Only when the sky had grown dark did they return to the inner room to bathe and change.
After bathing, Shen Yanshui came out in a light sleeping robe. She retrieved that outfit and sat on the edge of the bed, both nervous and expectant as she waited.
But she waited for a long time, and the Crown Prince still did not emerge from the bathing room.
She tilted her head and listened. The bathing room was utterly silent; not the slightest sound came from within.
“Your Highness?” she called.
No one answered.
“Your Highness?” she called again, a little louder.
Still, there was no response.
Shen Yanshui frowned and stood up. She walked around the screen and entered the bathing room.
Steam filled the room, carrying the faint, clean scent of soapberries.
The Crown Prince was still sitting in the bathing pool, his back against the wall, both arms resting on the edge. His head was tilted slightly back, his eyes half closed, and his expression hazy and languid.
The steam blurred his outline, yet made his already refined and otherworldly face seem even more striking, as though he had stepped straight out of a painting.
Her eyes lit up at once.
She hurried over and crouched beside the pool. Reaching out, she lightly poked him on the shoulder with one finger and asked softly, “Your Highness, why are you ignoring me?”
Cui Yu slowly turned his head and glanced at her.
There was a hint of haze in that look, and the corners of his eyes were faintly red, as though reddened by the steam—or perhaps tinged by the wine. His normally cool, steady eyes were now veiled by a thin layer of mist, giving him an indescribably languid air.
He did not answer. Instead, he slowly stood up, lowered his gaze to her, and said coolly, “Dress me.”
With a loud splash, warm water streamed down his body, following the smooth lines of his muscles.
Shen Yanshui’s gaze was drawn to him despite herself.
Droplets rolled from his shoulders, slipped over his full chest, then traced the firm planes of his abdomen, running through each distinct yet restrained ridge before disappearing below his waist.
His waist was lean but not slight, the muscles on either side drawn taut, like the sleek midsection of a leopard…
And farther down…
Shen Yanshui’s eyes drifted downward against her will. She looked once, then twice, and the tips of her ears quietly reddened.
Cui Yu noticed her expression, and a trace of amusement surfaced in his eyes.
Then, with one long stride, he stepped out of the pool. His legs were straight and slender, their muscular lines smooth and solid. Water droplets slid down the sides of his legs to his ankles, leaving a small patch of dampness on the floor.
Shen Yanshui swallowed. When she instinctively looked up, she suddenly realized that something was off about the way the Crown Prince was looking at her.
The haze in his eyes seemed deeper now, rather like it had been the first time they met.
There was more cool detachment and less intimacy.
And just now, he had referred to himself as… “I.”
The Crown Prince had not called himself “I” in front of her for a long time.
Shen Yanshui’s heart gave a sudden, rapid beat. She asked tentatively, “Your Highness, are you drunk?”
Cui Yu lowered his eyes and glanced at her. His voice was indifferent. “I am not drunk.”
Shen Yanshui’s eyes immediately brightened. She nearly failed to suppress her smile and hurriedly nodded along with him. “That’s right, Your Highness isn’t drunk. Your Highness isn’t drunk at all. I’ll dress you right away.”
People who were drunk always said they weren’t drunk! She knew it!
Shen Yanshui quickly picked up the clean towel prepared nearby and began drying him.
This was the first time she had ever done such a thing, and she was rather clumsy at first. In the end, after hesitating for a moment, she still reached out and—lifted it up, wiping it.
“…” Cui Yu’s eyelid twitched, but he said nothing.
After finally drying him off, she tossed the towel aside and beamed. “Your Highness, wait a moment. I’ll fetch your clothes.”
Cui Yu gave a slight nod and responded with a quiet, indifferent “Mm.”
Shen Yanshui scampered out with quick little steps, unable to hide her smile. Soon, she came hurrying back, holding a garment in her hands.
Cui Yu glanced at what she was carrying, and his expression showed a moment of confusion.
That fabric… seemed rather too thin.
His gaze fell upon the garment… and upon the silver chains adorned with red carnelian beads.
Before he could say anything, Shen Yanshui placed the chain on a nearby table, then shook out the garment in her hands and spread it open.
At that very moment, a night breeze slipped through the crack in the window. It brushed against the thin gauze garment, sending the fabric billowing and floating in the air.
Cui Yu saw the garment in its entirety.
It was a gauzy robe—or, more precisely, something sewn together from several pieces of gauze and cloth. In some places, it was as substantial as ordinary clothing, covering everything completely. In others, it was so sheer that it was nearly transparent and could hardly conceal a thing. The slits on either side rose incredibly high...
The garment was also decorated with tiny silver ornaments and jewels. They swayed gently in the night breeze, chiming with a delicate, tinkling sound.
Cui Yu’s expression shifted from confusion to stunned bewilderment, and finally to shock.
He lowered his eyes and stared at the... frivolous, indecent garment, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Shen Yanshui was far too excited to notice his expression. She gazed at him expectantly and reached out to lift his arm, signaling for him to raise it.
“Your Highness, lift your arms. This concubine will help you change,” she said, her voice brimming with eager anticipation.
Cui Yu did not move at first. With his lips pursed, he gave her a complicated look.
No wonder...
He suddenly recalled how she had repeatedly reminded him that, once he put it on, he could not get angry. No matter what, he had to wear it for her to see...
He looked down at the garment, imagining what he would look like wearing it. His scalp instantly prickled. It was simply... far too humiliating.
Utterly improper!
His lips moved, and he was just about to refuse when he lowered his head and met her eyes, filled with expectation...
Then he remembered what he had promised her.
“No matter how it turns out, Your Highness must not get angry.”
“Your Highness must not go back on your word...”
He remained silent for a long while, his ears growing hot as his lips pressed even more tightly together.
In the end, he closed his eyes, then finally and slowly raised his arms.
