The next morning, when Shen Yanshui awoke, the pillow and bedding beside her had already gone cold.
Daylight filtered through the gauze curtains, and judging by the brightness outside, it was already quite late. She lazily turned over, hugged the quilt, and lingered in bed a little longer before slowly sitting up.
Hearing the movement, Chunping gently lifted the bed curtains and said with a smile, “You’re awake, my lady? His Highness the Crown Prince rose before dawn.”
Shen Yanshui gave a soft hum and did not ask anything further. The envoys from Northern Rong would arrive tomorrow, so the Crown Prince was surely busy today.
After washing and changing, she had breakfast. Then, suddenly craving cream cake, she summoned Shouzhong, Shouyi, and Eunuch Lin and asked them to make a generous batch.
“Don’t make them too large. Ideally, each one should be just a single bite, with apricot pieces in the filling…”
The three men hurriedly agreed. A little over an hour later, the kitchen sent up the small cream cakes with apricot filling.
Shen Yanshui tried two. They were soft and fragrant, with cream filling mixed with apricot pieces preserved in honey. The sweetness was tinged with a hint of tartness. She thought they were quite good, though they would be even tastier if the filling were a little more sour.
Just then, Dongyi came in from outside. When she reached Shen Yanshui, she lowered her voice and said, “My lady, the Empress summoned an imperial physician first thing this morning.”
Shen Yanshui’s brows drew together slightly. “Is Her Majesty feeling unwell?”
Dongyi shook her head and replied quietly, “This servant doesn’t know. I only heard that Her Majesty summoned an imperial physician. I couldn’t find out the details.”
Shen Yanshui nodded and did not pursue the matter. She merely instructed, “Pack up the cream cakes. I’ll go pay my respects to Her Majesty later.”
As she spoke, she remembered the residence at Lanxiu Pavilion and ordered someone to send word there, asking whether Lady Zhang would like to accompany her to visit the Empress.
Before long, the eunuch sent to Lanxiu Pavilion returned—but Huixin, one of Lady Zhang’s attendants, was following behind him.
Huixin entered, bowed respectfully, and said apologetically, “To Lady Shen: our mistress caught a chill last night and is feeling unwell. She has come down with a cold. She said she is afraid of passing the illness to you, and also afraid of passing it to Her Majesty the Empress, so she truly cannot accompany you to visit Her Majesty. She asks for Lady Shen’s understanding.”
Shen Yanshui was slightly taken aback. “Sister Zhang is ill too?”
Looking at Huixin, she asked, “Has she summoned an imperial physician?”
At that, a trace of helplessness appeared on Huixin’s face. She lowered her voice and said, “To Lady Shen: our mistress said… we should wait a little longer. Perhaps she’ll recover on her own in a couple of days, in which case there would be no need to trouble an imperial physician.”
Shen Yanshui’s brows immediately furrowed. “How can that be? If she is feeling unwell, she should summon an imperial physician at once. A minor illness will clear up quickly with medicine. If it is allowed to linger and develops into something serious, that will be the real trouble.”
She turned to Dongyi and ordered, “Take my tablet and summon an imperial physician.”
Dongyi immediately acknowledged the order.
Shen Yanshui then looked at Huixin, her tone gentle. “You may go with Dongyi later.”
Huixin hurriedly thanked her. “This servant thanks Lady Shen on our mistress’s behalf.”
She was grateful, yet her feelings were also complicated.
Her mistress and Lady Shen were both Crown Prince’s Ladies, and their ranks were the same. Yet the difference between one Lady and another was as great as heaven and earth.
The Crown Prince’s special favor toward Lady Shen was plain for all to see.
Naturally, the servants beneath her would do everything in their power to serve her, even hoping for more opportunities to come into contact with Lady Shen. If they won her favor, they might have a chance to show their faces before the Crown Prince.
But their own mistress… Although she too was a Crown Prince’s Lady, they had already been staying at the Western Mountain Palace to escape the summer heat for two months. Even while Lady Shen was pregnant, His Highness had not once set foot in Lanxiu Pavilion. The servants below had naturally noticed it all…
As for summoning an imperial physician, though a Crown Prince’s Lady was a concubine of the Eastern Palace, it was not so easy to request a physician at a temporary palace. The request had to be reported first to the supervising eunuch, who would then summon the physician. The message had to pass through layer after layer of intermediaries. If it was merely an ordinary minor illness or ache, an imperial physician might not necessarily be sent at all.
Shen Yanshui watched them leave, then turned to Chunping. “Let’s go. We’re going to pay our respects to Her Majesty the Empress.”
Chunping picked up the food box and followed behind her.
The Empress lived at Fengzao Hall, on the eastern side of the Western Mountain Palace. Built against the mountain, it stood slightly higher than Chengxin Hall.
Shen Yanshui led Chunping slowly up the flagstone steps. Verdant bamboo stood on either side, and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves into a soft rustling. It was indeed a quiet and elegant place.
The weather was pleasant today, with a clear blue sky. The sun had already risen high, and noon was fast approaching. Sunlight streamed through the treetops, scattering a carpet of golden fragments across the ground.
When they reached the entrance to Fengzao Hall, one of the palace maids stationed outside spotted her from a distance and immediately turned to announce her arrival.
Just as Shen Yanshui reached the doorway, Aunt Qing came out to greet her with a smile. “Lady Shen has arrived. Please, come in. Her Majesty happens to be free.”
“Aunt Qing.” Shen Yanshui smiled and nodded to her before entering the main hall.
A faint fragrance of aloeswood incense lingered in the air. The Empress wore a simple lake-blue robe, her raven hair arranged in an uncomplicated bun. She was reclining against the window on a luohan couch, with several ledgers resting at her side. It appeared she had been handling some matters of state.
Her complexion did indeed look more tired than usual, and her lips were slightly pale.
Shen Yanshui was just about to step forward and offer her respects when the Empress raised a hand to stop her.
“You’re carrying a child,” the Empress said, her voice somewhat hoarse. “I’m feeling a little unwell today. Don’t risk catching my illness. Sit outside the curtain.”
Shen Yanshui obediently nodded and stopped behind the curtain, concern showing on her face. “Her Majesty was perfectly well a few days ago. How did you fall ill today? I heard that you summoned an imperial physician. Are you all right?”
Aunt Qing had already brought over an embroidered footstool and placed it outside the curtain, so Shen Yanshui sat down.
The Empress was still holding a ledger densely covered in writing. As she listened to Shen Yanshui, she turned another page. At her words, she lifted her head and looked at Shen Yanshui’s worried expression. Unable to help herself, she smiled, set the ledger aside, and said, “There was a heavy rain last night. I caught a chill because I wasn’t careful, but it isn’t serious. The imperial physician has examined me. Two doses of medicine should be enough for me to recover.”
Shen Yanshui nodded, finally relieved. “That’s good. Her Majesty is blessed by Heaven and will surely recover very soon.”
As she spoke, she secretly sent a little of her supernatural power to the Empress.
The illness was probably caused not only by last night’s rain, but also by the fact that the Empress had been working tirelessly these past few days.
But matters concerning the Northern Rong princess could only be handled by the Empress. No one else had the authority to take over.
She took the food box from Chunping and opened the lid, taking out the plate of little cream cakes inside. Holding it in her hands, she smiled through the curtain and said, “Your Highness, these are little cream cakes I had the kitchen prepare. I brought them especially for you to try.”
The sweet fragrance of cream drifted over on the breeze. It was sugary without being cloying.
“Please see whether they suit your taste. If you like them, I’ll write out the recipe and send it to you later.”
Then she added with another smile, “Lady Zhang originally intended to come and visit Your Highness with me, but unfortunately, she caught cold last night as well. Afraid she might pass her illness to you, she wasn’t able to come. She asked me to convey her greetings.”
A smile immediately rose in the Empress’s eyes.
Not only had Shen Yanshui come to visit her, but she had also remembered to explain Lady Zhang’s absence, clearly worried that the Empress might fault her for not coming. She was considerate, thoughtful, kind, and honest—truly rare.
“You both have been very thoughtful,” the Empress said with a smile. “Since she isn’t feeling well, let her rest properly. There’s no need for her to worry about me.”
As she spoke, her gaze fell on the plate of cakes in Shen Yanshui’s hands. They were yet another novel pastry she had never seen before, and the Empress could not help taking an interest.
Nanny Fan smiled and took the plate from Lady Shen. The Empress picked up the silver fork resting beside her and began to eat. Each cake was just the right size to finish in a single bite.
The soft cake melted in her mouth, and the sweet richness of the cream instantly filled her lips and teeth. There was even a layer of filling inside—apricot flesh preserved in sugar. Its flavor was tart and sweet, and quite delicious.
A flicker of surprise crossed the Empress’s eyes.
Only after eating three in a row did she stop. Looking at Shen Yanshui, she shook her head with a smile. “Who knows how many unusual foods you have stored away in that head of yours?”
At this, Shen Yanshui’s peach-blossom eyes curved into a smile, bright and sparkling. “I’m glad Your Highness likes them. I simply love good food. Whenever I have nothing else to do, I enjoy experimenting with things like this. Unlike you, Your Highness—you have to oversee the affairs of the entire palace and assist His Majesty in managing the affairs of the realm. How could you have the leisure to fuss over such little things? Leave these trivial matters to me. Whenever I come up with something delicious, I’ll send a portion to you. You can simply enjoy the finished product.”
The Empress laughed aloud at her teasing, while Aunt Qing and Nanny Fan beside her laughed along as well.
The two women continued chatting, one speaking after the other. Watching them from the side, Nanny Fan sighed inwardly.
Whenever Lady Shen came to visit, no matter what they talked about, the Empress’s mood always improved.
Even more remarkably, after every visit from Lady Shen, the Empress’s health and spirits seemed to improve as well—perhaps because their conversation left her feeling so happy and at ease.
As they talked, the Empress asked about the child in Shen Yanshui’s belly, as well as her daily routine and diet. Shen Yanshui answered each question with a smile.
The Empress nodded, then looked at her abdomen and suddenly sighed. “Xiaochuan is five years older than Yu. His marriage was delayed because of the war with Beirong. Now that he has returned, he suddenly says there’s no hurry to marry. Honestly...”
She was both exasperated and deeply troubled.
“I’ve shown him so many young ladies from distinguished families, and he hasn’t taken a liking to a single one. He says this one’s voice is too soft, that one is too thin, and that another is too pale. I think he’s simply being difficult and finding fault with everyone...” The Empress launched into another round of complaints.
Shen Yanshui was a little surprised. She had not expected the Empress to suddenly bring up Great General Qi’s marriage.
After thinking for a moment, she smiled and said, “With Great General Qi’s appearance and character, how could he possibly lack women who admire him? I’m sure countless young ladies have secretly given him their hearts. It’s only that... perhaps the right fate has not yet arrived. Once it does, I imagine Great General Qi will be even more anxious to marry than you are, Your Highness.”
The Empress pictured her younger brother’s carefree, devil-may-care manner, then imagined him running around in a panic over his marriage in the future. She could not help laughing again.
Shaking her head, she looked at Shen Yanshui with a gentle expression. “I didn’t even realize that I had started telling you all this. These are matters for the elders, yet I’ve burdened you with my rambling.”
She glanced at the sky outside and continued, “It’s nearly noon. Go back and rest. Otherwise, Yu will soon come here looking for you.”
There was a hint of teasing in the Empress’s eyes as she spoke.
Shen Yanshui’s face flushed slightly.
There had been a time when she was chatting merrily with the Second Imperial Prince’s Consort and Secondary Consort Yun when His Highness the Crown Prince had come over...
Afterward, the Second Imperial Prince’s Consort and Consort Yun had teased her mercilessly. She had never expected the Empress to tease her about it too.
Truthfully, she was quite happy about it and was not embarrassed in the least. But when faced with this sort of teasing, she would still pretend to be shy in public.
She rose and put on a bashful expression. “Then please rest, Your Highness. I’ll take my leave now and come visit you again another day.”
The Empress smiled and nodded, watching as she left.
Only after Shen Yanshui’s figure had disappeared beyond the doorway did the Empress withdraw her gaze. Her eyes fell upon the plate of little cream cakes beside her, and she reached out to eat two more.
Leaning against the bolster, she sighed and said to Nanny Fan, “If only the Crown Princess had half her temperament, I could finally set my mind at ease.”
Unfortunately, being sharp and overly competitive was not the Crown Princess’s only flaw. She also thought herself clever, and was both self-important and opinionated.
At this, Nanny Fan smiled. “Lady Shen truly is a delightful person—filial, considerate, and affectionate. No wonder His Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness both favor her.”
The Empress smiled at once.
Who would not like a child who spent every day smiling, and who was obedient, filial, and thoughtful?
Who could possibly prefer someone like the Crown Princess?
Thinking of the Crown Princess, the Empress could not help worrying again about the child still growing in her womb, as well as Zhang’er. She frowned and waved a hand.
“Never mind. I won’t think about those things for now. The matter of the Beirong princess still hasn’t been settled...” His Majesty had yet to decide how to arrange matters for the Beirong princess, and there had still been no resolution.
With that, she picked up the booklet beside her and continued attending to her affairs.
Shen Yanshui left the Fengzao Palace with Chunping. The sunlight outside was warm and bright, casting a pleasant heat over her as she walked slowly along the flagstone path. She was in no hurry to return to Chengxin Hall.
It had been quite some time since she had seen Sister Xu, and she wondered what the girl had been doing lately.
With that thought, she changed direction and headed toward the area where the officials’ families were staying.
After passing through a moon gate, she found herself in a quiet little garden. Rockeries and flowing water were framed by lush bamboo, while several winding pebble paths stretched off in different directions. The Xu family’s residence lay a little farther ahead.
She followed one of the paths for a while, wondering how much farther she had to go, when her eyes suddenly lit up.
At the fork in the path not far ahead, a familiar figure was hurrying past.
Sister Xu?
Shen Yanshui had not expected such a coincidence. She was just about to call out to her when she noticed that Xu Qingle looked rather troubled. With a maid carrying a food box at her side, Xu Qingle was heading in another direction.
That direction… was toward the Seventh Prince’s residence?
Shen Yanshui paused, then remembered what the Crown Prince had mentioned to her before. After the Seventh Prince was injured, Miss Xu had gone to visit him. Could it be that the reason Sister Xu had not come to see her these past few days was that she had been running over to the Seventh Prince’s residence?
Watching Xu Qingle’s retreating figure, Shen Yanshui raised her brows slightly. She had not expected Miss Xu to be so bold. It seemed she had been worrying too much before.
That was a good thing, too. If Xu Qingle could develop some feelings for the Seventh Prince during this time, life would likely be easier for her once she married into the Seventh Prince’s household.
With that thought, Shen Yanshui smiled. “Let’s go. We’ll head back first.”
*
Xu Qingle walked toward the Seventh Prince’s Bamboo-Clear Hall with her maid.
When she reached the entrance, the little eunuch guarding the door spotted her from a distance. Without asking her a single question, he turned and hurried inside.
Xu Qingle: “............”
She gritted her teeth and stood rooted to the spot.
Before long, the little eunuch named He Qun, who served at the Seventh Prince’s side, came out to receive her. When he reached her, he bowed respectfully. “Miss Xu has arrived. Please come in.”
As he spoke, he moved to lead her inside.
He Qun looked respectful, but his heart was filled with unease. Miss Xu appeared gentle and mild, yet she had already set down the food box and turned to run away twice.
As a mere servant, he could hardly grab the future Seventh Prince’s secondary consort and stop her from leaving, could he?
But he also did not dare disobey his master’s orders. In any case, unless Miss Xu personally delivered it inside, the food box would never reach the Seventh Prince.
Xu Qingle remained where she was, staring at the tightly closed hall doors as she bit her lip.
Ever since the Seventh Prince had been injured, her mother had urged her to visit him. Although she felt frightened and reluctant deep down, she could not come up with any proper excuse, so she had no choice but to be driven here by her mother.
Fortunately, during the first two visits, she only needed to hand the food box to one of the palace servants outside before she could leave. She had been greatly relieved.
But on the third visit, those eunuchs suddenly stopped accepting the food box. They insisted that she deliver it personally.
Whenever she thought of the Seventh Prince’s face, fear seized her. So… she had done something rather improper.
She had put down the food box and turned around to leave.
Who would have thought that the little eunuch would actually chase after her with the food box and force it back into her hands?
After this happened twice, she was afraid her mother would question her, so she had secretly eaten all the food she had originally prepared for the Seventh Prince…
She had been worried sick these past few days, yet not only had she failed to lose weight, she had even gained two pounds.
Xu Qingle took a deep breath, accepted the food box from her maid, and shuffled inside one tiny step at a time.
When He Qun saw that she was finally willing to deliver it herself, he let out a tremendous sigh of relief. He hurried forward to announce her arrival, then opened the door and ushered her in.
Xu Qingle dawdled into the main hall with her head lowered, not daring to raise it at all. From the corner of her eye, she caught a faint glimpse of someone on the bed and quickly stopped. Her voice trembled uncontrollably as she stammered, “G-Greetings, Your Highness. Th-This is some food I made for Your Highness…”
As she spoke, she felt a gaze settle on the top of her head, and suddenly it became difficult even to get the words out.
The Seventh Prince reclined against the bed. His complexion was still somewhat pale. Turning his head, he looked at Xu Qingle and took in her pallid, fearful expression before speaking without emotion.
“You need not come again.”
Xu Qingle froze. For a moment, she even forgot to be afraid and lifted her head to look at him.
The Seventh Prince gazed at her. “There is no shortage of food in my Bamboo-Clear Hall.” He paused briefly, his dark eyes fixed on her as he recalled the fear on her face just now. Then he said coldly, “Nor do you need to worry that I will blame you for what happened last time. Leave.”
With that, he closed his eyes.
After hearing this, a flicker of delight appeared on Xu Qingle’s face despite herself.
But then she remembered her mother, and her brows drooped once more. Even if the Seventh Prince did not want her to come, her mother would certainly force her to.
Still… she was rather surprised.
The last time, she had accidentally witnessed the Eighth Prince committing adultery with He Wan. She had been terrified ever since, afraid that the Seventh Prince would take his anger out on her.
But judging by the situation now, although the Seventh Prince’s expressionless face looked somewhat frightening and fierce, he had not done anything to her.
He had even been considerate enough to tell her that he would not blame her…
She secretly glanced at the Seventh Prince.
He had been betrayed by his own younger brother and his fiancée at the same time. His leg was injured, and he had been unable to get out of bed for so long…
For some reason, Xu Qingle suddenly felt that the Seventh Prince was… rather pitiful.
The Seventh Prince heard no movement for quite some time. When he opened his eyes, he saw the sympathy and pity showing on her face, and his brows immediately drew together.
*
At Chengxin Hall.
After Shen Yanshui returned, she took an afternoon nap. Once she woke, she strolled slowly around the courtyard, then went outside to pet some cats and feed them the little fish she had caught herself, passing the better part of the day in this way.
By the time dinner arrived, she was eating alone. The Crown Prince was still occupied in the front halls. The Northern Rong envoys would arrive tomorrow, and there was a mountain of business awaiting decisions from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial Affairs. He would probably not return until quite late tonight.
After eating dinner by herself, she bathed and washed up, then changed into a light sleeping robe and reclined on the couch while Chunping read her a storybook.
Her thoughts, however, were on her sixth younger sister’s marriage. The Crown Prince had been extremely busy lately, so they would probably have to wait until this hectic period was over before he had time to deal with it. But it did not matter. With her second brother at home, the marriage could not be settled in a day or two anyway.
She did not know how much time had passed when the familiar sound of footsteps suddenly came from outside.
When Shen Yanshui heard them, she rose from the couch and went out to greet him, her slippers scuffing lightly against the floor.
Cui Yu was dressed in a slate-blue robe, weariness showing on his face. When he saw her coming toward him, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, lowering his head to nuzzle the top of her hair.
“Not asleep yet?” His voice was slightly hoarse.
“I slept quite a bit at noon, so I’m not very tired yet.” Shen Yanshui smiled and pulled him down to sit. Then she turned and instructed Dongyi, “Have them bring out the late-night meal that’s being kept warm.”
Before long, several small dishes and a bowl of steaming noodle soup were served. They were all foods Cui Yu usually enjoyed—light and easy to digest.
Cui Yu sat at the table, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat at an unhurried pace.
He ate somewhat faster than usual. Shen Yanshui sat beside him, accompanying him and occasionally adding a spoonful of soup to his bowl. Before long, he had finished everything, leaving the dishes empty.
Cui Yu set down his chopsticks, rinsed his mouth, then went to the bathing room for a thorough wash. After changing into his sleeping clothes, he finally felt somewhat more relaxed.
The two of them climbed onto the bed, and Shen Yanshui nestled into his arms, finding a comfortable position against him.
With one arm around her waist, Cui Yu lowered his eyes to look at her and asked in a low, even voice, “What did you do today?”
“I heard that Her Majesty the Empress had summoned an imperial physician, so I went to Fengzao Palace to see her,” Shen Yanshui replied.
At that, Cui Yu’s brows drew together slightly. “What’s wrong with Mother?”
He had been busy with official duties all day and had not paid much attention to anything else.
“It rained heavily last night, remember? Her Majesty said she had accidentally caught a chill,” Shen Yanshui hurriedly explained. “But the imperial physician examined her and said it wasn’t serious. She should be fine after taking a couple of doses of medicine.”
Only then did Cui Yu’s brow relax, and he gave a slight nod.
Shen Yanshui lay against his chest. Then, all of a sudden, she propped herself up slightly and looked at him with her bright, inquisitive eyes.
“Your Highness, has Little Uncle really never been engaged? Doesn’t he have anyone he favors, either?”
Cui Yu lowered his eyes to her, one brow lifting in surprise. “Why are you suddenly taking an interest in Little Uncle’s marriage?”
Shen Yanshui pressed her lips together and smiled. “Her Majesty mentioned it today. I noticed how worried she is about Little Uncle’s marriage, and I became curious, so I thought I’d ask Your Highness.”
Cui Yu pondered for a moment before answering, “In the past, Grandfather and Grandmother arranged a marriage for Little Uncle. But before he went off to war, he was afraid of holding that young lady back, so he broke off the engagement. Then one thing led to another, and several years passed.”
After a pause, he added, “As for someone he favors, I’ve never heard Little Uncle mention anyone.”
Shen Yanshui nodded and murmured, “That makes sense. Before Little Uncle went to fight in the northern borderlands, he had a fiancée. After he went there, he was surrounded by men all day, so I suppose he didn’t have much opportunity to meet any pretty young ladies...”
If he didn’t have anyone in his heart, then why did he deliberately nitpick and act as though he had no intention of marrying?
As far as she knew, the Qi family of the Duke of Fengguo’s residence had four sons, all born of the principal wife. The second and third sons had both given their lives for their country, falling in battle.
The current Duke of Fengguo had injured both legs on the battlefield in his younger years and had spent all these years confined to a wheelchair. He had only two daughters.
By rights, Great General Qi shouldn’t have been so opposed to marriage...
She couldn’t quite make sense of it.
While she was lost in thought, a sharp pinch to her cheek brought her back.
Cui Yu reached out and gave her cheek a light, neither-too-gentle-nor-too-firm pinch.
Shen Yanshui came to herself and looked at him with her watery, expressive eyes, her expression faintly reproachful. “Your Highness...”
Cui Yu looked down at her, his expression calm and distant. “I was busy all day. After finally finishing everything, I came back and lay here beside A-Yan. Yet what A-Yan is thinking about is another man.”
Shen Yanshui’s eyes widened. “...What? Are you all right?”
Watching her stunned little expression, a trace of amusement appeared in Cui Yu’s eyes. His face, however, remained as impassive as ever. He simply lowered his gaze and looked at her in silence.
For some reason, Shen Yanshui could even detect a hint of disappointment on that noble, coolly handsome face...
Shen Yanshui: “...” Her heart gave an inexplicable little flutter.
She knew perfectly well that the Crown Prince couldn’t possibly be jealous over something like this, but... that expression of his was simply too unfairly attractive!
The Crown Prince... where on earth had he learned this?!
Seeing her expression, Cui Yu lowered his lashes, the corners of his lips curving up slightly.
