Unlike Guaerjia Jingchu, the Crown Prince stood at a distance from the other consorts, the faint blush on his face unnoticed. He paused briefly before stepping forward to pay his respects. "Grandmother, Imperial Grandmother."
The consorts below returned his greeting one by one.
Only Yunxiu gave him an encouraging look, as if to say, "This young lady is worthy of being the Crown Princess—you must put in some effort."
The Crown Prince felt both moved and comforted, nodding slightly in response. He resolved not to disappoint Mother Yi's expectations. Guaerjia's smile was so gentle—she must be fond of him. Truly, the wife his imperial father had chosen for him was no rigid, lifeless figure but a poised yet vibrant young woman, bold in ways that surprised him. At this thought, he coughed lightly. Though inexperienced in matters of the heart at sixteen, an unfamiliar warmth stirred within him.
The Grand Empress Dowager's sharp eyes swept over Jingchu in the distance, then over her beloved great-grandson standing before her. They were a perfect match, she thought, her smile growing even more benevolent.
The Empress Dowager also smiled warmly, her tone teasing. "Baocheng, come quickly and take a seat." She then beckoned Jingchu, who stood stiffly, to her side and cheerfully asked Noble Consort Wen, "Where were we just now?"
Noble Consort Wen sighed inwardly—ah, the stirrings of youthful affection.
Exchanging a glance with Yunxiu, she replied with a smile, "Your Majesty, I was just saying that winter seems to be arriving early this year, unusually dry and cold. The winter garments from previous years won’t be enough to keep everyone warm. Noble Consort Yi and I discussed having the Imperial Household Department take measurements in each palace to make thicker clothing, so the palace staff can celebrate the New Year comfortably."
Yunxiu continued gently, "But the Imperial Treasury’s fabric reserves are limited. They can’t supply enough at once, so we’ve allocated silver for purchases instead. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue, but they’ve reported that the Crown Prince’s wedding must not fall short of precedent. If we add winter garments to the expenses, the imperial coffers will be stretched thin. We’re at a loss, so Noble Consort Wen and I have drafted a proposal to seek His Majesty’s instructions."
The Crown Prince’s wedding, with its many ceremonial steps, would at the earliest be held next spring. Yet whether it was the Ministry of Rites or the Imperial Household Department, none could afford to be careless.
As for the winter garments—never mind that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau predicted snow disasters this year—even now, in autumn, the chill was already biting. Keeping warm couldn’t be delayed.
In truth, it all came down to a lack of funds.
The Grand Empress Dowager frowned for a moment before asking slowly, with some effort, "Who oversees the Imperial Household Department now?"
Before Noble Consort Wen could answer, Consort Hui glanced at the Crown Prince, who sat composedly, and interjected with a hand over her lips, "It’s Suo Etu, Your Majesty."
The hall fell silent. No wonder the two noble consorts were hesitant—dealing with him was like handling a hot potato.
The Crown Prince remained seated with a faint smile, unshaken, though his gaze subtly lingered on Jingchu standing by the jade steps.
He had long severed ties with the Hesheli clan. Even if Suo Etu were to be punished by his imperial father, it wouldn’t implicate him. There was nothing to worry about—especially with Mother Yi on his side.
The Crown Prince understood the situation perfectly, but Consort Hui, confined to the inner palace, did not.
Frustrated by the Grand Empress Dowager’s sudden recovery, she seethed inwardly. Heaven was unfair—why did fortune favor the Crown Prince so?
Since Mingzhu’s downfall, Consort Hui had been left in the dark. The Eldest Prince had ranted to her, "Suo Etu schemes tirelessly for Yinreng, while Yinreng merely puts on a show." She had believed it wholeheartedly.
Now, she could only hope Suo Etu would trip the Crown Prince up.
Jingchu, too, was unaware.
Her eyes lowered, she listened attentively as the Grand Empress Dowager spoke with the noble consorts. When the name "Suo Etu" reached her ears, she recalled her grandfather Shi Huashan’s teachings and pressed her lips together, casting a glance at the Crown Prince.
"Those who act unjustly will bring ruin upon themselves. Suo Etu will face retribution one day. If the Crown Prince ties himself to him, a single misstep could lead to disaster. The Emperor seems to have chosen you—if you are fortunate, you must remain cautious and fulfill your role as a virtuous helpmate. Advise him when you can, though he may not wish to hear it..."
Jingchu pondered calmly—if she entered Yuqing Palace in the future, how should she counsel him?
Noticing her expression, the Crown Prince raised a brow. Was Guaerjia worried about him?
He smiled faintly, as if to reassure her.
Meeting his gaze and that unexpected smile, Jingchu flushed, feeling somewhat flustered. The Crown Prince was nothing like she had imagined.
As her mother had said—he was peerlessly noble and handsome. Though she had never seen him before, noble girls her age spoke of him with reverence and longing at banquets, though their admiration remained restrained.
It was often said that serving the emperor was like serving a tiger. As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince carried an imposing majesty. The noble girls knew better than to swoon openly—if they ever met him, they’d be lucky not to tremble in fear.
Her mother had also warned her not to be presumptuous, to observe propriety and remain respectful, leaving no room for criticism. Jingchu agreed wholeheartedly.
Yet here was the Crown Prince, the one breaking decorum.
How could he smile so… so dazzlingly at an unmarried maiden?
The Grand Empress Dowager had no idea what her precious Yinreng was up to.
She was thoroughly pleased with the future Crown Princess the Emperor had painstakingly chosen. After recovering from her illness, she felt revitalized, her strength returning day by day.
She took a liking to Jingchu—the girl had the makings of an empress. She refused to pass on without seeing Baocheng wed.
But with the discussion now involving the Imperial Household Department and Suo Etu, it was inappropriate for Jingchu, still unmarried into the imperial family, to remain.
Moreover—
The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at the solemn Crown Prince, then at the silent Jingchu, and felt a rare pang of worry.
Baocheng had never been close to women since childhood. The Emperor had forbidden attractive palace maids from serving him, leaving him utterly inexperienced in matters of the heart.
Jingchu, too, was reserved and dignified. With two blocks of wood like them sitting stiffly while listening to palace affairs, how could they possibly develop feelings?
After a moment, the Grand Empress Dowager made a decision. She instructed the Crown Prince to take Jingchu on a stroll through the gardens to "play the host"—her intentions were unmistakable, even drawing a hesitant look from the Empress Dowager.
Wasn’t this moving too quickly?
Yunxiu also thought it improper, but when she turned, the Crown Prince had already accepted the order with utmost seriousness, as if it were an imperial decree.
Now Yunxiu, too, was worried.
As Yinreng and Jingchu left the hall one after the other, the Grand Empress Dowager’s heart seemed to follow them outside. Concerned about their interaction, the old lady spoke of Suo Etu with displeasure. "This old one will have the Emperor question him—what has he been managing in the Imperial Household Department? A lack of funds is one thing, but if it delays Baocheng’s wedding, can he bear the consequences?"
The consorts remained silent. Consort Hui, however, hid a faint smile, her earlier irritation at the Grand Empress Dowager’s matchmaking easing slightly.
When the Emperor had decreed Yinti’s marriage, he had merely informed her and kept Lady Irgen Gioro’s name. Nothing like the meticulous care he was now showing in selecting the Crown Prince’s bride.
What use was the roster of eligible noblewomen she had painstakingly gathered?
The Empress Dowager's favoritism knew no bounds—she actually permitted Guaerjia Jingchu to enter the palace under the guise of serving, though everyone knew her true intentions were to assess a potential match.
Consort Hui scoffed. "Let them pair up and become a miserable couple."
Changchun Garden was a picturesque landscape of lakes and mountains, but Jingchu's troubled thoughts left her in no mood to appreciate the scenery. Her heart tightened slightly, yet her steps remained composed, always lingering a pace behind the Crown Prince, resisting the urge to look up at him.
From this angle, she couldn’t clearly see His Highness’s striking features, and her restlessness turned to regret.
If you won’t turn around, then at least let me see more of Noble Consort Yi. That would be enough.
The Crown Prince walked at a leisurely pace, silently savoring the name in his mind. Jingchu—a fine name indeed.
No one noticed his stiffness as silence stretched between them.
Half an incense stick’s worth of time passed without a word exchanged. He Zhuer grew anxious, and so did the aunt assigned to Jingchu by the Empress Dowager.
Your Highness, please say something!
As if hearing their silent pleas, the Crown Prince suddenly halted and tilted his head slightly. "I heard the Empress Dowager calls you Jingchu."
It was mid-morning, the late autumn sun gentle and cool, its golden light filtering through layered clouds to gild his profile. His jawline was sharp, lips slightly pursed, phoenix eyes focused, his voice clear and bright, carrying a youthful vigor.
Jingchu froze.
Only after a long pause did she notice the faint curve of his lips. She swiftly lowered her gaze and finally replied, "Yes."
---
In the imperial study, Kangxi, unusually disinterested in state affairs, tossed aside a memorial and closed his eyes, rotating the jade ring on his thumb. "Liang Jiugong—"
He cut himself off mid-sentence.
The eunuchs on duty trembled inwardly. When will the Chief Eunuch return?
Their hopes were answered when Liang Jiugong, under the bewildered gazes of the palace guards, rushed breathlessly into the side chamber. He gulped down a cup of cold water, wiped his sweat, straightened his appearance, and then quietly resumed his post.
Without waiting for the emperor to speak, Liang Jiugong spilled everything in one go. "Your Majesty, He Zhuer reported to this servant that the Crown Prince and the Guaerjia young lady are getting along splendidly, conversing quite amiably."
Kangxi suppressed his satisfaction and tapped the desk. "How amiably?"
Liang Jiugong’s cheerful expression twisted oddly.
But he dared not withhold the truth.
"His Highness asked, I heard you have a younger brother—is he well-behaved or mischievous?" Liang Jiugong paused, his voice growing quieter. "Then he mentioned the Ninth Prince, saying he was deeply concerned for his plight and asked if the young lady had any advice to help him."
Stealing a glance at the emperor’s face, Liang Jiugong hesitated but steeled himself and continued, "Next, the Crown Prince complained about the Fourth Prince, saying his methods were too harsh for a twelve-year-old, that he acted like a little old man, and wondered which family would ever want their daughter to marry him as his primary consort."
Kangxi took a deep breath, his expression darkening. "..."
Liang Jiugong fell silent, shrinking his neck as oppressive tension filled the study.
After what felt like an eternity, the emperor sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Xiuxiu was right. If he can’t even handle a primary consort, forget about a secondary one. Summon Longkodo."
Liang Jiugong thought to himself, This unintended outcome fulfills Noble Consort Yi’s wishes and dashes the Tong Family’s schemes.
Upon receiving the imperial summons, Longkodo’s mind raced with possibilities, though his face betrayed nothing as he knelt respectfully. "This servant greets Your Majesty."
Kangxi gave him a cold glance, not permitting him to rise.
"Was it your idea or your father’s to push for a Tong daughter in Yuqing Palace?"
The emperor’s tone was icy, the weight of his words crushing. Beads of sweat formed on Longkodo’s forehead.
Just days ago, Father said the emperor seemed to approve. Only the primary consort would enter first—a slight delay for the secondary consort was no great loss. But why does His Majesty now sound accusatory?
