"Has Your Majesty dispatched the Directorate of Imperial Regalia to commission my coming-of-age hairpins and dresses?" After leaving Yangling Princess's palace, a cold wind blew, making Shen Xihe instinctively draw her cloak tighter. Though her health had recovered to that of a normal person, she remained deeply susceptible to cold, still feeling intensely chilled when the wind swept through.
"Yes," Zhenzhu replied. "They are scheduled to come to the residence tomorrow for you to select the designs."
"Go to the Directorate of Imperial Regalia and convey that I specifically request Gu Zexiang," Shen Xihe instructed.
Zhenzhu immediately understood that Shen Xihe intended to employ Gu Zexiang. After careful consideration, she advised, "My lady, we also have people in the palace. Gu Zexiang might be affiliated with the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince's affection for the lady was evident to all; however, they were not yet formally wed. Even if they were to become husband and wife, certain matters still warranted cautious vigilance, lest a falling out lead to irreversible consequences.
Naturally, Zhenzhu hoped for harmony between the lady and the Crown Prince, yet a man's heart changes faster than the weather in June. Prudence was never misplaced.
"She is not the Crown Prince's person," Shen Xihe took a few steps as snowflakes suddenly began to drift from the sky. Zhenzhu opened the umbrella she carried, and Shen Xihe extended her hand, allowing the snow swirling in the cold wind to brush her fingertips. "She merely conducted a transaction with the Crown Prince. I, too, can engage in a transaction with her."
"This servant will proceed to the Directorate of Palace Services at once," Zhenzhu said, handing the umbrella handle to Ziyu.
As a servant, her duty was to share her master's burdens, remind her of potential oversights, and occasionally offer advice—though even that could be seen as presumptuous. How her master chose to act was for her to obey.
It was only during her time away from the lady that she had gradually come to understand this clearly. The lady in the northwest had been content to let the prince and heir make decisions for her, allowing them the joy of feeling needed and relied upon, which in turn made them more indulgent toward their servants.
The lady in the capital needed no one to make decisions for her. Here, every step was on thin ice; a single misstep could lead to drowning in a frozen lake.
The next morning, Your Majesty issued an Edict of Self-reproach, candidly admitting his failure as a ruler, which had disturbed the ancestors of many commoners, unsettled his deceased wife, and distressed his departed son. The edict was dispatched with utmost urgency to all regions.
Your Majesty decided to personally visit the imperial mausoleum to pay respects to the ancestors, seeking to console their spirits in heaven. Compensation and official condolences were also extended to families whose graves had been desecrated.
Upon hearing of the court's subsidies, some unscrupulous individuals from declining families with questionable morals even dug up their own ancestral graves. However, Xiao Huayong had anticipated such possibilities during court deliberations on the subsidies and proposed early documentation of the affected victims under the pretext of investigation.
Thus, after the Edict of Self-reproach was issued, those attempting to exploit the situation were caned and sternly rebuked by officials for their lack of filial piety. These minor incidents diverted public attention, providing some solace to the genuinely afflicted.
They were recognized by the court as legitimate victims. The court acknowledged their suffering, dispatched envoys to console them, and stood by their side, given that even the imperial mausoleum had been vilely bombed by heinous criminals without court protection.
Local authorities consistently conveyed this message, swiftly dissipating the public resentment accumulated over the tomb-raiding cases.
Even Shen Xihe, upon hearing of several attempts to fraudulently claim court subsidies, could not help but sigh softly, "If the Crown Prince were to rule, it would surely be a blessing for the people."He understood the sentiments of the common people, able to anticipate their joys and sorrows even in the subtlest details. With gentle methods, he soothed their hearts like a spring breeze nurturing the rain.
"If His Highness the Crown Prince were to hear these words, he would surely be delighted for an entire day," Ziyu said with a curved smile.
They had all noticed that the Crown Prince couldn't handle the princess's praise—whenever she complimented him, he would beam so widely his eyes nearly disappeared.
The more he behaved this way, the more they liked him. Only someone who truly held their princess dear to his heart would remain endlessly joyful over a single word from her.
Shen Xihe turned and glanced at her four maids. Though Ziyu had spoken, Zhenzhu, Hongyu, and Biyu all pressed their lips into smiles, clearly agreeing with the statement. "Tell me, what benefits has the Crown Prince given you all that you're so biased toward him?Though the princess questioned them, her personal maids could sense she wasn't angry or joking—she was genuinely curious.
The maids exchanged glances, and Biyu spoke first: "The Crown Prince has given us many benefits. Which would you like to hear about, princess?"
"Tell me all of them," Shen Xihe said.
"The Crown Prince prepares delicacies for you, arranges the Eucommia Leaf bonsai you adore, and searches for rare flowers and exotic plants.".." Ziyu began counting on her fingers. "Everything is tailored to your preferences. Even we servants can feel his sincerity."
"Every word you say, even casual remarks, the Crown Prince keeps in his heart. Since learning of your fondness for Eucommia Leaf, he not only created Eucommia Leaf tea—I've noticed his robes are now embroidered with Eucommia Leaf patterns too," Biyu said, suppressing a laugh. Many of the princess's garments also featured Eucommia Leaf designs, and occasionally they would coincidentally match when standing together, truly resembling a golden boy and jade girl pair.
Shen Xihe then looked at Hongyu, waiting to hear her thoughts.
Hongyu grinned mischievously: "What I appreciate most is the Crown Prince's trust in you. Though exceptionally capable, he never acts presumptuously. He never interferes with your decisions or tries to control you just because he can."
This brought a faint smile to Shen Xihe's lips. Xiao Huayong was capable without arrogance, strong without conceit, accomplished without complacency, noble without haughtiness.
This was likely why Shen Xihe found comfort in his company. Many men naturally looked down upon women—even those claiming to love someone often used protection and care as excuses to keep her sheltered behind them, as if she couldn't survive without him.
Shen Xihe disliked this approach. It wasn't that she considered herself omnipotent or wanted to show off, but she desired to learn and grow stronger through experience and refinement. Only then could she understand herself and become the person she truly wished to be.
Naturally, this varied from person to person. Some preferred avoiding such hardships, but she disliked relying on men or placing hopes in anyone else. With her father and brothers, she couldn't bear to burden them; with others, it was mostly distrust.
"The Crown Prince respects you from the bottom of his heart," Zhenzhu said, expressing what moved her most from her observations.
As long as the Crown Prince remained unchanged, she believed that given time, the princess would inevitably be moved by him.
Shen Xihe listened without comment, stroking Duanming's back. She admitted Xiao Huayong was exceptional—perhaps no better man could be found in this world. Yet the more perfect he was, the more she hoped they could maintain mutual respect.
When affection remained measured, leading to lifelong harmony, mutual comfort, and mutual support—that would be the best outcome.
Romantic love could wound both body and spirit.Zhenzhu sighed softly and glanced outside. "Your Highness, the officials from the Imperial Garments Bureau have arrived."
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