Thеrе wаs оnlу one bed in thе bеdroom, sо the two оf thеm wоuld ultimаtеlу have tо sleep together. Тhis wаsn’t the first timе eithеr. Оn thе sеcоnd dау аftеr their wеdding, they had оnсe shаred a bed, but bеcausе he had triеd tо kiss hеr, shе hаd аngrilу returned tо thе Eldеst Рrinсess Rеsidenсе overnight. Тhаt incidеnt hadn’t hapрened toо lоng аgo, уet looking bасk nоw, it felt rаthеr аmusing. Whаt wоuld it hаve mаttеred if hе had kissеd her? Bеtweеn husbаnd аnd wife, this wаs thе mоst bаsic of interаctions. She was an аloof pеrson, though nоt entirеlу beсause of her status—she was simply accustomed to keeping her distance from others. Back then, she hadn’t imagined she could ever be this close to a man. He had kissed her, as if stamping a seal upon her heart. Her life was already set, destined to be entangled with him.
"In my Cultivating Virtue Palace, there is a Western Palace Crabapple tree. Every year when it blooms, I tie a red silk ribbon to it. My mother said this would pray to the Matchmaker for a good marriage for me. After my mother passed away, whenever I walked beneath that tree, I would hold my breath and ponder what my future Imperial Consort would look like… tall, very young." She leaned against the pristine inner garment on his chest, paused, and looked up to scrutinize him. "Not like you. I thought he should be around my age, a young couple, like friends growing up together, so our bond could be deeper."
He was somewhat displeased. "Are you implying I’m old?"
"Not really, but you had a son quite early. You Qi People take bedchamber attendants at thirteen—what a terrible habit! If Lan Zhou follows your example, let me calculate… you’ll be a grandfather at thirty-two." She chuckled softly. "By then, you can grow a beard, one that’s long and full… I’ll trim it for you, shaping it just like Fifth Master’s."
She was still young, sometimes quite childish. A scene floated before his eyes: sitting under the dripping eaves in the morning, a cloth draped over his chest, tilting his head back as she approached with scissors, snipping left and right… How much like a gardener pruning flowers and plants!
"Fifth Master’s beard isn’t good-looking. When I left the city, I saw a shepherd with one exactly like his." As he spoke, one hand gently stroked her back. She wore only a sleeping robe, her delicate shoulder blades like two fragrant fans. He closed his eyes, trying hard not to look at her, yet the faint scent of Tu Wu on her was irresistible, lingering at the tip of his nose.
He sighed. "You already think I’m old. Growing a beard would only make me look older. Wait until I’m fifty. By then, you’ll be in your forties too, and we’ll still be a perfect match."
"I wonder what I’ll look like at forty-two. My skin will sag, wrinkles will form, and my eyes will droop… I don’t want to grow old. How wonderful it would be to stay young forever!" A sense of melancholy washed over her, truly feeling the helplessness of beauty fading with age.
His hand had unconsciously reached her waist, lingering and circling in that small space. "Silly talk. Who in this world doesn’t grow old? Don’t be afraid. I’ll be here with you…"
Her voice drifted, not directly responding to his words, as if speaking to herself. "If you care for someone, that person must be very fortunate. If you are heartless toward someone, their fate will surely be tragic… Magistrate Sha’s wife, I heard she died."
His hand paused. "Where did you hear that?"
She said, "While walking among the disaster victims during the day, I overheard it by chance. She hanged herself after returning from the courier station. Was that your doing?"He opened his eyes and tugged at the corner of his lips. "Why assume it was me? Her husband committed a crime, facing execution or worse. She might have felt there was no way out and chose to die for her honor." He reached out and pinched her cheek. "Am I really that wicked in your eyes? Whenever someone dies, it must be my doing? You say you trust me, but it's just empty words. I know it."
Wanwan was momentarily speechless. Her first thought had indeed been that Madam Sha had fallen victim to his schemes. But now, upon reconsideration, that suspicion seemed unfounded. Surely, he wouldn’t kill someone just because they had shown him kindness once!
She ducked her head apologetically. "I spoke out of turn."
He smiled, drawing her closer. "But you weren’t entirely wrong. When I love someone, I give them my all. No matter what happens outside, in your presence, I’m just an ordinary husband."
His breath was warm, his heart burning with restraint. Lying together under the covers, spending the time only in conversation felt like such a waste, yet he dared not act rashly. Their first time should be in a beautiful place—with flowers and moonlight—not in this crude courier station.
But the longing was unbearable. He didn’t even dare kiss her, fearing a single spark might ignite everything. She seemed utterly unaware of his torment, at most feeling a little shy. Lying stiffly, she grew uncomfortable and stretched one leg forward, nestling it right against his heart.
He trembled slightly, his thick brows furrowing. "Don’t move around, or something might happen."
Trapped by him, she couldn’t move easily. Glancing at him, she noticed sweat on his temples and an impatient expression. Wisely, she settled her limbs and fell silent. Soon, she could only hear his breath rustling above her head. Slowly, she drifted into sleep, and he followed her into her dreams.
One’s understanding of another deepens over time. In her heart, he gradually became a figure of extraordinary capability. Even if Huaining’s granaries were emptied by greedy officials, he could restore them to operation in no time. After the common people had eaten a few full meals, their hearts gradually settled. When they saw him pass by, they knelt and kowtowed, saying, "Prince, you are a living Bodhisattva." The people only recognized those who kept them from starvation.
Once everything was arranged, he took her back to Nanjing. They had traveled by land on the way there, but now they returned by water.
A small boat swayed gently among the mountains and rivers. Sometimes, Wanwan would go to find him. He would be lighting incense, leisurely reading by the window. Seeing her, he would beckon her over. She would kneel and sit opposite him, and he would move the incense table aside, patting the spot beside him, inviting her to sit closer so they could whisper intimately.
Wanwan had always felt adrift and rootless. Though her brothers were affectionate, they had their own busy lives. She couldn’t see them whenever she wished. For instance, when her eldest brother fell ill, the Empress Dowager forbade the women of the inner court from visiting him. So, until his passing, she never got to see him one last time.
It was only after marriage that she realized the only person in this world who would revolve around her was her husband. Accustomed to loneliness, now that she had him, life seemed to gradually become more vibrant and meaningful.
She returned with him to the Princely Mansion, and the Eldest Princess Residence would likely remain empty from then on. As the carriage entered the ward compound, faint sounds of commotion could be heard. Lifting the curtain, she saw the entire household waiting at the entrance. Lan Zhou and Lanting stepped forward to kowtow. "Ama and E'nie, you must be weary from the journey."He helped her down from the carriage, and Lan Zhou quickly supported her other arm, beaming brightly as he said, "E'nie went to Huaining, and I only found out afterward. If I had known earlier, I would have accompanied you and attended to you."
Liangshi felt uncomfortable with his eagerness. "It seems your studies aren’t demanding enough."
Lan Zhou’s expression dimmed. Wanwan thought his Ama was being unreasonable and quickly soothed him, "We didn’t tell you because we didn’t want to disturb you. There’s a famine there, crowded and unclean. It wouldn’t have been good for you to go."
He brightened again. "I know E'nie was thinking of me... I heard earlier that all the relief grain was embezzled? Those lawless ones have truly brought suffering to the people!" As he helped her inside, he added, "E'nie, I’ve already reached 'The Conduct of the Confucianists' in the Book of Rites. 'Gentleness and goodness are the root of benevolence; reverence and caution are the ground of benevolence...' I’ll recite it for you later."
Liangshi’s expression darkened. What kind of son was this? The moment he appeared, he occupied all of Wanwan’s attention, and Liangshi himself felt insignificant again. For now, he couldn’t lash out, but he watched as the boy chattered on about E'nie this and E'nie that, exchanging nothing more than a greeting with his Ama.
The Imperial Concubine had gone to the temple to offer incense and didn’t know they were returning today. With nothing to do, Liangshi felt neglected. His gaze swept around and landed on Lanting.
"Ting, how are your studies coming along? Have you memorized the 'Offensive Strategy' chapter of The Art of War?"
Lanting, like a deer caught in the headlights, stared blankly for a moment before blinking and racking his brain. He started off smoothly enough but began to stumble when it came to the principles of warfare.
"If you outnumber them fivefold, double your forces and attack..."
His Ama spat out in frustration, "It’s 'If ten times the enemy’s strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, divide them!' You fool, after all this time, you still can’t get this line right. What have you been doing all this while?"
Wanwan, seeing him scold the child, grew a little fearful herself and shrank back, glancing at Lan Zhou. "Can you put in a good word for Ting?"
Lan Zhou was used to Lanting being scolded and didn’t seem alarmed. He stepped forward and clasped his hands. "Ama, please calm down. Yesterday, the outer Anda praised Ting, saying his horsemanship and archery are exceptional, even better than mine."
His Ama didn’t even want to hear it—the outer Anda must be blind to say such a thing!
Seeing no effect, Lan Zhou changed tack. "In recent years, the Ryukyu Islands have been causing constant disturbances. Last month, they raided Weihaiwei, alarming the imperial court. Ama may not know yet, but the Emperor has appointed Commander Tan Jin to lead the campaign and pacify the barbarians..." He paused briefly. "Superintendent Xiao Duo of the Eastern Factory is accompanying the army to oversee the battle. The naval forces set sail from Tianjin Port two days ago."
So, as expected, Xiao Duo had no intention of staying in the capital. He was planning a fake death escape! Well, that was one lingering worry resolved. Once he left, he would never return, for even if he did come back to the Capital, that pivotal position might no longer be his.
He turned to look at Wanwan. Her expression was sorrowful, likely grieving as the few people she was close to in the capital were gradually drifting apart. Lan Zhou had deliberately mentioned it in front of her to make her let go. She sighed wistfully, "Some have died, others have left. In the end, the music has stopped, and the party has dispersed."She stood up and, supported by Xiao You and Tong Huan, returned to her courtyard.
If Yin Lou was still alive and had seized this chance to flee to the sea, she must have gone to a very, very distant place, right? They had long lost contact with her, and she knew none of the details, relying only on her own speculations. It would be best if both were alive—she would rather they settled down elsewhere than see Xiao Duo resort to a desperate, last-ditch gamble born of despair. Compared to both dying, leaving one alive was still better.
Tong Huan had prepared fragrant water for her to bathe and wash away the dust from the journey. She slowly settled into the water and, after a while, asked whether the several Secondary Consorts in the mansion had all been sent away. Tong Huan confirmed, "All three mistresses have gone to Songjiang Prefecture. The Imperial Concubine originally wanted Concubine Chen to return to her family, but she refused. She said that since she had gained a status after all, returning home would only invite disdain, and she preferred to go with the other two. After all these years, she had grown accustomed to it."
Born a maid, she had entered the Prince's mansion as a child to serve the Imperial Concubine, later becoming the Heir Apparent's Bedchamber Attendant, and was then promoted to Secondary Consort. For a family like hers, this was an immense honor. If she suddenly returned to her natal home now, the story would become, "She failed to please her master and was driven out of the mansion." Her relatives would likely treat her with contempt, finding fault with everything about her.
She sighed, "Let it be. Let her decide for herself. If she wishes to stay, then let her stay." Then she asked, "What about the two young masters? Their mothers have been sent far away. Do they resent me?"
Xiao You washed her hair with soapberries and replied, "Why should they resent you? In Songjiang Prefecture, they can still command servants and maids—isn't that better than living under someone else's roof? The Prince paid them no attention anyway. Having them around was uncomfortable for everyone. It’s better for them to leave and live freely. The fact that the two young masters were allowed to stay is already Your Highness’s grace. They know what’s good for them and won’t blame Your Highness."
She hoped so. But after all, a mother and son are still mother and son. Even if they affectionately call her "E'nie" to her face, deep down, they likely still miss their own mothers. When they grow older, they might resent her for being intolerant... There was nothing to be done about it. She had her moments of narrow-mindedness. Even as the Princess Royal, she still had to share her man with others—how, then, could ordinary women in the world survive?
After a hasty wash, she stepped out of the bath. She still had to pay her respects when the Imperial Concubine returned from her Buddhist prayers. Now that she was in this mansion, living a proper life, she could no longer afford to be arrogant.
She emerged from behind the screen, wearing thin spring garments, her hair damp and cascading over her shoulders. The fabric, dampened by the water, faintly revealed what lay beneath. Lifting her eyes, she saw him arrive but did not notice anything amiss, only asking whether the Imperial Concubine had returned.
He said she had not, then waved for everyone in the room to leave. He stepped forward himself, taking the towel and comb to carefully dry her hair.
A gentle breeze from the lake rustled the bamboo blinds beneath the window, making them tap softly. She sat sideways on the porcelain stool as his hands moved gently through her hair. After a long while, he said, "Seal-holding Xiao’s departure this time likely means he will never return. Will you be sad?"
She turned around and looked up at him. "Does that mean Yin Lou is still alive, then?"
He nodded. "The fortune ships are so large—where couldn’t a person hide? He must have made thorough preparations before deciding to set sail."She was lost in thought, lowering her head. The thin collar revealed a slender neck, as if she were adjusting her emotions. Once she understood, she felt relieved. "They love each other. No matter where they are, as long as they are alive, it's enough. It's just pitiful for The Emperor. He must have liked Yin Lou too, but the art of imperial rule often masks true feelings. When he looked at Yin Lou, the sincerity in his eyes was real—I could see it..."
He chuckled upon hearing this. "Can you really discern emotions from a glance? Then can you see what's in my heart?" He pulled her up, facing her closely, his eyes fixed intently on hers. "What do you see?"
A brilliant golden ring, like misty clouds encircling dark pupils. She suddenly realized how beautiful his eyes were—clear and distinct, pure as a child's.
She smiled faintly. "I see..."
He pressed, "What?"
"Eye gunk!"
Caught up in the moment, she blurted it out without thinking, forgetting she was a noble princess. Such crude words somehow slipped out unchecked. He was utterly flustered, his face flushing crimson. She didn't even have time to regret it, covering her mouth as she burst into laughter.
How could such an embarrassing thing happen! He hurriedly turned away, touching his eye only to realize he had been tricked. She laughed so hard she trembled, and a mischievous impulse seized him. He reached out to grab her. She dodged nimbly, but her spring gown was too thin. As he caught hold of a sleeve, she slipped out of it, leaving half her outer robe hanging loose.
This had gone too far. Her cheeks flushed red, while he was dazzled by the graceful curves and fair skin revealed. Trapped and unsure, she bit her lip and tugged at the sleeve. He was like willow catkins in the wind—a single gust could carry him miles away.
Lost in the moment, he sought her lips. At first, she evaded, but before she knew it, her arms had intertwined, wrapping around his neck.
He was tall, she was short. Her soft shoes stepped onto his black boots, the fine beads and grit on the boot surface pressing into the soles of her feet like sand. She whispered his name, "Liangshi..."
He hummed in response, his eyes hazy as he gazed at her.
She said, "Don't betray me." She was just afraid, needing reassurance once more, then leaned in to kiss him. In that moment, she felt she truly loved him deeply.
He had imagined this many times before, thinking it would never happen. But now, it was real, filling him with both shock and joy. Yet, burdened by responsibility, she couldn't forget her duties even in such a moment. He felt he might have to compromise. The throne wouldn't hold out much longer anyway, so why not wait a little longer? Whether it was Prince Zhen'an or the Prince of Wusi, once they mobilized their troops, he could righteously march into Beijing under the banner of supporting the emperor... In any case, he must not break her heart.
He sighed helplessly. No wonder people said a wife's pillow talk was more powerful than an army of thousands—today, he had truly learned that lesson. His ambitions had faded, and all he wanted was to drown in this sea of tenderness. His fingers traced her body, which resonated like an ancient zither, humming with life. The princess was like honey, a sweetness he couldn't resist.
He gently nibbled her earlobe. "I will never betray you. If such a day ever comes... may I lose all I love and die without a burial ground."
Vows should not be made lightly, but he was resolute, feeling no fear at all.
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