In the capital's imperial court, Crown Prince Xiao Chengjing's prestige grew increasingly strong. After the complete purge of the Consort's faction, he swiftly filled the power vacuum with decisive action, replacing them primarily with pragmatic officials or those close to the Eastern Palace. He became increasingly composed and experienced in his dealings, employing methods that were both tactful and sharp. He implemented several practical measures in the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, including water conservancy projects, streamlining the Grand Canal, and tax reductions. These measures yielded significant results, winning popular support and the approval of many neutral officials.
The Third Prince, Xiao Chengyu, continued to work diligently in the Ministry of Works, keeping a low profile. His proposals, though excellent, were always overshadowed by the Crown Prince's brilliance. Although the Empress still offered him much support, Xiao Chengjing's reprimand that night had clearly had an effect; Xiao Chengyu maintained a respectful distance, daring not to overstep his bounds in the slightest. While some in the court still praised his "gentleness," the notion of him possessing the qualities of a benevolent ruler had gradually subsided. His position as Crown Prince remained as secure as a rock.
However, Emperor Xiao Yin's physical and mental condition seemed to be deteriorating. He remained diligent in his duties, but the time he spent reviewing memorials was significantly reduced, and he lacked energy. What surprised the harem and the court even more was that he no longer stayed overnight in various palaces as frequently as before. Instead, he often stayed alone in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, or quietly went to the desolate palace of Consort Lan (Xiao Chengyu's birth mother) late at night.
Consort Lan remained silent and withdrawn, like a shadow. The Emperor, it seemed, did not seek pleasure with her; more often than not, he simply sat silently or stared blankly at the candlelight. Rumors swirled in the palace: some said the Emperor was still thinking of his former love (the Imperial Concubine), and was in low spirits; others said he was attracted to Consort Lan's quiet and unassuming nature; still others said… the Crown Prince's growing power made the aging emperor feel an invisible pressure and loneliness.
The most joyous occasion in the capital recently is the marriage of Princess Chang Le, Xiao Minghua, the emperor's most beloved daughter, to Pei Wenqing, the newly appointed top scholar and compiler of the Hanlin Academy.
Princess Xiao Minghua, eighteen years old, was born to the emperor in his middle age. Spoiled and pampered since childhood, she developed a charming yet spoiled and willful nature. Her beauty was exceptional, like a blooming peony, dazzling and captivating. The emperor carefully selected her husband, ultimately choosing Pei Wenqing, a man of both talent and good looks, from a noble family, and with a gentle and refined character.
On her wedding day, the ten-mile-long procession of red bridal procession caused a sensation in the capital. The princess's mansion was decorated in a magnificent style, and guests filled the hall.
On their wedding night, after the elaborate rituals, only the newlyweds remained in the bridal chamber. Xiao Minghua ripped off her heavy phoenix coronet and wedding robes, tossed them on the ground, rubbed her aching neck, and pouted, "I'm exhausted! This damn phoenix coronet is so heavy! My neck is about to break!"
Pei Wenqing quickly stepped forward and gently massaged her shoulders, his voice warm and gentle, full of boundless tolerance: "Your Highness has worked hard. It was my oversight that I failed to remove it for Your Highness sooner." He knelt down, picked up the priceless phoenix crown, and carefully placed it away.
Enjoying the prince consort's service, Xiao Minghua squinted comfortably, but still couldn't hold back her words: "And this wedding dress! Layer upon layer, it's so hot! It's all the fault of those old fogies in the Ministry of Rites, setting so many rules!"
"Yes, yes, it's all their fault." Pei Wenqing replied good-naturedly, picked up the round fan prepared beside him, and gently fanned her. "Does Your Highness feel better? Would you like some honey water to relieve your fatigue?" His eyes were full of undisguised doting, as if the person complaining in front of him was not a princess of noble status, but a precious treasure that he held in his hands for fear of dropping and kept in his mouth for fear of melting.
Looking at Pei Wenqing's gentle and focused eyes, and listening to his unconditional indulgence, Xiao Minghua's irritation strangely dissipated. She snorted and poked his chest with her slender finger: "Pei Wenqing, if you ever dare to treat me badly in the future, I'll have Father Emperor chop off your head!"
Pei Wenqing grasped her mischievous fingers, gently kissed them, and said with sincere and affectionate eyes, "Your subject dares not. To be able to marry the princess in this life is already the greatest blessing. I only wish to give my all to protect Your Highness's happiness and well-being. Even if Your Highness were to cut off my head, I would do so willingly, as long as Your Highness is happy."
This straightforward and slightly silly confession made the spoiled princess blush instantly, her heart filled with sweetness, but she still insisted: "You smooth talker! Who said I was going to chop off your head!" She pulled her hand back, turned her face away, but couldn't help but smile.
Pei Wenqing looked at her slightly flushed ears and suppressed smile, his heart softening. He knew the princess was spoiled, knew she was willful, but what he loved was her undisguised sincerity. He was willing to use a lifetime of tenderness and tolerance to soften her arrogance and protect her radiant smile. He gently put his arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "Your Highness, it's late, rest well." His tone was so gentle it could melt water.
Inside the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly, illuminating the newlyweds whose social statuses were vastly different yet whose love was just beginning to blossom. The pampered princess, caught in the gentle trap of her devoted husband, gradually softened her sharp edges, revealing the sweetness and naivety of being pampered. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital, this tender moment of romance, like twin lotus blossoms in their first bloom, was exceptionally moving.
In Jiangnan, Shen Yuewei steadily progresses amidst her career and the companionship of her daughter, upholding the freedom in her heart; in the capital, the Shen family rejoices in the arrival of a new baby and a wedding; the Crown Prince, in control of the court, struggles to understand the emperor's emotions; and the pampered Princess Chang Le, with the deep affection and understanding of her husband, begins her life of being cherished in marriage. Each place, each with its own vibrant story, unfolds its own tale of human joys and sorrows.
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