The day before the Crown Prince's wedding, the entire Eastern Palace was engulfed in a sea of red.
Dozens of large red lanterns were hung high in front of the Crown Prince's palace, Zhi'en Hall, creating a festive and joyous scene.
Peeking through the main gate of Zhi'en Hall, one can see that festive couplets are pasted on the small doors of each side room.
In addition to couplets, the windows are decorated with auspicious patterns such as magpies and peonies, which symbolize good fortune.
Inside the main room, the walls are covered with calligraphy and paintings that symbolize "growing old together and eternal love".
The entire mansion was filled with a beautiful and happy atmosphere.
As the Crown Prince's birth mother, the Empress naturally attached great importance to the marriage between Li Zhiyan and Chu Li.
She personally went to the Eastern Palace to inspect the wedding venue.
Gu Qianxue made no attempt to conceal the child in her womb, and despite the conflict with Li Zhiyan's happy occasion, she personally oversaw the decoration of the Crown Prince's bridal chamber.
Therefore, everyone in the Eastern Palace praised the Crown Prince's concubine, Gu Qianxue, for her virtue, kindness, and magnanimity.
Despite being six months pregnant, she tirelessly arranged everything for the newlyweds.
The Empress, escorted by her entourage, walked from the East Palace Gate toward the Hall of Gratitude.
Seeing such a grand and joyous scene, the Empress's eyes lit up with delight. She turned to look at Gu Qianxue beside her and praised her generously.
"Xue'er, you did very well this time. Your Highness, you certainly made the right choice."
Gu Qianxue was startled; this was the first time the Empress had praised her since she entered the palace.
A gentle light appeared in her eyes as she stepped forward and took the Empress's arm, speaking softly.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty! This is all I should do."
Upon hearing this, the Empress glanced sideways at her somewhat plump figure, a slight smile playing on her lips, and sighed.
"Thanks to you, Zhiyan's health has improved this year. You've worked so hard!"
Once Chuli is married, you can leave these chores to her and be a carefree mother next year.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianxue understood the Empress's meaning and smiled in agreement.
"Of course, once the Crown Princess enters the household, I will do my best to assist her in taking care of His Highness."
As she finished speaking, the Empress's cold gaze swept over Gu Qianxue's indifferent eyes, and a sense of unease arose in her heart.
Gu Qianxue shouldn't have accepted this so calmly in the Empress's eyes.
She should be glaring angrily and furious.
However, Gu Qianxue is cunning and shrewd.
Even if she harbors immense anger, she can conceal it on her face without showing the slightest ripple.
"It is the Crown Prince's honor to have you as his wife."
"Your Majesty flatters me. It is my greatest honor to marry Your Highness."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's gaze swept over Gu Qianxue's rounded belly once more, and she said solemnly,
"Your belly is almost ready to give birth, isn't it?"
I need to be careful lately, and avoid any mishaps or bad luck.
She forced a smile and spoke gently to the Empress.
"Don't worry, Mother. Xue'er will be extra careful and won't cause any trouble for the Crown Prince."
"I understand, you are a smart person."
From now on, this Eastern Palace will be the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace.
Only when his position is secure can you have a good life.
Now he is isolated and weak, surrounded by enemies. If he can get the help of General Chu Qiang, the General Who Protects the Nation, he will be able to gradually consolidate his position.
I can see that Chu Li is simple, gentle, and kind, which matches your gentle nature perfectly.
From now on, you should assist her well.
"As long as she gains the Crown Prince's favor, her family will naturally be even more loyal to the Emperor."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianxue felt a surge of heat rise in her throat, and a sharp pain shot through her heart.
Only then did she understand the meaning behind the Empress's words: she not only wanted Gu Qianxue to take a back seat, but also wanted to help Chu Li become Li Zhiyan's favorite concubine.
Such magnanimous behavior would have made Gu Qianxue a different person than she is today.
In her previous life, Gu Qianluo lost Li Zhiyan's favor because of Chu Li.
Gu Qianxue always took "I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me" as her motto.
Given the Empress's obvious favoritism towards Chu Li today, Gu Qianxue will certainly not comply.
"The Empress Dowager has made meticulous plans for His Highness the Crown Prince; he will surely be very moved when he finds out."
Don't worry, Your Majesty, Xue'er is a sensible person.
But the Crown Prince is the emperor, and Xue'er is a concubine. There are some things that, once the Crown Prince has made a decision, Xue'er cannot interfere.
As soon as Gu Qianxue finished speaking, the Empress's brow twitched slightly. Just as she was about to say something, a handsome figure quickly walked up to her.
"Xue'er, why are you so disobedient? You're almost due to give birth, and you're still worrying about my marriage."
"If anything happens to you, I'd rather this marriage not take place!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and she coldly warned,
"As the crown prince, how dare you spout such nonsense! Your marriage is not your decision!"
Seeing the anxious look on Crown Prince Li Zhiyan's face, Gu Qianxue was secretly delighted and leaned against him.
"Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has shown you such great favor, please do not speak out of anger."
Upon hearing this, Li Zhiyan realized that the Empress was also present, and said in a deep voice,
"It was your son who was ignorant of the bigger picture, and I hope that Your Majesty will not be offended."
Your Majesty, I know that this marriage alliance concerns the imperial power of Great Yue, and I will absolutely not neglect it. Rest assured, Your Majesty!
"That's right, that's the hope for the future of my Great Vietnam!"
Alright! Your wife must be tired after a long day, take her home and rest!
So that you won't blame your mother again for not cherishing her daughter-in-law.
Li Zhiyan's eyes lit up as he took Gu Qianxue's hand and bid farewell to the Empress.
"Your Majesty is thinking of the country and its people, how could I dare to blame you?"
Xue'er has always been in poor health, and now she has to personally handle the wedding arrangements for her son.
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