However, for some reason, after the Fifth Prince succeeded to the position of Crown Prince, few people saw him genuinely smile.
Or you could say that he stopped smiling much after the Fifth Prince got married.
The prince, who used to be the most cheerful and sunny, seemed to have grown up completely in an instant.
He now carries a heavy burden; he is no longer the carefree fifth prince who could act recklessly.
The Empress's illness was intermittent throughout the year, with periods of improvement followed by periods of remission.
Yi Chenqi was filial. Although he spent most of his time helping Emperor Tiansheng with political affairs after becoming the Crown Prince, he would still take the Crown Princess to visit the Empress whenever he had free time.
"When you see Mother later, Yuanmeng, you must also help persuade her. Mother is so heartbroken over the Murong family's affairs, and her health is gradually deteriorating. As her son, I feel uneasy because I cannot share her burdens."
Liu Yuanmeng raised her eyes, gazing adoringly at the Crown Prince. Yi Chenqi was the man she had secretly loved since she was still in her boudoir. Her judgment was correct; he was outstanding, decisive, diligent, and hardworking. He had not disappointed the Empress's expectations, nor those of all who supported him. He had become the Crown Prince, a position he had earned through popular support.
“Yuanmeng knows this. It is an honor for Yuanmeng to share the Crown Prince’s burdens.”
Liu Yuanmeng naturally took Yi Chenqi's arm. Yi Chenqi was a little stiff. Although he didn't struggle, he didn't take the initiative to pull back.
He replied somewhat distantly, "Thank you for your hard work, Yuanmeng."
Liu Yuanmeng felt a slight sense of loss; she and the Crown Prince had been married for over a year.
However, Liu Yuanmeng knew that there was always someone living in the Crown Prince's heart, and no one else could enter.
It's been a year, and he still treats her with the utmost politeness.
They weren't as intimate as a married couple, and he hadn't even touched her yet.
He always stayed in the study, and even when he came to his mother's room due to pressure, the two of them slept with the blankets separating them.
Even though the man she loved was lying right next to her, they were not dreaming the same dream. Liu Yuanmeng did not have a happy year.
Occasionally, Yi Chenqi would talk in his sleep, and in his dreams, he would always call out a name: Xiao Yuan'er.
At first, Liu Yuanmeng thought it was her name, but later she realized it wasn't.
Tragically, despite using the same pronunciation, the man she loved didn't call her that.
Liu Yuanmeng was also curious about who the Crown Prince truly loved. Among the famous women in Shengjing whose names contained the character "Yuan," there were two of the most renowned.
Han Yuanyuan of the Han family, and An Yuan'er of the An family.
Liu Yuanmeng couldn't figure out who it was, but she thought to herself that Han Yuanyuan was the most virtuous lady in Shengjing and a role model for all women. She had heard people say that before marrying her, the Fifth Prince had wanted to marry Han Yuanyuan.
Therefore, Liu Yuanmeng mistakenly believed that the person in Yi Chenqi's heart was Han Yuanyuan.
How could Liu Yuanmeng be content with this?
Which woman doesn't hope to win her husband's heart and affection?
Unbeknownst to her, Liu Yuanmeng began to secretly observe Han Yuanyuan's attire, liking the things Han Yuanyuan liked and secretly imitating her.
Liu Yuanmeng is becoming more and more like Han Yuanyuan; sometimes, even the way she walks is exactly the same.
Later, even her little maid mistook Han Yuanyuan for her when she came looking for her.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard Liu Yuanmeng tried, Yi Chenqi's gaze did not linger on her for more than a second.
What she didn't know was that she was wrong from the very beginning. Even if she became Han Yuanyuan, what difference would it make?
The person in Yi Chenqi's heart has never been Han Yuanyuan.
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