036
A north wind swept across the land, banners fluttering in the wind. The wedding procession, having completed its handover with the Yu Dynasty's guards at the border of the Yan Dynasty, entered the unfamiliar territory of the Yan Dynasty. Si Mianmian sat regally in the ornately decorated phoenix carriage, dressed in an elaborate and solemn wedding gown. Before her swaying beaded curtains, behind her, her homeland receded into the distance. In her hand, she tightly clutched a warm, smooth mutton-fat jade pendant, the "Daylily" pendant left by Xuan Jing. The cool touch on her fingertips was the only familiar thing she could grasp at this moment.
Survival Handbook Rule #36: Stepping into a completely new place is like a lone boat entering the sea. Old identities and rules may no longer be valid. The first priority is to quickly understand the power structure and operating rules of the new environment, and to hear the thunder in the silence.
The grandeur of the Yan Dynasty's capital far surpassed that of the Yu Dynasty's capital. The palace complex, with its black base and gold trim, exuded a majestic, austere, and cold aura, a stark contrast to the Yu Dynasty's vermilion walls, green tiles, and delicate refinement. A chilling, tense atmosphere, characteristic of the north, permeated the air, as if every brick and stone were imbued with the aura of iron and blood. The palace servants held their breath, their steps hurried, their eyes wary; the leisurely laughter and chatter common in the Yu palace were nowhere to be seen.
Si Mianmian was placed in a palace called "Lanyue Pavilion." Though magnificent, it exuded a chilling, uninhabited atmosphere. She knew perfectly well that this was not the residence befitting the Crown Prince's principal wife; it was more like a place for a "guest" princess. Was Xuan Jing's action a test, a precaution, or some kind of protection? She couldn't fathom it, nor was she in a hurry to find out.
For three days after entering the Yan Palace, Si Mianmian kept to herself and remained well-behaved. She declined all unnecessary visits, only bringing a handful of people, including the absolutely loyal Qiu He from the Yu Dynasty, and quietly familiarized herself with everything in Lan Yue Pavilion. Through gifts and casual conversation, she subtly extracted information about the palace, especially about the supreme woman—the Empress Dowager of the Yan Dynasty, Xuan Jing's birth mother, and her future "mother-in-law"—from the servants sent to attend to her.
The information was fragmented and contradictory. Some old palace servants spoke of the Empress Dowager with reverence, saying that she had assisted the late Emperor (Xuanjing's father) in stabilizing the court and was decisive in her actions; others whispered that the Empress Dowager had devoted herself to Buddhism in recent years, was gentle in nature, and lived a secluded life; there were also vague rumors that the Empress Dowager's maternal family was very powerful and had a strong desire to control the new Emperor Xuanjing, especially regarding his marriage, and that they already had a preferred candidate, the Empress Dowager's own niece, now Princess Lin.
Survival Handbook Postscript: Intelligence is the lifeblood of survival in the inner palace. In a new environment, the worst thing you can do is act rashly. Observe carefully and collect information patiently to piece together a picture that is close to the truth and avoid making the wrong first step.
Si Mianmian pieced together the fragmented information. This Empress Dowager was no ordinary person. She was not only Xuan Jing's birth mother, but also a victor who had firmly held her position in the harem. Now that Xuan Jing had murdered his brother and ascended the throne, her shadow and support were likely behind him. What kind of attitude would such a woman hold towards this princess from an "enemy country" who had disrupted her marriage plans? Si Mianmian could almost imagine the scrutiny and coldness in her gaze.
However, what was bound to happen would happen. On the morning of the fourth day, the head maid of the Empress Dowager's palace came to deliver a message, her voice monotonous and emotionless: "By imperial decree of the Empress Dowager, Princess Zhaochen is summoned to Chang Le Palace for an audience."
Si Mianmian took a deep breath and carefully dressed herself. She didn't choose overly bright or flashy colors, nor did she wear anything too plain that would make her seem timid. In the end, she chose a lotus-colored palace dress embroidered with silver thread lotus patterns, which was both noble as a princess and gentle as a newlywed. Her hair was styled in a simple and elegant updo, adorned with a red-gold and kingfisher feather hairpin and a newly picked magnolia blossom, making her look refined yet dignified. She deliberately softened the sharp angles of her eyebrows and eyes, making her face appear more gentle and innocent.
Survival Handbook Revisited: When meeting someone of high status for the first time, your attire and makeup are a silent declaration. Too much flattery appears frivolous, too little reveals timidity. Just the right amount of respect and a dignified demeanor is the best protection.
Chang Le Palace was even more magnificent and solemn than Lan Yue Pavilion. The incense was a rich sandalwood scent mixed with a hint of herbs. The furnishings inside were ancient and heavy, exuding a heavy sense of oppression. Si Mianmian lowered her head and lowered her eyes, her steps light yet steady. When she reached the palace, she bowed gracefully according to the Yan Dynasty's palace rules, her voice clear and gentle: "Yu Chao Zhaochen greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager. May Your Majesty enjoy good health and live a long and peaceful life."
She lay prone on the ground, feeling a sharp, hawk-like gaze sweeping over her without any attempt to conceal itself, carrying the scrutiny and oppressive aura of someone long accustomed to a superior position. That gaze was as cold as ice, as if it wanted to pierce through her fine clothes and see into her very bones.
After a long while, a slightly deep, somewhat languid yet undeniably authoritative female voice came from above: "Raise your head and let me see you."
Si Mianmian slowly raised her head, maintaining her respectful posture, her gaze humbly falling on the intricate embroidery of the Empress Dowager's skirt, without looking directly at Feng Yan. She saw a well-maintained woman dressed in a deep purple phoenix-patterned robe sitting on the phoenix couch. Although there were fine lines at the corners of her eyes, the shrewdness and sharpness between her brows were undiminished, and her deep phoenix eyes were coldly watching her.
"You do have a presentable appearance." The Empress Dowager's tone was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. "No wonder my son... couldn't forget you, and was even willing to bring his army to the city gates just to marry you."
These words carried a barb. Si Mianmian's heart skipped a beat, and a perfectly timed blush rose on her face, revealing the shyness and fear of a new bride. She quickly lowered her eyes, her voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager flatters me. Zhaochen... Zhaochen is humbled. Your Majesty... Your Majesty is a wise and capable ruler, and your welcoming of Zhaochen back must be for the sake of the relations between our two countries and the peace of our people. Zhaochen dares not presume to know Your Majesty's intentions, and can only remain dutiful and serve Your Majesty and Your Majesty wholeheartedly."
She attributed Xuan Jing's "forced marriage" to politics, adopting a very humble stance to absolve herself of any suspicion of "bewitching" him.
The Empress Dowager gave a soft hum, picked up the teacup beside her, and gently stirred the floating leaves with the lid. She asked casually, "Is your mother, Lady Wen, doing well in the Yu Palace? I've heard that she is very gentle and unassuming, and yet she raised such a... clever daughter as you."
Si Mianmian's heart pounded with alarm. The Empress Dowager had even discerned her mother's temperament so clearly! These words, ostensibly a greeting, subtly pointed out Si Mianmian's "unusual" nature, contradicting her mother's gentle image. She immediately feigned longing and filial piety, softly saying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My mother is well. She often taught Zhaochen that a woman should be beautiful through gentleness and resilience, and that virtue should win people over. Although Zhaochen is dull-witted and not even a fraction as good as my mother, I never forget her teachings." She cleverly transformed "cleverness" into "not forgetting her teachings," maintaining her gentle demeanor.
"Oh? Winning people over with virtue?" The Empress Dowager put down her teacup, her gaze suddenly sharpening as if she had finally lost patience, and went straight to the heart of the matter: "Then tell me, with what 'virtue' do you have that can win over the entire Yan Dynasty? That can win over this... 'mother-in-law' of mine?"
The air in the hall seemed to freeze instantly. All the palace servants held their breath. This was the real test.
Facing the Empress Dowager's piercing gaze, Si Mianmian showed no panic. Instead, she slowly kowtowed again, her forehead lightly touching the cold ground, her voice unusually clear and firm: "Zhaochen dares not presume to win people over with virtue. Zhaochen has only three matters to report to Your Majesty."
"Firstly, once Zhao Chen enters the Yan Palace, she is His Majesty's wife and the daughter-in-law of the Yan Dynasty. Her heart and soul are devoted to His Majesty and the Yan Dynasty, and she has no other intentions. The Yu Dynasty is Zhao Chen's homeland, and she will never forget the kindness of being born and raised. However, the Yan Dynasty will be the place where Zhao Chen spends her final years, and she will share both honor and disgrace."
"Secondly, Zhao Chen is well aware of the sensitivity of his position and is willing to abide by the palace rules, keep to himself and not interfere with the affairs of the court or disturb the tranquility of the inner palace. He only wishes to do his best to take care of His Majesty's daily life, relieve His Majesty's worries and troubles, and create a harmonious atmosphere in the inner court."
“Thirdly,” she raised her head, looking at the Empress Dowager with pure and sincere eyes, “Zhao Chen lost her father at a young age and was fortunate to be here today thanks to the Emperor’s mercy. Now that she has married far away, the Empress Dowager is Zhao Chen’s closest and most respected female relative in the Yan Dynasty. Zhao Chen is willing to serve the Empress Dowager with the same respect and filial piety as she would her own mother. The Empress Dowager is experienced and wise. If she has any teachings, Zhao Chen will remember and follow them without the slightest resentment or hesitation.”
These words first expressed her loyalty and clarified her political stance; then she clarified her responsibilities, defined her role, and reduced the threat; finally, she expressed familial affection, placing herself in the position of a junior yearning for care, using gentleness to overcome strength. She did not flaunt her status as a princess of the Yu Dynasty, nor did she mention any possible "affection" from Xuan Jing, but rather expressed the dependence and reverence a woman married far away has for her mother-in-law in a very vivid way.
The Empress Dowager gazed at her, remaining silent for a long time. Her insightful phoenix eyes gleamed, as if she were weighing the truth in her words and assessing the depth behind her demeanor.
Suddenly, a palace attendant's urgent announcement came from outside the hall: "His Majesty has arrived!"
Xuan Jing, dressed in a black robe with dragon patterns, strode into the hall, bringing with him a chilling aura. His gaze first swept over Si Mianmian, who was kneeling on the ground, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Then he turned to the Empress Dowager, bowed, and said, "Your subject greets Your Majesty. I heard that Your Majesty summoned Zhao Chen, and I came to see you after finishing my business."
His arrival instantly broke the tense atmosphere in the hall. The Empress Dowager's cold expression softened slightly, and she said calmly, "The Emperor has arrived. I was just having a casual chat with your newlywed Empress." She deliberately emphasized the word "Empress," her tone inscrutable.
Xuan Jing walked to Si Mianmian's side, but did not immediately tell her to get up. Instead, he said to the Empress Dowager, "Zhao Chen is new to the palace and is unfamiliar with many of the rules. If there is any breach of etiquette, I hope Your Majesty will forgive him." His words were an apology, but his tone was protective.
The Empress Dowager glanced at her son, a half-smile on her face: "The Emperor seems quite fond of you. You, Empress, have learned your manners well, and your words are very sweet. I can't bring myself to criticize you after all."
Xuan Jing then turned to Si Mianmian and reached out to help her up, saying, "Get up. Your mother is kind and won't hold it against you."
Si Mianmian stood up at his gesture. Her legs were a little numb from kneeling for so long, and she swayed slightly. Xuan Jing's arm caught her elbows just in time, with just the right amount of strength, supporting her without being overly intimate. The warmth of his fingertips seeped through the thin fabric of her clothes, carrying an unmistakable comfort.
This scene held even deeper meaning in the Empress Dowager's eyes. She looked at her son's seemingly calm yet subtly protective actions, and then at Si Mianmian's frail and dependent appearance on Xuan Jing. The last glimmer of sharpness in her eyes gradually transformed into a complex, slightly mocking understanding.
"Enough," the Empress Dowager waved her hand, her tone returning to its previous languidness. "We've met the person, we've spoken. I'm tired. Emperor, take your Empress back. Now that you're married, live a good life. Mianmian..." She suddenly called out Si Mianmian's given name, her voice softening, "Now that you're in Yan Palace, you're family. In the future, when you have nothing to do, come and sit here often, keep me company and have a chat."
This "Mianmian" is a world apart from the previous "Princess Zhaochen." While it may not be a genuine acceptance, at least the tense atmosphere has eased.
Si Mianmian felt a little relieved and quickly bowed: "Yes, Mianmian will remember Your Majesty's teachings and will come to pay her respects to Your Majesty from time to time."
Xuanjing also said, "Your subject (your subject) takes his leave."
As soon as they left Chang Le Palace, a cold wind blew, and Si Mianmian realized that her back was covered in a thin layer of sweat. Xuan Jing walked beside her, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly spoke, his voice low: "You don't need to take Mother's words to heart. She has her reasons."
Si Mianmian turned her head to look at him, the sunlight outlining the cold, handsome profile. She softly hummed in agreement and whispered, "Thank you for helping me out, Your Majesty."
Xuan Jing did not stop walking. He looked ahead and said in a calm tone, "You are the Empress I have brought back. In this Yan Palace, no one can treat you with disrespect." These words were like a promise and a talisman.
Si Mianmian lowered her eyelashes and said softly, "Mianmian understands. Mianmian will be a good empress and will not make things difficult for His Majesty."
Survival Handbook Final Chapter: The Conflict Between Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law, an Age-Old Problem. In the royal family, it's further complicated by power struggles. The initial victory wasn't due to clever words, but rather to a sufficiently humble posture, a clearly defined bottom line, and, more importantly… the man's attitude was already clear. The Empress Dowager's scrutiny may have only just begun, but at least she has earned the right to remain at the table.
Back at Lan Yue Pavilion, Si Mianmian dismissed her attendants and sat alone by the window. Scenes from Chang Le Palace replayed in her mind. The Empress Dowager was no easy opponent; the future relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was destined to be fraught with undercurrents. But today, she had finally passed the first hurdle, and she vaguely sensed that Xuan Jing's attitude was one of her greatest assets in this deep palace.
However, relying on the emperor's favor is not a long-term solution. She must find her own foothold in the Yan Dynasty's harem as soon as possible.
Outside the window, the sky over Yanchao was high and desolate. Si Mianmian gently stroked the daylily jade pendant on her wrist, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes.
For Yan Gong, life had only just begun.
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