Seeing that Liu Shuyao was understanding and genuinely meant well for him, he lowered his guard somewhat, helped her up, and said softly, "Get up. It's kind of you to do this, but I've only just married you, and now I'm taking a concubine. Won't you be unhappy about that?"
Liu Shuyao smiled gently, "It is my duty to share Your Highness's burdens. As long as it benefits the Eastern Palace, I'm happy for it, so how could I have any complaints?"
Seeing her magnanimity, Chu Tianyou finally smiled, "Not bad, she's a virtuous woman."
Looking at her slightly swollen face, he realized he had been angry and hadn't held back. He then asked, "I acted rashly just now. Did I hurt you?"
Liu Shuyao shook her head and said gently, "I am fine."
Seeing her obedient appearance, Chu Tianyou nodded. As long as she remained loyal to the Eastern Palace, making her the Crown Princess wasn't out of the question.
Liu Shuyao was a true beauty. Now that things had been discussed openly, he naturally wouldn't let such a beauty go untouched. So he pulled Liu Shuyao into his arms and said with a smile, "It's getting late, let's go to sleep early. We still have to see Father and Mother tomorrow."
Liu Shuyao nodded shyly…
The next morning, Liu Shuyao sat in front of the mirror when Cui'er pushed open the door with toiletries in hand. She noticed that her mistress's cheek was still flushed, and she was only wearing her undergarments, with clear marks on her neck and body...
"Miss, are you alright? His Highness is far too rude... How could he treat you like that?"
"Alright, this is the Crown Prince's Palace. You can't say things like that anymore, and you should change how you address him. Put on more makeup to cover yourself up later; we still have to go pay our respects, so we don't want anyone to see us..."
Actually, Liu Shuyao was somewhat surprised, after all, she was a virgin and had indeed been quite exhausted last night. However, little did she know that for so many years, the Crown Prince, because His Majesty had not bestowed a marriage upon him, dared not indulge in women, fearing His Majesty's displeasure. Therefore, he had kept himself pure for many years. Although he and Bai Chuwan had... well, it was still all done secretly... which was why he couldn't control himself for a moment.
"Yes, Crown Princess."
The Crown Prince led Liu Shuyao into Zhaofeng Palace. Emperor Wenxuan and Empress Li sat high in the head seats, but unexpectedly, Consort Xian was also there.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty," the Crown Prince and Liu Shuyao knelt in unison.
Emperor Wenxuan, seeing the two of them getting along harmoniously and without causing any trouble, was somewhat satisfied and chuckled, "Get up."
Then, looking at Liu Shuyao, he instructed her, "Now that you are the Crown Princess, you should learn more from the Empress and set a good example as a royal daughter-in-law, understand?"
Liu Shuyao bowed and said, "Your subject will humbly follow Father's teachings and will learn diligently from Mother in the future, taking her as my role model, and will certainly not disgrace the title of Crown Princess."
Empress Li smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Shuyao is a clever and sensible girl. I am very relieved. I will gradually teach her some palace affairs in the future, and I believe she will do very well."
Emperor Wenxuan nodded with satisfaction and smiled, "Not bad. Seeing you all like this, I'm relieved. You two continue your conversation; I'll be leaving now."
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty, respectfully seeing off Father Emperor..."
Seeing that Emperor Wenxuan had left, Consort Xian smiled and spoke up, "Shuyao, is everything alright? Is there anything you're having trouble adjusting to at the Eastern Palace...?"
Consort Xian was naturally disappointed that Prince Xiang hadn't married Liu Shuyao. She knew her niece's character; she was decisive and would surely be a great helpmate in the future. It was such a pity...
Liu Shuyao was no longer as affectionate as before, and said indifferently, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. The Eastern Palace is very good, and Shuyao likes it very much."
Consort Xian was taken aback, and said with a hint of reproach, "My child, why are you being so formal now? Even if you marry the Crown Prince, I will still be your aunt. Please call me 'Aunt' instead."
Liu Shuyao curtsied again and said with a faint smile, "Thank you for your kindness, Consort Xian, but while in the palace, proper etiquette must be observed."
Consort Xian knew that Liu Shuyao harbored resentment towards the Liu family. If they could mend their relationship, all would be well; but if Liu Shuyao refused, given her intelligence, once she gained a foothold, she would inevitably cause them trouble in the future.
"You silly girl, you're still a member of the Liu family, why are you doing this? Could it be that now that you've climbed up to the Empress and the Crown Prince, you don't even want to acknowledge the Liu family anymore?"
Liu Shuyao's expression was somewhat cold. "Your Highness is joking. Now that I have married into the Eastern Palace and the Crown Prince, I belong to His Highness and the Chu family. I have no further connection with the Liu family. Please be careful with your words, Your Highness."
Seeing that she was ungrateful and determined to sever ties with them, Consort Xian's tone became somewhat harsh, "You silly girl, I was just asking casually... why are you taking it so seriously?"
Empress Li suddenly spoke up, "Alright, Consort Xian, Shuyao is now my daughter-in-law. I have something to say to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, so you may go back now."
The virtuous concubine received a gift as a favor, but still left reluctantly.
Empress Li then took Liu Shuyao's hand. She was naturally satisfied with Liu Shuyao's words. It didn't matter that Liu Shuyao didn't have the support of the Liu family, after all, it was His Majesty's decree. As long as Liu Shuyao behaved herself, was loyal to the Crown Prince, and wasn't a traitor, Empress Li would naturally give her the respect she deserved.
"Good child, you are a sensible child, and your mother has seen it all. As long as you are devoted to You'er, your mother will not mistreat you."
Liu Shuyao smiled warmly and said, "Please rest assured, Mother. Only when Mother and His Highness are well will Shuyao be well. Shuyao understands this principle. As long as Mother and His Highness are willing to believe in Shuyao, Shuyao will definitely not let you down."
Empress Li nodded in satisfaction again. Having a powerful family background isn't always that important. For example, the Li State Duke's mansion behind her had no real power, yet she still sat comfortably on the throne as Empress. The most important thing is oneself: does one have intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to understand one's place and do what needs to be done? That's what truly matters.
She now felt that Liu Shuyao had a certain drive and seemed capable of great things. She was sure she would become a good helper to the Crown Prince in the future, and it wouldn't hurt to let her secure her position as Crown Princess. His Majesty's eyes were indeed discerning... She had met the second daughter of the Bai family many times. She was quite pretty and talented, but she was still a bit petty and her actions weren't very refined. She would be fine if she came from an ordinary family, but if she really married the Crown Prince, she might not be able to control the other princesses. The eldest daughter of the Bai family, on the other hand, was quite good. It was a pity...
"Indeed, you are intelligent. Although you were previously deeply involved with Consort Xian and the others, it is important for someone in this position to know what they should and should not do. I am very pleased that you can see this clearly. Since you have made your stance clear—if you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them—neither the Crown Prince nor I are petty people, and we are naturally willing to trust you."
Then, smiling, she asked Chu Tianyou, "What do you say, You'er? From now on, let Shuyao manage the affairs of the Eastern Palace."
After last night's events, Chu Tianyou had already let go of his prejudice against Liu Shuyao. "Mother is right, and I also believe in Shuyao."
Liu Shuyao's face lit up with joy; she was finally relieved. In any case, she had overcome the first hurdle. "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Mother! Shuyao will not let you down..."
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