Chapter 5

It was the following morning when Xie Chen woke. I had only just finished familiarizing myself with the Eastern Palace’s household affairs.

Still newly married, he wore red, with a black cloak draped over it.

The wine had worn off. Against the vivid fabric, his pallor stood out even more, and I could clearly see the veins beneath his skin.

I was still staring when he smiled. “All this must be rather troublesome to manage. Ask me if there’s anything you don’t understand. When I’m away, you can ask Uncle Gu. He’s looked after me in the Eastern Palace since I was little. He knows all about these matters.”

I nodded, unable to take my eyes off his face. “All right.”

His smile grew brighter. When he smiled, his eyes curved into crescents, making the tiny mole at the corner of his right eye even more noticeable.

Blushing, I finally came to my senses and hurriedly asked him to sit.

With the smile still lingering on his face, he looked at me earnestly and apologized. “Yesterday was my fault. I made you worry. I’ll deal with matters outside.”

What the hell had it to do with him? It was all that lovely little brother of his causing trouble.

But that didn’t fit the image I was cultivating. So I assumed a generous, considerate air and said softly, “Your health matters most, Your Highness.”

His smile faded, and a trace of sorrow entered his eyes.

“I shouldn’t have held you back. No one can be certain what will happen to my health. But don’t worry. If that day really comes, I’ll have everything arranged for you.”

I wanted to look inside his head and see what was in there. Who said things like that the day after his wedding? Still, I couldn’t deny I was a little moved, largely on account of that face.

But what I said was, “You must live a long life, Your Highness.”

I wasn’t ready to be a widow.

Since Xie Chen had slept until midmorning, our visit to pay respects to the Emperor and Empress was delayed. No one blamed us.

Except Noble Consort Chun.

My parents-in-law were both very pleased with me. We had just risen from our formal bows when Noble Consort Chun, utterly unable to read the room, insisted on spoiling the harmony.

“Your Majesty should have chosen His Highness a bride sooner. Look, it’s only the first day and his complexion has already improved. The Crown Princess’s wedding has brought him luck and chased the illness away.”

How had Noble Consort Chun lived in the palace for so long without anyone tearing that mouth of hers apart?

Because no one had better connections.

Her grandfather held a rank above the first grade and had served as a senior minister under three emperors. Her father and elder brother were invincible on the battlefield and commanded an army of a hundred thousand. Her elder sister had married into Mongolia to cement an alliance and, with two sons and a daughter, held a secure position there.

Even the Emperor and Empress wouldn’t openly speak harshly to her. I was an unfavored Crown Princess from the powerless Duke of Cui’s household. Naturally, she thought nothing of me.

But that was all right. This was the Empress’s battlefield.

Her Majesty maintained a dignified, composed smile, her eyes full of affection as she looked at Xie Chen and me. Her words were rather less pleasant.

“Any improvement in Ah Chen’s health makes me happy. As for the Crown Princess, she’s gentle and virtuous. If you like her, Sister, invite her to your palace more often. It would help you pass the time, and perhaps we might see a happy occasion in your household too.”

What was that supposed to mean? Was I some sort of lucky charm?

Still, there was no denying the Empress knew exactly where to strike.

Childless after all these years, Noble Consort Chun fell silent for two seconds. Then she smiled too. “In that case, I shall look forward to it.”

Tsk. What a splendid performance. As the younger generation, Xie Chen and I naturally kept quiet.

While drinking my tea, I stole a glance at the Emperor on his high seat. His expression hadn’t changed at all. He looked every inch an aging father whose long-held wish to see his son marry had finally come true.

I sipped my tea. The people in this palace really were interesting.

But now I was hesitating. Should I help the Empress first, or Noble Consort Chun?