chapter 3

chapter 3

After I returned home, I heard that Grandmother wished to see me.

I entered Shoukang Courtyard and found her resting with her eyes closed, prayer beads turning slowly through her fingers.

The capital’s rumors must have reached her ears over the past few days.

When she opened her eyes, she asked only, “Was the lantern fair lively? Did you enjoy yourself?”

I nodded with a smile. “The lights were brilliant. It was very lively.”

“It is good that you can keep your composure. What matters in life is not one evening’s victory or defeat.” Her voice was gentle. She meant to comfort me.

The Crown Prince had been attacked during his journey through Jiangnan. Jiang Xinyue rescued him, affection blossomed between them, and they married as commoners. Now she had followed him to the capital, making me—the future Crown Princess—the person everyone most wanted to laugh at.

At a time like this, I could not lose control. The spectacle of a resentful woman wailing and threatening her own life would only invite more ridicule. In any case, such theatrics were not in my nature.

I went to Grandmother’s side. “I understand. I know what I am doing.”

Jiang Xinyue was taken into the palace, where senior matrons were assigned to teach her court etiquette.

The Empress had clearly decided to indulge her son’s wishes. She was likely displeased that I would become Crown Princess as well. The Jing’an Marquisate had fallen into decline. What standing we retained in the capital rested on the Emperor’s favor and the achievements of the past.

There was no future glory left for anyone to see.

My marriage was no more than a ceremonial monument: proof that the Emperor treated the descendants of loyal ministers with favor.

My birth could no longer strengthen the Crown Prince’s position. Instead, his status would be used to lend splendor to a fading noble house. The Empress resented that. She did not mind using Jiang Xinyue to make my life difficult.

I heard that Jiang Xinyue learned the rules quickly. Her instructor praised her without reservation, and the Empress expressed great approval.

Then the Empress held a flower banquet and sent me an invitation. This was one gathering I could not refuse.

When I arrived, Jiang Xinyue was standing at the Empress’s side as though they were already intimate.

The Empress personally plucked a peony and placed it in her hand, praising her obedience and understanding of etiquette. She went on to say that having such a woman serve at the Crown Prince’s side put her mind at ease.

Everyone nearby joined in the praise, then cast meaningful looks in my direction.

The Empress had acknowledged Jiang Xinyue in public. It was a warning meant for me.

Amid the chorus of compliments, Jiang Xinyue smiled with open satisfaction, a challenge written plainly across her face.

She had become the Empress’s pawn, sent to blunt my pride.

I had no wish to join the crowd’s chatter. I walked around the covered corridor and sat alone in a corner pavilion.

Jiang Xinyue followed me and took the seat opposite without invitation.

“Do you understand now, Miss Shen?” she asked with a light laugh. “If you enter the Eastern Palace, this is what awaits you.”

Who had taught a fisherwoman to be so brazen?

“Even if the Empress and Crown Prince dislike me, this is the most they can do.” I stated the fact calmly. “What you want remains beyond your reach.”

Resentment flashed in her eyes. “Yes, how could I compare with Miss Shen? Your father and brother bought your noble position with their lives. But when you wake in the dead of night, does it hurt?”

The next instant, she cried out and clutched her cheek.

My palm had already struck her face. Shock was all that remained in her expression.

I had never cared about her earlier provocations.

This time, she had crossed the one line I would not allow anyone to touch.

I seized her throat and pinned her against the pillar behind her, tightening my grip by degrees.

“The men of the Jing’an Marquisate were born to war. My father and brother died on the battlefield. Who are you to speak of them? The seat of Crown Princess you covet so desperately is worth nothing beside their lives!”