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Don’t say the Empress doesn’t understand; even Xiao Jinyan himself doesn’t understand. When did he ever say he liked plump girls?

He wouldn’t be so bored as to discuss such things with the women in the East Palace.

He truly couldn’t fathom the thought processes of those women.

"Mother, I also have no idea where this rumor came from," he replied.

"How could Lady Chang so easily believe such rumors?"

The Empress was both angry and distressed as she looked towards Lady Chang on the bed, noticing that she had become much rounder, with significantly more flesh on both cheeks. Her eyes, originally single-lidded, now seemed even smaller from being squeezed together.

"Her figure was so good before, why would she consider fattening up? Her phoenix eyes are almost gone."

Xiao Jinyan glanced at Lady Chang and indeed, just as the Empress had said, her face was too fleshy and not at all attractive.

Only Xiao Jinyan could hear the words of the Empress and not burst into laughter; had it been Shen Chuwei, she would probably already be holding her stomach in pain.

After the Imperial Doctor’s examination, he used silver needles to revive Lady Chang.

Upon seeing Lady Chang awake, the Empress sat down on the bed and comforted her while holding her hand: "Lanlan, how could you be so foolish?"

Lady Chang, seeing that both the Empress and Xiao Jinyan had come, couldn’t help but feel a bit proud. Even if I don’t have Shen Chuwei’s favor, the Crown Prince and the Empress have both come to visit me now that I’m ill.

Could Shen Chuwei achieve that?

This is the difference between power and background.

Xiao Jinyan frowned when he heard her thoughts. Although Lady Chang was arrogantly proud in her mind, this indeed was the reality — connections between the inner courts of the Imperial Palace and the imperial court were inseparable.

Shen Chuwei had neither status nor background; if he insisted on having his father the Emperor appoint her as the Crown Princess, he’d likely face many obstacles.

Thinking this, Xiao Jinyan’s frown deepened.

Lady Chang said weakly, "Aunt, I’m sorry for worrying you."

"It’s not just concern for your health; don’t do something so foolish next time. No matter what, the Crown Prince likes you," the Empress soothed.

Upon hearing this, Lady Chang lifted her head to look at Xiao Jinyan, her eyes filled with expectation.

Xiao Jinyan blatantly ignored her hopeful gaze. Even if you were a fairy descended from heaven, I wouldn’t like you.

The Imperial Doctor prescribed some medicine and then left.

Seeing that Lady Chang was awake, the Empress gave a few instructions and planned to return to Fengyi Palace.

Xiao Jinyan also intended to go back to Hehuan Hall since Shen Chuwei was still waiting for him.

Before he could take a step, the Empress said, "Crown Prince, stay and keep Lanlan company for a while longer."

At these words, Xiao Jinyan felt both amused and helpless. If he stayed to accompany Lady Chang, would her health improve? If so, what was the Imperial Doctor for?

In the past, he would have nodded and agreed, but now, he wanted to refuse.

"Mother, Lady Shen is waiting for me," he said.

As soon as the Empress heard ’Lady Shen,’ she paused, realizing at this moment that the Crown Prince was coming from Shen Chuwei’s place, indicating that the two had reconciled.

"Lady Shen is not a petty person; she will understand," the Empress said.

Xiao Jinyan pressed his lips together, thinking of Shen Chuwei and her tendency to create fictional scenarios in her mind all day long. If she knew he had stayed in Xinlan Hall, who knows what kind of chaos she might imagine.

"I understand, Mother. Allow me to see you out," he said dutifully.

Only then did the Empress leave Xinlan Hall satisfied.

When everyone had gone, only Xiao Jinyan and Lady Chang remained in the room.

Lady Chang, excited at the rare opportunity of Xiao Jinyan staying behind, felt weak and nauseous throughout her body.

Had she been well, tonight would have been a good opportunity to serve him in bed.

After sitting by the bed for a while, Xiao Jinyan said, "It’s getting late. You should rest early; I’ll come to see you another day."

Having finished speaking, he stood up and strode out of Xinlan Hall.

Lady Chang originally wanted to say something to make him stay, but considering her current condition, being unable to share his bed, remaining would have been of no use. It was better to leave His Highness with the impression of a considerate and understanding wife.

Huai Xiang saw His Highness leave, feeling quite indignant, "Young mistress, even when you’re like this, His Highness still chooses to leave. He must be off to Hehuan Hall. Who knows what kind of love potion Shen Lady has given to His Highness."

Lady Chang let out a light cough, her heart naturally filled with resentment. Xiao Jinyan didn’t regard her highly but placed someone who had nothing at the very top of his heart.

"Young mistress, this servant guesses it’s because Shen Lady’s bedroom skills are extraordinary that His Highness is so infatuated. Fortunately, Shen Lady’s womb is weak, posing no real threat to young mistress," said Huai Xiang.

Her words awoke Lady Chang to the realization that Shen Lady had served in bed many times yet her womb remained fruitless, further diminishing her eligibility to compete with herself.

With the support of her aunt and her natal family, the position of Crown Princess would sooner or later be hers.

What Lady Chang didn’t know was that Shen Chuwei was not only capable, she had also given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, which delighted the Empress immensely.

The Royal Family had never before had the precedent of twins, let alone a boy and girl pair. The Emperor was beyond pleased.

*

Xiao Jinyan rushed back to Hehuan Hall.

Chun Xi was still standing guard outside the door. Seeing Xiao Jinyan return, she pushed open the door.

Xiao Jinyan walked straight in, and Chun Xi closed the door behind him.

Xiao Jinyan pushed open the inner room door, which was eerily quiet except for the occasional crackling of the candle flame.

He approached the bedside, first removing his clothes. Once undressed, he lifted the bed curtains and saw the person in bed, snugly wrapped in the blanket and sleeping soundly.

Given her fondness for sleep, it was normal for her to be asleep.

Xiao Jinyan sat on the bed, drew down the curtains, and lay down, pulling the blanket from Shen Chuwei’s grasp over himself.

Shen Chuwei, accustomed to holding something while sleeping, found her blanket gone and Xiao Jinyan close by. She reached out to wrap her arms around him, even draping a leg over Xiao Jinyan’s, all the while with her eyes closed.

Xiao Jinyan’s eyes settled on the spot where their arms met, feeling the same softness he’d touched just before.

The leg underneath was restless, rubbing against his unintentionally.

He suddenly felt thirsty, "Chuwei."

Shen Chuwei, deeply asleep, would not be easily roused.

Xiao Jinyan was a bit helpless, but there was nothing to be done. He didn’t sleep well that night.

Shen Chuwei was suddenly awoken early in the morning. She opened her eyes wide, "It’s over."

Xiao Jinyan had just finished dressing. Hearing Shen Chuwei’s voice, he lifted the bed curtains and saw her awake.

"What’s the matter?"

Shen Chuwei thought Xiao Jinyan had left; his sudden appearance scared her.

Remembering the events of the previous night, her face uncontrollably reddened a bit.

"Your Highness, this concubine fell asleep while waiting last night."

"It doesn’t matter," Xiao Jinyan said, noticing her slightly flushed cheeks. His gaze drifted toward her nightgown which was unbuttoned and now gaping open...

Following Xiao Jinyan’s gaze downward, Shen Chuwei saw her own nightgown still open, her lotus-root-pink undergarment brazenly displayed before Xiao Jinyan.

The previous night, Xiao Jinyan had said he would return shortly, making her think he would continue, so she hadn’t bothered to fasten it.

Who would have thought that she would fall asleep?

Xiao Jinyan complimented, "The pink color looks very pretty."

Shen Chuwei: "..."

He had already seen, and even touched a little, yesterday.