Page 263

Shen Chuwei had just picked up the embroidery needle when she heard Consort Xu’s words and was taken aback, "Shameless?"

"It’s Princess Xueyan. She’s still a young lady, yet she clings to Your Highness whenever she can. Isn’t that shameless?" Consort Xu said with righteous indignation.

Tao Chenghui couldn’t hold back and covered her mouth with a handkerchief, laughing out loud, "Ha-ha, who can blame her when our Crown Prince is unmatched in handsomeness and beyond compare?"

Shen Chuwei nodded in agreement upon hearing this, for she had yet to see a man more handsome than Xiao Jinyan.

Xiao Jinyan was talented in both letters and arms and was the Crown Prince, so it was normal for Xueyan to like him.

Seeing Shen Chuwei pick up the embroidery needle, Consort Xu urged, "Stop embroidering. Let’s go and see how that shameless woman plans to seduce His Highness."

"I can’t stop embroidering. It’s urgent," Shen Chuwei thought that if she finished the embroidery in the next two days, she could replace the sachet Xiao Jinyan carried with him. It would be good for him, and for me too!

Consort Xu exclaimed, "There’s no rush for this moment. Right now, the most important thing is to prevent that shameless woman from seducing His Highness."

Shen Chuwei looked up at Consort Xu, who had rolled up her sleeves, ready to catch someone in the act. She soothed, "We have to trust His Highness."

"Lady Shen, has His Highness fed you some bewitching drug? How could you be so easily deceived? Look at the Emperor, with three palaces and six courtyards, how many children under his knees? There’s another one in Concubine Ning’s belly, and everyone outside is spreading rumors about how much the Emperor and Empress love each other.

If they were really in love, where did all those children come from? "

Consort Xu tried to wake Shen Chuwei up from her romantic delusions.

Compared to Consort Xu’s agitation, Tao Chenghui was more composed, "I think what Consort Xu said makes some sense. Although His Highness is not addicted to the pleasures of women, he’s still a man, and it’s difficult for any man to resist temptation."

Shen Chuwei nodded vigorously, showing agreement, "You make sense."

Consort Xu said, "Then let’s go. I heard Princess Xueyan has invited His Highness to admire the lotus flowers, which bloomed exceptionally early this year."

Instead of leaving, Shen Chuwei lifted the sachet in her hand to show them, "I still need to embroider."

Consort Xu, frustrated, "Didn’t you say you don’t like needlework?

"I’ll stop after I’ve finished this one," Shen Chuwei had her own unspeakable difficulties; if it weren’t for her trying to be smart, she wouldn’t be rushing to embroider now.

Consort Xu stared at Shen Chuwei for a long time, somewhat puzzled, "You really aren’t worried that His Highness will be snatched away by that shameless woman?"

Shen Chuwei repeated her same line, "We have to trust His Highness."

Consort Xu: "..." I don’t believe a ghost!

Tao Chenghui: "..."

In the end, it was Consort Xu who pulled Shen Chuwei out, the reason being, "If a man’s words could be trusted, pigs would be able to climb trees."

Shen Chuwei: "..." Consort Xu had been completely led astray by her, no, by romance novels—

Upon reaching the lotus pond, Tao Chenghui saw Lady Chang approaching leisurely.

"What is Lady Chang doing here?"

Consort Xu snorted, "The position of Crown Princess is at stake. How could she not be anxious?"

Lady Chang was not surprised to see Lady Shen and the others. She approached and bowed, "Consort Xu, Lady Shen, you’re here as well?"

Consort Xu adjusted her hair at the temples, "Lady Chang never leaves her gate, hardly steps over her threshold, pants every three steps and coughs every ten. What’s got you curious enough to leave home today?"

The term "leaving home" was learned from romance novels and implied that Lady Chang lived as if she was imprisoned.

Shen Chuwei understood the meaning and noticed that after reading romance novels, Consort Xu’s taunts even contained some modern terms.

Lady Chang’s expression turned unpleasant at the remark. Since her punishment, Consort Xu’s words had become less careful, much to her dislike.

"The Imperial Doctor said, with my poor health, I should walk more, get some sun, it’s beneficial," she replied.

Consort Xu diverted her gaze towards the distant Princess Xueyan and Xiao Jinyan, who was late to arrive. She deliberately raised her voice, "Princess Xueyan is truly of noble status, with His Highness personally accompanying her to admire the lotus flowers."

Hearing this, Lady Chang looked over and, sure enough, saw Xiao Jinyan accompanying Xueyan. She clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

Not long ago, Lady Chang went to the Empress to probe around and learned that Princess Xueyan was the most favored daughter of the King of Xueyue Country and brought with her a generous dowry.

Whoever married Princess Xueyan would be backed by Xueyue Country and its hefty dowry.

Xiao Jinyan was the Crown Prince; in the face of such benefits, there was no reason to refuse.

As Lady Chang’s gaze returned, she spotted Shen Chuwei, Consort Xu, and Tao Chenghui boarding a small boat.

It was just that everyone had their own thoughts; did they really believe they were good sisters?

In this imperial harem, due to favoritism, even blood sisters could turn against each other, let alone those without blood ties?

For the sake of favor, had not Shen Mingzhu also made a move against her own sister?

Lady Chang snorted, turned her gaze back towards Xiao Jinyan, waving her small handkerchief as she walked over, bowing, "Your Highness, may you be blessed with peace and safety."

Then she bowed to Xueyan as well, "Princess."

Xueyan stared at Lady Chang with confusion, "Lady Chang, what brings you here?"

Lady Chang spoke softly, "I heard there’s a twin lotus flower in the pond, the only one that bloomed early. I was curious and came to have a look."

From a distance, Xiao Jinyan saw Shen Chuwei arrive. He thought she would come to him as she had before, a smile just beginning to form in his eyes. Then he saw her board a small boat, his eyes faltered, and the smile disappeared in an instant.

Xiao Jinyan’s gaze returned to Lady Chang as he reverted to a tone warmer than his usual aloofness, "I heard Lady Chang has been unwell these past few days. Are you feeling better?"

It had been a long time since Lady Chang heard Xiao Jinyan speak to her with such a gentle voice. Hearing it now, she was stunned for several seconds.

Blissfully surprised!

Her eyes smiled, "Replying to Your Highness, your humble concubine is much better now. Thank you for your concern."

Xiao Jinyan said, "Since you’re here, let’s enjoy a boat ride and admire the lotus flowers together."

Lady Chang had been considering how to find a reason to join them when Xiao Jinyan volunteered. She was overjoyed and quickly replied, "As Your Highness commands."

Xueyan glanced at Lady Chang. What was meant to be a date for two had turned into three, which would leave anyone less than pleased.

Xiao Jinyan led the way to the pleasure boat.

Xueyan and Lady Chang boarded one after the other.

After boarding, Xiao Jinyan took a look at the small boat nearby and couldn’t figure out why Shen Chuwei wouldn’t come to find him.

Xueyan, unable to wait any longer, said, "Your Highness, let’s depart."

"Yes," Xiao Jinyan instructed Weichi to set off.

Xueyan looked up at Xiao Jinyan with excitement shining in her eyes, "Your Highness, they say twin lotus flowers are a rare sight and that they’ve bloomed early this year, which must be a good omen. I can’t wait to see what the twin lotus looks like, can you?"

Xiao Jinyan nodded, "Twin lotus flowers indeed are a rare sight to behold."

Lady Chang observed Xueyan’s every move and concluded that Xueyan must have taken a liking to Xiao Jinyan. Her aunt had said that marrying Xiao Jinyan would be the most suitable match for Xueyan.

But she didn’t agree.

"Being able to admire this wonder with Your Highness is a great honor for your humble concubine."