“The Crown Prince went to find Su Niannian again.” Mu Yi spoke with a pouting mouth, her face full of displeasure as she defended her young miss.

“Keep your voice down. The Crown Princess is taking her afternoon nap. Don’t disturb her,” the slightly older maid beside her reminded softly.

Their words reached Gu Jinzhao’s ears without a single word being missed. She listened quietly, leaning against the bed as she watched the gentle drizzle outside.

This was the third month since she married Shen Muchen, and he had gone to find Su Niannian three times.

Shen Muchen’s fondness for Su Niannian was known throughout the city. The two had been engaged since childhood, sweethearts who grew up together.

The position of Crown Princess had long been reserved for her.

A year ago, Imperial Noble Consort Su conspired with Prime Minister Su Ye to plot against the young prince, and the matter was exposed.

Plotting to harm an imperial heir was a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations, but the Emperor favored the Su clan. He only demoted Imperial Noble Consort Su to the rank of Consort, confining her to the cold palace, dismissed Su Ye from his position as Prime Minister, and decreed that the Su family’s descendants could never again enter official service.

The Crown Princess candidate had to be the legitimate daughter of a noble family. The Empress searched extensively before selecting Gu Jinzhao, the legitimate eldest daughter of the First Rank Grand Scholar.

Gu Jinzhao’s grandfather had been the Imperial Tutor during his lifetime, and her father had previously served as the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor. The Gu family could be considered a prestigious clan of high virtue and reputation.

When the imperial edict for the marriage was issued, Shen Muchen went to find the Emperor but was severely scolded and confined to the Eastern Palace.

He didn’t want to marry Gu Jinzhao; he wanted to marry Su Niannian.

Gu Jinzhao didn’t react as strongly. She had known since childhood that her marriage would not be decided by herself. Born to be pursued and adored, raised with golden branches and jade leaves, enjoying fine clothes and food, she naturally had to give up something in return.

The Emperor confined Shen Muchen, but didn’t prevent people from visiting him. The servants didn’t make things difficult for Gu Jinzhao.

When she entered, Shen Muchen violently smashed his teacup to the ground and irritably told her to leave.

Upon seeing clearly that it was her, he was momentarily stunned, probably not expecting her to come. He frowned and asked, “What are you doing here?”

Gu Jinzhao walked in, closed the door to keep all the servants outside, found a place that was neither too close nor too far to sit down, and looked at him with a smile. Perhaps he hadn’t slept well – his face had some stubble, and his eyes were somewhat red. Gu Jinzhao poured herself a cup of tea, took a sip, and raised an eyebrow. “It’s cold.”

“What exactly are you here for?” Shen Muchen gradually grew impatient.

“To save you.” Gu Jinzhao looked toward the window, speaking with a teasing tone, “Shen Muchen, your Eastern Palace truly has dishonest people.”

Shen Muchen followed her gaze and saw a shadow reflected in the corner by the window.

The person seemed to have heard and disappeared with a “whoosh.” Gu Jinzhao turned her head, paid no attention, and continued, “I know you don’t want to marry me, and I don’t want to marry you either.”

“Ordinary families still have the concept of parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words. You and I should have understood from birth that with our status, marriages and funerals can only follow the elders’ wishes. Now that the Su family has fallen, you can’t marry Su Niannian. The Empress petitioned His Majesty to make me the Crown Princess. I am fulfilling the role of Crown Princess – it doesn’t matter who I marry, as long as that person is the Crown Prince.”

In other words, regardless of who the Crown Prince was, she would have to marry him.

“What are you trying to say?” Shen Muchen calmed down, narrowed his eyes, and looked at her questioningly.

When Gu Jinzhao spoke, her tone was gentle and calm, her every gesture that of a refined young lady, but her words were sharp: “Your questioning of the Empress, your defiance of His Majesty – which of these actions befits a Crown Prince? Or perhaps you don’t want this Crown Prince position and wish to become a commoner so you can be with Su Niannian?”

“Presumptuous!”

“If you want to save her and restore her reputation, then you must become powerful. You need to ascend to the throne, rule this country, and make everyone bow before you. When that time comes, your words will be imperial edicts, and no one will dare contradict you.” Gu Jinzhao ignored his rage, pointing with a smile, “I am saving you and helping myself.”

The Fourth Prince Shen Mujing had a gentle temperament and treated people kindly. He enjoyed high praise among ministers and common people alike, making him Shen Muchen’s greatest rival.

If Shen Muchen were deposed, the Crown Prince position would most likely go to him.

Gu Jinzhao had seen him once at the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration. Dressed in azure green robes, he sat to the side without competing or fighting. When their eyes met, he politely nodded, and when offering birthday wishes to the Empress Dowager, his manner was gentle and warm, making people feel as comfortable as a spring breeze.

Grandfather had said such people were the most frightening and told her to avoid them. When she asked why, Grandfather didn’t explain the reason, only insisting she must stay away.

She had always kept this in her heart, maintaining a respectful distance from the Fourth Prince.

Having achieved her purpose for today’s visit, Gu Jinzhao didn’t want to linger. Just as she opened the door, she saw Mu Xin and Mu Yi standing at the entrance with a maid in front of them. Understanding the situation, she turned to Shen Muchen and asked gently, “Shall we keep her?”

The little maid fell to her knees with a “thud,” pleading for mercy, “Crown Prince, spare my life! This servant was merely passing by and didn’t eavesdrop.”

“No one said you were eavesdropping,” Gu Jinzhao looked down at her, her tone still gentle, “You’re not pleasing to look at. When I marry in, I don’t want to see you.”

As soon as Gu Jinzhao returned home, she was summoned to the study. Her father stood by the window and asked, “Do you know why I called you here?”

“I shouldn’t have gone to the Eastern Palace,” Gu Jinzhao answered honestly.

“Knowing that, why did you go?”

“As Father said, the Crown Prince has good character, is respectful and upright, and benefits the people. Your daughter didn’t want to see such a person go astray.” Gu Jinzhao accepted the tea from the maid’s hand and offered it to her father, saying, “Father himself said that among the princes, Shen Muchen is the best choice.”

Gu Suzhi held the First Rank position, and various factions wanted to win him over. The best way was through Gu Jinzhao.

So Gu Jinzhao understood from a young age that when these princes spoke with her and joked with her, it wasn’t because of her beautiful appearance or her proficiency in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but simply because of her identity as the legitimate daughter of the Gu residence.

Her mother told her that she would eventually marry someone, so it was better to choose someone with good character and live a life of mutual respect.

With her status, she would never suffer grievances in the future.

Gu Jinzhao had always been selective, observing for a long time before choosing Shen Muchen.

At that time, the former Empress had just passed away, the Emperor appointed Shen Muchen as Crown Prince, and commanded Grand Scholar Gu Suzhi to also serve as the Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor.

During dinner, Father would occasionally mention Shen Muchen, and his first comment was always: “The Crown Prince is an excellent child, but too rigid.”

After saying this, he would sigh.

Gu Jinzhao understood her father’s meaning. Such a character wasn’t flexible enough; he would likely prefer to break rather than bend in the future, which could be a weakness.

But fortunately, Shen Muchen wasn’t stupid. The day after Gu Jinzhao returned from the Eastern Palace, the betrothal gifts from the palace were carried in.

On the day she married Shen Muchen, the gentle rain that had been falling for several days had just stopped, and the roads still carried the scent of earth. She sat in the sedan chair, and occasionally, when the wind blew the curtains open, she could see curious onlookers.

When she got out of the sedan chair, Shen Muchen was already waiting for her at the bottom of the white jade steps to help her down.

A thousand layers of white jade steps – she walked very slowly. The wedding dress made it nearly impossible for her to take large steps, but she still kept her back straight.

This scene felt very familiar to her, as if she had experienced it before.

She and Shen Muchen knelt together before the Emperor and Empress. The Empress looked at her with loving, gentle eyes, smiled as she told her to rise, and spoke a few official words.

After a day of ceremonies ended, and they returned to the bedchamber, Gu Jinzhao dismissed the other servants, keeping only Mu Xin and Mu Yi in the room.

After everyone else left, she finally let out a long breath and lay on the bed, not wanting to move at all.

“Miss, would you like some pastries?” Mu Yi approached Gu Jinzhao with a plate, placing a piece near her mouth.

“So tired,” Gu Jinzhao said while eating. She had always known weddings were exhausting, but hadn’t expected it to be to this degree. She felt like her back couldn’t straighten now. Looking at Mu Xin standing by the door, she said, “Mu Xin, you should sit for a while too. You’ve been standing all day.”

“This servant will keep watch at the door for the Crown Princess,” Mu Xin shook her head, refusing.

She was always so proper and rule-abiding. Gu Jinzhao didn’t mind her, exchanged a smile with Mu Yi, and continued eating pastries.

Both Mu Xin and Mu Yi had grown up accompanying Gu Jinzhao from childhood. Mu Xin was slightly older and acted steadily, while Mu Yi was around the same age as Gu Jinzhao and had helped come up with many small schemes.

“Miss, you didn’t see today – the young master cried so pitifully in his room.”

Gu Jinzhao had a younger brother ten years her junior, named Jin’an.

He feared nothing and no one, only obeying Gu Jinzhao completely. From childhood, he loved following behind her. After school, while other young masters went to play, he would say he wanted to go home to listen to his sister play the qin.

He would tell everyone that his sister was as beautiful as a fairy and that her qin playing was wonderful.

Gu Jinzhao never found him annoying and took him everywhere, which saved their mother considerable trouble.

Gu Jinzhao’s eyes grew moist, and she lowered her head with a smile, drinking a sip of tea.

A few days ago, when Shen Muchen’s betrothal gifts arrived at their home, Gu Jin’an had blocked the door to prevent the eunuchs from entering. When he was dragged away by the household guards, he cried and clung to their mother’s legs, pleading, “We don’t want these things. Let’s return them. We won’t trade these things for sister.”

The child, still young, thought the betrothal gifts were meant to buy his sister.

Mu Xin at the door coughed twice. Mu Yi immediately began tidying up, organizing everything in moments, helping Gu Jinzhao up, covering her with the bridal veil, and standing obediently beside her.

Shortly after, Shen Muchen pushed the door open, followed by the wedding attendant.

It was time for the bridal chamber ceremonies – eating peanuts and dried longans, drinking the nuptial wine.

The two sat very close together. Gu Jinzhao could see herself reflected in Shen Muchen’s eyes.

No smile, no love.

After drinking the wine, it tasted somewhat bitter.

After everyone else left, Gu Jinzhao sat at the dressing table to remove the ornaments from her hair.

When the last hairpin was removed, her ink-black long hair instantly cascaded down. She took off her outer garment and set it aside. Just as Gu Jinzhao was about to climb onto the bed, she saw Shen Muchen still sitting steadily by the bedside and said, “Move over.”

Shen Muchen shifted, and after Gu Jinzhao lay down and covered herself with the quilt, she heard him say, “Thank you!”

Gu Jinzhao made a sound of acknowledgment through her nose, closed her eyes, and answered, “It’s just mutual benefit.”

“Have you ever met Niannian?” Shen Muchen asked.

“We’re both daughters of aristocratic families; naturally, there are times when we meet.”

“I want to bring her here.”

Gu Jinzhao opened her eyes and met his gaze. “And then? Make her a concubine?”

“With her temperament, she definitely wouldn’t be willing…”

“So I should be the concubine?” Gu Jinzhao opened her eyes, met his gaze, and her voice grew cold.

Their first conversation as a married couple ended just like that.

Before dawn, Gu Jinzhao was awakened to wash and dress. She had to accompany Shen Muchen to the palace to pay their respects.

The rain that had stopped for a day began falling gently again today. Mu Xin looked at the sky and had Mu Yi bring a cloak, fearing the rain might grow heavier later.

The Empress had lost a young prince, and after more than a year, her complexion still hadn’t improved. The Emperor had Gu Jinzhao speak with her while he called Shen Muchen into his study.

“The wind is cold on rainy days. Let’s close the windows.”

Watching this rain is also good. It’s been several years since we’ve had rain for so long,” the Empress said, looking outside the door. “It doesn’t seem like a good omen.”

“No matter how long it rains, there will always be sunny days,” Gu Jinzhao smiled slightly, poured a cup of tea for the Empress, and said softly.

The Empress glanced at her, as if remembering something, “I recall you’re skilled at playing the qin. Would you be willing to play a piece for me?”

“These are just pastimes for women. I haven’t played for a long time and have grown quite rusty. I hope Your Majesty won’t mind.”

Gu Jinzhao had learned the qin from childhood. Her mother said daughters of aristocratic families must be accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Fortunately, she was naturally intelligent and learned without much difficulty.

From a young age, she had been outstanding among the daughters of official families. She still remembered one occasion when their ensemble performance by the lotus pond drew countless admiring gazes.

After returning home, the wet nurse said, “Our eldest miss was born with a wealthy fate.”

But that time, her mother led her to the ancestral hall and made her kneel before their ancestors in reflection.

She didn’t know what she had done wrong. It should have been something that brought honor to the family, so why had her mother become angry?

She was rarely punished, usually just scolded a few times, but this time she knelt in the ancestral hall for a full half hour. The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt, and tears began to fall.

Her mother called her to rise, held her in her arms with a face full of heartache, and said, “Zhaozhao, extreme intelligence leads to harm. You’re still young, and Mother doesn’t want you to stand out so much.”

Though young Gu Jinzhao didn’t understand the reasoning, she was obedient. From then on, at all gatherings, she behaved properly and never sought attention.

When the piece ended, before the Empress could speak, a palace maid’s voice came from the doorway, “This servant pays respects to the Fourth Prince!”

“Fourth Brother has come. Why don’t you come in?” The Empress looked outside and asked.

Gu Jinzhao also looked up and saw Shen Mujing in azure robes walking against the light. Perhaps due to the heavy rain, water drops clung to his brow. He approached the Empress with a smile and bowed, his voice clear and gentle, “I didn’t want to interrupt such beautiful qin music, so I stood outside for a while.”

“Look at you, running around in the rain and getting all wet,” the Empress smiled, telling him to sit quickly, and called for a palace maid to bring a cloak for him.

“Your son is strong and healthy; it’s nothing,” Shen Mujing obediently put on the cloak and looked at Gu Jinzhao, his eyes holding an indecipherable meaning. “I’ve long heard of Imperial Sister-in-law’s exceptional qin skills. Today’s performance indeed lives up to her reputation.”

“Prince Jing’an is too kind,” Gu Jinzhao smiled slightly and said nothing more.

By the time the sky darkened and the rain stopped, Shen Muchen came to pay respects to the Empress and incidentally escorted Gu Jinzhao away.

Just as they reached the palace gate, Gu Jinzhao suddenly turned back, looking at the red walls and green tiles behind them with confusion in her eyes, “What does this wooden fish sound mean?”

Mu Xin and Mu Yi’s faces changed, and Shen Muchen also turned back, frowning as he asked, “What wooden fish sound?”

Mu Xin stepped forward and unobtrusively supported Gu Jinzhao, saying, “The Crown Princess probably hasn’t rested well these past few days. This servant recently learned a massage technique and will give the Crown Princess a massage when we return.”

Gu Jinzhao nodded and followed Shen Muchen onto the carriage.

Passing through the main street, Gu Jinzhao lifted the carriage curtain and said gently, “Mu Yi, when we pass Jinshan Hall, buy some pastries to bring back.”

“Miss isn’t eating dinner again today?” Mu Yi nodded and asked with a smile.

“Suddenly craving sweets.”

She turned to look at Shen Muchen, who was resting with his eyes closed, and said, “I thought you would go back by yourself today.”

“How could that be?” Shen Muchen leaned back and said, “What did you discuss in the Empress’s chambers today?”

Gu Jinzhao’s lips curved into a smile as she asked, “Why should I tell you?”

After speaking, without looking at his reaction, she got off the carriage and told the driver, “Take the Crown Prince to the village closest to the northern suburbs.”

Watching Shen Muchen’s carriage depart, Mu Yi pouted and said, “Miss personally sent the Crown Prince to Su Niannian. I don’t know what Miss is thinking.”

Gu Jinzhao ignored her, lifted her skirt, and entered the residence. Passing by the gardener kneeling on the ground, she stopped for a moment and curiously looked at the flower pot on the ground, asking, “What flowers are you planning to grow?”

“The Crown Prince said to grow some roses to make the residence more lively,” the gardener replied respectfully.

“Could you please help me plant a gardenia?”

“Crown Princess, your words are too kind,” the gardener quickly said. “Gardenias prefer warm, humid conditions and aren’t suited to the capital’s climate. I will do my utmost to grow it well.”

Gu Jinzhao loved gardenias, though she didn’t know when this began. She only vaguely remembered smelling gardenia fragrance – very intense and unforgettable.

When she lived at the Gu residence, she had pestered the household gardener to plant them for her, but none had survived.

Her mother said she was just making things difficult for people – how could flowers that loved warm, humid conditions survive in their region? Gu Jinzhao had never left the capital since birth and couldn’t possibly have smelled gardenia fragrance.

Gu Jinzhao firmly believed she must have seen them before. She remembered gardenias blooming with white petals and recalled a garden full of their fragrance.

Mu Xin washed her hands and helped Gu Jinzhao recline on the soft couch, massaging her head. Mu Yi lit a stick of calming incense beside them and stood nearby, gently fanning.

Starting three years ago, Gu Jinzhao always said she could hear wooden fish sounds, saying they seemed to come from very far away. Lady Gu had doctors examine her, and all said her body was fine with no known cause.

Fortunately, she only heard wooden fish sounds with no other reactions. Lady Gu had Mu Xin watch over her to prevent any unfavorable gossip from spreading.

“Mu Xin’s technique is becoming more refined,” Gu Jinzhao praised with her eyes closed.

After half a stick of incense, Mu Yi saw that her mistress had fallen asleep. She went to the inner room to fetch a blanket, gently covered her, and quietly withdrew with Mu Xin, instructing the others not to disturb the Crown Princess’s sleep.

Gu Jinzhao heard the wooden fish sounds one by one. Around her was a vast expanse of white.

Someone was calling her name, very softly but somewhat urgently.

Very familiar, but she couldn’t tell who it was. That person called repeatedly, but the voice grew fainter and fainter.

Gu Jinzhao opened her eyes. Candles were lit in the room. She sat up and called out a few times. Mu Xin entered and, seeing her, her face changed with worry, “Crown Princess, why is your complexion so poor? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Gu Jinzhao looked at her blankly, shook her head, walked to the bronze mirror, and looked at her reflection. The person in the mirror had a pale face, as if she had been ill for a long time.

“Mu Yi, go fetch the Imperial Physician.”

“Wait,” Gu Jinzhao pulled Mu Yi back, saying, “I don’t feel anything wrong. Perhaps I haven’t rested well these past few days.”

“But your complexion…” Mu Xin said somewhat hesitantly.

“It’s nothing,” Gu Jinzhao interrupted her, looking outside and frowning, “Is it raining again?”

This year, as the Empress had said, the weather was abnormal, with five consecutive days of rain. Water levels in Jiangnan had risen, already flooding surrounding villages at lower elevations. The Emperor had dispatched three officials south to manage the flood disaster, but with minimal effect.

If this continued, large numbers of displaced people would head north to the capital. If not properly managed, there could be great chaos.

Perhaps due to the heavy rain, when Gu Jinzhao got up in the morning and had just finished washing, she saw Shen Muchen returning from outside.

The two exchanged glances without speaking to each other. Gu Jinzhao continued eating as usual.

“Go get another set of bowls and chopsticks.” Just as she was drinking a sip of porridge, Shen Muchen suddenly spoke beside her, startling her so much that she had to catch her breath several times before turning to look at him and asking, “You didn’t even get a meal at Su Niannian’s place?”

Mentioning exactly what shouldn’t be mentioned.

Mu Xin brought another set of bowls and chopsticks. Shen Muchen ignored her and buried his head in his food.

Gu Jinzhao put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and asked, “Will you go tomorrow for the homecoming visit?”

Then she added, “You can refuse.”

Shen Muchen glanced at her and asked, “Don’t want me to go?”

“Our family enjoys harmonious togetherness. Wouldn’t your presence dampen the mood?” Gu Jinzhao stood up, arranged her dress, and was about to leave.

Shen Muchen couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. After a moment of silence, he asked, “How did you know where Niannian lives?”

“If I couldn’t even find that out, wouldn’t I be a Crown Princess for nothing?” Gu Jinzhao left without looking back.

She and Shen Muchen disliked each other. The two had reached an agreement – she wouldn’t interfere with Shen Muchen’s feelings for Su Niannian and would even actively help when necessary, while Shen Muchen had to always protect the Gu family.

If Shen Muchen ever gained power, Gu Jinzhao must be the Empress.

On the homecoming day, Gu Suzhi brought his entire family to the gate early to welcome them. Shen Muchen got out of the carriage first and extended his hand to help Gu Jinzhao down.

“This subject pays respects to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!”

“Father-in-law, please rise!” Shen Muchen bent down to help Gu Suzhi up, while Gu Jinzhao stepped forward to take her mother’s arm.

“How is Mother’s health? Have you been taking the medicine the doctor prescribed on time?” Gu Jinzhao held her mother’s hand with concern.

Lady Gu gently patted her hand and smiled lovingly, “It’s nothing, just old ailments.”

“Jin’an made a fuss and refused to go to school today, saying he wanted to stay home and wait for his sister, but his teacher scheduled a quiz today, so he couldn’t be absent.”

Gu Jinzhao nodded, “We’re all in the capital. We’ll surely meet again in the future.”

Though she said this, when they would meet again was uncertain.

“Does the Crown Prince treat you well?” After dismissing the servants, Lady Gu pulled Gu Jinzhao to sit down. Unlike her earlier relaxed demeanor, her face now showed worry.

Gu Jinzhao looked at her mother’s expression and smiled, reaching out to embrace her neck affectionately, “The Crown Prince treats me very well. Mother needn’t worry.”

“You two…”

“Mother, contentment brings lasting happiness.” Gu Jinzhao knew her mother wanted to ask about Su Niannian, so she gently interrupted, leaning against Lady Gu as she had when she was young.

Shen Muchen’s feelings for Su Niannian spanned more than ten years. Before the Su family’s downfall, Su Niannian was the acknowledged future Crown Princess, just waiting for her coming-of-age ceremony.

Gu Jinzhao had always been someone who assessed situations carefully. She and Shen Muchen had maintained mutual respect for three months, not interfering in his affairs while fulfilling her duties as Crown Princess.

He had visited Su Niannian and usually stayed overnight before returning. With the serious floods in Jiangnan, he was the Crown Prince with busy governmental affairs. In these three months, she could count on one hand the number of times she’d seen him.

So when Mu Yi complained to Mu Xin about Shen Muchen visiting Su Niannian again, she didn’t have strong emotions about it.

Unable to sleep at midday, Gu Jinzhao got out of bed and opened the window a crack. The early autumn wind was somewhat cool, making her shiver involuntarily.

Just as she put on her outer garment, Mu Xin walked in. Seeing her awake, she quickened her steps to help her dress. “How come you woke up so quickly?”

“I probably slept too much last night,” Gu Jinzhao smiled and said.

“The Crown Prince has returned and asks you to come over,” Mu Xin arranged Gu Jinzhao’s dress and whispered, “He returned from the palace.”

Gu Jinzhao lowered her eyes and nodded without showing emotion.

The Emperor had sent Shen Muchen to Jiangnan to manage the flood disaster, at least three months, possibly a year.

This originally had nothing to do with Gu Jinzhao, but Shen Muchen told her he wanted to bring Su Niannian into the residence.

“You and Niannian are acquainted. She has an excellent temperament, and you are gentle and virtuous. With her by your side, I can be at ease.”

Gu Jinzhao lowered her head and laughed coldly. This wasn’t a discussion; it was a notification. Seeing her silence, Shen Muchen continued, “Niannian is in a difficult situation now. Just consider it helping me.”

The day Shen Muchen left was a morning. Gu Jinzhao didn’t go to see him off. She leisurely got up while Mu Xin helped her dress. After thinking for a moment, she said, “Mu Yi, bring that golden cloud-smoke shirt.”

It was the garment the Empress had given Gu Jinzhao when she married.

Gu Jinzhao smiled without speaking.

The weather was still good; the rain in the capital had stopped for three days.

When Gu Jinzhao arrived, there was a carriage parked at the village entrance, its body carved with orchid patterns.

“It seems someone arrived before us,” Gu Jinzhao said, tilting her head slightly.

She walked forward and entered a farmhouse. Though ordinary on the outside, the interior was decorated like the room of a wealthy family’s young lady.

Shen Muchen truly treated Su Niannian well.

“Prince Jing’an, long time no see.” Gu Jinzhao walked in with a smile, inconspicuously observing the room’s condition.

Shen Mujing and Su Niannian sat facing each other inside. Seeing her arrival, Su Niannian stood first and bowed, “Crown Princess.”

Gu Jinzhao gently raised her hand, indicating for her to sit.

Shen Mujing smiled and picked up his teacup. “How does Imperial Sister-in-law come to be here?”

“Niannian and I have a good friendship. I wanted to invite her to visit the residence.”

“The daughter of a criminal minister – how could she be worthy of friendship with the Crown Princess?” Shen Mujing said lightly.

“Shen Mujing!” Su Niannian slammed the table heavily, stood up, and glared at him angrily.

“A mere commoner directly calling this prince by name should be punished according to law,” Shen Mujing touched the teacup in his hand and said, “Someone…”

“Prince Jing’an,” Gu Jinzhao raised her voice, her cold gaze sweeping over the person about to step forward. The person hesitated and didn’t dare move further. “Laying hands on a woman is not the conduct of a gentleman.”

“Gentleman?” Shen Mujing leaned back and said, “This prince has never been a gentleman.”

“But… the person the Crown Princess wants to protect, this prince naturally won’t touch.” Shen Mujing stood up, straightened his clothes, casually spun his folding fan a few times, and said, “I’ll leave first.”

Still carrying a fan in autumn – what a pretentious show-off.

After he left, Gu Jinzhao said to Su Niannian, “Miss Su, please return with me to the Crown Prince’s residence.”

The two shared a carriage without speaking. Earlier, when Shen Muchen asked if she knew Su Niannian, she had lied.

She had seen her but didn’t know her.

Gu Jinzhao was Lady Gu’s biological daughter, the legitimate eldest daughter of the Gu family.

Su Niannian’s birth mother was a maid who died in childbirth. Prime Minister Su then registered Su Niannian under Lady Su’s name. Nominally a legitimate daughter, her status in the household was lower than that of a legitimate young lady’s maid.

These matters had spread among the daughters of official families. The Su family’s legitimate daughter, Su Sisi, was arrogant and domineering. Gu Jinzhao disliked her and consequently didn’t much like associating with anyone from the Su residence, so she and Su Niannian had never spoken.

Originally, someone of Su Niannian’s status would eventually marry some random official, but somehow she caught the Crown Prince’s eye. At every gathering of aristocratic families, Shen Muchen would always give Su Niannian special attention.

Gu Jinzhao initially paid no attention, but hearing about it repeatedly, she observed a few times. Su Niannian wasn’t liked by the young ladies of aristocratic families, and with the Crown Prince’s favor, she was particularly conspicuous. Su Sisi would often lead others in bullying her.

Gu Jinzhao silently thought Su Sisi was likely jealous of Su Niannian, as she couldn’t match her in either appearance or intelligence.

Gu Jinzhao was tired of watching the struggles within wealthy households after a few observations. They were always the same few patterns, never presentable.

Gu Suzhi was different from Su Ye with his wives and concubines. He treasured Lady Gu like a precious gem. When Jin’an was young and very mischievous, he caused plenty of trouble for the family. Gu Suzhi would only scold him a few times. Only once, when Jin’an spoke wrongly and offended Lady Gu, did Gu Suzhi kick him a meter away.

This frightened Gu Jinzhao, who quickly ran over to help her brother up.

“Not respecting elders, insulting your birth mother – is this what you learned at school?”

This was the first time Gu Jinzhao had seen her father so angry. He locked Gu Jin’an in the ancestral hall, forbidding him to leave without his command, making him reflect on his mistakes.

Though the method was extreme, it was effective. Later, when Jin’an went to school, even his teacher praised him as a good child who respected teachers and valued morality.

Gu Jinzhao arranged Su Niannian in the Crown Prince’s residence’s guest room, found several servants from Shen Muchen’s quarters to attend to her, and instructed the household staff to take good care of her.

“I’m somewhat tired. Miss Su, please make yourself comfortable.” Gu Jinzhao covered her mouth and yawned before leaving.

“Why did Miss arrange people from the Crown Prince’s quarters to serve Su Niannian?” Mu Xin caught up and asked after they had walked away.

“I won’t do thankless tasks. If Su Niannian causes trouble later, it can only be blamed on Shen Muchen’s people for poor care.”

Mu Xin took her hand and shook it, her eyes squinting into crescents with laughter, “Our miss is so clever.”

Gu Jinzhao returned to her room and fell asleep shortly after lying on the bed. She was truly tired. These past few nights, she kept dreaming of being in a vast white space, always hearing someone calling her by the ear. She hadn’t slept well for several days in a row.

“Zhaozhao, Zhaozhao, come back.”

Who was calling her?

Gu Jinzhao ran through the white expanse, not knowing how long she ran before seeing a figure ahead. Walking closer, she saw it was Mu Yi.

Mu Yi seemed very excited to see her, grasping her hand and saying, “Crown Princess, you must go look quickly.”

Crown Princess?

Gu Jinzhao frowned. Mu Yi had always called her “Miss.” She had said that in her heart, she would always be her miss, so while everyone else called her Crown Princess, only she called her Miss.

Following Mu Yi through several turns, they finally arrived at Shen Muchen’s courtyard. Since their marriage, the two had slept in separate rooms, each staying in their courtyards, occasionally sharing meals. Gu Jinzhao looked around – the furnishings had changed considerably.

“I’ve never been any gentleman.”

Hearing this, Gu Jinzhao suddenly looked up to see Shen Mujing in red robes sitting on a soft couch. On the bed, Su Niannian was wrapped in bedding, trembling, her eyes full of tears, her smooth shoulders exposed.

“Send Consort Su back to the North Garden.”

Consort – a title for the Crown Prince’s concubine.

Shen Mujing stood up, straightened his clothes, and looked toward Gu Jinzhao, asking, “How does the Crown Princess come to be here?”

Before she could speak, a voice identical to her own responded from behind, “Shen Mujing, you are the Crown Prince. Aren’t you afraid of ridicule for doing such things?”

Gu Jinzhao turned around. Standing behind her was herself.

Only then did she realize that everyone in the room seemed unable to see her. She suddenly felt a splitting headache, as if something was trying to burst out of her skull. The pain made her collapse to the ground as scenes she had never witnessed flashed through her mind.

She saw herself in a wedding ceremony, but marrying Shen Mujing. She also saw herself sitting under the banyan tree in the Crown Prince’s residence on a swing, with Shen Mujing watching her with a smile nearby.

She seemed very happy.

Why would she marry Shen Mujing? No, why was Shen Mujing the Crown Prince?

She wanted to explore further, but suddenly a force compelled her to open her eyes. Her surroundings returned to familiar sights.

“Mu Xin, Mu Yi,” Gu Jinzhao sat up and called out. Soon, both entered. “How long did I sleep?”

“Less than a quarter hour,” Mu Yi replied. “How did Miss wake up so quickly?”

“I had a dream,” Gu Jinzhao lay back down, rubbing her temples. “An absurd dream.”

“What did Miss dream about?”

Gu Jinzhao closed her eyes, her voice somewhat weary, “I dreamed I was still the Crown Princess, but the Crown Prince had become the Fourth Prince.”

Neither noticed Mu Xin’s face changing color behind them.

During Su Niannian’s half-month at the Crown Prince’s residence, Gu Jinzhao never visited her. Only on this day, as she was preparing to visit the flower house to see if the gardener had successfully grown gardenias for her, she encountered Su Niannian before even leaving her room.

She aggressively blocked Gu Jinzhao inside.

“The Crown Prince was assassinated?” Su Niannian frowned, seemingly genuinely anxious, throwing aside all courtesy to question her.

“Five days ago,” Gu Jinzhao answered Su Niannian, but looked at the maid behind her.

Su Niannian was angered by her attitude, “The injured person is your husband. Why aren’t you worried at all?”

Gu Jinzhao smiled and said, “Yu Mo, escort Miss Su back to her room.”

“Crown Princess!”

Gu Jinzhao looked down at the hand blocking her path, her tone growing cold, “Miss Su, setting aside that the Crown Prince is my husband and it’s not your place to worry about him, Jiangnan is thousands of miles from the capital. What’s the point of you blocking me here today? No news after an assassination is the best news. The Crown Prince has accompanying physicians and armed guards by his side. What would you have me do? Abandon the hundred people in the Crown Prince’s residence and go to Jiangnan myself?”

She had indeed guessed correctly. The next day, someone reported that Su Niannian had left. She had stolen a horse from the stables and set off alone for Jiangnan to find Shen Muchen.

After hearing the report, Gu Jinzhao laughed with anger, “Foolish!”

She had Yu Mo brought up. As soon as Yu Mo entered, she knelt on the ground. Gu Jinzhao sat in the main seat, leisurely drinking tea.

No one spoke, creating pressure.

After finishing a cup of tea, Gu Jinzhao finally spoke leisurely, “How long has Yu Mo been in the residence?”

“Reporting to the Crown Princess, I entered the residence in the thirty-ninth year of Yunde. It’s been exactly seven years now.”

“You followed the Crown Prince since the Eastern Palace days?” Gu Jinzhao nodded with a slight smile, “That makes you quite a veteran of this household.”

“There’s no distinction between veterans and newcomers. It’s all that this servant should do.”

“I heard from the steward that you trained the last batch of maids who entered the residence?” Gu Jinzhao pushed her teacup away, rested her arm on the table, and propped her head up while looking at her. “Following duties, maintaining propriety, speaking when appropriate, knowing everything without concealment – did you teach them these principles? Thinking about it now, have you achieved them yourself?”

“Since entering the residence, this servant has carefully followed all teachings without a moment’s negligence.”

Yu Mo secretly lifted her head and met Gu Jinzhao’s gaze. Though she was smiling, the smile didn’t reach her eyes. After just one glance, she immediately lowered her head again, feeling bone-deep coldness.

“If you carefully followed the teachings, how did Miss Su learn about the Crown Prince’s assassination?” She spoke gently and softly, but Yu Mo listened with trembling fear. “The news from Jiangnan just arrived two days ago. How did you learn of it?”

“This servant… heard it from someone.”

“Heard from whom? The shopkeeper of the tailor shop in the south of the city, or Song Dayong, who delivers oil on the tenth of every month?” Gu Jinzhao sighed, seeing her panicked reaction. Before Shen Muchen left, he had warned her that there were palace informants in the residence – more than one, but Yu Mo could be confirmed. He told her to find an excuse to dismiss her.

She asked Shen Muchen if he wanted to keep her alive.

Shen Muchen seemed somewhat surprised as he looked at her. Though only for an instant, Gu Jinzhao could still see disbelief in his eyes. He said, “The crime doesn’t warrant death.”

Later, probably considering something else, he changed his words, “Handle it as you see fit.”

Indecisiveness was Shen Muchen’s greatest weakness, but she wouldn’t have it.

Gu Jinzhao lowered her head and smiled, “Do you know that the Crown Prince was never assassinated? This information was deliberately leaked by me, and the Crown Prince knows it too. He said to spare your life…”

Yu Mo looked up with joy, but before her smile could appear, she heard Gu Jinzhao continue, “But I don’t want to.”

“Drag her out and beat her to death.”

“Crown Princess, please spare this servant! This servant was just momentarily possessed by demons. Please, I beg you!” Yu Mo crawled toward Gu Jinzhao on her knees. Before she could crawl far, she was seized and dragged away despite her desperate struggles.

All the household servants gathered here, showing fear, regret, or indifference. Yu Mo’s cries gradually weakened, her dress stained with blood.

Gu Jinzhao stood at the door, her beautiful eyes sweeping over the servants in the courtyard, “Did you see clearly? She’s not the only one in this residence with ulterior motives. I advise you all to behave yourselves, or your fate won’t be better than hers!”

Since entering the residence, Gu Jinzhao had always appeared humble and tolerant, only smiling and gently instructing when servants occasionally made mistakes, never imposing any punishment. Now she had Yu Mo beaten to death on the spot.

Yu Mo had served in the residence for seven years. Even without merit, she had worked hard. Though she had colluded with outsiders, even the Crown Prince said to spare her life, Gu Jinzhao killed her without question. No one dared speculate on her intentions, and no one dared speak up for Yu Mo.

In the days after Yu Mo’s death, Gu Jinzhao could feel that the household servants no longer had their previous ease when serving her. Each one held their breath, afraid of making mistakes and being beaten to death.

With a “crack,” a maid accidentally knocked over a vase while cleaning, breaking it in half.

Fine white porcelain glaze… Gu Jinzhao’s heart bled.

The little maid knelt trembling on the ground, not daring to lift her head. Gu Jinzhao sighed and said, “Go to the market and buy a beautiful vase. If it pleases me, I won’t punish you.”

Mu Yi handed her a money pouch. The little maid tremblingly accepted it, then heard her add, “When you pass Jinshan Hall, bring back some pastries.”

After Mu Xin cleaned up the broken pieces, only the three of them remained in the room. She smiled helplessly, “No matter how gently one treats people normally, a single punishment makes them so fearful.”

Gu Jinzhao received her news from the palace. The Emperor selected what he could tell her and had Eunuch Chang relay messages. When she entered the palace to pay respects to the Empress and mentioned Su Niannian’s journey south to find the Crown Prince, the Empress’s face immediately darkened.