Returning to Qianxi Garden, Luo Meixiang ground her silver teeth to powder, yet dared not show the slightest hint of it. Not only that, she even had to speak “well” of Liang Zhe before Liang Yunshan: “My lord, Ziyu has an upright temperament, and Shuying is after all a girl from a small household. Please don’t hold it against the couple.”

Liang Yunshan gave a faint “mm,” but there was still some unease in his heart. “Meixiang, although Her Majesty the Empress hasn’t managed the six palaces for many years, you still need to show her respect and not let people catch you at fault.”

Luo Meixiang felt somewhat wronged. Why keep harping on this matter? What a trivial thing!

“My lord, I understand. Speaking of which, Empress Wen has never appeared in public. I’m quite curious about what she actually looks like.”

Luo Meixiang’s words successfully diverted Liang Yunshan’s attention. “Curiosity is fine, but don’t ask too many questions about it. Since she’s been Empress for over thirty years, how could she lack ability? Besides, His Highness the Crown Prince has no faults, so His Majesty would never…”

At this point, he stopped.

Luo Meixiang naturally understood Liang Yunshan’s implied meaning, though she remained unconvinced.

True, he had no faults, but he also had no achievements.

The dignified Crown Prince had never pacified the realm through military prowess, nor governed the world through scholarship. He only knew how to compose poetry and prose, manage waterworks, and create mechanical devices. What did he have to suppress others?

Fifth Prince, though similarly lacking military achievements, was exceptionally talented and had repeatedly offered counsel and strategies in court, with many followers. Noble Consort De also held an esteemed position. His competition with the Crown Prince for the throne was anyone’s guess.

Luo Meixiang knew Liang Yunshan’s stance—he only obeyed the Emperor and paid no mind to others’ affairs.

“My lord, I understand. Since you didn’t attend court today, will His Majesty be displeased?”

Liang Yunshan replied: “No. I’ve been back for a few days, and there are many household matters to attend to. His Majesty already said to let me rest for a few days. I have business to attend to today, so don’t wait for me for lunch or dinner.”

Having not returned to the capital for many years, Liang Yunshan naturally had many people to meet.

Luo Meixiang agreed and personally helped him change clothes.

After changing clothes and about to leave, Liang Yunshan hesitated slightly and said: “Regarding Yaoniang, please trouble yourself, Madam.”

Luo Meixiang’s eyes were like autumn waters, smiling gently as she glanced at him sideways. “Doesn’t my lord trust me?”

Luo Meixiang was already extremely beautiful, and in middle age had become even more charming and delicate, exuding an indescribable allure. Liang Yunshan stared transfixed, his body involuntarily heating up.

“Meixiang…”

Liang Yunshan couldn’t help but embrace Luo Meixiang, his hands becoming somewhat improper.

Luo Meixiang half-resisted and half-yielded. The two were intimate for a while before Liang Yunshan reluctantly left.

Just reaching the second gate, he saw Yue Yaoniang emerge from behind a cluster of trees. “My lord!”

She was twenty-four or twenty-five years old, wearing a goose-yellow dress. Her face was like a bright moon, her figure delicate and weak. Her smile carried a hint of timidity, but her gaze was exceptionally determined, full of adoration as she looked at Liang Yunshan.

“Yaoniang, what are you doing here?”

Yue Yaoniang hurried forward with quick steps, smiling sweetly. “My lord, I have no other purpose—I just wanted to see you. Are you going out? Please don’t drink too much when you’re out.”

Liang Yunshan had lived with Yue Yaoniang for many years at the frontier. Though Yue Yaoniang rarely saw outsiders there, she was treated no differently from a proper wife.

Liang Yunshan spoke to her differently than to others, his tone very gentle. “Yaoniang, Old Madam has already arranged for A Yuan and A Ning. You needn’t worry.”

Yue Yaoniang nodded: “My lord, I already know and am grateful in my heart, but I cannot meet Old Madam face to face or pay my respects to her. My lord, I’ve made a pair of shoes for Old Madam. I’ll have someone send them to you later, and could you please help me show filial respect to Old Madam? What does my lord think?”

Old Madam Liang held an esteemed position—how could ordinary people appear before her? Once Yue Yaoniang entered Pingxi Marquis Manor, she was merely a concubine. Without Old Madam Liang’s active summons, Yue Yaoniang naturally couldn’t proactively pay respects.

“Your thoughtfulness is naturally good. Later, send the shoes to Madam, and I will convey your intentions to Mother. Rest assured, Mother is delighted seeing how well-behaved and lovely A Yuan and A Ning are.”

Yue Yaoniang was confident about this—her children were intelligent, and no one could help but love them.

Even if Old Madam Liang didn’t like her, she would surely love this pair of children.

Yue Yaoniang responded cheerfully: “That’s good then. Please drink less when you go out, my lord. I’ll return now.”

Liang Yunshan nodded, then strode toward the main gate.

**

Songtao Residence.

Emperor Delong had given Liang Zhe half a month of marriage leave. Liang Zhe had already discussed with Qin Shuying yesterday that they would go out together today.

Qin Shuying changed into light, convenient clothing, and Ziteng brought two sets of dresses in a cloth bag.

Liang Zhe was taking his newlywed wife out—even if the gatekeepers saw them, no one dared say anything.

Qin Shuying wore a face veil and boarded the carriage.

In the carriage, she looked at the clothes Ziteng had brought in, her eyes sparkling brightly. “Ziyu, turn around.”

Liang Zhe obediently turned away.

Qin Shuying quickly removed her outer robe and changed into a set of men’s clothing that Ziteng had brought.

Then Ziteng re-styled Qin Shuying’s hair and bound it up.

When Liang Zhe turned back around, the person before him had completely transformed—clearly a red-lipped, white-toothed young man.

The robes weren’t form-fitting but loose straight robes that were somewhat large, making her figure appear slender. She wore a carefree cap on her head, giving her an elegant, refined appearance.

Qin Shuying’s height was above average for women, and dressed this way, she truly had the bearing of a young gentleman.

Liang Zhe cupped his hands and asked seriously: “I am Liang Ziyu from the capital. May I know your honored name, young sir?”

Qin Shuying had already seen herself in the bronze mirror. Suppressing laughter, she cupped her hands seriously: “Brother Liang, I am Shu Qi from Qinzhou. I’ve long admired your reputation!”

Ziteng burst out laughing.

Liang Zhe also laughed heartily, and Qin Shuying smiled with pursed lips.

Unexpectedly, Liang Zhe pointed at her sternly: “Shu Qi, you’re a grown man—why are you acting feminine?”

Qin Shuying was startled, then stood with hands clasped behind her back and laughed several times: “Hahaha! Ziyu jests!”

Liang Zhe then pointed at Ziteng: “Shu Qi, when people go out they bring manservants. How do you bring a maid?”

Ziteng giggled uncontrollably, waving her hands repeatedly: “Master, this servant doesn’t want to be a man—I’d give myself away.”

Liang Zhe said with a serious expression: “Ah, so Shu Qi’s family is poor and lacks money to hire people. Well then, you can follow me from now on. My people are your people—use them freely.”

Qin Shuying and Ziteng exchanged smiles.

They hadn’t originally planned for Ziteng to dress as a man too. One woman disguised as a man might not arouse suspicion, but two would inevitably draw attention.

Even so, Qin Shuying could only occasionally go out, and couldn’t meet acquaintances.

Who told her to make such an appearance at Guangbin Tower—now all the young noble gentlemen in the capital would recognize her.