Such an unexpected incident would naturally not be made public regarding its internal details. However, the Regent Prince’s hurried departure from Chang’an with a large retinue to enter the imperial hunting grounds several days prior could not be concealed from people and would inevitably arouse much suspicion. When he entrusted state affairs to Prince Xian and Chancellor Fang Qing, and others, before leaving, he gave a simple explanation, saying that the Princess Consort had unfortunately encountered a minor accident while hunting in the imperial grounds and had temporarily lost contact.

Everyone knew the imperial hunting grounds were vast, and unless the Son of Heaven led crowds there for hunting, many places would ordinarily see no people. They couldn’t help but worry for the Princess Consort. Fortunately, this day finally brought news of The Regent Prince and his wife’s safe return. While everyone breathed sighs of relief, they also heard that the Princess Consort had suffered minor injuries, so naturally, they all expressed concern. Prince Xian, the Old Princess Consort, Princess Yongtai, and such people came to visit in person, while Dowager Consort Dunyi and Empress Dowager Lan from the palace sent people. The rest who lacked such standing or friendship all sent visiting cards with their respects.

In the following days, the Princess Consort recuperated from her injuries while the Regent Prince continued busying himself with court affairs. In the blink of an eye, the end of the month approached again. On this day, the chieftains of the eight tribes of Great He arrived with their retinues as promised, finally reaching Chang’an.

Great He was located to the northeast of the Wei Kingdom. King He was named Xiao Cui. Making this long journey, he brought numerous attendants, officials, and warriors from various tribes. Besides this, he also brought precious gifts including fine horses, lingzhi mushrooms and old ginseng, precious furs, and rare birds and exotic beasts.

Prince Xian led Hong Lu and officials from the Ministry of Rites to greet them outside the city on behalf of the Great Wei Emperor and the Regent Prince, showing proper respect. As the procession entered the city, the people of Chang’an lined the streets, craning their necks to watch. They saw the mighty procession with banners flying. King He Xiao Cui at the front had a purple face and short beard, with a robust build. The accompanying warriors were all fierce-looking, all dressed in bright clothing, creating a magnificent spectacle that drew praise from all.

The distinguished guests from Great He were lodged at the Hong Lu Guesthouse. After a brief rest, that very evening, the young Emperor and the Regent Prince hosted a banquet at Wanxiang Palace to welcome Xiao Cui and his party, with numerous princes and court officials of third rank and above attending. Inside the palace, giant shark-oil candles thick as pillars were lit, bright as daylight. The four gold dragon pillars required three men to embrace them, and the golden armor of the halberd-bearing ceremonial guards behind the pillars reflected each other, creating dazzling golden light.

King He presented tribute gifts, which the young Emperor accepted, reciprocating with brocades, silks, gold, silver, and many other generous rewards. The palace banquet was extremely elaborate, with delicacies from land and sea, fine wines, and exquisite dishes.

As host and guest were enjoying themselves thoroughly, King He, his face flushed with drink, rose from his seat and raised his golden goblet to toast The Regent Prince, who was seated beside the young Emperor in the position of honor.

The Regent Prince drank. King He, taking advantage of his half-drunken state, continued, “This humble king has long heard that the imperial court is prosperous and talented with outstanding individuals. Today, leading my retinue here personally and seeing with my own eyes, it indeed does not deceive me! This humble king has especially long admired the Regent Prince’s reputation. Meeting tonight and seeing your distinguished bearing, this humble king’s wish is fulfilled.”

“This humble king has a daughter named Lin Hua, who has also accompanied me to the imperial court this time. Fearing she might not know proper etiquette and cause His Majesty and The Regent Prince to laugh, I did not bring her to tonight’s banquet. My daughter’s age and appearance are well-matched with The Regent Prince. To express this humble king’s sincerity on this occasion and for future stability, this humble king wishes to offer my daughter to serve the Prince, to become a secondary consort. I wonder what the Prince thinks of this?”

King He’s voice was naturally booming, and having drunk wine, these words carried to everyone’s ears. All the princes and ministers attending the banquet in Wanxiang Hall stopped their cups, and the miscellaneous sounds ceased abruptly.

Hundreds of eyes all turned toward the Regent Prince.

The Ministry of Rites officials were particularly nervous, yet couldn’t help but secretly despise the situation.

Great He truly was a barbarian, completely ignorant of proper etiquette. Having such plans, they should have given notice during the preliminary reception arrangements, yet now they rashly spoke up in public.

Though this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, if there were any impropriety, afterward they would all likely face charges of incompetent handling.

However, the Ministry of Rites officials misunderstood. King He had brought his daughter this time because she had insisted on accompanying him, saying she wanted to broaden her knowledge. King He doted on his daughter and couldn’t refuse her persistence, so he agreed. He originally had no intention of a marriage alliance. He had previously heard that the current Great Wei Emperor was a child whose facial hair hadn’t even grown, with state affairs controlled by his uncle. King He had preconceived notions, assuming the Regent Prince must be quite elderly, perhaps similar to his age, so he hadn’t thought of marrying his daughter to some decrepit old man. He hadn’t expected the other party to be a young man. Tonight, after three rounds of wine, seeing the person at the seat in magnificent robes and jade belt, with outstanding appearance and elegant bearing, he suddenly thought of his daughter and immediately conceived the idea of a marriage alliance. Once the thought arose, taking advantage of his wine-induced boldness, he brought it up on the spot.

The young Emperor Shu Jian sat upright and proper at the head table. Throughout the evening, except for necessary speaking, he had been listening to his Third Imperial Uncle in the seat beside him converse and laugh with others.

All evening, he saw that his Third Imperial Uncle’s face showed no signs of fatigue, responding left and right with exceptional bearing. While Shu Jian admired this, he felt extremely bored inside, only hoping the banquet would end quickly. Just now, this King He had toasted again, and suddenly mentioned his daughter.

Having read through various histories, Shu Jian knew that in such circumstances, when a daughter was mentioned, nine times out of ten, it meant marriage. Such opportunistic marriage alliances were indeed commonplace. Even if one hadn’t eaten pork, hadn’t one seen pigs run?

His heart immediately became anxious, fearing that this King He would set his sights on him, wanting him to make his daughter some sort of consort. He had no interest in this. He immediately lowered his gaze, making every effort to appear stern.

Fortunately, King He had set his sights on his Third Imperial Uncle. His heart relaxed, and he immediately turned to peek over.

Shu Shenhui’s expression remained smiling throughout. After listening, he slowly set down his cup and said, “Thank you for King He’s great favor. This Prince appreciates King He’s sentiment. However, this Prince has already established a Princess Consort. The position of secondary consort would surely slight your daughter. As your daughter is known as the Pearl of the Snowlands, her lifelong happiness should be carefully considered.”

Shu Jian understood – his Third Imperial Uncle didn’t want to take this secondary consort. Unexpectedly, King He didn’t understand and was instead very pleased, laughing heartily, “Thank you for the Regent Prince’s praise! So the Prince also knows my daughter Lin Hua has the title Pearl of the Snowlands? This is truly too kind! My daughter has no other special qualities, but regarding beauty and gentleness, without this king boasting, she could be considered one in a hundred.”

While saying he was unworthy of such praise, his expression showed some pride as he continued, “As for the position of Princess Consort, the Prince overthinks this. This king does not overestimate himself – I dare not presume so highly. Lin Hua’s status is insufficient; she would willingly serve the Prince as a secondary consort. If this marriage succeeds, it will be icing on the cake. When this king returns, it will also give the eight tribes an explanation!”

Truthfully, using marriage to stabilize bilateral relations was a common practice since ancient times. The Regent Prince’s previous establishment of Jiang Zuwang’s daughter as his consort was a ready example.

Tonight King He showed complete sincerity, and his words had reached this point. If The Regent Prince’s side continued to refuse, it would be like publicly humiliating him.

Wanxiang Hall fell silent as death. The Regent Prince, who was the focus of all attention, sat upright in his seat, looking at the expectant King He, and continued smiling: “Our two countries have different customs. King He is a straightforward person whom I greatly respect. However, according to Great Wei’s protocols, if this matter were accomplished so hastily, it would be disrespectful to King He and the eight tribes. This Prince understands King He’s intentions. Regarding this matter, please allow this Prince to make proper arrangements, then discuss details with the King?”

Before entering Chang’an, King He had learned that the Central Plains people emphasized etiquette. Not only for ceremonies like sacrifices and weddings, but even daily walking, sitting, lying down, and even drinking and eating involved countless elaborate rituals. Though tonight he wasn’t particularly satisfied with The Regent Prince’s response, finding it somewhat lukewarm, he couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong with it, so he raised his cup again: “Very well! This king’s sincerity is complete – I’ll await The Regent Prince’s arrangements!”

Shu Shenhui also raised his cup, toasted from afar, then drank it in one gulp.

After this minor incident passed, the palace banquet continued. When it ended, King He was thoroughly drunk and was escorted to the guesthouse to rest. Shu Shenhui also returned to the Prince’s mansion.

He returned very late. It was the latter half of the night. The street had already sounded the midnight watch drums.

Normally, if it were this late, he wouldn’t return, instead staying overnight in the palace. Moreover, roughly due to being too busy with King He’s affairs these past few days, he had already spent three consecutive nights away from the Prince’s mansion.

Jiang Hanyuan had naturally already gone to sleep. When he got into bed, she could smell wine on his breath.

Jiang Hanyuan knew tonight there was a palace banquet to welcome King He and his party, who had arrived during the day. As usual, since he didn’t speak, she also kept her eyes closed, continuing to pretend to be asleep.

But after he lay down, she felt that tonight he seemed different from before – not as settled.

Previously, since that night when the two had their long heart-to-heart talk, their interactions had become vastly different from the bumpy period right after their marriage. Of course, it wasn’t intimacy, but rather harmony with no more friction between them.

He followed his habit – during major court sessions or when daily affairs were too numerous, he would stay overnight at Wenlin Pavilion. When returning to the Prince’s mansion, if she had already closed her eyes, he wouldn’t disturb her.

Jiang Hanyuan felt that the night he returned three days ago, he had still slept peacefully. Unlike tonight, it was already too late, yet he seemed to have something on his mind, turning over several times on the pillow. For a long while, she didn’t hear him produce the breathing sounds of sleep.

She had gradually become familiar with this man who slept in the same bed every few days. Now, without opening her eyes, she could tell from his breathing whether he was awake or asleep. When he was awake, his breathing was extremely light, almost inaudible. But after he fell asleep, it became somewhat heavier.

That kind of even and long breathing sound, having heard it often, inexplicably made her feel comfortable. She would fall asleep quickly herself after hearing such breathing from him beside her pillow.

He was still awake.

She quietly opened her eyes and saw him with his eyes closed.

She hesitated several times, but still didn’t speak up to ask.

Though their relationship had improved recently since that heart-to-heart talk, they were still far from being able to inquire about each other’s private concerns.

They were merely two people with the same wish. All their words, actions, and treatment of each other revolved around this wish.

It was also because of this wish that they slept in the same bed.

Jiang Hanyuan didn’t want to make him feel she was being meddlesome. If he wanted to tell her himself, he would naturally speak up. Just like that day when he told her about his memorable experience of going out during his youth.

She finally suppressed her urge to ask and quietly turned over as well, deciding to go to sleep.

Moments later, Shu Shenhui slowly opened his eyes, turned his face, and his gaze settled on the back of his pillow companion’s head facing him.

Tomorrow morning – no, it should be this morning very early – King He would have an audience with the young Emperor, followed by detailed discussions about the alliance.

It was already so late, plus he had unavoidably drunk quite a bit tonight and was slightly intoxicated. He originally hadn’t planned to return and had already settled down to rest at Wenlin Pavilion, but in the end he had gotten up again, left the palace and returned to the Prince’s mansion.

He hadn’t expected her to come out and greet him in the middle of the night. After all, when he originally married her, it wasn’t to marry a Princess Consort who could serve and accompany him.

But at this moment, sleeping under the same canopy, as he tossed and turned with heavy thoughts, she was completely oblivious, paying him no attention whatsoever.

He didn’t know whether she was truly asleep or awake. If she were truly asleep, he could reluctantly accept it. But if she were awake, was she perhaps annoyed that he had disturbed her, finally even turning her back to him, only caring about her sleep?

Shu Shenhui couldn’t help feeling somewhat stifled. He also regretted why he had troubled himself tonight, leaving the palace to return. He shouldn’t have come back in the first place.

According to his temperament from years past, if he encountered such cold treatment, he would have long since gotten up and left. Why should he suffer such indifference? But now…

Times had changed. What right did he have to lose his temper with this daughter of the Jiang family, whom he couldn’t afford to offend, whom he had deliberately schemed to marry?

Forget it. He had to leave at the fifth watch anyway – there weren’t many hours left. Better to sleep and restore his energy for tomorrow.

Though he thought this way, the anger in his heart somehow grew stronger. Shu Shenhui stared at her back with her long hair spread out, suddenly very much wanting to know what kind of man could capture her heart.

He knew he was making himself miserable for no reason, but he really couldn’t help it.

Three days ago, he had finally received a piece of news.

It wasn’t important state affairs, but something completely trivial and personal.

The people he had previously sent to Yunluo City had sent back information, bringing him more details about that person named Wu Sheng.

Before the marriage, Prince Xian had vaguely mentioned it once, even trying his best to defend the Jiang woman and the monk in front of him. Last time when they were intimate, he had felt quite constrained in the end, which might also rule out the claim that the monk was her lover.

But so what? Did this prove that she and that monk hadn’t gone that far?

In any case, now he could be completely certain that his Princess Consort and that young monk named Wu Sheng indeed had an extraordinary relationship.

According to the information received, when the wedding procession reached Yanmen, the Princess Consort was actually in Yunluo City. The night before her departure, she had spent it in that monk’s cave dwelling. Some townspeople encountered her leaving the city at dusk to seek the monk, and she didn’t return all night. It was only the next morning that she appeared and departed.

What exactly had she and that monk done that night to spend an entire night together?

Don’t tell him she was listening to the monk chant scriptures. Impossible.

The monk was handsome, well-versed in Buddhist teachings, and now still lived alone in a cave dwelling, treating people’s ailments while translating scriptures.

Shu Shenhui found it hard to describe his feelings when he first received this news three days ago. Pleasant was certainly impossible. Jealousy? Dissatisfaction?

Also impossible. He had already known of this monk’s existence before marrying her. It hadn’t affected his mood or decision at all at the time. How could he possibly be so petty now, after merely a few months? Moreover, his reason for sending people to investigate details shortly after the marriage certainly couldn’t be for any other reason.

The only reason was consideration for protecting the marriage.

She would be returning to Yanmen before long.

How things were before truly didn’t matter, but now, having become his Princess Consort, she absolutely could not continue associating with the monk upon her return. Even lingering connections would not be permitted. Otherwise, if the matter spread in Chang’an, how could he maintain face? How could he preserve the authority he should have as Regent Prince before his ministers?

Shu Shenhui stared at her dark hair scattered around her neck and closed his eyes.

Before the fifth watch, he silently rose, washed, dressed, and prepared for court.

Having recuperated for nearly a month, the shallow wounds on Jiang Hanyuan’s body had healed, and her injured leg had mostly recovered. Walking had long been unimpeded.

Having been watched and confined to bed for so long before, now that she had regained freedom these past days, she naturally resumed her early-rising habit from her military camp days. She got up along with him. After he left, she would go to the small training ground to practice.

Her grooming and dressing were always simple, unlike his, who had to wear three or four layers inside and out, plus sashes, ceremonial crown, and boots. Especially on days like today, court dress was even more elaborate.

Zhang Bao knew the Regent Prince was dignified by nature, completely unlike those male heads of households in Chang’an’s wealthy families who habitually took advantage of servant girls as a routine. When he usually bathed or dressed, it was always Zhang Bao and his father who served him. Last night, he had risen again temporarily to leave the palace, and his father was elderly, so the Regent Prince had left him behind, saying it wasn’t necessary to follow. This morning, only Zhang Bao remained. Lady Zhuang had gone to check on the meal, with several maids nearby.

Zhang Bao helped the Regent Prince dress while glancing at the Princess Consort. She had finished grooming long ago but sat to one side, showing no intention whatsoever of coming over. Zhang Bao knew she never served The Regent Prince in such matters, but fearing he alone would delay the schedule, he had to call a maid over to assist.

As the maid reached for the outer robe, the Regent Prince suddenly said: “Get out.”

Zhang Bao thought he meant the maid should leave and quickly dismissed her. But then he said again: “You get out too.”

Zhang Bao felt he had been unpredictable these past few days. Last night after the Wanxiang Palace banquet, he had already lain down, then suddenly gotten up to return to the Prince’s mansion. In just two hours, he had to get up again. What was the point?

Zhang Bao was baffled, but feeling the Regent Prince’s morning temper seemed quite foul, he dared not ask more questions and quickly withdrew. Only the two of them remained in the room.

Seeing Shu Shenhui standing with his clothes half-dressed, motionless, his eyes looking directly at her with obvious meaning, Jiang Hanyuan had no choice but to walk over, pick up his outer robe, and unfold it.

Having watched him dress for so long, she had naturally learned.

“Your Highness, please extend your arms.”

He slowly extended his arms straight. Jiang Hanyuan put the sleeve over one arm, moved behind him, then put on the right sleeve, finally returning to his front to close the front panels. She then took his sash and wrapped it around his waist from behind. As she lowered her head to tie it, she felt him watching her the entire time. Looking up, indeed, their eyes met.

“Does Your Highness have something to discuss?”

If he didn’t have something to tell her, why would he dismiss Zhang Bao and the others, having her serve him in dressing?

This behavior was truly unusual.

“Lady Jiang, I have something to tell you.” He spoke up.

Jiang Hanyuan couldn’t help being slightly stunned. Recently, she hadn’t heard him address her with such formality.

“Please speak, Your Highness.” She immediately replied, continuing to tie his sash. Soon it was fastened. She then took the jade ornaments that matched his court dress. As the ornaments were attached, they clinked against the golden hooks on his sash, creating several pleasant, low chiming sounds in this deeply curtained room.

“Last night at the palace banquet welcoming King He, you should know about it. During the banquet, King He proposed a marriage alliance, wishing to marry his daughter to me as a secondary consort.” He spoke these words in a calm voice amid the chiming of gold and jade.

Jiang Hanyuan’s hands stopped at his narrow waist, paused for a moment, then looked up again. He was still watching her in the same way, his eyes naturally dark, yet reflecting two points of candlelight from the silver candle opposite, as if flickering with dim light in the depths of his eyes.

Jiang Hanyuan gazed at him for a moment, then lowered her eyes and continued fastening the jade ornaments.

“What does the Princess Consort think – should I accept or not?” His voice sounded again beside Jiang Hanyuan’s ear.

The jade ornaments were fastened. The feel of the ornament’s face was just like that piece the former young Lord Anle had thrown to her – the same warmth and smoothness.

Her hand gently left the ornament face hanging at his waist, arranged the silk tassels beneath it, then withdrew her hand and looked up again: “Follow Your Highness’s heart.”

She said this.

His expression was like water, showing no emotion. Jiang Hanyuan waited silently for a moment, then saw his crown waiting to be worn nearby and reached for it.

“Your Highness, please lower your head slightly.”

His eyes watched her as he slowly lowered his head slightly toward her. Under his steady gaze, she firmly lifted the crown and placed it on him.

He straightened up.

“Since the Princess Consort says so, this Prince will accept.”

With some coldness, he withdrew his gaze from her face, raised his hand to adjust his crown himself, then turned and strode away from her.