Early the next morning, Shen Miao was to accompany Xie Jingxing to the palace to meet the Yongle Emperor. Since this was their first meeting, she needed to wear court attire befitting the rank of a Prince Consort. When Xie Jingxing came out, Shen Miao couldn’t help but be stunned.

The court attire of Great Liang was certainly different from Ming Qi’s. Ming Qi’s tended toward delicate beauty, while Great Liang’s appeared more majestic and dignified. Xie Jingxing wore a purple-gold flowing robe embroidered with qilin patterns, an official hat, blue boots, and an agate belt, looking extraordinarily imposing. Without his usual cynical demeanor, he appeared somewhat unapproachable.

Shen Miao had breakfast with him, and then they took a carriage to the imperial palace. Because of what had happened the previous night, Shen Miao felt somewhat uncomfortable, but Xie Jingxing seemed quite pleased with her demeanor, deliberately bringing it up during the carriage ride, his words quite wicked.

Shen Miao thought that he was truly uninhibited now that he was back in Great Liang. Though she felt somewhat heavy-hearted about meeting the Yongle Emperor for the first time, Xie Jingxing’s jokes and banter made her feel much more relaxed.

The Rui Prince’s mansion was not far from the imperial palace, perhaps deliberately so by Xie Jingxing’s design. The guards at the palace gates saw Xie Jingxing and let them pass directly. Jingzhe and Guyu, as Shen Miao’s senior maids, followed behind her, barely daring to breathe, walking carefully, afraid of making any disrespectful move that might cause trouble for Shen Miao.

The palace maids and eunuchs in the Great Liang palace kept their heads down, attending to their duties, but as Shen Miao passed by, she could still feel some inquisitive gazes falling upon her. This was her first visit to the Great Liang palace, and perhaps many people had opinions about what kind of wife Xie Jingxing had taken. The common people might be tolerant toward her, but officials were different. Given Xie Jingxing’s sensitive status, if Shen Miao guessed correctly, the title of Rui Prince Consort was something many women competed for.

Her every move represented not only her role as the Rui Prince Consort but also the dignity of the Shen family from Ming Qi.

With this in mind, Shen Miao unconsciously straightened her back even more, her appearance becoming more dignified, unwittingly adopting the bearing of an Empress from her previous life.

Xie Jingxing noticed this and smiled playfully, leaning close to her ear and whispering, “No need to be so tense. You’re about to outshine the Empress.”

Shen Miao glared at him. This was hardly the time, yet Xie Jingxing remained as improper as ever. The palace had many eyes and ears, and undoubtedly some belonged to the Yongle Emperor. With Xie Jingxing’s attitude, what if it reached the Yongle Emperor’s ears? Would she be labeled a femme fatale? In her previous life, she had been the respectful and virtuous Empress, never a national calamity of a temptress.

Just as she was thinking, Xie Jingxing directly took hold of her hand. Shen Miao instinctively tried to pull away, saying, “If people see…”

“So what if people see?” Xie Jingxing said with displeasure. “Does this Prince need others’ approval to hold his Princess Consort’s hand?”

Shen Miao wanted to say more, but saw that they had already followed Xie Jingxing to a side hall. Outside the door stood a plump eunuch who, upon seeing the two of them, said, “Greetings, Your Highness. His Majesty and Her Majesty have been waiting for some time.”

Whether intentionally or not, he did not greet Shen Miao.

“Chief Eunuch Deng, this is my beloved wife,” Xie Jingxing refused to let it pass and pushed Shen Miao forward, saying, “Why don’t you pay your respects?”

Shen Miao mentally rolled her eyes at Xie Jingxing. This Eunuch Deng had received orders from his master to treat her this way. Who could this master be if not the Yongle Emperor? Yet instead of going along with it, Xie Jingxing deliberately brought it up. It seemed they had come today to argue, hadn’t they?

Eunuch Deng’s smile remained unchanged as he immediately became obsequious, looking at Shen Miao and saying, “So it’s the Princess Consort. This servant was blind, Please forgive me, Princess Consort.”

Shen Miao was not like Xie Jingxing; she smiled gently and said, “It’s nothing.”

Xie Jingxing glanced at Eunuch Deng and said, “That’s enough. Royal Brother is so displeased with me, yet still wants me to come. Why?” Then he smirked, “If my wife hadn’t persuaded me today, who would want to come see him?”

Eunuch Deng and Shen Miao: “…”

Shen Miao tugged at his sleeve, and Xie Jingxing said, “What are you afraid of? As the mistress of the Rui Prince’s mansion, you needn’t fear anyone. Don’t be afraid; if anyone bullies you, your husband will stand up for you.”

He didn’t lower his voice, and even the quick-witted Eunuch Deng couldn’t help but show embarrassment on his face. Suddenly, violent coughing came from inside the hall. Eunuch Deng startled and said, “Please, Your Highness and Princess Consort, follow this servant inside.”

Shen Miao was pulled along by Xie Jingxing and followed him in.

All the way, she kept her head lowered, not daring to look up, as was proper for a first audience with the Emperor. Shen Miao knew the Yongle Emperor probably didn’t like her, so she didn’t want to make any mistakes in these details, behaving flawlessly. She could only see the smooth marble floor of the hall, carved with cloud patterns and covered with soft wool carpets.

“Your subject brother pays respects to Royal Brother,” Xie Jingxing said languidly, barely making a gesture of salutation.

While Xie Jingxing was so unrestrained, Shen Miao could not be. She didn’t kneel either but bowed respectfully, saying, “This subject’s wife pays respects to Your Majesty.”

“So you are Shen Miao?” After a while, a dignified, deep voice sounded, “Raise your head.”

Shen Miao raised her head.

The man sitting on the high seat was not very old, perhaps in his thirties, with sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose, and thin lips. He bore a seven or eight parts resemblance to Xie Jingxing. While Xie Jingxing’s features were softer, his expression was sharper, beautifully blending grace and vigor. The middle-aged man before her, perhaps due to his long-standing high position, lacked that gentle quality and, compared to Xie Jingxing’s playfulness, appeared more upright and unyielding. His gaze was profound, always carrying a coldness when looking at people, as if trying to see through to their very core.

Though the two brothers had some facial resemblance and both were elegant and noble, their temperaments were completely different. Xie Jingxing looked like a playboy who treated everything with cynical indolence, while this man was strict with himself and others, constantly vigilant and steady.

Shen Miao was surprised; she hadn’t expected the historically renowned wise ruler, the Yongle Emperor, to be so young and imposing. He was completely different from the gray-haired, half-elderly man she had imagined.

While she was observing the Yongle Emperor, he was also examining her. The Yongle Emperor’s gaze was even sharper, carrying a pressing sense of authority, his face cold, as if he might explode in anger at any moment. An ordinary young woman subjected to such a gaze would likely be frightened to tears. But Shen Miao was different from ordinary young women; when she faced Fu Xiuyi in the past, Fu Xiuyi’s cold expressions toward her were far more numerous than this.

Seeing that her expression remained calm, the Yongle Emperor’s eyes flashed with a fierce light. In the hall, Xie Jingxing’s lazy voice rang out: “Have you looked enough, Royal Brother? If you look any more, this subject brother will be uncomfortable.”

Shen Miao paused, inwardly astonished. She had been wondering what kind of relationship Xie Jingxing had with the Yongle Emperor. While she had vaguely sensed that these two brothers might be more genuine than the imperial brothers in Ming Qi, she hadn’t expected Xie Jingxing to dare speak to the Yongle Emperor like this. Moreover, the Yongle Emperor didn’t even seem angry.

Within royal families, there were numerous rules, and given their delicate positions, it was impossible to have brotherly affection like ordinary commoners. For brothers not to kill each other and remain friendly was already a luxury. Moreover, Xie Jingxing had spent so many years in Ming Qi, yet now he and the Yongle Emperor seemed like ordinary brothers who had grown up together.

“Jingxing, speaking like that will make me angry too,” a smiling voice came forth. Shen Miao’s gaze fell on the woman beside the Yongle Emperor.

This must be the Yongle Emperor’s wife, Great Liang’s Xiande Empress.

The Xiande Empress looked younger than the Yongle Emperor, wearing a citron-colored court dress with gold embroidered edges and a wide waistband. This attire was considered quite simple and plain. She appeared dignified, clearly from a prestigious family with a good upbringing, intelligent and composed. Sitting beside the Yongle Emperor, she smiled at Xie Jingxing.

Shen Miao recalled that Xie Jingxing had once praised the Xiande Empress. Not many women could earn praise from someone as picky as Xie Jingxing, so for the Xiande Empress to be one of them, she must have something special. Even without Xie Jingxing’s praise, Shen Miao felt goodwill toward the Xiande Empress, because her elegant and composed demeanor was something that even Shen Miao, who had been an Empress in her previous life, found herself lacking.

“Jingxing’s wife, the young lady from the Shen family of Ming Qi,” the Xiande Empress nodded to her and smiled gently. “I’ve been curious about what kind of girl could make Jingxing settle down. Now that I see you, I understand. Jingxing has good taste.”

Shen Miao repeatedly said she didn’t deserve such praise.

However, the Xiande Empress’s compliments displeased the Yongle Emperor. He glanced at the Xiande Empress, seemingly unhappy, but just said in a deep voice, “The customs of Ming Qi and Great Liang are different. Since you’ve married into Great Liang, you must follow Great Liang’s customs.”

“Royal Brother,” Xie Jingxing interrupted him, “I will naturally teach her the rules. If I can’t teach her, you needn’t worry. I’ll handle the people in the Rui Prince’s mansion myself. Royal Brother should just mind his own business.”

Xie Jingxing’s protection of Shen Miao and his disrespect toward the Yongle Emperor in front of her finally angered the Yongle Emperor, who said, “You’re so protective of your wife? I can’t even say a word? Do you want me to give you this throne to sit on?”

“Forget it,” Xie Jingxing waved dismissively. “Keep that seat for yourself, this subject brother isn’t interested. But I finally managed to bring back a wife. If you interfere and she runs away, what am I to do? Live a lonely life?”

Shen Miao: “…”

If Xie Jingxing were Fu Xiuyi’s brother and spoke to Fu Xiuyi like this, he would have died ten times over by now.

The Yongle Emperor stood up, glanced at Shen Miao with a thoroughly threatening look, then turned and stormed off. Halfway out, seeing that Xie Jingxing still stood beside Shen Miao with no intention of following, he grew furious again and shouted, “Get over here!”

Xie Jingxing sighed helplessly and said to the Xiande Empress, “Sister-in-law, I leave my Jiaojiao to you.” Then to Shen Miao, he said, “I’ll come back for you after finishing business.”

After Xie Jingxing and the Yongle Emperor left, the Xiande Empress smiled slightly, also stood up, and walked to Shen Miao’s side, saying, “It’s stuffy in here. Since you’ve never been to the Great Liang palace before, let me show you around.”

Shen Miao quickly agreed.

The Xiande Empress was very kind, with hardly any Empress airs about her. The two went for a casual stroll in the Imperial Garden. Along the way, the Xiande Empress asked if she had adjusted to life in Longye. Her manner of speaking was like that of an affectionate elder sister, making one feel very comfortable.

“Since Jingxing returned to Longye, in these few years, I haven’t seen him take an interest in any young lady. I thought he might never like any girl, but unexpectedly, he took a wife in Ming Qi. Though it was surprising, I was relieved; otherwise, I would have worried about him spending his whole life alone, without a companion.”

Hearing this, Shen Miao smiled and said, “How could the Prince ever be alone? Even in the Ming Qi, many young ladies admired him from a young age. He would never be by himself.”

The Xiande Empress shook her head with a smile, “But have you ever seen him treat anyone especially well?”

Shen Miao was stunned.

The Xiande Empress had already continued, “Jingxing and His Majesty appear to be different people, but actually, the two brothers are the same. His Majesty appears cold on the surface, and his temperament is cold. Jingxing seems gentle and approachable, but his temperament is also cold. Perhaps he is aware that his status is special, and things he shouldn’t desire, he shouldn’t desire.” She looked at Shen Miao with a smile, “I suppose Jingxing has told you his secret, so it’s no longer a secret.”

“Such a small child, having to live in hiding from childhood, concealing both his identity and his feelings, gradually developing self-control, but his heart also hardened. This is good for members of the royal family, but not for him. I’ve always thought, if Jingxing were just like His Majesty, then his life would be too unfair. Fortunately, his fate is better than His Majesty’s; he met you.”

Listening to the Xiande Empress’s words, Shen Miao felt some hesitation. In her brief interaction with the Xiande Empress, she found the Empress to be someone likable at first sight. Unlike those who deliberately try to please, the Xiande Empress had a subtle way of making people feel comfortable. She seemed to live authentically, not even like a woman from the harem.

But what did she mean by saying Xie Jingxing’s fate was better than the Yongle Emperor’s?

This was too difficult to answer, so Shen Miao could only listen quietly without speaking.

“His Majesty has deep expectations for Jingxing,” the Xiande Empress said. “He hopes Jingxing can live comfortably and happily, but also hopes that Jingxing won’t change his original intentions because he’s attached to a comfortable life. His Majesty has lived a hard life. If His Majesty hurts you because of this, please don’t blame him.”

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “Whatever decision His Majesty makes, this subject’s wife has no right to blame him. However,” she looked at the Xiande Empress, “does the Empress have something she wishes to tell me?”

The Xiande Empress smiled and sighed, “When I first saw you just now, I felt a sense of familiarity about you. You are a clever girl, I know, but clever people often see things as fixed. If they don’t resolve matters themselves, the knot in their heart can never be untied.”

Shen Miao frowned slightly; she vaguely felt the Xiande Empress had something implied in her words.

“His Majesty values Jingxing greatly. Although His Majesty has agreed to Jingxing’s marriage, he is ultimately displeased in his heart. Jingxing naturally has ways to resist His Majesty’s decisions, but you’re different. You’re a girl from Ming Qi; in Great Liang, there will always be many restrictions for you.” The Xiande Empress said, “I like you very much, but I am also His Majesty’s wife. I cannot change His Majesty’s decisions; I only hope you can be more comfortable.”

Shen Miao asked, “Is His Majesty planning something?”

Just as the Xiande Empress was about to speak, a coquettish female voice came from behind, “Sister is in good spirits today, even coming to stroll in the Imperial Garden.”

Shen Miao and the Xiande Empress turned their heads to see several palace attendants accompanying a woman in palace attire emerging from a small corridor on the other side of the garden. This woman wore a silver-vermilion purple-gold hundred-phoenix gown, with agate jade flowers and silver hairpins. It was the height of spring, yet she was dressed even more brilliantly than the spring day. As she came closer, it became apparent that this woman was indeed beautiful, though whether it was her dazzling attire that made her appear somewhat frivolous was uncertain.

She approached with a seductive grace and curtsied to the Xiande Empress, though somewhat carelessly, as if she didn’t hold the Xiande Empress in high regard.

“Oh, it’s Sister Jing Fei,” the Xiande Empress responded neutrally.

Shen Miao thought to herself that this Jing Fei seemed only in her early twenties, yet could already hold the rank of “Consort.” Either her family background was extremely prestigious, or she was highly favored. However, Shen Miao felt that compared to the Xiande Empress, apart from being younger and more beautiful, this Jing Fei seemed inferior in temperament to the Xiande Empress by far. She really couldn’t see what about her would merit the Yongle Emperor’s favor.

Jing Fei seemed to notice Shen Miao only now and asked, “This face is quite unfamiliar. Which household’s madam is she?”

Shen Miao was now dressed as a married woman with her hair styled accordingly, so although her face looked young, no one would mistake her for an unmarried daughter from an official’s family.

“This is the Rui Prince’s wife, the Rui Princess Consort.” The Xiande Empress didn’t seem to want to introduce Shen Miao much to Jing Fei, keeping her words simple.

But once these words were uttered, Jing Fei’s expression changed. Upon hearing this, she first exclaimed in surprise, “Rui Princess Consort?” and then began to look Shen Miao up and down.

Unlike the Yongle Emperor’s sharp scrutinizing gaze, and even more unlike the Xiande Empress’s kind observation, this woman’s gaze was extremely rude, as if examining some object. After looking her over, she snorted and said in a neither hot nor cold tone, “I thought she must be an extraordinarily beautiful woman to make the Rui Prince travel thousands of miles to bring her back to Great Liang. Now that I see her…” She smiled maliciously, “Perhaps my taste is poor, but I really can’t see anything special about her.”

Shen Miao didn’t know what connection or enmity she had with this woman, so she cautiously remained silent. The Xiande Empress’s expression, however, grew cold, and she said, “Indeed, people who Jing Fei can see as special are rare.”

Shen Miao was somewhat surprised that the Xiande Empress would quarrel with Jing Fei for her sake, and felt that the Xiande Empress in this state somewhat resembled the Yongle Emperor.

However, the Xiande Empress’s sarcastic remark didn’t have its intended effect; it seemed Jing Fei either didn’t understand or chose to ignore it. Jing Fei looked at Shen Miao, suddenly smiled, and said, “It seems Sister has a good relationship with the Rui Princess Consort, even coming to stroll in the garden together. I wonder if Sister was telling the Rui Princess Consort some secret? You should indeed tell her, after all, the Rui Princess Consort has just arrived and probably doesn’t know many things.”

Shen Miao looked at Jing Fei.

Jing Fei giggled, “I guess so. The Rui Prince is busy every day; how would he have time to tell the Rui Princess Consort about things in Great Liang? Speaking of which, a few days ago, my fourth sister was asking when the Rui Prince would return. She said she learned a new melody and wanted the Rui Prince to give her some guidance.”

The Xiande Empress angrily said, “Jing Fei!”

Shen Miao suddenly understood. She had wondered why Jing Fei would aim her hostility at her without reason, but now it was clear. Just as Xie Jingxing attracted admirers in Ming Qi, in Great Liang, with his status as the Rui Prince, the beauties were even more numerous. Now that she had just arrived, she was already being resented.

Jing Fei smiled at Shen Miao, “If the Rui Princess Consort is free, you might invite my fourth sister to your mansion for a visit. My fourth sister has always enjoyed making friends. If the Rui Princess Consort is not busy, having one more sister is good.”

One more sister? Shen Miao laughed coldly inside. More like one more sister in the back courtyard.

She had intended to politely brush it off, but her gaze fell on the white jade finger guard that Xie Jingxing had given her, and Shen Miao suddenly changed her mind. She smiled and said, “I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

Jing Fei was startled, and the Xiande Empress also froze, seemingly surprised that Shen Miao would respond this way.

“His Highness has entrusted me with managing everything in the Rui Prince’s mansion, from major matters like public funds to minor ones like shop accounts, servants, guards, and incoming and outgoing visit cards. I’m so busy that I’m afraid I don’t have time to entertain guests.” Shen Miao smiled warmly, with a hint of apology, “Since I’ve just arrived, and His Highness trusts me, I dare not fail him. If the fourth young lady is interested, she can go find His Highness for a chat. I simply don’t have the time.”

These words left Jing Fei speechless, with anger rising in her heart.

Shen Miao’s words seemed gentle and mild, saying she had no time to accompany guests, but they were a blatant boast. Look how much the Rui Prince doted on her, entrusting all the affairs of the Prince’s mansion to Shen Miao. This was, of course, because Shen Miao was the only mistress in the Prince’s mansion, but if not for loving someone, why would one entrust shop accounts, servants, and guards to her? At this rate, it was almost as if the Rui Princess Consort was managing the Rui Prince himself.

The Rui Princess Consort was showing off in various ways how high her status was in the Prince’s mansion!

Shen Miao was busy with proper matters, but she also subtly trampled on Jing Fei’s fourth sister, implying that she had nothing better to do all day than run to someone else’s mansion and cause trouble, which was hardly virtuous.

The Xiande Empress’s lips curved slightly upward.

Jing Fei’s face turned ashen with anger.

Shen Miao typically avoided making enemies, especially in unfamiliar places, but this time Jing Fei had provoked her anger. If she didn’t firmly win this round, wouldn’t everyone think they could step on her in the future?

With timing, location, and people all in her favor, plus Xie Jingxing supporting her from behind, she’d be a fool to back down!

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “I’ve heard that kind-hearted women are most empathetic. Consort Jing is so concerned that I might be lonely and wants to find some sisters to keep me company. I imagine you must be empathizing from personal experience. Perhaps Consort Jing also has times of loneliness. Why not find a few sisters to visit the palace in the future? That way, Consort Jing would also be much happier.”

Jing Fei was so angry she almost couldn’t catch her breath!

Shen Miao’s words were clever: Jing Fei had suggested Shen Miao invite her fourth sister to the mansion to add a “sister” to her backyard, and Shen Miao, being clever, immediately returned the suggestion, telling Jing Fei to add a few “sisters” in the palace too!

Jing Fei was furious. She was currently in her prime, but she had also been here for several years. Every year, so many beautiful candidates entered the palace, and the Emperor’s favor was most precious. If several more stunning “sisters” came, how would she maintain her position?

This Rui Princess Consort had such a sharp tongue!

The Xiande Empress suddenly laughed and said, “So Sister Jing Fei is lonely. That’s easy to fix. Tomorrow I’ll mention to His Majesty that the palace has been somewhat quiet lately, and it’s time to add a few new sisters.”

Jing Fei immediately became anxious and said, “Not lonely, I’m not lonely!” The Xiande Empress’s position as Empress was secure; adding a few sisters wouldn’t matter to her. But Jing Fei was currently favored, and she feared losing the Emperor’s attention.

Shen Miao was grateful for the Xiande Empress’s support, and though she knew the Xiande Empress was just playing along, she still said earnestly, “Consort Jing, please don’t refuse. Since you’ve been considerate of me, I should return the favor.” She spoke as if Jing Fei should be thanking her.

A soft laugh, “hmph,” came from not far away. Everyone turned to look and saw the Yongle Emperor and Xie Jingxing standing behind the garden. Hidden by the shrubbery, they hadn’t been noticed, and it wasn’t clear how long they had been listening.

The Yongle Emperor’s expression was cold, showing neither pleasure nor anger. He merely said flatly, “Rui Prince, this wife of yours has quite a clever tongue.” He was displeased; it seemed that Shen Miao and the Xiande Empress’s deliberately teasing Jing Fei had been overheard.

Jing Fei ran toward the Yongle Emperor with a grieved look, “Your Majesty…”

Xie Jingxing walked over, patted Shen Miao’s head as if praising his backyard’s white tiger cub, and said with satisfaction, “Jiaojiao is so thoughtful, even knowing to be considerate of others’ feelings.” Then he glanced at the Yongle Emperor, “Since Jing Fei wants sisters, Royal Brother should oblige. The palace can certainly afford to keep idle people.”

Hearing this, Jing Fei felt both anxious and flustered. Biting her lip, she looked at the Yongle Emperor with a pitiful expression.

Shen Miao wanted to laugh. Jing Fei had come aggressively, but she was brainless, and now the situation was reversed—it seemed like they were all bullying Jing Fei. She wondered how the Yongle Emperor could favor such a woman.

The Yongle Emperor said, “Since when did you start managing my affairs?”

“Didn’t Royal Brother’s concubine manage my Princess Consort’s affairs?” Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow and looked at Jing Fei. He was handsome and romantic; normally always smiling lazily, the palace ladies also liked his romantic appearance, but they all knew in their hearts that this Rui Prince was not someone to be trifled with.

His gaze was sharp, his tone calm, yet it made people involuntarily shiver.

He said, “Jing Fei, are you sure you want me to listen to your fourth sister play music?”

Jing Fei trembled with fear.