Shen Xihe’s expression remained mild, with a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing at her lips. “Don’t rely on hearsay to know someone; don’t trust too easily when judging someone.”
One shouldn’t depend on rumors to know a person, nor should one be quick to trust when trying to understand someone.
While she wasn’t as deplorable as rumors suggested, she also wasn’t as gentle and kind as Fifth Lady You believed.
“Crown Princess’s words are golden wisdom, and most true. Fifth Sister is forthright by nature and means no offense. Please forgive her, Your Highness.” Third Lady You rose and attempted an awkward curtsy to Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe could tell Third Lady You was a strong-willed woman who likely hadn’t learned proper feminine etiquette, probably having only hastily studied some basics before coming to the temporary palace for this audience.
“It’s no major issue. Since you came to meet me, naturally you would want to learn about my character. Coming without preparation could lead to unpleasant situations if taboos were violated, so your intentions were good.” Shen Xihe wasn’t so petty and didn’t find their behavior offensive.
Third Lady You’s expression relaxed as she pulled her sister back to their seats.
“The Crown Princess is kind and virtuous. No wonder His Majesty appointed Your Highness to manage the inner palace. It’s truly our fortune,” suddenly came a soft, flattering voice.
This was a plump beauty with skin like white jade, full and rounded in figure, wearing a goose-yellow jacket and skirt. Her features were gentle, her eyes bright and gleaming, remarkably similar to a piece of yellow amber Shen Xihe had recently admired – a kind of beauty that was pleasantly plump and delightful to behold.
Shen Xihe knew she was An Zhengyi, daughter of the Protector-General of Andong. Though the Protector-General had many wives and concubines with eight sons between them, this one daughter, despite being born of a concubine, was treasured by the entire household.
When An Zhengyi met Shen Xihe’s gaze, she revealed an eagerness to please and respect.
Shen Xihe gave her a slight smile, maintaining her composure.
For some reason, she felt An Zhengyi showed an inexplicable eagerness toward her that was completely absent in the other ladies. She couldn’t recall having any previous connection with the An family.
After chatting with them briefly, Shen Xihe dismissed them. She didn’t dwell on An Zhengyi’s constant flattery – whatever purpose she had would reveal itself eventually.
That night, following His Majesty’s instructions, Shen Xihe arranged a welcoming banquet with some singing and dancing performances.
“First there was the Turk invasion, then the assassination attempt at Xiangguo Temple, and now the drought in Dengzhou affecting hundreds of li,” Emperor Youning suddenly spoke in a heavy tone. “With such successive misfortunes, I think we need a joyous occasion to counter them.”
After several rounds of drinks, the Emperor appeared to be in high spirits. While many were curious about the “joyous occasion” he mentioned, no one expected Emperor Youning to publicly announce the marriage between Xiao Changying and You Wenjun.
You Wenjun seemed to have anticipated this and showed no hesitation, rising with her father to thank the Emperor for his grace.
Only Xiao Changying appeared completely caught off guard, frozen in place by the Emperor’s sudden marriage decree.
Xiao Changqing’s eyes also flashed with surprise, but he recovered quickly, smiling at his rigid brother at the neighboring table: “Brother, are you overcome with joy? Quickly thank His Majesty!”
Xiao Changying finally came to his senses. He instinctively wanted to look at Shen Xihe, but after barely turning his neck, his rationality stopped him. If he looked at Shen Xihe at this moment, who wouldn’t see through his feelings? How would others view his relationship with Shen Xihe?
What purpose would it serve except to add to her stigma?
The Emperor used “countering misfortune” as his reason, leaving no room for refusal. Moreover, the bride was You family’s eldest legitimate daughter. Fortunately, he had already planned to take a wife, though the Emperor’s sudden announcement without prior notice caught him unprepared. He stood up: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace.”
Originally, he had planned to be upfront with his future wife beforehand. If she still wished to marry him after knowing everything, he couldn’t be blamed for being unfaithful.
Now that wasn’t possible. However, this was the Emperor’s bestowed grace, not his pursuit. Given the You family’s current status, why would they enter these troubled waters unless they sought this glory themselves?
His Majesty had many princes, and the Crown Prince was said to die young. He and the You family had no prior relationship to speak of. At this time, marrying into the royal family – the You family must have their agenda.
They had already become the leading power in the Northeast frontier, far from royal court politics and wanting for nothing.
Third Lady You was already seventeen – at this age, if she had wanted to, she would have been married long ago…
Thinking this way, Xiao Changying felt less guilty. Others chose this path; he was merely chosen. There was no reason to devote himself to someone he hadn’t chosen.
“Your Majesty, we’ve all brought our children to the capital. You mustn’t show favoritism,” At this moment, the Protector-General of Andong An Jingnan stood up. Having been Emperor Youning’s guard in his youth, and then achieving merit alongside him to reach his current position, he couldn’t help showing some roguish behavior when the Emperor was in a good mood.
Emperor Youning wasn’t angry at all, pointing at him playfully while mock-scolding: “When have I ever shortchanged you? Just say it – which family’s son has caught your eye? I’ll certainly arrange the marriage for you.”
An Jingnan laughed heartily, telling An Zhengyi: “Daughter, quickly take this chance to ask His Majesty to make a decision. Once this moment passes, beware that His Majesty might not acknowledge it.”
In the entire court, perhaps only An Jingnan dared speak to Emperor Youning this way, and peculiarly, His Majesty enjoyed his manner, never considering it disrespectful.
An Zhengyi stood up, appearing uneasy and nervous, asking softly: “Your Majesty, can you arrange a marriage for your humble servant with whoever I admire?”
“Tell me first. If there’s mutual affection, I’ll certainly help fulfill it,” Emperor Youning said kindly.
An Zhengyi was silent for a moment, then seemingly gathering all her courage, stepped out from behind her table and performed a deep bow before the Emperor: “Your Majesty, your servant saw someone in childhood who appeared divine, and since then has viewed all other men as ordinary. Seeing him again now, I fell in love at first sight and cannot forget him. Your servant knows this gentleman holds no place in his heart for me. However, since Your Majesty asks, I dare not deceive you and must express my feelings, regardless of the outcome, so as not to waste this admiration.”
Her determined and desperate all-or-nothing gesture made everyone present curious about the object of her affection.
“A general’s daughter, frank and sincere,” Emperor Youning praised. “Go ahead and speak – I’ll help arrange it.”
An Zhengyi, who had been keeping her head down, suddenly looked up. Her features were as delicate as a painting, her eyes slightly moving: “Your Majesty, your servant admires the Crown Prince’s dragon-like bearing and phoenix-like countenance.”
The statement caused tremendous shock, with everyone drawing in sharp breaths.
The Crown Prince was already married, and An Zhengyi, being a concubine’s daughter, though favored, wasn’t qualified to be Crown Princess. However, she was more than suitable to be a secondary consort in the Eastern Palace.
Since An Zhengyi had spoken up, she was naturally willing to enter the Eastern Palace as a secondary consort.
At once, everyone looked toward the Eastern Palace couple.
Shen Xihe’s expression remained peaceful, her eyes quiet and undisturbed, showing no ripples.
The Crown Prince, however, suddenly burst into violent coughing, his face anxious and alarmed. Seemingly forgetting where he was, he clutched Shen Xihe’s sleeve, stuttering almost pleadingly: “I… I… have absolutely… no other… intentions…”
Everyone: …