The Princess of Huaiyang, whom everyone perceived as struggling to maintain appearances, smiled and spoke: “Today marks the opening of the Qiu Jie Poetry Society. I’m grateful for your presence. After refreshments, we’ll distribute poetry prompt tokens. Please let your creativity flow and compose some quatrains.”

Many of Mian Tang’s guests were genuine talents, naturally enthusiastic about composing poetry. The guests, adorned with autumn chrysanthemums, sat cross-legged on mats or stood holding wine cups, eagerly awaiting their turn to draw topics.

After her announcement, Mian Tang whispered to Cui Fu beside her, “Sister, you know me. My knowledge is somewhat lacking. Though I’ve memorized a few of Xingzhou’s poems to get by, I’ll be exposed after a few rounds. You’ll need to uphold the Wang mansion’s reputation.”

Cui Fu wanted to glare at her unreliable sister-in-law, regardless of the crowd. Instead of resting at home during pregnancy, Mian Tang insisted on organizing this poetry society and dragging her out just after her confinement. Now she was entrusting her with such a responsibility, causing anxiety.

However, Cui Fu knew Mian Tang had been feeling cooped up lately, so she sighed softly and assured her she would step in during the poetry competition. Her gentle demeanor was out of sympathy for her sister-in-law.

Her usually calm brother had been glaring and speaking coldly to Mian Tang recently, yet Mian Tang remained unperturbed, always smiling at her husband’s cold shoulder. Cui Fu found it distressing, reminded of her own experiences in the Qing Guo Duke’s mansion. A husband’s emotional distance was the most hurtful.

She never expected her ninth brother to treat his pregnant wife this way. Yet, as it was a private matter between the couple, Cui Fu felt it wasn’t her place to intervene. Despite living in the Wang mansion, she didn’t know what had transpired between her brother and sister-in-law.

After her confinement, acquainted ladies visited her, subtly probing for information. Some close friends even shared rumors that Liu Mian Tang had once been a bandit. Cui Fu was shocked, questioning the source of such absurd claims.

Later, the wife of an Imperial Guard General, who had also been promoted from Zhen Prefecture, spoke more directly. She claimed that the Princess of Huaiyang was likely the infamous Lu Wen from Yangshan.

Cui Fu was stunned, feeling as if she might go into labor again from shock. Although she had married far away, she knew of Lu Wen’s notorious reputation. How could the gentle Mian Tang be Lu Wen?

Just yesterday, she had secretly questioned Cui Xingzhou. He decided to be honest with his sister, explaining, “She was led astray in her youth and now doesn’t remember those times. Don’t trouble her by asking about it.”

Cui Fu was shaken, her mouth opening and closing in shock. As the legitimate daughter of the Wang family, she could think of countless ways to discreetly handle such a scandal. After all, finding a new daughter-in-law wasn’t difficult for the Wang family.

But thinking of Mian Tang, Cui Fu couldn’t bear the thought. Such a clever and beautiful woman was unmatched in the entire capital. Moreover, this sister-in-law had been exemplary towards the Wang family, her mother-in-law, and even herself.

During the Zhen Prefecture upheaval, without Mian Tang, who knew how the Wang family would have fared?

If her brother hadn’t married her, Cui Fu would have advised him to cut his losses. But now, with a child on the way, discarding the mother and keeping the child would be inhumane.

At a loss, she could only ask her brother what to do.

Cui Xingzhou reassured his sister, “We’ve been married for some time now, and we’re expecting a child. She’s reformed, so don’t worry. We’ll live our lives well together.”

Cui Fu felt Cui Xingzhou was being too nonchalant. Knowing her brother’s deep and complex nature, and considering the recent near-violent confrontation with Mian Tang, how could things be resolved so easily?

After much thought, she cautioned her brother: “She indeed shouldn’t have married into the Wang family, but it wasn’t intentional. Weren’t you the one who wanted to marry her? Don’t let your heart be twisted. Don’t do anything underhanded. How would you face the child she bears in the future?”

Cui Xingzhou felt his sister had misjudged him. Although he had been cunning in dealing with his scheming half-brothers in the past, Mian Tang was his wife. How could he use such tactics against her? He shook his head helplessly, telling his sister not to bring up this topic again.

But how could Cui Fu let it go?

Today, at the opening of the Small Western Garden, seeing the schadenfreude in many noble ladies’ eyes, she guessed their thoughts. However, Mian Tang’s poised and cheerful demeanor was admirable. Her sister-in-law, the former female bandit leader who had once terrorized Zhen Prefecture, truly possessed a presence that ordinary women of the inner courtyards couldn’t match.

Just as the poetry society was about to begin, someone rushed in to report: “Princess, His Majesty has arrived at the Western Garden. The imperial procession is at the gate. Please hurry to receive him!”

Everyone was shocked. Wasn’t the Emperor supposed to be hunting in the western suburbs with his consorts today? Why had he come to the Small Western Garden?

Mian Tang frowned slightly but couldn’t neglect the Emperor. She had to lead everyone to welcome him at the garden’s entrance.

Liu Yu had indeed planned to go hunting in the western suburbs, but halfway there, Prince Sui had intentionally mentioned the recent secret rumors circulating in the capital.

Due to Concubine Yun’s orders, the imperial investigators hadn’t reported the turmoil in the Prince of Huaiyang’s household to the Emperor. However, Prince Sui felt it would be too disappointing not to let the Emperor know about such matters.

So, as they passed by the Small Western Garden, he seized the opportunity to reveal the information. As expected, Liu Yu’s expression changed dramatically. Upon hearing that Mian Tang was opening her poetry society today, he ordered the procession to change course to the Small Western Garden, ostensibly to celebrate the princess’s event.

Because Empress Shi was still in confinement, only consorts accompanied the Emperor today.

When Concubine Yun heard that Liu Yu was heading to the Small Western Garden, she clenched her fists, silently cursing her adoptive father for leaking the news of the Prince and Princess of Huaiyang’s discord.

When the young and handsome Emperor appeared at the Small Western Garden, his dragon eyes gazed at Mian Tang with unusual concern, telling the pregnant woman not to stand in the ceremony.

Women are naturally more perceptive about certain things. Some quick-witted ladies, observing the Emperor’s gentle tone towards the Princess of Huaiyang, suddenly recalled a rumor: when the Emperor had fled to escape the evil Empress Dowager’s persecution, he had ended up in Yangshan.

If the princess had indeed been a bandit in Yangshan, wouldn’t they have known each other? They were of similar age, one handsome, one beautiful… It would be strange if some private feelings hadn’t developed! Considering the Emperor’s unusual generosity in bestowing the title of Huisang County Lady on Liu Mian Tang, and now personally coming to support the Small Western Garden’s opening, everything seemed connected!

Suddenly, everyone understood. No wonder the prince had beaten his wife. Not only had Liu Mian Tang concealed her past as a bandit, but she might have had a romantic relationship with the Emperor!

Mian Tang, of course, knew what kind of rumors the Emperor’s visit would spark, but he was the Emperor, free to go wherever he pleased without considering the burden it might place on others. So when she rose, her gaze towards Liu Yu was extremely cold.

Liu Yu suddenly realized the impropriety of his visit, but earlier, upon hearing that Mian Tang had been beaten by Cui Xingzhou, he had been so worried and heartbroken that he came without much thought.

The instigator, Prince Sui, watched with a smile, thinking it was a pity that the Prince of Huaiyang had to inspect the camps outside the city today and couldn’t witness the Emperor’s concern for his wife. Did Liu Yu think he could use the Prince of Huaiyang’s power to contend with him? How naive! He would see how Prince Sui could sow discord in their relationship as ruler and subject, gradually creating rifts between them…

Since they were here for the poetry society, poems had to be composed. Although the Emperor’s arrival had interrupted the gong-striking, after Liu Yu and his consorts were seated, the society officially began.

After drawing lots, the theme was set as “Ode to Chrysanthemums.” As the drum-beating and flower-passing began, whether intentionally or not, Liu Mian Tang was the first to receive the flower.

Liu Mian Tang smiled slightly, confident. Cui Xingzhou had anticipated that people would use seasonal topics, so he had prepared several short poems about chrysanthemums for her.

Although these were compositions of a seven-year-old, their content was witty, with a perspective tinged with childlike innocence. Combined with Mian Tang’s radiant expression and soft voice, it captivated the audience. The Princess of Huaiyang, standing beside the exquisite flying eaves and flower pavilion, looked as beautiful as a delicate painting of a noble lady.

When Mian Tang’s clear and melodious voice faded, she unconsciously tucked a stray hair behind her ear, smiling somewhat shyly.

A beauty beyond compare, her every smile and glance was enchanting, making people reluctant to break the moment’s atmosphere.

Some even began to doubt the previous rumors. How could this delicate, heavenly beauty possibly be the bandit leader who once caused such turmoil for the imperial court? Could these baseless rumors have been fabricated out of jealousy towards the deep love between the Prince and Princess of Huaiyang?

As people came to their senses, they naturally praised the princess’s unique and elegant poetic thoughts. Someone immediately began transcribing the poem, intending to include it in the opening anthology of the Qiu Jie Poetry Society.

Liu Yu sat silently, gazing intently at the beauty of the flowers beneath the pavilion. Every time he saw her now, he felt an indescribable, dull pain in his heart.

The current Mian Tang was no longer the tomboyish girl who often dressed as a boy on Yangshan. Back then, whenever he asked her to read or write, she would pretend to have a headache and secretly glance at him, utterly adorable.

Now, she could confidently compose and recite poetry in front of everyone, her demeanor as graceful as if she had been born a noble lady.

How had he lost someone so wonderful? He had failed her, but he absolutely couldn’t watch her be mistreated by others. If Cui Xingzhou couldn’t accept her, wouldn’t he have countless ways to harm her?

With her current injuries, how could she protect herself?

No, he had to speak directly with the Prince of Huaiyang. If the prince couldn’t tolerate her, he would be willing to care for her for the rest of her life.