Heaven favored them—a heavy rain came without warning. After the Awakening of Insects in the south, when clouds gathered, it was earth-shaking. Seeing the sky darken was wonderful. Let the dark clouds come even faster, gathering more and more—best if it rained for three days and three nights, flooding the courtyards so she couldn’t leave.

Wanwan stood by the window looking out. Heavy raindrops pelted down with a crackling sound, and the banana leaves in the courtyard swayed back and forth from the battering. The air gradually filled with the smell of earth, just like after a drought in Beijing’s summer when a torrential rain came, washing the ground and stirring up clouds of dust.

Wind swept over, and the thin satin flapped against her arms—she could feel it even through her undergarment. She murmured to herself: “Who knows when it will stop raining? I’m afraid I can’t return.”

Tonghuan was kneeling on the footstool, fumigating the bedding. Hearing her words, she smiled: “If you can’t return, then stay. The arrangements here are all according to the Grand Princess’s standards. I’ve checked—there are no mistakes. As for outside, Yu Chengfeng and the two nannies Qin and Li are watching. The rules are the same as our Grand Princess Manor—Your Highness needn’t worry.”

Xiao You was very happy: “The princely mansion’s scenery is quite nice too. After all, they’re wealthy in this region. Look at their roof tiles and rafters—they even have flowers carved on them! I think it’s fine for our master to live here regularly. After all, you’re married—you should be together with the Prince Consort. Only by being together can you bear an heir. There’s no logic in always raising children for others.”

Tonghuan had originally wanted to scoff at her, but listening further, though the words were crude, they made sense. Today the two young masters had already come to pay respects to their legitimate mother. They were both seven or eight years old children—even if the Grand Princess conceived immediately now, she’d still have to wait ten months. The brothers would be too far apart in age, and the heir might be at a disadvantage.

“I’ll find time to privately communicate with the two nannies. We’re here to establish a fiefdom—don’t apply the capital’s protocols and insist on this and that.” While busying herself, she turned back to look: “I’ve told Your Highness before—thirty percent depends on heaven, seventy percent on people. Since you’ve already descended, from now on you and the people in this mansion are family. Being angry has its limits too. If you see the Prince is sincere, let’s get along well!”

She laughed at this: “You’re all lecturing me now—such boldness! You’re not me, so how do you know my thoughts? I never planned to neglect him for life—the necessary appearances still need to be maintained.” She gradually lowered her voice: “The factory minister taught me that even between husband and wife, one must be careful. After all, it’s different from ordinary families.”

So though she wasn’t in the capital, Xiao Duo’s influence on her still existed. There weren’t many people who truly cared for her—Xiao Duo was one. She knew his temperament; he wouldn’t speak absolutely. Since he had specifically warned her, it meant there were indeed some areas where she needed to be especially careful.

Tonghuan naturally couldn’t refute Xiao Duo’s words, but mentioning him reminded her of something: “Earlier on the way to the ancestral hall, I heard people discussing that the Emperor has enthroned a new Empress.”

She made a sound of acknowledgment: “Is there reliable news? Who is it?”

Tonghuan said: “We’ve been on water for a month, and imperial edicts travel by land. The people here should know before us. I only heard fragments—something about the Prince being fortunate: front foot marrying the Grand Princess, back foot the sister-in-law becoming Empress.”

Wanwan’s mind buzzed. Yin Ge had followed Yuwen Liang Shi, and Yin Luo had originally entered the palace using Yin Ge’s name. His sister-in-law—wasn’t that referring to Yin Luo!

“How did it become like this?” She was deeply troubled: “This brother of mine has truly gone mad with alchemy. He wouldn’t let me enthrone Yin Ge, but then he goes and enthrones Yin Luo instead.”

Though Yin Luo was close to her, in her judgment, she really wasn’t a good choice for Empress. Yin Luo had no ambition to be Empress, nor the means to be one. Her heart was filled with Xiao Duo from inside out—if she truly became Empress, it would delay all three of them.

Seeing her anger, Tonghuan quickly comforted: “I only heard hearsay—the news might not be accurate. When the Prince comes later, you can inquire with him. If he says it’s true, then it definitely is.”

Wanwan was anxious and looked at the weather outside—the rain was really heavy! She called to Xiao You: “Send someone to fetch the Prince. I have questions for him.”

Xiao You responded: “I’ll go myself. Nanny Li has no tact—if she blocks me, they’d still have to pass messages inside, which is more trouble.” While speaking, she went to the eaves, opened a yellow oil-paper umbrella, and went out in the rain.

She paced in circles indoors. With only Tonghuan left in the room, she said: “I’m afraid Yin Luo will follow Empress Zhao’s old path in the future. Such a good person—if she’s immersed in it too long, won’t she become hardened?”

Tonghuan covered her mouth and smiled: “That master was already quite tough.” After saying this, she slapped her face: “Damn it! If Lady Bu really becomes Empress, and I gossip about her like this, isn’t that seeking death?”

Wanwan remembered Yin Luo’s glib tongue and couldn’t help laughing too. But after laughing, she felt worried—a good person, once tainted by power, turns bad, like her second brother. Now the Ceremonial Directorate almost shared equal status with the Cabinet, plus an Empress—she didn’t know if second brother’s weight could still balance this empire.

“I’m always afraid of changes.” She slowly closed the window and sat by the incense table: “I don’t know why, but my heart has been uneasy lately, fearing something might happen.”

Tonghuan said: “What could happen? You’ve already been married off. I have to advise you—leave military and state affairs to the men. You, when free, read books and play the qin, take good care of yourself—that’s better than anything.”

After hearing this, Wanwan smiled faintly: “What you all say makes sense. I’ll remember—put myself first in everything.”

Before she could say more, Tonghuan glanced toward the door and softly exclaimed: “The Prince came so quickly—it’s as if he was waiting for word.” After speaking, she picked up the incense burner, curtsied at the door, then withdrew outside.

He lifted his robes and entered, with flying eyebrows and laughter misting in his eyes. Even after arriving, he wasn’t presumptuous—he bowed slightly, then stood respectfully to one side. It was Wanwan who felt embarrassed sitting there so calmly. She stood up and nodded to him: “Please sit, Your Majesty. I have some matters I’d like to consult you about.”

He said he didn’t dare: “Whatever Your Highness wishes to say, please just command. Liang Shi will comply with everything.”

She lowered her head, feeling their interaction indeed had some problems. Regardless of what happened before marriage, having reached this point now, if she didn’t lower her posture a bit more, it would become increasingly difficult to proceed.

“Your Majesty needn’t be so formal. Every time you do this, I also feel quite uncomfortable.” She gestured with her hand: “Please sit—it’s better to talk when seated.”

He thanked her and sat on the other side of the incense table, making light of himself: “Your Highness is of noble birth, descending to marry me. I won’t hide it from Your Highness—even now I still feel like I’m dreaming.”

She found this unreasonable: “Our Daye has eight feudal princes—some with the imperial surname, others not. Regardless of whether they’re imperial relatives, their status is what it is. How is it that before me you act as if you’re of a lower class? Since we’ve become family, let’s not speak of status anymore. Am I noble, so you’re lowly? Also, no need for all the ‘Your Highness’ this and that—I really can’t bear it. Setting aside birth, you’re older than me. In ordinary conversation, let’s address each other as equals—it will seem more intimate.”

After speaking gently, she thought back and realized her tone still sounded like lecturing a servant, which made her feel troubled. He was magnanimous—in his view, this was a good beginning. That she could take the initiative to show goodwill so quickly already exceeded his expectations.

He wasn’t in awe of her status—it was actually because he liked her too much. Having liked her for too long, she seemed unattainable. He had the heart to be close but lost the courage for intimacy. Sometimes he felt foolish too—why bow and scrape before her? But he just couldn’t help himself, wanting to cherish and revere her, to the point where even his son couldn’t stand it and reminded him not to be bound by romantic feelings.

What did that young brat understand? He had his reasons. It’s easy to talk when you’re not the one involved—either one’s romantic feelings haven’t awakened, or one has been with countless women. He fit neither category, so he’d rather treat her as an honored guest as an expression of his devotion.

A maid brought tea. He received it and personally handed it to her: “I fear I might be lacking somewhere and accidentally offend you. Since we’re addressing each other as equals, don’t call me Your Majesty anymore. Call me Liang Shi, or… husband—both are acceptable.”

Wanwan had originally been wearing a gentle smile, but when he said this, her eyelid immediately twitched. What a person who takes an inch and wants a mile—give him three parts color and he opens a dye shop. A name was one thing, but what was this about “husband”… Her face reddened—she felt he deserved killing. Did this count as verbal impropriety? Upon closer consideration, it seemed not quite, which made her even more depressed. She glared at him resentfully.

But he maintained pure innocence, as if he hadn’t realized anything, blinking and asking: “What’s wrong? Doesn’t ‘husband’ sound good? Shall we change to something else?”

She held back a bellyful of anger, fearing what other strange terms might emerge, and quickly said no: “Let’s take it gradually—as you said before, take it gradually.”

He suddenly discovered she was very cute—always falling back to second choices seemed to be her habit. This temperament wasn’t bad either. If she wasn’t open-minded, he might not have today. He also sadly discovered that he himself was the result of her settling for second choice. If previously she’d had to choose between Xiao Duo and him, she might have blurted out: “Like hell I’d choose Yuwen Liang Shi!”

Very well, very well—he’d picked up a bargain and was satisfied. His patience also became unprecedentedly good: “Calling me in such heavy rain must mean the matter’s urgent. Please speak, Your Highness—I’m listening.”

Only then did Wanwan remember: “People on the streets are saying the Emperor has enthroned an Empress. I’ve been on water this whole time, so news comes unreliably. I called you here to ask—who exactly was enthroned?”

He smiled with furrowed brow: “It’s Consort Duan. Half a month after Your Highness’s descent, the Emperor personally announced it at a banquet. Proclamations have already spread across the four seas—there’s no mistake.”

She sat there, not speaking for a long time, just not understanding what kind of chess game the Emperor was playing. Using his only sister to fill holes, rewarding the pregnant Yin Ge to a sixth-rank official, yet making Yin Luo, who had no feelings for him, into Empress. If this was all imperial strategy, it was rather too circuitous and strange. But how could she comment? She could only smile helplessly: “The Emperor has his own reasons.”

She naturally wouldn’t criticize the Emperor. All her regret was for Xiao Duo and Bu Yin Luo not being able to be together. Honestly speaking, she was a silly girl—though she usually maintained composure, how soft her heart was could be seen from the secret reports he received. Clearly liking Xiao Duo, yet because she learned Bu Yin Luo had paired with him, she willingly withdrew herself. What logic was this? Could it be that a dignified Grand Princess was inferior to that half-baked talented lady? Perhaps all her forbearance came from wanting to help them succeed, but that strange, sarcastic person—where was he worth such effort?

He had seen Bu Yin Luo—beautiful, yes, and with some spirit, but compared to Wanwan, she was thousands of miles inferior. Which eye had Xiao Duo gone blind in to abandon such wonderful Wanwan and become intimate with her instead? Probably it proved that saying about destiny—one man’s poison is another’s honey.

He gazed at her intently. Her profile was like jade—hardly a flaw could be found. Was such a perfect person perhaps too sacred for that fake eunuch to bear defiling? Yet she was dispirited, always worrying about the one who had abandoned her. What a waste of such devoted feelings.

Suppressing his jealousy, he asked softly: “Why do you look unhappy? Aren’t you and the Empress usually close? Now that she’s honored as Empress, it’s quite a happy ending.”

She lowered her eyelashes. Under the lamplight, she had a kind of fragile beauty, shaking her head: “She probably doesn’t want to be Empress—after all, she’s used to being carefree.”

He smiled and sighed deeply: “Probably so.”

Wanwan noticed undertones in his words and deliberately probed: “Since the former Empress was deposed last year, it’s been several months now. I also advised the Emperor to enthrone an Empress. I didn’t expect that among so many palace consorts, he’d finally choose her. In Your Majesty’s view, what are the Emperor’s current intentions?”

His hands rested on his knees, the flowing cloud patterns at the knee hem highlighting his pale, clean finger joints. He lightly tapped his fingertips, pondering: “Your Highness lived deep in the palace—you probably don’t know much about court affairs. The Ceremonial Directorate has grown powerful, and the Emperor has handed all document approval authority to Xiao Duo. Between the Ceremonial Directorate and the Cabinet, a superior-subordinate relationship has formed. The Emperor relies too heavily on him—he must find ways to check and balance, otherwise letting this continue, there’s no guarantee he won’t become another Li Fuguo.”

He paused, watching her expression. Her brow furrowed slightly—he didn’t know what she was considering.

He fell silent, and only then did she make a sound: “Your Majesty, please continue.”

A romantic rival—what good words could there be in evaluation? He already found Xiao Duo displeasing, so naturally he used all his ability to vilify him.

“Your Highness is pure-hearted and only sees people’s surface. Xiao Duo may be diligent in palace affairs, but that doesn’t mean he’s clean in political matters. The Emperor’s handling of this appears unpredictable to everyone, but I think it shows sage illumination—a good method of using stillness to control motion.” He bit his lip slightly, turning his head a bit: “The matter between Xiao Duo and the Empress—I think Your Highness already knows about it?”

Wanwan was shocked, then her face darkened: “What rumors has Your Majesty heard from where?”

She was still protecting them even now. When would she ever defend him like this? He’d be delighted even in dreams. But trusting someone too much, always thinking of them, inevitably left no room in her heart for him. After much thought, unless he dealt a fatal blow, he’d have to keep living in Xiao Duo’s shadow before her—this couldn’t continue.

He looked at her, his gaze focused, speaking word by word: “Last year when the court assigned him to go south to handle silk trade, he and Consort Duan lived and ate together—this wasn’t hidden from anyone. Since the Emperor values him, he’ll naturally guard against him too. So the matter between him and the Empress—the Emperor must know about it. By checking the Empress, Xiao Duo must wholeheartedly serve the Emperor. But this person is no simple matter—if handled poorly, he might hold the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords. That would be the Emperor’s miscalculation.”

She listened quietly, and the more she heard, the more her heart sank. She was indeed too shallow—the countless tangled relationships within couldn’t be summed up with just the word “chaos.” So the Emperor had used the incident of Yin Ge being beaten to depose Empress Zhang, actually to make room for Yin Luo. So what was the Empress’s throne in his eyes? A shackle, used to chain Yin Luo and Xiao Duo so he could have more leisure for alchemy and enlightenment?

She couldn’t help feeling disappointed, then thought the matter wasn’t simple. She smiled slightly at him: “Your Majesty was able to enter Tanzhe Temple last time, reportedly because he showed leniency. With such good relations between you, I’ve never heard him mention it.”

He was actually stunned by her words. A girl with such quick thinking really wasn’t easy to handle. He touched his forehead, feeling quite embarrassed: “Your Highness, don’t misunderstand. Eunuch Xiao is a man of feeling—knowing my sincere devotion, he couldn’t bear to make things difficult for me.”

She cast him a cold glance: “Is that so? For him to willingly risk letting you in, I didn’t know he was such a kind-hearted person.”

What was lifting a rock only to drop it on one’s own foot? This was it! His intention had been to make her see that Xiao Duo’s heart only held Bu Yin Luo, but she approached from another angle, indirectly deducing that he had used this as leverage to make things difficult for her beloved. What kind of deal was this! It seemed future marital relations would inevitably involve battles of wit and will—perhaps one small oversight would let her glimpse the truth.

She stood up, flicking her sleeves to leave. He grabbed her: “Wanwan… can we speak calmly? You asked for my opinion, so I told you according to current affairs. If anything’s inappropriate, just refute it—why get angry? In this world, Xiao Duo isn’t the only devoted man. You…”

Wanwan was truly about to be angered by him. What did these words mean? Had he seen through her? Her face flushed with anger: “What nonsense are you spouting? What Xiao Duo? What does he have to do with me?”

Fortunately his mind was quick. He said sheepishly: “I meant that he’s devoted to the Empress, and I’m the same toward you.”

Only then did she calm down slightly, but tears had already gathered in her eyes and couldn’t be absorbed—they could only fall.

Feeling she’d lost composure, she quickly turned away to wipe them. Turning back to see his stunned expression, she felt deeply regretful—this time she’d confessed without being pressed, and he’d probably seen through her.

He drooped his eyebrows: “Your Highness…”

She quickly cut off his words: “Don’t say anything.”

Just then they heard Xiao You announcing at the door: “Master, it’s about time—shall we serve the meal?”

She pointed toward the side hall: “Your Majesty, please join the meal. Where are the two young masters dining? Should we send someone to call them?”

He said no need: “They’ve been with Mother since childhood—they’ve probably already eaten by now. Calling them would only disturb the old lady.” He instructed the attendant outside: “I’m dining here today. Report to the old lady that I won’t be going over tonight.”

Wanwan watched Rong Bao bow deeply and run out of the courtyard, always feeling something wasn’t quite right. Looking back at him, he smiled gently and raised his hand in invitation: “Your Highness, don’t just stand there—please take your seat.”