The boat swayed at the heart of the lake, a crescent moon illuminating the nine provinces.

The deeper into night, the more the wind stilled, yet the water stirred with ripples. Hollow wave sounds lapped against the hull, one after another, continuous and endless.

A hand reached out from the deck, suspended in midair as if trying to grasp something. After struggling twice, it fell powerless. Then another firm arm followed the curves upward, touching the palm and gently intertwining their ten fingers tightly together.

The surroundings were dim – the horn lantern had long since burned out. The moonlight couldn’t illuminate their features, only casting the faintest, most hazy outline. She sobbed quietly while he froze, his sweat-dampened back still radiating heat despite being exposed to the air.

“Does it hurt?”

She made a sound of acknowledgment, “That remedy… doesn’t seem to work.”

“Then I’ll go slower.” He endured until his jaw ached, not daring to move anymore. After a while he gently yielded, tenderly comforting her, “It’ll be better next time.”

Wanwan had never been able to endure pain since childhood. She still remembered playing with her mother’s small silver scissors for needlework as a child, accidentally dropping them and having them pierce her calf. Watching blood seep through her skirt, she thought she might die – her crying then was truly piercing. Her napping mother was awakened by the commotion, causing chaos throughout the sleeping palace and even alarming Father in Qianqing Palace. From that accidental injury, she had lain in bed for half a month, the wound bandaged beneath wrappings. Looking at it hurt, thinking about it hurt, and when it hurt she felt dizzy.

This time, no one could help her – only he was beside her. Perhaps this too was a kind of injury, but not malicious – it was necessary. She was like completing a pilgrimage; after baptism came a completely new beginning. This person would forever be hers.

Actually, Nanny had long since informed her that the first time might not feel pleasant – she must endure and not become impatient and kick the prince consort away. Thinking about it, in this situation, if she kicked him away, he would fall into the water! She feared this small boat couldn’t withstand turbulence, feared he might carelessly fall in during a moment of passion. Despite the unbearable discomfort, she bit her teeth and held him tightly.

His voice grew increasingly tender as he asked what was wrong. She shook her head saying nothing, “I’m afraid you can’t swim.”

He paused, sighing as he kissed her, “I can, but at this moment… it would be problematic.”

So she held him even tighter. He was drenched in sweat yet still teased her, whispering against her earlobe: “The boat is big enough – don’t be afraid.”

In the darkness, in the midst of chaos, she lay dazed with half-open eyes. Moonlight flowed in through her interlaced lashes, her tears blurring even the moon, but she said nothing – moved by her own endurance and forbearance.

Wanwan felt she had never loved someone so dearly. Even with the Director, when she saw him languishing for Yin Lou, she had mostly felt sympathy. Now he was wreaking havoc on her body, yet she felt no anger. Whenever he looked up to observe her expression, she would smile at him encouragingly.

She didn’t know how long it lasted – probably a very long time. After the storm finally came peace. She tiredly touched his face while he felt discouraged, “You didn’t enjoy it at all.”

Wanwan thought, why should such a torturous thing be enjoyable? He hadn’t seen that her smiles came with tears in her eyes. This sacrifice was too great – she would definitely need proper recovery afterward. But her concern was another matter: “This way I can conceive a child, right? I need to go back for postpartum confinement.”

He laughed despite himself, “Postpartum confinement is after giving birth. This time you just need two days’ rest – the injury isn’t as serious as you think. As for conceiving, some succeed once, others need repeated efforts. Take Lady Tala and Lady Zhou – they were servant girls before with robust health. You’re different – you’re a princess and will certainly need several attempts to consolidate properly.”

He was spinning tales to deceive her for future purposes. Even now he couldn’t believe this day had come – ten years of longing finally fulfilled, then developing an insatiable appetite. He thought himself quite restrained, but hadn’t met the right person before. This princess possessed a magic that conquered without bloodshed. All grand ambitions became secondary – he only knew he couldn’t escape this gentle embrace anymore. Even though she knew little in this regard and was sometimes rather foolish, he simply loved her. His fighting spirit and sharpness were worn away bit by bit, yet he felt nothing amiss. So be it – first have a child who would surely have moon-like eyes and rose-petal lips.

Lying on deck too long risked catching cold, so they moved into the cabin where bedding was already prepared. Just as she was about to express surprise, he pulled her under the covers, “Good thing I planned ahead.”

So this was premeditated! She mumbled that he was too wicked. He only smiled, “Wicked is fine – without being wicked there wouldn’t be today.”

Indeed she was utterly exhausted. She slept deeply until faintly hearing roosters crow at the fifth watch. There was a particularly dark period before dawn when the moon set and even stars dozed. She groped around rustling softly, calling Liang Shi gently. He grasped her hand, “It doesn’t hurt anymore, does it?”

This pain wouldn’t heal quickly. She looked outside but could see nothing, only hearing water gently lapping the boat bottom with gurgling sounds, “We slept on the boat for a long time.”

He said: “Dawn is coming.”

She felt too ashamed to face Tonghuan and Xiao You later, staying silent glumly. He knew what she was thinking and patted her back tenderly twice, “This is human nature – what’s embarrassing about it? Husbands and wives should be this way. If they don’t understand, we’ll find them marriages – once wed they’ll comprehend.”

Despite these words, she still blushed upon returning.

Yet Tonghuan and Xiao You were quite calm, preparing hot water for her bath and serving respectfully – somewhat different from usual.

“Starting today Your Highness is an adult. You must conduct yourself properly from now on – be dignified when necessary, use whoever as an example when needed. You can manage everyone in this manor. Don’t fear – if anyone dares defy you, our guards are outside the second gate. At your command, you can demand anyone’s life.”

She bashfully made a sound of acknowledgment, “You won’t laugh at me, will you?”

Tonghuan said: “Laugh about what? About you consummating with the Prince Consort? This is proper and appropriate. If you kept quarreling with him, then we’d truly worry!” After speaking she sighed, “Everyone has different fates. Your fate lies with Prince Yuwen – settle down and live with him! Director Xiao… is at sea now, and who knows what the future holds. We people depend on you. If you live harmoniously, we follow in comfort. If not for yourself, then for us – don’t waste our service to you.”

Tonghuan spoke with deep feeling, her words also containing the uncertainty of a rudderless boat. Originally they obeyed Xiao Duo, but now that he had abandoned everything in Great Ye for love, they were the possessions he left behind – placed somewhere and forever remaining there. Previously their first consideration was his position; now it wasn’t. The Grand Princess had become their true master. These servants were accustomed to being led their whole lives – lacking someone to bow to was like losing their souls. Now with no other thoughts, as long as the Grand Princess lived well, they could ignore external changes and peacefully live with her.

Wanwan sighed deeply, still very embarrassed, “I ache everywhere, but after soaking in hot water I seem to come alive again.” Looking down at the date-pit-like bruises on her chest – several spots – she made a sound of surprise, “It was like this last time too…”

Her head buzzed. So that afternoon dream wasn’t a dream – he had come. She panicked – how could this be? No wonder he was angry afterward; she probably said something inappropriate.

She covered her face and sank into the water. Fortunately so much time had passed that he should have forgotten. Since it was so, she’d act as if nothing had happened. A magnanimous person wouldn’t cling to someone’s girlish infatuation.

After thoroughly comforting herself, she regained peace of mind. After bathing she slept until near evening.

Tonghuan came to extinguish the incense in the burner, saying dinner was prepared. The Prince had come to check on her in the afternoon, saw her sleeping soundly, said not to disturb her, and went to handle business.

“Where is he now?”

Just as Tonghuan was about to answer, Xiao You entered saying the Dowager Consort requested her presence. The Prince and both young masters were there too – probably some important matter to discuss.

Wanwan had them help her change clothes. After tidying up she went to the Dowager Consort’s courtyard. Entering showed nothing unusual – proper greetings and inquiries. However, the Dowager Consort looked at her with particular affection, having Nanny Ta bring something – a set of her most precious jewelry from her youth.

Her hands lightly touched the step-sway ornaments and phoenix hairpins, quite reminiscent: “This was a gift from the Great Prince when I turned thirty. I never bore to wear it, saying I’d pass it to my daughter-in-law. Yesterday was your joyous day – knowing this delighted me enormously. Though this jewelry set might not catch your eye, it’s my sincere intention. Please accept it. From now on you’re truly part of the Yuwen family. When you have a son who marries, pass it to his wife – this is we women’s way.” While speaking, she patted her hand, “Good child, you’ve suffered. I know the hardship. It’s nothing – rest a couple days and you’ll be fine afterward.”

Having such an understanding mother-in-law speak intimate words before the men was truly embarrassing. She stole a glance at him – his gaze was like water, nearly drowning her. Her cheeks burned as she said softly: “Thank you, Mother. I’ve worried you before – that was Wanwan’s fault.”

The Dowager Consort was about to comfort her when Lan Ting, like a fool, stood up: “Didn’t Mother marry Father long ago? Why does Grandmother say only now she’s part of the Yuwen family?”

This froze both his father and Wanwan, but the Dowager Consort laughed: “Amitabha! When will this child overcome this thoughtless problem? I’d burn high incense! You don’t understand this yet – when you have a wife you’ll know.”

Lan Ting glanced at Lan Zhou: “Then big brother will know soon? He’s getting a concubine.”

Wanwan was shocked. Lan Zhou hated Lan Ting’s loose tongue, kicked him, then hung his head blushing furiously.

The Dowager Consort made a sound: “Right, today we gathered to discuss Lan Zhou taking a concubine. This is his father’s idea, saying he must learn sooner or later…” The Dowager Consort coughed twice, still unable to understand what this father was thinking. Making an eight or nine-year-old do this was like pouring salt water on crops – it would harm the child.

The Dowager Consort looked hopefully at Wanwan: “What does Your Highness think? I can’t dissuade Liang Shi from having his son learn these skills – only your words matter.”

This was absurd – what kind of unreliable father made his child learn such skills! But she couldn’t say much, beckoning Lan Zhou over. Seeing his sachet was crooked, she straightened it and asked gently: “About that matter – are you willing?”

Lan Zhou said nothing, tears welling in his eyes. After a long time he said: “Your son is still young and unwilling to let those women handle me. I find them dirty.”

Wanwan turned to look at Liang Shi: “This is much too early. Please consider others’ feelings and don’t make things difficult for the child.”

Indeed, he himself had been hesitant and bashful, practically needing to be tied up to consummate, yet now as a father his demands on his son were unreasonable. The Dowager Consort glared at him sideways, fully expressing her dissatisfaction.

Liang Shi leaned on the chair’s armrest with one elbow, touching his nose: “I thought he was idle and finding him chamber servants early would provide someone attentive to care for him.”

Lan Zhou stubbornly stiffened his neck: “Father doesn’t want your son bothering Mother and deliberately punishes me.” Then shaking Wanwan’s hand pleadingly: “Mother, your son will be obedient from now on and never trouble you. Please intercede for me! There’s no reason under heaven for a nine-year-old to take concubines – your son would be mocked by clan brothers.”

His large eyes blinked as he looked at her – such a gaze that no one could bear to refuse.

She stroked his top knot gently: “With your mother not here, isn’t it proper to come to me with problems? Rest assured, I’ll persuade your father. Taking concubines at eight – when you marry a primary wife, won’t the house be too crowded!”

So women were easy to manage. Liang Shi frowned at Lan Zhou, who returned a vague look. This round he had gotten away with things thanks to his outstanding appearance – truly surpassing his teacher.

“Fine, since everyone pleads for you, let’s postpone this matter. I wanted you to take concubines for your own good – early marriage, early establishment.” He stood and paced twice, “Let’s not mention this now. It’s getting late – everyone disperse.” He bowed to the Dowager Consort: “Mother, after dining please rest early. Your son takes leave.”

Wanwan rose and formally withdrew with him from the Dowager Consort’s courtyard.

“What a considerate father you are.” She laughed, “In all my years I’ve never seen anyone like you.”

Little did she know that Lan Zhou’s clingy behavior disgusted him greatly. That boy was skilled at official matters, but using his cunning within the household was inappropriate. Didn’t he just want an older girl to play with? Perfect – take a concubine who could play with him now and bear children later – killing two birds with one stone.

He sighed with hands behind his back: “Men must first settle their hearts – only then can they achieve greatness.”

“What if he likes some girl? If you force him now, he’ll become another you in the future.”

He paused, touching his forehead and laughing: “True, no wonder you told me to consider others’ feelings. But if he likes someone suitable, just marry her. If unsuitable and he’s deluding himself, better to cut off his hopes early to avoid harming others and himself.”

Wanwan didn’t think so deeply, walking hand in hand with him in the sunset, only knowing its infinite beauty.

Both liked strolling by the shore, but the embankment was paved with small stones that often slipped into her embroidered shoes. She stopped stubbornly, pulling his hand and sticking out her bottom complainingly: “A stone got in my shoe sole – I can’t walk.”

He crouched his tall frame and circled his arms back: “Get on.”

She was delighted, laughing as she leaped onto his back, hugging his neck and whispering in his ear: “Can we always be this good together?”

He turned his face and kissed her lips: “Unless you don’t want me anymore, otherwise through eternity this heart won’t change.”

She pondered – the old saying was right: when a woman gives her body to someone, her heart follows. Now her mind was full of her prince consort. What belonged to others she couldn’t grasp, but this was something to anticipate. Previously they spoke of his deep schemes and great ambitions, but now she felt none of that. To her he was a good husband – if this could continue, she would probably become the most happily married princess in the Great Ye dynasty.

Walking slowly toward Longen Tower, her heart joyful, she kicked her feet playfully. He seized the opportunity to ask: “Do you still hurt?”

Those feet indeed became still. She hesitated, then said slowly: “I took a medicinal bath and applied some medicine – it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

He smiled subtly, murmuring to himself: “That’s good.”

When entering, the attending servants had tactfully moved aside. He pretended to complain: “That’s how these servants work – they really don’t take their masters seriously! What to do? Today I’ll serve you – changing clothes, bathing, all me.”

Her face reddened as she turned away petulantly: “Don’t invite ridicule.”

Who would ridicule? Serving her was the same as serving himself.

Thousands of miles away, someone held a letter while pacing in rising incense smoke.

“The Prince of Nanyuan truly treasures the Grand Princess like a pearl. Our imperial sister is unique under heaven – Yuwen Liang Shi becoming her subordinate was just a matter of time.”

The Emperor laughed heartily, then coughed loudly after laughing. Chong Mau held a spittoon nearby while saying: “Looking at this, Nanyuan needn’t be worried, but Yunnan and Guizhou still need close watching.”

“That old thief Wang Ding better not give us leverage, otherwise among the eight princes, he’ll be the first to have his fiefdom reduced.” The Emperor strode barefoot with head held high, suddenly sighing: “How long has the Grand Princess been married? We rather miss our little sister.”

Chong Mau said: “Nearly four months. If Your Majesty misses Her Highness, you could summon her back to the capital.”

The Emperor made a sound: “They’re in their honeymoon period – how could we bear to separate them? Let’s wait longer.”

A eunuch brought scented tea, but he waved dismissively. Putting hands on hips, he warmed his voice toward the vast hall, then took a deep breath and sang loudly: “Hateful Chen Gong acts wrongly, shouldn’t have left poems to curse us. Gathering nobles and raising troops, once we catch Chen Gong we won’t spare him…”