How I regret that our hearts cannot beat as one.

The Empress descended from the gilded, lacquered glass throne of purple sandalwood. Her brows, delicate as distant mountains, were gentle and radiant as she lightly took hold of Xu Guiyi, smiling, “Today is the Crown Princess’s first visit to the palace. Everyone wishes to meet you, for the Autumn Palace has never been so lively.”

A burst of laughter rang out. “You jest, Sister-in-law. You’re always busy with palace affairs, and we hardly dare disturb you. But hearing that the Crown Princess was coming today, our curiosity got the better of us, so here we are.” Xu Guiyi turned to see a beauty in scarlet palace attire, her hand pressed to her mouth in laughter.

“You all!” The Empress shook her head with a smile, unable to hide her delight. Years of longing had finally been fulfilled; how could she not be joyful? Growing more affectionate, she addressed Xu Guiyi: “Come, Crown Princess, let me introduce you. This is the Princess Consort of De, whom you should address as Aunt Wang.”

Xu Guiyi turned, her ten jade-like fingers folded gracefully at her waist, her tone gentle and intimate as she curtsied: “Guiyi greets Aunt Wang.” The Prince of De was the Emperor’s cousin, and the Princess Consort of De, daughter of Grand Princess Qingyan, held a unique royal prestige.

The Princess Consort of De took Xu Guiyi’s arm, swinging it back and forth with delight. “Wonderful, wonderful! One look and I know you are a blessed child.” She didn’t specify the nature of the blessing, but Xu Guiyi’s smile softened her eyes.

“This is the Princess Consort of Jiancheng, your own sister...” The Empress paused halfway, deliberately waiting for them to respond, her gaze lingering over Xu Guiyi and Xu Zhouyan.

Xu Guiyi remained warm as she bowed, “Greetings, Aunt Wang.” She and Xu Zhouyan had agreed long ago to address each other by royal ranks in public, keeping their private relationship unchanged.

“No need to be so formal, Crown Princess.” Xu Zhouyan smiled warmly, the furrow that had creased her brow all morning finally smoothing out.

The Empress continued, “This is Princess Rongjia,” referring to the beauty in scarlet.

“Greetings, Aunt.” Princess Rongjia was the Emperor’s youngest sister. Unlike the other princesses, who had married distant princes for the sake of royal stability, Princess Rongjia was luckier; she had married into the family of Noble Consort Nanguan and resided permanently at the Princess’s mansion in Guangling.

...

“Enough, there are many royal kin, and the Crown Princess won’t remember them all on her first day. Empress, serve breakfast now.” The Emperor, perhaps weary from sitting, finally rose and spoke.

Xu Guiyi seized the moment as the Empress turned to welcome the Emperor, hurriedly pinching her face—her smile had grown stiff. Looking up, she saw Fu Lancheng’s piercing gaze fixed upon her.

After breakfast, Fu Lancheng, brow furrowed, followed the Emperor to the Deqing Hall.

When leaving the Autumn Palace, bidding farewell to the other ladies, Xu Guiyi found herself walking alongside Xu Zhouyan, giving them a chance to speak privately.

“Second Sister, when you first married Prince Jiancheng, was it like this?” After a day of greetings and polite smiles, Xu Guiyi felt her face ache with numbness.

“I was merely a consort to a prince, far less than you, the dignified Crown Princess.” Seeing Xu Guiyi’s twisted little face, Xu Zhouyan teased her, though her words rang true.

Xu Guiyi took a deep breath. It was only the first day, and she already felt overwhelmed. How would she manage in the days to come?

“But you needn’t worry too much. Though you met many today and paid them all respects, the royal family is strict about rank and distinction. In truth, among the royal women, your status is highest next to the Empress. It’s good to be cordial, but the Crown Princess must also maintain her dignity. Remember, most people in this world bully the weak and fear the strong.” Xu Zhouyan spoke each word with clarity, afraid her sister might miss a single lesson and stumble in the deep palace due to inexperience.

“Second Sister, I’ll remember.” Xu Guiyi hugged Xu Zhouyan’s wrist affectionately.

“You see, both elder sister and I worry your gentle nature makes you easy to bully.” Their concern was not unfounded.

During her six years in Lan Prefecture, Xu Guiyi had always been known as the gentle, well-educated, and somewhat foolish beauty.

“Today’s incident with the Crown Prince was a show of force. Remember the lesson. In the Eastern Palace, besides your indifferent husband, there will be other concubines and attendants to trouble you. If anyone disregards rank, wield your authority as Crown Princess. Don’t always swallow grievances—daughters of the Xu family are not to be bullied by all. Remember?” Xu Zhouyan patted her hand lightly.

“All right, I’ll quickly adapt to my role and not let myself suffer too much.” Xu Guiyi promised earnestly.

“Even a little suffering won’t do.” Xu Zhouyan cast her a sideways glance.

“Fine, no suffering—I’ll strive to be a radiant Crown Princess. Satisfied?” Xu Guiyi coaxed.

“That’s better.” Xu Zhouyan was content.

By the time they exited the Jiu Hua Gate, the sun was already low. Xu Zhouyan returned to the Jiancheng Prince’s residence, Xu Guiyi to the Jiaxu Palace.

At the Jiancheng Prince’s residence—

“Today, I knew you’d be in the palace for a good while. How did things go with the Crown Princess?” Seeing his wife enter, the Prince of Jiancheng, who had been sitting on a rosewood chair reading, quickly set his book aside and rose to greet Xu Zhouyan.

“Fairly well.” Xu Zhouyan responded lazily, resting her hand in his.

Although the Crown Prince entered the palace early, causing Xu Guiyi to be late, the Emperor and Empress were understanding and did not blame her excessively. During breakfast, their mood was even pleasant, so no one spoke much about the Crown Princess being late for morning greetings.

“The Crown Prince has been of age for two years. Now that the Eastern Palace finally has a Crown Princess, the Empress can rest easier.” All in the royal family knew the Emperor and Empress’s worry, even the Prince of Jiancheng, who resided in Ye City.

Xu Zhouyan smiled faintly and turned to her husband, suddenly recalling, “By the way, didn’t His Highness Prince Qi invite you to the royal stables to choose horses recently? Why haven’t you gone?”

Thinking of seeing Princess Consort Qi in the Autumn Palace today, who warmly called her “Aunt,” Xu Zhouyan asked.

The Prince of Jiancheng hesitated, “Ah, the weather has been too hot—so I’ve postponed.”

Such an excuse clearly did not satisfy Xu Zhouyan. Unlike other royal sons, the Prince of Jiancheng owed his position in the family to years of military achievements.

Xu Zhouyan’s gaze was cold and mocking. For a prince accustomed to military campaigns, was hot weather truly a reason?

Seeing his wife’s amused expression, the Prince of Jiancheng dropped the pretense, admitting, “Prince Qi has always sought to win my support, inviting me several times with genuine intent. I... was tempted, as you know, Prince Qi has done very well these years, even better than the Crown Prince.” More suited to be heir to the throne.

Xu Zhouyan was fully aware of this.

“Then why did you refuse this time?” Xu Zhouyan sat upright.

The more uncertain one felt, the straighter one sat.

The Prince of Jiancheng smiled, drawing his wife close and resting his head on her shoulder, his tone gentle: “I suddenly thought, the Crown Prince may not be inferior to Prince Qi. Though he’s not diligent, he is the legitimate son of the Emperor and Empress.” And he married a daughter of the Xu family.

Unlike other royal sons, the Prince of Jiancheng did not spend his days idly. He always had a sense of the greater good. Yet even the most principled could not avoid the common sentiment of loving those who belonged to their own family.

He encircled his wife, closing his eyes to savor her fragrance.

Xu Zhouyan stroked his back, her gaze dreamy. For a moment, neither spoke, and the room fell into quiet.

At dusk, Fu Lancheng returned to the Eastern Palace, his face somber. Attendants hurried to meet him, as was customary.

But today, they reported something new: “Your Highness, the Crown Princess is currently at Chunhui Hall. Do you wish to see her?”

Fu Lancheng, resplendent in bright yellow dragon robes, looked even more grave under the lamplight. He glanced at the unfamiliar attendant, his voice cool and detached, “Are you new?”

Intimidated by the Crown Prince’s imposing presence, the young attendant swallowed nervously. “Yes, Your Highness—I just entered the Eastern Palace yesterday.” He had assumed that, newly wed, the Crown Prince would wish to see his bride at once.

“No need. From now on, you need not report Chunhui Hall to me.” With that, Fu Lancheng turned right.

Chunhui Hall was to the left, Yonghui Tower to the right.

The attendant was left bewildered at the door, wondering if he had erred. Yet the Crown Prince’s cold expression and look of disdain made him realize he had indeed made a mistake.

Within Chunhui Hall, Xu Guiyi reclined on a wide couch of purple sandalwood inlaid with blue and white jade, the windows half open to the gentle night breeze, her eyes closed in rest.

Xiyue approached quietly, “Your Highness, the Crown Prince has just returned.”

Perhaps disturbed by the interruption, Xu Guiyi frowned, squinting, “Did he give any instructions?”

“No, he went straight to Yonghui Tower and hasn’t come out,” Xiyue replied cautiously.

“If there are no instructions, the less we do, the better. I’ll pay my respects tomorrow if there’s time.” Xu Guiyi spoke lazily, closing her eyes again.

After these past few days, Xu Guiyi had decided it was best if Fu Lancheng continued to dislike her, keeping her forever at a distance. That way, she would enjoy her peace.

After all, she had truly grown weary from the day at the Autumn Palace, and wanted nothing more than to rest.