Yun Ran only realized after getting fully dressed that Empress Zhao had actually stayed overnight at the Prince Jing’s Manor, not returned to the palace.
Qingling said, “The Empress really values His Highness, the Jing Prince.”
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have personally come with the Emperor to attend the wedding, nor would she have stayed overnight at the Prince’s Manor—
Though she was the Jing Prince’s biological mother, before that, she was the Empress of Jin.
Staying overnight was certainly overstepping boundaries; there was no guarantee some old-fashioned historian wouldn’t record it as a breach of etiquette— something like the Empress favoring the youngest son, thereby losing propriety.
Yun Ran thought back to that day at the Autumn Palace Banquet when Empress Zhao held her hand so gently yet firmly. For a moment, she felt as if she were the Empress’s lifeline.
No matter what, the swift Granting of Marriage, the exquisite marriage robe and wedding crown, the grand scale of the ceremonial guards, and the generous bride price gifts— all clearly showed Empress Zhao’s high regard for the Jing Prince.
It seemed the unofficial histories told by her sisters-in-law— that the late emperor and Empress both favored their youngest son and even considered deposing the original heir to install the youngest instead— might not be entirely unfounded.
“Good child, get up quickly.”
Seated in the black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlaid armchair in the Flower Hall, Empress Zhao, wearing a layered emerald and pearl crown and dressed in a sapphire blue ceremonial robe patterned with auspicious flowers, raised her hand with a smile.
“We are family now; no need for formalities.”
Soon, a palace maid came forward to help Yun Ran up. She rose gracefully, her bright eyes curved in a gentle smile.
“Thank you, Empress Dowager.”
Empress Zhao feigned annoyance. “Still calling me Empress Dowager? You should change how you address me.”
Yun Ran was momentarily stunned, her cheeks flushing slightly. She hesitated before awkwardly calling out, “Mother Empress.”
Empress Zhao smiled in response.
At that moment, Langui Mama also came out of the Empress Dowager’s hall and brightened at the sight of the pair of jade couple figurines standing in the hall.
Who doesn’t like looking at beauties, especially such a well-matched pair? It was a pleasure to the eyes.
Langui Mama carried a tea cup toward Yun Ran. “Princess Consort, it’s time to offer tea to the Empress Dowager.”
Yun Ran nodded, giving Langui Mama a confident look that said, “Watch me, I won’t make a mistake.”
Then, in the presence of several pairs of eyes inside the room, she elegantly and gracefully completed the tea-offering ceremony.
Empress Zhao smiled warmly, sipped the tea lightly, and then presented generous bride price gifts.
Langui Mama looked equally satisfied. The young lady was teachable; these past two months of training hadn’t been in vain.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were harmonious, and the tea-offering ritual ended smoothly.
Empress Zhao prepared to return to the palace.
Yun Ran and Sima Jing, about to enter the palace to pay respects, happened to accompany her.
From inside the manor all the way to the carriage at the gate, Empress Zhao held Yun Ran’s hand warmly and affectionately, like a mother.
Sima Jing walked behind them, his expression calm and unreadable.
“Azong, Ranran, come join my carriage. Wouldn’t it be nice to be together and chat?”
The Empress Dowager said this, still holding Yun Ran’s hand, her eyes fixed on Sima Jing.
Yun Ran noticed this and felt a strange unease she couldn’t explain.
But since it was the Empress’s invitation, she couldn’t refuse. She looked at Sima Jing and said softly, “No, thank you.”
He slightly lifted his wrist, revealing a small green snake coiled around it.
Adjusting to the changing light, the little creature stretched its head forward, its red tongue flickering with a hiss.
Empress Zhao’s expression suddenly darkened, and she stepped back.
“Nonsense! Why bring such a thing into the palace?”
Sima Jing responded coldly, “Then I won’t enter the palace.”
With that, he turned away without hesitation.
The Empress’s face grew even grimmer. “Stop! Come back!”
Sima Jing glanced sideways.
“He is your elder brother, and more importantly, the reigning Emperor.”
The Empress’s expression shifted repeatedly, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. Finally, as if making a decision, she said heavily, “Fine. If you don’t want to share my carriage, I won’t force it. Ranran, let’s go.”
Yun Ran was still puzzled.
She couldn’t understand why mother and son would suddenly quarrel over such a trivial matter as sharing a carriage.
To her, it was no big deal.
As she was about to be led by Empress Zhao toward the emerald canopy carriage adorned with pearl tassels, Sima Jing suddenly called out, “Wait.”
The Empress paused.
Yun Ran also thought he had changed his mind.
Unexpectedly, Sima Jing’s gaze swept over the hand Empress Zhao held, then fixed steadily on her face.
“Do you want to ride with her?”
Yun Ran frowned slightly, confused.
“The Empress invited me herself; how could I refuse?”
It was just sharing a carriage into the palace, why make it such a big deal?
Besides, the Empress was kind and warm toward her, while he was taciturn and cold. If she had to choose, she’d definitely pick riding with the Empress.
Otherwise, sitting with him, she might just end up talking to herself all the way.
In the end, she still chose to ride with the Empress.
Sima Jing’s eyes darkened slightly.
“Suit yourself.”
He said that, curling the small green snake around his wrist, and turned to board his carriage.
Such a strange man, Yun Ran murmured inwardly.
“Good child, don’t take it to heart.”
Empress Zhao looked at this sensible daughter-in-law and was increasingly pleased.
“Come, get in the carriage with Mother Empress.”
True to her status as the most honored woman in the world, even the carriage Empress Zhao rode in— the emerald canopy carriage with pearl tassels— was the most magnificent and spacious carriage Yun Ran had ever sat in.
Polished black ebony decorated with gilded scrollwork, the four walls lined with moon-white cloud brocade, Persian carpets spread inside, and pearl tassels hanging all around, delicate and beautiful.
The carriage was very large, roomy—
Langui Mama and another palace maid attended inside, one arranging preserved fruits and tea sets on the rosewood table, the other adding incense to the censer adorned with peonies and green leaves.
Yun Ran leaned against the embroidered pillow, lifting a corner of the curtain to look outside.
Ahead, sturdy black horses snorted proudly, much more majestic than ordinary horses.
“Is this carriage comfortable to ride in?”
Empress Zhao’s gentle voice sounded.
Yun Ran lowered the curtain, smiling at her.
“There’s no better carriage than this.”
Empress Zhao smiled, then sighed somewhat regretfully.
“Too bad for that stubborn one, always going against me. If only he were half as sensible and considerate as you.”
Yun Ran hurriedly said, “Mother Empress, you flatter me.”
After a pause, noticing the lingering sigh on Empress Zhao’s face, she hesitated and asked, “Are you afraid of snakes, Mother Empress?”
Empress Zhao looked at her. “Aren’t you?”
“Afraid, of course I am,” Yun Ran admitted.
“But the one His Highness held just now, you don’t seem afraid of it.”
“That one is a harmless Emerald Green Snake. Also, it’s very obedient, coiled calmly on His Highness’s wrist. It seems to be sentient, very intelligent, and wouldn’t bite without reason.”
“Sentient?”
Empress Zhao’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. “Did he take it into the bridal chamber last night too?”
Yun Ran’s heart jumped. She almost forgot to mention their encounter in the bamboo grove but was relieved the Empress offered her own explanation.
“…Yes, he did.”
No matter, she thought, the Empress probably wouldn’t pry into the details of Sima Jing’s bridal chamber. Better to let him handle it himself.
A bad companion doesn’t make a good friend.
“Sigh, you’ve really been wronged,” Empress Zhao’s gaze softened with affection.
“I’ll have a serious talk with him later and forbid him from bringing snakes into your courtyard again.”
“No, please don’t!”
“Hmm?”
Meeting Empress Zhao’s curious look, Yun Ran’s heart tightened, but she forced calm and said quietly, “I know Mother Empress means well, but this trivial matter really doesn’t need your trouble. Besides… I don’t want to cause any resentment between His Highness and me over something so small.”
Afraid her passing the blame might be discovered, she put on her most effective coaxing expression she usually used on elders, tilting her face slightly with sparkling eyes blinking.
“Mother Empress, could you please not blame His Highness? Ranran is begging you.”
The Empress, having only raised two sons in her life, was touched by her gentle, sweet daughter-in-law’s plea.
Despite her own youngest son’s fault, she immediately lost her temper.
“Alright, I won’t blame him then.”
“Your Highness should be happy, why sigh?”
Langui Mama smiled, handing over a freshly brewed cup of Feng Tuan Que She tea.
“It’s only been one night, and the Princess Consort is already protecting His Highness like this. It looks like the couple is getting along very well.”
Empress Zhao chuckled.
Langui Mama also offered Yun Ran a cup.
“Princess Consort, you should try it. This is only available inside the palace— half a jin is presented as tribute each year.”
Yun Ran accepted the tea gratefully, not daring to meet Langui Mama’s eyes the entire time, fearing her guilt might show.
Protecting the Jing Prince? Getting along well?
If that were true, the Thunder God might immediately strike a lightning bolt.
Oh, Supreme Heavenly Lord, how kind you are.
***
The second day entering the palace was less novel than the first, but since she was allowed inside the inner court, Yun Ran remained full of curiosity.
The carriage stopped directly at Empress Zhao’s Shoukang Palace.
Though not excessively grand or spacious, the palace’s carved beams, painted rafters, and towering pillars exuded solemnity and dignity.
Yun Ran took careful note of the palace’s layout and feng shui, realizing Shoukang Palace had excellent feng shui— especially favorable for offspring, prosperity, and family lineage.
She shared her observations, causing Empress Zhao to laugh aloud.
“If it truly promotes offspring, then I shall move out today and let you and Azong live here. Let’s see if by this time next year, I’ll be a grandmother holding a plump grandson.”
At these words, Langui Mama and the palace maids also laughed.
Their glances at Yun Ran and Sima Jing grew more intimate.
Yun Ran: “…”
She definitely did not intend that!
Sima Jing furrowed his brows and glanced sideways at the red-robed young lady sitting beside him.
Coincidentally, Yun Ran was looking at him.
Their eyes met, both startled.
Yun Ran awkwardly wished she could dig a hole and escape, while Sima Jing silently averted his gaze.
Just as the air thickened with an unspoken awkwardness, the Emperor, Empress, and their three-year-old crown prince arrived.
Immediately, all but Empress Zhao hurried to greet them respectfully.
Yun Ran stood up promptly, catching with her peripheral vision Sima Jing slowly slipping the little green snake back into his sleeve.
When Emperor Wenxuan and Empress Zheng approached, he finally stood, his pale face expressionless.
Yun Ran couldn’t help but wonder if the relationship between the Jing Prince and the Emperor was also strained.
Everyone bowed, “Greetings to Your Majesty and the Imperial Consort.”
“Everyone rise,” said Wenxuan Emperor.
Today he wore a moon-white brocade robe embroidered with subtle patterns, a jade crown on his head, a jade hairpin crossed through, and a jade belt around his waist.
From head to toe, his attire enhanced his gentle demeanor, giving everyone a feeling as if bathed in spring sunshine— warm and approachable.
Empress Zheng, walking beside him, wore her hair in the Chaoyun Jinxiang style, adorned with a gold hairpin embedded with rubies shaped like twin phoenixes, complemented by dangling emerald tassels.
Her lotus-colored palace robe embroidered with entwined lotus flowers was gentle and dignified, yet still conveyed the regal bearing of the mother empress.
As for the little crown prince, he wore a sapphire blue brocade robe, with a golden necklace inset with gems around his neck—noble and adorable.
As the family of three entered the hall, Yun Ran was enveloped by a wave of warmth and harmony.
She especially knew the Emperor was devoted to his Imperial Consort, who was her cousin.
Since ascending the throne years ago, there had been only one Imperial Consort in the harem, no other concubines—making the family of three unusually close and loving.
While she was reflecting, the Emperor and Empress Dowager finished their greetings.
They all took their seats, with the Emperor and Empress Dowager seated at the top, and Empress Zheng with the little crown prince sitting opposite Yun Ran and Sima Jing.
Yun Ran looked up and saw Empress Zheng, smiling as she nodded toward her, just like at the palace banquet.
Emperor Wenxuan took the white jade tea cup from a palace maid, sipped lightly, then smiled at Empress Zhao.
“Mother Empress, what were you and Azong chatting about? I heard laughter as we approached the door.”
Empress Zhao shook her head, smiling.
“Nothing much, just idle chatter. Repeating it would spoil the fun.”
She turned her face.
“Azong, hurry and bring your new bride to pay respects to your elder brother and sister-in-law.”
“Look how considerate your elder brother and sister-in-law are, coming all the way to my Shoukang Palace. That spares you two from running back and forth between Zichen Palace and Fengyi Palace.”
Yun Ran felt much lighter hearing this.
Though it wouldn’t have been impossible to travel back and forth, she’d just treat it as a half-day tour of the Imperial Palace.
Sima Jing rose, not even glancing at Yun Ran.
She immediately stood and obediently followed beside him.
This sudden little tail by her side made Sima Jing feel an indescribable sensation— not quite used to it, but not unpleasant either.
When they reached Emperor Wenxuan, Sima Jing stopped and lowered his eyes.
“This is my new bride, Yun Clan Fifth Daughter.”
Yun Ran immediately took the tea cup from the tray, half-squatted, and bowed.
“Daughter-in-law pays respects to elder brother. Elder brother, please have tea.”
Though not as handsome as Sima Jing, Emperor Wenxuan’s expression was a hundred times gentler.
He accepted the tea cup politely.
“Much obliged, sister-in-law.”
He took a symbolic sip, and palace eunuchs immediately presented the bride price gifts.
On red silk was a delicate jade statue of Zisun Baosheng Yuanjun, commonly called Songzi Niangniang— the Goddess of Fertility and Prosperity.
At the sight of the deity, everyone seemed to recall the earlier joke, smiling even more.
Yun Ran’s cheeks flushed slightly as she thanked the Emperor inwardly thinking, She and the Jing Prince haven’t even consummated their marriage yet— giving a thousand Songzi Niangniang statues is pointless.
After paying respects to the Emperor, Yun Ran moved to Empress Zheng.
“Imperial Sister-in-law, please have tea.”
Empress Zheng smiled as she accepted the cup, then looked at the little crown prince.
“Do you remember Mother Empress telling you about your Yun family little aunt? Now she’s married to your Uncle the Prince. Yu’er will have to call her Auntie Wang from now on.”
Though only three, the crown prince was smart, blinking his big bright eyes and obediently calling out:
“Auntie Wang.”
Seeing the little one, Yun Ran thought of her nephew Azong and spoke softly.
“You’re such a good boy.”
She pulled out a gift from her sleeve, a pure gold Long Life Lock.
“This is a present from your auntie to bless you with longevity, good fortune, peace, and happiness.”
The little crown prince glanced at Empress Zheng, nodded, and took the gift with both hands, bowing in thanks.