The Crown Prince in the Jade Pendant

CHAPTER 70

Chapter 70: First Meeting with the Empress

 

Chu Jinyao had never imagined that one day she would enter the palace.  As soon as this thought crossed her mind, she realized that she would spend the rest of her life in the palace, and suddenly, her vision darkened.

 

Actually, spending half her life in the palace would be the best outcome. After all, how many crown princes throughout history have successfully become emperors?

Chu Jinyao immediately chastised herself—pah! What was she thinking? She couldn’t curse the Crown Prince like that!

 

Just like when Chu Jinyao went to attend Zhao Lanhui’s banquet, this time again, no one was willing to accompany her into the palace. Old Madam Chu had originally planned to go with her, but the eunuch who had come to deliver the summons smiled and said that the Empress had only invited the Fifth Young Lady.

Well, there was no arguing with that. Chu Jinyao could only brace herself and follow the eunuch into the palace, under the watchful eyes of her family wishing her well.

 

This time, Chu Jinyao didn’t dress as elegantly and elaborately as she had for Zhao Lanhui’s invitation. She chose a simple light blue outfit made of understated and solemn silk, trying to appear as gentle and meek as possible.

 

Chu Jinyao followed the eunuch into the palace, as the carriage from the Marquis of Changxing Mansion could only go as far as the palace gates. After handing in her name plaque and receiving a reply from inside the palace, she stepped out of the carriage and followed the eunuch on foot.

 

As she walked, she dared not look around, yet even so, she was deeply shocked. The palace was adorned with red walls and green tiles, intricate carvings, and painted beams. The roof eaves curled high, with fierce mythical beasts perched on the ridges. People hurried past with heads lowered. Walking on the palace road, there was no need for anyone to deliberately emphasize it—Chu Jinyao could already feel the solemn and awe-inspiring pressure of imperial authority.

 

This was the highest center of power in the entire empire.

 

Across the whole nation, no civilian’s residence could be higher than the Hall of Supreme Harmony, nor could their door nails exceed those of the imperial palace. Otherwise, it would be a crime of treason, punishable by death. All scholars who had studied for over a decade sought only to one day step into this palace.

 

Realizing this, Chu Jinyao felt a shiver run down her spine. She lowered her head even more and walked cautiously towards the Empress’s palace.

 

When they arrived at Kunning Palace, the eunuch who had led her stopped and said, “Miss Chu, I will go in to announce your arrival to Her Majesty. Please wait here for a moment.”

 

Chu Jinyao immediately replied, “Of course, please go ahead.”

 

The eunuch smiled at her, flicked his dust whisk, then bent down and entered. After he left, there was no news for a long time.

 

Chu Jinyao kept her head bowed, standing outside the palace. Several groups of palace maids and servants came and went, but the eunuch who had gone inside to announce her still hadn’t returned.

 

There was no shade where she stood, and the sun was directly beating down on her. Sweat gradually appeared on Chu Jinyao’s forehead, but she continued to endure, standing in place without moving.

 

Chu Jinyao didn’t know how long she had been waiting until the sun had shifted its position. Finally, a maid emerged from the luxurious Kunning Palace. She looked to be in her forties, with fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, suggesting she was a senior maid in charge. She approached Chu Jinyao and said, “Miss Chu, Her Majesty was just talking with several princesses and didn’t have time to attend to you. I hope you won’t be upset for being kept waiting.”

 

“Of course not,” Chu Jinyao quickly replied. “How could I disturb Her Majesty while she’s busy? Waiting here is not a bother at all.”

 

The senior maid smiled, glanced at Chu Jinyao discreetly, and then stepped aside, saying, “Miss Chu, you are so understanding. Her Majesty is inside now, please follow me.”

 

Chu Jinyao followed the senior maid into Kunning Palace. It was indeed the Empress’s residence, grand and spacious. Guided by the maid, Chu Jinyao passed screens and partitioned doors until she faintly heard greetings coming from behind a magnificent curtain. Chu Jinyao immediately understood that the Empress must be inside.

 

Without lifting her head, Chu Jinyao immediately and respectfully greeted, “Greetings to Her Majesty, may the Empress live a thousand years.”

 

There was a soft rustling sound from above, but no one called for her to rise. Chu Jinyao, having been well-trained by the elder maids, did not move a muscle and remained perfectly still, maintaining her bow.

 

After a while, the person seated above her, perhaps either satisfied or finding the situation dull, lazily remarked, “So this is the Fifth Young Lady of the Chu family. When the Crown Prince mentioned you some time ago, I wondered who this girl was that could capture his attention. Now that I see you, indeed, you are a beauty.”

 

“Your Majesty flatters me. You are the mother of the nation, the most esteemed of all. In your presence, I am like a firefly competing with the sun and the moon. How could I ever deserve your praise?”

 

The Empress Xiao Qi, let out a soft laugh. “Quite the smooth talker, I see. You may rise.”

 

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Chu Jinyao expressed her gratitude and slowly stood up, using the opportunity to discreetly glance around the room.

 

She was surprised to see how many people were present. In the center of the room, surrounded by attendants, was none other than the famous Empress Xiao Qi. Since entering the palace, she had enjoyed imperial favor for over ten years, and it was said that she could even influence the emperor’s decisions on state affairs—a truly formidable woman.

 

Chu Jinyao had only heard of Empress Xiao Qi in legends, but now that she saw her in person, she realized the rumors were true. Empress Xiao Qi was indeed a beauty, with a face barely the size of a palm, exquisitely shaped brows, and sharp eyes. She wasn’t the dazzling type of beauty Chu Jinyao had imagined, but rather a petite and spirited one.

 

Of course, it was women like her, with an aura of vitality, who could capture the emperor’s heart for over a decade.

 

Beside Empress Xiao Qi sat several young women, their hairstyles indicating they were unmarried, and their opulent attire and accessories revealed their noble status. Chu Jinyao easily guessed their identities.

They must be the princesses, the Crown Prince’s sisters and the daughters of the Great Yan Dynasty.

 

Chu Jinyao suddenly grew curious—who did the Crown Prince resemble? Looking at these princesses with their gentle, refined features, she couldn’t help but wonder why the Crown Prince had such sharp, striking looks.

 

Realizing the identities of the others in the room, Chu Jinyao wasted no time in bowing to the princesses. “Greetings to Your Highnesses.”

 

The most beautiful and ornately dressed princess tilted her head and continued speaking to another princess, ignoring Chu Jinyao. The round-faced princess gave Chu Jinyao a slight nod and smiled, saying, “Please, rise quickly. Soon, you will be our sister-in-law. There’s no need to stand on ceremony with us.”

 

“I wouldn’t dare. I am just a commoner right now. How could I be so presumptuous?”

 

The round-faced princess smiled, “Well, I can’t argue with that.” She glanced at the other two princesses, who remained aloof, and said gently, “Our future sister-in-law is here, shouldn’t you come and greet her?”

 

It was only then that the more beautiful princess in red, who had been sitting with a haughty demeanor, finally toned down a bit. She wore a bright red dress with gold phoenix embroidery on the hem, so lavish that it could almost blind those around her. This princess sat closely next to Empress Xiao Qi, her expression arrogant, her eyes sharp as she scrutinized Chu Jinyao with an unfriendly gaze.

 

The round-faced princess ignored the red-clad princess’s uncooperative behavior and continued introducing everyone to Chu Jinyao one by one, “This is Second Princess, named Qin Yan, and this is my third sister, Qin Zhuang.”

 

After the introductions, she smiled and said, “And I am Qin Shu.”

 

Chu Jinyao finally matched names to faces. The friendly round-faced princess was the eldest, Princess Qin Shu. The stunning yet proud princess in red was the Second Princess, Qin Yan, who was also Empress Xiao Qi’s legitimate daughter. The one who had been speaking with the Second Princess was the Third Princess, Qin Zhuang, only a year younger than her.

 

This was a delicate situation. It seemed the Third Princess was conceived while Empress Xiao Qi was pregnant with the Second Princess, which might explain why she appeared to be somewhat intimidated by her elder sister. Just now, she had seemed eager to speak to Chu Jinyao, but when the Second Princess deliberately held her back, she didn’t dare resist.

 

The emperor had three sons and three daughters, and today, Chu Jinyao had the fortune to meet all three princesses.

 

After exchanging greetings with the princesses, Empress Xiao Qi sat by with a smile, quietly observing without revealing her thoughts. Only after their conversation ended did she speak with a chuckle, “Indeed, it seems young girls have the most to talk about. You’ve been sitting with me for so long, yet you’ve never been this lively before. Luckily, Miss Chu will soon be joining us in the palace. When the time comes, you won’t have to come here to endure my company anymore.”

 

This remark carried a strong undertone of probing and warning, and no one dared respond. Chu Jinyao feigned terror, bowing her head in fear, while the three princesses hurriedly began to flatter and jest with Empress Xiao Qi. It took some time before the atmosphere finally lightened again.

 

Empress Xiao Qi pretended to helplessly tap the three princesses on the forehead. “You three are so good at sweet-talking me.” Then, turning to Chu Jinyao, who was still bowing in feigned terror, she smiled and said, “We will soon be family. Why are you so frightened? Anyone who didn’t know better might think I’m some sort of man-eating monster, scaring such a lovely girl like this.”

 

Chu Jinyao kept her head bowed, her voice trembling as she responded, “Your subject would not dare.”

 

Empress Xiao Qi seemed finally satisfied and smiled, saying, “Why are you so uptight? Don’t just stand there—come and sit down.”

 

Chu Jinyao showed a look of surprise and trepidation, cautiously taking a seat. She perched lightly on the round stool, only then realizing how cold her back had become.

 

She had been so nervous earlier that she hadn’t even noticed she was sweating enough to soak through her inner clothes.

 

But it had all been a false alarm. Chu Jinyao quietly let out a breath of relief. It seemed that showing weakness was the right approach. She guessed that given the Crown Prince’s temper, he probably wouldn’t have given Empress Xiao Qi much respect, so naturally, Empress Xiao Qi would prefer a docile and pliable daughter-in-law.

 

Of course, Chu Jinyao knew the Crown Prince was a good man, and no matter what, she would stand by his side. However, the problem was that the Crown Prince and Empress Xiao Qi were stepson and stepmother. The Crown Prince could oppose Empress Xiao Qi without consequence—officials would likely even admire his integrity and passion. But if Chu Jinyao, as the daughter-in-law, dared to oppose the Empress…

 

The Crown Prince would probably soon find himself a new wife.

 

Therefore, Chu Jinyao had no choice but to maintain a careful balance, supporting the Crown Prince while avoiding conflict with Empress Xiao Qi.

 

Chu Jinyao knew she lacked cunning and acting skills, so she didn’t dare attempt any risky maneuvers like trying to please both sides. She could only play the part of someone timid and naïve, always pretending not to understand, never putting herself on the same level as the Empress.

 

After Chu Jinyao sat down, Empress Xiao Qi asked, “You’ve just arrived in the capital—are you getting used to it?”

 

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Everything has been well arranged by my elders.”

 

So obedient, really? Empress Xiao Qi asked again, “I hear you’ll be coming of age soon?”

 

Chu Jinyao’s heart skipped a beat. How did Empress Xiao Qi even know that? She immediately thought of County Princess Baoyu and understood. It seemed that the prominent figures in the capital knew far more about her than she had imagined.

 

Watching the subtle change in Chu Jinyao’s expression, Empress Xiao Qi continued slowly, ” County Princess Baoyu mentioned to me last time that the person the Crown Prince fancies is quite a beauty, and now that I’ve met you, I can see she wasn’t exaggerating. I hear the Imperial Astronomy Bureau has already selected several auspicious dates. After seeing you today, I’m even more eager to bring you into the palace sooner. Baoyu can’t always stay with me, and the eldest princess will soon be married off, so my world has suddenly become half empty. But thankfully, you’ll be here soon. A fresh young girl like you will be such a delight to have around.”

 

But from Empress Xiao Qi’s tone, it didn’t sound like she truly found it delightful.

 

Chu Jinyao merely smiled shyly, as if she didn’t know how to respond, and repeated her phrase, “Your Majesty flatters me.”

 

Inwardly, Empress Xiao Qi clicked her tongue. This girl really didn’t know how to talk—she only had a few phrases she repeated over and over. But maybe that was for the best. Those who were too eloquent often caused trouble. The palace already had enough of those clever-tongued types; no need to add another one. Someone like Chu Jinyao, quiet and obedient, might be easier to manage.

 

Still, Empress Xiao Qi was puzzled. After all these years of being difficult, how had the Crown Prince suddenly chosen someone so compliant for his bride?

 

Still doubtful, Empress Xiao Qi pressed further, “I really like you the more I see you. I wish I could bring you into the palace tomorrow. I’ll speak to His Majesty about speeding things up with the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Astronomy Bureau so that your wedding to the Crown Prince can take place as soon as possible.”

 

Was this a display of her influence over the Emperor? Chu Jinyao wanted to tell the Empress there was no need to rush, but she couldn’t, so she simply bowed her head, looking as though she would leave everything to the elders to decide.

 

Empress Xiao Qi smiled at Chu Jinyao’s bashful reaction, then abruptly changed the subject without warning, “The two elder momos I sent to you—have they been treating you well?”

 

Chu Jinyao was startled but cautiously replied, “They’ve been very responsible and diligent.”

 

“Have they been good to you?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve learned a lot from their guidance.”

 

“That’s good!” Empress Xiao Qi smiled. “Now that you’re about to enter the palace, two momos won’t be enough. How about I send you four more attendants to look after you?”

 

More attendants? Four of them? This time, Chu Jinyao was truly taken aback. The two elder maids were already troublesome enough, and now the Empress wanted to send four more maids? Was she trying to place spies all around her?

 

Chu Jinyao felt a sense of unease. With a grateful smile, she responded, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I already have six maids by my side. If you send more, I won’t be able to make full use of them, which would be a waste of their talents. I appreciate your kind gesture, but I would only be taking them away from their duties here, and that would be a failure on my part. It would be better if they stayed to serve you.”

 

“They’re just four maids,” Empress Xiao Qi said with a laugh. “I have plenty of people here; you don’t need to worry about that. But you only have six maids with you? You’re going to be the Crown Princess—you should have at least a hundred servants attending to you. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Take these people with you for now, and I’ll arrange for more later.”

 

Chu Jinyao felt her scalp tingle. She wanted to refuse again, but when she glanced up, she noticed Empress Xiao Qi watching her intently, as if gauging her response.

 

Still testing her? Chu Jinyao realized she couldn’t refuse any further. She bowed her head and smiled, “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. I will accept them with gratitude.”

 

Empress Xiao Qi seemed pleased with this answer. She took Chu Jinyao’s hand, gently patting the back of it in a motherly way, saying, “You’ll be my daughter-in-law soon, practically no different from my own daughter. Naturally, I have to think of your well-being.”

 

Chu Jinyao inwardly sighed but maintained her smile.

 

When she had entered the palace, Chu Jinyao had come alone. But by the time she left Kunning Palace, she had four beautiful palace maids trailing behind her.

 

The eldest princess, Qin Shu, also left with Chu Jinyao. As they walked together for a while, they passed a small garden where Qin Shu stopped and invited Chu Jinyao to enjoy the flowers.

 

Of course, Chu Jinyao agreed. The two strolled leisurely through the garden, with the ldest princess pointing out a few famous flowers before suddenly remarking with a half-smile, “You’re even younger than I am. You haven’t even had your coming-of-age ceremony yet.”

 

Chu Jinyao didn’t know how to respond to that and could only offer an awkward smile. The Crown Prince was four years older than her—Chu Jinyao was about to turn fifteen, and the Crown Prince was just nineteen. They were both still quite young, yet the way the eldest princess phrased it made it sound as if they were far apart in age.

 

The eldest princess looked at Chu Jinyao, continuing, “My brother, the Crown Prince, specifically told me to look out for you. When you have your coming-of-age ceremony in a few days, how about I be your sponsor?”

 

The eldest princess as her sponsor? Chu Jinyao was momentarily stunned, then quickly accepted, “Thank you, Your Highness. I would be honored.”

 

The eldest princess smiled, and that settled the matter. It seemed that this had been the princess’s primary purpose in accompanying her, for after saying this, she only lingered a short while longer before heading back to the palace.

 

Chu Jinyao continued on her way, bringing the palace maids with her. In the palace, alliances were everything, and from today’s events, it was clear that the eldest princess was aligned with the Crown Prince.

 

In fact, the eldest princess hadn’t even asked if Chu Jinyao had a sponsor yet—she had spoken as if it were already decided. Chu Jinyao sighed inwardly. It was just like dealing with royalty—even someone as kind as the eldest princess wouldn’t bother consulting others.

 

When the Marquis of Changxing’s carriage finally arrived at the palace gates, Linglong and the coachman had been waiting on it for the entire afternoon. Linglong had been eagerly scanning the palace gates for Chu Jinyao, and when she finally saw her, she was overjoyed, but then froze in confusion.

 

Linglong asked blankly, “Miss, who are these people?”

 

“The Empress was considerate and gave me these palace maids.”

 

Linglong’s expression revealed her bewilderment. Chu Jinyao motioned for her not to say anything and instructed everyone to get in the carriage, saving the discussion for later.

 

That night, after the two elder maids and the four palace maids sent by the Empress had gone to bed, Linglong quietly whispered to Chu Jinyao as she prepared the bedding, “Miss, those four maids are dressed quite extravagantly. I don’t think they have pure intentions.”

 

“Not just impure intentions,” Chu Jinyao sighed. “The Empress’s intentions couldn’t be clearer. She’s essentially sending spies into the Eastern Palace by forcing them on me.”

 

“What should we do?” Linglong asked worriedly.

 

“What else can we do? We’ll take it one step at a time. For now, we can’t touch them. Once we’re in the palace, we’ll find a way to deal with them.” Chu Jinyao replied. “Besides, we might not always be on the defensive. Everyone has their own motives. If we play our cards right, we might even have the chance to turn the tables. What was that phrase again? ‘The doubt within the doubt becomes self-contained and flawless.’”

 

Linglong stared at her in astonishment, her expression so obvious that Chu Jinyao couldn’t help but touch her face. “Did I misquote it?”

 

Linglong sighed. “Miss, you’ve been like this lately—whenever you have a free moment, you’re reciting books. Learning the rules is already exhausting enough. You’re not preparing for the imperial exams, so why are you pushing yourself so hard?”

 

Chu Jinyao thought of Qi Rong and Zhao Lanhui, both highly educated and raised alongside their brothers in their studies. She felt the road ahead was treacherous—she was thirteen years behind! Shaking her head, Chu Jinyao insisted, “My brother taught me that since I’m entering the palace, I should start with ‘Thirty-Six Stratagems’ as it’ll be helpful.”

 

Linglong could only sigh at this. She earnestly gazed into Chu Jinyao’s eyes, perhaps trying to convince herself as much as Chu Jinyao. “Miss, good fortune will follow you. I’m sure everything will turn out fine.”

 

Chu Jinyao chuckled softly, “I hope so.”

 

She had no powerful family backing her, no support network. She had to tread carefully between the Crown Prince and the Empress. Now, even before entering the palace, the Empress had already sent four beautiful maids to divide her favor. It was clear that there would be no shortage of women in the Eastern Palace in the future.

 

But it wasn’t just a matter of favor—Chu Jinyao wasn’t even sure if she could gain the Crown Prince’s attention, let alone share his favor.

 

Chu Jinyao was filled with uncertainty about the future. She was grateful to the Crown Prince and wanted to be a dutiful, obedient wife, but was that what the Crown Prince needed?

 

As the wedding date approached, her anxiety grew stronger and stronger. Before she knew it, the day of her coming-of-age ceremony had arrived.

 

When word spread that the eldest princess would act as Chu Jinyao’s sponsor, the news caused quite a stir. At coming-of-age ceremonies, the sponsor was typically a close friend or sister of the young lady. Having a princess as her sponsor was a great honor.

 

It was as if this was a signal. On the day of Chu Jinyao’s ceremony, March 16th, many distinguished guests came to witness it. Zhao Lanhui, perhaps trying to remain neutral, had initially hesitated. But upon seeing that Chu Jinyao had managed to invite the eldest princess, Zhao Lanhui decided to honor her and attended the event herself. The two sisters from the Zhenbei Marquis’s family, likely following Empress Xiao Qi’s orders, also came. With so many high-ranking ladies attending, other noblewomen quickly followed suit.

 

On her fifteenth birthday, Chu Jinyao’s greatest achievement wasn’t just tying up her hair as a sign of adulthood, but meeting numerous people she had never even dreamed of encountering before.

 

Aside from numerous noblewomen, county princesses, and other royal family members, she even met a legend in the literary world, the granddaughter of Grand Secretary Fan. When others introduced her, Chu Jinyao could hardly believe it.

 

How incredible. Who would have thought that the old Chu Jinyao could one day have so many important people attending her birthday?

 

Grand Secretary Fan’s granddaughter wasn’t part of the same circle as people like Zhao Lanhui or Qi Rong. The Fan family represented the scholarly, literati elite, while the others were imperial kin and aristocracy. Though they maintained a facade of cordiality, there was likely a hidden tension between them.

 

However, at Chu Jinyao’s ceremony, both groups treated each other with remarkable respect, giving Chu Jinyao, the future Crown Princess, the honor she deserved.

 

This was undoubtedly the grandest birthday Chu Jinyao had ever had. A respected member of the royal family adorned her hair, the eldest princess stood beside her as sponsor, and the gathered guests were all from prestigious families. For the first time, Chu Jinyao caught a glimpse of the dazzling and mysterious world she was about to enter.

 

After Chu Jinyao’s coming-of-age ceremony, more and more people in the court began to talk about the Crown Prince’s wedding. Qin Yi, as the Crown Prince, had become famous early on due to his fiery temper. At the age of sixteen, he had shot and killed the Empress’s favored servant in front of thousands of soldiers. At seventeen, he had been sent to the frontier. At eighteen, he had defied imperial orders and led troops against the Tatars. Now, though only nineteen, civil and military officials felt that Qin Yi had been around long enough and it was time for him to settle down.

 

In April, the matter of the Crown Prince’s wedding was submitted to the cabinet. Grand Secretary Fan and several other high-ranking officials jointly petitioned the Emperor to host the Crown Prince’s wedding. The petition soon reached the Emperor, who, during a morning assembly, personally instructed the Ministry of Rites: “The Crown Prince is of age, and his wedding should be arranged. The Ministry of Rites should collaborate with the Imperial Astronomer to draft a proposal.”

 

The Minister of Rites immediately accepted the order, and soon half of the court was set in motion.

 

The Crown Prince’s wedding was now imminent.

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