Chapter 74: The Adjustment of Newlyweds

 

“His Highness…” Linglong leaned closer to Chu Jinyao, whispering in her ear with a tone that carried a hint of self-satisfaction, “The Crown Prince was quite displeased and sent her out. Fortunately, Eunuch Lin came in quickly, or things might have gone wrong.”

 

Chu Jinyao nodded thoughtfully. It was no surprise that Qin Yi had been upset, even scolding Erhua to leave. However, Chu Jinyao couldn’t be sure if Qin Yi was displeased because the maid had acted on her own or simply because she was one of Empress Xiao Qi’s people.

 

Initially, Chu Jinyao had resolved to be a dignified and virtuous Crown Princess. Given her background, she couldn’t afford any mistakes. But today’s incident with Erhua had angered her, even though, deep down, she knew the real source of her frustration wasn’t just Erhua.

 

Trying to calm her thoughts, Chu Jinyao reminded herself of her goal: she wanted to live peacefully with Qin Yi and indeed cared about him, but at the same time, she needed to protect her own interests.

 

The truth was, there was only one Crown Prince, but there could be many Crown Princesses. Qin Yi’s well-being didn’t necessarily mean that Chu Jinyao, as his wife, would live well. Especially in the imperial palace, where taking concubines was prescribed by law, even with formal ranks and titles.

 

No woman willingly watches her husband take concubines. In common families, a wife might argue with her husband or his family, but in the palace, who could make a scene? Besides, Qin Yi was such a dominant and decisive person. If he truly wanted to take concubines, what could she do to stop him?

 

Thus, the best course of action was to maintain the current situation. Chu Jinyao would offer Qin Yi part of her genuine care but still maintain her boundaries, particularly when it came to concubines. This would be beneficial for both of them. She wouldn’t get swept away by temporary favor and lose her sense of propriety, and Qin Yi would hopefully remember their past bond and treat her with the respect due to a legitimate wife.

 

This arrangement was ideal—a dignified and respectable relationship, like that of many noble families. But there could be no more instances where she got upset over something as trivial as a maid approaching her husband.

 

Chu Jinyao scolded herself inwardly, promising not to let this happen again. Still, despite her resolve, her mood soured for reasons she couldn’t quite explain.

 

She muttered, “These four maids must be dealt with.”

 

Linglong wholeheartedly agreed. From her perspective, those maids were vying for Chu Jinyao’s favor, and naturally, she found them even more unbearable. Though they had only been in the palace for two days, anyone could see that the Crown Prince was particularly indulgent toward the Crown Princess. From calling the imperial physician to having meals with her and ensuring she had peaceful rest—each of these actions was exceptional.

 

Clearly, Erhua and the other maids had noticed Qin Yi’s treatment of Chu Jinyao and became emboldened, thinking they too could gain favor. Linglong added, “Miss, you shouldn’t be upset because of them. They saw how well His Highness treats you, and with their common looks, they dared to try their luck. In my view, Erhua was likely pushed out to test the waters.”

 

In private, Linglong still preferred to call Chu Jinyao “Miss.” Hearing this, Chu Jinyao’s frustration grew, and she sternly warned Linglong, “Don’t say such things. We’ve just entered the palace, and it’s more important than ever to be cautious. We cannot become arrogant just because of a fleeting moment of indulgence from His Highness. You mustn’t speak like this. Also, go warn the other maids. Just because we’re receiving some favor doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. This is all just a temporary illusion; we must rely on ourselves to stay grounded.”

 

Linglong frowned but held back her desire to convince Chu Jinyao otherwise. Earlier, when the Crown Princess felt faint, the Crown Prince’s sudden concern had been genuine. After spending years in the palace, Qin Yi wouldn’t have shown his emotions so openly if he were only briefly intrigued. His worry had been real, as evidenced by his visible reaction—something that couldn’t be faked.

 

However, it was natural for Chu Jinyao to be cautious. Given the setting of the imperial palace, she couldn’t trust too easily or relax her defenses. Linglong understood her Mistress’s perspective, so she decided not to press the matter. After all, being cautious and reserved in such a treacherous place was wise.

 

Linglong shifted the conversation to a less sensitive topic. “Miss, what should we do with those four maids?”

 

Now focused on the issue at hand, Chu Jinyao dismissed her earlier frustrations and began to strategize seriously. “We can’t just dismiss them. If we take action ourselves, it would demean us. As the Crown Princess, dealing directly with mere palace maids is beneath me.”

 

“What do you suggest then?”

 

“We let them deal with themselves. This palace is large, and it’s not like there aren’t other servants.”

 

Linglong immediately grasped her meaning. “Understood. So, what should we do next?”

 

“People aren’t worried about scarcity; they’re worried about imbalance,” Chu Jinyao explained cryptically. “We just need to promote one among them, give her favor, and provide her with rewards. The rest will naturally resolve itself.”

 

“Your Highness, that’s a brilliant strategy.”

 

“Don’t flatter me. You’re the only one who bothers to say such things to make me happy.”

 

Linglong smiled silently, knowing who Chu Jinyao referred to without saying the name. She stepped back courteously, saying, “I’ll go take care of it now. Also, Your Highness, we brought your dowry into the palace yesterday, and it’s locked in the rear hall. Would you like to review the inventory?”

 

On the day of the wedding, Chu Jinyao’s dowry had been brought into the Eastern Palace. A woman’s dowry was one of her most important assets. Even though, as the Crown Princess, she didn’t need to concern herself with her standing before the Emperor or the Crown Prince, wealth was still critical in the palace. No matter the status of a concubine or empress, without sufficient funds, even the most favored individual would find life difficult.

 

Chu Jinyao thought for a moment and said, “Bring it here. I’ll go over the list.”

 

Her dowry was quite generous, after all. As the Crown Princess, the Changxing Marquisate could not afford to lose face, and they had ensured her dowry matched her title. Although her grandfather had squandered much of the family fortune, enough remained to ensure she had a presentable dowry.

 

Moreover, the Marquis held high hopes for her, viewing her marriage as a potential boon for the family’s future. With this mindset, he had been meticulous about her dowry. All of the betrothal gifts sent by the royal family had been matched by her own family, item for item.

 

Thus, the inventory of her dowry was vast. Her marriage had been a major event, with each of the Six Rites carried out meticulously, accompanied by corresponding gifts from the Ministry of Rites. As the Crown Prince’s wedding was a national affair, every gift had been handpicked and recorded, down to the last detail. These records would be preserved in the national archives.

 

As Chu Jinyao reviewed the inventory, she felt reassured, knowing that nothing would be taken without record. Even so, it was essential to keep a close eye on her assets. While the inner palace provided an official allowance, the real expenses were far greater than what the stipends covered.

 

Thinking about the financial burden of maintaining a household within the palace, Chu Jinyao sighed. The palace expenses were overwhelming; without regular bribes or favors to eunuchs and maids, life here would be nearly impossible. She glanced out of the window at the cold, blue sky, where patches of unmelted snow glistened in the light, reflecting a cold, lifeless hue.

 

Just looking at the palace’s imposing architecture gave her a sense of its grandeur, beauty, and coldness. It was already cold in the capital as winter deepened, and as evening approached, the wind whistled through the halls, turning the once-bright palace into a silent, brooding beast. In the shadows, emotionless eunuchs and maids hurried past, heads bowed, bracing against the bitter wind.

 

This was where she would spend the rest of her life. How long she would live here depended on how long she could survive.

 

The gloom of winter evenings in the Imperial Palace was hard to appreciate, especially for someone like Chu Jinyao. She sighed lightly, setting aside her dowry list, intending to call someone in to help her change clothes. As she rose, she suddenly heard a commotion outside, followed by someone announcing, “His Highness, the Crown Prince, has returned.”

 

Chu Jinyao’s spirits lifted at once, and she quickly ran outside. “Your Highness!”

 

Qin Yi had just entered the hall, greeted by a wave of warm air. The next thing he saw was Chu Jinyao emerging from the west wing, calling out, “Your Highness!” with a bright, cheerful voice.

 

As he shrugged off his heavy cloak with the help of a servant, Qin Yi turned and smiled at the sight of her. “You’re awake?”

 

In fact, Qin Yi hadn’t wanted to go out that day at all. To be summoned to meet ministers on the second day of marriage was quite disappointing.

 

However, many had taken the opportunity to send gifts, and he couldn’t avoid meeting certain individuals. His younger brothers were also growing older, and there was always trouble brewing.

 

Leaving Chu Jinyao behind had bothered him. Throughout the day, he found himself thinking about her, wondering if she was managing alone. She wasn’t the kind of person who easily made friends, and having just entered the palace, she might not be used to her new environment.

 

When he returned, the cold wind biting at his face, he was greeted by the sight of Chu Jinyao eagerly rushing toward him. In his eyes, even though she was a grown woman, her movements and expression were as innocent as a child’s.

 

“I’ve been up for a while!” Chu Jinyao muttered discontentedly. Qin Yi, now free of his heavy outer garments, reached out, took her hand, and led her toward the inner hall. “Yesterday was the wedding, and today many people came to send gifts. I had to make an appearance. I left early because I saw you were sleeping so soundly and didn’t want to disturb you.”

 

Was he… explaining himself to her? Chu Jinyao felt flattered and quickly replied, “I understand. As the Crown Prince, you have many important matters to attend to.”

 

“Important matters,” Qin Yi repeated, an amused glint in his eye as he looked at her. He suddenly chuckled.

 

Chu Jinyao had thought her response sounded appropriately virtuous and understanding, but when Qin Yi laughed, she began to feel embarrassed. If external matters were considered “important,” then what wasn’t?

 

Feeling somewhat flustered, she protested, “Your Highness!”

 

Seeing that Chu Jinyao was genuinely upset, Qin Yi stifled his laughter and led her to sit down on the couch. “How are you feeling today?”

 

For a moment, Chu Jinyao didn’t quite grasp the meaning of his question, but then she realized he was asking whether she was adjusting to life in the Eastern Palace. Touched by his concern, she found her gaze softening as she looked at him. The Qin Yi she had first met had been so aloof and arrogant, yet now he was caring about such small matters. Even as the Crown Prince, for him to notice this was remarkable.

 

Feeling moved, Chu Jinyao’s expression softened, and she replied, “I’m doing well. As long as I know you’re nearby, I don’t feel scared, even in such an unfamiliar place.”

 

Those words hit Qin Yi right in the heart. He smiled, reaching out to pinch her cheek gently. “Where did you learn to talk like this? I haven’t seen you in a few days, and now you’ve become quite the smooth talker.”

 

“No one taught me!” Chu Jinyao gave him a sidelong glance, clearly dissatisfied with his teasing. “I only said what came naturally when I saw you.”

 

Qin Yi couldn’t help but laugh again. He finally understood why so many rulers in history had been captivated by women. His tutors had always warned him that women were illusions, distracting rulers from their duties. But with just a few words from Chu Jinyao, he felt like he could agree to anything she asked for—even if it was a title or a favor.

 

The two of them chatted quietly in the hall, the cold wind and darkening sky outside seeming distant and insignificant.

 

Later that evening, they wouldn’t be dining at their own palace; the Emperor and Empress had arranged a banquet. Once again, Chu Jinyao and Qin Yi had to don their formal attire and attend. Compared to yesterday’s state banquet, tonight’s gathering was more of a family affair. The couple quickly dressed and prepared to depart.

 

As they walked out of the Eastern Palace together, Qin Yi kept a slow pace, staying beside Chu Jinyao. Dressed in red as a new bride, she seemed like a flame in the gathering dusk.

 

For any man, having a beautiful woman by his side was a source of satisfaction, and Qin Yi was no exception. Glancing at Chu Jinyao, he asked curiously, “Why are you keeping such a serious expression?”

 

Chu Jinyao responded earnestly, “It makes me look dignified and authoritative.”

 

Qin Yi chuckled softly and, seeing how serious she was, gave a small nod. “Alright, you play along.”

 

The last time Chu Jinyao had entered the palace, she had to walk, but today, she was able to use a small carriage. As soon as they appeared, they caused quite a stir, with palace maids and eunuchs stopping in their tracks to kneel in respect. The eunuch in charge announced loudly, “The Crown Prince and Crown Princess have arrived!”

 

The sound of conversation in the palace quieted as everyone stood to pay their respects to Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao. “Greetings to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess,” echoed around them.

 

Walking slightly behind Qin Yi, Chu Jinyao followed his lead, maintaining a composed expression as they passed through the crowd. When they reached the first table on the left, Qin Yi paused and turned to say, “You may all rise.”

 

Following his lead, Chu Jinyao gave a small, graceful smile and nodded politely to the gathered guests.

 

As was customary, the most important guests arrived last, so by the time Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao entered, everyone except the Emperor and Empress was already seated. When the two appeared, everyone quickly stood up to greet them, creating an impressive and somewhat overwhelming sight for Chu Jinyao.

 

With the Crown Prince and Crown Princess seated, the Emperor and Empress soon arrived as well. After the formal greetings, the royal family banquet began.

 

Since this was a celebratory banquet for the Crown Prince’s marriage, Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao were naturally the center of attention. Chu Jinyao, making her first formal appearance as the Crown Princess, drew even more focus.

 

The grandeur of the occasion left Chu Jinyao feeling a bit out of place. Fortunately, the expectations for women at such events were clear: remain composed, smile, and behave gracefully. As a newlywed and the Crown Princess, Chu Jinyao could mostly get away with smiling and keeping quiet. When someone offered a toast, she would drink if Qin Yi drank, leaving the conversation entirely to him.

 

After a while, Chu Jinyao lightly tugged on Qin Yi’s sleeve and whispered, “Your Highness, I’m feeling a little dizzy.”

 

Qin Yi turned to look at her, half-amused, half-exasperated. He leaned in to support her arm. “I thought you were enjoying yourself. Turns out you can’t hold your liquor. You’ve barely had anything.”

 

Chu Jinyao felt as though her head was floating, her whole body light and ungrounded, except for the hand that Qin Yi held firmly. Despite her dizziness, she felt reassured knowing Qin Yi was by her side. In the midst of the grand and formal banquet, she suddenly realized that as long as Qin Yi was there, everything would be alright.

 

Carefully concealing his actions, Qin Yi continued to support her under the table. While helping her with her food, he whispered, “I’ll have them bring you some sobering soup. If anyone comes to offer a toast, you don’t have to drink anymore. I’ll take care of it.”

 

“Mm,” Chu Jinyao responded softly, her eyes glistening as she looked at him. With all sincerity, she added, “You’re so kind, Your Highness.”

 

Her eyes sparkled, even more luminous after a few drinks, and her gaze was soft and captivating. Qin Yi stared for a moment, then leaned in closer, smiling as he asked, “Do you even know what you’re saying?”

 

Chu Jinyao blinked, clearly unsure.

 

Qin Yi shook his head, chuckling at her confusion, and decided to leave it at that.

 

Just then, the Second and Third Princes approached to offer their congratulations. They happened to catch the tail end of the exchange between Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao. The Second Prince hesitated for a moment before grinning mischievously. “It seems we’ve come at a bad time.”

 

Qin Yi was already growing tired of the formalities. Seeing who had approached, the smile faded slightly from his face. “Ah, it’s you two. Second Brother, Third Brother.”

 

The Second Prince raised his cup and said loudly, “Congratulations to my elder brother and sister-in-law on your marriage. May you have a long and happy life together.”

 

Qin Yi and the Second Prince had a neutral relationship—neither close nor distant. Growing up, they had rarely seen each other, and their bond was minimal. As for the Third Prince, being Empress Xiao Qi’s son… well, Qin Yi didn’t care for him at all.

 

Taking the cup, Qin Yi downed the wine in one gulp, then promptly turned to signal that the exchange was over. He wasn’t about to let them stare at a drunken Chu Jinyao any longer.

 

The Second Prince was surprised by Qin Yi’s straightforwardness. He hadn’t expected him to drink without hesitation. “I’ve always heard that marriage changes a man, and I didn’t believe it until I saw it for myself. You and Sister-in-law are truly enviable. But shouldn’t Sister-in-law join us for a drink?”

 

“She doesn’t handle her liquor well,” Qin Yi said, shielding Chu Jinyao behind him with a protective gesture. “If you really want to offer a toast, I’ll drink on her behalf.”

 

“Of course,” the Second Prince replied with a smile, though his eyes briefly flickered with disappointment as he finished his own drink. Behind him, the Third Prince sneered but raised his cup in a half-hearted gesture before following the Second Prince away.

 

Once seated again, the Third Prince scoffed, “Our dear elder brother is still as aloof and arrogant as ever.”

 

As the Empress’s son, the Third Prince had little reason to hold back. The Second Prince tried to smooth things over. “It looked like the Crown Princess had a bit too much to drink. It’s only natural that our elder brother didn’t want others to see.”

 

Unimpressed, the Third Prince snorted. The Second Prince gave a glance toward Qin Yi and added with a knowing smile, “You’ll understand one day, once you’re married. The Empress has already made arrangements for you. You’ll see soon enough.”

 

The Third Prince was only fourteen, still too young for such concerns. Yet growing up in the palace, he understood the implication well enough. Still, he responded with a dismissive huff, uninterested in the conversation.

 

As for the Second Prince, his mind lingered on the image of the Crown Princess, her slightly drunken yet radiant expression. Perhaps it was time for him to choose a wife as well.

 

The latter half of the banquet blurred for Chu Jinyao. Her head was spinning, and though she tried to maintain her composure for Qin Yi’s sake, she felt as though she were floating. Years of palace training had drilled into her the habit of smiling through any situation, but her mind was growing increasingly hazy.

 

Finally, when the Emperor had had his fill of celebration, the banquet was declared over. Chu Jinyao found herself being carried, half-conscious, across a high threshold.

 

Startled, she opened her eyes, still half-drunk. “Your Highness?”

 

“It’s me.”

 

Relieved, Chu Jinyao relaxed, resting her head against Qin Yi’s shoulder. After a moment, something dawned on her. “Are we… back at the Eastern Palace?”

 

“Where else?”

 

“But how can you carry me like this? There are so many people watching!”

 

“Calm down.” Qin Yi tightened his hold on her as she started to squirm. “We’re already home. Besides, we’ll deal with everything you said tonight, one step at a time.”

 

Home? The word startled Chu Jinyao. Was the Eastern Palace now truly her home?

 

Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, Chu Jinyao felt unusually bold. She murmured, her cheek brushing against Qin Yi’s chest, “Wherever Your Highness is… that’s my home.”

—

Author’s Note:  A classic case of “liquid courage” at work! Most emotions in the world are realized only when it’s too late.

Translator’s Note:- Extremely sorry for forgeting about the daily updates 😭😭. If I forget again then please do let me know on our official discord. Also to compensate about the delay I am posting all the chapters that should have been posted those days on today. Enjoy!!!