Chapter 85 – The Demeanor of a Main Wife

 

On the second day of the lunar new year, it was customary for married women to return to their maternal homes. Qin Yi did not need to attend court that day, so he accompanied Chu Jinyao to leave the palace, and together they visited the Changxing Marquis Estate.

 

The Fifth Son-in-Law had always been a very unique presence in the estate. Even the Marquis of Changxing didn’t quite know how to behave around his son-in-law. Fortunately, Qin Yi treated his father-in-law with proper respect, so the marquis maintained a balance between his role as a court official and his familial duties, allowing him to get along peacefully with Qin Yi.

 

Yesterday, both Old Madam Chu and Madam Zhao had already seen Chu Jinyao, so nothing was unusual for them today. However, the other female relatives of the Chu family, who had not been present at the New Year’s court assembly, were visibly astonished when they saw her.

 

Every time they saw Chu Jinyao, they could clearly perceive her rapid growth. When she left for her marriage in December of the previous year, she was quiet and reserved, and one could still sense the uncertainty in her eyes regarding her future. By the time she returned three days later, much of that uncertainty had faded, though she still carried herself with caution. But this time, only a month had passed, yet Chu Jinyao’s aura had become even more composed. This composure was no longer the kind that stemmed from a fear of making mistakes but rather a natural calmness born from inner confidence and security.

 

Madam Yan stood at the back, observing for a long time. She recalled all the newly married women she had seen before and had to admit that Chu Jinyao was truly born fortunate. She had seen many women marry into higher ranks, adorned in lavish clothes but with caution in their eyes, their words always carefully considered before being spoken. But Chu Jinyao was different. Even though she had married into one of the highest families in the land, her demeanor remained natural, with a quiet confidence that showed she wasn’t afraid of making mistakes. Both were new brides, and Duan Yinghua had married a month before Chu Jinyao, but when standing next to Chu Jinyao, the difference was clear. A woman’s post-marriage state could not lie; her expression told the true story.

 

Chu Jinyao’s mother-in-law was Empress Xiao Qi, a stepmother with long-standing grievances with the Crown Prince. There was no hope for the ideal scenario of mother and daughter-in-law living harmoniously. Therefore, Chu Jinyao’s confidence could only come from the Crown Prince himself.

 

Madam Yan sighed, unsure whether to envy Chu Jinyao’s good fortune or her beauty. Some things could not be attained through jealousy. If Chu Jinyao had not returned, and if it had been her half-sister Chu Jinmiao instead, with her petty and narrow-minded nature, she might not have been able to enjoy such fortune.

 

After sitting with the elders for a while, and receiving the ceremonial bows from her younger sisters, Chu Jinyao expressed her desire to take a walk. Since her marriage, she hadn’t visited her former boudoir and wondered what had become of it.

 

No one dared to stop Chu Jinyao when she wanted to leave. Accompanied by Linglong and Jiegeng, she walked toward the east side, where they marveled at the familiar sights.

 

“Your Highness, they’ve kept the courtyard well-maintained!” exclaimed Linglong.

 

Even after her marriage, her residence in the capital was still called the “Chun Yun Courtyard,” and it had been regularly cleaned. As Chu Jinyao stepped into the rooms, she noticed that all the large furnishings remained, but the space lacked the lively warmth of its former days, clearly showing that no one lived there anymore.

 

Jiegeng was still chattering away, “Everything is still in good condition. It’s just that without anyone living here, it feels a bit cold. Should I bring over a heater, Your Highness?”

 

“No need to trouble yourself. I just came for a look around. No need to make a fuss.”

 

“Trouble? How could this be a fuss?”

 

Chu Jinyao and Jiegeng were startled by the sudden voice. Jiegeng immediately bowed her head and retreated. “Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

 

Chu Jinyao, who had been sitting on the bed, quickly stood up. “Your Highness, why are you here?”

 

“I heard you came to the east courtyard, so I thought I’d come have a look as well,” Qin Yi said, naturally taking hold of Chu Jinyao’s hand. His brows twitched slightly. “Your hands are so cold?”

 

Jiegeng, understanding the situation, immediately said, “I’ll go fetch a heater at once.”

 

Once Jiegeng had left and Linglong was still occupied with brewing tea, only Chu Jinyao and Qin Yi remained in the room. Chu Jinyao glanced at Qin Yi, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she simply pursed her lips without speaking.

 

Qin Yi was amused by her expressive face. “What do you want to say?”

 

“I was going to mention that this is a young lady’s room, and it seems inappropriate for you to just walk in like this. But then I realized that with your personality, saying such things would be pointless, so I decided to save my breath.”

 

Qin Yi didn’t think there was anything wrong with entering a lady’s room. After all, he had bought this house specifically for Chu Jinyao and had already been in it before. Moreover, he had even seen and stayed in her room back in Taiyuan.

 

Thus, Qin Yi nonchalantly replied, “We’re husband and wife now. Why does it matter?”

 

Chu Jinyao knew there was no reasoning with him on such trivial matters, so she didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she excitedly began showing Qin Yi the things she had left behind, explaining how she spent the year preparing for her marriage.

 

“…This is my embroidery frame. I used to sit here and do needlework when the light was good. I spent an entire year learning embroidery just to prepare for our wedding. When my elder sister heard I was embroidering my dowry, she even wrote to give me advice…”

 

Qin Yi had little experience with these inner court matters, but hearing these trivial stories from Chu Jinyao’s perspective made them seem captivating, as though he had also become part of her past life. Realizing that Chu Jinyao’s mood had grown somber, Qin Yi sensitively asked, “Why did you stop talking?”

 

Chu Jinyao let out a soft sigh. “I was thinking of my eldest sister. Our whole family has moved to the capital, but she’s still alone in Taiyuan. I don’t know if her husband’s family treats her well. She only became pregnant two years after her marriage, so it must have been difficult, and with her family not by her side…”

 

Ah, so it was about this. Qin Yi didn’t think it was much of a problem and casually suggested, “If you’re concerned about your elder sister, we can transfer Zhao Jiazhi to the capital.”

 

Chu Jinyao was stunned. “Is that even possible?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Chu Jinyao blinked and then whispered, “Doesn’t that count as pulling strings?”

 

Qin Yi looked at her with amusement. “Obviously, yes.”

 

Chu Jinyao burst into laughter. She glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before tightly hugging Qin Yi’s arm. “Thank you, Your Highness!”

 

“Where’s the sincerity?”

 

This man was truly pushing his luck. Chu Jinyao glared at Qin Yi and signaled with her eyes to the surroundings. “We’re outside. Stop saying such things.”

 

“I think you’re the one with improper thoughts,” Qin Yi teased.

 

“Shut up!” she retorted.

 

The two laughed and bantered as they left Chu Jinyao’s bedroom, heading toward other parts of the courtyard. Behind them, Xiao Linzi turned to Jiegeng with a knowing look and said with an air of experience, “See, I told you there’s no need to bring in the heater.”

 

Jiegeng, holding the fire basin and having endured the chilly wind for some time, sighed. “You were right, Eunuch Lin. But what should we do with this fire basin?”

 

Xiao Linzi pondered for a moment and replied, “Just hold onto it for now. If we send it back and the Crown Prince doesn’t see it, he might think we were slacking off and get upset. But if we bring it in, he’ll surely get angry. So let’s just hold it for now. No rush.”

 

Jiegeng nodded in agreement. She wanted to compliment Xiao Linzi on his wisdom but wisely held her tongue.

 

After having lunch, Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao took their leave from the Changxing Marquis Estate. The marquis looked at the bright sky outside, then at the couple’s matching purple outfits, and ultimately decided to turn a blind eye and let the Crown Prince have his way.

 

Today, Chu Jinyao was dressed in a white robe with intricate floral patterns, paired with a purple skirt embroidered with a mountain and river motif. Qin Yi wore a similarly colored purple robe with a mountain and river design. When they stood together, the marquis could only sigh inwardly and avert his gaze from his overly radiant son-in-law.

 

Even though the Crown Prince’s marriage had not been formally announced to the entire empire, anyone in court could tell that the Crown Prince was basking in the glow of his new marriage. Not only had his smiles increased, but his entire demeanor spoke of the joy of a man enjoying a harmonious marital life. Even a blind person could see it.

 

They left the Changxing Marquis Estate early, and Chu Jinyao assumed they would return to the palace. However, to her surprise, Qin Yi took her around the capital to enjoy the sights. Having never had a proper chance to explore the city, Chu Jinyao was delighted. With Qin Yi as her escort, she spent the entire afternoon happily exploring, only reluctantly returning to the palace later.

 

But as soon as she stepped back into the palace, Chu Jinyao was brought back to reality. She sighed softly, realizing that the carefree joy outside the palace did not belong to her. As the Crown Princess, she had to face the increasingly suspicious Empress, the scheming concubines of the inner court, and the uncertain political climate.

 

Qin Yi, who had accompanied Chu Jinyao for the entire day, had to return to the front hall to handle court affairs. After he left, Chu Jinyao summoned the palace attendants to inquire about the day’s events.

 

Dingxiang, who had stayed behind in the palace, brought over a stack of clothes. “Your Highness, these are the clothes sent over by the embroidery bureau today. Would you like to review them?”

 

“Bring them over for me to see.”

 

Dingxiang gestured for a maid to step forward. Chu Jinyao examined several garments, spreading them out with the help of a few maids. Linglong stroked the embroidery on the collar and exclaimed, “Your Highness, the embroidery on these clothes is exquisite. Truly, the palace’s craftsmanship is unmatched.”

 

While the maids admired the clothes from the embroidery bureau, Chu Jinyao felt differently. Though the embroidery was indeed beautiful, it didn’t quite align with her personal taste. She had selected the patterns and fabrics, even instructing the embroidery bureau officials on some details, but despite that, the tailoring of the waistline and sleeves didn’t match her expectations.

 

Seeing the expression on Chu Jinyao’s face, Linglong sensed that she wasn’t satisfied. A few maids chimed in, “Your Highness, if you’re not satisfied, perhaps we should send them back for alterations?”

 

“No need. I’m being too demanding. They aren’t mind readers who know exactly what I want. The embroidery bureau is already busy making clothes for the entire palace, and with all the banquets during the new year, I’m sure they’re swamped. Let’s not trouble them.”

 

Jiegeng, speaking without thinking, remarked, “Your Highness, you’re the Crown Princess now. How could this be a bother to them?”

 

In any other noble family, a lady of high status would expect everything to be done according to her liking, and would not hesitate to instruct the servants repeatedly until she was fully satisfied. But Chu Jinyao wasn’t like that. Putting herself in others’ shoes, she knew that if she had painstakingly made a garment, she wouldn’t appreciate someone constantly criticizing her work. Chu Jinyao said, “Forget it. Next time they send over fabric, we’ll just keep it and make the clothes ourselves. That way, they’ll turn out exactly as I like.”

 

Just like today’s clothes that Qin Yi wore, from the fabric to the embroidery design, everything had been under Chu Jinyao’s direction. Moreover, Chu Jinyao loved beautiful things herself, and she had numerous specific preferences for how her clothes should be tailored. However, with the embroidery bureau handling so many garments daily, it was difficult for them to accommodate all her intricate demands. Rather than repeatedly troubling them, Chu Jinyao decided it would be easier to make the clothes herself.

 

With her decision made, the other attendants agreed in unison. Chu Jinyao ordered them to put the clothes away, and as she was discussing matters with Dingxiang, suddenly, Momo Hong entered the room. “Greetings to Your Highness.”

 

The atmosphere in the room immediately shifted. Chu Jinyao paused her conversation and gestured to the others with her eyes. Linglong understood and quickly gathered the clothes, ushering the other maids out before standing by the door herself.

 

Only then did Momo Hong quietly speak to Chu Jinyao. “Your Highness, someone from that palace came by today.”

 

She was referring to the Kunning Palace. Not wanting to mention specific names, she used vague language. Chu Jinyao understood and asked, “What did they inquire about?”

 

“The same as last time. They mostly asked about Your Highness’s daily activities. However, this time, the maid seemed particularly interested in how Your Highness manages the palace affairs.”

 

“They asked about that?” Chu Jinyao’s expression became more serious. “What did you say?”

 

“I told them that Your Highness is kind and gentle, and spends most of her time reading in her chambers, while the palace matters are handled by Ziyan.”

 

Chu Jinyao nodded thoughtfully. “I understand. Did they ask about Momo Liu?”

 

“No, they didn’t,” Hong shook her head.

 

Kunning Palace had a specific way of contacting Momo Hong, which she had informed Chu Jinyao about long ago. Every time Momo Hong saw the signal, she would go to a designated spot to exchange information with the other party. Since Momo Hong had been handpicked by the Kunning Palace for this role, her frequent appearances raised no suspicion. This was also why Chu Jinyao had chosen to keep her around. However, despite all the precautions, Momo Liu was no longer there. As long as the Kunning Palace wanted to, it wouldn’t be hard to find out what had happened.

 

Yet, Chu Jinyao had no choice but to deal with Momo Liu to make an example. Now that the Kunning Palace hadn’t inquired about Momo Liu, it was only a matter of time before they did. This was an inevitable situation. Momo Hong, seeing the expression on Chu Jinyao’s face, cautiously offered, “Your Highness, it seems they haven’t thought about Momo Liu. In the palace, there are so many servants and eunuchs. Who would notice if one maid disappeared?”

 

“Not necessarily,” Chu Jinyao replied, shaking her head. “They might not have asked this time, but they will soon.”

 

“How can that be? Momo Liu was dismissed for her improper conduct, and everything was handled reasonably. Even if they hear about it, they won’t suspect Your Highness.”

 

Perhaps Empress Xiao Qi might believe that, but others could afford to gamble on their luck. Chu Jinyao, however, could not. “Next time they send someone, hint that something might be amiss. Tell them it’s strange how Momo Liu was dismissed and that I might have started to become suspicious of you.”

 

“What?” Momo Hong was shocked. “Your Highness, why would you say such a thing? Isn’t this like destroying your own defenses?”

 

But Chu Jinyao was firm. “Just do as I say.”

 

Momo Hong couldn’t understand. To her, revealing any suspicion would be self-destructive. Why would Chu Jinyao willingly give the other party a reason to doubt her? Nonetheless, Chu Jinyao didn’t elaborate. Empress Xiao Qi had already become suspicious of her after the incident with pregnant maid. At this point, trying to cover things up would only backfire. People tend to believe what they already suspect. Instead of continuing to hide, Chu Jinyao would rather follow their train of thought and use the opportunity to protect Momo Hong’s position as an informant.

 

Chu Jinyao predicted that Empress Xiao Qi would soon try to plant another spy in the Ciqing Palace, creating an internal monitoring system. From this point forward, Empress Xiao Qi would likely treat her as she treated the other palace concubines. Chu Jinyao had already prepared herself for this. She never expected to hide from Empress Xiao Qi for long. Gaining a month’s head start was enough to solidify her position and organize her palace affairs. If Empress Xiao Qi had targeted her from the beginning, it would have been disastrous.

 

After Momo Hong left, Chu Jinyao summoned the person assigned to monitor her and confirmed that everything matched Momo Hong’s account. Finally, she could relax. Empress Xiao Qi was already suspicious, and the emperor’s recent engagement of the Second Prince also seemed strange. With her entire future at stake, Chu Jinyao had to be even more cautious with every step.

 

However, Momo Hong’s report had given her a clue. Chu Jinyao began adjusting her strategy. From this point on, when she left her chambers to pay respects, she left Jiegeng and Baishao behind, taking Erxue and Erhua with her instead.

 

Many in the Ciqing Palace were displeased by the sudden elevation of Erxue and Erhua, but Chu Jinyao’s instincts were correct. On the eighth day of the month, at the Lantern Festival, Empress Xiao Qi brought up a surprising matter in front of everyone. “Time flies so quickly. It’s already the eighth day of the month. I remember that the Crown Princess entered the palace on the eighth day of the twelfth month. It feels like just yesterday, yet it’s already been a month.”

 

Chu Jinyao stood and responded softly, “Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to your kindness, it has already been over a month.”

 

“It’s already been a month,” Empress Xiao Qi mused, smiling as she looked at Chu Jinyao. “According to the rules passed down from our ancestors, for the first month, the emperor and the crown prince must stay exclusively in their main wife’s chambers, ensuring the hierarchy between the legitimate wife and concubines is maintained. We must respect the dignity of the legitimate wife. As juniors, we must adhere to these rules and exhibit the proper demeanor of a main wife, don’t you think, Crown Princess?”