“Miss, the Eastern Palace has sent an invitation.”

In the Wei Yuan Marquis’s residence, the maid, Ju Fang, handed a note to Liang Muchen.

“An invitation from the East Palace?” Liang Muchen, who was embroidering under her mother’s guidance, blushed slightly at the mention of the East Palace and looked towards her mother.

The Marquise of Wei Yuan nodded slightly.

Liang Muchen then lowered her head with a smile, set aside her embroidery needle, and took the invitation.

“What’s it about?”

Liang Muchen closed the invitation and handed it to the Marquise. “The Emperor has bestowed a great name upon the young prince, which needs to be officially recorded in the jade registry. Therefore, the Eastern Palace is hosting a banquet to celebrate and has invited me.”

“The East Palace’s affairs typically wouldn’t require inviting the families of officials, but since they’ve invited you, it shows the Eastern Palace’s attitude,” the Marquise of Wei Yuan remarked.

Family matters? Liang Muchen lowered her gaze and remained silent.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to go?”

Liang Muchen shook her head.

“Then what’s troubling you? If you have anything on your mind, just tell your mother,” the Marquise of Wei Yuan said, holding Liang Muchen’s hand and smoothing her hair with the other.

Liang Muchen was beautiful, with her long black hair cascading like a waterfall.

Even the few strands falling across her forehead were glossy and dark.

“Do you really like or dislike this marriage? Be honest with me; there’s no need to hold back.”

Liang Muchen bit her lip. “Do you remember the very beautiful palace maid who was by the young prince’s side in the Imperial Garden last time?”

Yes, the Marquise of Wei Yuan remembered her. Such a captivating beauty was hard to forget.

“I’ve inquired about her. She’s very skilled in cooking and is assigned to serve the young prince in the East Palace. With her by his side, the crown prince wouldn’t do anything inappropriate, would he?”

Liang Muchen shook her head. “No, mother, the crown prince really likes her…”

“What do you mean?”

“When I was playing chess with the crown prince , that maid came to deliver pastries. She was about to leave after setting them down, but the crown prince asked her to peel pine nuts.”

The Marquise of Wei Yuan said, “Doesn’t this just show that the crown prince regards her as a servant?”

Liang Muchen shook her head again, a trace of worry appearing on her fair face. “Later, her hand was pricked by a pine nut shell, and the crown prince anxiously held her hand to examine it. Although I’m not familiar with the thousand-year-old lord, I could see that he cares a lot about that maid.”

A woman’s intuition is often quite accurate. In the Imperial Garden that day, anyone with eyes could see that the Crown Prince had some hidden dealings with that young lady, let alone Liang Muchen, who was close by.

“The Crown Prince is the heir apparent. Even without that young lady, there would be thousands of beauties in the future.”

Liang Muchen’s face was full of grievance. “But…”

Madam Wei Yuan sighed. “I understand that you’re feeling wronged. You’re only sixteen, and now you have to become a stepmother in the Eastern Palace.

It pains me too. But our family’s situation is so awkward. If His Majesty and the Empress are willing to make you the Crown Princess, it’s a recognition of your father.

This will help him in the court and the military, making his words more influential.”

Liang Muchen remained silent.

Madam Wei Yuan sighed again, “We are indeed of the Liang family bloodline, but your father doesn’t have the Kirin Fire. That alone makes it not entirely legitimate.”

“Mother, that was a long time ago. The court has long recognized Father’s status,” Liang Muchen said. “Father has worked diligently in the military for twenty years, building his reputation. Who in the Crane Guard doesn’t respect him? Whether or not he has the Kirin Fire, what does it matter?”

The Liang family had guarded the border for generations, holding the Northwest Crane Guard’s tiger seal.

Each head of the family had a secret Kirin Fire mark.

Liang Muchen’s father, a cousin of the previous Wei Yuan Marquis, did not inherit the Kirin Fire.

After the Wei Yuan Marquis’s family was murdered, the court chose Liang Yanping from a collateral branch of the Liang family to inherit the title.

“Though the Northwest Army has looked out for us because of the old Marquis, some still hold grudges.

Now, the Emperor wants to win over the Crane Guard for the Crown Prince, and we need to leverage the Emperor’s recognition of our status. Muchen, you’ll have to endure some hardship.”

“Mother, I don’t feel wronged about marrying into the Eastern Palace. I just… fear that I might not win the Crown Prince’s affection.”

She wanted the Crown Prince’s care and to be the only one in his eyes.

Madam Wei Yuan was touched by Liang Muchen’s vulnerability.

It seemed that even after just one meeting in the Imperial Garden, Liang Muchen had already developed feelings for the Crown Prince.

Given the Crown Prince’s celestial charm, it wasn’t surprising that the high-spirited daughter would be moved.

“Don’t worry. You’re so beautiful, how could any man not be touched?” Madam Wei Yuan felt a bit sour but tried to comfort her.

“But that young lady is even more beautiful.” Liang Muchen thought about that day in the Imperial Garden and Rongrong’s beauty, feeling a bit disheartened.

Madam Wei Yuan said, “I don’t think so. My daughter’s looks and temperament are unmatched in the entire capital. Besides, no matter how beautiful she is, can she play chess or play the lute with the Crown Prince? Beauty alone won’t last. In time, you’ll win the Crown Prince’s heart once you’re in the Eastern Palace.”

Will it really be that way?

Liang Muchen remained silent.

“Remember, you are the Crown Princess, the legitimate wife. There’s no need to compete with those concubines.”

Anru had said the same thing to Liang Muchen.

She understood the reasoning, but she still hoped that the Crown Prince would only love her.

“Cheer up,” the Marquise of Wei Yuan patted Liang Muchen’s shoulder, “Stop overthinking. Since you’re going to the banquet, you should think carefully about what to wear and how to dress. The other day, the Empress gave us some excellent fabrics. If you don’t have anything else, you can use those fabrics to make a new outfit. I’ll have a tailor come over to take your measurements soon. Look at you, you’ve gained a bit more femininity lately.”

“Yes,” Liang Muchen lowered her head in embarrassment.

Recently, she had indeed become a bit plumper. If this had happened before, she would have disliked it, but now… a bit more femininity might make the Crown Prince like her even more.

After thinking for a moment, Liang Muchen said, “Also, about the two pearls that His Highness gave me last time, we don’t have a craftsman in our residence. Could you please ask someone outside to make them into earrings?”

“I was just about to mention that!” The Marquise of Wei Yuan said happily, “I took those two pearls to Ruyi Workshop. The owner said they had two east pearls of similar quality and size.

When I looked, they were indeed quite similar, so I spent two hundred taels of silver to buy them and have them made into a hairpin. Pearls of this size are rare even in the palace, so it’s quite lucky that you got them. It seems it’s meant to be.”

Liang Muchen was delighted but also worried, “The pearls are about the size of a fingernail each. Will four of them together be too cumbersome?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve thought of it. You won’t need to wear a lot of jewelry; just wear this hairpin.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

---

At the Jingning Marquis’s residence.

Xie Yuanrui was wearing an inconspicuous dark red robe. After glancing around, she hurried to the back door of the marquis’s residence.

“Where are you going?” Xie Yuanchu’s voice came from behind.

Xie Yuanrui’s body jolted, and she quickly turned around, giving Xie Yuanchu a sweet smile. “Brother, why haven’t you gone to the Ministry of Defense today?”

Xie Yuanchu’s eyes narrowed, not buying her act. “I heard from the servants that you’ve been going out frequently recently.”

“Mother keeps urging me to get married, and I don’t want to argue with her. The house is too dull, so I go out to get some fresh air and enjoy some good food,” Xie Yuanrui said, puffing up in annoyance. “You won’t let me daydream or go out for a stroll?”

Xie Yuanchu’s face darkened as he replied coldly, “It’s not safe for you to go out alone. From now on, if you go out, have Xin Zhu accompany you.”

Xie Yuanrui was immediately anxious. “Are you having Xin Zhu protect me or keep an eye on me? Brother, you’re not like before; you don’t care about me anymore.”

“It’s because I care about you that I don’t want you running around.”

“Hmph,” Xie Yuanrui pouted and gave Xie Yuanchu a sideways glance. “If you really cared about me, you’d get that Liang Muchen removed.”

Xie Yuanrui was used to being pampered and had developed a reckless attitude.

Despite the Crown Prince’s marriage arrangement being set, she still wasn’t giving up.

Xie Yuanchu was frustrated. “How many times have I told you? The Crown Prince’s marriage is beyond our control now. The arrangement is settled, and no one can change it. I won’t force you to marry now, but you need to behave properly at home.”

“I am behaving properly. I just want to go to the Hui Bin Lou for roast duck! Fine, have Xin Zhu accompany me,” Xie Yuanrui said angrily, turning her head away.

Xie Yuanchu waved his hand, and Xin Zhu immediately stepped forward.

“Go with the Third Miss and make sure to protect her,” Xie Yuanchu instructed. “Keep a close eye on her.”

“Yes.”

“Is that all?”

“From now on, you’re not allowed to go out more than three times a month. How can a young lady be running to restaurants every day?”

“Got it. I need to leave quickly, or I’ll miss the first batch of roast duck,” Xie Yuanrui said and hurriedly boarded the carriage.

Xin Zhu nodded to Xie Yuanchu and followed after her.

The carriage soon arrived at Hui Bin Lou.

Xie Yuanrui got out and told Xin Zhu, “Park the carriage in the back. Wait for me here until I finish the roast duck.”

Xin Zhu replied, “Third Miss, the Young Master ordered me to follow you and not leave your side.”

“What ‘not leave your side’?” Xie Yuanrui was furious and snapped, “I’m just having tea and a meal with a few noble ladies. If you stand there like that, how can we enjoy our meal?”

“The Young Master’s orders…”

“You keep mentioning the Young Master. Fine, if you follow me, I’ll tell my brother when I get back that you have improper intentions and are being inappropriate with me at the restaurant.” Seeing Xin Zhu still not moving, Xie Yuanrui grabbed at her collar. “Come here!”

“Alright, I’ll go!” Xin Zhu, pressured by Xie Yuanrui, agreed. “I’ll sit on the first floor of the restaurant. If you need anything, just call for me.”

Once Xie Yuanrui saw he finally agreed to stay behind, she relaxed, adjusted her collar, put on her veil, and entered Hui Bin Lou, heading straight to the private room.

When she entered the room, the dishes were already served, with the first batch of roast duck right in the center—exactly what Xie Yuanrui wanted.

But she didn’t even glance at it.

Instead, she took off her veil and sat restlessly, anxiously waiting.

After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the door to the room opened, and a graceful figure entered.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Xie Yuanrui hurriedly said, “Not for long, not for long. My brother won’t let me go out today. I had to work hard to get here.”

“Did the heir suspect something?”

“No, no. He just doesn’t want me running around. Quickly, tell me about the banquet plans for half a month later.”

---

At the Duke of An’s residence.

Duke An Chen Quan held a red invitation as he entered a tranquil courtyard in the back garden.

This courtyard was built in the style of Jiangnan residences, with meandering waters outside and various elegant and understated flowers and trees planted.

In a bamboo pavilion outside, an old man with graying hair was sitting in a grand armchair, squinting his eyes.

A magpie with green feathers perched on a branch nearby.

When Chen Quan arrived, the magpie squawked loudly, ” News here!”

The old man, hearing the noise, immediately opened his eyes.

Chen Quan whistled at the parrot, then bowed to the old man, saying, “Father, the invitation from the Eastern Palace has arrived.”

The old man in the armchair was none other than the Empress’s father, the Crown Prince’s maternal grandfather, and the old Duke of An, Chen Yun.

Upon hearing the Duke of An’s voice, the old Duke of An opened his eyes. “Is it an invitation from the palace, or from the Eastern Palace?”

“It’s from the Eastern Palace,” Duke An replied. “I’ve already seen it. It bears the Crown Prince’s seal, not the Empress.”

The old Duke of An twitched his mouth. “That rascal Liu Zhen dares to invite me? It must be the Empress idea.”

“Father has been angry with the Empress for years, so she naturally misses you,” Duke An said. “The little prince is your first great-grandson. Now that he’s to be officially registered, you should go see him. The Crown Prince’s seal indicates that he genuinely wishes for you to come.”

“Fine, if he dares to invite me, I’ll go see him. I want to see what kind of child he’s trying to protect despite his wrongdoing!

For an unknown woman to make Ah Shen suffer so much, I’ll ask Liu Zhen publicly if he has realized his mistake!” Although the old Duke of An was advanced in years, his voice was still strong and full of spirit.

Duke An observed the old Duke of An’s indignation and did not attempt to persuade him otherwise.

He said, “His Majesty, the Emperor and Empress both hold the little prince in high regard. You should still give them some face.”

“Hmph,” the old Duke of An’s anger flared even more at these words. “If they’ve lost their face, why should I still save any for them? What face is there to save?”

Duke An nodded, then added, “Previously, I had people prepare two longevity locks as a gift for the little prince, both in gold and jade. Would you like to see them? Perhaps add something else? After all, we’ve never given a gift for the little prince’s hundred-day celebration or first birthday.”

“Having something for him is already good enough, hmph.”