“Thank you, my dear child. You may have a seat now.”
Empress Tian Ai said after Xia Yu said her greetings. She eyed the new princess with both joy and worry.
Xia Yu took the seat on the right side of the empress like what was taught to her. She could tell a slight shift in the empress’s usual demeanor. When she was seated, a group of maids came in serving tea to both of them.
“Have some tea.” the empress offered.
Though Xia Yu already had tea earlier, she still bowed her head in acceptance. She drank the tea in sync with Her Majesty. Despite that, she couldn’t suppress the thoughts she had. The tea she had earlier was still better than this one.
“As a princess consort…” the empress began to remind Xia Yu.
“You do not have a lot of duties yet. But since the Second Prince is now married, he will be given a more active role in the imperial court. Thus, your main responsibility, for now, will be taking care of your husband. After tending to your husband, you will continue your greetings for me every morning.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I understand.”
“And also… you and Prince Miyojin should do your best to bring in a little prince in your courtyard.”
Xia Yu was glad she wasn’t drinking tea at that moment. Otherwise, she’d choke. She had always hated the idea of having kids immediately after marriage. Thank heavens she had a deal with the prince.
“Yes, Your Majesty. My husband and I will not disappoint you.” Xia Yu replied in a pretty convincing tone.
The empress eyed her carefully. Then she said…
“By the way, I heard quite an interesting rumor earlier.” the empress began.
Xia Yu already knew that the empress might ask about this. She already had an answer prepared. However, Her Majesty was interrupted when a maid came forward.
“Your Majesty! The Crown Prince is requesting an audience,” she said.
Xia Yu saw the shift of expression on the face of the empress. She went from troubled serious to delighted.
“Let him in!” she commanded not hiding the enthusiasm.
Immediately, the maid followed the command and left the presence of the empress. Soon enough, a young handsome man entered the empress’ receiving room. Xia Yu stood up upon seeing him. She bowed her head in respect.
Xia Yu first saw the Crown Prince at her wedding. But they did not have the opportunity to speak to each other. She heard great things about the firstborn prince. She hoped it wasn’t all talk.
“Good morning, Mother! You look fair as always.” he greeted his mother with a bow.
“Good morning to you too, my beloved eldest son!”
Then the first prince turned to Xia Yu.
“I didn’t realize my Second Sister-in-law is also here. A pleasant morning to you, Princess Xia Yu!”
“A pleasant morning to you too, Your Highness!”
Xia Yu greeted the crown prince with her best smile.
When they caught each other’s eye, Zhujin smiled wider at Xia Yu. He had already seen her before. She was indeed a beautiful woman. That smile on her face was the prettiest.
“Well my dear son, you may take your seat. We have tea and bread if you like.” the empress spoke, removing Zhujin’s attention from Xia Yu.
“Of course! I would love some.” The prince said as he took the seat on the left side of the empress. Xia Yu took this opportunity to be seated as well.
Upon taking his seat, Prince Zhujin was served with tea and bread. He began to drink and eat. While he was occupied, the empress began to speak.
“What were we talking about again?” the empress asked Xia Yu.
Xia Yu had already opened her mouth to answer but the empress cut her off.
“Oh! I remember now. I heard rumors this morning about what happened last night. Is it true that your husband left the wedding chambers last night?”
Xia Yu was about to say the answer she prepared when Prince Zhujin spoke first.
“Where did you hear that from, Mother?” the prince asked with a serious expression.
“The concubines told me during their morning greetings.”
The empress was serious in her expression. But the Crown Prince’s expression was something else. He began laughing lightly at what he heard.
“My dearest mother, you shouldn’t be listening to those concubines. You know they always find ways to agitate you. They aim to worry you so you’ll age faster.” Zhujin said while drinking his tea.
The empress immediately patted her face feeling the texture of her skin. She dropped her hands when she realized she had nothing to worry about.
“But my handmaids also heard the same thing. The whole palace is talking about it.” the empress remarked.
The prince finished his drink first before replying.
“The maids always gossip about anything. Most of the time, they’re just nonsense. You know how most of the maids have affection for Second Brother. They are just creating fictitious stories because they’re jealous that he’s already married.”
Xia Yu saw realization dawning on the empress. She’s glad that she didn’t have to speak. But to her astonishment, the prince was not done yet.
“What I mean to say is what man would leave such a beautiful wife on their wedding night.” The prince said as he glanced at Xia Yu.
Xia Yu kept her head low, feeling embarrassed. The prince looked at his mother again and continued.
“Anyone who did not have malicious intent would not easily believe those rumors. Princess Xia Yu is a beautiful woman with grace and status. Any man who marries someone like her could never resist her.”
“However, there were servants who saw your brother last night. He was outside of the wedding chambers.” the empress once again insisted what she heard.
“I don’t know what they saw last night. But, I saw Miyojin leaving the wedding chambers this morning right before I went here.”
Xia Yu tried to mask her facial expression. But what’s done is done. There’s nothing left to do but let it be. She just hoped this did not ruin her plan.
“Is that so?” the empress said pretty much convinced by what Zhujin testified.
“Yes. I’ll see to it personally that these people slandering the princess will be punished. They must have forgotten that their acts are harming the Imperial Family.”
“Very well. Do as you say.” the empress replied, finally relenting.
With the empress pacified, they moved on to discuss lighter topics.
After the meeting with the empress, both Prince Zhujin and Princess Xia Yu left the palace of the empress. They just finished talking about the restaurant business of the Xias. It was at this moment Xia Yu thought of voicing her gratitude.
“Thank you so much for what you did earlier, Your Highness.” Xia Yu said as she stopped walking to bow.
“Oh no! There’s no need to thank me. You’re part of the Imperial family now. It is only right for us to protect you.”
“I’m still grateful towards His Highness.” Xia Yu replied with sincere humility.
Zhujin grinned at her.
“You shouldn’t be too formal with me. From now on, you can call me Brother Zhujin.”
“But Your Highness, the rules states-“
Xia Yu’s statement was interrupted when Zhujin placed a hand on her head.
“Princess Xia Yu, don’t you think some rules are just too ridiculous that it is best broken? Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.” Zhujin said, assuring her while patting her head.
He’s right though. During her etiquette lessons, she did hear some ridiculous rules. Some are so ridiculous beyond imagination. But since the Crown Prince had given her permission, there’s no point in refusing.
“Okay, Your Highness.”
Zhujin raised an eyebrow at her. Even his smile slightly faltered. Xia Yu realized instantly what the prince was trying to convey with his reactions.
“I mean… okay, Brother Zhujin!”
“There! It’s better, isn’t it?” Zhujin smiled wide which Xia Yu imitated.
“Yes, Brother Zhujin.”
The prince laughed happily as he patted Xia Yu again.
“Very good. Then I should also call you my Little Sister from now on. Would you like that?” He said, dropping his hand to his side and leaning to Xia Yu’s height level.
“Yes!” Xia Yu said with an enthusiastic smile.
Unknown to Zhujin and Xia Yu, an audience of two was seeing their exchange from afar.
“Woah! Is that First Brother and Second Sister-in-law? They look like they are getting along pretty well, don’t you think so?”
Though Jinyi was ecstatic to see Zhujin and Xia Yu, Miyojin, on one hand, did not like what he saw.
What is that woman doing with his brother?
He began walking towards where they were.
“Oh, Second Brother! Wait for me!” Jinyi said in astonishment when he realized his brother had already left him.
Because of Jinyi’s loud voice, both Zhujin and Xia Yu look in his direction. Zhujin straightened himself when he saw the approaching Miyojin. Xia Yu, on the other hand, was a bit surprised to see her husband so soon after their exchange earlier.
“Greetings to First Brother! I have not seen you today until now.” Miyojin said upon arriving.
“Prince Miyojin…” Zhujin acknowledged him.
“Hi, First Brother! Hello, Second Sister-in-law!” Jinyi greeted the two.
Before anyone could speak, Zhujin took it upon himself to introduce Jinyi to Xia Yu.
“My Little Sister, this is our brother, the Third Prince, Jinyi.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.” Xia Yu addressed the young prince.
“Oh my! You’re too polite, Second Sister-in-law. Just call me Third Brother-in-law so we’re the same.” Jinyi said in a cheery voice.
“Okay, Third Brother-in-law!” Xia Yu replied with a smile.
“Oh wow! You’re so pretty when you smile so brightly.”
Jinyi’s tactlessness brought a faint blush to Xia Yu’s cheek. Miyojin, on the other hand, resisted the urge to cover his younger brother’s mouth. Instead, he changed the topic.
“So… what were you and my ‘wife’ talking about just now?”
Miyojin offered his older brother a smile concealing his irritation. Zhujin raised an eyebrow at his brother’s unusual behavior. A thought passed his mind but he dismissed it instantly.
“Oh, my Little Sister was just thanking me for giving her a hand.”
“On what?”
Miyojin’s immediate response almost startled Zhujin.
“Well… I helped her repress the malicious rumors spreading this morning.”
Miyojin could not believe it. That woman rejected his help earlier. Yet, she willingly let his brother aid her. He got more agitated.
“Oh? I see. If that’s the case, I think Jinyi and I shouldn’t interrupt you anymore. Goodbye! Jinyi, Let’s get going now.” Miyojin said.
Then, he grabbed Jinyi and dragged him off with him.
Jinyi, who couldn’t voice his protest, turned to the two and said.
“Bye, First Brother! We’ll talk some other time, Second Sister-in-law!” Jinyi managed to say his farewell.
Both a confused Zhujin and Xia Yu just waved their hands as a farewell.
“Did that just happen?” Zhujin asked Xia Yu in disbelief.
“Yes, it did.” Xia Yu confirmed.
“Did you and Miyojin fight or something?” He asked in worry as he considered the idea of Miyojin being mad.
“No. He must only be busy. After all, he was given a more active role in the imperial court. He must be pressured which must be the reason behind his edgy behavior.”
“You’re probably right.” Zhujin agreed even though a voice in the back of his mind said something differently.
“Anyway, would you like to go to the palace’s library? I have a few books in mind that you would love to read.” Zhujin offered.
Xia Yu smiled at the Crown Prince’s wonderful suggestion.
“Of course, Brother Zhujin!” Xia Yu said in glee.
Zhujin laughed at Xia Yu’s eagerness as they made their way to the library.
