When Miyojin entered the room, he squinted his eyes. The blinding light of the lanterns had temporarily affected his sight. Everyone in the White Jade Courtyard was now sleeping. However, the Second Princess Consort's room was not unified with the rest. Taking a few steps into the room, Miyojin finally spotted the princess.
Though she was dressed for bed, she was still on her work desk reading a book in one hand and writing on another.
What could she be doing to be awake at this hour?
The prince wondered to himself. Whatever it was, he was still thankful. Because of that, he was still able to speak to her.
Xia Yu looked up, upon sensing the presence of her husband. She inclined her head in wonderment. The prince never visited her in her room, especially at night. For his unusual behavior, she can only assume that the reason for his visit must be important.
"It's a surprise to see you this late at night. What is it?"
"I could say the same thing to you."
Xia Yu put down the writing brush.
"This is nothing out of the ordinary for me. I always do this every night." She said as she closed the book she was reading and stacked them neatly.
"But tonight is definitely out of the ordinary because of your presence. What is it?" She asked as she eyed Miyojin with curiosity.
Miyojin met her gaze with his own.
"Thank you."
"What for?"
"For what you have done today. You saved my child and Lijuan from cruel punishment. You turned the situation in our favor. You even took care of her room and all the other things she needed. Thank you for all of those."
Miyojin meant every word. Today would have been a very tragic day if Xia Yu didn't arrive on time. He used to have doubts about her. But now, they are all gone. But to his surprise, Xia Yu burst out laughing.
"That was very unexpected," she said as she recovered from laughter. She stood up from her desk and walked away from it.
"Silly prince. There's no need for thanks. This is a part of our deal, remember?"
Miyojin looked at her with a puzzled expression. Then his eyes went wide.
Could it be?
"You planned this?"
"Amazing, right? It was the best scheme I had ever pulled so far."
"But... how?"
It didn't seem like it was planned at first. But then again, she did tell him to get Lijuan pregnant.
"You're wondering how I did it?" Xia Yu asked to which Miyojin nodded in response.
She walked closer to him, shortening the distance between them. Then she began to narrate what she did.
"It was simple. I just need to give the Mos a reason to cause a fuss. Which with your help, it came to fruition."
Xia Yu stopped for a bit. She looked at Miyojin with delighted eyes.
"Then, I had someone spy on their every move. When my spy reported the confirmation of Lady Mo's pregnancy, I installed more of my men nearby. When the Mos decided to go to the palace gates, my men joined in the commotion. They incited a rally causing the bystanders to join."
Spies?
Miyojin said to himself once again reminded what the Xias are capable of doing.
"To be honest with you, I was prepared to send more people, in case the fuss is too small. But because of your fame in the capital, a lot of people easily joined them."
Miyojin looked at Xia Yu in amazement. He couldn't believe all of that was planned. He couldn't believe how much Xia Yu was in control. It explained everything including what she had said to the emperor. All of those were a part of her plan.
"Now... I had done my part of the deal. I only hope you do yours as well." she reminded.
There was something wrong with Miyojin. He felt as if he was disappointed. Disappointed at what? Why is he feeling like this? Not wanting to confuse himself any further, he dispelled the thought.
"I understand. Rest assured that I will do my part as promised."
"Good! Is there anything else?"
"None."
"Okay. Then, I'll be taking my rest. Would you like me to see you out?"
Though Xia Yu asked, Miyojin felt that she didn't want to see him out. So instead, he declined.
"Well, in that case, have a good night's sleep, Your Highness."
"Good night to you as well, Xia Yu."
With those parting words, they both left each other's presence.
The days that followed made it more disappointing for Miyojin. Ever since Lijuan started living in the White Jade Courtyard, Xia Yu gave most of her responsibilities to her. She no longer wakes Miyojin up every morning to have breakfast with him. He still had a very delicious breakfast but it was with Lijuan instead of Xia Yu.
Because of this new arrangement, he rarely sees Xia Yu. The few times he sees her, she will be with Zhujin. He noticed how his wife and his brother were getting along pretty well. His issue? He does not like it. Why? He does not even know. He just doesn't like it.
But he tried his best to ignore it. After all, he should be happy. He was finally free to be with Mo Lijuan. He can openly and legally romance the woman he loves.
One afternoon, Xia Yu and Zhujin were in the latter's study room discussing politics. If there was a subject that Zhujin is very good at that Xia Yu isn't, it's politics. They were talking about the political history of the Great Yong Empire. Zhujin took it upon himself to teach Xia Yu this to help her understand the governance of the empire.
However, Zhujin wasn't the only one who had expertise. Xia Yu also shared what she knows about business and the economy of all the countries she has been to. Together, they even formulated plans for the empire. They just finished a few on how to fix some economic problems in their country.
If there was a topic they both loved to discuss the most, that was war and military tactics. It was no surprise that a niece of the Chengs is very knowledgeable in this. Both of them are well-versed in a lot of martial arts techniques. They even mentioned testing each other's skills at the training halls.
"I might take you up with that challenge. However, I bet the headmistress of the palace etiquette guild will throw a fit if she ever finds out."
Both of them laughed at the image in their heads. They thought of the uptight headmistress losing her mind over Xia Yu lifting a sword.
"Ah... yes. I did get a few lectures from her when I was younger." Zhujin said remembering his memories with the headmistress.
"It never occurred to me that the Crown Prince had a rebellious side."
"I'm not denying that I had been in playful pain on her side. I just... I guess when responsibilities are served to you, you need to abide by the rules. But, it can be quite stifling."
"Yes, of course."
Xia Yu understood what it feels like to take responsibility. It was not a bed of roses nor a golden spoon tucked in the mouth. It was difficult. She remembered the first task her father gave her. She remembered her fears and struggles. But now, looking back at it, it was nothing compared to what she had to deal with up to now.
Though compared to His Highness, Xia Yu, at least, had the support of their loyal employees. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, had sharp gazes on him. They wait for him to fail. They wait for him to make a mistake. Just one flaw and they won't be forgiving.
"You seem to have become quiet."
Xia Yu woke up from her deep thoughts and looked at the prince.
"What had you been thinking?"
"I was thinking about how difficult it is to be in your position."
Zhujin's eyes widened at what the princess had said. Then he composed himself, overcoming the surprise.
"A person as bright as you would notice that."
"So, what is it like?"
"Being the Crown Prince?"
"Yes."
Zhujin paused for a while thinking about it carefully.
"It isn't all fun and glory like I used to think. It required so much effort, wits, and patience. This country has problems that are hard to deal with. The plans may be laid down. But it doesn't mean it can be implemented with ease."
Then, he remembered what made it difficult to implement plans.
"Then there's the Imperial Council which acts like a double-edged sword. Being the Crown Prince is a huge pressure on me. But I think of it as something natural. One day, I'll be the one sitting on the throne and that will be a harder role. But, that does not imply I don't have my fears."
"Fears?"
"Yes. They are constant occupants of my mind. And I know the roots."
Zhujin looked down at the plans they thought of for the country's rice agriculture.
"I always ask myself. 'Can I live up to the country's expectations?'"
Xia Yu felt her sympathy and empathy making their way to her heart and mind. She had been in his shoes before. Though her side is supportive, she had once been anxious about their expectations. She just didn't want to disappoint anybody.
It wasn't easy to overcome anxiety and fear. But it's not impossible.
"It's normal for people to expect. Some have high expectations and some have low expectations. Some will never be satisfied with whatever you do. Thus, pleasing everybody is indeed grueling."
Xia Yu paused a bit, eyeing the Crown Prince with a pleasant smile.
"I too had experienced being placed on a high pedestal. But I no longer worry about the pressure and the expectations of others."
Upon hearing this, Zhujin became more interested than he already was.
"Then, what do you do instead?"
"I only focus on doing what I think is right and for the greater good."
Knowing her answer was vague, she continued her explanation.
"I can never please everyone. None of us can. In that case, we should just do what we have to do. As long as we do things with the right intentions, they will gradually see our sincerity. Not everyone, but at least enough people."
She looked at the plans she and Zhujin had for the country's agricultural prosperity.
"The best thing we can do is fight for our beliefs and for what we think is best for our nation."
Zhujin was stunned. Never had he met such a woman with great wisdom. They say the Xias are a bunch of smart people. They are not wrong.
"Thank you for your words. They put me in a different perspective. A better one, I may add." Zhujin said as he gave a small bow to Xia Yu.
"Miyojin is truly lucky to have a wife like you." He added.
Zhujin's comment about Miyojin only placed a tiny smile on Xia Yu's pretty face.
"I also thank you for your kind words, Brother Zhujin."
This lack of enthusiasm did not go unnoticed by the Crown Prince. It is time to address the large bear that is becoming hard to ignore.
"I never wish to pry into your married life with my brother." He began. "But I can't help but be curious."
"Curious? About what?"
"Curious about everything about your relationship with him. I knew from the beginning that this was only a political marriage. But what you said to His Majesty that day caused me to wonder. I only want to know the truth. What is going on between the two of you?"
For the past months, she had been in the palace, she could deem Zhujin trustworthy. However, she had a deal with Miyojin. What she can tell him is very limited. So instead, she gave him this honest answer.
"It is no secret that he and I have no feelings for each other. He loves Lady Mo. And I don't mind it."
"Why? Most women would not appreciate their spouse having feelings for another woman. Even if they do not love their husbands."
"It's simply because I have no feelings for Prince Miyojin. Jealousy is only for those who feel possessive of those they love. I do not have love nor possessive feelings towards him."
Zhujin wondered for a moment what Miyojin would feel if he heard this.
"I also do not worry about my reputation. As I said, I already stopped caring about meeting people's expectations."
Xia Yu is, without a doubt, honest with her answer. Zhujin can see for himself that she meant every word. However, she isn't done yet.
"But despite that, I'm still grateful for His Highness. He never mistreats me. He does not meddle in my affairs. He also respects me and my privacy."
Xia Yu's words were very genuine. Zhujin himself can feel the sincerity in those words.
"Besides..." Xia Yu continued. "If not for this marriage, I wouldn't know how much of a caring brother you are."
Zhujin smiled a very happy one for the sweet praise from the woman he sees as his sister.
"And I would have never got such a kind and intelligent little sister."
Xia Yu returned the smile. Happy for finally having another brother figure in her only child's life.