Inside Yao Hua Palace, both the emperor and empress were present. After Empress Xiaoling died, Rong Shi, the original Concubine Jing, rose to become the empress along with Cui Jie's ascension to the crown prince.
Empress Rong treated Second Prince Cui Yi neutrally, neither excluding nor favoring him, accepting his respectful greetings like any other prince.
Cui Yi released Holding Ying's hand and stepped forward to kneel. "Son pays homage to Father Emperor, Mother Empress, Consort Duan."
Holding Ying followed suit. "Slave Holding Ying greets the Emperor, Empress, and Consort Duan."
Cui Yi frowned and glanced sideways—what nonsense are you spouting?
Holding Ying glanced back—what's wrong? I am a concubine, practically a maid.
Cui Yi angrily turned away, unwilling to deal with her anymore.
Emperor Jianyuan seemed pleased, waving his hand. "Rise. With Crown Prince marrying the Crown Princess and Ying Rong having someone to take care of him, one more worry of mine is resolved. Good, very good!"
Empress nodded with a smile. "Grand Tutor Changsun is erudite and virtuous. His daughter is indeed gentle and graceful, well-read and mannerly, quite likable."
Holding Ying bowed slightly. "Thank you, Empress, for your praise."
Emperor Jianyuan beckoned. "Come closer, Holding Ying. Let us take a closer look."
Holding Ying approached. Empress took her hand, examined her carefully, and nodded approvingly. "Such looks and demeanor are top-notch, elegant yet dignified, not inferior to the Crown Princess. Are you comfortable in the palace?"
"Replying to Her Majesty, since I belong to His Highness, wherever he is, is home to me. How could I not be comfortable in my own home?"
This answer was taught by the Crown Prince's personal nursemaid after being chosen as the Crown Princess. Hearing the same response from Holding Ying, Empress admired her but also felt a bit melancholic. Why did her son end up with a less composed wife despite marrying a legitimate daughter?
Fortunately, Changsun Lingfang was pure, somewhat redeeming the situation in Empress's mind.
Emperor Jianyuan smiled warmly. "Empress Xiaoling passed away early. Ying Rong grew up lonely and developed a temper. If he ever mistreats you, bear with him and don't argue. Can you do that?"
Holding Ying turned to bow. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. His Highness treats me well. I will serve him wholeheartedly."
Her composed demeanor and proper speech earned approval from both the emperor and empress. After some idle chat, it was almost lunchtime. Empress wanted to invite them to stay for lunch, but Emperor Jianyuan suggested they dine with Consort Duan instead, so Holding Ying wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Consort Duan agreed.
Consort Duan Ye was Empress Xiaoling's cousin. She cared for Cui Yi like her own son after his mother died. When Consort Duan passed away, Cui Yi knelt in Suo Ya Palace for three days and nights, carried out unconscious.
At Yao Hua Palace, Consort Duan remained silent, merely paying homage. Outside, she took Cui Yi's hand and sighed happily. "Stubborn as you were, you finally agreed to marry. Your aunt can rest in peace now."
Cui Yi kept his face blank, but Holding Ying sensed something odd. Chu men traditionally married by twenty, blaming parents for negligence otherwise. Though Crown Prince Cui Jie delayed choosing a Crown Princess, he had concubines since sixteen. Given his special status, the emperor and empress sought caution. But Cui Yi, over twenty-four, had no concubine. Was it really due to Empress's interference, or was it his own reluctance?
Consort Duan then took Holding Ying's hand, placing it atop Cui Yi's. "Yi'er is stubborn. Sometimes he doesn't listen even to me. Take care of him, alright?"
Holding Ying stifled a laugh, observing Cui Yi's face turning purple. "Yes, I understand. Please rest assured, Your Highness."
As they prepared to board the carriage, a cheerful voice called out, "Greetings, Consort Duan."
Cui Yi's brows furrowed, his eyes flashing with cold light before masking it with indifference. Turning around, he faced the approaching figure.
Holding Ying had seen Wu Wang several times as Crown Princess, always expressionless, revealing no emotions. She hadn't known about the deep-seated enmity between him and Crown Prince until last night.
Crown Prince Cui Jie approached with a retinue of attendants, exuding grace and elegance. Handsome and radiant, he appeared confident and charismatic.
Once infatuated with him, Holding Ying now found his charming smile terrifying, recalling the ruthless fire incident. Clenching her fists in her sleeves, she trembled with suppressed rage.
Suddenly, her hand was enveloped in warmth. Cui Yi silently held her hand, gently prying open her clenched fingers.
The calloused, warm hand reassured her. Unlike earlier, she felt a comforting strength. He silently conveyed reassurance—don't be afraid, I'm here.
Cui Jie reached them, noticing their intertwined hands, his smile widening mockingly. He glanced at his trailing Crown Princess.
Changsun Lingfang wore a bright red gown adorned with gold hairpins, dazzlingly beautiful. However, her expression stiffened upon seeing Holding Ying, barely managing a greeting after repeated reminders. "Greetings, Consort Duan!"
Holding Ying curtsied. "Greetings, Crown Prince, Crown Princess."
The contrast was stark.
Cui Jie smiled politely. "Consort Duan must have just paid homage to Mother Empress. I won't delay you further. Please."
Consort Duan returned the courtesy. With Cui Yi and Holding Ying's assistance, she boarded the carriage.
Cui Jie scrutinized Holding Ying thoughtfully. Before he could decide what to say, Cui Yi spoke coldly. "Your Highness, please."
Cui Jie smiled. "Holding Ying is indeed beautiful. Brother Yi, you're fortunate."
Cui Yi replied expressionlessly. "Your Highness flatters me."
Finding no further response, Cui Jie led the Crown Princess into Yao Hua Palace. Glancing meaningfully at Holding Ying behind Cui Yi, he left. Holding Ying pretended not to notice, focusing inward.
Back at Suo Ya Palace for lunch, they returned to the Wu Wang Fu via carriage.
Cui Yi sat with his hands on his knees, asking indifferently. "Did you see him? What do you think?"
Holding Ying was confused. "What?"
"The Crown Prince," Cui Yi tapped his knee. "Didn't you always clamor to marry him, throwing wine in my face?"
Realizing he referred to the incident at the Carved Flower Tower, Holding Ying grimaced with shame. How foolish she was! But words once spoken couldn't be taken back. She laughed it off. "Ah... Yes? I... I must have been drunk. Drunken people often talk nonsense, which shouldn't be taken seriously."
Cui Yi eyed her skeptically. "Really?"
Holding Ying nodded vigorously. To avoid suspicion, she elaborated. "The Crown Prince is cunning and deceitful, hiding malice behind smiles. How could he compare to Your Highness's straightforwardness and heroism? I must have been drunk to say such foolish things."
Piling on compliments, she hoped to appease him. Cui Yi grunted noncommittally, remaining inscrutable.
Feeling anxious throughout the ride, she returned to the palace. Cui Yi helped her down, saying, "Since you weren't forced, obey in the future. Do what you should. This prince won't disappoint you."
Holding Ying pondered. As a Crown Princess, her duties included managing concubines and ensuring royal offspring. Now, as a concubine with no other women or mother-in-law to please, she wondered about her role.
She asked cautiously, "May I ask, Your Highness, what should I do?"
Cui Yi's forehead twitched. "Do I need to teach you?"
Holding Ying feigned innocence. "This... I've never been married before. I lack experience..."
Cui Yi opened his mouth, realizing he didn't know either. Frustrated, he waved dismissively. "Do whatever you want! I need to train troops. Bring my armor!" Maidservants hurried to comply.
Holding Ying stuck out her tongue. Clearly, she needed to figure out her path herself.