Chapter 4.2

The Qinzheng Palace was magnificent and imposing.

As soon as Tao Ti arrived at the door, she saw that chubby eunuch standing to the side cradling a horsetail whisk. Seeing her arrival, the eunuch broke out in smiles and said respectfully, “Crown Princess, please go ahead. His Majesty and His Imperial Highness are talking inside.”

This eunuch should be the emperor’s chief steward, right? There was a flicker in Tao Ti’s dark eyes, and she asked politely, “I wonder how I may address you?”

The eunuch clearly did not expect that she would take the initiative to talk to him. The smile on his face did not change, but his tone became more respectful, “Replying to the crown princess, this servant is the Imperial Chief Steward, Li Gui.”

“Good day, Chief Steward Li.” Tao Ti smiled and nodded; she had guessed correctly.

The main hall was vast and spacious; with her head lowered, Tao Ti followed Li Gui steadily.

She hadn’t really felt nervous when meeting the empress, but now that she was meeting the emperor, she had become inexplicably nervous. Perhaps the hall was too quiet, causing her to feel a burst of reverence for no reason.

She heard that the crown prince had been personally brought up by the emperor. The crown prince was so gentle and refined, so the emperor’s personality shouldn’t be bad either, right?

Not long after, Li Gui stopped. “Crown Princess, we’re here.”

Tao Ti recovered herself. She raised her eyes slightly and saw that the emperor and the crown prince were sitting opposite each other on the long couch by the window. Their postures were as leisurely and comfortable as the father and son of an ordinary family.

She did not dare to take a closer look, and only walked forward with her head down, then curtsied respectfully, “This child, surnamed Tao, pays respects to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be blessed with everlasting peace and happiness.”

Emperor Zhaokang put down the cup of tea in his hand and looked sidelong at the little lady whose legs were slightly bent. His voice was like a great bell, “You may rise.”

Tao Ti acknowledged his command, and after standing up straight, looked reflexively at Crown Prince Pei Yan.

Bright sunlight leaked in from the support window and scattered across his chiselled face; as if gilded with a layer of holy light, he smiled warmly at her, indicating that she needn’t be worried.

At Emperor Zhaokang’s signal, Li Gui moved a crescent stool and invited Tao Ti to sit.

Tao Ti sat down obediently. She raised her eyes a little, and just happened to meet Emperor Zhaokang’s sharp scrutiny.

Emperor Zhaokang was forty-nine years old this year. With keen eyes and long, thin cheeks, even though he was no longer young, the handsomeness in his youth could still be seen in his symmetrical features. He wore a golden guan on his head and was dressed in saffron yellow long robes, sitting in a casual posture. Although his brows were relaxed, there was a kind of pressure that came from one who was superior emanating from him, making others not dare to take him lightly.

Tao Ti withdrew her gaze in time, looking like an obedient little daughter-in-law.

Emperor Zhaokang studied this daughter-in-law silently. In his opinion, the Tao family’s daughter was not worthy of his crown prince, both in status and appearance. What’s more, she was so ungrateful, and actually had the audacity to commit suicide by taking poison.

If it were not for Yan’er’s repeated pleas, the 200-odd members in the Marquis of Yongwei’s residence would be on their way to exile by now.

There was very little emotion on Emperor Zhaokang’s face; he said in a deep voice, “Now that you have married Yan’er, you have to take good care of his diet and daily life in the future. Do not make trouble again, otherwise…”

Without waiting for him to say anything harsh, Pei Yan called out softly in a tone tinged with a request, “Imperial Father.”

Emperor Zhaokang’s cheeks moved; he suppressed his dissatisfaction, and his tone eased a little, “In short, live well with Yan’er from now on, understand?”

Tao Ti’s scalp was numb from his piercing gaze. She said meekly, “Yes, this child will bear Your Majesty’s teachings in mind, and will serve His Highness diligently.”

Seeing that her attitude was fairly docile, Emperor Zhaokang gave a low “Mm” and turned to Li Gui, “Go, bring all the welcome gifts I have prepared.”

Li Gui went hurriedly and soon came back with six young eunuchs, each carrying a heavy tray in his hands.

Gold, silver and jade, jewellery and accessories, silks and brocades—it made her eyes spin.

Tao Ti rose hurriedly to give thanks, “This child thanks His Majesty for the gifts.”

After that, Emperor Zhaokang exhorted the crown prince kindly for some time, about paying attention to his body and so on.

Join our Discord server for the latest news and announcement.