Wei Luo closed her eyes slightly and pretended that she didn't see the sight of Zhao Liuli teasing her.

A palace servant girl carried an eight-sided bright red tray engraved with a waterfall scene with both hands as she walked forward. She was wearing a green court robe embroidered with flowers. There were two cups of tea on the tray. Wei Luo would offer these two cups of guanyin tea (a type of fruity oolong tea) to Emperor Chong Zhen and Empress Chen to show respect. Wei Luo picked up a colorful tea cup with a daffodil pattern, then she walked forward to Emperor Chong Zhen and respectfully said, "Imperial father, please drink this tea."

Emperor Chong Zhen had past his forty birthday, but he hadn't changed much during the last ten years. His body was healthy and his spirit was hale and hearty. She could see that Zhao Jie's face resembled Emperor Chong Zhen's face in several aspects. The emperor took the cup of tea from Wei Luo's hands, lowered his head to take a sip, and said with a smile, "Very good. This emperor remembers you. You were Liuli's study companion as a child, right?"

Wei Luo nodded. She was only six years old at that time. Almost ten years had passed since then. She hadn't expected that the emperor would still remember.

Since Emperor Chong Zhen had drunk her tea, he naturally had to give her a present. The emperor ordered the palace servant behind him to bring an item forward. It was a set of four burnt red calligraphy items with a flowering lotus pattern. "This emperor has heard that your calligraphy skills are pretty good. This emperor has kept this private collection of stationary items for a long time. Coincidentally, this set of brushes is suitable for writing regular script (a type of calligraphy style), so this will be your present."

Wei Luo walked forward to give her thanks and saw a high-quality ink stone that was placed on the tray. A certain thought appeared in her mind and she blushed.

Last night, while they were doing that, Zhao Jie had deliberately asked her, "Ah Luo, doesn't it seem like we're grinding?"

Wei Luo didn't understand at first, so he bit her ear and explained, "Grinding will produce ink just like your body."

Wei Luo desperately wished that she could kick him off the bed at that moment.

Seeing this ink stone right now and thinking of Zhao Jie's words, Wei Luo's thoughts naturally went crooked. When she looked back, she coincidentally met Zhao Jie's seemingly smiling eyes. Zhao Jie was really hateful. Even at this time, he was still in the mood to laugh at her. Wei Luo looked away, picked up the other cup of tea, and offered it to Empress Chen.

Empress Chen drank the tea and also gave her something. It was a hairpin with golden rats gnawing at young melons from flowering vines and a pair of matching earrings. The hairpin was exquisitely made with clear lines. The golden rats had rubies for eyes and golden flowers surrounded the golden rats. The flower petals were as delicate as a cicada's wings. Every aspect was very vivid and lifelike. Empress Chen said, "Chang Sheng personally selected this hairpin. Do you like it?"

(T/N: Round melon fruit represents a pregnant woman's "bump". It symbolizes a wish for many children. Rats are also commonly shown with trailing vine plants like melons to symbolize wish for future generations of children.)

Wei Luo was momentarily stumped for words. Then, she smiled and said, "Thank you imperial mother. Daughter-in-law really likes it."

Then, one by one, Wei Luo paid her respect to Zhao Jie's aunts. Other than Elder Princess Gao Yang, the other two elder princesses didn't seem like they would be easy to get along with. Actually, they were very magnanimous people and they didn't put Wei Luo in a difficult spot. Elder Princess Ping Yang even gave Wei Luo a pair of golden bracelets embedded with gems. Each of those bracelets were embedded with a thumb-sized ruby, sapphire, and turquoise. On the side, Li Xiang's eyes turned red with jealousy from seeing this.

The three elder princesses had brought along their daughters, so Li Xiang would naturally be here. Elder Princess of An Yang's two daughters, Ji Ying and Ji Qian, were also here. Ji Ying was eighteen and Ji Qian was sixteen. Not long in their marriage, Elder Princess's husband had died. They only had one son called Tang Yun. He recently had his adulthood ceremony this year.

Wei Luo endured her discomfort and gave the presents she had prepared to the unmarried girls. Zhao Liuli happily thanked her, "Thank you second sister-in-law."

Ji Ying and Ji Yang also expressed their thanks. Although Li Xiang didn't like Wei Luo, she couldn't reject Wei Luo's gift during such a joyful occasion. If she did, it would be offending Emperor Chong Zhen and Empress Chen. She naturally wasn't bold enough to do that, so she accepted the bluish-green butterfly and flower hair accessory that was inlayed with gems that Wei Luo gave her. "Thank you second cousin's wife."

Wei Luo said, "No need to be courteous."

Emperor Chong Zhen only had a few collateral relatives. Most of his brothers had been exiled when they lost the competition for the position of heir apparent for the throne. Prince Rui was only one prince left. He had a reprehensible moral character and was an inept person that had abandoned all restraint and couldn't be helped. Because he had the same mother as Emperor Chong Zhen, he was able to survive. Prince Rui's wife had fallen sick today, so she couldn't come to the palace. She had entrusted someone to deliver her present. Wei Luo accepted a precious red coral ruyi carved lingzhi mushrooms.

Empress Chen was able to see that Wei Luo was feeling unwell, so she wanted to let her rest for a while, "Later, you'll have to go worship the ancestors and be entered into the genealogy records. Liuli, bring Ah Luo to Chen Hua Hall to sit for a bit. When the time comes, imperial mother will send someone to call you over."

Just as Zhao Liuli was about to agree, the imperial sons had come here after finishing class. They had rushed from the imperial study to Qing Xi Palace to see their second sister-in-law.

Empress Chen smiled and said, "This group of monkeys had complained to this empress yesterday. They said that Chang Sheng had driven them away before they could even glance at the bride's face. It's still early and they're already rushing over here."

Hearing these words, Wei Luo cast a sidelong glance at Zhao Jie. Zhao Jie's expression didn't change. He seemed very calm.

Not long after, a group of princes wearing traditional han clothing walked into Zhao Yang Hall. They first saluted Emperor Chong Zhen and Empress Chen, then they went to Zhao Jie and Wei Luo's side and properly saluted. "Second imperial brother, second imperial sister-in-law."

The group of people straightened from saluting. They were all mesmerized when they saw Wei Luo.

They all had splendid statuses and had all types of women at their sides. Even their servant girls were beautiful. But, when those people were compared to Wei Luo, they were immediately considered inferior and not worth looking at.

Wei Luo was wearing a pomegranate red wide-sleeve gauzy outer robe embroidered with peony flowers. Her rosy cheeks were glittering and there was a smile on her silky face. Her bright, limpid eyes were curved into crescents that resembled the moon in the sky. She wasn't a lofty beauty. Her beauty was lovely and charming. She was so beautiful that you wanted to reach your hands out. But as soon as you did, she would be like a colorful lucky lao zi waist accessory. You thought you had her in your hand, but when you opened your hand to look, you would see that you were holding nothing.

Ninth prince Zhao Chen finally returned to his senses, genuinely sighed, and said, "No wonder second brother wasn't willing to let us see."

Who wouldn't want to hide a woman that was this beautiful?

When Wei Luo understood the meaning of his words, her smile congealed.

Ninth prince privately had a good relationship with Zhao Jie. Although the two of them didn't have the same mother, ninth prince's mother had died early and he had grown up by Empress Chen's side. Because he was closer with Zhao Jie than the other princes, he was more likely to put his foot in his mouth.

Zhao Jie looked at Zhao Chen in askance and bluntly asked, "Look not at what is contrary to propriety, has ninth brother not heard of this?"

Ninth prince was used to his harsh words, so he wasn't angry or humiliated. He looked at the entrance, laughed, and said, "Ai, fifth brother and Brother Li have also come."

Wei Luo followed his gaze and coincidentally met Li Song's line of sight.

Li Song followed fifth prince Zhao Zhang into Zhao Yang Hall. He was wearing a dark reddish purple robe with a pattern of auspicious clouds. His handsome face was domineering as always. He was sluggish for a moment when he met Wei Luo's faze. Soon after, he indifferently looked away from her. He saluted the emperor and empress, then he saluted Elder Princess Gao Yang before following Zhao Zhang and walking to Zhao Jie and Wei Luo.

Zhao Zhang cupped his hand in greeting and said with a smile, "Second imperial sister-in-law."

Wei Luo smiled, "Fifth brother-in-law."

As for Li Song, he only stared at Wei Luo. He didn't say a word or salute. Wei Luo looked at him. Her pink lips slightly pursed. Although she was still smiling, a faint coldness appeared.

The atmosphere was very awkward.

Zhao Jie's eyes sunk. Without a change in his expression, he stepped forward so that he was in front of Wei Luo and said to Li Song, "Impudent."

This word wasn't said loudly or quietly, but it was full of sharpness and warning. It attracted the eyes of everyone in Zhao Yang Hall over here. Elder Princess Gao Yang hurriedly stood up and asked Li Song, "Song-er, what did you do?"

Li Song retreated half a step back, curved his lips into a smile, and said, "I can only blame second cousin's wife for being too beautiful. I lost my senses and forgot to salute. If I have offended you, please forgive me older cousin Prince Jing."

When everyone heard his words, they thought the matter wasn't a big deal and let out sighs in relief. Even so, Li Song's behavior was too impudent.

Zhao Jie expressionlessly said, "Don't let this happen again."

~

After Wei Luo finally finished greeting the large group of people, Wei Luo followed Zhao Liuli to Chen Hua Hall to rest for a bit and Zhao Jie went to Lin De Hall to deal with the court officials that had come to congratulate him.

When Wei Luo arrived at Chen Hua Hall, she resisted the urge to immediately fall sleep and said a few sentences with Zhao Liuli before she fell into a deep sleep on the couch.

It wasn't easy for her to persevere until now. If Zhao Jie hadn't secretly helped by supporting her waist from behind, she would have already fallen down before now.

Zhao Liuli sat in front of the couch. She had intended to ask Wei Luo what it felt like after getting married, but she changed her mind after seeing Wei Luo's current appearance. She ordered a palace servant girl to bring a blanket embroidered with birds and clouds and covered Wei Luo with it so that she could sleep more comfortably.

Zhao Liuli supported her cheeks with her hands as she watched Wei Luo. Her heart felt both admiration and sourness. Ah Luo had married her imperial brother, but she still didn't know what the ending would be for her and Yang Zhen. Lately, Empress Chen had been focused on looking for a suitable marriage partner for her. She had hinted to Empress Chen several times that she temporarily didn't want to marry anyone. However, Empress Chen didn't listen to her at all. Zhao Liuli didn't have any other method except using the excuse that there weren't any talented youths that would be appropriate for a princess. This was how she delayed things up to now.

Counting their ages, Wei Luo was one year younger than her.

Zhao Liuli looked at that perfectly straight and tall figure outside the window. Seemingly without any reason, she became more disappointed and frustrated. This wasn't the first time that she considered her future with Yang Zhen. If she told her imperial mother the truth, she probably wouldn't agree. If she continued to say nothing, she wouldn't be able to delay much longer. She had to marry someone in the end.

Zhao Liuli crouched on the couch facing the southern window and shouted at the person outside the window, "Older brother Yang Zhen."

Yang Zhen turned around and approached her. The weather was getting colder, so there was white frost on his valiant eyebrows from standing in the verandah for a long time. At the moment that he saw Zhao Liuli, his eyes became gentler. Separated by the window, he asked, "Your Highness, what is your order?"

Zhao Liuli propped up her chin and faintly smiled, "I heard that a juggling group from Xi Yu has come to the capital and that they're performing at Rong Chun. I really want to go there to watch."

After considering, Yang Zhen said, "I'll go plead with Prince Jing to take you out of the palace."

Zhao Liuli cheerfully nodded.

Yang Zhen remained standing outside of the window instead of leaving.

A long time later, Zhao Liuli slowly asked, "Older brother Yang Zhen, will you marry me?"

Yang Zhen's body stiffened. His gaze was fixed on Zhao Liuli. Zhao Liuli didn't notice that her eyes clearly showed uneasiness. It made him feel worried too. Yang Zhen couldn't restrain his emotions. He moved his hand to hold the hand that she had placed on the window. He said, "I will. Your Highness, wait for me. I'll definitely marry you."

Yang Zhen had already considered this. All the thoughts that Zhao Liuli had considered, he had thought about them too. Right now, the sons of aristocratic families wouldn't be willing to marry a princess. If they married a princess, they wouldn't be able to continue advancing in their career. As long as he followed Zhao Jie, accomplished meritorious contributions, and obtained Emperor Chong Zhen's recognition of his worth, he had hopes that he would be able to marry Liuli.

There was currently a group of roving bandits in the south that were wreaking enough havoc to destroy the tranquility among the citizens. He had decided to follow Da Liang's troops to the south to quell this disastrous upheaval. But, he still hadn't mentioned his plan to Zhao Liuli. The troops would be departing in another month. He looked at Zhao Liuli's clear eyes and finally said, "Your Highness, I have something I want to discuss with you."

Zhao Liuli was currently feeling jubilant over his previous words. She asked with a smile, "What is it?"

Yang Zhen looked at her obedient appearance and a soft glow appeared in his eyes. "I want to take a trip to the south."

--------

In another area, Zhao Jie was currently walking back from Lin De Hall. He turned his head to ask Zhu Geng, "Has the matter with Xu Zhou's southern mountain been settled?"

As Zhu Geng walked, he said, "To respond to Your Highness, it's been completed. We have information that can be used against Xu Zhou's prefectural magistrate. He didn't dare to disobey. Once Prince Ru Yang arrives at the southern mountain, the prefectural magistrate will bring people to arrest him."

Zhao Jie nodded, "This prince wants this matter handled so that House Li won't have any leeway to escape."

Zhu Geng said, "Your Highness, be assured."

Prince Ru Yang had supported the wrong person and his son, Li Song, had angered His Highness. He wouldn't have a good ending. His Highness had already given them favor by allowing them to remain free for such a long time. This time, House Li wouldn't be able to avoid their fate.

People that provoked Zhao Jie generally didn't have good endings. For example, that Wu Rong's fourth prince wasn't able to escape disaster even after returning to his country because he had been disrespectful towards Wei Luo. The people who had ambushed him were people sent by Zhao Jie. It was only that Zhao Jie hadn't expected that he would take his anger out on Gao Dan Yang and personally cause the death of their unborn child.

Gao Dan Yang was really a pitiful person.

Zhao Jie returned to Chen Hua Hall at noon. He saw Zhao Liuli blankly sitting on the couch facing the southern window and asked, "Where's Ah Luo?"

Zhao Liuli suddenly returned her senses. Her red eyes indicated that she had recently cried. She pointed towards the inner room, "Ah Luo is sleeping. Imperial brother, you should go inside to look."

Zhao Jie reached her side in a few steps and said, "Older brother will take care of your matter."

Then, he didn't say any more words before heading towards the inner room.

Zhao Liuli looked at his back figure and opened and closed her mouth in surprise. When had he found out about her relationship with Yang Zhen?"

When Zhao Jie arrived at Wei Luo's side, she was still sleeping. Chen Hua Hall's ground heating system was put into use earlier than the other halls. Even though autumn had started, the room was comfortably warm. It was so warm that there was a light layer of pink on Wei Luo's face. Her small mouth was slightly open. Because her little face was surrounded by a blanket, she felt itchy and was rubbing against the pillow. Her action was finicky and laughable, but also cute.

Zhao Jie couldn't bear to wake her up, so he leaned over, picked her up from the couch, walked out from the inner room, and said to Zhao Liuli, "I'm leaving with your second sister-in-law. If you want to speak with Ah Luo, wait until a few days later to invite her into the palace."

The implication of these words was to not bother them during the first few days of their marriage.

Zhao Liuli wasn't a fool. She naturally understood the meaning of his words and blushingly said, "I'll order people to prepare a carriage."

Zhao Jie said, "No need. I already had one prepared."

Zhu Geng had already prepared a carriage that was parked in front of Qing Xi Palace's entrance. Usually, carriage from the outside couldn't come into the inner palace, even the carriages that belonged to princes. But, Zhao Jie broke the rule for Wei Luo today. Knowing that he was doing this for Wei Luo, Empress Chen pretended that she didn't know.

~

Wei Luo slowly woke up after they left the palace.

She was sitting in Zhao Jie's lap when she opened her sleepy eyes, looked around, and revealed a rarely seen foolish side as she asked, "Are we going home?"

Zhao Jie was very pleased to hear her say, "going home". His hand was placed on the back of her head as he lowered his head to directly look at her, kissed her, and said, "Yes, we're going home."

Wei Luo had just woken up. Before she had time to orient herself, she subconsciously stuck her tongue out to show resistance. Her resistance failed and her tongue was sucked into his mouth instead.

Zhao Jie said with a smile, "You really could sleep today. You didn't see it, but imperial mother's view of me has changed. She's worried that I'll exhausted you."

Wei Luo rather agreed with Empress Chen's view. She mournfully said, "Exactly! Would I be this tired if it wasn't because of you?"

Zhao Jie laughed and didn't say a word.

Wei Luo curled up his arms. A moment later, she slowly said, "Big brother, let's discuss something."

Zhao Jie looked at her and tucked a strand of hair that was next to her lips behind her ear. "About?"