My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Ning Wanyao's heart trembled, a surge of warmth rushing from her chest to her eyes, making her nose tingle slightly. She blinked hard to wipe away the tears, looked up at him, and nodded firmly, her voice soft yet carrying a resolute strength:
"Yes. Your Highness... I... I'm willing. I will try my best not to disappoint you. I believe in you."

A simple "I believe you" says a thousand words.

Zhu Cilang smiled sincerely and held her hand tightly.

The thin layer of ice between the two, caused by unfamiliarity and differences in their identities, melted away considerably at that moment.

The atmosphere became relaxed and natural.

After sitting in silence for a while and drinking tea, Zhu Cilang seemed to remember something. After a moment's hesitation, he took the initiative to speak, carefully choosing his words:

“Wanyao, there’s something I want to tell you. Zheng Shi… that is, Zheng Xiaomei, and Qiqige, you’ll see them often in the palace in the future. They…”

"Your Highness."

Ning Wanyao gently interrupted him, her expression calm and her gaze clear as she looked at him.

"Your Majesty understands. Consort Zheng is gentle and virtuous, and Miss Qiqige is straightforward. Now that she has entered the Eastern Palace, she is... a sister. Your Majesty will keep in mind Your Majesty's teachings, get along well, value harmony, and not cause Your Majesty any trouble with matters of the inner quarters."

Her words were perfectly worded, demonstrating her knowledge and understanding, displaying the magnanimity and "proper coexistence" expected of a principal wife, and clearly indicating her stance of not wanting to put him in a difficult position.

It is clear that they were mentally prepared and had given it much thought.

Zhu Cilang felt comforted, knowing that Ning Wanyao was indeed a reasonable and responsible woman.

Now that the conversation was out in the open, the atmosphere between the two became even more harmonious.

The red candle burned silently, shedding red tears. The candlelight cast the shadows of the two people on the wall, gradually drawing closer until they finally merged into one.

Outside the window, the night was deep, the dew was heavy, and all was quiet.

Inside the bedchamber, red curtains hung low, filling the air with warmth. On this wedding night, despite the underlying political nature of the marriage and the countless challenges to come, in this small space enveloped in joy and promise, a young couple, with the utmost sincerity, began their first night together for the rest of their lives.

Warmth permeates the air silently, enough to dispel the chill of any winter night.

The next day, at the first light of dawn.

Despite being exhausted from the previous day, according to palace custom, the bride must pay her respects to her parents-in-law the morning after the wedding, which involves serving them tea.

This was also an important step in the bride's formal acceptance by the royal family and the confirmation of her identity.

At the beginning of the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), Zhu Cilang and Ning Wanyao had already dressed up and changed into more formal attire, and arrived together at the main hall of Kunning Palace.

Emperor Chongzhen and Empress Zhou were already seated in their high positions, clearly in high spirits, with relaxed and happy smiles on their faces. Empress Zhou, in particular, looked at her son and daughter-in-law who were entering side by side, and the smile in her eyes was almost overflowing.

"Your subject (your daughter-in-law) greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty."

Zhu Cilang and Ning Wanyao bowed in unison. Then, under the guidance of the female official, Ning Wanyao took two cups of tea, which had been prepared in advance and were at the perfect temperature, from the tray held by the palace maid. She first offered them to Emperor Chongzhen, and then to Empress Zhou.

"Father, please have some tea."

"Please have some tea, Your Majesty."

Ning Wanyao's voice was clear and melodious, her demeanor respectful, and her manners impeccable.

Emperor Chongzhen took the tea, took a symbolic sip, his smile widening, and said gently:
"Good, good. The Crown Princess is dignified and well-mannered, which pleases me greatly. From now on, she should assist the Crown Prince well, manage the palace, and set an example for the world."

Empress Zhou then pulled Ning Wanyao's hand and made her sit beside her. She carefully examined Ning Wanyao's face, growing more and more fond of her with each look, and smiled:

"Look at how neatly dressed the children are. You must have been tired yesterday. From now on, we're all family, so there's no need to be so reserved. If there's anything you're not used to in the palace, or if you're missing anything, just tell your mother."

She also bestowed upon him a pair of jade bracelets of excellent quality and several pieces of precious Shu brocade, repeatedly instructing him to "take good care of his health and produce offspring for the royal family as soon as possible; this is the most important thing."

Ning Wanyao blushed slightly and responded softly. Chongzhen watched his wife chatting with his daughter-in-law while his son stood smiling to the side, and his heart was filled with joy, as if he could already see his old age spent enjoying the company of his grandchildren.

Inside Kunning Palace, a joyous atmosphere filled the air, reminiscent of the heartwarming scene of a newlywed couple meeting their daughter-in-law the day after their wedding.

After having a simple breakfast at Kunning Palace and chatting with the Emperor and Empress for a while, Zhu Cilang and Ning Wanyao took their leave and returned to the East Palace.

The night of December 24th was much quieter than the previous day.

The clamor of the palace celebrations had subsided, leaving only countless red lanterns hanging under the eaves and along the palace paths, their soft, festive glow a reminder of the grand wedding that had just concluded. However, beneath this seemingly tranquil night, in the inner courtyard of the Eastern Palace, the turbulent emotions stirred by the daytime ceremony had not been completely quelled.

After dealing with some urgent matters that had piled up during the day in his study, Zhu Cilang did not go directly back to his new room with Ning Wanyao. Instead, he dismissed most of the servants and, with only Ma Bao by his side, quietly went to the courtyard where Zheng Xiaomei lived.

The palace maids standing at the entrance of the courtyard were both surprised and delighted to see the Crown Prince arrive late at night. They hurriedly tried to go in and announce his arrival, but Zhu Cilang stopped them by raising his hand.

He gestured for Ma Bao to stay outside the courtyard, and then quietly entered the warm pavilion that he was quite familiar with, which was elegantly and cozyly decorated.

Inside the warm pavilion, the candlelight was soft. Zheng Xiaomei hadn't rested; she was sitting in front of the embroidery frame by the window, holding a needle in her hand, but not putting it down for a long time. She was just staring blankly at the half-finished "Butterfly and Flower" pattern on the frame.

She was still wearing the crimson concubine's auspicious robe she wore during the daytime audience, only she had removed some of the heavy headdresses, her black hair was loosely tied up, and in the candlelight, her profile was beautiful, yet shrouded in a faint, lingering sense of loneliness.

The footsteps startled her. She looked up abruptly and, seeing Zhu Cilang, her eyes lit up with surprise and delight. She hurriedly put down her needlework and was about to rise and bow:

"temple……"

"No need for such formalities."

Zhu Cilang took two quick steps and arrived in front of her. He reached out and supported her arm, preventing her from bowing down.

He looked down at her, his gaze sweeping over her slightly reddened eyes and forced smile, and he understood.

Under his gaze, Zheng Xiaomei's forced smile crumbled, her lips twitched slightly, and her eyes quickly welled up with tears, her voice trembling with a barely perceptible sob:
"Your Highness...why have you come? I...I thought..."

"What did you think? That I'd forgotten you just because I married the Crown Princess?" Zhu Cilang's tone was gentle, tinged with a helpless sigh. He waved his hand, addressing the maid who had entered to attend to him upon hearing the commotion:
"You may all leave. There's no need to serve you here."

The maids quietly withdrew, leaving only the two people in the warm pavilion.

Zhu Cilang took Zheng Xiaomei's hand and sat down side by side on the soft couch beside her. He turned to look at her downcast eyes, raised his hand, and gently wiped away a tear that had finally rolled down her cheek with his fingertips, his voice becoming even softer:

"I'm sorry you've had to go through this these past few days."

These few simple words seemed to pierce through the last barrier in Zheng Xiaomei's heart.

The pent-up frustration, disappointment, and fear of the future that had been building up all day instantly turned into a torrent of tears that burst forth from her eyes.

She could no longer hold back, letting the tears stream down her face, but dared not cry out loud. Her shoulders trembled slightly as she sobbed:

"Your Majesty, I dare not... I have no grievances... Your Highness the Crown Princess is virtuous and upright. It is... it is I myself... I am saddened... I cannot control myself..."

She was incoherent and wept uncontrollably.

Zhu Cilang didn't say much, but gently pulled her into his arms, stroking her back with one hand, letting her cry and vent her emotions. He could feel the trembling of the body in his arms and the genuine sadness in her voice.

When her crying subsided and only low sobs remained, Zhu Cilang slowly spoke, his voice steady and clear, each word like a promise to her:
"Wanyao is the Crown Princess, the future Empress of the Ming Dynasty. This is the law of propriety, the foundation of the nation, and cannot be changed. This was destined before I met you."

He paused, feeling the body in his arms stiffen slightly, and continued:
“But, little sister, you are my first woman, Zhu Cilang’s first woman. I will never forget this affection. Your father, Zheng Zhilong, is now the Duke of Jinghai, who recovered Dongfan, and is a pillar of the country; your brother, Zheng Chenggong, is also a young talent and a pillar of the country. You are not only my concubine, but also a daughter of the Zheng family. In my heart, you have an irreplaceable weight.”

He loosened his grip slightly, cupped her face in his hands, and let her look at him with teary eyes, his gaze sincere:
"From now on, you will still be Consort Zheng of the Eastern Palace, and you will receive all the honor and dignity you deserve. In a few days, I will request the imperial decree to hold a formal investiture ceremony for you and Qiqige, and give you your official title and register. In the future, we will have children, and I will make the best arrangements for our children, ensuring their peaceful and noble lives."

Your future is equally bright, and it will not be dimmed in the slightest by the Crown Princess entering the palace. You...can you trust me?

These words contain an emotional reminiscence, a binding of family interests, a clear promise regarding future status and offspring, and the formal title that will soon be granted.

It almost completely covered all of Zheng Xiaomei's anxieties and desires.

Zheng Xiaomei stared at him, gazing at the undeniable seriousness and tenderness in his eyes. The bitterness, grievances, and fear in her heart gradually melted away like ice and snow touched by the sun. She was not ignorant of the situation; she knew the strict rules of the royal court. For the Crown Prince to visit her at night and explain his promises so gently was already an immense favor and show of affection.

Tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time, they were mostly from relief and emotion.

She nodded vigorously, burying her face in his chest again, her voice muffled but filled with dependence and reassurance:
"Your Majesty understands... Your Majesty understands everything. As long as Your Majesty still remembers me and this affection, I will be content. Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will definitely keep to my duty and never cause you any trouble. I will also... I will also respect my elder sister, the Crown Princess."

Zhu Cilang breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Zheng Xiaomei's situation had been temporarily calmed down.

He gently stroked her hair and offered a few more words of comfort until she had completely calmed down and a shy smile returned to her face. Only then did he stand up and say:
"It's late, you should rest early. In a couple of days, I will have the Ministry of Rites prepare for the investiture."

"Your Majesty, I respectfully see you off."

Zheng Xiaomei got up and reluctantly saw him off at the door, watching his figure disappear into the night outside the lantern's glow. The emptiness and bitterness in her heart were now filled with warmth and hope.

After leaving Zheng Xiaomei's courtyard, Zhu Cilang did not turn back, but instead went to the independent courtyard with a distinct northern style where Qiqige lived.

There's no way to treat them equally, there are two women.

Before we even got close, we could see that the gate to the courtyard was ajar and that there were figures inside.

He gestured for Ma Bao to stay outside, then pushed the door open and went in himself.

Bathed in the cool moonlight and the flickering light of the lanterns under the eaves, Qiqige was not inside. Instead, she sat alone on a smooth stone platform in the courtyard, her knees drawn up to her chest, gazing up at the sparse, cold stars in the night sky. She wore only a simple Mongolian-style padded jacket and trousers, her hair uncombed, braided into several plaits that hung down her back. Her silhouette appeared somewhat lonely and stubborn in the night.

Hearing footsteps, Qiqige didn't turn her head, but just snorted softly through her nose and turned her face to the other side, deliberately refusing to look at him.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Cilang couldn't help but laugh.

This girl's temper has remained unchanged for ten years.

He waved his hand, dismissing the Mongolian maid who had rushed out of the house to pay her respects, and walked to the stone platform, sitting down next to her.

"how?"

Zhu Cilang turned his head to look at her tense profile, his tone teasing.

"How did the most dazzling pearl on the grassland turn into a little hedgehog covered in thorns today? It pricks people so much that they dare not come near it."

Qiqige suddenly turned her head, glaring at him with her bright eyes, her cheeks puffed out in anger:
"You're the hedgehog! You Han people are all about beating around the bush! You...you now have your Crown Princess, and she's all you think about, so what are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at me?"

Her words were blunt and laced with hostility, and her eyes were red-rimmed, but she stubbornly refused to shed tears. Her grievances and resentment were almost overflowing.

Zhu Cilang's smile faded, his expression turned serious, and he looked directly at her:
"Qiqige, you should know what kind of person I am these past two years. Marrying the Crown Princess is a matter of state, a matter of etiquette, and a responsibility that the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty must fulfill. Just like when I brought you back to the capital, it was out of consideration for political alliance, and it was out of respect and commitment to the Khorchin."

He paused, and seeing that Qiqige was biting her lip, he continued:

"But bringing you back and keeping you in the Eastern Palace is not just for political reasons. Qiqige, you are the pearl I brought back from the grasslands, a woman I love, whose temperament is as free and unrestrained as the wind on the grasslands. State affairs and personal feelings do not conflict with each other in my eyes."

Qiqige was stunned; she hadn't expected him to be so direct. She stared at him blankly, her anger subsiding and replaced by a complex emotion.

Zhu Cilang reached out and gently patted her shoulder, which was trembling slightly with excitement, and promised:

"Qiqige, you are also my woman, and that will never change. You will have the title of concubine that Zheng Xiaomei has, and it will be given to you as soon as possible. But what you will have is much more than just a title."

These words struck Qiqige's heart like a thunderclap or a gentle rain.

She craved recognition, uniqueness, freedom, and a sense of value. Zhu Cilang didn't offer her the empty promise of a "favorite," but he gave her what she truly desired, which moved her more than any sweet words.

The stubbornness and grievance in her eyes quickly faded, replaced by a shock of being understood and a faint glow of excitement.

(End of this chapter)